I-Codes continue to be the first choice for construction safety

Massachusetts is the 35th state to adopt the International Residential Code (IRC) statewide. The IRC is the code of choice to construct safe homes in 46 states at the state or local level and in Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, Georgia, Iowa and Washington, have updated their codes to the 2006 I-Codes. In Georgia, the 2006 International Building (IBC), Fire (IFC), Plumbing (IPC), Mechanical (IMC) and Fuel Gas (IFGC) Codes and the IRC went into effect Jan.1. The same day, Iowa began using the 2006 IBC, IRC, IFC and IMC, as well as the International Energy Conservation and Existing Building Codes. In the state of Washington, the 2006 IRC, IBC, IFC, IMC and IFGCgo into effect on July 1.

In Wyoming, Alpine and Rock Springs recently adopted the 2006 I-Codes. Golden, Col., and Churchill County, Nev., now use the 2006 I-Codes. Mesa and Pima County, Ariz., adopted the 2006 I-Codes. In Texas, Portland, Richardson, San Antonio and Wharton updated to the 2006 I-Codes and in an effort to coordinate with surrounding jurisdictions, Liberty Hill recently switched to I-Codes. Idabel, Okla., and Ridgeland, Miss., adopted the 2006 editions. In Missouri, so did Ballwin, Camdenton, Hollister, the Osage Beach Fire Protection District, St. Roberts, Waynesville and Willow Springs.

“The confidence that so many states, counties and communities exhibit when they select the I-Codes as their first choice for construction safety is a tremendous compliment to the ICC code development process and those who participate in code development,” said ICC CEO Rick Weiland. “It speaks volumes about the positive impact I-Codes have on public safety.”

Almost 21,000 communities have adopted I-Codes. Federal agencies, including the Architect of the Capitol, General Services Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Forest Service and the Veterans Administration also enforce the I-Codes. The Department of Defense references the IBC to construct military facilities, including those that house our troops, around the world and at home. I-Codes also are used in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and under consideration in Jamaica. For a complete list of jurisdictions using the International Codes, visit www.iccsafe.org.

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.