The number of single-family built-for-rent (SFBFR) construction starts increased almost 16% in 2021, after a record-breaking third quarter for production. The SFBFR market is a way to add inventory amid concerns over housing affordability and downpayment requirements in the for-sale market, particularly during a period when a growing number of people want more space and a single-family structure. Single-family built-for-rent… Read More ›
Single-family starts dipped somewhat in January, as ongoing supply-chain issues are adding cost and construction time to home building. The availability of labor and lots also remain key headwinds, with labor likely to become more challenging in 2022. Overall housing starts decreased 4.1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.64 million units, according to a report from the U.S…. Read More ›
With builders continuing to report supply chain problems that are causing construction delays, overall housing starts decreased 4.1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.64 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, in a sign of strong demand, building permits increased at a solid pace in January.
Why Should Local Government Jurisdictions Join the International Code Council (ICC)?
Representatives of local government offices ultimately decide the ICC’s model building codes through the online governmental consensus vote. While there are thousands of government offices registered, there are tens of thousands that are not. Only representatives from eligible government jurisdictions may participate in the pivotal online governmental consensus vote. In 2022, the International Residential Code (IRC) will be developed, with a vote in the fall. The deadline for local jurisdictions to register for ICC membership for this cycle is Friday, February 25, 2022.
Benefits of Membership for Jurisdictions
- Your voice will be heard in the development of building codes. Rather than letting special interests and large municipalities dictate codes and advance agendas, smaller jurisdictions can ensure building codes are sensible and enforceable, and result in safe, decent, and affordable housing for your constituents and neighbors.
- Choose your level of participation in the ICC Code Development Process. Write proposed changes, collaborate with others in writing and revising proposed changes, join Code Action Committees, or just vote on proposed changes. Because the voting process is entirely online, your membership will not require travel if you desire.
- Interpretations of code related questions can be requested from ICC experts to help you better understand and enforce the codes
- Discounts on ICC code products, including the code books every jurisdiction purchases. New members also receive a free digital code book.
- Annual membership dues are affordable. A jurisdiction with a population under 50,000 pays only $145/year. For jurisdictions with populations between 50,000 and 150,000, the cost is just $265/year.
NAHB recently released its 2022 priced out estimates, showing how higher prices and interest rates affect housing affordability. The new estimates show that 87.5 million households (roughly 69 percent of all U.S. households) are not able to afford a new median priced new home in 2022, meaning their incomes are insufficient to qualify for a mortgage under standard underwriting criteria. … Read More ›
