THE CODE CONNECTION

I'm back!  Thanks to all of my code friends for being patient with during my absence with a broken arm.  Still healing but back up to speed so I can devote more time on a regular basis to the Code Connection.

Looks like Ohio is on track having adopted the 2003 International Building Code which will go in effect March 1, 2005 as the Ohio Building Code.  The only bad news is that old dogs have to learn new tricks.  With code updates occurring every three years there's no time to sit around.  The good news is that the 2003 IBC is a substantial improvement over the 2000 version.  Especially Chapter 10 - Means of Egress.  Not that there we a lot of requirement changes - they are primarily numbering format changes for the good that will make it easier to use.  The old 2000 version would cast you into numeration hell.  You could never remember a code section number because of the rash of decimal points.  Word on the street is that the new IBC Code Commentaries are greatly improved and full of helpful background information.

I want to give a shout out to all my friends at the American Institute of Architects, particularly AIA Dayton, who has engaged me to teach a monthly "Code Series".  I'm always refreshed by talking with architects who are the daily users of the code especially the young architects who keep it fun.  Having to teach a subject always causes you to "sharpen the saw".