NRMCA Has Mixed Results at ICC Code Development Hearings

In May, the International Code Council (ICC) held committee hearings to discuss and vote on proposals submitted for Group B of the 2021 I-Codes. Although not the final verdict, the outcome of the hearings strongly indicates which proposals will be accepted by the full membership. The Group B code proposals included those related to structural issues, energy, and residential construction. NRMCA submitted one proposal, co-sponsored over 20 other proposals and provided support for numerous additional proposals.

The results of the hearings were decidedly mixed. Several proposals of importance to NRMCA were successful, including the adoption of ACI 318-19, PCA-100 (prescriptive design for one- and two-story concrete buildings), and the addition of ASCE 7-16 into the residential building code. Numerous other co-sponsored or supported items were also passed through the committee. Major disappointments were the passage of special inspection requirements for mass timber buildings that were supported by the wood industry and are identical to those for precast concrete and steel frames. No technical basis was provided for these requirements.

A competing proposal submitted by NRMCA and numerous Build With Strength (BWS) allies was defeated, although it clearly laid out the technical reasons why more stringent requirements were justified. A public comment has been submitted to NRMCA to attempt to overturn this vote.

The energy code hearings also saw mixed results, with some onerous requirements passing and others being withdrawn by the proponents in order to find a compromise with the BWS position. Numerous public comments have been submitted by NRMCA and its allies contesting the technical basis of some of the proposed changes. The public comments for all Group B proposals will be debated at the fall hearings with all ICC governmental members allowed to vote after the hearings.

Build With Strength is a coalition led by NRMCA that promotes concrete building systems through communications, project promotion, education and advocacy. It can help leverage codes and standards development to place more concrete. For more information, contact Scott Campbell at scampbell@nrmca.org or 502-552-5034.