Mass timber construction technology holds promise for Georgia forestry

Georgia’s timber industry, which already tops the nation in a number of categories, may get a boost from new technology that lets developers construct mid-rise office buildings made mostly of wood. The General Assembly is considering legislation asking the state Department of Community Affairs to recommend whether Georgia should adopt a provision in the International Building Code that allows buildings constructed of mass timber to rise as high as 18 stories. The state building code limits wood office buildings to six stories. Other countries and some states already are taking advantage of the international provision to put up mid-rise office buildings well above Georgia’s height limit, said Rep. John Corbett, R-Lake Park, chief sponsor of House Bill 777 and a timber farmer. Out on the West Coast, Washington and Oregon have done it. Canada has been using it for some time, he said. It’s going to be a good fit for our Southern yellow pine. It’s a good opportunity for us.