Building Codes

The International Code Council recently published “Recommended Practices for Remote Virtual Inspections,” a guideline document that governmental jurisdictions should consider for an effective and consistent remote virtual inspections program.

As we reported in January, the Group B 2021 I-Codes contain a number of significant improvements in the realm of energy efficiency and building science.

As we reported in January, the Group B 2021 I-Codes contain a number of significant improvements in the realm of energy efficiency and building science.

Cavity insulation goes between (and is interrupted by) framing whereas continuous insulation is continuous and not interrupted by framing other than fasteners or service openings. 

A new “open file” research report has just been completed to assess the role of building science and healthy buildings in relation to controlling the risk of health threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The International Codes Council recently released its Final Action Report on proposed changes to Group B of its International Code, notably the International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code.

The National Research Council of Canada is in its final stages of developing model building codes for 2020, which are updated every five years.

The International Code Council’s 2021 building codes cycle was moving along as expected, but a last-minute wave of newly-registered voters appears to have derailed the online vote in what appears to be a concerted effort to impact the code development process.

Late last year, local and state officials voted in droves to boost building efficiency in the 2021 update to America’s Model Energy Code – the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) – by 12-17%.

Brief summaries of legislative actions being taken that could impact building codes in Florida, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Washington.