Highlights from the International Code Council Board of Directors Winter 2023 Meeting in Belize
International Code Council Board President Stuart Tom reflects on the 2023 board meeting in Belize, a country which has made tremendous strides in elevating their building industry.
In early December, myself and the International Code Council Executive Committee, along with Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims and Code Council senior staff, convened in Belize for the board’s annual meeting. The two-day event, held from December 6 to December 7, 2023, featured extensive discussions and included participation from the Belize Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing’s (MIDH) Building Maintenance section.
The meeting agenda included notable presentations addressing key issues, such as the State of the Building Industry in Belize and Hurricane Preparedness/Architectural Readiness, both presented by MIDH. Additionally, the Code Council contributed with a presentation on Residential Affordable Housing/Modular Home Construction.
Building Safety Challenges in Emerging Economies
Along with the presentations, the Code Council Executive Committee and I took the opportunity to meet with Belize government officials in both Belize City and San Pedro. During our visit, we toured a housing community where the Belize government is currently funding the construction of affordable housing units.
“During our time in Belize, meeting with the Association of Professional Architects, the Association of Professional Engineers, the Central Building Authority, and the MIDH provided an insightful perspective on the country’s building codes and programs,” said David Spencer, Vice President of the Code Council Board of Directors. “Several discussions took place regarding the adoption of the International Building Code®, considering regional factors. Another noteworthy topic was the progress of the MIDH in developing a site for low-income housing, with a substantial investment of 11 million U.S. dollars into the program. During the site visit, it was impactful to witness how quickly the homes can be constructed and the lessons learned that have since contributed to enhancements in the design of newer homes.”
This opportunity proved to be truly enlightening for us, offering valuable insights into challenges faced by emerging economies such as Belize. It highlighted the prevalence of informal construction practices in Belize, making it harder for them to adopt building codes like the International Codes® (I-Codes).
“The Belize officials’ comprehensive presentation on their plan review and construction process, coupled with their commitment to continuous improvement, aligns seamlessly with the Code Council’s mission,” said Mike Boso, Secretary for the Code Council Board of Directors. “Throughout every stage, from design to inspections, you could see and feel the passion they have for building safer communities, and it’s the mission of the Code Council to support this effort. The fact that they have incorporated safe rooms into the construction of affordable housing units further emphasizes their commitment to resiliency and the safety of occupants.”
For communities who are facing these challenges, it would be invaluable for them to embrace the changing world to better equip themselves for the future. Given the ever-evolving industry standards and technology, it is crucial for communities to be open to innovative approaches and ideas. As board president, my primary focus is to share the significance of this theme—highlighting the importance of embracing the opportunities presented within our industry.
“It was beneficial to spend time with the government officials from Belize to understand their regulatory environment,” said Michael Wich, Immediate Past President, Code Council Board of Directors. “While there is regulatory infrastructure in place, Belize is looking to formalize minimum construction safety standards and intend to use the I-Codes as the basis for these standards. Affordability is a common issue everywhere, but it is essential in Belize to solve their safe housing needs.”
Belize has made tremendous strides in this regard by welcoming us to help elevate their building industry. We look forward to continued work with the Belize government in their efforts to adapt and adopt our I-Codes.
About the Author
Stuart Tom, P.E., CBO, FIAE, is an executive officer of JAS Pacific, Inc., a professional consulting firm that has provided municipal services to local cities and counties for the past 30 years. Prior to his appointment as President of the firm in 2017, he retired as the Fire Marshal for the City of Glendale, California and served as Building Official for 16 years. Tom currently serves in an influential capacity on several state-wide committees including the CALBO/CalChiefs Building and Fire Advisory Committee.
