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CBSC Approves IEBC Appendix
The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) recently approved for adoption Appendix A of the 2006 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) to become the 2007 California Existing Building Code (CEBC).

CBSC Chairperson Rosario Marin and the Commissioners are bringing to life their commitment to adopt new building codes for California by adopting the 2007 CEBC ahead of schedule. The CBSC is sending a clear and reassuring message to California code users, “California will have new codes, that is our most important goal,” comments Secretary Marin.

The 45-Day and subsequent 15-Day Public Comment Periods regarding the agencies proposed amendments to the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) have ended. Comments received and the Final Statement of Reasons “Final Express Terms” that the CBSC will review for approval at the January 16–17, 2007, meeting are available. As soon as these amended codes are adopted by the CBSC, they will become the 2007 California Building, Fire and Existing Building Codes.

Code Council and California Partner on Codes

	ICC recently met with California State agencies to establish benchmarks for the development and eventual publication of the California codes, and to introduce the new eEditor and demonstrate how the codes are being constructed.

The International Code Council is assisting the state in the construction of the California Building, Fire and Existing Building Codes. The Code Council and state agencies have partnered together to produce the best code California has ever promulgated. As the codes are being constructed, each agency may view and comment on the Code Council’s publication work. The result of the agencies’ participation in the construction of the codes could significantly reduce the need for errata.

The partnership between California and International Code Council on the California codes have brought together the state agencies and ICC staff in such a way that each can certainly say “we are builders of codes and friendships at the same time.”

In a recent visit to Sacramento by Sara Yerkes, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Mark Johnson, Senior Vice President of Product Development, and Margi Leddin, Vice President of Publishing, this statement rang true. Code Council staff rolled up their sleeves and worked jointly with state representatives to alleviate any outstanding issues. Staff also wanted to learn what the personality of the California codes are, how ICC can ensure that the codes published reflect the agencies’ commitment to public safety, and develop a presentation that the Building Standards Commission and state agencies will be proud to present.

Even though the 2006 Code Change Cycle is a “fast-track” cycle for California, the agencies will have had one of the longest and the most extensive opportunities to review the pre-publication documents than ever before in California’s building code history. The Code Council’s innovative web-based solution to California’s complex rulemaking process has made all this possible.

Can your jurisdiction complete their local ordinances in 180 days? Contact Rick Carroll to find out if the Code Council’s innovative solution is the answer to this question for your jurisdiction when developing your local ordinances. Ask for a free demonstration.

Weiland Named CEO

	ICC CEO Rick Weiland

The International Code Council Board of Directors promoted the association's Chief Operating Officer, Rick Weiland, to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Weiland succeeds James Lee Witt. Weiland has been the Code Council’s COO for the past three years.

"Obviously, I am very pleased with the Board's decision and ready to tackle the challenge of leading the International Code Council," Weiland said. "I will continue to reach out to members and stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard as we move forward."

Code Council Expands Resources
The Structural Engineers Association of California SEAOC) and the International Code Council have released the 2006 IBC Structural/Seismic Design Manuals, an updated series of design manuals that incorporate requirements defined by the 2006 IBC. These manuals provide numerous structural and seismic examples to support a wide variety of design considerations from wind loads to framing methods.

Code Council CEO Rick Weiland stated, “These manuals, developed by and for structural engineers through our strong collaborative relationship with SEAOC, demonstrate, once again, our commitment to the California building community and to our overall mission to improve public safety and mitigate the effects of natural disaster.”

This commitment is further evidenced with the recent release of Building Codes Illustrated, Second Edition, a highly visual resource guide developed to help the building and design community better understand and apply the 2006 IBC. The second edition is published by John Wiley & Sons in cooperation with the International Code Council.

Weiland added, “We have made a commitment to California, and the resources briefly outlined above are just the beginning. The Code Council will provide the infrastructure and complete support services and products needed to assist California in transitioning to today’s most advanced building safety codes.”

CALBO Earns Chapter of the Year Honor

	CALBO President Sheila Lee accepts the ICC Chapter of the Year Award from Awards Committee Chairman Ed Berkel.

The California Building Officials (CALBO) has been named the 2006 Chapter of the Year by the International Code Council during its Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. With more than 600 members, CALBO has been instrumental in the adoption of the I-Codes in California and the development of California-specific certification programs. CALBO also held a Lobby Day at the state capital to help establish it as the go-to organization for building issues in California. CALBO continued to provide outstanding education programs, training more than 5,000 students at its annual Training Institute.

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NOTE: This eReport is intended to provide information to interested parties as to how the International Code Council, Inc. is assisting CBSC and the state agencies during California’s code adoption process.

Please do not construe this eReport to be reporting on California’s overall code adoption process. Information on this matter must be obtained from the CBSC.

		ICC Vision and Mission Statements Vision: Protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people by creating better buildings and safer communities. Mission: Providing the highest quality codes, standards, products, and services for all concerned with the safety and performance of the built environment.
California eReport December 2006 Volume 2, Issue 4

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