Committee debates 2024 building code changes amid past voting controversies

A significant discussion at the recent WSEC-R TAG Meeting on June 13, 2025, revolved around proposed changes to attic insulation values, specifically the contentious shift from R-60 to R-49. Anne, a key speaker, passionately argued that R-60 is impractical for builders in the region, citing a staggering payback period of 152 years for the added insulation in climate zone 4.

This proposal, initially voted down during the 2021 code cycle, was controversially reinstated due to a last-minute online governmental vote that overturned the disapproval. Anne highlighted that this reversal was influenced by a "get out the vote" campaign, which brought in additional voters, including representatives from government offices like the Office of Climate Sustainability.

The discussion underscored a significant procedural change by the International Code Council (ICC), which now prevents proposals that have been disapproved in public hearings from reaching the governmental online vote. Anne emphasized that had this new rule been in place during the 2021 cycle, the R-60 requirement would not have made it into the code.

The meeting concluded with a call for the group to work more efficiently, as they continue to navigate the complexities of building codes and their implications for the construction industry. The outcome of this discussion could have lasting effects on building practices and energy efficiency standards in the region.