New York State’s building code is outdated and is hampering the recruitment of high-tech employers, according to a coalition of construction, fire safety, and insurance industry groups.
The variance process slows down the process of planning and developing a project, said Dottie Harris, vice president of International Code Council. The state’s code does not address modern construction materials and complex construction techniques used in chip fabrication plants, she said.
International Code Council is part of Build Safe NY Alliance, a new coalition advocating that the state adopt the 2015 version of the International Code Council’s model building codes. Doing so would make New York code consistent with building codes in other states, according to Joe Hogan, vice president for building services with AGC of New York.
The State Code Council, a panel of 17 people appointed by the governor, will decide whether and how to update the code. The coalition is urging the state council to adopt the 2015 code at its Feb. 11 meeting and make it effective in August.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 24, 2017
Non-union labor gaining ground in New York City
President of contractors’ group says competitive pricing is spurring more open shops.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2017
New tallest tower west of the Mississippi built to stringent seismic standards
L.A.’s new 1,100-foot skyscraper dominates city’s skyline.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2017
Chicago rises to the top of U.S. cities in percentage of LEED or Energy Star office buildings
Certified office buildings reach 66% in windy city.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2017
Economic impacts of climate change will jump over next two decades
Average annual cost to buildings and infrastructure from eastern storms to rise by $7.3 billion.
Codes and Standards | Jul 18, 2017
Energy modeling yields accuracy within 4%, says new study
Results of the study support the usefulness of the practice.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2017
Net Zero Energy rebranded as ‘Zero Energy’
ILF aims to make new certification the sole standard for highest performing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2017
New York City creates $10 million fund to help women- and minority-owned firms win construction contracts
The money is earmarked for up to $500,000 surety bonds per contract.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2017
New International Building Code allows weather-resistive barriers above 40 feet
Danger of propagating flames now deemed negligible.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2017
New mass plywood panel project moves ahead with federal grant
New material is substitute for concrete and steel in multi-story projects.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2017
Trump ups ante on apprenticeships, gives private sector more room to design them
Initiative aimed at alleviating construction industry worker shortage.