ICC 2015-2017 Code Development Cycle Begins

It will be the first full cycle to use cdpACCESS to develop the Group A Codes: International Building, Existing Building, Residential-Mechanical and Plumbing, Plumbing, Private Sewage Disposal, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Swimming Pool and Spa, Property Maintenance and Zoning Codes

The International Code Council’s (ICC) 2015/2016/2017 Code Development Cycle begins with the Group A International Codes. Used in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the International Codes, or I-Codes, are developed using a governmental consensus process. It is an open, inclusive process that allows input and participation from all individuals and groups. The I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated codes.

“Any interested individual or group is invited to submit a code change proposal and welcome to participate,” explained ICC Board of Directors President Guy Tomberlin, CBO. “The process ensures that the International Codes reflect the latest technical and scientific advancements, and creates a forum where anyone can submit a code change in a fair and equitable manner.”

Participation by ICC Members and other stakeholders ensure diverse opinions are represented in the development of the 2018 I-Codes. Those who partake in person at hearings or online through cdpACCESS help to make sure the next generation of codes benefit public safety.

The 2015/2016/2017 code development cycle will be the first full cycle to use cdpACCESS, ICC’s cloud-based system for code development that allows for online collaboration, code changes and public comment submittals, submissions of floor modifications and online voting.

A change to section 3.3.5.6 of Code Council Policy 28 also is new in this cycle. The policy addresses cost impacts of code change proposals. The policy still requires that the proponent indicate whether the code change proposal will increase the cost of construction. The proponent also is required to substantiate the cost impact. If the cost impact statement or substantiation is not provided, the proposal is considered incomplete and will not be processed.

“Building codes benefit public safety and support the construction industry’s need for one set of codes without regional limitations,” said ICC Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “cdpACCESS increases participation in how the codes are developed, which is a major step toward creating a safer and more affordable built environment.”

ICC is accepting proposed changes to the Group A I-Codes through midnight Pacific on Jan. 12. All proposals will be submitted through cdpACCESS at cdpACCESS.com.

Committees hear all code change proposals. Final decisions are made by ICC Voting Members—Governmental and Honorary Members who, with no vested interests beyond public safety, represent the public’s best interest.

Click here for details about the 2015/2016/2017 Code Development Cycle. It is also important to review the schedule and the Code Committee Responsibility Matrix. The matrix notes those sections of non Group A codes which are maintained by a Group A code committee and as such, the proposals are due in the Group A Cycle.

About us: 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.