BHMA Proposals for 2027 IBC & IFC, Update from the CGIA

The International Code Council (ICC) publishes model building codes that are widely adopted by states, counties, and cities as the minimum requirements for construction of commercial and residential buildings. The next editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) are under development. BHMA is actively engaged in ICC’s code development process through developing and advocating for revisions and improvements of the provisions of the IBC and IFC. 

The first public debate of proposed revisions for the 2027 editions of the IBC and IFC occurred earlier this year, where numerous BHMA proposals were considered.
 

BHMA Proposals Approved  
Nine BHMA proposals were approved during the first public debate, and no recommendations for revisions or disapproval were submitted this past summer. Per ICC’s code development process, these nine proposals are not subject to any further debate or action and will be formally approved as part of the consent agenda during the 3^rd and last public hearings in 2026. These provisions as proposed in each proposal will be incorporated into the 2027 IBC and IFC.

The BHMA proposals approved for the 2027 IBC:

• E45-24, Opposite swinging doors in MOE & size of doors, and editorial improvement
• E52-24, Hardware height requirements for doors in swimming pool fences and barriers
• E55-24, 2^nd releasing motion for egress required to be non-simultaneous for dwellings
• E56-24, Inactive leaf of pair of doors – Table 1010.2.4 revisions / clean-up
• E57-24, Educational occupancies, K-12 & colleges / universities
  • Locks on classroom doors – revise from permitted to required; and require locks on exterior doors
• E58-24, Stadium gates, panic hardware not required exception
• E61-24, Control vestibules
• E62-24, Required door beside revolving doors – primarily editorial
• FS64-24, Stairway doors – louvers prohibited

BHMA Proposals Under Consideration

Six BHMA proposals will be debated during the 2^nd public hearing in October 2024. The BHMA proposals subject to further consideration:  

• E50-24, Places of detention or restraint in I-3 occupancies – editorial
• E53-24, Stairway doors, and re-entry – editorial
• E54-24, Dormitory suites – permit deadbolt on individual bedroom doors
• E59-24, Electrical room doors required to have panic hardware, mesh requirements with NFPA 70 NEC
• E60-24, Delayed egress locking systems – permit two systems in MOE, and resetting countdown timer
• E63-24, Airport exit lane breach control systems – new provisions

BHMA members participate in BHMA’s code development activities through engagement in BHMA Codes, Industry, and Government Affairs (CGIA) Committee. BHMA takes its leadership role in code advocacy seriously. Our goals are to help craft technically appropriate requirements for life safety and security that are clear, concise, and consistently interpreted, applied, and enforced. BHMA achieves these goals via active participation in ICC’s code development activities by authoring proposals to improve the model codes, by assisting other stakeholders with their proposals, and by advocating for proposals that are aligned with BHMA’s goals.

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