New Construction Codes Coming to California
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| Starting January 1, 2008, all new buildings being constructed in California will be required to comply with the new California building codes, which were published this July. Developed by the International Code Council (ICC), the new California codes are based on the International Building Code and International Fire Code and are the first complete building code updates for California since 1997.
Mark Johnson, senior vice president of business and product development for ICC, discusses the importance of the new codes for the U.S. building industry.
Q: What codes does California currently use?
California codes are currently based on the Uniform Codes and National Electrical Code, specifically the 1997 Uniform Building Code, 2000 Uniform Fire Code, 2000 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2002 National Electrical Code and the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code. The state uses its own homegrown energy code.
Q: Why were the new codes adopted?
The current codes used in California are based on model codes—the Uniform Codes—that are six to nine years old and a bit dated. The new California codes will be based on the most current model codes available and reflect the latest advances in building and fire safety.
Q: Which codes are the new California codes based on?
The 2006 International Building Code, 2006 International Fire Code, 2006 International Existing Building Code, 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2006 Uniform Mechanical Code and 2005 National Electrical Code.
Q: What topics do the new codes cover?
They cover a number of topics, including fire and life safety provisions; structural, accessibility, energy, plumbing, mechanical and electrical considerations; the storage of hazardous materials; and residential construction requirements.
Q: What training is ICC making available to help with the transition?
ICC provides extensive training opportunities to assist code officials, engineers, architects, contractors, manufacturers and others in transitioning from the current Uniform Codes to the new California codes. We’ve also partnered with our affiliated chapters and the California Association of Building Officials to offer hundreds of training opportunities throughout the state.
Q: What were some of the major changes that were made with the new codes?
As far as structural provisions are concerned, the most significant change is in the way structural loads are determined, most notably snow, wind and seismic loads that are based on the most current edition of Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7-05). Another significant change in comparison to the Uniform Building Code is that the International Building Code references national standards for structural load determination and design.
On the non-structural side, the most significant change is the increase in design flexibility permitted for the installation of an automatic sprinkler system while maintaining an appropriate level of fire and life safety. In the IBC, the installation of automatic sprinkler systems can be used to reduce some code requirements in comparison to the UBC.
Q: Is there anything unique about the new codes—for example, do they have more stringent seismic design standards compared to other codes in use elsewhere in the country?
Because the new California Building Code is based on the 2006 International Building Code, the structural provisions are based on the most current national standards for structural loads and materials as well as the most current edition of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) provisions to mitigate losses from earthquake ground motion.
Q: For companies that don’t do construction in California, why are the new codes significant?
California has historically been a trendsetter when it comes to building and fire codes. This has an impact on other states. Also, California’s use of the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code and International Fire Code has resulted in a more harmonized approach and will make it easier for manufacturers and design firms who provide products and services throughout the US.
Q: How do the new codes affect buildings that are already under construction? Or does it just affect future projects?
Buildings that are already permitted and under construction are not affected by the new codes. Once the new California codes become effective, all new building construction throughout California must comply with the new code provisions. |