ICC, Fiatech Venture Takes Code Compliance into Digital Age

Automated code checking accelerates plan reviews, provides consistent results

Using computer technology for plan review, the plan approval process and code checking streamlines building department operations and can be a boon for local economies. The International Code Council (ICC) and Fiatech have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that supports a shared vision to advance the effectiveness and efficiency of building design, construction and code compliance through the use of advanced technologies and practices represented by the Fiatech AutoCodes Project. AutoCodes—automatic code checking—is a significant development that moves regulatory compliance into the digital age on par with modern commercial design and construction industry practices.

“Automated code checking helps plan reviewers focus on the core tasks of code compliance and speeds up the permitting process,” said ICC Board President Ronald Piester, AIA. “This innovative technology will provide comprehensive and consistent results from project to project across jurisdictions and allow code officials to dedicate more time to safety issues, inspections and other important duties.”

“Fiatech is pleased to have ICC’s support in the development of AutoCodes, which will be a ‘game changer’ in the building design and construction process,” said Ray Topping, Director of Fiatech. “Our Memorandum of Understanding builds on the strong working relationship established with ICC over the past six years in advancing Regulatory Streamlining.”

The current stage of the project focuses on efforts to convert egress chapters 10 and 11 of the International Building Code into machine-language rulesets to check 3D building information models (BIM) for code compliance. A critical aspect of the phase is to define an ICC certification roadmap that confirms the integrity of AutoCodes Project deliverables with regards to the IBC for industry usage.

“ICC and Fiatech are committed to completing this long-term project,” said ICC CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “Using technology for code checking is a win-win for the jurisdiction, designer and property owner. The quicker plans are approved to begin construction, the quicker a business can open its doors and see sales dollars. Speeding up plan review and permitting turnaround time will result in projects being started and completed in a more timely manner thereby creating an economic development advantage in a competitive world. ”

A video that describes the AutoCodes Project and its value to industry can be viewed at fiatech.org/the-autocodes-project.

The International Code Council is a member-focused association. It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.

Fiatech is a global community of industry stakeholders working together to advance productivity and efficiency throughout the life cycle of capital assets by advancing the development and deployment of technology and innovative practices. www.fiatech.org.