Website design By BotEap.comThe 2007 California Building Codes became effective on January 1, 2008. Some of the most prominent areas of change in this building code installment focus on fire safety, equal access for people with disabilities, and green building. The new set of codes is based on the latest model national and international building codes.

Website design By BotEap.comRosario Marin, Secretary of State and Consumer Services Agency and Chair of the Building Standards Commission, said, “This will once again put California at the forefront as a leader in using the latest technology for building safety. buildings, fire prevention, safe construction, and code enforcement.

Website design By BotEap.comWith California’s 2006 global warming law requiring carbon emissions to be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020, there is pressure to change the way we build. Some California cities, like Los Angeles, are taking the changes seriously. Los Angeles is doing its part by adopting new building plans that require large new developments to be 15% more energy efficient than in previous years.

Website design By BotEap.comCalifornia State Fire Marshal Rueben Grijalva pushed many of the changes to the 2007 Building Codes in response to the devastation resulting from the recent wildfires in the state. The new 2007 California Building Code changes include additional fire protection standards at the urban-land interface for vulnerable structures located in wildfire-prone areas.

Website design By BotEap.comHowever, the new changes are meeting with some resistance related to the drastic increase in costs required to comply with the new codes. One of the proposed changes requires two-hour fire-resistant floor ratings for buildings greater than three stories and two-hour fire-resistant construction that extends to supporting structural members to grade. This change affects the cost of a new building by adding $6 per square foot and $250 per square foot for an existing structure.

Website design By BotEap.comCompliance with this code requires additional:

Website design By BotEap.como Fire retardant materials

Website design By BotEap.comoShaft construction

Website design By BotEap.comoProtection against longer penetration

Website design By BotEap.comoDesign Fees

Website design By BotEap.comoPermit and inspection fees

Website design By BotEap.como Additional sprinklers

Website design By BotEap.comAdditional code changes include the approval of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe for use in residential water supply systems. The federal Department of Justice (DOJ) certification requirements for barrier-free entry for people with disabilities were also presented.

Website design By BotEap.comAdditional changes for residential buildings:

Website design By BotEap.comWood siding and wood clapboard ceilings are prohibited in fire-prone areas.

Website design By BotEap.comshortened stairs with wider rungs

Website design By BotEap.comThe landscape near the home should be free of trees, shrubs, and other sources of fire fuel.

Website design By BotEap.comheating requirements reduced to 68°F at three feet above the floor

Website design By BotEap.com3rd floor outlet required soon regardless of square footage

Website design By BotEap.comThe minimum kitchen floor area is now 50 square feet with a minimum clearance of 3 feet between countertops and walls and appliances.

Website design By BotEap.comtaller railings for stairs

Website design By BotEap.comoMinimum attic access opening reduced to 20″ x 30″

Website design By BotEap.comWall between garage and home can now use ½” X-type drywall instead of 5/8″

Website design By BotEap.como Reduced size of emergency exit window for level floor openings

Website design By BotEap.comoMinimum clear width for doors cleared as 32″ with a height of 80″

Website design By BotEap.comspiral stairs can be used as a second exit regardless of the size of the house

Website design By BotEap.como light requirements reduced to 8% of floor space

Website design By BotEap.commechanical ventilation is now allowed instead of natural ventilation

Website design By BotEap.comminimum required distance of five feet for unrated walls and unprotected openings from the property line

Website design By BotEap.comNotable changes for commercial buildings:

Website design By BotEap.comThe permitted provisions of all of them would frame the history of the building are less restrictive.

Website design By BotEap.comWood frame buildings can now be built up to 70 feet tall and up to four stories

Website design By BotEap.comSprinklers can now be used to increase height and area and can be used in lieu of classified corridors if the building is equipped with a whole building sprinkler system.

Website design By BotEap.comStructures that comply with the 2007 California Building Codes will receive reduced insurance rates and higher resale values, but the pledgers do little to alleviate the pressure of additional upfront construction costs.