Puerto Rico Adopts International Codes

Action includes eight codes that were not previously adopted

The 2011 Puerto Rico Building Code (PRBC) includes the adoption of nine 2009 International Code Council model codes to safeguard public health and safety. This 2011 adoption by the PRBC includes the 2009 International Building, Residential, Fire, Energy Conservation, Plumbing, Private Sewage Disposal, Mechanical, Fuel Gas and Existing Building Codes with local amendments. The I-Codes provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace.

“Building codes impact the quality of construction and help guard against natural and man-made disasters,” ICC CEO Richard P. Weiland said. “We have witnessed and experienced the efforts that Puerto Ricans have put in place to make this happen, resulting in a code that will help to coordinate their design and construction industry. We commend Puerto Rico’s leadership for taking action to ensure the utmost level of public safety in buildings and homes where the island’s residents live, work and play.”

As an ICC code user, Puerto Rico will benefit from the ICC code development process, which offers a forum for building professionals to discuss performance and prescriptive code requirements. The Code Council will work with Puerto Rico’s recently created Office of Permit Management (OGPE) and its partners to provide building code programs for design and construction professionals. ICC also will assist the PRBC.

“Globalization is having a significant impact around the world and building codes and conformity programs are supporting this dynamic by helping people build a safer world,” said ICC Global Services Vice President Drew Azzara. “Puerto Rico has recognized the great need for its island to connect a modern, updated, and technically sound building code with a clear methodology for enforcement of those code regulations. ICC salutes Puerto Rico for this significant advancement and welcomes our close neighbor as a global partner.”

“The adoption of the ICC family of codes is one of our administration’s fulfilled promises,” OGPE Executive Director Eng. Edwin A. Irizarry said. “We recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date building code that safeguards the public health and safety in all communities. The Office of Permit Management’s mission is to provide reliable, fast, accurate permit adjudication to our customers and implement the process to adopt and update the building construction codes for Puerto Rico. With this uniform regulation, we contribute to the progress and complete development of Puerto Rico. This guarantees the quality and consistency in a permit process through an efficient system of integrated services.”

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. The International Codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States.