The State’s Health and Safety Code establishes that the Building and Fire Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) as published by the California Building and Standards Commission every three (3) years, is the applicable code for occupancy throughout the State.

The Building Standards Commission published the 2016 California Building and Fire Standards Code on July 1, 2016, and it becomes effective January 1, 2017.  During this waiting period, local governments may adopt modifications that impose more restrictive building and fire standards to the California Building and Fire Standards Code when deemed necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

The attached Ordinance adopts and amends the 2016 Editions of the California Building, Residential, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, Energy, Historical Building, Fire, Existing Building and Green Building Codes, adopted by the State of California; and adopts the 2015 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, and the 2015 Edition of the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code.

The Community and Economic Development Department and Fire Department are recommending changes and modifications to the 2016 California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Plumbing Code, and California Fire Code.  The proposed modifications are intended to increase safety to life and property from fire and other hazards.  A majority of the proposed modifications are carried over from previous code adoption.

There is no financial impact to the City.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Hold a Public Hearing for consideration of the California Building and Fire Standards Code, 2016 Edition and certain Uniform Codes, along with the findings supporting the respective amendments; and
• Conduct the first reading and introduce the attached Ordinance.

By:    Alana Cheng, Senior Analyst