August 9, 2004—Two of the nation’s largest cities recently adopted building safety and fire prevention codes developed by the International Code Council (ICC) to guide construction and protect residents.
Dallas adopted the 2000 International Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Energy Conservation, Residential, and Existing Building Codes. Most of the adopted codes took effect in Dallas on July 1.
Denver updated its building safety and fire prevention codes for the first time since 1997 when it adopted several I-Codes. Effective October 1, the city will enforce the 2003 International Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, and Energy Conservation Codes. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper is a strong advocate of the I-Codes and expects the adoptions to streamline city processes for construction industry professionals.
Other major U.S. cities that use at least one of the I-Codes include Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Since 1975, the AIA has repeatedly examined the issue of adoption of a single set of codes for use in the United States. AIA national component has resources available to assist components advocating for the adoption of local or statewide model building codes. The AIA national component works with both the ICC and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to develop codes that are beneficial to the architectural profession and the public.
In addition, AIA continues to call for resolution of the dispute between ICC and NFPA. Nationwide, comprehensive, coordinated, and contemporary codes will make a significant difference to enhance safety, and reduce the complexity of building regulation.
—From AIAs Angle
