Fighting for wood frames

Architects, engineers and building code officials have given the thumbs up to wood-frame construction of multi-family dwellings.

Some Maryland lawmakers disagree.

In Maryland, legislation is being considered that will effectively circumvent the building codes and prohibit a multifamily dwelling from being constructed using wood-frame construction in jurisdictions exceeding a specified population density. And it’s being roundly opposed by builders, architects and engineers, says the American Wood Council.

“These bills would circumvent the extensive effort architects, engineers, and building code officials put into the process to regularly update the national model building codes,” said Kenneth Bland, the AWC’s VP of codes and regulations, in a statement. “The construction requirements of the model codes are developed by the International Code Council and approved by building and fire officials from all over the country in a consensus process. Subsequently, Maryland adopts these model codes and requires each jurisdiction to use this building code. The code establishes requirements such that all buildings have similar safety performance regardless of the materials from which they are constructed.”

AWC executives and other representatives from the building industry testified recently against Maryland House Bill 1311, a companion bill to Senate Bill 722.

Bland’s statement further rejected that idea that wood frame constructions represents an increased danger from fire.

“There needs to be a realization that fires occur in buildings of all construction types and materials, and all buildings are affected by fire,” he said. “In most instances it is the furnishings and contents brought into buildings that cause fires, so targeting wood construction in multi-family buildings is not going to improve occupant or firefighter life safety. S.B. 722 and H.B. 1311 are not promoting proven safety measures; they are promoting the interests of specific building materials.”