International Code Council Government Relations Update – January 2018

If you read the article on the Colorado Energy Code toolkits, there is a ton of good information that may be helpful to our members.

Colorado state code agency develops toolkit on the energy code that is adaptable to any state

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), with the Colorado Governor's Energy Office (GEO), provides the Energy Code Support Partnership (ECSP) Toolkit as a resource to support government and policy decision makers, building department personnel, contractors and developers, homeowners and business owners, and many additional stakeholders in embracing the latest national model energy codes. The toolkits are designed to assist users in accessing and connecting to relevant energy code-related tools and resources. It uses modules relating to the 2009 IECC, the 2012 IECC and the 2015 IECC.

Does your Chapter or a Member deserve recognition? It’s time to start sending nominations

March 1 – in less than two months from today – is the deadline for nominations to be received for the ICC Awards to be presented at the 2018 Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., and other ICC events. ICC Awards will be presented in several categories to honor individuals and organizations for their accomplishments and service to ICC and the building safety industry. To nominate someone for an ICC Award, please complete and email the form(s) indicated below to Karla Price Higgs, Vice President, Member Services, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For applications and more information, click here.

Our veterans deserve great jobs. America needs more code officials. Let’s make this work!

The International Code Council is leading the ICC Military Families Building Career Path Program, to help veterans who are transitioning to civilian life and their family members learn more about building safety career options. As ICC Government Relations Vice President Sara Yerkes says, “We need new blood. And they need jobs. We know people in the military have the characteristics we're looking for: discipline, integrity, character, teamwork, technical knowledge, strong work ethic and the ability to follow procedures." Find out more about this new and exciting initiative!

ISO donates $3,500 to the ICC High School Technical Training Program as an investment in the future

The Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), a Verisk Analytics business, recently donated $3,500 to the ICC High School Technical Training Program (HSTTP) after hearing Program Liaison Jim Elwood present on the program during the 2017 ICC Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Ellwood spoke on "How to Start a High School Technical Training Program at Your Local Technical High School or College" and conference attendees were guided on how to access detailed information on the HSTTP, how to enroll a school into the program, how students qualify for COAs under the program guidelines, and how easy and flexible the HSTTP is to use. Check out this video on the HSTTP.

The DEADLINE IS JAN. 8 to send in proposed online code changes for Group A Codes using cdpACCESS

The deadline for cdpACCESS online receipt of code change proposals is Monday Jan. 8. The Group A Codes consist of:

• International Building Code® (IBC®)—IBC-E, IBC-FS, IBC-G
• International Fire Code® (IFC®)
• International Fuel Gas Code® (IFGC®)
• International Mechanical Code® (IMC®)
• International Plumbing Code® (IPC®)
• International Property Maintenance Code® (IPMC®)
• International Private Sewage Disposal Code® (IPSDC®)
• International Residential Code® (IRC®)—IRC-M, IRC-P
• International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC®)
• International Wildland-Urban Interface Code® (IWUIC®)
• International Zoning Code® (IZC®)

See page 2 of the 2018/2019 Code Development Schedule for details, click here.

Registration is open to attend the Group A Codes Committee Action Hearings in Columbus, Ohio

The Committee Action Hearings are free to attend and offer code officials, architects, builders, engineers, designers, PMG and pool & spa professionals an opportunity to provide input on proposed code changes to the 2018 Group A International Codes®. ICC members can also earn CEUs for attending. Registration is now open for ICC’s 2018 Committee Action Hearings, Apr. 15–25 in Columbus, Ohio. Code Council Members and stakeholders can collaborate, review, submit and vote (if eligible) on code change proposals and public comments via ICC’s cdpACCESS online code development tool. To learn more about using cdpACCESS, click here. For a schedule of events at the Group A hearings, click here.

Vaughn Wicker, exemplary for work ethic and loyalty, retires after 23 years of service to code industry

Longtime ICC staff member Vaughn Wicker, an integral member of the ICC government relations team since 2003, retired Dec. 31. Known for his quick wit, easygoing manner and Carolina drawl, Wicker has spent 23 years doing what he enjoys best — working with people from diverse backgrounds. Wicker served as staff liaison to North Carolina and South Carolina. More recently, he was the ICC staff liaison for the Building Official Membership Council, helping to organize and coordinate its activities. In recognition of his unparalleled service to ICC, he received the 2013 William J. Tangye Staff Recognition Award, which is given in honor of William J. Tangye, the first CEO of ICC. Wicker made such an impression on Tangye with his knowledge and desire to learn more from his peers across the South that Tangye asked him to speak on the first code change on the agenda at the 1980 Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) conference. Wicker now plans to focus on his favorite activities — elevating his golf game and spending time with his family.

ASHRAE partners with ICC to publish the latest energy efficiency requirements in a single source

With energy efficiency high on the national construction agenda, ICC and ASHRAE released the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2016: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. By compiling the complete text of the 2018 IECC and ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2016, this joint resource offers users a convenient publication that contains the latest requirements for energy efficiency in a single volume to provide the information needed to achieve optimal energy conservation in both residential and commercial construction.

ICC-ES President Shahin Moinian provides insights to online publication Code Watcher

Code Watcher, an online and print publication about codes, recently published an article written by ICC-Evaluation Services President Shahin Moinian about the unique value of ICC-ES and how building code officials need more transparency in the building product evaluation arena to ensure specified products comply with codes and standards. The article, seen by clicking here, provides a well-written explanation of ICC-ES and its functions.

Colorado state code agency develops toolkit on the energy code that is adaptable to any state

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), with the Colorado Governor's Energy Office (GEO), provides the Energy Code Support Partnership (ECSP) Toolkit as a resource to support government and policy decision makers, building department personnel, contractors and developers, homeowners and business owners, and many additional stakeholders in embracing the latest national model energy codes. The toolkits are designed to assist users in accessing and connecting to relevant energy code-related tools and resources. It uses modules relating to the 2009 IECC, the 2012 IECC and the 2015 IECC.

Government Relations’ webpage offers public relations tools for Members to use

ICC Members are making good use of tools found on the Government Relations webpage to educate the public about their jobs, how codes are updated, the importance of updated codes and other topics. One asset is the webpage “Value of the Code Official,” developed by ICC Membership. It includes a video, a PowerPoint presentation, talking points and a flyer. The GR webpage also lists the video, as well as:

•  “ICC’s Code Development Process” four-minute video on how codes are updated.
• “Resilient Communities Come Back Quicker & Better” from the Alliance for National & Community Resilience.
• “How to use the new ICC Voting System” the new Voting System at the 2018 ABM.
• “Building Safety Month! Code Officials: Partners in Community Safety and Economic Growth”
• “The High School Technical Training Program” meets the challenge for better skilled labor.

ICC donates 2018 International Codes books to U.S. Virgin Islands to aid in recovery projects

Efforts to rebuild continue as the U.S. Virgin Islands recovers from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. After a visit to conduct preliminary field investigations, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) witnessed first-hand the impact of the destruction to the Department of Permits and Natural Resources (DPNR). FEMA's Federal Resilience Lead Erin Mack Ashley, PhD, LEEP AP, reported that the DPNR offices were in the airport on the upper floor and were completely flooded causing the office to lose everything, including their computers, files and code books. After coordinating with Sara Yerkes, ICC Senior Vice President of Government Relations, ICC arranged the donation of 2018 International Codes books to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

U.S. Department of Defense recognizes IAS personnel certification body accreditation

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) now recognizes the International Accreditation Service's (IAS) Personnel Certification Bodies Accreditation Program under its Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) program, a joint initiative of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy. “As an internationally-recognized provider of accreditation services to personnel certification bodies, we are proud of this DOD recognition, which will help us better serve those who have honored us through their service in the U.S. Armed Forces, and to encourage excellence in the next generation of the U.S. workforce,” said IAS President Chuck Ramani. Read more here.

Economic toll of California wildfire season expect to hit $180 billion for 2017

2017 was one of the worst wildfire seasons on record for California with 46 fatalities, 210 injuries and 11,355 structures destroyed to date. The economic toll of the 2017 season is predicted to rise to $180 billion, causing enormous financial hardship to the state's communities, businesses and families. Our hearts are with everyone affected. Even though the ICC/CALBO donation match has ended, you can still donate to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts here. Check out ICC's wildfire resources to see what steps you can take to protect lives and property at home and in your community.

30^th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner registration is open

Registration is now open for the 30th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner, hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) on April 18-19, 2018 in Washington, DC. Attended by approximately 1,500 fire and emergency services leaders from across the country, the event is the largest and most prestigious gathering of fire service officials, featuring important seminars and opportunities for interaction with federal policy makers. Read more by clicking here.

Upcoming from the ICC Learning Center: Institutes, training, seminars, webinars, etc.

• January 17-19 in San Diego, Calif., is the Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector Certification Test Academy to provide instruction, individual/ group interactive review exercises, evening assignments and opportunity to practice test taking. Topics covered are general requirements; concrete quality; reinforcement; formwork, joints and embeds and concrete placement, protection and curing of the special inspection certification exam.
• January 22-23 is the Special Inspection Agency Accreditation Training  in the Club Quarters (second floor conference center), 52 William Street, New York, N.Y. Anyone performing special inspections in New York City will want to attend this two-day course offered by the International Accreditation Service (IAS). Provides overview of the accreditation requirements for the New York City Department of Buildings.
• January 22-25 is set for the Fire Inspector I Certification Test Academy in San Antonio, Texas. Features expert instruction and includes interactive review exercises, practice exams and individual and group-based activities to help you get better prepared to take the exam.
• January 22-25 in Brea, Calif., is the Code Official Institute to learn necessary administrative and management skills to become a Code Official, including human resource management, financial management, ethics, increasing credibility of the Code Official and legal strategies.
• January 29-31 in Kansas City, Mo., are the dates for the Principles of Building Safety Institute, covering the unique concepts of building safety while addressing the principles and the science behind code provisions. ICC national experts will cover topics including principles of fire protection, principles of egress and principles of materials.
• February 5-6 in Baltimore, Md., is the Leadership Institute, focusing on prescriptive skills for managing change within organizations. Leadership techniques help to  encourage employees to commit to the change process. Tactical methods which critically examine the behaviors of employees to identify what stage of the change process each are in will be mastered as well.
• February 5-8 in Chicago, Ill., will be the B1 Residential Building Inspector Certification Test Academy. Topics include code administration; building planning; footings and foundation; floor construction; wall construction and coverings; roof/ceiling construction and public safety and special construction of the residential building inspector certification exam.
• February 12–16 is the 2018 Upper Great Plains Region III Educational Institute in Chaska, Minn. It features a wide spectrum of specialized courses and the opportunity to earn important CEUs. With topics of interest to all building design, construction and inspection professionals, the Institute also provides an excellent opportunity for you to network, share experiences and solve problems in the comfortable environment of the Oak Ridge Hotel & Convention Center.
• February 26-28 is slated for the Fire & Life Safety Institute at Brea, Calif., an overview of the fire and life safety requirements of buildings as indicated in the 2015 International Building Code.
• March 19–23, 2018 are the dates for EduCode 2018, which is geared for building safety and code compliance professionals. All sessions are approved through the ICC Preferred Provider Program and cover topics that include architectural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, structural, fire protection, code enforcement and leadership. Spend up to five days in Las Vegas for specialized training and earn up to 4.0 CEUs. Certification exams will be offered onsite during EduCode 2018. Register by Feb. 19 for the best course selection and early-bird rates.

Single-day training events are an opportunity to focus on critical code topics to ensure your code knowledge stays up to date. Many Seminars offer a Virtual Classroom option so you can participate in the event from any location with an internet connection. Upcoming 2018 Seminars:

• January 18 - 2018 IBC Significant Changes in Overland Park, Kans.
• January 30 - 2018 IRC Significant Changes in Chicago, Ill.
• February 21 - 2016 CBC Essentials in Brea, Calif.
• February 28 - 2016 CRC Essentials in Brea, Calif.

Online learning is available 24/7 from the ICC Learning Center. We have added over 80 new online courses to our already robust catalog. See the complete listing in the Learning Center under "Online Courses." Keep your skills sharp and earn CEUs – on your schedule.