requirements for new construction and repair and alternative approaches for renovations to existing buildings. Additionally, it determines aspects like building occupancy type, construction types, maximum heights and square footage, fire-rated construction, wind provisions and occupancy numbers for special areas like gymnasiums and auditoriums. The International Mechanical Code (IMC) is a convention concentrating on the safety of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Simply put, it outlines how HVAC systems, appliances and appliance venting should be installed in school buildings. The International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) regulates the addition of any fuelfired appliances such as gas-fired or oilfired furnaces, water heaters and gas stoves. This code determines and effects the way gas piping and systems are installed in schools, especially kitchens and the gas piping running to roof top units. The Americans with Disabilities Act Code (ADA) outlines the inclusion of accessible design for handicapped and disabled students and teachers. This includes handicap parking spots, wheelchair accessible-tables, door vision panels and automatic doors in schools. The International Fire Code (IFC) outlines ideas surrounding where fire detectors and safety hydrants should be placed throughout the school. From 20112015, fires on educational properties accounted for one percent of all reported fires and resulted in one death, 70 injuries and $70 million in direct property damage. The International Plumbing Codes (IPC) outlines plumbing regulations, including fixture installations and minimum plumbing fixture (i.e. water closets, sinks, drinking fountains) counts for school buildings. This is especially important as more schools begin to implement water conservation programs, including installing low-flow and no-flow fixtures. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) establishes the minimum design and construction requirements for energy consumption – the second-highest operational expense to schools each year, after salaries. The National Electric Code (NEC) is published by the National Fire Protection www.seenmagazine.us
Association (NFPA) and deals with the electricity of the building, including the placement of all electrical outlets and panelboards as well as the voltage allowed in places such as classrooms, cafeterias and football stadiums. NFPA 101 Life Safety Code regulates emergency exits, life safety provisions, maximum occupancy counts and exit signage. This code is unique from most codes as it applies to all existing structures as well as new structures. In states that enforce the Life Safety Code, it is heavily used by architects and designers during the design stage of K-12 schools when trying to determine the egress of the building. Since this code is a valuable source when determining liability in accidents, it is also used by insurance companies to evaluate risks and set rates. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), which regulates and outlines the addition of swimming pools in K-12 schools. This code outlines the entire process from the design and construction of the swimming pool to repair and maintenance. Navigating the Code Approval Process ICC’s multiyear code review process tends to incorporate updates to almost every single code it publishes. In most states, there is a process that allows industry stakeholders, like contractors, architects, engineers, manufacturers, trade associations and facility managers, to amend a code that may negatively impact a single building type, such as schools. In some cases, if the code language is unclear, or could pose a safety concern, it might also be amended. For example, if a company manufactures a new device that might be prohibited or limited by the code, that company has the right to propose changes and testify at a hearing to have changes in the code approved. Many companies will attend these public hearings in order to advocate for their products and they may even testify against a proposed code change. Design professionals also might testify for a code change because the language is confusing and might lead to problems during future renovations or construction. States adopt a list of codes that are typically considered to be a minimum
State Code. The code adoption process can be different in each state. Some states use the ICC codes as a base to create their own versions and incorporate their state amendments to each code book that is then also published by ICC. Some states may publish a separate document that amends the ICC codes. Since these amendments could impact school design and renovations, it is important to be familiar with them and what state agency may oversee the code adoption process. Some local jurisdictions may adopt local ordinances that are stricter than the state minimum. A good example of this would be the cities of Kennesaw and St. Marys in Georgia. They have adopted the state’s optional Disaster Resilient Construction Appendices as mandatory for renovations and new construction. This appendix requires all new schools and some renovations to add storm shelters for students and staff. This code provision was modeled after Alabama’s state law requiring storm shelters in new schools. The applicable codes required for each building are determined by the timeframe in which the permits for that project are approved. For example, if permits to renovate a school were approved before a new edition of the code goes into effect, that project would not be required to be revised to incorporate any new code changes. Changes in codes are communicated in a chain-like order. First, each division of the local government must be notified of the new code regulations and changes. This is often shared via a memo or posted on the state government website. After that, the agency responsible for building code adoptions distributes a memo or letter to the superintendents of all the schools throughout the state that outlines which codes have been adopted. Design professionals and facility managers can readily find training sessions, seminars, online webinars and conferences to learn first-hand what these new codes and regulations mean for the industry and how they will change or alter various projects. New Codes, New Challenges Adopting new codes always comes with challenges. Most often, these challenges are caused by lack of communication between administrators and local jurisdictions. SouthEast Education Network
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