ASCIP

RISK ALERT!

Date: January 7, 2008

Attention: ASCIP Members

Subject: 2007 California Building Codes

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The latest edition of the California Building Standards Code, (2007 Edition), was adopted by the State and became effective as of January 1, 2008. The 2007 code contains 12 parts that incorporate Public Health, Life Safety and General Welfare Standards used in the design and construction of buildings in California. Unlike previous editions, these Codes are based upon 2006 model building, plumbing, mechanical and fire codes published by International Code Council (ICC). California amendments to these model codes enhance the public health and safety standards for homes, public schools and hospitals and other occupancies throughout the State.

Of particular interest to ASCIP schools and colleges will be Part II (CA Building Code) and Part IX (CA Fire Code). Each District should obtain their own copies and refer to each of these codes for any addition, renovation, modernization or new construction project to be designed after January 1, 2008. Plans that were submitted to DSA prior to January 1, 2008 are not affected by these new codes. The 2007 CA Fire Code will be enforced by local fire agencies during their annual school fire inspections. Please note that this new Code now contains retroactive requirements for fire alarms and fire suppression system maintenance and will be enforced by local fire authorities.

ASCIP schools and colleges are strongly encouraged to seek updated code training for key individuals (including architects, inspectors of record, design, maintenance and planning staff) as these changes represent a major departure in code formatting and construction philosophy from those codes previously published by the ICBO and Western Fire Chiefs.

While in many cases some districts may rely upon outside contractors to provide design and construction specifications, an understanding and working knowledge of these new codes will assist ASCIP members by assuring that the proper codes are applied correctly during initial project design and submittal.

Training classes are available through the International Code Council (ICC) and CalBo (California Business Officials) for California code users and can be found on the ICC website (www.iccsafe.org).

If you have questions on this important code changes please feel free to contact ASCIP staff.