Code Council team to support California plumbing, mechanical code transition

An experienced team of California code experts assembled by the International Code Council will assist the state’s code users in the transition to updated plumbing and mechanical codes. The 2007 editions of the California Plumbing Code (CPC) and California Mechanical Code (CMC) take effect on January 1. It is the first update for California’s plumbing and mechanical codes since 2001.

“Even though the CPC and CMC are not based on the International Codes, the Code Council is committed to supporting its membership and the industry in the transition to updated codes,” said Jay Peters, International Code Council Executive Director of Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG). “The key staff members leading this initiative are as experienced with the California plumbing and mechanical codes as anyone in the industry.”

Leading the support project are Lee Clifton, Director of Plumbing Programs for the International Code Council, and Bob Guenther, of the Code Council’s Senior Mechanical Staff. Clifton spent 25 years as an inspector and training officer for the city of Los Angeles. He is an instructor and the author of Principal Changes to the California Plumbing Code, 2007 Edition. An inspector and plan reviewer for the cities of Long Beach and Los Angeles for more than 30 years, Guenther currently responds to hundreds of code interpretation requests and wrote Principal Changes to the California Mechanical Code, 2007 Edition. Clifton and Guenther have presented portions of these programs to local California PMG organizations and Code Council and IAPMO chapters.

“When it comes to safety in the built environment, Code Council members expect us to be the first to serve their needs and the needs of state agencies, jurisdictions and the industry,” said Peters. “By providing these California-specific documents and educational programs before the enforcement date, I believe we have a head-start in making a smooth transition to a safer California.”

To purchase the 2007 editions of the CPC and CMC and the two principal changes documents, visit http://www.iccsafe.org/store. For more information about the Code Council’s plumbing, mechanical or fuel gas training, support publications, interpretations or product listings e-mail pmgresourcecenter@iccsafe.org or call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 4PMG (4764).

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.