Code Review Committee to Review Proposals

The Code Review Committee tasked with reviewing the 2009 IRC to create the Michigan Residential Code 2009 edition is busy working on many proposed code changes.  The code review committee has scheduled an important meeting on July 22, 2009.  The meeting which is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am will take place at the Michigan Library and Historic Center in Lansing and will hear testimony in response to multiple proposals which have been submitted to remove the residential sprinkler requirements found in the 2009 International Residential Code.

Advocates of residential sprinklers as well as opponents will be present to provide testimony to the review committee.

How can you help?

There are multiple ways to help and provide feedback to the committee and the Bureau of Construction Codes

1. Communicate with your local elected leaders, building official, and community advocates on the benefits of residential sprinklers.  Provide them with the facts on costs and the benefits your community will receive if the future housing stock was provided with a residential sprinkler system.
2. MFIS is encouraging all members to attend the July 22, 2009 meeting and provide testimony on residential sprinklers.  Additional information can be received by emailing MFIS (help@mfis.org) who can also provide information to assist on July 22, 2009.
3. It is our understanding that letters can be transmitted via email (matsumotos@michigan.gov) by July 17, 2009 and treated as testimony for the proposed code changes.  The letters will be transmitted to the code review committee.
4. Your elected leaders, fire department, building officials and community can send letters or resolution to the Construction Code Commission, the Code Review Committee or the Director of Construction Codes (Mr. Irvin Poke).

Mailing Address
Bureau of Construction Codes
Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth
Post Office Box 30254
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Attention Director Irvin Poke,

With the current status of Michigan’s Economy there is no better time to ensure sprinklers are installed in all new homes.  Code Officials came together and voted this important code change into the International Code, lets make sure Michigan does not take it out.

With or without the code language its time to become an advocate and ensure your department is Built for Life.

MFIS Members at the ICC

Today Michigan Fire Inspectors were well represented by members of the board and 15 general members at the ICC code changes.  The group traveled to Minnesota to work on the various code changes as it relates to the 2009 I-Code Series.  One of the main focus is the vote for residential sprinklers.  If you were not aware code change RB64 07/08 is to install residential sprinklers in homes built in accordance with the International Residential Code.  This was one of the biggest votes in ICC history.  We are proud to annouce that the code change was approved by the membership and would take place on January 1, 2011.  This would only take place if adopted by the State of Michigan through the signle state construction code act.

For More informaiton visit Inspector911.com

The International Code Council will hold its final action code hearings the week following our fall conference (September 17-23, 2008 Minneapolis Convention Center Minneapolis, MN). Michigan fire service is looking to make a big impact on the code changes that will affect our membership. We need your help to make these changes a success. Here’s what you can do

1. Are you a governmental member with the ICC? Make sure that you have the status of a governmental member by calling the ICC (Call ICC at 888-422-7233 x 33804). If not, sign up today. As part of becoming a governmental member of the ICC you receive free code books. The cost of the books exceeds the membership price (communities with under 50,000 population the membership cost is $100 and is good for 4 staff, 50,000-150,000 population, membership is $180, 8 voting members)
2. Email MFIS and let us know you are intending to go to the hearings.  The hearings will be September 17-23, 2008 Minneapolis Convention Center Minneapolis, MN
3. Register on-line with the IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition. Visit their site and register.
4. Work on your fall budget now. Most of us can obtain air fair and lodging for under $2,000 dollars. There may be some costs associated with meals and the like although this is the chance to really learn the codes you utilize.

What is the final action hearings anyways? The final action hearings will affect the body of the code changes that will become the 2009 ICC codes. During final action hearings any member of the ICC can testify before the general body. The only people that can vote are ICC governmental members (don’t worry we will help you on what is going on). The final action hearings will take place in Minnesota.

Please work on the above issues and we will keep you in the loop.