These codes include the adoption of the International Building Code® (IBC), International Residential Code® (IRC), International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC), and the International Fire Code® (IFC). According to the International Code Council (ICC), the new codes will provide Idaho with more up-to-date fire, life-safety, and construction standards. The effective date for implementing the new codes statewide is July 1, 2002, while jurisdictions have until Jan. 1, 2003 to adopt the new codes locally.

ICC also says that the Idaho Division of Building Safety, Association of Idaho Cities, Idaho Building Officials, engineers, architects, the building industry, and several other interest groups worked together to rewrite many elements of the Idaho Building Code Act, Title 39, Chapter 41.

“I call this a negotiated piece of legislation. All the stakeholders with an interest were involved in the process. The coalition consisted of a broad group representing the many public and private sectors of the construction industry, along with government,” said Jack Rayne, Building Bureau Chief of the Division of Building Safety. “By working together over a period of several years, we were able to fix a number of things in the statute that needed improvement and modernization to fit with the current and contemporary needs of the State of Idaho, including the adoption of the International Codes. The proposed legislation had the support of all stakeholders and this is why it passed.”

A full copy of the final legislation and implementation process planned for the I-Codes™ can be obtained through the Idaho Division of Building Safety, Building Bureau, 1090 E. Watertower Street, Meridian, ID 83642. The Division of Building Safety can be contacted at 208-334-3896.

Publication date: 05/27/2002