PUBLIC HEARING PROCESS AND REVIEW FOR THE PROPOSED ADOPTION OF THE 2012 INTERNATIONAL CODES AND THE 2014 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

Public/Stakeholder Participation The Building Standards Commission (BSC) will hold several public hearings to review and receive comments on the newest editions of construction codes which are the 2012 International Codes (ICC). The BSC would then either recommend or not recommend to the City Council to consider the adoption of the 2012 International Codes and the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC). Either way, a recommendation will be taken to the City Council. [ Note: The Building Standards Commission cannot officially adopt an ordinance for the codes. This can only be done by the City Council.] The City of Georgetown is seeking public/stakeholder participation throughout the code review and adoption process. BSC meeting are held every third Thursday of every month, starting at 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, located in the City Council Chambers at 101 East 7th. Estimated time frame for a recommendation to the City Council for code adoption is June or July of 2014, dependent on the length and time it takes to get through the public hearings.

The 2012 International Codes considered for review and proposed adoption Building Plumbing Fire Fuel Gas Wildland-Urban Interface Residential Property Maintenance Swimming Pool and Spa Existing Building Green Building Mechanical Performance Energy Conservation and 2014 National Electrical Code

HISTORY: Where have we been with Building Code Adoptions? Earliest adoption of a complete package of codes for the City of Georgetown began in the 1960’s In 1995, the 1994 (SBCCI), Standard Codes were adopted and updated from the 1985 editions, along with the 1992 CABO, Council of American Building Officials One and Two-Family Dwelling Code In 1998, the 1994 (ICBO) Uniform Building Codes were adopted as a supplementary code package for Economic Development projects to include large commercial projects over 100,000 square feet In 2002, the 2000 International Residential and 2000 International Energy Conservation Codes were adopted as mandated by Senate Bill 365 and 5 of the 77th Texas Legislature

Purpose of the International Codes Code officials, architects, engineers, designers and contractors wanted one model code with one common code format All entities will work with one consistent set of requirements throughout the U.S. Manufacturers can put their best efforts into research and development, rather than designing to the specifications of three different sets of code standards

THE INTENT OF BUILDING CODES Establishment of minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through: Structural strength Means of egress Sanitation Adequate light and sanitation Energy Conservation Providing safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment Providing safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations

Construction Cost and Affordability Associated with the ICC Codes Cost and affordability are addressed during the code development process at the national level The International Residential Code addresses affordability and the importance of that issue with respect to home ownership and safety The International Codes for Commercial Occupancies are “minimum” code requirements and can only be quantified based solely upon design, design cost, occupancy type, construction type, cost of labor, material and amenities at the time of construction Contractors, builders, designer’s time and money now spent complying with regional codes are saved as a result of combining codes and working with nationally consistent codes

Are the International Codes supported, recognized and adopted? June 12, 2001 the United States Congress proclaimed that the International Code (IC) would serve as the code of record for the U.S. The ICC is also supported by : National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International City Managers Association (ICMA) American Institute of Architects (AIA) American Planning Association (APA)

Benefits International Codes meet the minimum Life Safety needs consistent with the accepted standards of engineering and fire protection New technologies for construction are based upon = performances One document for building design and contractors throughout the US The International Codes (IC) create a more attractive development climate for business locations since the IC design / build requirements are familiar to out of state developers Reduction in property loss Improved building safety Reduced insurance rates for the taxpayers

Code Amendments -Revisions-Additions -Deletions Code amendments, revisions, additions and deletions occur at local and state levels Code Change Proposal Forms with submittal examples and Code change closing dates for proposed change submittals to the Building Official Purpose of the Code Change Proposal Forms Public Hearing Procedures and Process for proposed changes, amendments, revisions and significant changes to the 2012 ICC Codes

Questions? Please contact Dave Hall, Building Official if you have questions or for an electronic version of the code change proposal form, code change submittal schedule and the public hearing procedures and process for proposed changes to any of the codes. These forms will also be posted on our website at www.georgetown.org Phone: 512-930-2547 Email: dave.hall@georgetown.org