Articles, Newsletters & Misc.

This course features a completely new and updated resource publication, State Laws Enforced by Building Departments, distributed by CALBO focusing on state codes used in the daily work of building departments. It seeks to provide a better understanding of how state laws are crafted and where to look for state statutes that affect how and why we do much of our work. Focus remains on the Health and Safety Code, Government Code, Business and Professions Code and several other state codes that building departments have responsibilities with.

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.

This course provides an overview of how to apply Chapter 11B to alterations of public accommodations and commercial facilities. The following topics are covered: how the occupancy group affects accessibility, the importance of Chapter 2 definitions, when to use and what are the differences between technical infeasibility and hardship exemptions, when and how to use the state historic building code, ensuring consistency between the project’s plans examiner and inspector, scoping and technical requirements of path of travel upgrades.

This course provides an overview of the 2019 California Electrical Code (CEC). Course attendees will learn about the important code changes in the 2019 CEC, adoption process, and how to effectively navigate the code, as well as Direct-Current Systems, Energy Management Systems, requirements for grounding and bonding, requirements for arc-fault circuit interrupters, definitions, and much more.

This course examines the significant revisions to the latest California Residential Code (CRC). The course is conducted in a workshop format with the instructor and attendees participating in active discussions of the revisions. The course highlights those areas that have been revised from the 2016 CRC with other code topics always welcomed. Building officials, architects, designers, engineers, plans examiners, field inspectors, and counter technicians are encouraged to attend. All attendees receive a joint CALBO/ICC publication.

This course provides an overview of the updates to the 2019 Energy Standards for newly constructed buildings, as well as additions and alterations to existing buildings. For residential buildings, topics include new photovoltaic system requirements for newly constructed residential buildings, increased requirements for high performance attics and walls, increased indoor air quality requirements, new water heater options, and much more.

This course provides an overview of what to expect at permit stage for nonresidential newly constructed buildings, additions, and alterations complying under the 2019 Energy Standards. The course covers the new 2019 requirements, focusing on how compliance is demonstrated using new dynamic compliance forms, how compliance should be articulated on plans, and commissioning requirements. Lighting alterations are addressed in detail, highlighting resources that help clarify the 2019 requirements.