AIA Pennsylvania
 
e-Architect Update                  March 2010
In This Issue
2009 IFC & IECC Update Seminar
L&I Clarfication on International Code Useage
Voice Your Comments on the IGCC
Legislative Update
Members Corner Q&A
Call for Entries: Special Awards Program
How to Design a Masonry Structure in 20 Minutes Seminar
Save the Date: Architects Day & Architectural Excellence Awards - September 21st
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2009 International Fire Code (IFC) & International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Update Seminars
 
IFC Update Seminar
AIA Learning Units: 3 (HSW)
 
Course Description:
This seminar identifies the changes from the 2006 to the 2009 IFC. It also discusses changes in organization and code requirements and the applicability of these requirements to design, plan review and inspection.
 
Objectives:
Upon completion of this seminar, participants will be better able to:
  •  Identify the most significant differences between the 2006 IFC and the 2009 IFC.
  • Explain the differences between the current and previous edition.
  • Identify changes in organization and code requirements.
  • Identify the applicability of design, plan review and inspection requirements.
IECC Update Seminar
AIA Learning Units: 3 (HSW & SD)
 
Course Description:
This seminar introduces participants to the major changes from the 2006 IECC to the 2009 IECC. Participants will discuss the changes, reasons for the changes, and take part in knowledge review activities. Information presented will allow participants to apply these new code requirements to design, planreview, and/or inspection. This seminar introduces participants to the major changes from the 2006 IECC to the 2009 IECC with an emphasis on the increase in energy efficiency improvements. It is estimated that the 2009 IECC will be 18-22 percent more energy efficient than the 2006 IECC. Knowledge Review questions are included toencourage participation. Information presented will allow participants to apply these new code requirements to design, plan review, and/or inspection. 
 
Objectives:
  • Identify the most significant differences between the 2006 IECC and the 2009 IECC.
  • Explain the differences between the current and previous edition.
  • Identify the applicability of design, plan review and inspection requirements. 
Thursday, May 13th
Harrisburg Area Community College
C. Ted Lick Wildwood Conference Center
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
 
IFC - 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
IECC - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
 
 
Wednesday, May 19th
Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
107 Sixth Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
 
IFC - 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
IECC - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
 
Friday, May 21st
Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia
237 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
 
IFC - 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
IECC - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

 
Registration Information:  
 
Member - All day:  $175  ($160 Early Bird)
Non-Member - All day:  $215  ($200 Early Bird)
 
Member - Half Day:  $95  ($90 Early Bird
Non-Member - Half day:  $115  ($110 Early Bird
 
Associate Member - All day:  $160
Associate Member - Half day:  $90
 
Early bird registration ends April 16, 2010
 
The costs of the seminars include workbooks but do not include a copy of the 2009 code book relating to that course.  It is highly recommended that you have a copy of the current 2009 code book for each seminar.  If you would like to purchase a copy of the code book, they will be available during online registration.
 
2009 IFC Book: 
Soft Cover - Member $66.75; Non-Member $89.00  
Loose Leaf Binder - Member $73.75; Non-Member $98.25
2009 IECC Book:
Soft Cover Only - Member $25.50; Non-Member $34.00   
 
Register Online Now!
or contact Alyssa Wright at awright@aiapa.org
or 717-236-4055.
L&I Clarification on the New International Code Usage
 
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry issued this clarification in regard to the newest International Codes: 
 
The Department continues to receive many questions regarding how one determines which version of the International Codes is applicable to construction work.  Obviously, if an application for a building permit has been received or a building permit issued prior to the effective date of the regulation adopting the latest version of the I Codes, then the work should comply with the codes that were applicable prior to the effective date of the newest codes.  Further, work may be excluded from compliance with the newest International Codes, based on the execution of a design contract or a construction contract prior to the effect date. 

So:
If a design or construction contract for proposed work was signed between April 9, 2004 and December 30, 2006 it must comply with the 2003 International Codes. 
 
If a design or construction contract for proposed work was signed between December 31, 2006 and December 30, 2009 it must comply with the 2006 International Codes.
 
If a design or construction contract for proposed work was signed after December 30, 2009 it must comply with the 2009 International Codes.  
Voice Your Comments about the First Draft of the IGCC - Deadline: May 14, 2010
 
From the ICC website: "As part of its commitment to green and sustainable safety concepts, the Code Council is excited to present a new set of green codes under its initiative entitled "IGCC: Safe and Sustainable by the Book." This initiative includes the ASRHAE Standard 189.1 as a jurisdictional requirement option, and the collaboration of the Council's closest allies and pre-eminent thought leaders in green building, as well as input from our members and the general public. We are committed to developing an enforceable, useable, adoptable and adaptable code that will continue our long tradition of international code guidance."

To read the draft or voice your comments, go to www.aia.org/igcc or
http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/IGCC/Pages/PublicVersionDevelopment.aspx
 
Legislative Update
 
The Government Affairs Committee continues to track AIA Pennsylvania legislative priorities and concerns as the budget is now on the minds of both House and Senate members. While we continue to monitor and track our legislative agenda, there are several bills that are of particular concern.   

AIA Pennsylvania continues to advocate for high-performance building standards for state-funded buildings.
 
HB 444 State Funded Green Buildings (Rep. Smith, D-Allegheny) --Legislation is in the Senate Environmental Affairs Committee. Some believe this can be addressed in the budget as part of budget negotiations.

Professional Practice legislation stays on the agenda. 
 
HB 1521 Interior Design Licensure (Rep. Solobay, D-Washington/Fayette) - Legislation is currently in the House Professional Licensure Committee. A hearing was planned in February but was canceled due to snow. The committee is aware of AIA Pennsylvania's opposition and discussions of a hearing have been put on hold until the budget is passed.
 
Revisions to the State Architect Licensure Act
- The updating of the Architects Act is now in the next stage of drafting and review by the Governor's Office. With the state budget negotiations in full force, the internal review by the Governor's Office is on hold.  AIA Pennsylvania is working on getting a bill introduced as soon as possible.
 
Sales Tax - The PennCost Coalition, of which we are an active member, continues to advocate against the expansion of the sales tax.  Most believe that there is insufficient support for the sales tax expansion this year, but the size of the shortfall next year might keep this issue on the table. Given the uncertainty, the Coalition's effort will be ongoing.  AIA Pennsylvania is also working on a joint strategy with ACEC/PA and PSPE to specifically prevent the expansion of sales tax to architectural and engineering services.

Public contracts remain an issue for AIA Pennsylvania.

On March 17th, AIA Pennsylvania President, A. Stevens Krug, AIA presented testimony at a Senate Education Committee hearing on the extension of the Pennsylvania Department of Education Mandate Waiver program.  The program, which is officially scheduled to sunset on June 30th permits school districts to select whether their school construction project will use a multiple or single prime delivery method.  To see AIA Pennsylvania's testimony click here.  To read the Capitolwire account of the hearing click here.
 
PBA Denied Preliminary Injunction
As we reported in early March, the Pennsylvania Builders Association (PBA) filed a lawsuit seeking to enjoin the 2009 ICC Codes.  That request was denied by the Commonwealth Court. Click here to see the decision

AIA Pennsylvania filed a Friend of the Court Brief in support of the Respondent in the case, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I).  L&I and AIA Pennsylvania were opposed to the extraordinary relief of a preliminary injunction, which would have stopped the use of the current and up-to-date building code, as requested by PBA.  The Commonwealth Court held a hearing at PBA's request on March 1st.   AIA Pennsylvania Immediate Past-President, Patrick J. Endler, AIA served as an expert witness for the Department of Labor and Industry.  Maureen Guttman, AIA, Executive Director of the Governor's Green Government Council also provided testimony.  The request for a Preliminary Injunction was denied.  The PBA has now requested that the Court reconsider that decision.  AIA Pennsylvania is watching this case closely and will keep you apprised.  
Members Corner
 
Each month we feature a new Q&A. If you have a question you would like answered, we would love to hear from you: awright@aiapa.org

Q:
Why is it important to give to the PA Architects PAC this year?

A:
Each calendar year, the Pennsylvania Architects PAC seeks support from AIA Pennsylvania members. Legislation and regulations can help or hurt the profession of architecture and your bottom line. The Pennsylvania Architects PAC allows us to build networks and relationships with policymakers by making campaign contributions to legislators and candidates who have taken, or are likely to take, positions that are compatible with the profession's interest.  The Pennsylvania Architects PAC is an invaluable political tool that allows us a greater opportunity to receive a fair hearing on issues and have a seat at the table when decisions are made.
 
Like a mutual fund, a PAC pools money so that everyone can be part of the process, and the dollar amount for each individual to be involved is minimal. A check from a PAC carries a clear message on behalf of a large number of people, in our case the entire architectural profession in Pennsylvania.   
 
This is an important election year, with the entire House and half of the Senate up for election. It is also a time when we are working to prevent: the expansion of the sales tax to professional services, to protect the Uniform Construction Code, and protect your license and the architects seal.
Special Awards Program: Call for Entries 
 
This year's submissions for the Special Awards Program are due a bit sooner that last year.  The deadline for nominations is 5:00 pm, Friday, April 16th.
 
For submission information and categories, visit www.aiapa.org.
 
How to Design a Masonry Structure in 20 Minutes  
 
The Pennsylvania Concrete Masnory Association (PCMA) is hosting:
 
"TIME IS MONEY" AND THIS NEW METHOD
WILL SAVE YOU BOTH TIME AND MONEY!!
 
AIA Learning Units: 4 (HSW)
 
Be a part of this first presentation in the US and get ahead of your competition. This seminar provides engineers, architects, building code officials, and contractors with more flexibility to easily and quickly design concrete masonry systems. A new structural design standard has been developed by The Masonry Society (TMS) titled Direct Design Handbook for Masonry Structures. This direct design procedure is a table-based structural design method that permits the user, by following a specific series of steps, to design and specify the vast majority of, concrete masonry bearing-wall structures in compliance with the 2008 MSJC Code and Specification, ASCE 7-05 (Supplement No. 1), and the 2009 International Building Code.
 
FAST - CODE COMPLIANT - NO CALCULATIONS
 
EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS IN EASY TO READ TABLES

MASONRY DESIGN MADE EASY, FAST AND ECONOMICAL.
 
Thursday, April 22, 2010
7:00 am - 12:00 noon
 
For more information on this seminar, go to
www.pacma.com. 
Save the Date:
Architects Day and our annual Architectural Excellence Awards Ceremony in Harrisburg

September 21, 2010
 
We invite you to join us on September 21st for our annual Architects Day events.  This year we have a full schedule and will be offering more continuing education credits. 

Join your fellow architects for the day as you visit the state capitol and lobby on issues affecting your profession. 
 
After the Architects Day events conclude, join us as we celebrate excellence in architecture with our Architectural Excellence Awards in the Capitol Rotunda.  
 
For more information, visit our website.