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
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2021
Mass Timber group study will compare structural round timber to glulam products and steel
Will compare costs, capabilities, and carbon impacts of structural materials.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2021
Massachusetts creates Commission on Clean Heat
First-of-its kind body to set targets for buildings to reduce emissions from heating fuels.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2021
Commercial real estate industry faces SEC climate disclosure regulations
Risks associated with climate change would have to be revealed.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2021
Group proposes Carbon Use Intensity metric for new buildings
Plan would track embedded carbon on projects.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2021
Illinois’s sweeping climate bill includes statewide stretch code, building electrification measures
Aims for zero-emissions power sector by 2045.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2021
Cities need to step up flood mitigation efforts to save lives
Recent storms highlight climate change dangers.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2021
Steps to improve ventilation for Covid can combat colds and flu
New look at airborne disease spread shows time viruses linger in air may have been underestimated.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2021
USGBC will change leaders, conduct strategic review
Aims to ensure organization is ‘well positioned to scale its work in the post-pandemic world’.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2021
LEED-certified offices earn higher rents than non-sustainable properties
Are also more resilient to dips in real estate market.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2021
Boston turns to developer fees to fund flood protection infrastructure
Assessments on commercial properties will help build seawall and other protective measures.