Articles, Newsletters & Misc.

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Residential Plan Review
Friday, May 21, 2021

ICC PP Course No. 23881 (0.6 CEUs) – In-Person
ICC PP Course No. 27542 (0.6 CEUs) – Online
AIA Course No. 5: 2020 (6 LUs)

This course covers the basic requirements that should be found in a set of plans for residential construction, including site plan, floor plan, roof plan, elevations, sections, energy, framing, foundation and detailing. Whether it is a new home, an accessory dwelling unit, a room addition, a patio enclosure or a garage conversion, this course highlights typical issues and special requirements encountered based on the different types of projects. Attendees learn how information from each of the different trades comes together on the plans. For additions, remodels and conversions, attendees are also asked to consider the existing conditions and how the proposed construction affects the existing dwelling or structure. Upon completion of the course, attendees will understand the main concepts of what to look for when performing a residential plan review.

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

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CALBO Job Fair and Career Development Day
Our Annual Event Returns in 2021

 The CALBO Job Fair and Career Development Day returns in 2021 as a virtual event. The CALBO Outreach and Communications Committee has partnered with Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California (East Bay Area) to continue offering our successful job fair in Spring 2021. The job fair will be open to all students and other individuals seeking careers in the Building Regulatory Industry. Being virtual, we invite statewide participation. Watch for an announcement in the next newsletter to learn more about the date and specific information for both job applicants and CALBO members seeking qualified applicants.

For any questions about this event, please don’t hesitate to contact the Outreach and Communications Committee. 

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2020 CALBO Education Week: New Course Highlights

Did you know that there are almost a dozen newly developed courses offered this year at 2020 CALBO Education Week: Newport Beach?

The CALBO Training Institute (CTI) Commissioners have worked tirelessly to develop courses that are not only technically insightful and proficient, but provide real-life experiences that building-safety department staff encounter on a day-to-day basis. CTI’s goal is to furnish building department staff with tools to keep up-to-date on code changes and amendments, new technology, and advanced thinking on issues related to our industry. 

With both in-person and virtual training options available, don’t miss one of these newly developed courses – register today!

New courses include:

- 2019 California Plumbing Code: Inspection Fundamentals (AM Half Day Course) - Monday, December 14, 2020
- 2019 California Mechanical Code: Inspection Fundamentals (PM Half Day Course) - Monday, December 14, 2020
- Accessory Dwelling Units and Accessory Structures for One and Two Family Dwellings - Monday, December 14, 2020
- How to Recognize and Avoid Common Errors and Oversights of Fire Protection System Inspections - Monday, December 14, 2020
- Understanding Wildfire Mitigation, Response and Recovery - Tuesday, December 15, 2020
- Code Compliance for Existing Residential Buildings - Tuesday, December 15, 2020
- 2019 California Electrical Code: Residential and Commercial Inspection Procedures - Wednesday, December 16, 2020
- Residential Plan Review - Wednesday, December 16, 2020
- Swimming Pools and Spas - Wednesday, December 16, 2020
- Tenant Improvements for Building Department Staff - Thursday, December 17, 2020
- Advanced Overview for Permit Technicians - Thursday, December 17, 2020

 We look forward in seeing you either in-person or virtual at the 2020 CALBO Education Week: Newport Beach. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the CALBO Office or call 916-457-1103.

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A Special Message from Your 2020-21 CALBO President

Dear CALBO Friends and Colleagues,

Autumn is upon us. This time of year brings changes. Leaves turn bright colors; temperatures drop; conferences and trainings get cancelled, moved, and improved. 

I hope that everyone’s families and staffs are healthy and safe. Whether it’s the continued threat of Covid-19, the impressive heatwaves we saw over the summer, or wildfires so many of us are dealing with, 2020 continues to have its challenges to meet and overcome. And overcome them we will. CALBO has long championed resilience, and not just in the seismic sense. CALBO as an organization, and you as its members, have spent the last 6 months developing new strategies to serve our industry and ensure that building safety does not take a backseat as other challenges arise. As CALBO President I, too, have adopted an attitude of resilience and innovation. I continue to reinforce that though we cannot serve you in the ways we are used to, with in-person trainings and conferences, CALBO needs to be a leader in finding new ways to ensure its members remain the best educated in our industry, with the best advocacy efforts in government. 

Our upcoming hybrid Education Week is one of those innovative ways that CALBO is leading the way. We understand that for many in-person training is not practical or advisable right now, while some are looking forward to and able to go to such training. Well, I am pleased to report that we have something for everyone. From our on-going webinars, covering focused training topics, to in-person full-day training in Newport Beach in December, to the ability to attend that same full-day training via professional telecast, CALBO has improved how we train to cover all contingencies. Information about all these possibilities is on Professional Development page on the CALBO Website.

Being innovative means being flexible, and that is something we are very good at doing. As we look ahead to what 2021 brings, you have mine and the CALBO Board’s commitment to continue to find ways to serve and lead. As always, we cannot express how much we appreciate your feedback and support as we continue to move forward, and we look forward to exciting times ahead.

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

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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!