New York State Adopts I-Codes
The New York State (NYS) Fire Prevention and Building Code Council voted last week to adopt the 2003 I-Codes with state modifications. This was the last formal action in the adoption process after the documents underwent a required public comment period that ended March 12. The NYS Fire Prevention and Building Code Council gave final consideration to comments received from public hearings held in Albany, Syracuse, Amherst and Hempstead.

The updated codes are based on the 2003 International Building, Residential, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical, Property Maintenance, Fuel Gas, Existing Building and Energy Conservation Codes. It is anticipated the new codes will go into effect August 1.

Are You Eligible to Vote?

The agenda for the Final Action Hearings is now available, but are you ready to vote? Following an update to policy CP-28 governing code change voting at final action hearings, the Council encourages Governmental Members to review their records to ensure they can obtain their voting credentials. Modifications must be received 10 days prior to the start of a public hearing, which applies to the upcoming May Codes Forum in Rochester, New York. Don't delay. Review your membership record now.

Professional Design Institute Comes to Rochester
The Design Professional Institute at this year's Codes Forum in Rochester, New York, will allow you to interact with highly recognized code educators, gain valuable insight, share experiences and network with a greater number of like-minded professionals. Plus, you will receive up-to-date resource manuals to reference back on the job. Register by April 9 to save.

New Bills Target Certification Abuse
New York City will soon have two extra tools to crack down on engineers and architects caught certifying illegal plans with the Buildings Department. Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed two bills, passed unanimously by the City Council, which impose harsher penalties on professional engineers and registered architects who abuse self-certification by attesting that their own building plans adhere to zoning and building codes.

Penalties Increase for Non-Permit Work
As of February 5, civil penalties associated with Work Without a Permit violations are being assessed with a new fee structure. For one- and two-family houses, penalties are now four times the amount of the permit filing fee, and for all other work without a permit, penalties have increased to 14 times the amount of the permit filing fee. View the fact sheet for more information.

Come Forward and Nominate

Awards Committee Chairman Ed Berkel (left) presents last year's Code Official of the Year Award to Donald "Mickey" Arp.

It's that time again to encourage people to think outside the box and nominate someone they know for their accomplishments and service to the Code Council and the building safety industry. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2007 ICC Awards in several categories. It's always nice to be recognized, and this is a fantastic opportunity for the code community to recognize and reward its own. Take the time to fill out the nomination form and put someone you admire out there.

Commissioner Awarded for Vision
Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster, FAIA, was recognized as the Visionary of the Year at the International Facility Management Association Annual Awards of Excellence Dinner. The award is given to individuals who inspire others to create a better environment in New York City.

Scaffold Recommendations Implemented
A first step to better protect workers on scaffolds was announced by Mayor Michael Bloomberg based on the recommendations of the Suspended Scaffold Worker Safety Task Force. Over the next four years, the City will invest $6 million in implementing the recommendations, with $4 million going to create a new Scaffold Safety Unit within the Department of Buildings to conduct proactive, focused inspections of scaffolds in New York City.

Easier Demolition Permit Renewals
The demolition permit renewal process of NYC has been streamlined to make it easier to do business with the City. Effective immediately, Borough Managers and Service Managers will now be able to assist in renewing demolition permits.

High-Rise Team Created for Manhattan
The NYC Department of Buildings is creating a new High-Rise Team to help facilitate the development and construction of high-rise buildings in Manhattan. The new team will work closely with applicants to coordinate the plan examination, approval, inspection and sign-off process of new buildings 15 stories and higher in Manhattan.

Electrical Permits Required with Sidewalk Sheds
Effective immediately, to ensure the safety of the public, when applying for a sidewalk shed in Manhattan you must now also submit documentation verifying that you have also filed for an electrical permit.

NYSERDA Launches Building Program
Based partly on the success of the first U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified Energy Star multifamily building in the U.S.—the 1212 MLK Apartments in the Bronx—the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has launched a program to encourage the construction of more energy-efficient multi-family buildings.

Green Building Web Page Launched
The Code Council has launched a new green building web page on the ICC website. The page includes the ICC Green Building Survey, the Council’s Policy Position Statement and Green Building White Paper, and information on how to initiate a green building program. The page also includes news, links and articles of interest.

ICC Out and About

ICC Director of State and Local Government Relations Dorothy Harris (right) swears in the officers of the Building Inspectors Association of Nassau County (BIANCO) during their February 9 dinner event. BIANCO is New York's 18th Chapter!

Joseph Johnson (left), BIANCO's longest serving building inspector, was awarded honorary ICC membership. With him is NYSBOC President Steven McDaniel (ICC Statewide Chapter) and NYSBOC BIANCO Delegate Robert Bonnie.

Dorothy Harris and ICC Board member Ron Piester (right) with the officers of the Niagara Frontier NYSBOC (ICC Chapter) during their January conference.

Dorothy Harris (far right) and ICC Board member Ron Piester (second from right) swear in officers at Tri-County NYSBOC's meeting. Tri-County is the newest ICC New York Chapter. Gene Jaques is the new Chapter President.

Ron Piester and Dorothy Harris (second and third from left) met with Westchester NYSBOC ICC Chapter President Sal Pennelle (third from right) and others during the March 12 Educational Conference in White Plains, New York.