Building Codes

ICC Sues UpCodes Over Free Access to Building Codes

April 23, 2019

An International Code Council and American Society of Civil Engineers lawsuit is taking aim at UpCodes, a startup that aims to make code compliance easier for architects and construction professionals through a free, searchable database of regulations and accompanying tools.

Fire Officials Unite Nationally to Advance Home Sprinklers

April 22, 2019

Home fire sprinklers can help eliminate tragedies, but legislative barriers and a general unawareness of this technology have prevented its use in new homes. America’s fire service and safety advocates will be able to take action in unison to raise national awareness during Fire Sprinkler Week.

Survey: 77% of Buyers Want Insulation Above Code

April 17, 2019

The latest study of recent and prospective home buyers (people who purchased a home in the last three years or are planning to do so in the next three years) provided insight into energy efficiency preferences.

The Value of NCSEA Truss Bracing Collaboration

April 8, 2019

SBCA, in collaboration with the National Council of Structural Engineers (NCSEA), have teamed up to bring clarity to the International Building Code (IBC) on best methods for installing permanent lateral restraint and diagonal bracing of individual wood truss web members.

Public Comment Sought on ICC Code Changes

April 4, 2019

The International Code Council is hosting its 2019 Committee Action Hearings from April 28 to May 8, 2019, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Several State Legislatures Take Action on Energy Code

April 3, 2019

Below are summaries of state legislative actions that could have an impact on the energy code.

New 'Building Benchmark' Created. Valuable?

March 26, 2019

A just-released “Buildings Benchmark,” the first of 19 Community Resilience Benchmarks—will support efforts to create more resilient structures in local communities that can withstand natural disasters.

WV Updates Commercial Energy Code to ASHRAE 90.1-2010

March 20, 2019

The State of West Virginia has updated its State Commercial Building Energy Code from ASHRAE 90.1-2007 to 90.1-2010, which will become effective April 30, 2019. The bill was signed by the Governor last week. 

Builders Admit Needing Help Choosing Insulation & Installers

March 20, 2019

In an Omnibus Survey of Builders fielded by Home Innovation in December, we asked, “What are your biggest challenges in constructing homes to meet current energy codes?” We received 250 write-in, unaided responses that provide insight into difficulties many builders are having.

UT, NM & ME Seek to Update State Energy Codes

March 13, 2019

The following three state legislatures have introduced measures that would have an impact on the states’ energy code.