Ridgewood Residence | Photo Credit: Matt Fajkus

The AWC made significant progress at a recent International Code Council hearing in Orlando, advancing key proposals to safeguard and expand wood use in building codes. Notably, the committee approved an AWC proposal to incorporate the new 2024 Fire Design Specification (FDS) for Wood Construction, enhancing fire-resistance standards for wood assemblies. Of the 31 lumber industry opportunities identified, 20 were approved (65%), while 28 of 29 threats to wood markets were disapproved, modified, or withdrawn (97%).

Key recommendations include approval of an AWC proposal clarifying fire resistance rating continuity
for wood-frame platform construction and revising mass timber protection requirements. Additionally, the approval of new terminology for wildland-urban interface (WUI) construction classes refined material requirements based on fire hazard severity. The AWC will continue its advocacy at the second hearing in October.

Meanwhile, mass timber code adoption continues to expand with the support of AWC education. As of Q2, 34 states have adopted or are moving toward adopting the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) mass timber provisions, with Minnesota now progressing toward adopting the 2024 IBC with the AWC's guidance. The AWC’s outreach in states like Colorado, Ohio, and Georgia further solidifies mass timber’s growing presence in building codes across the country. Additionally, AWC education to code officials in Florida promotes use of the Florida Mass Timber AMM Guide as a resource for approval of new mass timber construction types through an alternative materials and methods process.

“The AMM Guide is a resource for code officials and designers and is an example of the AWC’s determined efforts to facilitate code official acceptance and approval of new mass timber construction types in accordance with the 2024 I-Codes,” says AWC Vice President of Codes & Regulations Phil Line.