GSA adopts new accessibility guidelines for federal properties

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) adopted a new rule with new accessibility guidelines for federal buildings. The rule establishes that pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.

Codes and Standards

New York State building code update would ban fossil fuels in new buildings

New York’s Building Code Council is set to include the All-Electric Buildings Act in its 2025 code update. The Act would ban natural gas and other fossil fuels in new buildings.

Codes and Standards

Berkeley, Calif., voters will decide whether to tax large buildings with gas hookups

After a court struck down a first-in-the-nation ban on gas hookups in new buildings last year, voters in Berkeley, Calif., will have their say in November on a measure to tax large buildings that use natural gas.

MFPRO+ News

Seattle mayor wants to scale back energy code to spur more housing construction

Seattle’s mayor recently proposed that the city scale back a scheduled revamping of its building energy code to help boost housing production. The proposal would halt an update to the city’s multifamily and commercial building energy code that is scheduled to take effect later this year.

Apr 19, 2012

Innovative plan for storm water in Philadelphia gets EPA’s OK

Philadelphia's $2 billion plan to manage its storm water with green methods including porous pavement, green roofs, and more trees, was officially approved last week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Apr 13, 2012

New York City’s building department investigating structural collapse that killed worker

Following a worker’s death, the collapse of a century-old, two-story warehouse under demolition as part of Columbia University’s expansion is under investigation by the city’s Building Department.

Apr 13, 2012

Federal court reduces statute of limitations for OSHA action on record-keeping violations

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit sharply curtailed the period of time that companies can be cited for Occupational Safety and Health reporting violations, reversing the decision of an administrative panel and longstanding agency precedent.

Apr 5, 2012

Retailers, banks among most affected by new ADA rules

On March 15, the most significant changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) since it became law in 1991 went into effect.

Mar 30, 2012

Chicago may allow people to live in retail spaces

The Chicago City Council’s Zoning Committee approved a zoning change that will allow up to 50% of work space in low-intensity business districts to be used for living space.