reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18936.

18936. The commission shall mail notices of meetings with respect to its proposed action on any building standards to any design profession organizations, chambers of commerce, consumer groups, building and construction industry organizations, governmental agencies, and other parties and organizations that have submitted a written request therefor at least 15 days prior to any meeting thereon, provided that the failure to do so shall not invalidate any commission action.
(Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 897, Sec. 26. Effective January 1, 1993.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18937.

18937. (a)  Emergency standards shall be acted on by the commission within 30 days and only when the adopting agency or state agency that proposes the building standards has made the finding of emergency required by Sections 11346.1 and 11346.5 of the Government Code and the adopting agencies have adopted the emergency standard in compliance with Section 11346.1 of the Government Code, and the commission concurs with that finding. Both the concurrence and the approval of the emergency building standards require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the commission attending a meeting, or not less than six affirmative votes, whichever is greater.
(b)  Emergency standards approved by the commission pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be filed by the commission pursuant to Section 11346.1 of the Government Code and shall be subject to that section.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1124, Sec. 34. Effective September 30, 2002.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18938.3.

18938.3. With respect to the model codes that are designated in Sections 17922 and 18938 to serve as the basis for the California Building Standards Code but are no longer published, the building standards adopted and approved by the commission shall be those contained in the most recent editions of the model codes adopted or approved by the commission to serve as the basis for the 2007 triennial edition of the California Building Standards Code. Those model codes designated in Sections 17922 and 18938 that continue to be published and updated shall continue to serve as the basis for the California Building Standards Code. With respect to Section 17922, other model codes may be considered for use, proposal, approval, or adoption, or any combination thereof, provided they do not duplicate building standards, as proposed by the Department of Housing and Community Development and adopted by the commission, the subject matter of the model codes which serve as the basis for the 2007 triennial edition of the California Building Standards Code.
(Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 719, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2009.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18938.5.

18938.5. (a) Only those building standards approved by the commission, and that are effective at the local level at the time an application for a building permit is submitted, shall apply to the plans and specifications for, and to the construction performed under, that building permit.
(b) (1) A local ordinance adding or modifying building standards for residential occupancies, which are published in the California Building Standards Code, shall apply only to an application for a building permit submitted after the effective date of the ordinance and to the plans and specifications for, and the construction performed under, that permit.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any of the following:
(A) A city or county that has been subject to an emergency proclaimed pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(B) A permit that is subsequently deemed expired because the building or work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 12 months from the date of the permit or the permittee has abandoned the work authorized by the permit.
(C) A permit that is subsequently deemed suspended or revoked because the building official has, in writing, suspended or revoked the permit due to its issuance in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied.
(c) No model code made applicable to any additional occupancy shall apply to any project that has been submitted for a building permit prior to the effective date of that model code.
(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 655, Sec. 1. (AB 2913) Effective January 1, 2019.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18938.6.

18938.6. (a) Every permit shall remain valid for purposes of this part if the work on the site authorized by that permit is commenced within 12 months after its issuance, unless the permittee has abandoned the work authorized by the permit.
(b) A permittee may request an extension of a permit. The building official may grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time for periods of not more than 180 days per extension. The permittee shall request an extension pursuant to this subdivision in writing and demonstrate justifiable cause for the extension.
(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 655, Sec. 2. (AB 2913) Effective January 1, 2019.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18940.

18940. Codification of building standards approved by the commission shall be incorporated into the code and shall not be incorporated into other individual titles of state agencies in the California Code of Regulations.
(Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 897, Sec. 31. Effective January 1, 1993.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18940.5.

18940.5. As part of the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) adopted after January 1, 2014, agencies that propose green building standards for inclusion in Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations shall, to the extent that it is feasible, reference or reprint the green building standards in other relevant portions of Part 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, or 6 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. For purposes of compliance with this section, the republication of the provisions of Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations in other parts of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations shall not be considered duplication in violation of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 18930.
(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 585, Sec. 4. (AB 341) Effective January 1, 2014.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18940.7.

18940.7. (a) For purposes of this section, “water reuse system” includes both of the following:
(1) A system approved for installation under the California Building Standards Code that uses recycled water, graywater, rainwater, or other nonpotable water sources for nonpotable indoor or outdoor building use, including landscaping, toilet and urinal flushing, floor trap priming, or cooling towers.
(2) A system approved for installation under the California Building Standards Code that captures graywater, rainwater, building foundation water drainage, or other onsite alternative water sources for nonpotable reuse onsite or as part of a multibuilding, district, or campuswide treatment system.
(b) The commission shall, commencing with the next triennial edition of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), research, develop, and propose building standards, including voluntary Tier 1 or Tier 2 standards of the California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), to reduce potable water use in new nonresidential buildings, including consideration of requiring installation of water reuse systems and consideration of requiring preplumbing of buildings to allow future use of recycled water, onsite treated graywater, or other alternative water sources. In developing these standards, the commission may limit or exempt the application of standards based on occupancy, building type, building size, development size, availability or planned availability of recycled water, or as otherwise determined appropriate.
(c) The commission shall perform a review of water efficiency and water reuse standards in the California Buildings Standards Code every three years thereafter and update as needed.
(d) In developing and proposing building standards under this section, the commission is authorized to expend funds from the Building Standards Administration Special Revolving Fund, upon appropriation pursuant to Section 18931.7.
(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 884, Sec. 4. (SB 745) Effective January 1, 2024.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18941.

18941. All building standards shall be administered and enforced and, whenever practicable, written on a performance basis consistent with state and nationally recognized standards for building construction in view of the use and occupancy of each structure to preserve and protect the public health and safety.
(Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 897, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 1993.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18941.5.

18941.5. (a)  (1) Amendments, additions, and deletions to the California Building Standards Code, including, but not limited to, green building standards, adopted by a city, county, or city and county pursuant to Section 18941.5 or pursuant to Section 17958.7, together with all applicable portions of the California Building Standards Code, shall become effective 180 days after publication of the California Building Standards Code by the commission, or at a later date after publication established by the commission.
(2)  The publication date established by the commission shall be no earlier than the date the California Building Standards Code is available for purchase by the public.
(b)  Neither the State Building Standards Law contained in this part, nor the application of building standards contained in this section, shall limit the authority of a city, county, or city and county to establish more restrictive building standards, including, but not limited to, green building standards, reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. The governing body shall make the finding required by Section 17958.7 and the other requirements imposed by Section 17958.7 shall apply to that finding. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of fire protection districts pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 13869.7. Further, nothing in this section shall require findings required by Section 17958.7 beyond those currently required for more restrictive building standards related to housing.
(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 89, Sec. 2. (AB 210) Effective January 1, 2010.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18941.6.

18941.6. (a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, ordinances and programs adopted on or before January 1, 1993, that contain standards to strengthen potentially hazardous buildings pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 8875.2 of the Government Code, shall incorporate the building standards in Appendix Chapter 1 of the Uniform Code for Building Conservation of the International Conference of Building Officials published in the California Building Standards Code, except for standards found by local ordinance to be inapplicable based on local conditions, as defined in subdivision (b), or based on an approved study pursuant to subdivision (c), or both. Ordinances and programs shall be updated in a timely manner to reflect changes in the model code, and more frequently if deemed necessary by local jurisdictions.
(b)  For the purpose of subdivision (a), and notwithstanding the meaning of “local conditions” as used elsewhere in this part and Part 2.5 (commencing with Section 18901), the term “local conditions” shall be limited to those conditions that affect the implementation of seismic strengthening standards on the following only:
(1)  The preservation of qualified historic structures as governed by the State Historical Building Code (Part 2.7 (commencing with Section 18950)).
(2)  Historic preservation programs, including, but not limited to, the California Mainstreet Program.
(3)  The preservation of affordable housing.
(c)  Any ordinance or program adopted on or before January 1, 1993, may include exceptions for local conditions not defined in subdivision (b) if the jurisdiction has approved a study on or before January 1, 1993, describing the effects of the exceptions. The study shall include a seismic hazards assessment, seismic retrofit cost comparisons, and earthquake damage estimates for a major earthquake, including the differences in costs, deaths, and injuries between full compliance with Appendix Chapter 1 of the Uniform Code for Building Conservation and the ordinance or program. No study shall be required pursuant to this subdivision if the exceptions for local conditions not defined in subdivision (b) result in standards or requirements that are more stringent than those in Appendix Chapter 1 of the Uniform Code for Building Conservation.
(d)  Ordinances and programs adopted pursuant to this section shall be conclusively presumed to comply with the requirements of Chapter 173 of the Statutes of 1991.
(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1219, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1995.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18941.7.

18941.7. Subject to Section 14877.3 of the Water Code, a city, county, or other local agency may adopt, after a public hearing and enactment of an ordinance or resolution, building standards that are more restrictive than the graywater building standards adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development under Section 17922.12 and published in the California Building Standards Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 577, Sec. 1. (AB 849) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18941.8.

18941.8. (a) As used in this section, “graywater” has the same meaning as defined in Section 17922.12.
(b) Notwithstanding Chapter 22 (commencing with Section 14875) of Division 7 of the Water Code, as a part of the next triennial edition of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) adopted after January 1, 2011, the commission shall adopt building standards for the construction, installation, and alteration of graywater systems for indoor and outdoor uses in nonresidential occupancies.
(c) In adopting building standards under this section, the commission shall do all of the following:
(1) Ensure protection of water quality in accordance with applicable provisions of state and federal water quality law.
(2) Consider the adopted building standards for the construction, installation, and alteration of graywater systems for indoor and outdoor uses in residential buildings.
(3) Consider existing research available on the environmental consequences to soil and groundwater of short-term and long-term graywater use for irrigation purposes.
(4) Consider graywater use impacts on human health.
(5) Consider the circumstances under which the use of graywater treatment systems in nonresidential occupancies is recommended.
(6) Consider the use and regulation of graywater in other jurisdictions.
(7) Use Chapter 16 of the Uniform Plumbing Code, adopted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as the starting point for the building standards and amend those standards as necessary.
(d) The commission may revise and update the standards adopted under this section at any time.
(e) The commission’s adoption of building standards for graywater systems pursuant to this section shall terminate the authority of the Department of Water Resources to adopt and update standards for the installation, construction, and alteration of graywater systems in nonresidential buildings pursuant to Chapter 22 (commencing with Section 14875) of Division 7 of the Water Code.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 622, Sec. 1. (SB 518) Effective January 1, 2011.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18941.9.

18941.9. The commission shall, in the next triennial adoption process for the code adopted after the development of a standard specification by the Department of Transportation pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 71400 of the Public Resources Code, consider incorporating that specification as an additional strategy for Heat Island Effect: Hardscape Alternatives in the California Green Building Standards Code (Section A5.106.11.1 of Appendix 5 of Part 11 (commencing with Section 101.1) of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 667, Sec. 2. (AB 296) Effective January 1, 2013.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18941.10.

18941.10. (a) (1) The commission shall, commencing with the next triennial edition of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) adopted after January 1, 2014, adopt, approve, codify, and publish mandatory building standards for the installation of future electric vehicle charging infrastructure for parking spaces in multifamily dwellings and nonresidential development.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the Department of Housing and Community Development shall propose mandatory building standards for the installation of future electric vehicle charging infrastructure for parking spaces in multifamily dwellings and submit the proposed mandatory building standards to the commission for consideration.
(b) (1) In proposing and adopting mandatory building standards under this section, the Department of Housing and Community Development and the commission shall use Sections A4.106.6, A4.106.6.1, A4.106.6.2, A5.106.5.1, and A5.106.5.3 of the California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) as the starting point for the mandatory building standards and amend those standards as necessary.
(2) In proposing and adopting mandatory building standards under this section, the Department of Housing and Community Development and the commission shall actively consult with interested parties, including, but not limited to, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, manufacturers, local building officials, commercial building and apartment owners, and the building industry.
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 346, Sec. 1. (AB 2075) Effective January 1, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18941.12.

18941.12. (a) Notwithstanding any subsequent updates to building standards approved by the commission pursuant to this chapter, an individual submitting a proposed development plan for a residential development may utilize, and a local agency shall allow the utilization of, a template floor plan if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) For use of a template floor plan on or after January 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024, all of the following conditions:
(A) The template floor plan was approved, between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, by the local agency that oversees development approvals where the proposed residential development is located and the plan complied with all building standards in effect at the time.
(B) The proposed new development is located on the same parcel that contained a residential building that was damaged or destroyed, prior to January 1, 2020, as a result of a disaster in an area for which a state of emergency was proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(C) The owner of the destroyed or damaged residential building did not have code upgrade insurance at the time the building was damaged or destroyed.
(D) The proposed new residential development will be used for owner-occupancy and is not intended to be used as a rental or vacation property.
(E) The template floor plan is being used no more than six years after the date it was approved.
(2) For use of a template floor plan on or after July 1, 2024, both of the following conditions:
(A) All of the conditions in paragraph (1).
(B) The local agency has approved, following every issuance of new state building standards, a resolution that includes findings that the continued use of the template floor plan without regard to subsequent changes to building standards does not pose a significant risk to the health and safety of the building occupants or the community.
(b) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 184, Sec. 1. (AB 2139) Effective January 1, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2029, by its own provisions.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18941.15.

18941.15. At the next triennial building standards rulemaking cycle that commences on or after January 1, 2019, the Department of Housing and Community Development shall develop and submit for approval clarifications in the California Building Code and the California Residential Code pertaining to the requirements for the construction of live/work units.
(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 573, Sec. 1. (AB 565) Effective January 1, 2019.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18941.17.

18941.17. (a) As part of each triennial California Building Standards Code rulemaking cycle that commences on or after January 1, 2023, the commission shall convene a workshop or other collaborative process on electric vehicle charging infrastructure standards.
(b) The workshop or other collaborative process shall include the commission, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Division of the State Architect, the State Air Resources Board, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, and other relevant stakeholders.
(c) The workshop or other collaborative process shall consider, among other things, projected demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure based on the state’s goals.
(d) As part of the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission’s participation in the workshop or other collaborative process, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission shall incorporate the most recent update to the statewide assessment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure prepared pursuant to Section 25229 of the Public Resources Code, any relevant electric load forecasts, and the statewide transportation electrification goals.
(e) If the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission recommends any electric vehicle charging infrastructure standard as part of the workshop or other collaborative process, the recommended standard shall be cost effective when taken in its entirety and when amortized over the economic life of the infrastructure compared with historic practice. When determining cost effectiveness, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission shall consider other relevant factors, as required by Sections 18930 and 18935, including, but not limited to, the impact on housing costs, the total statewide costs and benefits of the standard over its lifetime, the economic impact on California businesses, and any alternative approaches and their associated costs.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 131, Sec. 109. (AB 1754) Effective January 1, 2024.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18942.

18942. (a) The commission shall publish, or cause to be published, editions of the code in its entirety once in every three years. In the intervening period the commission shall publish, or cause to be published, supplements as necessary. For emergency building standards defined in subdivision (a) of Section 18913, an emergency building standards supplement shall be published whenever the commission determines it is necessary.
(b) The commission shall publish the text of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 115920) of Chapter 5 of Part 10 of Division 104, within the requirements for single-family residential occupancies contained in Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, with the following note:
“NOTE: These regulations are subject to local government modification. You should verify the applicable local government requirements at the time of application for a building permit.”
(c) The commission shall publish the text of Section 116064.2 within Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
(d) The commission may publish, stockpile, and sell at a reasonable price the code and materials incorporated therein by reference if it deems the latter is insufficiently available to the public, or unavailable at a reasonable price. Each state department concerned and each city, county, or city and county shall have an up-to-date copy of the code available for public inspection.
(e) (1) Each city, county, and city and county, including charter cities, shall obtain and maintain with all revisions on a current basis, at least one copy of the building standards and other state regulations relating to buildings published in Titles 8, 19, 20, 24, and 25 of the California Code of Regulations. These codes shall be maintained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of this part.
(2) This subdivision shall not apply to a city or county that contracts for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this part with another local government agency that complies with this section.
(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 770, Sec. 6. (AB 2697) Effective January 1, 2013.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18942.1.

18942.1. (a)  If a regulation or order of repeal is filed with the Office of Administrative Law, and if it appears to be a building standard, as defined by Section 18909, which has not been approved by the commission, the Office of Administrative Law shall consult with the commission or the commission’s staff to determine the character and status of the filed regulation or order. Any building standard improperly transmitted to the Office of Administrative Law, as determined according to this section, shall not be then filed with the Secretary of State, but, instead, the Office of Administrative Law shall transmit the building standard to the commission and notify the adopting agency of this action.
(b)  If an administrative regulation or order of repeal is filed with the commission and it does not directly apply to the implementation or enforcement of a building standard, it shall not be submitted to the commission for action, but, instead, the commission shall transmit the regulations to the Office of Administrative Law and notify the submitting agency of this action.
(Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 897, Sec. 35. Effective January 1, 1993.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18943.

18943. Building standards in individual titles of the California Code of Regulations other than the California Building Standards Code shall have no force or effect after January 1, 1985.
(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 62, Sec. 184. Effective January 1, 2004.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18944.

18944. State agencies shall adopt regulations for publication in the titles of the California Code of Regulations containing other regulations of the agency to identify, by reference, the appropriate sections of the California Building Standards Code containing those building standards for which that agency has enforcement responsibility.
(Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 897, Sec. 38. Effective January 1, 1993.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18944.5.

18944.5. The code shall be binding on the state and other public agencies, including federal agencies to the extent permitted by federal law, in the same manner as it binds private parties or entities.
(Added by Stats. 1979, Ch. 1152.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18944.7.

18944.7. The alternative building regulations and building standards authorized under the State Historical Building Code (Part 2.7 (commencing with Section 18950) of Division 13) which have been published in Part 8 of the California Building Standards Code shall be maintained as a separate and distinct part or portion of the California Building Standards Code pursuant to that title.
(Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1194, Sec. 30.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18944.11.

18944.11. On or before July 1, 2009, any state agency that adopts or proposes building standards for plumbing systems shall consider developing building standards that would govern the use of nonwater-supplied urinals for submission to the California Building Standards Commission in accordance with Sections 17921.4 and 18930.
(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 499, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2008.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18944.18.

18944.18. (a) The California Building Standards Commission, in conjunction with the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, shall repeal Section 1226.7 of the 2013 Triennial Edition of the California Building Standards Code, including all cross-references to that section, as soon as possible. The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development is granted emergency regulatory authority to implement this subdivision. Notwithstanding the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the regulations adopted under this subdivision shall become permanent without further regulatory action.
(b) The State Department of Public Health shall, no later than July 1, 2014, repeal the regulations relating to abortion services in primary care clinics contained in Article 5 (commencing with Section 75040) of Chapter 7 of Division 5 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 663, Sec. 2. (AB 980) Effective January 1, 2014.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18944.19.

18944.19. (a) Upon the next triennial update of the California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2023:
(1) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall research and develop, and may propose for adoption, mandatory building standards for short-term and long-term bicycle parking in multifamily residential buildings, hotels, and motels.
(2) The commission shall research and develop, and may adopt, revised mandatory building standards for short-term and long-term bicycle parking in nonresidential buildings.
(b) In developing the standards pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a), the Department of Housing and Community Development and the commission shall develop minimum mandatory bicycle parking standards using a method that is independent of the number of vehicle parking spaces.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 809, Sec. 2. (AB 2863) Effective January 1, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4 - The California Building Standards Code › Section 18944.21.

18944.21. (a) Not later than July 1, 2023, the commission shall consider whether to adopt the most recent versions of the following consensus safety standards, to be codified and published in the California Building Standards Code: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 15-2019; ASHRAE Standard 34-2019; Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 60335-2-89 2nd edition; and UL 60335-2-40 3rd edition.
(b) If the commission does not adopt all of the consensus safety standards listed in subdivision (a), then effective July 1, 2024, no state or local building code provision shall prohibit the use of a refrigerant listed as acceptable under Section 7671k of the federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 7401 et seq.), provided each use is installed in accordance with the most recent version of ASHRAE Standard 15 and the applicable listing standard, such as UL 60335-2-89 or UL 60335-2-40.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 251, Sec. 8. (AB 209) Effective September 6, 2022.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4.5 - Guidelines for Straw-Bale Structures › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions and Definitions › Section 18944.30.

18944.30. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)  There is an urgent need for low-cost, energy-efficient housing in California.
(b)  The cost of conventional lumber-framed housing has risen due to a shortage of construction-grade lumber.
(c)  Straw is an annually renewable source of cellulose that can be used as an energy-efficient substitute for stud-framed wall construction.
(d)  The state has mandated that the burning of rice straw be greatly reduced.
(e)  As a result of the mandated burning reduction, growers are experimenting with alternative straw management practices. Various methods of straw incorporation into the soil are the most widely used alternatives. The two most common methods are nonflood incorporation and winter flood incorporation. Economically viable off-farm uses for rice straw are not yet available.
(f)  Winter flooding of rice fields encourages the natural decomposition of rice straw and provides valuable waterfowl habitat. According to the Central Valley Habitat Joint Venture component of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, in California’s Central Valley, over 400,000 acres of enhanced agricultural lands are needed to restore the depleted migratory waterfowl populations of the Pacific flyway. Flooded rice fields are a key and integral part of the successful restoration of historic waterfowl and shorebird populations.
(g)  Winter flooding of rice fields provides significant waterfowl habitat benefits and should be especially encouraged in areas where there is minimal potential to impact salmon as a result of surface water diversions.
(h)  An economically viable market for rice straw bales could result from the use of rice straw bales in housing construction.
(i)  Practicing architects and engineers have determined that the statutory guidelines established by Chapter 941 of the Statutes of 1995 contain specific requirements that they believe are either unnecessary or detrimental. Some of the requirements are considered costly and severely restrict the development of straw-bale housing.
(j)  Statutory guidelines for the use of straw-bale housing would significantly benefit energy conservation, natural resources, low-cost housing, agriculture, and fisheries in California.
(k)  Tests and experience with straw-bale construction demonstrate that it is a strong, durable, and thermally superior building system that deserves a larger role in modern construction.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 31, Sec. 1. Effective April 26, 2002. Inoperative on date prescribed in Section 18944.41.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4.5 - Guidelines for Straw-Bale Structures › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions and Definitions › Section 18944.31.

18944.31. (a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the guidelines established by this chapter shall apply to the construction of all structures that use baled straw as a loadbearing or nonloadbearing material within any city or county that adopted the guidelines established by Chapter 941 of the Statutes of 1995 prior to January 1, 2002. This requirement shall not preclude the city or county from making changes or modifications to the guidelines pursuant to subdivision (b). Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the guidelines established by this chapter shall not become operative in a city or county that has not adopted the guidelines prior to January 1, 2002, unless and until the legislative body of the city or county makes an express finding that the application of these guidelines within the city or county is reasonably necessary because of local conditions and the city or county files a copy of that finding with the department.
(b)  A city or county may, by ordinance or regulation, make any changes or modifications in the guidelines contained in this chapter as it determines are reasonably necessary because of local conditions, provided the city or county files a copy of the changes or modifications and the express findings for the changes or modifications with the department. No change or modification of that type shall become effective or operative for any purpose until the finding and the change or modification has been filed with the department.
(c)  Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as increasing or decreasing the authority to approve or disapprove of alternative construction methods pursuant to the State Housing Law, Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 17910) or the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
(d)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the statutory guidelines of this chapter serve as an interim measure pending the evaluation of straw bales as a construction material through the normal processes used for the testing and listing of building materials, the determination of construction standards, and the adoption of those materials and construction standards into the California Building Standards Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 31, Sec. 2. Effective April 26, 2002. Inoperative on date prescribed in Section 18944.41.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4.5 - Guidelines for Straw-Bale Structures › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions and Definitions › Section 18944.32.

18944.32. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as an exemption from Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 5500) of, or Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of, Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code relative to preparation of plans, drawings, specifications, or calculations under the direct supervision of a licensed architect or civil engineer, for the construction of structures that deviate from the conventional framing requirements for wood-frame construction.
(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 941, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4.5 - Guidelines for Straw-Bale Structures › ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions and Definitions › Section 18944.33.

18944.33. For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms are defined as follows:
(a)  “Bales” means rectangular compressed blocks of straw, bound by strings or wire.
(b)  “Department” means the Department of Housing and Community Development.
(c)  “Flakes” means slabs of straw removed from an untied bale. Flakes are used to fill small gaps between the ends of stacked bales.
(d)  “Laid flat” refers to stacking bales so that the sides with the largest cross-sectional area are horizontal and the longest dimension of this area is parallel with the wall plane.
(e)  “Laid on edge” refers to stacking bales so that the sides with the largest cross-sectional area are vertical and the longest dimension of this area is horizontal and parallel with the wall plane.
(f)  “Loadbearing” refers to plastered straw-bale walls that bear the dead and live loads of the roof and any upper floor.
(g)  “Nonloadbearing” refers to plastered straw-bale walls that bear only their own weight, such as infill panels within some type of post and beam structure.
(h)  “Plaster” means lime, gypsum, lime cement, or cement plasters, as defined by the California Building Standards Code, or earthen plaster with fiber reinforcing.
(i)  “Straw” means the dry stems of cereal grains left after the seed heads have been substantially removed.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 31, Sec. 3. Effective April 26, 2002. Inoperative on date prescribed in Section 18944.41.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4.5 - Guidelines for Straw-Bale Structures › ARTICLE 2 - Guidelines for Materials › Section 18944.35.

18944.35. (a)  Bales shall be rectangular in shape.
(b)  Bales used within a continuous wall shall be of consistent height and width to ensure even distribution of loads within wall systems.
(c)  Bales shall be bound with ties of either polypropylene string or baling wire. Bales with broken or loose ties shall not be used unless the broken or loose ties are replaced with ties which restore the original degree of compaction of the bale.
(d)  The moisture content of bales, at the time of installation, shall not exceed 20 percent of the total weight of the bale. Moisture content of bales shall be determined through the use of a suitable moisture meter, designed for use with baled rice straw or hay, equipped with a probe of sufficient length to reach the center of the bale, and used to determine the average moisture content of five bales randomly selected from the bales to be used.
(e)  Bales in loadbearing walls shall have a minimum calculated dry density of 7.0 pounds per cubic foot. The calculated dry density shall be determined after reducing the actual bale weight by the weight of the moisture content.
(f)  Where custom-made partial bales are used, they shall be of the same density, same string or wire tension, and, where possible, use the same number of ties as the standard size bales.
(g)  Bales of various types of straw, including wheat, rice, rye, barley, oats, and similar plants, shall be acceptable if they meet the minimum requirements of this chapter for density, shape, moisture content, and ties.
(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 31, Sec. 4. Effective April 26, 2002. Inoperative on date prescribed in Section 18944.41.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 4.5 - Guidelines for Straw-Bale Structures › ARTICLE 3 - Construction Guidelines › Section 18944.41.

18944.41. Sections 18944.30, 18944.31, 18944.33, 18944.35, and 18944.40 shall become inoperative when building standards become effective after approval by the California Building Standards Commission pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 18935) that permit the construction of structures that use baled straw as a loadbearing or nonloadbearing material and that are safe to the public.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 31, Sec. 6. Effective April 26, 2002.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 5 - Appeals and Enforcement › Section 18945.

18945. (a)  Any person adversely affected by any regulation, rules, omission, interpretation, decision, or practice of any state agency respecting the administration of any building standard may appeal the issue for resolution to the commission.
(b)  If any local agency having authority to enforce a state building standard and any person adversely affected by any regulation, rule, omission, interpretation, decision, or practice of such agency respecting such building standard both wish to appeal the issue for resolution to the commission, then both parties may appeal to the commission. The commission may accept such appeal only if the commission determines that the issues involved in such appeal have statewide significance.
(Added by Stats. 1979, Ch. 1152.)
2023 California Code › Health and Safety Code - HSC › DIVISION 13 - HOUSING › PART 2.5 - STATE BUILDING STANDARDS › CHAPTER 5 - Appeals and Enforcement › Section 18946.

18946. Except as provided in Section 18947, the commission may hear the appeal itself, or by designating a member of the commission to be a hearing officer, or may refer the appealing parties to an advisory panel, a committee, or to a hearing officer appointed by the Office of Administrative Hearings, wherein the hearing officer designated by the commission or appointed by the Office of Administrative Hearings, should, where possible, possess some expertise in the technical aspects of the appeal. If a referral is made, the panel, committee, or hearing officer may make an investigation and conduct hearings as they deem appropriate, provided that all interested agencies or parties shall have a full and fair opportunity to be heard. A proposed written decision shall be submitted to the commission which the commission may adopt, adopt as modified, or reject. The commission shall render its decision or interpretation in writing.
(Amended by Stats. 1981, Ch. 1003.)