ICC Annual Conference, Final Action Hearings for 2012 I-Codes slated for October

Energy efficiency — a global topic on several fronts including cost savings, reduced energy usage, conservation of natural resources and the impact of energy usage on the environment — will be a major focus at this year’s International Code Council Annual Conference and Final Action Hearings, according to a July 27 release.

The Oct. 24–31 event at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., will include final action on code changes that will impact the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code and the energy portion of the 2012 International Residential Code. The Group B Final Action hearings also include the International Property Maintenance and Zoning Codes, the administrative chapters of all I-Codes and updates to referenced standards in all the International Codes.

In an effort to keep conference attendee costs as low as possible, discounts are available for registering before Sept. 1, and for registering online. The registration fee includes a two-day comprehensive education program, annual banquet dinner, welcome reception and free Internet access. Specially negotiated hotel room rates range from $109-$179 a night. There is no charge to attend the Final Action Hearings, but registration is encouraged. ICC voting members must review their membership records to ensure they can vote at the Annual Business Meeting and Final Action Hearings. New and updated membership information must be received by close of business on Oct. 15.

The meeting of code enforcement officials, architects, designers, engineers and other construction industry professionals features a Charlotte Building Tour to explore local architecture and code challenges. Participants will see how architects and builders are bringing more sustainable buildings to Charlotte and earn ICC and AIA CEUs. Other educational sessions will address International Green Construction Code Public Version 1.0 fundamentals, and mechanical and plumbing provisions; residential energy plan review; an introduction to ICC-700, the 2008 National Green Building Standard; the role of code officials as first preventers; hurricane and tornado safe rooms and shelters; accessibility and usability for residential buildings; and 2009 I-Code certification study skills.

Annual conference highlights include the annual business meeting; an awards luncheon to honor contributions to building safety, fire prevention and public service; the popular Cracker Barrel discussion lunch; chapter meetings and receptions; an expo showcasing products and services; a new code of honor run/walk sponsored by the ICC Foundation to raise funds to support attending code hearings; the 7th Annual Bob Fowler Motorcycle Ride; and opportunities to meet colleagues, the ICC board of directors and candidates seeking a board seat.

For the first time, participants will be able to see results of code change proposals in real time, including committee actions and public comments, by using new software, CodeCyclePLUS. ICC members can purchase CodeCyclePLUS at a 20 percent discount. The hearings will be Web cast.

ICC’s code development process is undergoing a transition. The council’s board revised the code development process with input from members and other stakeholders. The revised procedure maintains the three-year publication cycle; continues to use the governmental consensus process; divides the codes into two groups, each having code development and final action hearings in the spring and fall of the same year during the first two years of the cycle; eliminates the need for supplements to the codes halfway through the cycle; and reveals the new codes at the annual conference in year three of the cycle. The revised process anticipates the 2012 I-Codes will be available in April 2011.