Alaska, Utah and New York Adopt 2014 NEC

April 7, 2016
Three states implement new Code

According to recent “Code Alerts” on the NEMA website, three states are updating which version of the Code they enforce.

In Alaska, the 2014 NEC has been adopted unamended. After a lengthy administrative review, it was signed by the Lieutenant Governor and became effective on March 6, 2016. Alaska is currently uses the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code and the 2009 editions of the other I-Codes. There is no definite timeline when the newer codes will be adopted. 

On March 24, 2016, Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed HB 316, which adopts the 2014 National Electrical Code and the 2015 I-codes in the State of Utah, effective July 1, 2016. 

HB 316, which was hotly contested during the recent legislative session, was sponsored by Representative Brad Wilson, who is also a homebuilder. NEMA as well as a broad coalition of stakeholders opposed the bill because, although it provided for adoption of the most current codes, it also included a provision that put the residential codes on a 6-year code cycle. The most current editions of the codes provide for advances in technology, safety and energy efficiency. However despite intense efforts on the part of stakeholders that emphasized the benefits of current code adoption, HB 316 passed and was signed into law by Governor Herbert. 

On March 9, 2016, the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council completed major updates to the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code) and State Energy Conservation Construction Code (Energy Code).  The Uniform Code update incorporates the following documents by reference: 2015 I-Codes including the 2015 IECC and by reference; 2014 National Electrical Code, 2013 ASHRAE 90.1., 2016 Energy Code Update.

A Notice of Adoption for the Uniform Code and Energy Code update will be published in the April 6, 2016 edition of the State Register, establishing the following implementation schedule: There will be a transition period for the newly adopted Uniform Code from April 6, 2016 to October 3, 2016. The newly adopted Energy Code will be effective October 3, 2016 with no transition period.

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