by Andrew Getty
As the years pass by, continued training regarding codes are a given. Every Code certified Enforcement Officer in the State of New York must maintain at least 24 hours of classroom training every year.
Since 1984, all training is either given by the Department of State, or at least the program has been approved by the DOS.
After so many years of doing this, some of the programs can be a little repetitive.
But, codes do change, there’s no doubt about that either.
The training is healthy, for many reasons. Most Code Officers will take a 3.5-to-4 day program and go to where the training is being held.
Sure, it’s good to get out of the office for the best part of a week, but it’s also a lot of sitting and classroom time as well.
There is always something to learn be it new or old.
Another good thing is the networking with hundreds of other Code Officers from around the state, and the instructors to share stories.
There are rumors out there about some rather substantial code changes that have been under consideration for years.
Again, the idea of residential sprinklers for single family homes, major additions and renovations may be on the table for adoption soon. This is a big one.
The concept has been tossed around in New York State for 10–15 years, even longer.
Many other states have already adopted a sprinkler requirement for houses years ago.
Because technology and advances in engineering for these systems, and the fact that they do save lives, property and reduce injury to emergency responders, sooner or later New York State will adopt into law a sprinkler requirement for houses.
Another topic likely to be on the table may be increased energy saving (reduced energy consumption) for all buildings, including the single family dwelling.
This would cover things like insulation, air infiltration, windows, doors, penetrations (vents, stacks, wiring), electrical usage, and water usage… anything that will reduce the carbon footprint of any structure.
Contractors…you do know about the blower door test don’t you? It’s one of a number of requirements to comply with the energy codes.
Get ready…get familiar with it…yep, another one of those things required.
Actually, someone could create a nice career for themselves by getting certified in this field and providing the energy test on structures to verify compliance. Just a thought.
The vast majority of the code will not change. All the basics snow loads, wind loads, frost depths (although with this weather…) egress, smoke and fire alarms…most everything will not change.
Anything to do with energy will be on the table every year for a while.
And the residential sprinkler has been an issue for a long, long time. Eventually it will pass.
Not sure how that will play out in this area, as over three quarters of all houses are owned by out-of-town owners.
But it is what it is, we will deal with it…and so will the new home owners and contractors.
On a little side note…Jan, I’m really happy to see your articles continue. It’s clear you enjoy them. Keep them coming…Even if the topic gets a little risqué, that’s fine! Tell me, how would this newspaper be regulated or rated anyway? PG…X? And who would rate it?
I have enough regulatory things to deal with, let’s not give anybody the big idea of ‘rating’ the local paper.
Of course, that would not fall under the jurisdiction of a code office, would it?
Hang in there, TaTa!!