Code Changes

[SteelPE]

I am wondering how you go about being notified about when there is a change in the building code for your jurisdiction and how you verify a change has actually happened. I always seem to get a phone call from my network saying that there has been a change and I go on the state website to verify one has indeed happened. However, I was just notified that there was a change, but can't seem to find anything about it anywhere.

With regards to changes, it always seems like I find out 1-2 months after it happened. You would think with the fees we pay for our licenses there would be some type of memo sent out notifying you of what is going on..... but then again, with the way government is run, the person to oversee this would probably want $500k/year to write a memo every once in a while.

 

[calvinandhobbes10]

While it is certainly cumbersome, it's our job as engineers to track this for the states in which we work. Most boards adopt new codes on a predictable timeline. I'm surprised to hear that a 1-2 month later has significant impact on your projects. Typically the governing code kicks in at project kickoff.

Many states including mine are on a three-year "lag", meaning we are still in IBC 2012. Sometimes the new-code adoption date prompts owners to "get in" construction that avoids certain compliance with new codes. The continuous-insulation Energy Code requirement was a good example of this.

 

[hawkaz]

Also keep in mind that not all states have state codes. There are at least 3 building codes still in use in various cities in Arizona. For every project, I call the municipality to confirm what they use.

 

[SteelPE]

In my jurisdiction the code at the time of permitting is the code that is used. I could have jobs that are 1/2 through design when the code changes. I usually get a tip from contacts at metal building companies. Historically there has been an overlap of the codes (6 months) to flush out this problem. It's kind of a pain, and they should at least put something together in an email considering I give them $ every few years to keep my license up to date.

 

[MotorCity]

Here are my methods for finding out about code changes....
1. Attend a seminar. There are plenty out there, although $$$
2. Modern Steel Construction, Structure, and other magazines and publications usually have decent code change articles
3. Peers at work
4. Scour the internet (since everything you find online is accurate and reliable, hahaha)
5. Flip back and forth through the new code frantically looking for changes while working on a project
5. and last, but not least....other Eng_tippers!

 

[msquared48]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[SteelPE]

MotorCity,

But that is not the code change I am talking about. I am talking about a change of the entire code and when it happens (from say IBC 2009 to IBC 2012). Seems the jurisdictions I work in always tweak the code here and there. One day we are on IBC 2009 the next IBC 2012. Would be nice to get an email saying, hey, use IBC 2012 now.

 

[MotorCity]

msquared48 - nice catch, maybe I should search for articles on numbering instead of code changes?

SteelPE - ah, I see. Before starting a project, I have made a habit of going to the city website to see if they list the code (most of the time they do). If a code was recently released, I call or email the building department to see what their plan is for picking a code. Most of the time, they have no idea if/when the new code will be adopted so they "suggest" using the most recent code (but of course won't put it in writing). So far that approach has worked, seems most people don't object to using the latest and greatest code.....until it contains a clause that does not work out in their favor.

 

[StructuresDesign]

In Nevada, the State adopts the IBC,IPC, etc. with amendments on January 1st the following year. However, I have worked with Nevada counties that were still using the 2003 IBC as late as 2013 (even though the State require that they adopt the same code as the State).