Journal of Light Construction: Codes & Regulations News

Pennsylvania: Rural Contractors Troubled by Proposed Septic System Rule

Thu, 9 May 2013 10:30:29 EST

Landowners and builders in rural Pennsylvania are voicing concerns about a proposed new environmental rule that could force costly changes in on-site wastewater treatment practices.

North Carolina Grapples With Local Design Restrictions

Mon, 13 May 2013 01:22:22 EST

The North Carolina House of Representatives has approved a bill that would prohibit local governments from using zoning ordinances to regulate building-design elements for single-family homes or duplexes

Oklahoma: Town Rejects International Building Code, Fearing U.N. Control

Thu, 2 May 2013 09:17:03 EST

Mustang, Oklahoma (pop. 17,395) has voted down adoption of the 2009 International Codes after a city council member argued that the codes represent an implementation of a United Nations resolution known as “Agenda 21.”

Court Overturns Move Abolishing Energy Code

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:03:15 EST

A New Mexico court has ruled that the state board setting construction rules can’t overturn a building code without providing a reason.

North Carolina Lawmakers Vote For Six-Year Code Cycle

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:34:31 EST

North Carolina’s House has voted for a measure that would lengthen the code revision cycle and limit local inspections.

Alabama Deck Collapse Injures Spring Break Students

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:50:16 EST

A deck on a Gulf Shores, Alabama, rental property failed suddenly under the weight of students at a spring break party.

Overcrowded And Illegal "Maternity Hotels"

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:10:38 EST

Although birth tourism itself is not illegal, critics charge that the practice has led to the creation of overcrowded and illegal "maternity hotels".

Streamlined Accessibility Requirements

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:27:08 EST

California builders are reportedly pleased with the newest version of the state’s building code.

A Building Code For Tsunami Resistance?

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:25:26 EST

Should building codes address tidal waves like the wave that devastated coastal Japan? Some engineers are working on it.

National: Osha Postpones Fall Protection Phase-In

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 10:51:20 EST

Builders have until March 15 to figure out OSHA’s new fall protection requirements, according to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB).

North Carolina: Mountain Man Pleads Case To Code Commission

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 10:51:48 EST

All “mountain man” Eustace Conway wanted was to continue living his traditional, anachronistic lifestyle in the backwoods of Watauga County unmolested, as he has for the last 26 years. But after receiving an anonymous tip about un-permitted structures, North Carolina building officials had other ideas.

OSHA Postpones New Fall-Protection Rule Once Again

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:11:58 EST

The delay gives roofers another shot at getting the agency to reconsider its personal fall-arrest requirements.

Making Sense of Spray Foam and Ignition Barriers

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 04:41:52 EST

Prescriptive ignition barriers aren’t the only route to compliance. Spray foam can also be protected with an intumescent coating.

Some Mississippians Must Obtain Building Permits Before Repairing Isaac Flood and Wind Damage

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 03:41:27 EST

Failure to comply may result in fines, loss of insurance eligibility, and government assistance.

We Are the 99% — Design Temperatures and Oversized HVAC Systems

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:36:51 EST

With all the emphasis on energy codes and energy-efficiency programs, more homes are getting Manual J heating and cooling load calculations these days. The intent is that the heating and cooling systems installed will be sized properly because oversized systems have problems (poor dehumidification, short cycling, etc.) But just because an HVAC contractor does a Manual J, that’s not a guarantee that the system is sized properly.

JLC Report

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:18:27 EST

Concerns about spray foam; passive-house rift; deck failures; and more

JLC Report

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:41:57 EST

New code requirement for tornado safe rooms; OSHA postpones alternative fall-protection prohibition; Chinese drywall supplier settles with homeowners

JLC Report

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:18:10 EST

Sprinkler foes buoyed by Pennsylvania victory; federal court rejects challenge to revised OSHA fall-protection rules; more

JLC Report

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:18:19 EST

Outsourcing paperwork with a PEO; high-school building program faces closure; defective-drywall guide raises eyebrows; more

JLC Report

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:47:18 EST

Passive House seeks broader appeal; proposed code changes stir controversy in North Carolina; more