What’s New with Maine Codes?

by Richard Lambert

Saco Code Enforcement Officer and Vice President of Maine Building Officials & Inspectors Association (MBOIA)

The State of Maine has undergone tremendous change in the area of construction codes in a very short time span. Where once there was no unified approach to regulating building construction, save the Electrical Code and an outdated Plumbing Code, today there is a concerted effort to bring the State out of the dark ages.

Recently, I had the privilege, along with Tim Nelson and Paul Demers, fellow code enforcers and leaders of MBOIA, to address AIA Maine on codes and code enforcement. Here are some highlights of that meeting.

Although the State has only two mandated construction codes, the National Electric Code (NFPA 70) and the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC 2000), the Maine Legislature has now mapped a course for standardization of other construction codes. Much of the credit for this movement belongs to the Building Code Working Group (BCWG), a group of stakeholders consisting of design and enforcement professionals and the building trades. This group met (and continues to meet) on a regular basis to build a consensus on what should be done about standardization of building codes. More recently the Legislature added a new tool for municipalities—the International Existing Building Code. This code, also known as a rehab code, can be adopted by local towns and cities to help redevelop older buildings. By allowing the reuse of existing construction that may not meet new construction standards but still provides the same level of safety to the occupants, this code is designed to revitalize older downtown buildings. In addition the Legislature has done the same for energy conservation by mandating the 2003 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code if a municipality adopts an energy code.

Just how many Maine cities and towns have adopted the new codes is unclear, but cities such as Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, Augusta, Waterville, Biddeford, Saco, Old Town, Presque Isle and others have jumped on board with the IRC and/or the IBC as their code of choice. At least 25 cities and towns have updated their codes to the I-Codes, but many others are still utilizing the “legacy” codes, namely the BOCA and CABO codes. At least one-quarter of Maine’s population lives in a community covered by the new codes. That is true progress!

Where does it go from here? The Legislature, during this current regular second session, will certainly consider strengthening these code requirements. LD1931 seeks to require municipalities to opt-out by 2008 if they do not want to have an energy code. In addition the State Fire Marshal’s Office is considering the implications of promulgating the 2006 edition of NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code. This code will require that all new one- and two-family residences are equipped with a sprinkler system. Stay tuned!

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