Cloud collaboration, cost justification enter international code development

Leading to the 2018 International Building Code and International Residential Code, the 2015/2016/2017 Code Development Cycle will be the first full interval to use cdpACCESS, the International Code Council’s cloud-based system for code change proposals and public comment submittals, floor modification submissions and online voting.

“Building codes benefit public safety and support the construction industry’s need for one set of codes without regional limitations,” says ICC Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims. “cdpACCESS increases participation in how the codes are developed, which is a major step toward creating a safer and more affordable built environment.”

“The process ensures the International Codes reflect the latest technical and scientific advancements, and creates a forum where anyone can submit a code change in a fair and equitable manner,” adds ICC Board President Guy Tomberlin.
Also new to the cycle is policy expanding an existing requirement that code change proponents indicate whether their proposals will increase the cost of construction. Change proponents must now substantiate cost impact, without which proposals are considered incomplete and will not be processed.

“NAHB commends ICC for this landmark ruling,” affirms National Association of Home Builders Chairman Kevin Kelly, a Wilmington, Del., builder and developer. “By acknowledging that costs are an important factor in determining the merit of change proposals, this will make the building codes process more cost-effective and affordable. In turn, this will help keep housing costs down, enable builders to construct more energy-efficient homes and allow more young families to enter the new home buying market.”