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.