California Building Code Adherence

09 Feb California Building Code Adherence

Adhering to California building codes is vital to ensuring your project runs as smoothly as possible and gets completed on time and budget. While the building codes in California are among the most stringent in the country, skillful contractors know these codes and abide by them, which saves a lot of potential problems.

Title 24

Title 24 is a common term for the relevant section of the California Code of Regulations Building Standards Code. The California Building Standards Commission makes and maintains the Codes themselves. Due to the seismic issues California faces, as well as the diverse climate of the state, buildings need to be constructed with an eye to the potential for damage due to tsunamis and earthquakes, as well as being up to a fire standard and being generally sound against water intrusion. As well, California’s status as a forward-thinking state means that buildings must also conform to both green standards for environmental friendliness in construction, and further standards for energy efficiency. Resource consciousness is a vital part of design, as well as vital to passing inspections.

New Vs. Existing Buildings

Naturally, new buildings must conform to every relevant aspect of Title 24 — nothing can be grandfathered in. However, there are special rules that go into effect with regard to existing buildings. In some mitigating circumstances, restoring damaged components of a property that are similar enough to the original to be considered functionally identical is generally less stringently viewed as either making alterations to an existing structure or adding onto the structure. If your home or business only needs relatively small changes, such as a remodel, the laws are less stringent if the structure was only built a couple of decades ago.

Existing Vs. Older or Historic Buildings

Buildings that are noted for being of historical significance are differentiated from older buildings by claiming historic status. While the regular Code under Title 24 applies to most buildings, California has a uniquely performance-driven Code dedicated exclusively to historic buildings called the California Historical Building Code, or CHBC. If you think your building may be historic, you can have it inspected by a city official in order to determine this. There are unique rules in the Code that apply to the construction challenges of making sure that a historic building retains the character of a prior age, while maintaining the safety and efficiency standards that are non-negotiable in the modern world. Experienced contractors know the difference between “vintage” buildings and historic ones.

Penalties for Disobeying Code

Generally, the penalties for violating Code are significant. Fines are to be expected, as well as potentially being asked to attend a hearing for further penalty assignment. Further, you may be required to undo any work that was previously done without adhering to Code and then applying for a new permit prior to beginning work anew. California is known for enforcing these regulations and penalties stringently, and you may even be unable to sell your building if Code violations are not corrected first.

Finding a Contractor That Consistently Adheres to Code

Working with a contractor that works within Code is sometimes a hit-or-miss proposition. Seek out someone with a known track record, a clear license, and who can show you multiple examples of work they can prove they did. If the work is complete, all the permits and the contractor’s license check out, ask some of his or her past clients for their opinions. If the past clients were pleased, there is a good chance you will also be pleased by the contractor’s work. Following Code is safer, and saves a lot of headaches. Contact McNeil Construction for more information.