November transitions autumn into winter with shorter days and chillier evenings. This month brings gatherings of families and friends indoors for reflection, gratitude and traditions that symbolize the promise of continuity and renewal.

The code development cycle for the 2027 National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) publication is open. Every United States (U.S.) jurisdiction uses building and safety codes to protect public health, safety and welfare, making building and safety codes near and dear to my heart. Before I discuss the NSPC, I ask that you join me in participating in the upcoming cycle of code development activities of the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the International Code Council (ICC). Code development processes benefit from the participation of manufacturers, engineers, designers, installers, retailers and contractors. Building and safety codes keep people safe, change the world and are a path to market access. If you need guidance to get started, call me at Regulosity. I look forward to seeing you at the next code hearing!

For more background on U.S. codes, read my past articles titled "Code Development Changes in 2023," "What Good Are the Base Model Codes?," "Upcoming 2027 Code Development Cycles," "Code Council Proposals for Group A Code Modifications," and "Dissecting IAPMO's Proposed Code Change Monographs."

The NSPC's history and development

The Standard Plumbing Code, which is the foundation of the NSPC, was first published in 1933 by the National Association of Master Plumbers, which is known today as the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors or "PHCC." In 1971, PHCC published the first edition of the NSPC, which has been the New Jersey state plumbing code since 1977. In 2017, IAPMO acquired the NSPC publishing rights.

The NSPC is unique in that it is the only illustrated U.S. base model plumbing code. If you need a refresher or are unsure about American plumbing terms and concepts, buy the NSPC. The plethora of information contained in the diagrams is indispensable.

The NSPC development process

The NSPC uses an 18-month code development cycle. Key aspects of this process include:

1. Public submission of proposed changes;
2. Review of submitted proposals by the NSPC Committee;
3. A public hearing for testimony where the NSPC Committee votes on proposals; and
4. Publication of the 2027 edition of the NSPC.

NSPC proposal submission

Proposed changes to the NSPC must be submitted by Feb. 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST. The 2027 NSPC proposal form can be downloaded here. All proposals must be electronically submitted to nspc@iapmo.org.

All proposals must use legislative markup to indicate the removal of existing code language and the addition of new code language. To show the removal of existing code language, draw a line through the words you want removed from the code. Underline the new words you want to add to the code.

If your proposal includes a new reference standard, the entire standard must be provided with your proposal and meet the following requirements:

1. Be developed through a consensus process with public review; and
2. Cover the proposed use of the material, equipment, or practice in the code section.

The NSPC Committee updates the publication year of existing reference standards during each code development cycle to ensure the standards are current and relevant.

NSPC interpretation services

IAPMO provides free NSPC interpretation services. If you aren't sure you need to submit a proposal for existing code language, now is the time to submit an interpretation request. Informal interpretations can be addressed verbally by IAPMO staff. For more complex issues, official written interpretations can be requested from the NSPC Committee. Email Dan Cole, NSPC Secretary, at dan.cole@iapmo.org to start the interpretation request process.

NSPC appeals process

The NSPC appeals process addresses concerns about NSPC Committee procedural actions or inactions. Key points of the appeals process include:

1. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the NSPC Committee's final decision. Two weeks before the appeal hearing, the appellant must pay a filing fee and the costs of the appeal process;
2. A three-person Appeals Panel is created from a group of nine contracting, engineering and inspection industry professionals;
3. The Appeals Panel reviews the procedural aspects of the NSPC Committee's decision. It is worth noting that the technical merits of the NSPC Committee's decision are not discussed during the Appeals Process; and
4. The Appeals Panel's decision is provided in writing within 30 days of the Appeals Hearing.

Availability and editions

The NSPC is available for purchase in both print and online formats. To read the NSPC 2024 version online for free, click here. To purchase the NSPC 2024 version, click here. If you live in New Jersey, call your state bookstore at +1 (800) 652-7422 or email director@nj-phcc.org. Remember to download the NSPC errata here.

What can you do?

Keeping up to date on code development activities is crucial for contractors and engineering professionals. Three key organizations to monitor are:

1. IAPMO
2. ICC
3. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

For those seeking a streamlined, customized approach, give us a call at Regulosity so we can simplify the process of staying informed and engaging on upcoming code changes.