Reference the latest building regulations. Adopt the 2004 Supplement to the International Codes

Code changes strengthening fire-resistance ratings in high-rises, tightening assembly occupancies for sprinklers in nightclubs and requiring visual inspections of fire doors and stairwells in buildings are just some of the code changes included in the 2004 Supplement to the 2003 International Codes. The 2004 Supplement, a reference that can be adopted by jurisdictions, contains the latest developments in building regulations that have occurred since the publication of the 2003 I-Codes.

The 2004 Supplement includes code changes to the 2003 editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Fire Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Energy Conservation Code, ICC Electrical Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Urban-Wildland Interface Code and the International Zoning Code. There were no changes to the ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities.

The International Code Council uses the governmental consensus process to develop its building safety and fire prevention codes. Expert committees hear all code change proposals. An appeals process allows anyone to appeal an action or inaction of a code committee.

"The governmental consensus process is an open, inclusive process that allows input from all individuals and groups," said International Code Council Chief Executive Officer James Lee Witt. "Final decisions are made by code enforcement and fire officials who, with no vested interest beyond public safety, represent the public's best interest."

Following publication of the 2003 I-Codes, the International Code Council called for code change proposals to begin the next I-Code Development Cycle. Staff compiled the proposals into a monograph of Proposed Changes to the I-Codes, convened code development hearings, published the Report of the Public Hearing, received public comments, published the public comments in the Final Action Agenda and held the Final Action Hearings.

The 2004 Supplement contains the changes submitted in the 2003/2004 Code Development Cycle that were approved by the voting membership of the International Code Council. To purchase a copy of the 2004 Supplement ($13 list, $10 ICC members), visit www.iccsafe.org or call 1 (800) 786-4452.

The International Code Council, a membership association 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.