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Division of Fire Safety urges caution on quick adoption of International Residential Code in H.718
Summary
The Division of Fire Safety told the House committee it opposes a statutory deadline to adopt the International Residential Code (IRC) by Jan. 1, 2028, citing technical conflicts with existing state standards, sprinkler and design-professional requirements, and implementation burdens for trade licensing and records systems.
Mike Narosha, executive director of the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, told the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee that the division opposes the bill provision requiring adoption of the International Residential Code by Jan. 1, 2028. "The division strongly opposes the adoption of the International Residential Code by 01/01/2028," Narosha said, arguing the agency needs more time to assess conflicts with existing rules and the practical impacts on permitting and business flows.
Narosha clarified the department already enforces the International Building Code for residential construction of three or more units, and that the bill’s finding that Vermont "has not adopted a residential building construction code" narrows to a gap for one- and two-family dwellings. "The division…
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