Local Code Officials Have Until March 8 to Apply For or Renew ICC Voting Privileges
The International Code Council’s 2024-2026 code development cycle is officially underway. This year marks the beginning of a reorganized three-year cycle that will culminate in voting on all code changes at Public Comment Hearings and Online Governmental Consensus Vote in 2026.
To be eligible to vote in this cycle, local government offices such as building departments, inspection departments, and planning commissions must be active ICC governmental members or have an initial or renewal application submitted by Friday, March 8.
NAHB members are encouraged to speak with their local building officials over the next week to make sure they have renewed their membership if necessary or have applied for a new membership.
Builders serving on local boards of appeal, zoning boards and similar commissions should check if those entities are ICC governmental members, as builders serving on such entities are eligible to be designated as voting representatives.
Code officials from smaller towns and counties are especially underrepresented on the roster of ICC voters, and their views on building codes typically align with builders. NAHB created a guide to help you talk to your local officials about joining ICC as voting members.
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As energy efficiency mandates are becoming more difficult and costly to meet, the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is emerging as an attractive alternative. Alternative code compliance options - like NGBS Green - are beneficial to local jurisdictions and builders alike, as they provide compliance flexibility without compromising energy performance, and can streamline permitting processes and timelines.
Builder and Associate members will work to recruit as many new members as they can by Nov. 30. Winners can earn prizes including LG laundry products and 2027 International Builders' Show perks.
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