by Brianna Crandall — August 4, 2014—Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has signed legislation that will replace the state’s plumbing code effective January 1, 2016, with the International Plumbing Code (IPC) published by the International Code Council. The Louisiana legislature approved changing the state’s plumbing standards to a new code based on the IPC instead of the Louisiana Plumbing Code. A Plumbing Transition Commission will develop recommendations on how the new code will go into effect.
ICC points out that the International Plumbing Code has already been adopted in 35 states and the District of Columbia at the state or local level. ICC touts the public health benefits of the code, and adds that the code is plumber and industry smart, providing guidelines for plumbing facilities and the acceptance of new and innovative products, materials and systems.
Changing the decades-old Louisiana Plumbing Code to a new code, the legislature voted to require that both residential and commercial plumbing would adhere to the IPC. State Rep. Erich Ponti, a Baton Rouge Republican and general contractor, told The (Louisiana) Advocate all sides of the negotiation, including labor organizations, signed off on the measure that had attracted hundreds of stakeholders to the State Capitol during the session.
Other highlights of the passed legislation include:
- Removes plumbing code authority from the Department of Health and Hospitals and gives the authority to the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council;
- Changes the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council from 19 to 20 members, creating a position for the state health officer or his designee;
- Adds House and Senate committees on health and welfare to have oversight for the initial plumbing adoption;
- Includes the International Building Code Chapter 29-Plumbing Systems, the International Residential Code, Part VII-Plumbing and the IPC to the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code; and
- Creates a Plumbing Transition Commission that may provide plumbing amendments to the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code for the initial adoption.
ICC notes that its codes are not new to Louisiana. For many years, the state has used the International Building, Residential, Energy Conservation, Existing Building, Fuel Gas and Mechanical codes to ensure the safety of its residents.
