North Carolina: Building Code Council Considers Amended International Building Code Standards

The North Carolina Building Code Council held a public hearing Sept. 10 to discuss a proposal to adopt an amended version of the International Building Code Standards for wind-borne debris standards. The IBC requires shutters/coverings for window/impact-resistant glass for buildings to the 120-mph zone, which would encompass many more homes for protection. However, the council is proposing only to go from the current 1,500 feet of shore to the entire barrier islands.

NAMIC’s advocacy partner, the Insurance Federation of North Carolina, coordinated with the Institute for Business and Home Safety, other trade associations, the Department of Insurance, and others to advocate for adoption of the standards without amendment. Wanda Edwards from IBHS spoke at the hearing, as did a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, manufacturers and suppliers of building materials, IFNC Executive Director Joe Stewart, and Insurance Commissioner Jim Long – all in support of the higher standards. “If stricter measures are not taken to protect our coastal homes,” stated Long, “lives and property are put at unnecessary risk, and insurance companies will have even fewer reasons to provide affordable coverage to coastal residents.”

The issue of insurers offering discounts for homes built to higher standards was raised, and IFNC’s Stewart responded by pointing out that current rates are not sufficient to support such discounting. He went on to suggest that allowing insurers the option of surcharging for homes that were not built or retrofitted to the higher standards might provide a more effective economic encouragement.

The council votes on adoption of the amended version of the IBC at its December meeting.

Direct questions to NAMIC State Affairs Manager Liz Reynolds.

Posted: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 12:00:00 AM. Modified: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 2:08:38 PM.

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