Adopt Resolution #17-06-141 International Code Council (ICC) Nonexclusive License Agreement

The Ramsey City Council has approved the development and use of ProjectDox, a new electronic plan review option for permits and land use application applicants.  Staff are working with software developers to develop the most robust, cutting edge electronic plan review process possible.  ProjectDox is a web-based workflow and collaboration system that allows applicants and City of Ramsey staff to collaborate electronically during the plan review process.  ProjectDox provides an alternative to printing and shipping paper construction documents to the City for review and allows for numerous cost- and time-saving efficiencies.  Applicants apply for a permit electronically, and upload construction documents.  Notations by the plan reviewer(s) are added as an overlay on the electronic plans to provide clear direction for required corrections.  Code language is frequently used to convey these requirements.  Code language or drawings copied from the ICC are copyright material.

Staff collaborated with Casey L. Thomas; Executive Assistant, International Code Council, and City Attorney; Joe Langel, to determine the best way to navigate the Copyright material use.  Mr. Thomas had his legal team put together an agreement, and City Attorney Langel reviewed the agreement to ensure that it accurately represented the City.   After a through review, the agreement is now ready to be reviewed and approved by Council, and subsequently signed by the Mayor and City Administrator.

The International Codes are Copyright material.  In an effort to provide applicants with Code requirements, it became apparent that copying Sections of Code into the electronic format would be the most effective and efficient way to provide the information. Items called Attributes and Requirements are used within ePermits and ProjectDox, to both ask applicants specific questions about their projects and provide applicants with Code specific requirements.  As such, Sections of the International Codes were copied into these programs. 

Staff recommends Council Approve the International Code Council (ICC) Nonexclusive License Agreement.

Motion to Approve Resolution #17-06-141; International Code Council (ICC) Nonexclusive License Agreement.