HPmag | Magazine | Spring 2007 | IHPA News
IHPA NEWS
FLORIDA BUILDING CODE UPDATES

Since the last report, the IHPA code consultant has attended all meetings of the Florida Building Commission (Commission) including the Product Approval Program Oversight Committee (POC), the Structural Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), the Building Fire TAC, the Joint (Building/Fire) TAC, and the plenary sessions of the Florida Building Commission. The code consultant also served as a member of the Garage Door and Shutter Labeling Task Group appointed by the Commission.

In addition to the Commission meetings, the code consultant attended various meetings of the chapters of the state inspector organization, including meetings of the BOAF Code Development Committee and Board of Directors.
Following is a summary of the activities.

• The 2006 Supplement went into effect on December 8, 2006, as scheduled.

• Local jurisdiction requiring more testing.

The Commission received a letter from Sen. Michael Bennett regarding the refusal by some jurisdictions in Dade County to accept products with state approval. The code consultant requested the Commission broaden its response to deal with complaints from IHPA members regarding jurisdictions demanding engineering in addition to that required to be submitted for Product Approval.

The Commission Chair expanded the response by responding to Sen. Bennett and writing advisory memoranda covering both subjects, which were distributed to all jurisdictions.

In one memorandum dated December 6, 2006, Commission Chairman Raul L. Rodriguez stated, “State approved products must be accepted by local jurisdictions within the limitations of use established by the state approval without requirement for further testing, evaluation or submission of evidence.” He also noted that state approval of products for use in the High Velocity Hurricane Zones is commonly, but not always, based on a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance.

• Proposed changes and public comment.

Proposed code modifications were submitted by the code consultant on the behalf of IHPA relating to permits and inspections and labeling of opening protection products. The proposed changes are currently on the Building Code Information System Web-site (www.floridabuilding.org). Regarding code changes, the code consultant will review more than 500 proposed code changes to determine the impact on the industry.

The public comment period on the proposed code changes began on January 15, 2007, and will end on February 28, 2007. The code consultant will be working with IHPA regarding modifications to IHPA changes and developing positions on proposals submitted by others. At the end of the public comment period, the Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) will take up the proposals and any comments thereto from the public. The various TACs will review the proposals and comments at meetings scheduled March 12 to 15, 2007, at St. Augustine, FL.

Once completed, the TAC recommendations to the Commission will be posted for another public comment period of 45 days. The process will be modified such that the TACs will also review public comments on their recommendations prior to the recommendations going before the Commission. Formerly, the recommendations of the TACs and the public comments on those recommendations went directly to the Commission. The currently scheduled implementation date for the FBC 2007 is October 1, 2008. The base code will be the International Codes, 2006 Editions.

• Florida eliminates Panhandle exemption.

The Florida legislature was called into Special Session to deal with property insurance issues. The legislature passed a bill containing language mandating the use of the ASCE 7 definition for wind-borne debris regions statewide eliminating the Panhandle Exemption. The legislation will override the Commission definition scheduled to go into effect March 8, 2007, and results in a large increase in the areas classified as wind-borne debris regions in the Panhandle.

Further, the bill contains language applicable statewide that eliminates the option to design a building as partially enclosed in lieu of protecting glazing in the wind-borne debris regions.

IHPA ELECTIONS FOR 2007 OFFICERS, DIRECTORS
The next General Meeting of the IHPA will be the election of officers and directors. This very important meeting will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2007, from noon to 2 p.m.. The meeting will take place at the Hilton in Deerfield Beach, FL.

All hurricane protection industry professionals are welcome to attend this meeting, which will include IHPA’s code consultant Joe Belcher, JDB Code Services. He will update the IHPA on the building code.

A fee of $35 and reservations are required.

For more information or to download a reservation form, please visit the IHPA Web site at www.inthpa.com.

OFFICERS
• President: Bill Feeley (Tie Breaker)
• Vice President: Tom Johnston (Supplier)
• Secretary: Amy Yelverton (Supplier)
• Treasurer: Greg Mann (Supplier)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Manufacturers
• Darius Grimes: Fabric Shield by Wayne Dalton Corp.
• Steve Buzzella: MetalTech, Inc.
• Dave Olmstead: PGT Industries
• Scott Kuntz : Transparent Protection Systems, Inc.

Contractors
• Gene Enyart: Signature Storm Protection, Inc.
• Steve Miller: QMI Roll Shutters
• Bill Spindel: Windshutters
• Sam Markopulos: Window & Shutter Designs Corp.Associate
• Frank L. Bennardo: Engineering Express
• V. John Knezevich: Thornton Tomasetti

For more information about IHPA, its goals and the upcoming meeting, visit www.inthpa.com.

FIFTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHEDULED
IHPA is host for its 5th Annual Golf Tournament, Wednesday, May 9, 2007, in conjunction with and immediately preceding the 5th Annual World of Hurricane Protection Trade Show and Conference, Tampa, FL, presented by Hurricane Protection magazine. The tournament will take place at the West Chase Golf Club in Tampa, just 20 minutes from the host hotel. Registration begins at 11:15 am until 12:30 pm with lunch being provided. Shotgun start is promptly at 12:45 pm.

Nationally known architect Lloyd Clifton designed this 6,710-yard, par 72 course, which winds through natural wetlands, wooden bridges and bulkheads. Called “one of the most beautiful public-access courses in the Tampa area,” West Chase has earned a high rating from Golf Digest as well as a Great Value award.

West Chase Golf Club is one of the most popular Tampa Golf Courses. Located just 10 minutes from the Tampa International Airport. West Chase Golf Course is just off Veteran’s Highway.

For more information on this great social outing, please call the IHPA office at (561) 282-2395 or visit www.ihpaprotect.org/golf.aspx.

JOIN IHPA AT WORLD OF HURRICANE PROTECTION CONFERENCE
The IHPA will hold a General Meeting and networking reception at the 5th Annual World of Hurricane Protection Conference & Trade Show on Thursday, May 10 at the Tampa Waterside Marriott, Tampa, FL.

Obtain important information on building code updates and how it will affect your business. The IHPA was formed and exists to bring together companies and individuals involved with the designing, manufacturing, distributing, selling and installation of legitimate hurricane protection in a non-competitive atmosphere.

IHPA welcomes everyone to attend.

UPDATE YOUR IHPA ADDRESS BOOK
International Hurricane Protection Association
2501 Floral Rd.
Lantana, FL, 33462
E-mail: mgrsoffc@bellsouth.net
(561) 282-2395
fax: (561) 433-2101