Building Codes Updates
AOBA monitors, advocates and participates in the implementation of all local and state codes/regulations and legislative issues affecting the commercial and multifamily real estate community in DC, Maryland and Virginia. We build upon the work of BOMA, NMHC and NAA, our three national associations that are active at the national level on behalf of our industry.
What You Need To Know
AOBA is the only commercial real estate association with an active and robust codes advocacy program. If we don’t do it, who will?
National “Model Codes” are issued every three years: AOBA, BOMA, NMHC, and NAA are active at the national and local levels. In essence, AOBA members are represented at every phase of the code development process. The potential benefits to the commercial real estate community far outweigh the costs. Each cycle, there are hundreds of code changes submitted, and AOBA helps the commercial real estate industry avoid unnecessary costs by defeating overly burdensome code proposals.
- Savings: There is money to be saved by active participation in the code adoption process. Your bottom line: BOMA’s aggressive participation in the three-year development cycle of the 2015 I-codes saved members more than $6 per square foot for existing buildings, mostly in avoided costs. Increased regulation → increased compliance costs. See BOMA’s 2018 I-Codes cost savings analysis summary.
- Member/AOBA involvement: State and local adoptions allow for local and regional input and advocacy. We are at the table. AOBA staff and members are actively involved and serve on subcommittees.
How to Get Involved with a Codes Committee
AOBA’s advocacy team plays a crucial role in developing current building codes, as well as helping shape their implementation. AOBA members can also join state and local BOMA Codes Committees to get involved in addition to working with the advocacy team. Member participation is key.
Key policy areas include Fire/life safety; existing buildings; elevators; the International Green Construction Code, and other energy efficiency-related code changes.
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CONTACT YOUR LOCAL ADVOCACY TEAM MEMBER TO GET INVOLVED |
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA |
MARYLAND |
VIRGINIA |
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Eric J. Jones, Vice President of Government Affairs, DC - Commercial Katalin Peter, Vice President of Government Affairs, DC - Residential John Catlett, AOBA Construction Codes Consultant |
State/Prince George’s & Montgomery Counties: Brian Anleu, Vice President of Government Affairs, MD Ryan Washington, Manager of Government Affairs, MD |
Brian Gordon, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Bismah Ahmed, Vice President Scott Pedowitz, Director of Government Affairs, VA Steven Shapiro, Senior Policy Advisor |