Ohio Building Codes

1. Proposal Submission:
   • Stakeholders, including architects, engineers, builders, trade associations, government officials, and the public, can propose changes to the building codes. Proposals are typically submitted during a designated window period.
2. Initial Review:
   • The OBBS staff reviews the proposals for completeness and relevance. Proposals that meet the initial criteria are forwarded to the appropriate committee for further consideration.
3. Committee Review:
   • Technical Advisory Committees (TACs), composed of experts in specific areas like plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems, review the proposals. These committees evaluate the technical merits and implications of the proposals.
   • The committees may hold public meetings where proponents and other interested parties can discuss and provide additional information about the proposed changes.
4. Public Comment and Hearings:
   • After the committee review, the OBBS publishes the proposed changes and opens them for public comment. This period allows the public and industry stakeholders to submit written comments or express concerns.
   • Public hearings may be scheduled to gather more extensive feedback and discuss the proposed changes in a public forum.
5. Recommendations and Modifications:
   • Based on the feedback and discussions during the public comment period and hearings, the TACs may revise the proposals. They then submit their recommendations to the full Board of Building Standards.
6. Board Review and Decision:
   • The full Board of Building Standards reviews the committee recommendations and public inputs. The board then votes on whether to adopt the proposed changes.
   • If approved, the changes are finalized and integrated into the Ohio Building Code.
7. Filing and Publication:
   • The approved changes are filed with the Secretary of State and published. There is typically a lead time between the publication and the effective date of the new regulations, allowing the industry to adapt to the new standards.
8. Implementation:
   • The new or revised codes become effective on the specified date. The OBBS often provides training sessions and resources to help stakeholders understand and comply with the new regulations.

Code Change Cycle

2022: Assessment and Initial Review

• Activities: Review and analysis of the 2021 ICC model codes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Initial feedback sessions with industry professionals, public agencies, and other stakeholders.

2023: Development and Proposal Submission

• Proposal Submission: Open call for proposals based on the new model codes and specific needs identified within Oregon.
• Review by Committees: Technical committees begin evaluating proposals for technical merit and applicability.

Next Code Update

2024: Public Review and Final Decisions

• Public Comment: Proposed changes are published for public review and comment.
• Public Hearings: Hearings are held to discuss detailed implications of proposals and gather further input.
• Finalization of Changes: Regulatory bodies review committee recommendations and public input, then make final decisions on code adoption.

2025: Adoption and Implementation

• Adoption: Approved changes are formally adopted and published.
• Effective Date: New or revised codes become effective, typically at the beginning of the year.
• Education and Transition: Training and educational programs are offered to help implement the new codes effectively.

2026 and Beyond: Monitoring and Preparations for Next Cycle

• Ongoing Evaluation: Continuous monitoring of the implementation of the new codes to identify any issues or further amendments.
• Early Preparations: Start preparations for the next cycle based on the upcoming ICC code updates expected in 2024.

Next Code Update