Potential Code Adoption in 2027

[redbird11]

Hello,
I’m starting the design and documentation for a project that will submit for permit in 2027. The current adopted codes are 2018 but a committee plans to adopt 2024 in 2027.

How would you handle this scenario? Do I design to 2018? 2024? How can I follow local amendments if they are not done yet?

 

[tmurray]

The way we handled this recently was that if a project was able to get a phased permit for a foundation, they were able to "lock in" the edition of the code for subsequent phases even if those phases happened after the code was changed. We wanted to ensure that larger multi-year design cycle projects did not have to go back for major re-designs or get rushed into permitted (resulting in a greater chance of errors and code violations).

We also encouraged local building departments to accept designs to the version of the code we were adopting ahead of adoption. That way if someone had done their design, thinking that they would be under the next version, but somehow got finished early, they could get started right away.

This is probably one of the more challenging aspects of building code administration in allowing some reasonable exceptions without creating an enormous loophole. It might be also good to talk to the local AHJ and see how they are administering the code change process.

 

[steveray]

In CT if it is substantially designed before code adoption the State gives a modification....Or you can apply for the permit before the code change and that locks in the date... But you will have to know or find the rules and regs where you are...

 

[Sifu]

In my experience with this issue a few times they were permitted to design the project to the code at the time, but in those cases the AHJ's were able to start the permit process before the next code was adopted. I think one or two got approval to extend the application process. Typically everything goes by application date so it wasn't a stretch to let them apply a little early and extend them.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

The last I knew, Massachusetts used a 6-month overlap when adopting a new code cycle. For six months following the adoption of a new code, plans based on the previous code were accepted. I don't know if that's still the modus operandi.

As steveray wrote, you will have to find out what the rules are in the jurisdiction where the project will be constructed.

 

[Paul Sweet]

It depends on state regulations. Virginia allows buildings to be designed under the previous code edition to be submitted for a building permit for one year after a new edition is adopted.

 

[tbz]

How would you handle this scenario? Do I design to 2018? 2024? How can I follow local amendments if they are not done yet?

As a designer IMO you should be keeping up with all future codes changes that the model codes are debating now, not just what is in the currently adopted code in the jurisdiction for your project. Lets face it, building codes and changes to them are more glacier like than a dragstrip in their changes.

As thus, keeping a project inline with the most restrictive by doing the research of what's ahead is valuable to your clients in preventing change orders later. As to a less restrictive change, revisit it as you get closer to permitting then, and only then, make a change if the plans warrant the less restrictive requirement with it being in the latest adoption by the AHJ. The bottom line is the adopted code being enforced is a minimum.

Compare the currently adopted 2018 with modifications, with the model 2021 & 2024 editions for the changes. As noted above, design for the most restrictive with a list of optional changes that might be able to be made depending on the future adoption just prior to permit submittal.

There are designers, and I believe by your post that you are trying not be one of them, that will design for the lesser restriction and push hard to submit it in before the buzzer of the new adoption. I understand the dollars and cents part sometimes, but knowingly designing something to a lesser requirement you know is coming for a published reason, depending on the reason can be sticky later on.

In my little world, which is misc. metals fabrication, we stay abreast of currently enforced through all later model codes, plus what is being debated in the most current cycles of not only the ICC and the NFPA, but any other codes and standards and other conflicts that might affect what we work on. It is part of the job and what the clients I work with expect to be delivered.