The primary purpose is to encourage states to adopt and administer uniform industrialized buildings programs in order to assure interstate reciprocity.

The compact is a contract between states which provides the legal framework to implement a cooperative state-based system. Accordingly, states can only join by enacting legislation ratifying the compact or withdraw by repealing the same.

The compact provides for an interim reciprocity agreement which allows states to participate in the program prior to becoming a member. A state can only become a member by enacting the Interstate Compact on Industrialized/Modular Buildings.

The Interstate Industrialized Buildings Commission is a public agency created by the compact and an agency of its member states. It is comprised of member-state representatives with proportional representation from the industry and consumers.

No. Label and other fees have been sufficient to fund the Commission’s activities since the program became mandatory in 1996. A portion of the label fee is distributed to participating states to carry out their responsibilities under the compact.

Having identical programs eliminates the need for each state to perform their own review and approval of industrialized buildings, building systems, and evaluation and inspection agencies. Likewise, through exchange of information, states can eliminate or significantly reduce the need for many out-of-state activities, such as visits to manufacturing facilities or agency headquarters. Furthermore, many other program functions – such as maintaining various records and documents, issuing and tracking labels – can be consolidated which results in further savings to states.

Industrialized buildings must comply with the adopted codes of the state in which they will be sited.

States will need to maintain a staff to oversee the program within their state as well as handle consumer complaints for which they will receive a portion of the label fee. Member states can also elect to become an exclusive inspection or evaluation agency within their state.

Uniform Administrative Procedures is adopted by reference and cannot be amended unilaterally by a state. The Model Rules and Regulations which specifies the state’s construction standards (codes) and describes state’s responsibilities under the compact can be modified to conform to state’s regulatory requirements. Through their commissioners, member states can propose amendments to the UAP or the MRR at the Commission’s regularly scheduled meetings.

A state may elect to exempt certain industrialized buildings or building manufacturers from the Commission’s program provided they are meant for intrastate purposes.

Part IV, Section 1(A) of the Uniform Administrative Procedures describes the list of items and information that must be submitted and is self-explanatory. Section 1(B) is for participating states who wish to become exclusive agencies. Once designated, agencies must submit their operating procedures for carrying out their responsibilities.

For new applicants, the non-refundable designation fee is $ 4,000 which must be submitted with the application. The annual renewal fee is a percentage of the gross receipts from Commission related activities.

Once the Commission receives a complete application, it will conduct a full evaluation within 60 calendar days.

Designated agencies must have certified plans examiners and inspectors and a structural calculation reviewer (a PE or an RA). The types of plans an agency can approve is determined by the certification level of the plans examiner(s).

Each designated agency signs a one-year contract with the Commission which expires on July 31. An agency is re-designated during the Commission’s annual meeting which is typically held in mid-July.

A manufacturer must contract with a designated agency to participate in the program. A designated agency is a public or private third-party agency authorized to provide required plan reviews, inspections and other approvals.  Our website has a current list including headquarters addresses, contact information and websites. You should visit their websites or contact them directly to find out about the areas they service, costs, approval times, etc.

You will need to submit a completed registration form to your designated agency listing each manufacturing facility that will participate in the program. They will forward the information to us along with other required documentation. You can find out if a facility is registered by visiting our website.

Only registered manufacturing facilities may order labels. When we receive a completed label order form with proper payment, we will authorize your designated agency to assign labels to the particular facility – usually on the same day. Although the Commission authorizes their release, labels are kept with individual designated agencies.

Only the designated evaluation agency that you have contracted with can approve your documents. Approvals are invalidated when a contract is terminated.

You will need to submit the documents specified in our regulations to your designated evaluation agency for review and approval. Your designated inspection agency will also conduct an initial review and assessment of the manufacturing facility. Once approved, they will audit the facility at regular intervals.

There are too many factors that affect the length of the approval process to provide a meaningful estimate. Most state programs that utilize third-party agencies have similar requirements. If your facility is already approved in one of those states, you probably have most of the documents and procedures in place which should help expedite the process.

Designated agencies set their own rates. They can provide you with their fee schedule or an estimate.

Notwithstanding other provisions, you cannot terminate your contract without providing the Commission with 30 days prior notice. A termination can be by mutual agreement or unilateral with cause which must be specified in the notice. You will be notified within the 30 day period if the Commission has any concerns with the termination.

Generally, you are required to pass tests offered by the International Code Council. For a current list, refer to Part IV, Section 4 of the 2007 edition of the Uniform Administrative Procedures.

You cannot provide those services unless you are also designated by the Commission as an evaluation or inspection agency.

You will need a minimum of 2.0 CEUs for one and 4.0 CEUs for two or more certificates. 10 hours of instruction at a typical seminar is equivalent to 1.0 CEU. You can also earn CEUs from other activities (see Formal Interpretation 95-02).

You will receive a prefilled form at least 30 days prior to the expiration date at the preferred mailing addresses on record. You should contact us if you haven’t received one and your certificate is about to expire.

The Commission holds a one day seminar in May and December of each year at various locations around the country on a rotating basis. To renew your certificates you will need to attend at least one during the certification period.

A certificate that has expired for less than a year can be reinstated by submitting the required documents and a late fee. If it has been over a year, you can request the Commission in writing to reinstate it which may take up to 30 days and  is discretionary.