The City of Los Angeles Department of Building Safety (LADBS) has expanded its acceptance of UES Evaluation Reports to include Non-Structural Fire Life Safety and Non-Seismic & Non-Wind Structural reports without requiring separate development of the city’s own Research Reports (LARR). This is noted in the city’s Information Bulletin (IB) 119, which was revised March 3, 2013, and has been posted on the LADBS website.
“We are honored by this expansion in the areas of absolute trust the city of L.A. has placed in us,” said IAPMO Uniform ES Director Richard Beck, PE, CBO, MCP. “Trust is not something given lightly by L.A. nor by any jurisdiction; in fact, it must be earned day in and day out. UES understands the obligation that comes with this trust. We remain committed to satisfying the letter and spirit of the city of L.A.’s requirement for model code agency-issued evaluation reports. Another component of that responsibility is providing the most qualified and experienced staff. We recently greatly enhanced our in-house expertise with the addition of Mr. Brian Gerber, PE, SE as technical director. Brian played a critical role as principal structural engineer for almost 30 years with ICBO and its subsequent organizations. Together, Brian and I bring more than 55 years of model code-related experience to the table for UES. We continue to look for the best and brightest.”
UES evaluates and then documents findings in evaluation reports that summarize results and supporting documentation necessary to document code compliance and develop criteria only where necessary. Its unique combination of customer service, technical expertise and quick turnaround are just some of the reasons UES is the fastest-growing evaluation program in the United States. As a business unit subsidiary of the model code developer of the Uniform Codes, UES posts its evaluation reports and evaluation criteria on its website for use by anyone seeking information. This information is available instantly by download and without charge as a service to code officials, design professionals, manufacturers and consumers. No login or password is necessary. Criteria are developed with significant input from industry groups and individuals outside the model code organization. The expertise that is donated by the participants goes a long way toward making sure criteria are technically accurate and establishing a level playing field.
IAPMO’s UES Reports continue to be an invaluable tool for report holders seeking to obtain approvals in many jurisdictions, including the city of Los Angeles.
“Working with the LARR really brought home to us the immense value of the Uniform Evaluation Report,” said Jon Jungers, managing partner of AQC. “We relied heavily on our UES ER-0261 covering AKDUCT® and AKDUCT® Premier. Submitting ER-0261 to LARR staff provided detailed information, directly from a highly trusted independent organization with a 75-year relationship serving jurisdictions, an ER concisely summarizing information necessary to allow the city staff to make a decision in favor of approval. We are very pleased with the effectiveness of our UES Report, and honored to have our products recognized by UES.”
For more information on IAPMO Uniform ES, direct your Web browser to www.uniform-es.org or contact Karen Snowden at (909) 230-5533 or Karen.Snowden@uniform-es.org.
IAPMO Uniform ES evaluates building products, materials and designs according to all applicable codes and standards, ensuring continuous compliance to such documents. IAPMO ES is part of The IAPMO Group.
Last modified: April 12, 2013