ONTARIO, Calif. - The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Code Officials (IAPMO) has announced that IAPMO and the International Code Council (ICC) are holding discussions about bringing their codes together. This would include the Uniform Plumbing Code and International Plumbing Code as well as the Uniform Mechanical Code and International Mechanical Code.

IAPMO President Chris Salazar stated, "The talks began on a very informal basis. I was aware that there have been many attempts over the years to bring the codes together and it is a complicated and difficult endeavor. A worthwhile one though, so I called ICC President [Frank] Hodge and he was immediately receptive to at least talking."

From this call meetings began taking place between the presidents and vice presidents of both organizations. After several informal conceptual discussions, the IAPMO board of directors hosted ICC President Hodge and Vice President Green at their meeting in July. IAPMO then made arrangements for a special meeting in August at the United Association Instructors Training Program, held in Ann Arbor, Mich.

United Association General President Bill Hite and several other industry officials were invited to attend an IAPMO dinner and take part in the discussion between the two groups on possible code consolidations.

Salazar commented, "Although we still have a way to go, I believe our meeting has resulted in a much greater understanding of each other than we have ever had in the past. I am looking forward to future meetings to try and create a fusion of the plumbing and mechanical codes between the two organizations."

Publication date: 08/29/2005