International Construction Codes Update

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has appointed several task forces to review the 2000 version of the International Construction Codes.  Representatives from the Apartment Association serve on two of the task forces, and Association staff and volunteers have been very involved with a third task force which is reviewing the Life Safety section of the IBC.

In this effort, we retained a codes expert to travel to Atlanta and make a presentation to the task force on the issue of sprinkler trade-offs and three additional proposed amendments to the IBC.  To further our advocacy efforts, the consultant also addressed the State Fire Inspector’s meeting last week on the same issues.  The Task Force had asked them for an opinion on these issues.

The Fire Inspector’s Association reconsidered their previous position against sprinkler trade-off provisions and has voted to support the IBC trade-off provisions as written.  Otherwise, they voted to oppose one proposed amendment and to support two others, all of which were submitted by the Portland Cement Association in an effort to sell more concrete.  AAA is opposed to all three amendments.

The PCA amendments would change the IBC to keep the same height and area provisions, material used in firewall construction and firewall ratings currently in effect in Georgia (SBC).  The IBC also allows non-combustible material to be used in firewall construction and greater flexibility in height and area.

The Task Force meets on May 10 to take a final vote on these amendments.  By far, the most important amendment to our industry is the amendment that would remove the sprinkler trade-off provisions from the IBC.  The Association is hopeful that we have turned the issue around and will be successful in our efforts.

 

 

Atlanta Apartment Association, Inc.

8601 Dunwoody Place, Suite 318

Atlanta, GA 30350

(770) 518-4248   FAX: (770) 518-4373

info@atl-apt.org

 

 

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