WASHINGTON — Jurisdictions and other code users can begin today to prepare for adoption and use of the newest building safety codes. The 2015 International Codes (I-Codes) developed by International Code Council Members and other safety advocates at public hearings using the governmental consensus process.
“The 2015 International Codes reflect the most advanced building science construction methods and practices available,” said ICC CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “The I-Codes are a comprehensive and coordinated family of codes that support the construction industry to achieve resiliency, safety, innovation and affordability in the built environment.”
The 2015 I-Codes provide flexibility for designers without compromising safety. Many 2015 I-Code sections have been reworded or reorganized to clarify requirements, so they can be applied consistently. The 2015 I-Codes address design and installation of innovative materials and encourage the use of new and smarter technological advances.
2015 ICC codes will have tougher hot water regulations
Changes to the 2015 International Plumbing Code, 2015 International Mechanical Code and 2015 Fuel Gas Code include:
• The weighted average of lead content used in drinking water pipe and fittings has been reduced to a “lead-free” value of not more than 0.25% lead to meet the new requirements of the Federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act;
• Requirements related to subsurface landscape irrigation systems that were previously found in the Gray Water Recycling Systems Chapter was updated and relocated to a new chapter entitled Subsurface Landscape Irrigation Systems;
• Provisions for commercial kitchen hoods were completely reorganized and separated based on general provisions versus related sections for Type I and Type II hoods; and
• Condensate pumps located in attics, crawl spaces and other uninhabited spaces must now be connected to the appliance served to shut down the appliance upon failure of the pumping system.
A variety of book formats are available to code users for added convenience. Code users can select from soft cover, loose leaf, eBook, or PDF download. A new feature added to the 2015 I-Codes in PDF is the Redline version. This new component, included with every 2015 I-Code download purchase, displays deletions and revisions in red and blue font allowing the reader to quickly spot changes and determine the specifics of each change. This option requires a PDF Reader and can be used on mobile devices.
All 2015 I-Code print and digital purchases include a free subscription to ICC’s new Code Alert service that provides critical code updates and free access to videos, excerpts from support documents and training resources.
Helpful resources that assist code users in learning and applying the 2015 I-Codes are scheduled for release throughout the next year. The Significant Changes series, Code and Commentary series and Study Companions will be released this summer, fall and winter, respectively.
First released in 2000, the family of International Codes continues to be the only coordinated and correlated set of construction codes to address building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, property maintenance, zoning and energy efficiency.
The International Code Council is a member-focused association. It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.