Day: December 13, 2016

The International Codes

The International Codes (I-Codes)

The International Codes (I-Codes), developed by the International Code Council, are a family of fifteen coordinated, modern building safety codes that help ensure the design and construction of safe, sustainable, and affordable structures.

The I-Codes are the most widely used and adopted set of model codes in the world. All fifty U.S. states and many other countries have adopted the I-Codes.

The I-Codes ...

... are innovative and coordinated.
... cannot be influenced by vested financial interests.
... are efficient and effective.
... are developed through the efforts of public safety officials.
... are up to date and state of the art.
... are updated every three years.
... are economically viable and practical.

International Code Council PERIODIC TABLE - International Codes, Standards, Guidelines

Download the International Code Council Periodic Table as a quick reference to all of the Code Council's codes, standards and guidelines.

The Code Development Process

The International Code Council develops construction and public safety codes through a governmental consensus process. This system of code development has provided the highest level of safety in the world for more than 90 years.

Click the buttons below to learn more about the code development process, and to download infographics that help explain the process.

The Code Development Process
ICC Code Development Process. How it works

(Click to download a jpg or pdf)

ICC Code Development Process by the numbers. 1,341 code changes, 2,261 voters, 367,345 votes cast

(Click to download a jpg or pdf)

The Standards Development Process

As is the case with its codes, the Code Council adheres to openness and transparency in our standards development process. All Code Council standards committee meetings are open to the public. Any interested party can participate in committee meetings and can be considered by the committee for membership on any work-group that the committee creates.

Code Council Standards Development

The International Codes

The Code Council has made the International Codes available as a comprehensive and coordinated set of publications including:

Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas and Swimming Pool (PMG) Codes

The Code Council has historically used the acronym PMG to refer to its model codes, standards, services and resources related to plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas. With the release of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) in 2012, it has expanded to include swimming pools and spa topics. Learn more about the Code Council's PMG expertise by clicking the button below.

The Code Council PMG Codes

Code Development Process

The Code Development Process

Imagine a world where you can shape the regulations that ensure the health, safety and welfare of the people who live in, work in and visit the community you serve. You don't have to.

The International Code Council develops construction and public safety codes through a governmental consensus process. This system of code development has provided the highest level of safety in the world for more than 90 years.

Important Links

CP#28-05 – Code Development
Code Development Cycle (2024-2026)
Group A Cycle (2024) Documents
Group B Cycle (2025) Documents
Changes to the Code Development Process
Code Development Archives
Committees and Councils
Errata & Content Updates

The Code Council governmental consensus process meets the principles defined by the National Standards Strategy of 2000, and the OMB Circular A-119, Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities (1998). It complies with Public Law 104-113 National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995.

Click below to download our brochure to learn more.

Benefits of Participating in the
ICC Code Development Process

Learn more about the code development process by downloading the infographics below.

(Click to download a jpg or pdf)

(Click to download a jpg or pdf)

ICC Code Development Progress by the numbers. 1,341 code changes. 2,261 voters. 367,345 votes cast

(Click to download a jpg or pdf)

ICC voting & privileges guide. By membership category. Full voting. No voting. Member benefits.

(Click to download a jpg or pdf)

The following principles are adhered to in the Code Council's governmental consensus process.

Openness

  • Participation in the development of the codes, including code hearings, is open to all at no cost.
  • Anyone can submit a code change proposal or make a public comment.
  • Code committees must consider all views before voting.

Transparency

  • Evidence of committee vote, with reason, must be documented.
  • Final decisions are made in an open hearing by public safety officials.

Balance of Interest

  • Committee members represent general interests, user interests, producer interests, or multiple interests. One-third of the committee’s members must be public safety officials.
  • Committee members cannot vote on issues that are a conflict of interest.
  • ICC membership is not a condition of committee membership.

Due Process

  • A code change proponent has the opportunity to rebut opponents and vice versa.
  • Anyone who attends the hearing can testify.
  • Committees are required to consider all views, objections and the cost impact of all code change proposals.

Appeals Process

  • Anyone can appeal an action or inaction of the code committee.
  • ICC renders its decision on the appeal based on whether due process was served.

Consensus

  • Committee members vote to approve the code change, make modifications to it, or vote against it.
  • A simple majority from the committee decides the action of the proposed code change.

Code Development Procedures

For more information on the Code Development Process,
contact Russ Manning, SVP, Technical Services.

Chapter Benefits

ICC Chapter Benefits

Members of ICC Chapters have access to a variety of exciting benefits.

Learn more about chapters, chapter responsibilities or how to become a chapter by reading the Council Policy.

Find a Chapter

Annual Reports are the Key to Major Benefits

Chapters are required to submit an Annual Report each year

About the Annual Report

  • Annual Reports can be submitted beginning early January of each calendar year.
  • Reports can be submitted at any time during the calendar year.
  • The Chapter qualifies for benefits after submission of an annual report.
  • All benefits expire at the end of the calendar year.
  • Follow these steps to submit a Chapter Annual Report.

For a summary of how to redeem your Chapter benefits and rewards, click here.

Upon completion of part 1

  • Chapter Education Benefit – Get a free day of training.
  • Complimentary Registration for Chapter Leaders – Eligible to send a leader to either the Chapter Leadership Academy (includes travel/lodging reimbursement) or the Annual Conference (registration only).

Upon completion of parts 1 and 2

  • Chapter of the Year Nomination – Eligible for the ICC Chapter of the Year Award. (Must be submitted by March 15, 2024 for consideration.)
  • Chapter Rewards Program – Earn Chapter points toward the purchase of select products and services.
Discounts & Offers
Discounts & Offers
  • Chapter Rewards Program: Additional benefits and services are available to Chapters who participate in the Chapter Rewards Program. Chapters with a complete (Parts 1 & 2) Annual Report are eligible for this program. Participants in this program record Chapter activities which can earn your Chapter points toward the purchase of select list of products and services.
  • NEW: Chapter Website Template: Chapters can take advantage of a modern website hosting service that can be personalized with your specific information and resources.
  • Complimentary Conference Attendance: One complimentary registration to the ICC Annual Conference is extended to the President of qualifying Chapters each year. Qualifying Chapters may also choose to substitute the Annual Conference registration for attendance to the Chapter Leadership Academy.
  • Chapter Discount Program: All chapters are entitled to receive 20% off ICC Member prices on ICC designated products for bulk orders shipped and billed to the chapter.
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Discounts & Offers
Chapter Education
  • Chapter Education Benefit: The benefit consists of an education credit to be used for one complimentary day of training through an ICC Preferred Provider (valued up to $1,200) or one day of training from ICC.
  • Hire ICC to Teach: Your chapter can enjoy the flexibility to choose the seminar topic, specific location, date and the instructor you prefer at a special chapter discount rate by contracting a seminar.
  • Partnership Opportunities: Opportunities to cosponsor ICC Institutes are available each year. ICC will also partner with Chapters who wish to deliver training targeted to address your local needs.
  • Education Products: ICC Chapters have access to an up-to-date comprehensive I-Code technical curriculum, top rate instructors and customization services available at a special chapter rate.
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Discounts & Offers
ICC Support
  • My Chapters Area: The My Chapters area is a one-stop shop for information unique to your Chapter and is available to Chapter Officers.
  • Support for Attendance to Professional Events: ICC will write and send a letter to your employer, supervisor, elected official or other individuals who play a part in authorizing your attendance at the ICC Annual Conference and/or your participation in your local, state and/or regional Chapter(s), encouraging their support for your efforts.
  • Chapter Liaisons: Your Board and Staff Liaisons, and members of ICC Executive board and Senior Management Team are available to assist you and look forward to attending your next chapter meeting.
  • Chapter Advocacy: Government Relations would like to show you how your chapter can advocate for ICC and its legislative initiatives.
  • Chapter Awards Program: All chapters are encouraged to compete for the ICC Chapter of the Year Award. Awards are presented at the Annual Conference. To be considered, fill out your Chapter Annual Report (Parts 1 & 2) by March 15.
  • Chapter Conference Events: Chapter events are held each year at the ICC Annual Conference. They typically include a Chapter Awards presentation, Chapter Host Hospitality events, Regions Meetings and more.
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Chapters

Chapters

ICC chapters are groups of code officials and industry-related professionals run by volunteers who support and promote the mission and goals of the Code Council. Chapters create partnerships with members of the building community, and increase public awareness about the value of code officials in our everyday lives.

ICC Chapter Logo

Chapters Make a Difference

They provide significant support for the code development process, International Code (I-Code) adoptions and other important Code Council initiatives such as Building Safety Month, the Code of Honor scholarship program and the Raising the Profile campaign.

Anatomy of a Chapter

The Council is supported by more than 400 chapters across the country and around the world. Chapters are designated as Regional, State, Local, Professional, Student or Global depending on the geographical area they serve and the nature of their membership. Every ICC chapter is different. Many chapters focus on a particular discipline such as Building, Fire, Mechanical or Plumbing. Learn more about chapters, chapter responsibilities or how to become a chapter by reading the Council Policy.

An important objective of an ICC chapter is to develop and advance members professional abilities in the administration of the I-Codes. Other activities include:

  • Educational seminars and training
  • Keeping members updated on industry issues
  • An extensive support network and voice
  • Shared expertise and ideas
  • Professional networking
  • Social gatherings of field professionals
  • Periodic meetings on topics of common interest
  • Information concerning employment needs
  • Information on construction methods

Interested in Starting an ICC Chapter?

Recognition as a Code Council Chapter is available to any organization whose purpose is developing and advancing its members’ professional abilities in the administration of the International Codes. The Board of Directors shall consider all applications for chapter status and grant recognition when all requirements are met.

Here are samples of the documents that need to be completed to apply for ICC Chapter status:

  • Chapter Constitution/Bylaws (Download a sample in Word or PDF)
  • Chapter Resolution (Download a sample in Word or PDF)
  • Member Roster (Download a template in Excel)*
  • Elected Officials (Download a template in Excel)

* To qualify as a local Chapter, the group needs to have at least 20 active International Code Council members at the time of application, 10 of whom must be Governmental Members, per Code Council Policy #CP-10. A list of Chapter members who are also Code Council members that meets these minimum standards must be submitted with a Chapter application.

Once the documents are ready for uploading, complete the online application and upload to apply.
Questions? Contact Tamika Dunning, Manager of Member Services at tdunning@iccsafe.org.

Chapter Application

Benefits

Chapter Meeting Request

Resources

Find
a Chapter

Code Council Applauds Senate’s Passage of Water Bill.

ICC is applauding the Senate’s passage of a wide-ranging bill that will include $170 million to address lead in Flint, Michigan’s drinking water and $558 million to provide relief to drought-stricken California. “We applaud the Senate’s action and will continuously advocate the built environment’s critical role in providing safer and smarter water use in vibrant neighborhoods and communities,” said ICC Board of Directors President M. Dwayne Garriss.

Disaster Toolkits and Community Safety Resources

Disaster Toolkits and Community Safety Resources

Disaster Toolkits and Community Safety Resources

Help your community stay safe in their homes, their workplace, and their neighborhoods with community resources from the International Code Council.  Each section includes links to products and resources from ICC, as well as our partners in safety.

Disaster Safety & Recovery Topics

Community Safety Topics