California Department of General Services sent this bulletin at 10/29/2021 09:24 AM PDT
Winter 2021
Welcome to the Winter edition of CALCode Quarterly, CBSC's electronic newsletter.
Included in this issue:
Executive Director's Message
2019 Title 24 Supplements Published
Staff Spotlight
About IAPMO's Model Code Development Process
And more...
Mia Marvelli
Executive Director's Message Happy New Year! I hope you all are safe and well as we enter 2021. In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) team safe, we’ll continue to work remotely, forwarding the office phones directly to staff. Voicemail will activate if the main line is busy or if a call comes in after normal business hours. The CBSC email is monitored regularly during business hours and we make every effort to provide feedback within 24 to 48 hours.
The essential business of CBSC continues, and we have a lot going on. In October, CBSC held its first virtual “Rulemaking Training” for the state agencies involved in proposing and adopting the regulations in the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (Title 24). This training is provided by CBSC at the beginning of every code adoption cycle to ensure that all agencies have consistent information and templates for submitting their proposed regulations. This cyclical training is also an opportunity for state agency staff new to Title 24 rulemaking to learn about the process and required documents.
In December, the various code publishers finalized codification of the 2019 Title 24 supplements that were published on January 1 and are now available for review. Remember, the effective date for all supplements except administrative regulations is July 1, 2021. Please see the article later in this newsletter regarding how supplements are provided to code users by the publishers. On December 23, 2020, we released Information Bulletin (IB) 20-04 regarding the supplement updates. You can find the IB on the News tab of our website.
Pre-cycle activities have already begun for the 2021 Triennial Code Adoption Cycle that will result in the 2022 edition of Title 24. CBSC and other agencies have held or will be holding workshops to discuss new proposed code changes and any necessary amendments to the 2021 model codes. Note that CBSC does not post meeting notices for the workshops and hearings held by other agencies, so you will want to join the appropriate state agency mailing lists if you wish to follow topics specific to other state agencies. Links to participating agencies are provided on our Resources webpage to help you find proposing and adopting agencies of interest.
December 4, 2020 was the due date for applicants to the 2021-2023 term for CBSC’s Code Advisory Committees. The Code Adoption Committee, a subcommittee of the commission, met on January 21 to review the applicants and select nominees for each position on the six Code Advisory Committees. Due to several vacancies, a second call for three fire official positions was issued on January 26, with a February 10 due date. Visit the CAC webpage from our About Us tab for more information. The subcommittee will present its recommendations to the full commission at its February 18 meeting.
Code Advisory Committee meetings will commence in late spring, and public comment periods will begin in the summer. The timeline for this cycle is posted on our 2021 Rulemaking webpage. This tool can help you see where we are in the cycle at any given time. The Rulemaking webpage will be the central repository for rulemaking documents throughout the process, and the Calendars webpage will have dates of upcoming CBSC public meetings. Please contact the CBSC office at (916) 263-0916 or cbsc@dgs.ca.gov if you have any questions or have difficulty navigating our website. Staff will be available to assist you throughout the process.
Many of you may also be interested in participating in the model code development process, which overlaps with California’s process. A prior newsletter featured an article from the International Code Council about its process, and this issue of CALCode Quarterly has an article about the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials’ process. Participation at the model code development level has international influence, as well as within California.
Last November, CBSC was happy to welcome Irina Brauzman to our technical staff as an Associate Architect. Read more about Irina in our Staff Spotlight.
CBSC’s Education and Outreach program has seamlessly adapted to the virtual platform. If your group or organization is conducting virtual meetings, perhaps you’d like one of our technical experts to present. Our sessions focus on our areas of expertise – nonresidential CALGreen, the code development process or how to use Title 24, with an emphasis on Matrix Adoption Tables – and each subject can fill about an hour. Our staff can also present a short “About CBSC” segment, if time is limited. Contact our Education and Outreach Coordinator at cbsctraining@dgs.ca.gov.
For those of you who work for a local building department, you may be aware of the building permit fee that is collected to support the development of, and education efforts related to, green building standards. This fee is collected and remitted to CBSC on a quarterly basis. CBSC now has the ability to accept electronic payments for this fee. If interested, please see the article below for more information about this new time- and cost-saving payment method.
Take care, stay safe and hopefully we will see you in person sometime soon.
Title 24 Supplements Published January 1, 2021 For each edition of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (Title 24), an intervening code adoption cycle is held to make amendments to existing standards, adopt new California standards or “early adopt” new model codes. The resulting regulations are published as Supplements (blue pages) to be added to the current edition of Title 24. For the 2019 edition of Title 24, Supplements were published on January 1, 2021 and most have an effective date of July 1, 2021. See CBSC’s Information Bulletin 20-04for detailed information regarding the newest supplements.
For hard-copy versions of Title 24, the supplements are printed on blue paper and mailed to registered code purchasers to replace the original white pages in their code books.
Since more and more code users want to access their editions of Title 24 in an electronic format, the publishers – the International Code Council (ICC), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – now employ various methods to provide electronic code updates to code purchasers. This allows for correct use and application of the code before and after supplements become effective.
ICC – Parts 1, 2, 2.5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Purchasers of the electronic versions of the code books, whether PDF or Digital Codes Premium, can view and/or download their codes after publication. ICC is the publisher for all parts of Title 24 except Parts 3, 4 and 5 (see below for more information).
Updated editions of the PDF versions are posted to theICC Storewithin the “My Purchases” area of a user’s profile. The user can download any of the available versions for their purchased PDF titles.
Within Digital Codes Premium, the updated version for each part of Title 24 is posted and linked to the main book title. When the user searches for a particular part, they will see the most recent version automatically, but they will always have access to previous versions.
On theCalifornia Building Codes page(codes.iccsafe.org/codes/california), users can find the previous versions by hovering over the code book cover. Clicking “This title has multiple versions” brings up the “Associated Books” page that lists all versions, with the most recent at the top.
IAPMO – Parts 4 and 5 When new electronic versions of the California Plumbing and Mechanical Codes – Parts 4 and 5 of Title 24 – are available, IAPMO sends an email to all registered eBook owners notifying them that the new editions are available to download. Users click on the link in the email to log in to the IAPMO store and go to “My Account Profile” to find their order of the desired book. The new eBook can then be downloaded to the user’s device.
NFPA – Part 3 Currently, the California Electrical Code (CEC) is not sold in an electronic version. The code is available for free viewing to those who register with NFPA or via a link on CBSC’s website. When Part 3 is updated, registered parties will receive an email from NFPA with a link to view the new version, since it is not posted for access via NFPA’s website. You do not have to be an NFPA member to sign up for this service. When code users purchase a hard copy of Part 3, they must also register in order to receive updates. Then, supplements or errata pages are mailed to customers. Customers may reach out to NFPA Customer Supportto request any missing supplements.
View Codes for Free CBSC posts links to all parts of Title 24, errata and supplements on theCodes tabof our website. These links take viewers to the publishers’ websites where the codes, supplements and errata can be viewed for free.
Make Sure You’re Using the Current Code Whether using a hard copy or electronic version of the codes, users should take care to ensure that they are using the correct edition of the standards for their project. Remember, most supplements (with the exception of administrative regulations or emergencies) are effective 180 days after publication, so it is important to pay attention when referencing codes during the period between publication and the effective dates. A best practice is to refer to the History Note Appendix for effective dates. Errata or supplement information is printed at the bottom of any new pages so electronic code users can distinguish between the three versions – original, errata or supplement – since all pages are white when viewed electronically, while the printed versions are distinguished by their paper color.
If your jurisdiction has an ordinance that is in effect, and it is affected by an issued supplement, be sure to check with the local enforcing agency for proper code application.
Register to receive updates, if you have not already:
Irina Brauzman joined the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) as an Associate Architect in November 2020. Her duties at CBSC are to participate in and administer the California Building Standards Code development process, conduct various technical committee meetings and provide training regarding the state code adoption process.
Irina came to CBSC from the private sector, where she worked as an Architect/Technical Director for architectural companies in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, and in Russia. During that time, she designed various complex commercial, industrial and residential buildings, was responsible for developing uniformly refined production standards, and monitored projects to ensure the quality standards were met for all design and contract documents.
Irina was born in Russia and earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree there. She moved to the United States in 2010 with her husband and son. Since moving to the USA, a daughter was added to the family and Irina completed all the required architect registration examinations and received a California architect license. In her free time, she enjoys reading, bead crafting, 3D modeling, and spending time with her husband, two children and cat.
Please join us in welcoming Irina to the CBSC team.
Jurisdictions: Have You Signed Up for Our Electronic Payment System?
The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) is looking for more participants!
CBSC has developed an Electronic Payment Gateway (EPG) to electronically accept Building Standards Administration Special Revolving Fund fees (BSASRF, or Green Fees). As many of us work remotely and government entities search for ways to save time and money – and reduce the need for employees in the office – electronic payments may be one way for jurisdictions to meet all these goals.
Currently, jurisdictions complete a Fee Report form, process a check, and then physically mail the form and check to CBSC. The EPG system allows payments to be remitted via an online platform using an e-check or credit/debit card. The e-check processing is free, but there is a fee for credit/debit card payments (2.99% of the transaction value). The electronic process will eliminate the need to cut a check and physically mail it with the Fee Report form to CBSC, because the form can be emailed after the electronic payment is made.
"The electronic payment platform was very easy to use and the directions that were provided on how to submit the payment were clear and accurate," says Micaela Armstrong from the city of Vacaville. "Making the payment online definitely saved me and our AP Division time overall...The payment process was very smooth." CBSC is looking for more jurisdictions to sign up to remit their Green Fee payments electronically. If your jurisdiction would like to participate, please contact the Fund Administrator at (916) 263-1330 or BSASRF_Fee@dgs.ca.gov.
CBSC Webinars We can present our content to your group wherever you are...whether you're all in a room together, or as is more likely today, gathering virtually from various locations. If you would like CBSC to virtually attend a meeting with your organization, please reach out to us at cbsctraining@dgs.ca.gov.
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Code Development Process for the Uniform Plumbing and Uniform Mechanical Codes Adopted by California for Title 24 You may know that many parts of California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (Title 24), are based on model codes such as the Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Codes for Parts 4 and 5 of Title 24. But, do you know how those model codes are developed and published? If not, read on…
As a means of promoting the public’s health, safety and welfare, the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), first published in 1945, is developed to govern the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use, maintenance and inspection of plumbing systems. The Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), first published in 1967, provides the same governance for mechanical systems.
The UPC and UMC are continually revised and updated on three-year cycles that alternate with the triennial development cycles of Title 24. These revisions allow for the introduction of new technologies and innovations that increase safety and efficiency, and the retirement of outdated methods. The organization that administers this process is the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). IAPMO employs a voluntary consensus development process accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The UPC and UMC are the only plumbing and mechanical codes to have this distinction.
IAPMO urges its members and other interested parties to get involved in the code development process, which convenes the largest assembly of plumbing and mechanical experts in the world at its annual education and business conferences and technical committee meetings. This process allows anyone—whether they are an IAPMO member or not—to have a voice on proposed changes to the code. Installers, plumbing and mechanical officials, the construction industry, engineers and manufacturers all contribute to and benefit from this cooperative effort in developing codes.
The IAPMO Code Development Process IAPMO’s development of the UPC and UMC begins with a call for proposals. This process gathers code proposals from the public and IAPMO members, and then puts those proposals before technical committees for consideration. The technical committees review each building standard proposal and establish a “position” on each one—approve, amend or reject. At the first meeting, a simple majority vote establishes their position on a proposal. Shortly after the meeting, an official “letter ballot” is electronically submitted. At this stage, a two-thirds majority vote is required to carry forward a position to accept, amend or reject. After this, the committees’ position and ballot results are reported in a Report on Proposals (ROP). IAPMO publishes the ROP for distribution to anyone interested and issues a call for comments. All proposals, whether accepted, amended or rejected by the technical committees, are presented to the public and IAPMO membership for comment.
Comments are submitted during the comment period and during the Assembly Consideration Session, which takes place during an IAPMO annual meeting. At the annual meeting, anyone who agrees with or objects to a position of the technical committee, as published in the ROP, may make a motion to accept, reject or modify a proposal in accordance with theIAPMO Regulations Governing Committee Projects. Motions are voted on by members present at the session and, if successful, are included as public comments for technical committee review and consideration at a future meeting.
Next, all comments received from the public and IAPMO members are put before the technical committees. As with the proposals, each comment is also voted on by the technical committees and reaffirmed via electronic letter ballots. Again, a ballot must reach a two-thirds affirmative vote before moving forward in the process. All committee actions and ballot results are then provided in the Report on Comments (ROC). Proposals rejected or that do not achieve a two-thirds affirmative letter ballot during the comment stage do not move forward in the process.
IAPMO publishes the ROC for distribution to anyone interested. After the ROC is published, the ROP and ROC are brought before the IAPMO membership for consideration during the Association Technical Meeting. Motions made during the Association Technical Meeting are in accordance with the IAPMO Regulations Governing Committee Projects. A simple majority vote approves the documents for issuance by the IAPMO Standards Council, which means they become part of the code. All documents issued by the Standards Council become effective as part of the next editions of the UPC and UMC.
The UPC and UMC development process is governed in accordance with the Regulations Governing Committee Projects. IAPMO member and committee meetings follow Roberts Rules of Order, similarly to CBSC meetings, and their voting choices are also similar: accept as submitted, accept as amended or reject.
The above is a very simplified summary of the IAPMO process. The public reviews, public comments and votes are all designed to obtain as much information and input as possible before deciding to include a change in the uniform codes. There is also a process for petitions and appeals regarding controversial proposals and comments. Alternatively, proposed changes that receive no comments and are universally acceptable can move swiftly to the Standards Council for issuance.
Interested parties should sign up for IAPMO’smailing listto receive notices of important dates and document publication. IAPMO also has an “IAPMO Codes” mobile app (in your app store) where interested parties can get important information such as timelines. For more about the IAPMO process, or to become a member, visit IAPMO’s website at iapmo.org.
CBSC's Code Advisory Committees The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) established six Code Advisory Committees (CAC) by regulation in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code, Chapter 1, Section 1-209, as authorized by the California Health and Safety Code (law). The six CACs are: Accessibility (ACCESS), Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical and Energy (PEME), Building, Fire and Other (BFO), Structural Design/Lateral Forces (SD/LF), Health Facilities (HF) and Green Building (GREEN). CAC members represent the public, design professionals, the building and construction industry, local government building officials, labor, fire officials, and other parties affected by building codes. The committees review the technical merit of proposed new building standards and code changes proposed by state agencies and provide recommendations to the commission.
At the beginning of each triennial code adoption cycle, CBSC solicits applicants for appointment to these committees. The applications are initially considered by the commission’s Code Adoption Committee consisting of appointed commissioners. This subcommittee reviews the applications and makes recommendations to the full commission for appointments to the appropriate code advisory committee. At a scheduled commission meeting (set for February 18 this year) the commissioners consider and then make appointments based upon applicants’ knowledge about building standards or the general subject matter assigned to each CAC. Committee members are appointed for three-year terms and serve without compensation. In accordance with the California Administrative Code each committee is comprised of a maximum of nine voting members per discipline. Visit CBSC’s About webpagefor committee member lists.
After appointments are confirmed, the CACs meet to consider proposed building standards developed by state agencies. The CAC meetings are publicly noticed in accordance with the Bagley-Keen Open Meeting Act and Building Standards Law (Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.5, commencing with Section 18901) and are an excellent opportunity for public participation. The meeting agenda and proposed code changes are available on CBSC’s website a minimum 15 days prior to the meeting date.
During the meetings, CAC members review the proposed code changes found in the Express Terms and the Initial Statement of Reasons rulemaking documents developed by the state agencies. The CAC’s review is based on the nine-point criteria found in Health and Safety Code Section 18930 and recommendations are consistent with Section 1-409 of the California Administrative Code.
Following the CAC meetings and before the 45-day public comment period begins, the state proposing agencies shall consider each of the CAC recommendations and make any necessary amendments to their proposed building standards, or have good cause for not accepting the CAC recommendations. CBSC establishes a response date for the agencies to submit revised rulemaking documents and then makes the documents available to the public during the public review periods.
To follow the rulemaking process for the upcoming Triennial Code Adoption Cycle, visit CBSC’sRulemaking and Calendar webpages for current information and activities.
The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) is looking for more participants!
