The Alliance and National Center for Healthy Housing submitted several proposals to the ICC on June 1st for the 2009-2010 code change cycle (to improve the 2012 version of the International Property Maintenance Code - IPMC). Click here for a PDF of all proposals. The IPMC applies to all structures but as a practical matter is the nation's model housing code governing conditions in and around the structure that affect occupants. Several states and nearly 600 localities across the country have adopted the IPMC for housing. Other codes of interest are the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and International Existing Building Code (IEBC).

The Alliance and NCHH are pleased to anounce great success at the ICC committee hearings on November 4th! The committee's decisions go for public comment this spring and a final vote by code officials in Charlotte, NC from 10/28 to 11/1/10. The committee accepted three proposals:

• Require use of the lead-safe work practices to repair deteriorated paint on structures built before 1978. The LSWPs are those in EPA's renovation, repair and painting rule. Paint is presumed to be lead-based paint.
• Require carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units with combustion sources or an attached garage. There are exemptions for homes with ventilated or open attached garages.
• Prohibit the use of portable unvented fuel-burning space heaters to provide comfort heating.

Another committee accepted our proposal to adopt California's standards for formaldehyde from composite wood products.

ICC committees gave serious consideration to other proposals but did not approve them. However, NCHH and AFHH anticipates submitting public comments to address committee concerns and pursue approval by the ICC code officials next year. These proposals include:

• Requiring radon-resistant new construction in high risk areas (counties designated Zone 1 and Zone 2).
• Requiring removal, replacement or remediation of interior porous or water permeable surfaces that have visible mold.
• Defining "sanitary" so code inspectors can more effectively apply the term that is used throughout the IPMC and modifying the definition of “infestation.”
• Requiring use of licensed pest management professional when the code official orders pest control.
• Establish clear provisions in the IPMC for standards to address specific health issues.

In a related safety issue, the committee responsible for the International Residential Code affirmed the ICC membership's decision to require sprinklers in one- and two-family housing.

Original Proposals Submitted June 2009 Addressed:

• Health and Safety Chapter: Prevent and eliminate health hazards by requiring compliance with health standards in IPMC, especially for toxics.

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: Require alarms in IEBC and IPMC consistent with IRC language adopted last cycle.

• Space Heaters: Prohibit in IPMC use of unvented, portable fuel-burning space heaters as a primary source of heat, and if used, require a CO alarm.

• Renovations: Modify IEBC to require compliance with EPA’s RRP Rule in order to prevent lead hazards.

• Pre-1978 Structures: Modify IPMC to explicitly prohibit deteriorated paint because it is a presumed hazard in pre-1978 buildings, and require lead-safe repair unless approved test proves paint is not lead-based paint.

• Pest Control: Modify IPMC to require certified professional to eliminate pests in response to a pest control order.

• Infestation: Expand IPMC definition to expressly include bedbugs, cockroaches, and pest rodents, as well as visible pest residues or debris unless there is clear evidence that the pest has been eliminated.

• Sanitary: Add definition to IPMC to specify that this is a condition that is clean and free of pest infestations and residues; human and animal waste; mold; wastewater; sewage; rotting material; and uncontained rubbish or garbage.

• Formaldehyde and Wood Products: Update IBC and IRC to incorporate latest versions of the relevant ANSI standards. These ANSI standards incorporate the stringent California standards for formaldehyde emissions from wood products.

• Radon: Modify the IRC to require Radon Resistant New Constructionin accordance with the current Appendix F in the IRC or ASTM standard 1465 (two proposals).

• Moldy Building Materials: Modify IEBC and IPMC to require repair/removal/remediation of moldy permeable materials made of or containing organic materials, such as but not limited to wood, textiles, paint, cellulose insulation, and paper, including paper-faced gypsum board.

• Swimming Pool Fencing: Modify the IRC to require four sides of fencing around pools.

• Water Temperature Limits: Modify IEBC to reflect IRC language.

The organizations also support proposals from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers to require compliance with ASHRAE’s 62.2 standard for ventilation of low-rise residential buildings: whole-house mechanical ventilation; local ventilation from kitchens and bathrooms; preventing migration of contaminants from an attached garage; and exhaust of range hoods to the outside.

These proposals will receive a final vote (by government agency ICC members only) at a hearing in Charlotte in the fall of 2010. The Alliance encourages healthy homes advocates and code officials in all jurisdictions to support these proposals at the ICC hearings. However, only government staff can vote at the final hearing.

Click here for the Alliance and the National Center for Healthy Housing's proposals to the International Code Council for the 2007-08 code change cycle.

For more information on the model code campaign, contact Jane Malone at jmalone@afhh.org.