MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NOTES ON THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE VERSIONS OF 2003 AND 2012 CODES IN POSSESSION

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1 MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NOTES ON THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE VERSIONS OF 2003 AND 2012 CODES IN POSSESSION 1 International Private Sewage Disposal Code (IPSDC) 2 International Plumbing Code (IPC) 3 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 4 National Electrical Code 5 International Code Council Electrical Administrative Provisions 6 International Mechanical Code (IMC) 7 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) 8 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 9 International Fire Code (IFC) 10 International Building Code (IBC) 11 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) 12 International Residential Code (IRC) (One & Two Family Dwellings) Jamaican Application Documents developed for each Code by Working Groups formed under the Bureau of Standards with Steering Committees and Sub- Committees for specific areas. The International Codes are meant to be adopted in Jamaica and become legally binding through enactment. Prepared by DWIGHT WILSON pg. 1

2 The Application Documents developed in Jamaica are the 2006 edition and these are based on the 2003 International Codes. The International Codes are updated every three (3) years. We are currently working on developing 2009 Application Documents for use with the 2006 International Codes. Note that the changes in each version are not usually considerable. The International Building Code includes a section on Earthquake Loads and Seismic Forces with reference to design standards and procedures. These will have to be subjected to the particular conditions and data in Jamaica and adopted as required. Prepared by DWIGHT WILSON pg. 2

3 NOTES ON THE BUILDING BILL The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is currently promulgating a Bill and Act to establish the National Building Code for Jamaica which would replace the existing KSAC Building Act and the Parish Councils Building Act. The Act would regulate the Building Industry and facilitate the adoption and efficient application of National Building Standards so as to ensure safety in the built environment, enhance amenities and promote sustainable development. The Building Bill is currently with the Chief Parliamentary Council and it is intended to have the process of passing the Act completed by March 31, Some of the main objectives are: - Regulate the design, construction, maintenance, demolition, removal, alteration and repair of buildings and building work to protect public health and safety; - Give effect to the National Building Code (NBC); - Facilitate the adoption and efficient application of internationally recognized building standards, and the accreditation of building products, construction methods, building components and building systems; Prepared by DWIGHT WILSON pg. 3

4 - Enhance amenities in general and require the construction of buildings that provide sanitary facilities, easy access, adequate amenities for persons with disabilities in particular; - Promote cost effectiveness; - Require the construction of environmentally friendly and energy efficient buildings; - Establish an efficient system for issuing building permits and Certificates of Occupancy and for resolving disputes; - Regulate the standard of training and certification and provide for the licensing of building practitioners and the recognition of building professionals who are regulated under other Acts; - Establish a building appeal process. The Act does not apply to the carrying out of building works in accordance with a permit existing immediately before the appointed day. However, the parties can agree in writing to apply the new Act. The Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of other Acts, e.g. Town & Country Planning, Housing, NHT, NRCA etc. Under the Act, Regulatory and Enforcement responsibilities will lie with the Local Building Authority (KSAC, Parish Councils, and Municipal Council). Local Building Authorities may employ Building Officials namely: - Building Surveyors - Deputy Building Surveyors - District Surveyors - Building Professionals - Independent Contractors The Act calls for the National Building Code of Jamaica. The Code shall prescribe: Prepared by DWIGHT WILSON pg. 4

5 - Functional requirements of Buildings; - Performance criteria that buildings shall comply with. The Act calls for the establishment of a Standards Authority which will prescribe the National Building Code. The Act establishes an Appeal Tribunal. The Act establishes a Building Practitioners Board to define and establish categories of building practioners and establish a Registrar. The Act establishes a Building Advisory Council to advise the Minister on Policy etc. Prepared by DWIGHT WILSON pg. 5