September 2013 Building Code Update

Posted on by cguske
© 2006, The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.”
© 2006, The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.

If you thought the building code is continually changing, you would be right.  Every three years, the International Code Council publishes an updated family of model codes.  Every three years, Virginia spends about 18 months reviewing it.

The reviews and approval of the alterations, deletions, and additions are still under way.  The latest date for implementation of the new Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code still looks like the fall of 2014.  And then, traditionally, Virginia allows a one-year grace period for projects already in design to continue under the old code.

Prior to implementation, however, several hurdles still need to be cleared.  These include publication, public hearings, approvals by the Housing and Community Development Board, the attorney general, the secretary of commerce and trade, the governor’s office, the codes commission and then a final publication.

Anyone considering taking advantage of the grace period should confer with the local building official first.  By the same token, those who wish to incorporate portions the future code also should confer with the local building official for a variance.

The latest information can be found at the DHCD website:  http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/index.php/va-building-codes/building-and-fire-codes/code-change-process.html.

Building Code App Under Consideration

Posted on by cguske

Iphone_2Technological advances provide smart-phone applications for just about everything anyone can imagine, up to and including up-to-date code inspection results on construction projects.  Would it help you in your work?  If so, say so.  And while you are at it, mention other ideas that you have to make implementing or interpreting the building code easier.

The Department of Housing and Community Development begins in June its negotiations for the publishing of the 2012 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.  In addition to publishing the code, the International Code Council could provide such modern apps.  For what should DHCD negotiate?

Please send any ideas, input or recommendations to Cindy Davis at cindy.davis@dhcd.virginia.gov.

What tools would help you do your job?  Whether from compliance, design, or construction standpoint, today’s technology and tools are changing, and DHCD would like to be able to provide the products that will most benefit its client groups.

DHCD hopes to negotiate and provide some of these new services or products, or at least encourage their development. If you can imagine it, send it.  This can be as complex as mobile apps for inspections that include a checklist, video, photo or commentary of code requirements when you click on them from your tablet or smart phone. If it will benefit you and your jurisdiction, DHCD wants to know.

Building Code Timeline

Posted on by cguske

2005 AIA Stock Images - Core - Cunningham & Quill - Hickok Warner Cole - HSMM - OTJ ArchitectsThe seeming interminable review of the latest building code is nearing completion, which means the public hearing portion of the 12- to 18-month process is nigh.

The review schedule published by the Department of Housing and Community Development in January lists July 1 as the final date for code change submissions.  The first public hearing will be Sept. 23 this year and September of 2014 as the effective date of the 2012 code.

From the beginning — with the publishing of the 2012 family of codes by the International Code Council in the spring of 2012 — to the final implementation in Virginia, the model codes have been turned inside out and upside down by volunteers from many organizations including the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association and the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects.

Once again, as he has since October 2000, Kenney Payne, AIA, led the reviews of the building code for the VSAIA.  And for several years in a row, James Snowa, AIA, and Megan Shope, AIA, provided the expertise to guide the evolution of the residential code for the VSAIA and the public.

The in-house reviews were an innovation by the late Jack Proctor, Hon. VSAIA.  He sought the advice and expertise from architects, home builders, building owners and managers, product manufacturers, and other interested groups to make the review process as thorough as possible.  This open, deliberative process was continued by Emory Rodgers, who succeeded Proctor as director of the division of building regulation at DHCD.

The next steps in the code’s adoption will be publication in the Virginia Register this summer with the public hearing in the fall.  Final regulations will be approved by the Board of DHCD in late 2013 or early 2014 prior to being sent to the capitol for administrative approval.

Final regulations are scheduled to be published in the July 2014 Virginia Register with September 2014 expected to be the codes’ effective date.  In the past, local building officials have allowed a grace period for projects under way prior to the latest code implementation.  Architects should confer with local officials to determine whether a project’s design under a current code is far enough along to be reviewed under the older rather than the newest code.

By the same token, architects also should confer with local building officials if they wish to design under an as-yet-unapproved code.  If the approval process is in its final stages, designing to the newer standards could be beneficial.