I-Code adoptions in New York City and the State of Maine

New York City joins Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and thousands of other jurisdictions across the country using the International Code Council’s International Fire Code to significantly improve safety for residents, visitors and emergency personnel. The first comprehensive revision to the New York City fire code in nearly 100 years, the new code addresses emergency preparedness, fire safety, fire prevention, permitting and inspection of building safety systems.

"New York City’s new fire code complements the city’s new Construction Codes, based on the International Building Code, and will save lives and protect property," said International Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. "These safety codes, in emergencies, also help to limit danger to First Responders—which is why code officials are called ’First Preventers.’"

The updated New York City Fire Code along with the Construction Codes, based on the International Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes, take effect July 1, 2008.

Maine recently took steps to adopt its first statewide mandatory codes, based on the International Building, Residential, Existing Building and Energy Conservation Codes. Communities with a population of more than 2,000 will be required to adopt by 2012 the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code.

"Statewide adoption of building and residential codes benefits homeowners, builders and governments by reducing the harm, destruction and cost caused by accidents or natural disasters," said Weiland. "Consistent codes throughout the state enhance public safety, help contain construction costs and may lower insurance rates."

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council.