2011 Code Changes

Q & A

Q: Are there changes to the code every year?

A: No, not normally.

Q: What do you mean, not normally?

A: New York State Uniform Code is on a three year revision cycle, meaning every three years the Uniform Code is revised and reprinted.

Q: Why don’t they do it as needed?

A: The ‘old’ Uniform Code [pre-2002] was kind of like that. Through the year, new pages were sent out to the world to replace existing pages in the code book. If you got the changes, and actually took the old ones out and put the new ones in, you had the new revised text. After nearly twenty years of this, it was hard to find, or verify, that all code books were complete.

Q: So that system changed in 2002?

A: Yes, along with the adoption of the International Building Codes. The International Code Council (ICC), which administers the printing and adoption process – not enforcement- has a three year rotating cycle of revision. During the three years, through a complex system of hearings, a multitude of amendments are entertained. Once this process is complete, each state, including New York, can decide if they will accept the proposed changes for their state.

Q: Is this International Code the same in every state?

A: Not exactly, but very close.

Q: Why not?

A: Probably for two basic reasons. First, can you imagine all of the states trying to agree on code language???? And second, many states clearly have different needs, example; snow load requirements from Florida to New York. So far, the ICC seems to have a great way of keeping the process in motion without having it get all bogged down in the politics.

Q: Did New York State have a lot of changes for this last round of revisions?

A: They had a fair amount. Most were relatively simple, but some were a little more impacting. Here are a few examples…not all;

The Energy Code no longer requires higher R-values for electric heat.

The Energy Code also no longer offers any exemptions for wood heat, the structure must comply even if heated by only wood, wind or solar [or other renewable sources of heat].

The ‘50%’ rule of alterations no longer applies. In most cases, alterations and repairs must comply.

Additional inspection requirements for new ansul fire suppression systems and vent hoods in commercial establishments.

Amanda Law [carbon-monoxide detection and warning] included in code.

Driveway requirements on single family dwellings over 300 feet long….never in code before.

Entire Basement wall to be insulated to 10 feet below grade [if basement is that deep]. Old code was to 4 feet below grade.

Spray foam between floor joists at exterior of basement wall only, may remain exposed.

New homes may require blower door test [as part of Energy Code].

All rooms shall have arc-fault outlets.

 

Q: Who thinks all this stuff up?

A: During the three year cycle, suggestions are sent into the NYS Dept. of State, Codes division, or directly to the ICC. These suggestions can come from Code Officials, Fire Departments, contractors, Architects and Engineers or even citizens. All suggestions are discussed at various committee meetings. Ultimately, the ones that make it through the review process and into the proposed changes had to be very popular and were deemed appropriate. Probably 98% of what is proposed never makes it.

Call your Code Office with specific questions.