The ICC has recently issued a statement underlining their decision to prohibit the distribution of “organized advocacy information” during their annual conference, at which hundreds of code officials are expected to attend. Notably, this statement arrives before a crucial vote on G108, an ICC proposal that would allow for wooden high-rise buildings and signal to local and state building departments across the country that combustible tall wood buildings are an acceptable form of construction.
“Under the guise of fairness, the ICC’s statement underscores their preference to shelter its membership from viewing critical materials. Given the gravity of the proposals being weighed and its impact on code policy throughout the country, the ICC should welcome, not restrict, as much information as possible so that their membership can make fully informed decisions. Human life and devastating economic consequences are at stake when combustible wooden high-rise buildings are on the table, and it deserves the highest level of care and educated consideration.”