Dallas, Denver among latest big cities to opt for I-Codes

Two of the nation's largest cities recently adopted building safety and fire prevention codes developed by the International Code Council to guide construction and protect the residents of their communities.

Dallas adopted the 2000 International Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Energy Conservation, Residential and Existing Building Codes. Most of the adopted codes took effect in Dallas on July 1.

Denver updated its building safety and fire prevention codes for the first time since 1997 when it adopted several I-Codes. Effective Oct. 1, the Colorado capital will enforce the 2003 International Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas and Energy Conservation Codes. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper is a strong advocate of the I-Codes and expects the adoptions to streamline city processes for construction industry professionals.

Other major U.S. cities that use at least one of the I-Codes include Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

In other code adoptions, Rio Grande County in Colorado recently selected the 2003 International Building, Residential and Mechanical Codes to guide construction and enhance public safety. It is the first time Rio Grande has had countywide building standards.

The City of Show Low, Ariz., updated its fire prevention code for the first time since 1988 when officials adopted the International Fire Code, which took effect July 1.

The International Code Council, a membership organization dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.