New I-Codes Emphasize Fire Service Access, Storm Shelters, And Accessibility

building safety codesPosted by Heidi Schwartz

Jurisdictions and other code users can begin 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.

Changes to the 2015 International Building Code include:

  • Fire service access elevators in high rises are required to be able to accommodate a 24”x 84” stretcher;
  • Educational occupancies and emergency centers located in tornado areas with wind speeds of 250 mph in the Midwest are required to have storm shelters; and
  • The accessibility provisions of Chapter 11 have been updated to include requirements for recreations facilities such as sports/exercise activity areas, amusement rides and pools.

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 spot changes quickly 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.

To download the 2015 I-Codes, click this link.