Tracking Recent Changes to Building & Fire Codes
New Hampshire:
NH Building and Fire Codes adopted 2018 ICC Codes, 2020 NFPA 70, 2018 NFPA 101, & 2018 NFPA 1 on July 1, 2022. A six-month concurrency period is effective through December 31, 2022.
Massachusetts:
MA Fire Code (527 CMR 1.00) adopted the 2021 NFPA 1, effective December 9, 2022.
10th Edition 780 CMR to be based on 2021 ICC Codes. A draft is available at mass.gov. Anticipated adoption in 2023.
Connecticut:
2022 CT Building and Fire Codes (2021 IBC, IFC, NFPA 101, & NFPA 1) effective October 1, 2022 .
NYC:
2022 NYC Construction Codes effective November 7, 2022.
2022 Fire Code effective
April 15, 2022.
New Jersey:
Uniform Construction Code adopted 2021 ICC codes effective September 6, 2022. Plumbing Subcode adopted 2021 National Standard Plumbing Code effective September 19, 2022.
Pennsylvania:
Uniform Construction Code adopted 2018 ICC codes effective August 12, 2022.
2021 accessibility update has been rescinded effective October 26, 2022. 2018 accessibility provisions now in effect.
Philadelphia:
2021 accessibility update has been rescinded effective October 31, 2022. 2018 accessibility provisions now in effect.
Maryland:
2021 ICC Codes under consideration for the Maryland Building Performance Standards. Anticipated adoption in 2023. Local jurisdictions have 12 months from effective date to adopt.
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Logos | AKF Joint Venture:
AKF is excited to announce the launch of Logos | AKF, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Joint Venture! Logos’ experience in federal contracting and vast network in the veteran community will enable us to better serve government clients such as Veterans’ Affairs (VA). Read the full press release here.
Paul Bello Retirement:
Partner Paul Bello is retiring after 33 years at AKF. Effective January 1, 2023, Paul will step back professionally, transitioning to Partner Emeritus. Throughout the early part of 2023 he will continue to be a resource for AKF and our clients to ensure a seamless transition of client relationships and knowledge.
Paul joined AKF when it opened in 1989 and held the role of Managing Partner from 1997-2017. Congratulations, Paul, on your retirement and your many accomplishments. We wish you the best as you start this next phase of your life! We will miss you.
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AKF values continuous learning opportunities as they fuel our knowledge of industry trends and stimulate our creativity for providing the best engineering solutions for our projects. We look forward to connecting with clients and colleagues at the following conferences:
ACE Mentor / Professional Women in Construction Career Panel:
Boston, MA - Shahrzad Abtahi on panel at Northeastern University on January 26.
Atlanta, GA - Jake Canale and Grace Kolb present "Energy Recovery in Life Science & Healthcare Applications" on February 7.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and speaking engagements; we are excited to connect with you in 2023!
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Need AIA / CEU / PDH credits? Want to learn more about upcoming code changes? Contact us for a live presentation!
• 2021 IBC Changes
• BERDO 2.0: Carbon Neutral Boston by 2050
• Mass Timber Construction
• Fire-Resistant Construction
• Sustainable and Healthy Lighting Design
• Many more available - contact us for a full list!
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Maine Medical Center
Malone Family Tower (Portland, ME)
This year saw a major milestone for one of AKF's longest standing projects, the Malone Family Tower at Maine Medical Center (MMC). Located on Congress Street in Portland, ME, the high-rise hospital will include a stunning seven-story atrium, state-of-the-art lobby, pre-op and recovery suites, 19 surgery suites, sterile processing, and three floors of inpatient beds.
In September, the team celebrated the "topping off" of the project, representing a pivotal point in the building's construction. Members of the AKF team were on site to witness as the monumental beams were lifted into place, signed by MMC care team members and the project team.
In addition to MEP/FP and information technology design services, AKF's code team has provided a full range of services for the project. Our comprehensive code analysis and life safety plans helped illustrate project compliance. Our code experts also assisted during the permitting process and analyzed the atrium smoke exhaust through fire modeling. AKF's fire modeling analysis optimized the location of the smoke exhaust intake and reduced the size of the smoke control system to 35,000 cfm.
As construction proceeds into 2023, AKF's team of design professionals continue to support the groundbreaking project.
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Changes to the 2021 International Building Code
(other than Mass Timber)
While the new mass timber construction types are arguably the most significant change to the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), the new code includes a variety of other changes that will impact building designs. With more jurisdictions adopting the 2021 IBC, it is important for industry professionals to become familiar with the updated requirements. A few other significant changes include:
Low-Frequency Fire Alarms: Audible fire alarm notification appliances and smoke alarms in Group R-1 (e.g., hotels, motels, etc.) and Group R-2 (e.g., apartments, condos, dormitories, etc.) are now required to have 520-Hz low-frequency signals (2021 IBC 907.5.2.1.3).
Sprinklers for Open Parking Garages: Traditionally exempt from sprinkler requirements, open parking garages greater than 48,000 SF must now be provided with an automatic sprinkler system (2021 IBC 903.2.10.3). Check out last quarter's newsletter for a deeper dive into the reasons behind this change.
Stairway Lighting: Lighting along stairways must now provide at least 10 footcandles (2021 IBC 1008.2.1). This is an increase from the 1 footcandle required for general means of egress.
2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1: The 2021 IBC now references the 2017 edition of ICC/ANSI A117.1 for accessibility requirements. Updates to the standard include larger turning spaces (67") and clear floor spaces (30" x 52"), among other requirements (2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 Sections 304.3.1.1 & 305.3.1).
Elevator Communication Systems: Added in the 2018 IBC and updated in the 2021 edition, communication systems in elevators must now provide both audible and text-based communication (2021 IBC 3001.2).
Fire Protection During Construction: A variety of construction fires over the past several years have led to the inclusion of specific on-site water supply requirements for buildings under construction. The requirements apply to combustible buildings (Type III, IV, and V) and all buildings where combustible materials are present on site (2021 IBC 3313).
Need help navigating the new code or want to learn about more changes? Contact AKF's code experts to find out more or schedule a lunch & learn presentation.
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Reflecting on 2022 & Embracing 2023
As 2022 winds to a close, we can't help but look back on the year with awe and gratitude. Coming on the heels of two of the most uncertain and strangest years in recent memory, 2022 felt like a year where anything could happen.
However, as an uncertain future blossomed into the present, then drifted into the past like autumn leaves, the potential of 2022 became a bright reality. From opening a new office in Raleigh to marking 15 years of business in Boston, there's a lot for us to celebrate at AKF. Not the least of which includes our commitment to the MEP 2040 Challenge, cementing AKF as a leader in sustainable design.
We also continue to be awed by the skill, creativity, and passion shown by our employees. From developing innovative project solutions to volunteering their time for initiatives like Cycle for Survival and CANstruction, AKF's employees are beyond compare.
With 2023 now only a couple weeks away, we're embracing the new year with excitement. Excitement to both build on our efforts from 2022, as well as take on new challenges yet to be discovered. To all of our clients, employees, and friends, we wish you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season. May 2023 bring you happiness, harmony, and good fortune.
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