Talk to Your Local Code Officials as They Vote on Building Codes

Local code officials this week began voting on proposed changes to building codes. NAHB is asking members to share home builder positions on proposed changes with code officials. If just one member of each HBA in the Federation shares these positions with one code official, it could result in better building codes.

NAHB strongly supports building codes that result in safe, decent and affordable housing, in alignment with our organizational mission “to protect the American Dream of housing opportunities for all.”

When changes are proposed to the building and energy codes, state and local code officials usually agree with home builders: Change is good only when it makes new homes safer and more efficient — without costing so much that home buyers can’t afford them. These officials, like home builders, reject changes that benefit product manufacturers more than home owners.

The International Code Council has begun its online governmental consensus vote (OGCV) to determine what changes will be made to building codes. The current code development cycle will determine changed in the 2027 codes and combines Group A and Group B into one vote, including codes of importance to home builders:

• The International Residential Code
• The International Building Code
• International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• International Fire Code (IFC)
• The International Fire and Wildland-Urban Interface Codes

NAHB has created a voting resource members can share with their local code officials as they get ready to vote. The resource lists all the proposals that NAHB believes will have a positive or negative impact on the construction industry.

When evaluating proposed changes to model building codes, NAHB puts home owners first using a three-pronged approach to assess the impact of a new code requirement:

• Need: Is the proposal truly needed, with real-world cases demonstrating an urgent safety, mechanical, electrical or other issue that should be addressed through the code to protect home owners?
• Effectiveness: Will the proposal, as written, solve the need identified?
• Home Owner Acceptance: Is the proposal likely to meet with home owner acceptance, including cost impact?

The voting resource highlights recommendations for the upcoming ICC online voting after careful consideration by NAHB members and staff using the criteria above. All recommendations put home owners first and offer supporting rationales.

Please share the document with your local code officials so that the building codes continue to prioritize safe, decent and affordable housing.