Code Council, Puerto Rico Work Together on Code Enforcement, Education, Certification

Nine I-Codes Make up the Puerto Rican Construction Codes that Took Effect March 1

The Government of Puerto Rico, including Governor Luis G. Fortuño, and the International Code Council are working in partnership to ensure maximum safety benefits for the island’s residents and to protect property. Code Council CEO Richard P. Weiland and Board President Jimmy Brothers met with both public and private sector representatives of the Building Code Project of Puerto Rico to discuss implementing nine adopted 2009 ICC codes. The meetings are part of an initiative to keep all stakeholders up to date and involved in the new Puerto Rican construction codes that took effect March 1.

“Adopting building safety codes is a major step to protect people where they live, go to school, work and play,” Weiland said. “But maximum safety cannot be achieved without enforcement, training, certification and a collaborative effort between government, builders, architects, engineers and other key stakeholders. Puerto Rico, to its credit, is taking those steps. We look forward to continuing to serve as a neutral forum for policy development and providing technical support.”

Meeting in the Office of Permits Management (OGPE), led by Executive Director Edwin Irizarry, topics included training and certification for professionals with the support of the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s (FEMA) Region II Caribbean Area Division.

“We have been in talks with the federal government, specifically FEMA, (as well as) ICC to come to Puerto Rico and give training related to the building codes adopted,” Irizarry said. “They have the expertise (and) technical knowledge.”

Key outcomes of the collaboration include:

• A training program being planned to be implemented between now and October;
• The development of the I-Codes tailored to the geographical, geological, topographical, climate and social conditions of Puerto Rico; and
• Signing of agreements between ICC and OGPE to provide a framework for technical cooperation to assist in the implementation of the code; providing building code programs for design and construction professionals; and distributing publications critical to implement and enforce the Puerto Rican construction codes.

“We commend the Government of Puerto Rico, FEMA and other partners for attaining this major step,” Brothers said. “ICC will continue supporting the certification of professionals, as well as give guidance in the implementation process.”

Several organizations were recognized for their leadership, dedication, service and distinguished activities that demonstrate the ICC mission and vision by the adoption and adaptation of the I-Codes to develop Puerto Rico’s Building Code. Those honored included:

• Office of Permits Management
• Puerto Rico College of Engineers and Surveyors
• Puerto Rico College of Arquitects and Landscape Artists
• Puerto Rico Fire Department
• Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
• Puerto Rico General Contractors Association
• Puerto Rico Home Builders Association
• Puerto Rico Planning Board
• FEMA Region II Caribbean Area Division
• FEMA Building Science Branch Office Federal Insurance and Mitigation
• John Ingargiola, Senior Engineer/Team Leader Building Science Branch/Risk Reduction Division

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, as well as a reference for many other nations.