Two bills in the Maryland House of Representatives that would restrict the use of wood-frame construction are getting harsh criticism from the timber industry and the design and construction community.
Maryland House Bill 1311 would prohibit a multifamily dwelling from being constructed using wood-frame construction in communities exceeding a specified population density. A similar bill has been introduced in Maryland’s Senate.
American Wood Council (AWC) Northeast Regional Manager Matt Hunter, and representatives from building owners, architecture, development, and engineering, all testified against the bill.
“These bills would circumvent the extensive effort architects, engineers, and building code officials put into the process to regularly update the national model building codes,” Hunter said. “The construction requirements of the model codes are developed by the International Code Council, and approved by building and fire officials from all over the country in a consensus process. Subsequently, Maryland adopts these model codes and requires each jurisdiction to use this building code.”
“The code establishes requirements such that all buildings have similar safety performance regardless of the materials from which they are constructed,” he continued. “There needs to be a realization that fires occur in buildings of all construction types and materials, and all buildings are affected by fire. In most instances it is the furnishings and contents brought into buildings that cause fires, so targeting wood construction in multi-family buildings is not going to improve occupant or firefighter life safety.”
Related Stories
| May 15, 2013
New York City Council okays plans for Cornell's huge net-zero tech campus
Cornell University's proposal to build a two million sf tech campus on Roosevelt Island has been approved by the New York City Council.
| May 15, 2013
Center for Green Schools, Architecture for Humanity release new tool for green schools
The 70-page guide demystifies the processes of identifying building improvement opportunities and finance and implementation strategies.
| May 15, 2013
AAMA extends NAFS certification on fenestration products
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) announced the release of an interim procedural guide that will provide a documented, optional process to extend current, unexpired AAMA product certification to any edition of AAMA/WDMA(/CSA) 101/I.S.2(/A440), North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights (NAFS).
| May 9, 2013
New developments would face tougher stormwater rules than redeveloped sites under EPA proposal
New developments would have to meet more stringent stormwater-retention standards than redeveloped sites under a forthcoming Environmental Protection Agency proposal.
| May 9, 2013
Proposed ASHRAE systems manual uniform procedure guideline open for public review
A proposed guideline that will establish a uniform procedure for transmitting design, construction, testing, and operational information to building owners and operators is open for public comment.
| May 9, 2013
Post-tornado Greensburg, Kan., leads world in LEED-certified buildings per capita
Six years after a tornado virtually wiped out the town, Greensburg, Kan., is the world's leading community in LEED-certified buildings per capita.
| May 9, 2013
SMACNA’s new HVAC sound and vibration guide open for public review
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association’s (SMACNA’s) new “HVAC Systems Sound and Vibration Guide” is available for a 45-day public review.
| May 9, 2013
NSF Sustainability launches VOC emissions testing, certification for commercial furniture industry
New program offers sustainable certification and indoor air quality testing for commercial furniture makers.
| May 1, 2013
House bill would give OSHA more authority over state workplace-safety plans
A recently introduced U.S. House of Representatives bill would give the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) more authority over state workplace-safety plans and toughen penalties for companies that knowingly violate OSHA regulations.
| May 1, 2013
New commercial landlord disclosures go into effect in California in July
Two new landlord disclosure requirements become effective in California on July 1, 2013.