Model Codes Being Reviewed and Updated

As you may already know, the Division of Safety & Buildings is currently reviewing the newer editions of the model codes for use as the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (WCBC). In the current WCBC we adopt and modify the 2006 editions of model codes and correspondingly, that means the standards and references included within those editions of the model codes are even older. One of the many reasons that we try to keep current with the model code adoptions is so that the manufacturers and installers of the most current building materials and system components will know that their materials and the most current methodology for their installation will be approvable for use in Wisconsin's built environment.

Following the publication of the scoping statement for this project, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) began the task of reviewing the recent changes to the five model codes that we adopt and modify to become the WCBC. Those changes are reflected in the 2009 edition of the International Building Code (IBC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and the International Existing Building Code (IEBC). As in the past, as a part of the process we bring together experts from outside the agency to assist us in the review. Those experts are on different advisory councils that are tasked to review those given special parts of the code that align with the specific areas of expertise and skill sets of the experts.

The first specialty group to meet was the General Task Group. Their assignment includes the review of changes taking place within IBC Chapters 1 [Admin.], 2 [Definitions], 3 [Use & Occupancy Classification], 4 [Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use & Occupancy], 5 [General Building Heights & Areas], 6 [Types of Construction], 12 [Interior Environment], 29 [Plumbing Systems], 30 [Elevators & Conveying Systems], 31 [Special Construction], & 33 [Safeguards During Construction]. Within IBC Chapter 3, this group will not have to cover IBC section 307 [High-Hazard Group H]. Within IBC Chapter 4, this group will not have to cover IBC section 404 [Atriums], sections 414 through 418 [Hazardous Materials, H Groups, Application of Flammable Finishes, Drying Rooms, & Organic Coatings] or section 420 [Hydrogen Cutoff Rooms]. Those sections will be handled by the Fire Protection Systems group. The meeting took place on April 16, 2009.

The next was the Fire Systems group which met on April 21, 2009. Their assignment includes the review of changes taking place within IBC Chapter 9 [Fire Resistance], and the provisions of IBC Sections 307 [High-Hazard Group H], 404 [Atriums], 414 [Hazardous Materials], 415 [Groups H-1 through H-5], 416 [Application of Flammable Finishes], 417 [Drying Rooms], & 418 [Organic Coatings].

On April 29th, the Means of Egress Group met. Their assignment includes the review of changes taking place within IBC Chapters 10 [Means of Egress] & 11 [Accessibility].

The Fire Safety group met on May 28th. Their assignment included the review of changes taking place within IBC Chapters 7 [Fire Resistance], 8 [Interior Finishes], 14 [Exterior Walls], 15 [Roof Assemblies & Rooftop Structures] & 26 [Plastic].

Other groups not yet scheduled include: Energy Conservation, HVAC/Mechanical (including IFGC), and Existing Buildings. We are currently anticipating that the work of all those groups will be completed by the end of this summer so that their work can be presented to the two advisory councils we task to provide an overarching review of the work moving forward from the specialty groups. If the schedule is adhered to, public hearings could take place as early as March of 2010. Following that track to its fruition would have the next WCBC that adopts and modifies the 2009 editions of the IBC, IECC, IMC, IFGC and IEBC in effect sometime during the summer of 2010.

If you have any questions on this article or any of the subjects covered, feel free to contact James B. Smith, P.E. [Jim.Smith@wi.gov or 608-266-0251] the program manager for the commercial building program.

-- J.B. Smith, P.E.