The State’s Health and Safety Code establishes that the Uniform California Building, Fire and related construction Codes (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) as published by the California Building Standards Commission every 3 years, is the applicable codes for occupancies throughout the State. The Building Standards Commission published the 2022 California Building, Fire and related construction Codes earlier this year, and it becomes effective January 1, 2023.  During this waiting period, local governments may adopt modifications that impose more restrictive building and fire safety standards when deemed necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions, or when the revisions are purely administrative.

Ordinance No. 2940 adopts and amends the 2022 Editions of the California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Fire, Existing Building, Green Building, and Referenced Standards Codes, adopted by the State of California; and adopts the 2021 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, and the 2021 Edition of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The Building Division of the Community and Economic Development Department and Orange County Fire Authority are recommending changes and modifications to the 2022 California Building Standards Codes.

The proposed modifications are intended to increase safety to life and property from fire and other hazards. Many of the proposed modifications are carried over from previous code adoption and revisions.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Conduct the public hearing.

• After considering public testimony, conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2940 adopting the 2022 California Building Standards Codes with modifications.