Maryland Building Officials Association A Chapter of the International Code Council

 

   January 2004                   P.O. Box  1028, Bel Air, MD  21014 Issue 13

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President’s Message

            First let me say thank you to the Officers and Board for their support and vote of confidence in me and to the members at large, for voting me as your president. I’ll do my best to maintain and provide MBOA with 110% of my energy and dedication. I look forward to serving as your president for the next term. I would not expect any major changes in the function of MBOA, we will continue to provide education and training to our members. We plan on having at least four training dates again this year, and only the time of year may change, to allow for training to take place during the year when we are slower (right, when was the last time you saw a slow time in the building business in the Baltimore/ Washington metropolitan area). We have two professional training days where ICC will be providing the training to us this year. We have to use them back-to-back and we will do our best to let everyone know well in advance when this will be. If you haven’t been to our web site, which has not been updated for some time, you may want to keep an eye on it as we have a person now, who will be keeping it updated several times a year. It should be an active site again real soon. Once the site is up and running, you should be able to pull the information off for our up coming seminars. The address is www.mdboa.orgI will be working on getting the committees up and running, and when I come to you and ask you for help, I hope you will give some of your time back to MBOA. Look for more on this in up coming announcements. If you should have any, and I mean “any” items that you want to discuss, that would better the MBOA operation, please fell free to call me direct, at (410-313-3955) or e-mail me at gmartin@co.ho.md.us.

I hope you have a great New Year,

Regards,

George Martin, Jr. President.               

 

EVALUATION REPORTS- What’s the latest?

February 1, 2003 saw the merger of the National Evaluation Service, Inc. (NES); Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. Evaluation Services (BOCAI- ES); Southern Building Code Congress International Public Service Testing and Evaluation Services, Inc. (SBCCI PST& ESI); and International Conference of Building Officials Evaluation Services, Inc. (ICBO ES). These four building product evaluation services officially combined to form the

International Code Council Evaluation Service, Inc. (ICC- ES).

 

            The mission of the ICC- ES is to perform technical evaluations of building products, methods, components and materials. Operating as a nonprofit, public- benefit corporation, they issue reports on code compliance and post them on the worldwide Web for free access by any interested party.

 

            Merging the organizations has necessitated a slightly different process for developing reports, than was previously used. The new process is as follows:

 

1) A Company submits an application and supporting documentation like product information and test reports to the ICC- ES.

 

2) An ICC- ES technical staff member is assigned to evaluate the information for compliance with the building code or an ICC- ES “acceptance criteria” or an ICC- ES “evaluation guideline.”

 

3) Upon satisfactory demonstration of compliance, an evaluation report is issued and posted on the worldwide WEB.

 

The technical review performed in step #2 above consists of proving compliance with one of three documents: The Building Code, Acceptance Criteria or Evaluation Guidelines. When a product is adequately addressed by the code, including the referenced standards, an application is approved and an evaluation report is issued.

 

            If a product is not adequately covered by the code, but does not present a “life safety” hazard, an “evaluation guideline” is developed to address the code issues. These Evaluation Guidelines are reviewed by an Evaluation Committee, made up of Code Officials, to determine whether the product qualifies as complying with the code. The Evaluation Committee may hold a public hearing before making a final determination on the product.

 

            If the product is not adequately covered by the code and involves a “life safety” hazard, it follows the same path as an “evaluation guideline” except that a public hearing is always required.

 

            Additional information regarding the ICC- ES can be found on the ICC website: www.iccsafe.org or the ICC Evaluation Service website: www.icc-es.org

By John M. Gibson, Jr., Frederick County

 

Editor’s Note:  I offer my humble apologies to John Gibson, who gave me this important article in time for the previous newsletter and I did not insert it.  I am very sorry, John!                           Jim Hanna

 

MBOA AWARDS

In 2002, the MBOA Board of Directors developed three new awards to be given yearly to outstanding individuals in the field of Code Enforcement.  These awards for this year are Permit Technician of the Year, Plan Reviewer of the Year and Building Inspector of the Year.  These awards are given to individuals who have excelled in the Code Enforcement arena and during their careers have contributed significantly to the professionalism of the industry.

 

This year many outstanding individuals were nominated to receive these awards. After review of the nominees the Awards Committee are proud to have selected the following award recipients.

 

Permit Technician of the Year was awarded to Stan Williams of Harford County. Stan has worked for Harford County for the past 24 years and has been employed as a permit technician for the last 18 years.  Stan’s professionalism, knowledge and attention to detail and his extensive background in permitting have made him a valued employee.  Stan’s customer service skills and knowledge of the permit system allows him to steer citizens through the everyday battles with the permit system to the eventual outcome of an issued permit. 

 

Plan Reviewer of the Year was awarded to Tom Gironda from Montgomery County. Tom has work for Montgomery County for 28 years and has devoted the last 25 years to plan review.  Tom’s major responsibilities are Critical Structures Plan Review, Commercial Plan Review Quality Control, Member of the Technical Consultation Team, Building Code Amendments Committee Chairman, Training Chairman of the Commercial Building Inspectors and Quality Control Program for Commercial Inspections.

 

Building Inspector of Year was awarded to Ira Cortez from the Department of General Services. Ira has been a faithful employee of the State of Maryland for the past 16 years and for the last 8 as an area supervisor for the Department of General Services Construction and Inspection Services Division. He supervises 10 Construction Inspectors and is responsible for over $100 million dollars in construction contracts for the department.  

 

Congratulations from the Board of Directors and the membership to these award winners.  It is a pleasure to be associated with this caliber of individuals.  You make the profession proud with your commitment and dedication to the industry.

By William F. Bryant

Anne Arundel County

 

MBOA BUSINESS MEETING AND SEMINAR 

The annual business meeting and training seminar was held by MBOA on December 4, 2003 at the Howard County Government Center in Ellicott City, Maryland.  After the general business meeting and election of officers, Mr. Roland Hall, P.E. provided International Codes Council (ICC) updates.  Training was provided on the following topics.

 

·        “Roof  Failure Due to Snow, Ice, and Water” 

 

The training program was hosted by Ujjval Dave, P.E. of Maryland Codes Administration and provided by structural engineers, Mr. Richard Magnani P.E., of Whitney, Bailey, Cox and Magnani (WBCM), and Mr. William Rockey P.E., of Century Engineering.  Mr. Rockey and Mr. Magnani, gave presentations on the effects of snow, ice, and water on building roofs.  Among several examples of roof failure, one example used was the roof collapse of the roundhouse at the B&O railroad Museum in Baltimore. Also there was a panel discussion in the form of questions and answers between the engineers and MBOA members.

 

·        “Alternate Braced Wall Panel Adjacent to a Door or Window Opening”

 

The training was provided by Mr. Gary Broughton of Engineered Wood Association A.P.A. Mr. Broughton gave presentation on the present construction practice of wall construction and explained the construction of alternate braced wall panel adjacent to a door or a window opening. Mr. Broughton also gave a slide presentation of inappropriate building construction practices.  The presentation was followed by a question and answer session.

 

·        “ Licensing and Who Can Sign What Drawings”

 

The training was provided by Mr. Harry Loleas of Maryland Department of Labor Licensing and Regulations.  Mr. Loleas explained the licensing processes of various professional and other disciplines.  The training included a question and answer session.

By Ujjval Dave, P.E.

Codes Administration

 

The following article was published in our last newsletter, prior to a visit by Hurricane Isabel.  I have printed it again since it may now have a new meaning.

Salutations MBOA Members:

Over the past several years I have discussed the development of mutual aid agreements between our jurisdictions to provide an effective way of increasing the availability of qualified manpower for inspection departments during disaster events. The agreement was developed from a need for increased manpower and assistance after jurisdictions or Counties encounter a major disaster event, i.e. hurricane, tornado or other significant event.  With the events in La Plata and College Park, (and now Isabel) it is apparent this type of catastrophic event may occur in all counties and jurisdictions within the State of Maryland at some point in the future.  

 

To date, only three counties have entered into an agreement; Anne Arundel, Frederick and Harford.  I urge the membership and other local communities to enter into this same agreement and develop a damage assessment plan as well as a unified disaster response plan throughout the State of Maryland.

 

This type of agreement would require jurisdictions to provide trained inspectors to another locality if a catastrophe would occur in that jurisdiction.  There are added benefits to this agreement.  It provides your department with additional manpower to perform damage assessment, faster evaluation of buildings and structures, and also secure additional points during an Insurance Services Organization (ISO) evaluation of our departments which have entered into this type of agreement.

 

To sum up what a mutual aid agreement will do for your jurisdiction, I have to steal the motto of the Boys Scouts, “Be Prepared.”  Agreements such as these become the first step in preparing your governmental unit if and when a disaster strikes. 

 

If you are interested in becoming a part of these agreements, or if there are any further questions about these agreements, please feel free to contact John Gibson 301-694-1081, Rich Truitt 410-638-3536, or myself at 410-222-7737.  Respectfully,

William F. Bryant

Anne Arundel County

 

CODE LYNX

The Code Lynx web site is constantly updated and improved. Please be certain the information for your community is correct.  Code Lynx provides links to many state and federal agencies so you can keep up-to-date on what is happening in the building regulatory system.  Please provide you input. It is easy to reach at www.mdcodes.org

 

Maryland Building Performance Standards

DHCD is in the process of creating the next edition of the Maryland Building Performance Standards that will adopt the 2003 editions of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code. Modifications to the codes are basically the same as they were for the 2000 editions of the IBC and the IRC.  A public hearing was held on January.

 

DHCD CODES EXAM

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers a Certified Inspector’s Exam that covers the IBC-2000, the IRC-2000, the IPC-2000, the IMC-2000 and the NEC-1999. The exam is offered on an individual needs basis. To make arrangements for taking this exam, call Jim Magliano of the Maryland Codes Administration (410)514-7216.

 

ICC Annual Conference

The Spring Meeting of the International Code Council will be held May 16-20, 2004 at the Sheraton Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas.  Contact ICC for more information. For questions on the conference, please call (708) 799 2300, ext. 229 or see the ICC website at www.iccsafe.org

 

MBOA/ICC Workshops

MBOA has teamed up with ICC to co-sponsor the following seminars:

 

Use and Application of the 2003 IBC

April 12-15, 2004 - Baltimore

 

Fundamentals of the 2003 IBC

April 26, 2004 – Bethesda

 

Fundamentals of the 2003 IRC

April 27, 2004 – Bethesda

 

For more information, see the ICC website at www.iccsafe.org

 

Actions by the Board

The Board of Directors meets monthly to plan for future activities for the Association. Please contact the Board members to give them your ideas on how MBOA can serve you better. 

 

CERTIFICATION OF THE MAC

The Maryland Accessibility Code (MAC) has been certified by the U.S. Department of Justice as being equivalent to Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility  Guidelines. A date has not been set for presentation ceremony.

Do You Have News?

If you have news, please write to the MBOA Newsletter at the above address, call the president, George Martin or contact the editor, Jim Hanna, at hanna@dhcd.state.md.us. 

 

Dues

Bills for membership renewal have been sent to all members.  If you have not paid your dues, please do so.  Dues are only $10.00 per year for code officials, so it is a bargain at that price! For individuals who wish to become a new member, we welcome you.  Please use the attached form.

 

MBOA Standing Committees

The Maryland Building Officials Association will create new standing committees for the benefit of all members. MBOA is looking for individuals who wish to serve on standing committees.  If you have an interest, please call the president and volunteer your time and expertise.

 

ICC CERTIFICATION

MBOA received an affidavit of accreditation from ICC to provide accredited training for local building officials.  MBOA continues its efforts of providing quality seminars and training, as well as working with ICC to cosponsor training events.  The Board of Directors is committed to providing the best speakers available and to cover topics vital to code officials.  We need your input and participation to make it a success.

 

 

 

“That’s The Way I Want To See It!!”

Michael L. Savage, Sr., MCO, CBO

 

How many times have you heard from a contractor that an inspector in another jurisdiction said, “That’s The Way I Want To See It”, on a job site with regards to how something should be done. I wish I had a dime for each time I have heard this from a contractor while doing an inspection. Usually followed by, “however you want it is what we’ll do”.

In an Industry that is becoming more and more litigious every year, I hope fewer and fewer code enforcement personnel would use this phrase. One of the first things I was told when I became an Inspector is you can not require contractors to do something that can not be found in the code. If you can not find a code article to assign, do not site it as a code violation, no matter how you “used” to do it. That first lesson in code enforcement has stuck with me for all of these years, and I try very hard to make sure I don’t enforce the “that’s the way I want to see it’s”when I do an inspection.

Not enforcing “the way I want to see it” will sometimes lead a contractor to believe you are easy on inspections or not enforcing the code. I have heard a hundred times “how can you let them get away with that”. My response is to hand the contractor a code book and tell them if they can find it in the code where that is a violation, I will immediately require the other contractor to clear up the violation. So far none have taken me up on this challenge!

On the other hand, there have been times when I have seen inspectors require compliance with some code item that I have not been able to find yet, which tells me some of these stories have merit. One of the items we agree to up hold is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Code’s are written with a goal to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare and are expanded on every code adoption period to update their content. So why would an inspector in the field believe he knows better than all the experts and change the code, and more over, what possible liability will the inspector expose the municipality to. Coming from the third party inspection side of the business, I assume a large part of that liability and therefore I will not enforce anything other than the code.

This leads us to the question, what do we do to stop this. I believe the first answer is education. That is not to say the whole department has to shut down for one day to attend an offsite seminar. It could be a morning training sessions in-house, or association meetings or something of this nature, however, it could also be offsite seminars. The Maryland Building Officials Association has no less than three training seminars each year which has been an advantage to me in the field. Another answer is to open a code book! I believe some of these problems extend from “that’s the way we used to do it” mentalities. Opening a code book and familiarizing ourselves with the requirements of a particular section could not hurt, I find this useful from time to time.

            I know if I have mis-spoken on a code issue, I will tell the contractor and explain my mistake and correct it. Hopefully this article will get a lot of people thinking about how we conduct ourselves throughout our daily routine, and whether we’re guilty of doing this ourselves and how to correct it.

We hope you will join us as a member of the MBOA.  The fee for membership is $10.00 per year which includes the MBOA newsletter and announcements of annual activities.  Please clip the attached application form and send it in now!

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