The International Code Council gave initial approval of 14 tall mass timber code change proposals during October public comment hearings in Richmond, Virginia. The proposals create three new types of construction: Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C. 

The code change proposals will now be subject to ICC’s online voting, which is scheduled to begin in November. The final outcome of the tall mass timber proposals is expected in December. American Wood Council Vice President of Codes and Regulations Kenneth Bland, PE, issued the following statement regarding the code change proposals: 

“ICC’s Ad hoc Committee on Tall Wood Buildings studied mass timber construction for two years prior to introducing these code change proposals, including conducting numerous fire performance tests. The result of that rigorous process is that each of the new proposed construction types has had its fire and life safety performance confirmed, resulting in a robust building performance.

"Other nations have already seen the benefits of tall wood construction – from the low carbon footprint, ease of construction and reduced construction time. The tremendous support of tall mass timber construction seen at the ICC public comment hearings, and the positive outcome, is one more important step toward advancement of tall wood in the United States."