BOCA members voted to approve two resolutions during the 85th BOCA Annual Conference and Business Meeting that could result in major changes for the future of BOCA and the International Code Council. One resolution encourages further consolidation of the services of the three model code organizations. The other could change the ICC International Code Development Process.

With the development of the International Codes, the ICC Board of Directors is investigating other opportunities to consolidate services and provide assistance to its three members-BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI.

Consolidation of model code organization services could result in the development of code uniformity at all levels of government; coordination and achievement of consistency in code enforcement; and creation of universal educational programs for code officials, architects, engineers, contractors and public administrators. Other benefits of consolidating service include establishing a national certification program for code enforcement professionals, streamlining the process for acceptance of innovative products and systems, and creating international standards appropriate for competing in the world market.

The ICC Board also sought input on the future of the ICC Code Development Process. Currently, the ICC permits representatives of state and local governments to have a deciding vote on code content issues. The approval of a resolution by BOCA members encourages ICC to consider using a code development process that extends rights to representatives of all industry interests.

In addition to approving the two resolutions, BOCA members elected Board representatives for the 2000-2001 term. Officers elected are: President Rodney A. Blane, C.B.O., director of building and zoning, Rolling Meadows, IL; Vice President James T. Ryan, C.B.O., codes administrator, Overland Park, KS; and Secretary/Treasurer Steven I. Shapiro, C.B.O., director of codes compliance, Hampton, VA. Paul E. Myers, C.B.O., assistant director, Dept. of Buildings and Inspections, Cincinnati, OH, serves as immediate past president on the BOCA Board.

Other News

In other BOCA International news, the organization has formed a partnership with Central Michigan University to offer a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Administration and a focus in Code Administration to be delivered over the Internet.

The degree will provide code enforcement professionals with the traditional education of a business degree (accounting, economics, management and technology) combined with specific code-related courses. Students can enroll in the program as a new student or transfer credits earned at other schools or universities. The program also offers an option to earn credit for life and professional experience. General education courses in the degree program are available now. Code-specific courses will be available in January 2001.