CHANGES IN THE 2009 I-CODES

AT THE ANNUAL ICC Conference in September 2008 in Minneapolis, MN, the following are changes that were approved and you will see in the 2009 International Building Code and International Residential Code.

Fire sprinklers will be required in all new townhouses and in 2011 in all new one/two family homes.

Carbon monoxide detectors will be required in new homes with fuel-fired equipment or an attached garage.

Swimming pools requirements will reference a new entrapment standard designed to be consistent with the Virginia Graeme Baker Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act.

An additional (third) stairway will be required in all buildings more than 420 ft. in height unless an elevator than can operate during a fire event is usable by occupants. These emergency elevators can be used for evacuation.

Schools (use Group E) fire sprinkler threshold has been reduced to 12,000 sq. ft. (was 24,000 sq. ft.)

Egress capacity for fire sprinklers will be eliminated. It will remain the same for sprinklered and unsprinklered buildings.