Never Underestimate the Importance of Participating in the Codes Process

The International Codes Council (ICC) begins its Online Governmental Consensus Vote on Nov. 15 to determine which code proposals will make the cut for the 2021 building, fire, mechanical, and other I-Codes. This is the final step for this year’s group of codes.

So now is the time home builders have the best opportunity to influence the next set of I-Codes.

NAHB has developed voting guides and a list of local codes officials for members of its “One and Done” campaign. The guides – a High Priority Voting Guide addressing the 15 most significant proposals and a Comprehensive Voting Guide listing all of the proposals where NAHB has taken a position – have been distributed to One and Done volunteers and are being shared with local voting code officials right now.

This grassroots effort is an ideal way to capitalize upon NAHB’s capabilities at the local level with very little effort required by the members. In the last online ICC vote, an additional four votes per state would have resulted in NAHB losing only two proposal out of the over 400 proposals where we took a position.

A lot of work went into developing the guides and the One and Done campaign, and HBAs have taken notice.

“We are really happy that NAHB has developed this comprehensive voter list and voting guide for this code cycle,” said Nat Hodgson, executive director of the Southern Nevada HBA. “For engaged HBAs like SNHBA, it saves us time and maximizes our efforts.”

One and Done affords HBAs an opportunity to begin their involvement in the codes process. SNHBA is already very engaged in the process, a top priority for the HBA.

When Southern Nevada Building Officials appointed a small group to review the 2018 codes already adopted by Southern Nevada jurisdictions and propose changes to be submitted to the ICC for the 2021 codes, Hodgson and SNHBA Government Affairs Director Amanda Moss won seats on the committee, becoming the only building representatives in the group.

“Partnering with NAHB in the One and Done campaign saved us effort,” said Moss. “And I think it would be perfect for HBAs that have not yet engaged in the codes process.”

While there is only a week to go until voting begins, it’s not too late to sign up, receive the materials and make one contact. Sign up today. ICC voting runs Nov. 15-30.

For additional information, contact Craig Drumheller.