Over the last several years, we have been discussing the importance of becoming involved in the International Code Council (ICC) code development process. In 2019, the ICC will be amending the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The ICC is the main source of standards for the residential construction segment and they impact how, where and when natural gas can be used in a home or business. An overwhelming majority of our state and local jurisdictions already use some version of the ICC’s model codes.
Now, more than ever, APGA members need to participate in the development of the model building codes that form the basis of construction regulations across the country. As a Government Member you may designate four to 12 voting representatives. Dues are also based on population and range from $135 to $370 per system. March 15 is the last day you can register and still vote on the 2019 building code amendments.
In this code cycle, the direct use of natural gas will face multiple proposals that could try to eliminate or severely limit the use of natural gas in homes. We already know there will be a proposal to ban the use of vent-free fireplaces. We also anticipate proposals to limit home refueling stations.
We are asking for your help to develop the next generation of building codes. These updated model codes form the basis for uniformity in building safety in all 50 states. To aid in our participation of the code development process we will be hosting an informational webinar in early March to discuss the ICC process as well as to help people register for the ICC.
Please make participation in the ICC’s model code development process a top priority every year. We appreciate your time and we look forward to working with you.
For questions on this article, please contact Dan Lapato of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at
dlapato@apga.org.