A new toolkit to help state and local home builders associations work with their jurisdictions to revise the next iteration of building codes and make them more cost-effective, affordable and practical is now available.

The NAHB Construction, Codes and Standards staff created the 2012 I-Codes Adoption Kit to provide members with a list of the suggested amendments and other resources needed to successfully advocate these changes at the state and local level.  

The amendments are designed to address those changes approved during the code development process leading up to the 2012 International Residential Code.  

Suggested amendments for other building codes used in some jurisdictions — including the 2009 I-Codes Adoption Kit and 2009 Energy Code Adoption Action Kit — are also available to NAHB members.

Creating the Guide

At the end of every code development cycle, NAHB reviews all of the approved changes and develops a list of recommended amendments to be proposed when the codes come up for adoption by states, counties, towns and cities.

Each recommendation includes the text to be amended, a statement of why the amendment is needed and the contact information for an NAHB staff member who can provide additional background.  

The NAHB-proposed amendments cover a wide range of requirements — from reinstating equipment trade-off provisions in the energy chapters of the International Residential Code to removing the mandate for residential sprinklers.  

Additional recommended amendments in the 2012 I-Codes cover the expansion of Type-B units in existing buildings, window and door flashing, kitchen exhaust make-up air, mandates for carbon monoxide detectors, and more.

For additional information, email Larry Brown at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8565.