NAA/NMHC Score Building Code Victories.

NAA/NMHC achieved several significant victories at the preliminary International Code Council (ICC) code development hearings held in April. Most importantly, the committee rejected a proposal to remove provisions NAA/NMHC had placed in the International Building Code (IBC) that allow an extra story and additional building height when owners install an NFPA 13R sprinkler system. NAA/NMHC secured favorable recommendations on changes concerning carbon monoxide detectors, mechanical ventilation, special inspections, smoke control, fire-stopping, foundations, dampers and accessibility. Final hearings and a final vote will be held at the annual conferences of the three model code organizations in September and October.

In other action, despite an aggressive grassroots effort by NAA/NMHC, on May 17, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) once again voted to retain the provision in the National Electrical Code (NEC) that prohibits the use of nonmetallic (NM) sheathed (Romex) wiring in apartment buildings with more than three stories. NAA/NMHC have led a multiyear effort to have the provision removed, based on technical data that NM cable has the same safety performance as Other wiring methods already permitted above three-stories. In stark contrast, the ICC voted last year to allow NM cable in buildings up to four-stories in height. And, at preliminary hearings earlier this year, the code development committee again supported the NAA/NMHC proposal to remove all restrictions based on building height.

Information compiled by NAA/ NMHC Joint Legislative Staff: Senior Vice President Clarine Nardi Riddle; Vice President of Tax Jim Arbury; Vice President Finance and Technology David Cardwell; Vice President of Communications Kim Duty; Vice President of Property Management Jay Harris; Vice President of Environment Eileen Lee; Vice President of Building Codes Ron Nickson; and Mark Obrinsky, Chief Economist and Vice President of Research.