FBC 2007 READY TO IMPLEMENT OCTOBER 1
The FBC 2007 is approved and scheduled to be implemented October 1, 2008. While the final version of the code is not available, a draft (Draft 3) may be viewed on the Building Code Information System at www.floridabuilding.org. No announcement has been made regarding the availability of the final copy of the code.

The IHPA’s code consultant, Joe Belcher, has reviewed Draft 3 and found that all IHPA changes are included. One code section was in error and was submitted for correction. An opportunity exists to propose limited modifications to the new edition of the code.

Modifications are limited to the correction of errors, the correction of unintended consequences, clarifications, and the update of standards. The IHPA Board of Directors will consider whether to submit further changes to incorporate changes related to the Declaratory Statement on approvals. Modifications under consideration include the use of secondary labels and letters of authorization to use an approval. All proposed modifications must be submitted by June 1, 2008.

Other updates relating to codes are as follows:

Product Approval
The Florida Building Commission issued a Declaratory Statement upholding the IHPA contention that associations and companies could allow members and authorized users to use a product approval obtained by the association or company. Of extreme importance is the requirement that the entire manufacturing process is completed pursuant to a quality assurance program.

Code-Plus Initiative
The Commission was charged by the legislature to develop “Code Plus” building standards. The provisions are to be used by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. (Citizens) for insuring properties within 2,500 feet landward of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL). The Commission has finalized its recommendations. The recommendations will be reported to the 2008 legislature.

It is unknown at this point what the legislature will do with the recommendations. The Commission does not intend to adopt the recommendations into the Florida Building Code or by Rule. Florida statute stipulates Citizens may not insure properties constructed within 2,500 feet of the CCCL on or after January 1, 2009, unless such structures comply with the code-plus standards developed by the Commission. The report entitled “Facilitator’s Summary of Issues for Inclusion in the 2008 Report to the Florida Legislature” prepared for the Florida Building Commission includes the following recommendations.

1. Recommends establishing basic wind speeds based on the 500-year storm recurrence criteria. This will result in an increase of 0 to 25 mph depending on the location of the county. The Hurricane Research Advisory Committee appointed by the Commission recommended a 250-year recurrence. However, the Commission adopted the DCA staff recommendation.

2. Recommends there be no reductions in the wind speeds if the 500-year recurrence map results in a reduction in the current basic wind speed.

3. Recommends the use of Exposure Category C.

In addition, while the report does not contain the recommendations, a workgroup between the University of Florida and Applied Research Associates (ARA) met on the issue of wind-borne debris and recommends additional code-plus items as follows.

1. Adoption of the Miami-Dade County wind-borne debris provisions for the area within 2,500 feet landward of the CCCL. This would require the entire building envelope to be impact resistant.

2. Require all impact resistance related products be tested and approved in accordance with Miami-Dade Standards 201, 202, and 203.

Once again, these recommendations apply strictly to areas within 2,500 feet of the CCCL. It is understood that the recommendations are to be made final at the upcoming meeting of the Florida Building Commission at St. Augustine. It is uncertain what action the legislature will take regarding the recommendations. Presumably, they will be adopted into the law regulating Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

Submitted by Joseph D. Belcher, CBO, JDB Code Services, Inc.

HURRICANE PROTECTION UNIVERSITY HEADS TO ORLANDO
The next stop for Hurricane Protection University (HPU) will be Orlando, FL, April 25 and 26. The seminar sessions will be held at the Orange County Convention Center as part of the sixth annual World of Hurricane Protection Trade Show & Conference.

HPU is produced by Hurricane Protection magazine and sponsored by the IHPA. To register, or for more information, visit www.worldofhurricaneprotection.com.

The 2008 schedule for HPU and IHPA General Meetings:

• August 7—New Orleans, LA
• November 8—Southwest FL, location to be announced.

Many HPU sponsorship opportunities are available.
For information contact Kerri Caldwell, 561-627-3393 x 331.