Dear __________,
I would like to take this opportunity encourage you to consider adopting the International Codes in (YOUR CITY AND/OR STATE). As things stand now, the commercial real estate industry is reeling from the noise of countless building codes and standards. It doesn't have to be this way.
The Building Owners and Managers Association supports the adoption and implementation of the International Codes, the only set of coordinated and integrated model building codes for the built environment. We strongly believe that adoption of the International Codes will lead to increased consistency in the content, interpretation and enforcement of building regulations at the state and local level.
What the International Codes offer, which no other code set does, is a single umbrella of comprehensive codes that is internally consistent. Consider the benefits that the coordinated and integrated International Codes provide:
· The United States has the highest standard of building safety in the world. This is the result of more than 190 years of collective experience shared by the International Code Council (ICC). In fact, an overwhelming 97% of cities, counties and states adopt building and safety construction codes developed and published by the ICC.
· The International Codes cover all aspects of building design and construction with the broad purpose of safeguarding public health, safety and welfare. The International Codes will lead to more consistent code enforcement and higher quality construction, enhancing public health and safety.
· The International Codes are updated on a regular basis to provide the most up-to-date guidelines for building safety.
· The International Codes are developed through an open governmental consensus process. All meetings are open to the public, where public comment and debate are encouraged. Results from the meetings are available for public review and comment.
· The International Codes enable code enforcement officials, architects, engineers, designers, contractors, builders and building owners and managers to work with a consistent set of requirements throughout the United States, enhancing economic development by reducing or eliminating regional or jurisdictional differences.
· The International Codes streamline the building regulatory system by bringing consistency and compatibility to multiple layers of requirements that currently exist at the local, state and federal level.
Accordingly, I urge you to support adoption of the entire International Codes package, including the International Building Code, the International Fire Code, the International Plumbing Code, and the International Mechanical Code. The value of this unified approach will be demonstrated far into the future for all those who interpret, apply and enforce the codes.
Sincerely,