Articles, Newsletters & Misc.

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Inspection for Solar Photovoltaics and Energy Storage Systems
Thursday, December 17, 2020

Virtual Registration Available

ICC PP Course No. 20362 (0.6 CEUs)
AIA Course No. 19: 2019 (6 LUs|HSW)

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 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. Attendees learn specific details on what code-compliant field installations include for residential and small commercial solar PV installations. Energy storage systems (ESS) are also covered as these systems are commonly included with or added to PV systems. As solar PV systems are constantly changing and improving, this course updates enforcement on the latest codes and design trends that impact field installation of this equipment.

Visit the CALBO Education Week Registration page to register! 

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Plan Check for Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems
Wednesday, December 16, 2020

In-Person and Virtual Registration Available 

ICC PP Course No. 19749 (0.6 CEUs)
AIA Course No. 1: 2019 (6 LUs|HSW)

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 learn 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 learn specific details on what a code-compliant plan includes for residential and small commercial solar PV installations. Energy storage systems (ESS) are also covered as these systems are commonly included with or added to PV systems. As solar PV systems are constantly changing and improving, this course updates enforcement on the latest codes and design trends that impact this dynamic field. ESS are also covered as these systems are incorporated into many PV systems over the next several years.

Visit the CALBO Education Week Registration page to register! 

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2019 California Electrical Code: Residential and Commercial Inspection Procedures
Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Virtual Registration Available

ICC PP Course No. 23885 (0.6 CEUs)
AIA Course No. 9: 2020 (6 LU|HSWs)

This course covers residential and commercial inspection procedures for compliance with the California Electrical Code, Green Code and Energy Code, including but not limited to: residential – receptacle layout, AFCI, GFCI requirements, required circuits, wiring methods, services, sub-panels and grounding for new and existing installations for inside and outside. Other subjects are covered, including commercial – wiring methods, wall and t-bar inspections, sizing boxes, box fill, de-rating conductors, expansion fittings (when required), 3-phase for WYE/DELTA panels and transformers. Attendees are encouraged to engage in class discussions and are provided with examples to assist in learning the subject matter.

Visit the CALBO Education Week Registration page to register! 

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2019 California Plumbing Code: Inspection Fundamentals – AM Half Day
Monday, December 14, 2020

Virtual Attendance Available 

ICC PP Course No. 23878 (0.3 CEUs)
AIA Course No. 2: 2020 (3 LU|HSWs)

While many people say, “I know what the code says”, they typically do not know where to find the relevant information in the code book. This course covers the mechanical inspection process on residential and commercial projects from first to final inspection, while identifying what should be looked for at each stage to avoid costly and/or burdensome project delays. Rather than an in-depth code review, this course covers the most common corrections found in the field, their relevant code sections and a break down navigating the code book by its chapters. This simplified yet systematic approach to mechanical inspection also touches on concurring code considerations, such as Zoning and Energy Code requirements.

Visit the CALBO Education Week Registration page to register! 

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2019 California Mechanical Code: Inspection Fundamentals – PM Half Day
Monday, December 14, 2020

Virtual Registration Available 

ICC PP Course No. 23879 (0.3 CEUs)
AIA Course No. 3: 2020 (3 LU|HSWs)

While many people say, “I know what the code says”, they typically do not know where to find the relevant information in the code book. This course covers the mechanical inspection process on residential and commercial projects from first to final inspection, while identifying what should be looked for at each stage to avoid costly and/or burdensome project delays. Rather than an in-depth code review, this course covers the most common corrections found in the field, their relevant code sections and a break down navigating the code book by its chapters. This simplified yet systematic approach to mechanical inspection also touches on concurring code considerations, such as Zoning and Energy Code requirements.

Visit the CALBO Education Week Registration page to register! 

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2019 California Building Code: Significant Changes
Monday, December 14, 2020 and Wednesday, December 16, 2020

ICC PP Course No. 20349 (0.6 CEUs)
AIA Course No. 5: 2019 (6 LU|HSW)

This course is conducted in a workshop format with the instructor and attendees participating in active discussions of the significant non-structural revisions that assist with the transition to the latest California Building Code (CBC). The course highlights those areas that have been revised from the 2016 CBC with other code topics welcomed for discussion; chapter 11A and 11B topics are not covered in-depth.  Building officials, architects, designers, engineers, plans examiners, field inspectors, and counter technicians are encouraged to attend. The course is appropriate for experienced and not-so-experienced users of the CBC. All attendees receive a joint CALBO/ICC publication.

Visit the CALBO Education Week Registration page to register! 

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2019 California Residential Code: Significant Changes
Thursday, May 20, 2021

ICC PP Course No. 20355 (0.6 CEUs) – In-Person
ICC PP Course No. 27536  (0.6 CEUs) – Online
AIA Course No. 12: 2019  (6 LU|HSWs)

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.

Visit the CALBO Summer Conference and Mini-Education Week page to register! 

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Applying Accessibility Requirements to Alterations
Thursday, December 17, 2020

 ICC PP Course No. 19748 (0.6 CEUs)
AIA Course No. 2: 2019 (6 LU|HSWs)

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. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and examples are discussed throughout the course.

Visit the CALBO Education Week Registration page to register! 

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2019 CBC Chapter 11A: Privately-Funded Multi-Family Dwelling Accessibility
Friday, May 21, 2021

ICC PP Course No. 22612 (0.6 CEUs) – In-Person
ICC PP Course No. 27539 (0.6 CEUs) – Online
AIA Course No. 35: 2019 (6 LU|HSWs)

This course provides attendees with a working understanding of the adaptable housing requirements for privately-funded multi-family dwellings in California. The course covers selected scoping and technical provisions with an emphasis on understanding the practical applicability of the requirements. Discussion and lecture assist users of the code with inspections and plan reviews of multi-family dwelling unit construction. The course meets the following continuing educational requirements: (1) HSC requirements for building department personnel, (2) BPC requirements for CA Licensed Architects, (3) AIA CES HSW Learning Units for AIA members, (4) Title 21 requirements for Certified Access. 

Visit the CALBO Summer Conference and Mini-Education Week page to register! 

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2019 CBC Chapter 11B Accessibility in Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, and Commercial Buildings: History, Use and Updates
Thursday, May 20, 2021

ICC PP Course No. 20357 (0.6 CEUs) – In-Person
ICC PP Course No. 27535  (0.6 CEUs) – Online
AIA Course No. 13: 2019 (6 LU|HSWs)

This course provides attendees with a working understanding of the disabled-access provisions contained in the 2019 California Building Code, presenting on selected administrative, scoping and updated technical requirements. Supporting documents (ASTM, ANSI, Guidelines, Best Practices, etc.), tools of the trade, and inspection techniques are explored throughout the course. Local jurisdictional staff (building department, public works, parks and recreations, etc.), architects, designers, contractors, and business owners/managers are encouraged to attend. The following continuing educational requirements are met: (1) HSC requirements for building department personnel, (2) BPC requirements for CA Licensed Architects, (3) AIA CES HSW Learning Units for AIA members, (4) Title 21 requirements for Certified Access Specialist (CASp).

Visit the CALBO Summer Conference and Mini-Education Week page to register! 

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2020-21 CALBO Media Packet
Spots are Filling up Fast!

The 2020-21 CALBO Media Packet is now available! Take advantage of this all-in-one resource for all your CALBO marketing needs.

The 2020-21 CALBO Media Packet includes:

- Annual CALBO Partner Program Registration: Gold (sold out!), Silver and Bronze Levels
- 2020-21 CALBO Education Week (Ontario: October 19- 22, 2020, Newport Beach: December 14-17, 2020, and San Ramon: January 25-28, 2021) exhibitor and sponsor information
- Education Weeks Lunch and Learn Program Information 
- CALBO’s 59th Annual Business Meeting (March 7-11, 2021) exhibitor and sponsor information 
- Advertising specifics for CALBO News
- CALBO Job Board information

Click Here to Learn More!

CALBO looks forward to another great year with our partners, sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers! 

For any questions regarding the CALBO Media Packet and Partner Program, please contact the CALBO Office or by phone at 916-457-1103. 

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CALBO Webinars: Vital Department Resourses during the COVID-19 Transition
Watch Recorded Webinars Here

CALBO is dedicated to preparing its membership for what is next as we continue to move forward during the COVID-19 health emergency. CALBO hosted two free webinars last month that discussed important upcoming code adoption cycle information and the impact the pandemic could have on building department budgets. 

Missed one of these webinars? For those unable to attend or want more time with the material, click the title below to view each. A special thanks to Jesse De Anda, Paul Armstrong, and Raj Patel for their material development and instruction. 

Understanding the 2019 California Intervening Code Adoption Cycle: The Proposed Changes and What’s Next - Watch Now!

How does a Pandemic Impact Building Department Budgets? Understanding Applicable Laws in California - Watch Now!

Interested in attending other webinars from your home or office? Click here to review the new CALBO Training Institute webinar schedule for the upcoming summer and fall. 

For any questions, please contact the CALBO Office or by phone at 916-457-1103.

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Summer and Fall CALBO Webinar Offerings
Earn CEUs from the comfort of your home or office!

In addition to Education Weeks this year, the California Training Institute is offering webinars this coming summer and into fall. These live webinars are specialized training opportunities that will provide insight into a single code topic that complements our full-day courses and are developed by our expert instructors who provide real-life experiences that are encountered on a daily basis in the building-safety environment.

CALBO Education Weeks should not be your only training opportunity for the year – register for a webinar today! 

Courses include:

- 2019 Energy Code Insulation and QII Requirements – 0.2 CEUs
- Alternative Housing in the 2019 California Residential Code – 0.2 CEUs
- Fire-Resistance Rated Assemblies in the 2019 California Building Code – 0.2 CEUs 
- Highlighting Significant Changes in the 2019 California Mechanical Code – 0.2 CEUs
- Highlighting Significant Changes in the 2019 California Plumbing Code – 0.2 CEUs 
- Means of Egress in the 2019 California Building Code – 0.2 CEUs 
- Occupied Roof Decks in the 2019 California Building Code – 0.2 CEUs 

Visit the Training Dates and Registrations Page for more information. Additional webinars will be released later this summer! 

For any questions or concerns, please contact the CALBO Office or by phone at 916-457-1103. 

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CALBO’s COVID-19 Response Page

As jurisdictions slowly open to the public, we encourage you to utilize the newest CALBO website page, COVID-19 Response. From different departments across the Golden State sharing their “best practices” and “success stories”, to direct access to resources from state agencies and industry partners, as well as various events and webinars to keep you connected virtually, this website was developed to keep Building Officials across this state well informed and united. CALBO will continue to update this page with the most up-to-date tools, so jurisdictions can not only learn from one another, but gain valuable resources for their departmental needs.

A special thank you to the following contributors to the CALBO Member Highlight page:

City of Citrus Heights
City of Irvine
City of Livermore
City of Montclair
City of Santa Clarita
City of Santa Monica
City of Santa Paula
City of Stockton
City of Winters

Do you have a member “good news” or “best practices” story to share? Please submit them to the CALBO Office. 

For any questions or suggestions for this page, please contact the CALBO Office or by phone at 916-457-1103. 

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A Special Message from Your 2020-21 CALBO President

Dear CALBO Friends and Colleagues,

I could not be more proud of CALBO’s membership right now. Watching how your departments have adapted to the current health crisis and evolving regulations has been an inspiration and testament to the professionalism, creativity and determination of building officials across California. As an organization, CALBO has worked hard to stay with you. I want to thank all of you who have submitted stories for us to publish, providing motivation about how you are weathering the new world of building safety regulations and continuing to push-ahead as an industry. Please continue to send us your stories. Among the other great information CALBO provides on our website, please visit the COVID-19 resource page, for member highlights, online resources, as well as a full list of COVID-19 related events and webinars. 

Looking forward to the summer and fall, CALBO continues to provide and plan for courses and other offerings to help your jurisdictions stay on top of the latest trends in building safety and code standards. As luck would have it, the CTI Commission began a project last summer to create a web-based learning platform, and I am pleased to say that our first webinars launched to great attendance and feedback in late June, with more to come. With in-person training being severely limited the past few months, CTI’s efforts to create a distance learning system is needed now more than ever. Visit the CALBO Training Dates and Registration page for a full list of upcoming webinars.

CTI has had to make other adjustments in response to COVID. The most notable being that Education Week San Ramon is being moved from September to January 25-28, 2021, remaining at the San Ramon Marriott. The other Education Week dates are unchanged, but you will see health precautions in place as we work to structure these events in strict adherence to public health and venue guidelines. Information about the great array of courses and registration information has been mailed out to members and is on the CALBO website. 

Last, I want to let you know more about the CALBO Annual Conference (replacement Annual Business Meeting). Out of an abundance of caution, we have rescheduled the conference portion of the Annual Business Meeting to October 4-7, at the Park Hyatt Avira Resort in Carlsbad. We hope you can join us then. If you have already registered for the 2020 ABM, you do not need to re-register; you only have to adjust your hotel and travel arrangements to the new dates. Frankly, I hear the San Diego area is better in October than July anyway. 

As always, if there is anything myself, the CALBO Board or CALBO staff can do for you, please don’t hesitate to let us know. 

Stay well, 

Shane G. Diller, M.P.A
Assistant Director, Development Services
City of Elk Grove