About the Code Comparison Tool
WHAT IS THE CODE COMPARISON TOOL?
The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) has developed an online tool that will enable communities to compare their current housing/property maintenance code to the National Healthy Housing Standard (NHHS) and the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).
In 2014, the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and the American Public Health Association (APHA) created the evidence-based NHHS as a tool to connect the housing and public health sectors and as an evidence-based reference for those in the position of improving housing conditions. NCHH drew from the latest and best thinking in the fields of environmental public health, safety, building science, engineering, and indoor environmental quality. The basis for this document is Housing and Health: Recommended Minimum Housing Standards, which was published in 1986 by the American Public Health Association and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The NHHS bridges the health and building code communities by offering evidence-based public health information related to housing codes shown to support safe and healthy housing. The mandatory provisions of the NHHS form the basis of this online tool, and they are presented here in 12 sections including Pest and Waste Management, Fall Prevention, Fire Safety, Moisture Control, and Plumbing/Water System.
WHY USE THE CODE COMPARISON TOOL?
NCHH has used the NHHS to prepare code comparisons for over 25 communities. The process has been very helpful and has already resulted in communities adopting many of the NHHS provisions into their codes; other communities are exploring their opportunities to update their codes. While the process has been successful, the impact has been limited to just those communities where NCHH had funding and time to offer assistance. An online application that allows communities to conduct a self-review of their code (with limited technical assistance from NCHH) will allow more communities ensure that our nation’s homes are the safe havens they’re meant to be.
WHO BENEFITS FROM USING THE CODE COMPARISON TOOL?
This online tool may be used by staff of organizations seeking to improve the health of their communities. They may be staff of local health departments, local housing agencies, housing-based nonprofits, neighborhood associations, universities, or other similar organizations.
HOW CAN I GET STARTED WITH THE CODE COMPARISON TOOL?
Users can create a user account on the webpage. The tool has 12 sections of varying lengths (60 to 90 minutes). Users can compare one, some or all sections based on their interests. The sections may be completed in any order.