Code Adoptions Bring Industry Closer to One Set of Codes Nationwide

June 7, 2005 - The newest International Code adoptions bring the construction industry closer to one set of building safety and fire prevention codes in use nationwide. This year, at least 241 jurisdictions have adopted one or more International Codes developed by the International Code Council as the codes of choice for their communities. Nationwide, at least 14,893 jurisdictions have adopted and enforce at least one International Code.

Using one set of construction codes can keep building costs down by providing uniformity in the construction industry. Uniformity helps building and materials manufacturers to do business on a larger scale, allowing cost savings to be passed on to consumers while improving public safety.

Among the latest International Code adoptions are Washoe County, Nevada, which adopted the 2003 International Building, Residential, Energy Conservation and Existing Building Codes, effective July 1.

In Colorado, Carbondale began using the 2003 International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas and Energy Conservation Codes in March. As of April, the Coal Creek Canyon Fire Protection District enforces the 2003 International Fire and Urban-Wildland Interface Codes and Greeley enforces the 2003 International Mechanical, Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes. Since May, the West Metro Fire Rescue uses the 2003 International Fire Code.

The 2003 International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes, as well as the International Code Council Electrical Code Administrative Provisions, went into effect on March 30 in Franklin County, Kansas. Hazelwood, Missouri, uses the 2003 International Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical, Fuel Gas Code, Energy Conservation and Property Maintenance Codes, as of April. Also in Missouri, O'Fallon, began enforcing the 2003 International Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Private Sewage Disposal, Fuel Gas and Property Maintenance Codes in May.

In Illinois, Gurnee adopted the 2003 International Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes effective June 1. As of May, Homewood uses the 2003 International Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Property Maintenance and Existing Building Codes and Niles enforces the 2003 International Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas and Property Maintenance Codes.

Millington, Tennessee adopted the 2003 International Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Energy Conservation, Property Maintenance and Existing Building Codes and the International Code Council Electrical Code Administrative Provisions effective July 1.

The 2003 International Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, and Existing Building Codes went into effect in Prattville, Alabama, on May 1.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.