In its Winter 2001 issue of Up To Code, BOMA International analyzed five new “existing building codes,” also known as “rehabilitation codes,” that are being developed throughout the United States. Unlike traditional building codes, which are geared toward new construction, rehab codes are designed to regulate existing buildings. The five codes BOMA examined were:
- The New Jersey Rehabilitation Code
- The Nationally Applicable Recommended Rehabilitation Provisions (NARRP)
- ICBO Uniform Code for Existing Buildings (UCEB)
- International Code Council (ICC) International Code for Existing Buildings
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Maryland, Minnesota, and New Jersey already have one or more of these codes in place. States or cities that are considering rehab codes include Michigan, Rhode Island, New York, Maine, Connecticut, Wichita (Kans.), Kansas City (Mo.), Austin (Tex.), Wilmington (Del.), and Tulsa (Okla.).
In the report, BOMA admitted that these new codes offer potential benefits to the commercial real estate industry, such as encouraging use of existing buildings, eliminating what some perceive as arbitrary or “over-zealous” application of codes, creating more consistent application of codes, providing more accurate assessments prior to formal permit application, and making new occupancy types more feasible through a new approach to changes of occupancy.
However, BOMA pointed out that the new codes also raise concerns. For instance, the new consistent application of the code may exceed current general application of the codes in existing buildings. Also, the development of the code can be used as a vehicle to introduce new retrofit requirements, albeit on a project-by-project basis. Finally, for the category-based approach to work it requires the precise definition of each category. Crossing from one category to another can substantially change code requirements.
For more information, visit the various code Web sites above or contact BOMA International. Based on a report from Up To Code.
