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The new California Building Code (CBC) is now in effect as of January 1, 2008.
Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Q. What does " I " codes stand for?
A.
"I" codes is the ICC (International Codes Council) The I codes are made up of the IBC International Building Code, the IRC (International Residential Code), the IFC (International Fire Code), the IPC (International Plumbing Code) and the IEC (International Electrical Code) (IBC). These codes are IBC is now the primary model codes in the entire U.S., Canada and Mexico (which has taken the place of the the Uniform (UBC), National and Standard Building Codes Southern Building Code. See this page for jurisdictions that have adopted the I-Code
Q. Is the IBC and California Building Code (CBC) the same thing? If not, what are the differences, which code should I follow when designing projects in California?
A. Yes, but with amendments. The California Building Standards Council (CBSC) went through extensive review of the IBC and the California legislature adopted it by law as the new CBC in 2007,
making it effective January 1, 2008. This is the code you must now follow depending on when the local jurisdiction you are working in adopts it.
Q.
Does the IBC have jurisdiction over local city and county codes?
A.
In essence yes, but local cities and counties can add their own requirements to this code. Always check with the local jurisdiction who has authority over your project first before starting that project.
Q. With IBC, do I have to be licensed or registered to submit plans to a building department?
A. The new "I" codes do NOT say you have to be a "Registered
Design Professional" in order to submit for a building permit. What it does say is "construction documents are required to be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the
statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed" (Sec. 106.1 IBC). If a CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER
could pull a non-structural, non-seismic building permit under the UBC, subject to the restrictions of Calif. Business & Professions Code, Section 5538, then they should be able to do so under the IBC. If you have a problem submitting your plans to any building department, please let us know by
filling in our plan check denial form.
Q. Where can I learn about the new CBC and the
specific areas pertaining to my design practice? (residential / commercial)
A. Go to the CALBO or ICC Web sites for more information and classes on the new codes and visit our Code Link page. This book may be useful: "California State-Specific Access Codes" and a 5% discount is available to all CIDs.
Q. Does the new CBC cover any ADA issues (Americans with Disabilities Act )?
A. Yes, like the old UBC, the ADA and Title requirements have been integrated into the new code.
Q.
Which code books do I need in my office in order to follow the CBC and where do I purchase them? Should I discard my copy of the UBC (Uniform Building Code)?
A. You probably need the
new CBC, but you should check them out on the CALBO and ICC web sites where you can purchase them. Don't throw away your UBC books for a few years yet as you may want to refer to them on projects that
were permitted under the UBC code.
Q. I am going to take the IDEX California exam. Should I be studying the 2010 CBC??
A.
No, the IDEX California exam is currently based on the 2007 CBC, so you should be studying that.
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