The Definition REHABILITATION Removed From IEBC Starting 2021

[jar546]

EB1-22 Proposal Synopsis​

Original Proposal:

• Submitted By: Gwenyth R. Searer, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
• Code Sections Affected: IEBC [A] 104.2.1, [A] 115.5, SECTION 202; IBC [A] 116.5; IFC [A] 114.6; IPMC 111.9

Proposal Summary:

The proposal suggested an editorial change to the 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and other related codes to remove the term "rehabilitation" due to its redundancy and lack of necessity. The term was seen as a superfluous umbrella term already covered by more specific terms like "repair," "alteration," and "addition."

Key Changes Proposed:

1. IEBC [A] 104.2.1: Clarify the determination of substantial improvement or substantial damage in flood hazard areas by removing the term "rehabilitation."
2. IEBC [A] 115.5: Modify the section on restoration or abatement to replace "rehabilitation" with "alteration" for clarity and consistency.
3. SECTION 202 Definitions: Remove the definition of "rehabilitation" to streamline the terminology.
4. IBC [A] 116.5; IFC [A] 114.6; IPMC 111.9: Reflect similar changes in related codes to maintain consistency.

Reason for Proposal:

The term "rehabilitation" was identified as unnecessary and somewhat confusing, as it is a broad term that is already encompassed by other specific terms in the IEBC. The proposal argued that removing this term would simplify the code without affecting its application or the cost of construction. It aimed to maintain consistency across various codes by making similar changes in the IBC, IFC, and IPMC.

Public Hearing Results:

• Committee Action: Approved as submitted.
• Committee Reason: The term "rehabilitation" is redundant and not necessary within the code. It is not used in the technical sections, making it an unnecessary inclusion. The proposal was accepted based on this rationale. (Vote: 9-5)

 

[Yikes]

Public Hearing Results:

• Committee Action: Approved as submitted.
• Committee Reason: The term "rehabilitation" is redundant and not necessary within the code. It is not used in the technical sections, making it an unnecessary inclusion. The proposal was accepted based on this rationale. (Vote: 9-5)

The committee approved it, but when does it get adopted into new codes?
The 2022 CEBC still includes this useless definition:
REHABILITATION. Any work, as described by the categories of work defined herein, undertaken in an existing building.

 

[jar546]

The committee approved it, but when does it get adopted into new codes?
The 2022 CEBC still includes this useless definition:
REHABILITATION. Any work, as described by the categories of work defined herein, undertaken in an existing building.

The definition of Rehabilitiation is in the 2021 IEBC but has been removed as per this hearing in the 2024 IEBC.