Vice President of Public Policy
(703) 931-4533, ext. 12
Three more states choose International Codes
Nebraska, Nevada and Oklahoma are the latest in a string of International
Code adoptions that have occurred across the United States.
Nebraska adopted the 2000 International Building Code, International
Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code
for its state building code. On May 30, Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns signed
the bill. It goes into effect January 1. All state agencies must comply
with the new state code. Nebraska cities can update their codes to the
most recent edition of the state code. The state's two largest cities,
Lincoln and Omaha, already have adopted the IBC and IRC.
The Nevada State Public Works Board must adopt the seismic provisions
of the IBC, according to an act signed on June 9 by Gov. Kenny Guinn.
Nevada's new seismic provisions become effective July 1 for all public
state works. Governing bodies in Nevada municipalities have until July
1, 2004 to implement the new regulations.
Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Robert Doke on June 1 adopted the 2003 IBC,
International Fire Code, International Property Maintenance Code
and International Existing Building Code. Effective November 1,
the codes become the minimum standards for all Oklahoma jurisdictions
that adopt model codes and are mandatory for jurisdictions that do not
adopt codes locally.
Nationwide, 46 states have adopted one or more of the International Codes
at the state or jurisdictional level. The District of Columbia, Puerto
Rico and federal agencies also are enforcing one or more of the International
Codes.
The ICC, a 50,000-member association dedicated to building safety, develops
the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including
homes and schools. The majority of U.S. cities, counties and states that
adopt codes choose building safety and fire prevention codes developed
by the ICC.
