Announcements

ICC Announcements and Calendar of Upcoming Dates:

Check out the Coronavirus Response Center page:

Here are some key links:

Code Council White Paper: Considerations for Reopening Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: Code Department Operations (5/1/20)

Permitting

· Document – “Considerations for Moving Permitting and Plan Review Online”

· Free Webinar – ''Moving Permitting and Plan Review Online"

Inspections

· ICC Publication - Recommended Practices for Remote Virtual Inspection

· Document – “Considerations for Virtual and Remote Inspections”

· Free Webinar – “Options for Virtual and Remote Inspections"

Call for Committees 2021-2022 Code Development Cycle application deadline is June 1.

Applications are being accepted until June 1 for the following Committees.

· 2021/2022 Code Committees – responsible for the review and evaluation of code change proposals submitted to the 2021 I-Codes.

· 2021/2022/2023 Code Interpretation Committees – provide technical support for adopting jurisdictions by processing official interpretations for the I-Codes.

· 2021/2022/2023 Code Correlation Committee – responsible for evaluating matters of consistency, coordination and format in the I-Codes.

The 2021/2022 Code Development Schedule is now available. View here.

The digital errata have been incorporated into the digital versions of the CA codes that ICC publishes. If you go here, you’ll see the banner “integrated with the January 2020 errata.”

2020 Annual Conference Planning Survey

The International Code Council is considering the possibility of postponing the 2020 Annual Conference & Expo scheduled for October 11-14 in St. Louis, MO. There are a lot of considerations, including a concern for the health of our members and employees. Please take this short 5 question survey to help inform our decision.

Now, more than ever, Building Safety Month is an important event for all communities

Community safety doesn’t just happen. The public safeguards for life, health and property require great planning and diligent updating to meet new challenges. That’s why, in the middle of this global crisis, Building Safety Month has more urgency and more appreciation than ever before. A Building Safety Month resources kit is coming, sponsored by the American Concrete Institute, this chapter kit consists of materials to help you raise building safety awareness throughout your community, including:

· Building Safety Month general brochures

· Everyone Needs Water brochures

· Building Codes brochures

· Kids' Activity Books

· Pens, cups, and stickers

Most of these materials are available for free download. Check out ICC’s virtual eventsguide to help you plan ways to spread the building safety message online. Complimentary Building Safety Month posters are available while supplies last. If you are interested in receiving two free posters, please email chapters@iccsafe.org. Include the name and mailing address of the person who should receive the posters. The Building Safety Month poster is also available for free download and digital use here. Additional Building Safety Month promotional and educational resources are available at www.buildingsafetymonth.org. Join us online using the hashtag #BuildingSafety365.

Code Council celebrating Building Safety Month with a set of four free webinars during May

Due to COVID-19, the International Code Council canceled all in-person Building Safety Month events for 2020. In lieu of celebrating together in person, the Code Council has developed a set of free, virtual events to be held throughout the month of May. Join us and our partners next month to discuss topics related to building safety, building codes and code compliance:

· May 7 - Disaster Preparedness – Former FEMA Administrator Brock Long and current Deputy FE<A Administrator Cristine McCombs, hosted by Karl Fippinger

· May 14 - A New Standard for Rating Whole-House Water Efficiency - Ryan Meres & Dave Walls.

· May 20 - The Effects of COVID-19 on the Building Safety Industry - Panel sponsored by NAHB and hosted by Sara Yerkes

· May 29 - Deck Safety and the Codes - Glenn Mathewson.

Sustainability Membership Council is set to release daily videos on Building Safety Month themes

The ICC Sustainability Membership Council is releasing daily videos on its Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook channels to examine the themes of Building Safety Month and how they intersect with safety, energy efficiency and sustainability, and training and education. The first videoin the "VOICES of Building Safety Month" series is available and features Greg Johnson, chair of the Sustainability Membership Council Governing Committee and a former member of the Code Council Board.

New NIBS report refines overall benefit to cost ratios of using building codes to mitigate damages

The recently-released update from the National Institute of Building Sciences to its “Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves” report found that private sector building retrofits can provide $4 in mitigation savings against natural hazards for every $1 invested. Retrofits to current code flood mitigation measures produce $6 in benefits for every $1 invested. Researchers noted that retrofitting structures to the International Code Council's Wildland-Urban Interface Code could provide, conservatively $2, and as much as $8, in mitigation benefits for each $1 invested. Read more here.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED: Federal aid to states can be used to enable code departments to work virtually

Data from a recent survey by the Code Council shows many code departments do not have all the tools and systems in place to work virtually. Without resources to assess needed codes and standards and conduct operations virtually, departments—and the building, fire, plumbing, and mechanical officials and inspectors that comprise them—do not possess the capability to provide essential functions. Virtual capability needs have also created challenges for ongoing construction and the construction we’ll need in the future that will help drive our economic recovery. Your help is needed. The federal government has allocated billions of dollars for states and local governments to respond to the pandemic through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Eligible expenses within a $150 billion state and local relief fund include "expenses to improve telework capabilities for public employees to enable compliance with COVID-19 public health precautions.” However, just because it's an eligible expense does not mean that governmental funding recipients will choose to help their code departments make the transition to virtual work. We need your help to convince them. Please join us in advocating for these measures by visiting our Coronavirus Advocacy Resources page and review these resources:

· Code Council Fact Sheet: CARES Act Funding for Building and Fire Prevention Departments

· ICC Pulse Podcast: Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

· Code Council Talking Points: Support CARES Act Federal Funding for Virtual Solutions for Code Departments

Please connect with your state’s ICC Government Relations staff liaison to coordinate your advocacy.

Newly released ICC annual report shows accomplishments in customer service and business expansion

A well-constructed and attractive report is available online to Code Council members, titled “The 2019 International Code Council in Review,” which features ICC’s major accomplishments and events of the past year. Key topics include successes in customer service, global expansion of the I-Codes, diversification of ICC’s portfolio and expanded offerings for clients and members produced by growth in the organization. A .pdf download of the report is available by clicking here. “This year, we continued to welcome the next generation of building safety professionals and improve projects within the Safety 2.0 initiative,” ICC Board President Greg Wheeler, CBO, said. “The development of the high school and college technical training programs, Chapter Leadership Academy, Military Families Career Path Program, and Emerging Leaders Membership Council has helped us deliver on our initiative focused on recruiting new Code Council members and building industry professionals.” Code Council CEO Dominic Sims called attention to the growing voice ICC has developed in expanding the importance of resilience nationwide and abroad. “In 2019, we made Code Council history with the acquisition of NTA; we recommitted ourselves to excellent customer service; and with the opening of our first overseas office in Dubai, we have expanded our global footprint,” Sims said. “These major initiatives in conjunction with the completion of our Vision 2025 Strategic plan have concentrated our efforts on the future growth, stability and success of the association. Now, more than ever, we are positioned to fulfill our mission and serve the entire building safety industry with a comprehensive suite of products and services.”

Major voices backed HUD’s acceptance of modern codes as meeting accessibility requirements

More than 30 organizations and businesses recently announced their support for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) proposed rule to recognize the 2009 ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities standard, 2009 International Building Code (IBC), 2012 IBC, 2015 IBC, and 2018 IBC as "safe harbors" for compliance with the Fair Housing Act's (FHA) accessibility requirements. Led by the International Code Council, the coalition's statement notes that existing safe harbors are now outdated as compared to updated building code requirements and are applicable to only one state with statewide adoption of the IBC. The current system of compliance may result in noncompliance with updated codes, which makes HUD's proposal to broaden its list of recognized safe harbors a critical decision. "Our organizations strongly support the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) proposal to recognize the 2009 ICC A117.1standard and the subsequent IBC editions as 'safe harbors,'" said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO.

ICC’s new digital badges program established to promote greater awareness of code officials

The International Code Council is excited to begin providing digital badgesthat recognize code officials’ accomplishments and can be shared easily on many different platforms — from social media channels to professional networks. Badges are verifiable, shareable and portable. They represent a code official’s credentials, combined with a verifiable description of the knowledge and tests. A digital badge can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Employers can click on a badge and immediately see that it was issued by the Code Council and is valid. Think of them as extensions of your current certifications and resume. Read more here.

Government Relations’ Karl Fippinger hosts introspective series of webinars on responses to COVID-19

You can view for free the series of highly informative webinars featuring code officials and experts from around the nation on how the built environment and code officials are responding to the disruptions and dangers posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The series of webinars, titled “Code Officials Roundtable Webinar Series: Responding to COVID-19,” were moderated by Karl Fippinger, ICC Vice President, Fire and Disaster Mitigation, during four dates in April. The series focuses on building safety challenges presented by quarantine areas in healthcare facilities, the cascading effects of COVID-19 on the affordable housing market and federal funding related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act. The panel members for the series included:

· Dan Dockery, Chair of the ICC Building Membership Council, CBO Winston-Salem/Forsythe County, N.C.

· Gary West, Chair of the ICC Fire Service Membership Council, Director of Field Operations for the National Fire Spinkler Association and former Tennessee State Fire Marshal.

· Ed Lisinski, Vice Chair of the Building Membership Council, Director of Building Inspections and Neighborhood Services, West Allis, Wis.

· Randy Metz, Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal, Carlsbad Fire Department, Carlsbad, Calif.

· Michael Wright, Deputy Chief, West Allis Fire Department, West Allis, Wis.

The series was sponsored by the Code Council, the Fire Service Membership Council and the Building Membership Council. The series is posted on YouTube and is linked to Coronavirus Response Center webpage at the top of this page for Free Webinars.

Lee Clifton explains why the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code is gaining traction nationwide

In a column titled “A code is more than a standard,” Charles Lee Clifton, ICC Senior Director of Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Resources, says recent efforts to educate state and community leaders on the functions of the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code has led to a quickly growing number of International Swimming Pool & Spa Code adoptions. Clifton said a six-hour course on the code, available online as a video conference, is the result of a partnership between ICC and Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). “This training is not just for building officials,” Clifton said. “Many pool and service contractors have taken this new course. They have indicated their approval of the course as giving them a clear understanding of how to build or repair a pool or spa and ensure it is safe to use.” The ISPSC is the first and only comprehensive model swimming pool and spa code available for states and localities to adopt. It is the only model code that addresses all (public and residential) types of pools and spas and covers all aspects of construction & design; including barriers, entrapment prevention, materials, finishes, dimensions and slopes, exits and entries, circulation, sanitization, signage and depth markers, and energy efficiency. It also covers ancillary components such as suction fittings, filters, pumps, motors, heaters, diving equipment, ladders and steps. It is part of the family of ICC model codes and was developed jointly with the PHTA. The ISPSC four-part webinar series will kick off Wednesday, May 13, and continues every Wednesday through June 3. Each 90-minute webinar begins at Noon CT and offers 0.15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Registration is on a first come, first served basis:

· Key Code Terms, Standards, and Requirements for Pools & Spas | May 13 | .15 CEUs | $49

· Pool & Spa Equipment Design, Installation, Sanitation and Disposal Compliance | May 20 | .15 CEUs | $49

· Design and Permit Requirements for Residential Pools | May 27 | .15 CEUs | $49

· Design and Permit Requirements for Commercial Pools | June 3 | .15 CEUs | $49

Personal protective equipment is the focus of $100 million funding to fire service through FEMA

FEMA is providing $100 million in supplemental FY 2020 funding for personal protective equipment (PPE) and related supplies to the fire service community to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant – COVID-19 Supplemental Program (AFG-S) provides funds for the purchase of PPE and related supplies for our nation’s first responders during the coronavirus (COVID19) response. Through this funding opportunity, FEMA will directly award funding for PPE and other supplies to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies (SFTAs), and nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (NAEMS) organizations to support first responders with COVID-19 response. Read more here. Additionally, the application period for Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants is now open. There is $35 million in funding available. The application period closes at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, May 29. For more info: grants.gov and FEMA website. Fire departments and other applicants requiring assistance should email the AFG Help Desk or call the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 during business hours, Monday through Friday.

"Maintaining Building Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic" document series available to members

A "Maintaining Building Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic" document series has been written to outline important considerations and a set of potential solutions for code departments related to permitting, plan review, inspections and the codes. They are titled:

· Considerations for Moving Permitting and Plan Review Online

· Considerations for Virtual and Remote Inspections

· How the International Codes Facilitate Our Response

The Code Council has compiled examples of how building departments and jurisdictions are responding to the pandemic. As your member association, the Code Council is committed to helping members weather this pandemic crisis and connect with others around the world dealing with the same problems and concerns. Some Code Council chapters are tracking department statuses in their area and they are found on the Coronavirus Response Center.

Building Safety Journal compares how U.S. and other nations set up temporary healthcare facilities

Because of the urgency to erect what will ultimately be temporary healthcare buildings to respond to the waves of COVID-19 patients, the normal regulatory compliance routes are often not practical. Each jurisdiction in the U.S. is creating its own pathway, often relying on guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The latest Building Safety Journal examines similar efforts in several other nations. Read here. The Code Council also recently released a white paper titled “Structures Used for Temporary Healthcare Use.” Download it here.

Guy Tomberlin to help lead the Code Council's efforts to advance PMG codes, standards and resources

The International Code Council named Guy Tomberlin as its new Vice President of Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Swimming Pool Codes (PMG) Programs and Resources. Tomberlin brings more than three decades of experience. In his new role, Tomberlin will strategically facilitate the adoption and implementation of the International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Tomberlin will help to lead the Code Council's efforts to respond to viral health-related threats such as Legionella and COVID-19 through the use and advancement of the PMG codes. Tomberlin served as the senior regulatory engineer for codes and regulatory services at Underwriters Laboratories (UL). There, he was the designated lead for PMG code development and code official support related activities. Before his tenure with UL, for nearly 35 years Tomberlin assumed many building safety roles within the building department for Fairfax County, Virginia. Tomberlin is a past president of the International Code Council, the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association, the Virginial Plumbing and Mechanical Inspectors Association and the Code Council Region VII Chapter.

Call for Committees 2021-2022 Code Development Cycle application deadline is June 1

Applications are being accepted until June 1 for the following Committees. Download applications here.

· 2021/2022 Code Committees – responsible for the review and evaluation of code change proposals submitted to the 2021 I-Codes.

· 2021/2022/2023 Code Interpretation Committees – provide technical support for adopting jurisdictions by processing official interpretations for the I-Codes.

· 2021/2022/2023 Code Correlation Committee – responsible for evaluating matters of consistency, coordination and format in the I-Codes.

The 2021/2022 Code Development Schedule is now available. View here.

Call deadline is May 22 for new members of the ICC Professional Development Council

ICC is issuing a call for new members of the Professional Development Council (PDC). If you are interested in having a say in the governance of the ICC National Certification exams and/or the ICC Education program, now’s the time to apply, the application closing date is May 22nd, 2020. The PDC is comprised of two committees: The Certification Committee [CC] and the Education Committee [EC]. The CC and EC are each made up of six members, with ICC Board of Directors liaisons and PDC Chair. The CC and EC members are appointed by the ICC Board of Directors for three-year terms. Currently, there will be 4 positions open on PDC (2 for the CC and 2 for the EC). Read more here.

Special Notice: Extended grace period for expiring ICC memberships deadline is June 1

All currently active membership accounts that were due to terminate in March, April or May will be given a grace period to continue through June 1. Membership Services will continue to send electronic invoices and reminders for payment, though the grace period will continue until June 1. This extension covers all Code Council member categories. Renewals and new memberships may be purchased online or by calling 888-ICC-SAFE x33804 or through email at members@iccsafe.org.

Deadline is extended until June 30 for the ICC Innovation in Code Administration Award

The International Code Council's Innovation in Code Administration Award recognizes fire and building departments for innovation in the delivery of code administration services to their communities. Sponsored by the ICC Government Relations Department, the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire and Life Safety Section, and the National Association of State Fire Marshals, the Innovation in Code Administration Award recognizes fire and building departments for new and innovative approaches to delivering code administration services as part of their overall approach to Community Risk Reduction. The deadline to submit an application for the 2020 Innovation in Code Administration Award is June 30, 2020. Email completed applications to: InnovationAward@iccsafe.org. Click here for an application.

Floods, fire and high winds call for the need for more volunteers to the Disaster Response Alliance

The International Code Counciland the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) are calling on members, stakeholders and communities that the Disaster Response Alliance maintains a national database of skilled, trained and certified building safety professionals who are standing by and ready to assist communities in need. Federal, state, local, tribal and territorial entities may request assistanceonline, and the Disaster Response Alliance has assembled a cadre of skilled code officials, engineers and others from across the country who are willing to assist with post-disaster safety assessments, building damage assessments, inspections, and provide surge support for other code-related functions. The Disaster Response Alliance is always looking for volunteers. Architects, engineers, code officials and other building safety professionals willing to make a difference during times of disaster are encouraged to apply. The Disaster Response Alliance is also looking for individuals with specialized skills, knowledge or abilities such as plans examiners, permit technicians and building inspectors. Volunteers must have certification from the International Code Council’s When Disaster Strikes Institute, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Safety Assessment Program, or training on the ATC-20 and ATC-45 standards from the Applied Technology Council.

Code Council’s education, testing, certification team expand opportunities during emergency period

The International Code Council is committed to the health, safety and welfare of its members. As the nation continues to respond to COVID-19, ICC staff remain dedicated to upholding that commitment and helping building safety professionals like you navigate through the developing crisis. We understand this is an unprecedented situation, so we’re working to identify flexible solutions to help you with your training, testing, and certification needs. Learn more by clicking here.

Seismic functional recovery, resilience is the Building Safety Month Twitter chat at #CODEversation

Join the #CODEversation at 3:00 p.m. Eastern on May 12 with Ryan Colker (@rmcolker), Vice President of Innovation at ICC and Executive Director of the Alliance for National & Community Resilience, and Susan Dowty (@sdowtyICC), Regional Manager for Government Relations at ICC, as they host this year’s Building Safety Month Twitter chat that will cover seismic functional recovery and resilience.

Got Pulse? Episode 27 features second part of interview on copyright issues and the Code Council

As part two of ICC’s copyright series, Code Council Executive Vice President & Director of Business Development Mark Johnson interviews Master Code Professional Glenn Mathewson for his member perspective on copyright issues and the International Codes. Click here to listen. And don’t miss Episode 26 next door. Code Council Vice President of Government Affairs Gabe Maser explains the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Maser discusses the stimulus package and how it can help state, local, tribal and territorial governments.

Upcoming from the ICC Learning Center: Institutes, training, seminars, webinars, etc.

Online learning is available from the ICC Learning Center. Find course listings you’d like to attend in the Learning Center using the Search function. Single-day training events are an opportunity to focus on topics to ensure your code knowledge stays up to date, with some seminars offering a Virtual Classroom option so you can participate in the event from any location with an internet connection:

· May 13 - Key Code Terms, Standards, and Requirements for Pools & Spas.

· May 20 - Pool & Spa Equipment Design, Installation, Sanitation and Disposal Compliance.

· May 26 - Mass Timber Building and the IBC®.

· May 27 - Design and Permit Requirements for Residential Pools.

· June 3 - Design and Permit Requirements for Commercial Pools.

· June 4 - 2018 IECC® Essentials.

· June 9 - Advanced Legal Aspects of Code Administration.

· June 11 - Accessibility & Usability: Commercial and Residential.

· July 9 - 2018 IRC Essentials.

· July 21 - Inspector Skills.

· July 22 - Basic Code Enforcement .

· July 23 - 2018 IBC Means of Egress.