ACCA Weighs In on Proposed I-Code Changes: Get Involved at our April 6 Codes Coffee

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This April the International Code Council’s (ICC) Committee Action Hearings (CAHs) will be held “virtually” for the first time.  This will allow for all affected parties, ICC non-members, contractors, code officials, and others to provide input on proposed code changes.  The 2021 “Group A” code change cycle includes I-Codes covering residential and commercial mechanical, fuel gas, property maintenance, plumbing, and others.  The energy codes will be part of “Group B” in 2022.

Two ACCA proposals that are up for CAH deliberation are shown below, as developed by the ACCA Codes Subcommittee.

International Residential Code (Mechanical) – RM1-21
Adds a new requirement for permanent pull-down ladder or stairs to safely access HVAC equipment installed in attics for servicing.  Existing equipment is exempted.  The proposal was suggested to ACCA National by the Conditioned Air Association of Georgia (CAAG), based on its successful amendment to the Georgia code.

International Property Maintenance Code – PM17-21
Adds a new requirement to comply with ACCA Standard 4 QM and ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180 for maintenance of HVAC equipment and duct systems, as applicable to residential and commercial buildings, respectively.  ASHRAE is also a co-proponent with ACCA.

ACCA Responds to Other Code Proposals
The ACCA Codes Subcommittee met recently to review other code change proposals that may impact our members.  As a result, the Subcommittee has recommended ACCA responses to those proposals to either support, oppose or remain neutral and monitor.  ACCA_Actions_on_Relevant_ICC_Proposals_for_2021.pdf.  In addition, there are several residential and commercial mechanical code proposals covering use of A2L “mildly flammable” refrigerants for human comfort.  ACCA is studying those proposals further to develop a position.

Get Involved!
ACCA Codes Subcommittee Chairman Manny Chaves (Chaves Heating & Air Conditioning, Hudson, MA)  is encouraging ACCA members to register for the ICC virtual Committee Action Hearings this April.  You can register to either view the proceedings only or to actually participate.  Registration is free.  Click HERE to go to the ICC webpage.  ACCA will provide an update reporting on the hearing results sometime this May.

ACCA “Codes Coffee” Scheduled for April 6
ACCA is offering a unique hour-long “Codes Coffee” on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, starting at 1 p.m. EDT to get members involved in the upcoming ICC code hearings, including some notable proposals.  We need your feedback.  In addition, some exciting news will be shared about FREE ICC membership and discounts on code books.
You can register here:  https://www.acca.org/store#/eventRegistration/0dcaaa3a-b388-eb11-b1ac-000d3a1bbd52

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact ACCA’s Manager of Codes & Standards at david.bixby@acca.org.

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Posted In: Technical Tips