Articles, Newsletters & Misc.

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2019 Means of Egress: Overview
0.6 CEUs - ICC Preferred Provider Course #: 20352

This course explains basic exiting requirements of the 2019 California Building Code: Chapter 10 as well as the general requirements and explanation of the three part means of egress system. Attendees will learn practical methods of reviewing and inspecting egress systems. Permit technicians, building and fire plan reviewers, inspectors and anyone interested in learning more about egress are encouraged to attend. This course provides clarifications included in the 2019 Code Changes from the California State Fire Marshal’s adoption of CBC/CFC Chapter 10 and CC & R Title 19.

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A Brief Message from CALBO Training Institute Chair, Bob Latz

Greetings CALBO Friends,

The new code books are available, and what better way to either find out what is new and changed or to revisit existing requirements than to attend the upcoming Education Weeks. We have another great year of training available this year as we prepare for another new code cycle. The CALBO Training Institute (CTI) has developed and prepared a variety of technically informative and interesting courses for your training needs. We are here to provide a year of valued educational experiences whether at the Education Weeks or through Independent Offerings across California. All courses have been created to provide practical applications and interpretations bringing California building departments the finest building-safety training available.

This year, CTI has been focused on bringing you the latest updates through code changes that will benefit both seasoned building-safety department personnel and newly recruited industry members. Please take the time to review the courses listed in the Annual Training Catalog to find what best suits your training needs. Each course listed provides a course title and description to help you select the courses you desire. If you have any questions regarding the Education Week curriculum, please do not hesitate to reach out to CALBO staff, myself or the CTI Commission.

With this being a code change year, CTI knows the importance of getting all of your staff members to the enriched training available. For the first time, CTI is hosting four Education Weeks: Newport Beach from August 26-29, San Ramon from September 9-12, Ontario from October 14-17, and Burlingame from December 16-19. Look for other optional training opportunities listed as Independent Offerings. CTI hopes that an expansion of Education Weeks and Independent Offerings provides flexibility for departments and industry companies to send their staff between venues allowing more time in the classroom throughout the entire year. Thank you for your support through attendance and feedback as we continue to expand valuable training opportunities.

CTI continues to be a leader in quality education as an International Code Council Preferred Provider. Each CTI course has been approved and can be used toward the CEU requirements for renewing your certifications.

I would personally like to thank you – CALBO members, consultants, and industry representatives for your support of all CTI endeavors, especially Education Weeks. Thank you to the CTI Commissioners, course developers and instructors who volunteer their time and expertise to create essential and meaningful programs. Without each of you, CTI would not be able to provide the premier quality education you deserve. 

We look forward to seeing all of you as we come together for training and professional development this year!

Sincerely,

Bob Latz, C.B.O.
Regional Manager
CSG Consultants, Inc.

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2019 CALBO Education Weeks: New Course Highlights

Did you know that there are almost twenty newly developed courses offered this year at CALBO Education Weeks? The CALBO Training Institute (CTI) Commissioners and CALBO staff have worked tirelessly to develop courses that are not only technically insightful and proficient, but provide real-life experiences that building-safety department staff can encounter on a day-to-day basis. It is CTI’s goal to furnish building departments staff with tools to keep active and up-to-date on code changes and amendments, new technology, and advanced thinking on issues related to our industry. 

Some of the new courses offered this year are:

- 2019 California Energy Code: Nonresidential Submittal Requirements (Half Day)
- 2019 California Energy Code: Residential Submittal Requirements (Half Day)
- 2019 California Nonresidential and Residential Energy Standards: Overview
- 2019 CBC Chapter 11B: Accessibility in Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings and Public Housing
- 2019 California Electrical Code: Overview
- 2019 Means of Egress: Overview
- Accessory Structures, Decks, Carports and Patio Covers
- An In Depth Review of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems and Overview of Commercial Hood Suppression System
- Applying Accessibility Requirements to Alterations
- From Model Code to California Code Amendments and Adoption: The Code Development Process Explained
- Housing A to Z: Overview of Various Types of Accessible Housing
- Inspection for Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems
- Plan Check for Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems
Plan Review of Residential Additions
- Simplified Structural Plan Review
- The Essentials for Permit Technicians
- Understanding Access Law in California: Accessibility, Statutory Case Law and Code Enforcement for Existing Public Accommodations

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Inspection for Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems
0.6 CEUs - ICC Preferred Provider Course #: 20362

This course covers the elements required to perform field inspections of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including observing the structural mounting, fire service access, and electrical aspects needed for a code-compliant installation. Attendees will learn how to confirm that the submitted plans were properly followed and recognize the common field mistakes that installers make with solar PV systems. A checklist is provided to help guide the inspector through the review process.

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An In Depth Review of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems and Overview of Commercial Hood Suppression Systems
0.6 CEUs - ICC Preferred Provider Course #: 20408

This course discusses single-family residential fire sprinkler systems, based on the 2016 Edition of NFPA 13D and the major changes to the 2019 edition along with the amendments made by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. It focuses on some of the big ticket items duringplan checking and inspections. A brief discussion regarding commercial hood suppression systems is also provided. This course benefits building and fire officials, plans examiners, inspectors, design professionals, contractors and the construction industry.

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CALBO Education Weeks: Newport Beach & Burlingame
Lunch and Learn with Energy Code Ace

FREE for ALL CALBO Education Week: Newport Beach and Burlingame Attendees
Limited Seating – First-come, first served for this special opportunity!

You’re invited to attend “Lunch and Learn,” a special lunch presentation on “Q&Ace: How to Ace Energy Code Questions.” Join us to learn how-to quickly and effectively respond to your customers’ top six most commonly asked energy code questions using Energy Code Acetools and resources. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to best prioritize time based on which requests may yield the most energy savings.

You’ve gained code knowledge in the classroom – now learn what freetools, training, and resources are available for you and your building department! All aimed to help decrease the amount of time currently spent explaining energy code requirements and forms to customers, reviewing plans and forms, and performing inspections.

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Implementation of Cloud-Based Permit System – City of Stockton Experience
Written By: John Schweigerdt, City of Stockton - CALBO Innovative Practices Committee

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As government entities continue to try and provide more services with less resources, they may look toward technology improvements to increase efficiency and streamline services. One of the many government software solutions that may require updating is the permitting system used for development services permits such as building, planning, and engineering permits. While there are a variety of different systems available, there are generally two different types; cloud-based systems and in-house or “self-hosted” systems. This paper will outline the experience the City of Stockton had with implementing a cloud-based permitting system. 

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Plan Review of Residential Additions
0.6 CEUs - ICC Preferred Provider Course #: 20350

This course covers the basic requirements that should be found in a set of plans for a residential room addition. Whether it is a standard room addition, a converted patio enclosure or patio cover, or a garage conversion, this course highlights typical issues and special requirements encountered based on the different types of additions. Attendees will learn how each of the different trades come together in the various room addition types. Attendees will also be asked to consider the existing conditions and how the room addition affects the existing dwelling or structure.

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Plan Check for Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems
0.6 CEUs - ICC Preferred Provider Course #: 19749

This course covers the elements required to perform plan check of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including structural mounting, fire service access, and electrical aspects needed for a complete plan submittal. Attendees will be able to recognize the key elements necessary for a complete plan submittal for a solar PV system. A set of guidelines are used as a template for these elements. Attendees will learn specific details on what a code-compliant plan includes for residential and small commercial solar PV installations.

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Accessory Structures, Decks, Carports & Patio Covers
0.6 CEUs - ICC Preferred Provider Course #: 20363

This course focuses on the conventional construction requirements for detached accessory structures, such as garages and sheds, residential decks, carports, and patio structures to ensure compliance with the California Residential Code. The intent of this course is to help building officials, permit technicians, and plans examiners quickly perform a review of these projects at the counter and building inspectors know what to look for in the field to ensure compliance with the code.

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Simplified Structural Plan Review
0.6 CEUs - ICC Preferred Provider Course #: 20364

This course provides a step-by-step approach for performing a structural plan review to ensure that projects conform to the structural requirements of the California Building Code and California Residential Code. The review process provided is strictly for residential to moderately-sized commercial projects, as larger projects may require a more extensive structural review. The course does not teach how to perform structural calculations; rather, it explains how to verify the project’s design assumptions and overall compliance with the adopted code and their referenced standards.

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A Special Message from Your 2019-20 CALBO President

Dear CALBO Friends and Colleagues,

With the code change upon us, I would like to highlight CALBO’s efforts to expand and refine training opportunities at the upcoming Annual Education Weeks this summer and fall. 

The CALBO Training Institute (CTI) has worked tirelessly to have all courses updated for the 2019 Codes. A total of 17 new courses covering both code changes and professional development will be offered. There are 11 new instructors and course developers offering new insights and perspectives – thank you to allthe instructors and course developers for creating and delivering informative and practical training to our profession!

For the first time, the CALBO Training Institute will offer four Education Weeks:

August 26-29, 2019 – Newport Beach Marriott

September 9-12, 2019 – San Ramon Marriott

October 14-17, 2019 – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport

December 16-19, 2019 – Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport (Burlingame)

In addition, Energy Code Ace will host the Lunch and Learn events at the Education Week: Newport Beach on Wednesday, August 28 and Education Week: Burlingame on Wednesday, December 18. This special lunch presentation is first-come, first-served covering the most commonly asked energy code questions using Energy Code Acetools and resources. This opportunity is not required; rather, it is offered to enhance learning opportunties outside of the classroom for students. A special thank you to Energy Code Ace for their sponsorship!

There will also be many opportunities to learn about industry products and services as over two dozen companies and organizations are participating in the Education Week Exhibitor Programs. Don’t forget to stop by the booths during the course breaks.

Let’s get ready to learn! Looking forward to seeing you at the Education Weeks over the next few months.

Sincerely,

Sharon Goei, P.E., C.B.O
Director of Building and Housing
City of Milpitas

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Thank you to the following companies, agencies & organizations for their upcoming participation in the 2019 CALBO Education Weeks: Exhibitor Program!

The CALBO Training Institute hosts its Education Weeks throughout the Golden State to provide continuing education for California building departments. Dozens of state agencies, organizations, and companies participate by exhibiting in Newport Beach, San Ramon, Ontario and Burlingame. Please make the time to visit the participating exhibitors to learn more about up-to-date innovative products and services.

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A Special Message from Your 2019-20 CALBO President

Dear CALBO Friends and Colleagues,

One of the tasks this fall is the triennial adoption of the 2019 California Codes. To help everyone get ready for the new codes, CALBO is expanding training opportunities to four Education Weeks for the first time. Education Week registration is open and the 2019-2020 Annual Training Catalog has been published. I would like to thank the CALBO Training Institute Commission as well as the course developers and instructors for their tireless efforts to create and deliver practical and informative courses for building departments across the state. With this being a code change year, our goal is to have the four Education Weeks provide training that incorporates upcoming code changes to better meet the educational needs for building departments.  

To promote the advancement of our building safety profession, International Code Council (ICC) and CALBO are collaborating on seismic resiliency by hosting a Seismic Roundtable at the State Capitol on July 25, 2019. Technical experts from across the country, including federal, state, and local agencies, will be discussing with ICC/CALBO members the development of a national approach to seismic functional recovery. This collaboration enables CALBO members to provide input that will shape this development effort going forward.

Also, at the State Capitol, CALBO has been actively communicating and working with the State Legislature on various bills, continually advocating for California’s building departments and promoting public safety in the built environment. We will provide updates in a future newsletter as the bills move further along in the legislative process.  

Lastly, I would like to thank the local ICC Chapters for the hospitality at their recent joint meetings. I was honored to attend and provide CALBO activity updates at the Southern California regional meeting where the ICC Los Angeles Basin, Orange Empire, Ventura, Citrus Belt, Foothill, and High Desert Chapters came together to share their resources to further building-safety. At the Tri-Chapter meeting, the ICC East Bay, Monterey Bay, and Peninsula Chapters had a range of presentations that were timely preparation for the upcoming new codes. The great attendance and member engagement at these events once again demonstrate the commitment you have to ensuring public-safety for all of our communities – thank you for making a difference every day.

Enjoy your summer, because it will be a busy fall and winter!

Sincerely,

Sharon Goei, P.E., C.B.O
Director of Building and Housing
City of Milpitas

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From Model Codes to California Code Amendments and Adoption: The Code Development Process Explained
0.6 CEUs - ICC Preferred Provider Course #: 19750

Building Officials are tasked with the amendment and adoption of the latest California codes for their jurisdiction. What does this mean, why is it important, and how can it be done smoothly and effectively? This course covers everything that you need to know about the code development process and how revisions are incorporated in the International Code Council (ICC) and ultimately the State of California codes.

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Housing A to Z: Overview of Various Types of Accessible Housing
0.6 CEUs - ICC Preferred Provider Course #: 20359

This course provides attendees with an understanding of scoping and unit layout for Chapter 11A adaptable units, 11B unit layout and scoping for public housing, housing at a place of education and social service centers. Attendees will learn and discuss descriptions and real-world examples of the various types of housing that jurisdictions may encounter in plan review and inspection. Attendees will also learn the basic tenants of housing under Chapter 11A and the Fair Housing Act along with Chapter 11B and the Americans with disabilities as well as historical aspects.