Southeast Region State Code Highlights
September 2, 2010An overview of state building code changes in the Southeast Region was given during the Fall Meeting (August 5-6). Key among these were:
Florida Building Code (FBC) Modifications of Interest
The Florida Building Commission is working on nearly 1,000 modifications, with 70 of them affecting fenestration. Those with the largest impact on fenestration are those that would:
- Adopt ASCE 7-2010
- Permit a Test Report Life of 10 years for TAS 201, 202, and 203
- Update references to standards: AAMA 101, 450, and 506; ASTM E 1996 and E 1300
Feedback to the Commission is needed regarding a proposed change F 3402, which would modify R310.1.4.2 to state “Windows serving as an emergency escape and rescue openings as specified in R310 shall be operable from the inside and no part of the locking mechanism or operational restraints shall be placed higher than 54 inches above finished floor.”
Texas Looks to 2009 I-Codes
The state’s legislature meets in January, at which time it may mandate adoption of the 2009 I-codes. Currently, a few municipalities are moving toward 2009 adoption with sprinkler provisions removed. At least one jurisdiction, Corpus Christi, has expressed concern about requiring anchors to be permanently mounted.
The current queue of applications to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) for product approvals is running about four months. TDI further reports that it is receiving complaints that “big box” stores are selling non-compliant products.
Louisiana Legislation affects Modular Housing and Sprinkler Requirements
Of peripheral effects for fenestration, Louisiana HB612 makes a distinction between manufactured homes and modular homes, in that effective August 15, 2010, modular homes must meet the requirements of site built housing. Also, per HB206, sprinkler requirements are removed and any jurisdiction is prohibited from adopting any code with a sprinkler provision for one and two family homes (effective June 29, 2010).
Georgia Code Adoption
Georgia, which currently references the 2006 I-codes with 2010 state amendments, has adopted IECC 2009 which will go into effect January 1, 2011. The state is also reviewing the other 2009 I-codes for possible adoption.
South Carolina Nixes Sill Height Requirements
The state of South Carolina has deleted IRC requirement R612.2, without substitution. This is the provision requiring that window sills in windows located more than six feet above grade must have at least 24 inches above the interior floor or employ opening limiter devices.
North Carolina Defines Wind Design Speeds in Mountainous Regions
Amplifying ASCE 7 requirements, North Carolina has defined the following basic wind velocities for its western mountainous areas:
Less than 2,700 or less....................90 mph
2,700 to less than 3,000 feet...........100 mph
2,700 to less than 3,000 feet...........100 mph
3,000 to less than 3,500 feet...........110 mph
3,500 to less than 4,500 feet...........120 mph
4,500 feet or greater and above......130 mph
The state is also exploring measures to regulate solar reflectance onto vinyl siding.3,500 to less than 4,500 feet...........120 mph
4,500 feet or greater and above......130 mph
State Details Available in Members Only this September
The Members Only section of AAMA website will now include a complete segment that summarizes current code requirements on a state-by-state basis. Each listing has vital information, including:
- Structural Codes (IBC and IRC versions referenced or other code mandated)
- Energy Codes (IECC version referenced or other specific requirements)
- Energy Star requirements related to climate zone(s) in which the state is located
- ASCE 7 design wind speed contour map with county outlines
- Jurisdictional exceptions or special requirements
- Special notes regarding ongoing activities
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