I-Codes Development

1. The International Code Council (ICC) is dedicated to a single family of comprehensive and coordinated model codes. The ICC code development process allows all interests to actively participate in the update of each and every I-Code. The ICC Governmental Consensus Process places the final vote with those administering, formulating or enforcing regulations relating to public health, safety and welfare. I-Codes Development

2. Committee Action Hearing (CAH) Public Comment Hearing (PCH) For schedule of all dates in cycle, click here: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/codes/Documents/2012-2014Cycle/CD-Schedule.pdf

3. I-Code Groups – Designates which codes are heard together

5. Code Change Submittal Process • Code change deadline generally around January 3rd each year • Anyone can submit a code change • Propose language: • Revisions to current text: Underline proposed new text and strike out text to be deleted • Substantiate change with reasons and supporting documentation • Electronic filing

6. Committee Action Hearing (CAH) • 1st of (2) Public hearings • Applicable Group A, Group B, or Group C code committee presides over hearing • The committee votes after hearing testimony • Their vote is “The Committee Action” • “Approved as Submitted”, “Approved as Modified”, “Disapproved” • ICC members in attendance may vote on an assembly motion if one is raised. • If the assembly motion passes by a simple majority, then the motion will be considered a public comment at the Public Comment Hearings • All committee actions and reasons for action published after hearing • Anyone can attend and participate/testify • No cost to attend/participate/testify

7. Public Comment Hearing (PCH) • 2nd & Final Public hearing • Anyone can attend and testify at no cost • Agenda • Consent agenda: Block vote on all code changes which did not receive a public comment, or successful assembly action at the first hearing • Individual Consideration Agenda: Debate & vote individually on each code change which received a public comment, or successful assembly action at first hearing • Final vote on whether or not to change the code rests with the ICC Governmental Member Representatives – those who administer, formulate or enforce the regulations and are charged with the public’s health, safety and welfare • This is Code Officials from various city or state departments/agencies: • Building Regulations Department/Agency • Fire Department/State Fire Marshall • Zoning Authority • Health Department/Agency • Energy/Environment Department/Agency • Others

8. Public Comment Hearing (PCH)-Desired Outcomes and Votes Required

9. Public Comment Hearing (PCH) • All information including schedules, procedures, code change forms, public comment forms and a historical record of past cycles is posted at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/codes/Pages/default.aspx • For the ICC policy on Code Development, click here: http://www.iccsafe.org/AboutICC/Documents/CP28-05.pdf

10. cdpACCESS • Starting in 2014 the ICC will be utilizing a new system called cdpACCESS • This system will allow for government officials to cast their vote remotely for a period of (2) weeks after the Committee Action & Public Comment Hearings conclude. • This is critically important because prior to 2014, Governmental Member Representatives had to travel and be physically present to vote. Many jurisdictions did not have the money to facilitate this, and so the pool of voters was much smaller. • Starting in 2014, each jurisdiction (city/state/other govt. entity) will have between 4 and 12 votes for each department (based on population), and all will be eligible to vote electronically without having to travel. • This means the ability to efficiently advocate has become much more difficult and requires much more effort atthe state and local level. • Now – more than ever - BOMA Associations will need to engage their local officials and make their positions known.