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New Building Code for New York

by Trevor B. Hill, PE

The State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council has processed the adoption of several model codes which have become the "Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code" (Uniform Code) and the "State Energy Conservation Construction Code" (Energy Code).

This change from the existing building code took place on July 3, 2002 but allows a 180 day transition period during which building permit applications may be submitted with either the provisions of the current code or the newly adopted provisions. The transition period ends December 30, 2002 at which time the new code only will be in effect.

Modifications and supplements to the International Codes, called "New York State Enhancements", have been made to resolve areas in conflict with existing statutes or regulations, and where additional provisions for health, safety and welfare should be considered. The model codes used to create the Uniform Code and the Energy Code are:

Building Code of New York State (IBC)

Fire Code of New York State (IFC)

Residential Code of New York State (IRC)

Plumbing Code of New York State (IPC)

Mechanical Code of New York State (IMC)

Fuel Gas Code of New York State (IFGC)

Property Maintenance Code of New York State (IPMC)

Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (IECC)

The International Building Code was first published in March 2000. It was the result of collaboration by the three national model code producing organizations; Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI). As of August, 2001 the International Building Code is in effect statewide for fifteen states, in effect locally for seventeen states and is adopted, but not yet effective, in four states.

With the new uniform code come many changes which affect the structural design of buildings, two of these changes are particularly major.

Seismic loading will now be accounted for in the lateral force resisting system (LFRS) of new buildings and renovations of existing buildings where the LFRS is compromised by the alterations. For mid-rise buildings and buildings with high mass this will mean the LFRS will need to be more substantial than what has been required in the past. Small buildings with little mass will not be greatly affected.

Special Inspections will be required for most new construction. Special Inspections, (similar to "controlled inspections" currently required for New York City projects) dictates that professional engineers are a part of the construction process and helps to assure that the project is constructed as intended by the engineer of record.

To read more about the code change visit the New York State Department of State web site at www.dos.state.ny.us/code/newcdproj.html