TenantNet Forum

Where tenants can seek help and help others



NY STATE ADOPTS NEW FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING CODES

Relating to Department of Buildings, Development and Zoning

Moderator: TenantNet

NY STATE ADOPTS NEW FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING CODES

Postby <JJ> » Wed Mar 06, 2002 8:52 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 6, 2002

GOVERNOR: STATE ADOPTS NEW FIRE PREVENTION AND
STATE ADOPTS NEW FIRE PREVENTION AND
BUILDING CODES



New Codes Encourage Construction, Rehabilitation, Energy
Conservation

Governor George E. Pataki today announced that the State has adopted
new Fire Prevention and Building Codes that reflect current technology,
product and safety standards and will enhance energy conservation
requirements.

"These comprehensive building and energy codes will ensure that our
homes and workplaces are safe and energy efficient, while also spurring
new construction and job opportunities across the State," Governor Pataki
said. "By reducing development costs and providing greater flexibility, these
codes will provide a major incentive for new investment, construction and
economic development in cities, towns and villages throughout New York."

The new model codes were adopted by a unanimous vote of the State Fire
Prevention and Building Code Council, culminating a four-year process of
reviewing the International Codes and making modifications for New York
State in an effort to replace the current outdated code.

The Governor directed the Department of State to undertake the code
review process in 1998. Since that time, the Code Council established
technical subcommittees to review the International Family of Codes, which
includes the building, fire, residential, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas,
property maintenance and energy conservation codes. The Code Council
then voted on recommendations for modifications made by the technical
subcommittees, held numerous public hearings and made revisions based
on public comment.

Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels said, "Today's historic vote gives New
York a much-needed comprehensive code that reflects current technology,
products and safety standards. The code will encourage both new
development and rehabilitation of existing buildings, which is key to
revitalizing our downtowns. It also gives code enforcement and fire officials,
design professionals, builders and contractors a set of requirements
consistent with the rest of the country."

The energy code, one of the most aggressive in the nation, continues New
York State's leadership role in protecting the air quality and promoting
energy conservation. It includes updated technologies and provides
enhanced energy conservation requirements for residential and commercial
buildings to ensure energy-efficient construction practices.

The Department of State has begun training New York State's 8,000 local
code officials on the fundamentals of the new code and will provide
additional training to address New York State modifications. New code
books will be provided to all enforcement officials. The adoption of the
International Codes also gives New York State a voice in the code
development process at the national level. New York State's Code will be
updated on a regular schedule consistent with the International Codes
three-year review cycle.

The Code Council is a 17-member body comprised of representatives from
several disciplines, including architects, engineers, builders, trade unions,
people with disabilities, fire prevention, local governments and State
agencies.

All construction in the state is governed by the Uniform Fire Prevention and
Building Code, which addresses issues such as fire prevention, life safety,
structural stability, sanitation and accommodation for people with
disabilities. The code applies to all communities across New York State,
except New York City (which has its own building and fire code), where only
the energy conservation code will be in effect.

The new code will take effect in July and will include a 180 day transition
period during which the current code or the new code may be used.

http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/year02/march6_1_02.htm
<JJ>
 

Return to Building Dept/Zoning Issues - NYC

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 16 guests