Just move to California from Wyoming, and am perplexed by what California uses as its residential building code. They seem to have their own huge published code based on other national codes. The building code is based on the UBC of 1997? The current CBC is 2001 (still based on the ’97 UBC), and another version was to come out in 2004? And it will be based on ?? Why don’t they use the IRC?
Man, I’m really confused. Anyone able to shed some light on which way this thing is going, and what I should be studying?
Thanks…
Replies
Welcome to California, RJ!
I'm sure someone will be along soon to answer your question. In the meantime, another good source would be to go to JLConline.com (Journal of Light Construction) and ask it in the forums there. There is a veteren there by the name of Dick Seibert, who I know can supply you with the answers you are seeking. He is a Contractor with a degree in law.
Also, don't know if this would be useful, but you could look up the CA State Contractors Lic. Board.
I would guess that it have to do with all of our siesmic activity here.
Have fun shakin', rattlin', and rollin'....
(What are you doing, and where are you doing it?)
darcy
Yeah, welcome to Califormexico; can't help you too much other than give you a head's up of regional codes written and enforced by individual cities--your head may spin.
Edited 1/31/2005 5:55 pm ET by Wiley
Just left California and landed in Louisiana. Before I came here I checked into the IRC and ICC left me spinning because for twenty five years used the UBC and title 24 the california building code. As mentioned on an earlier thread beware very county and every city has their own set of rules. California is going to the ICC and IRC but there are a lot of people making money on publishing, teaching, inspecting and consulting there on the UBC. California's fiscal year will end June 30th and new laws will take affect January 1, 2006. The ICC was to be affective in 2005 but? If you use the IRC you will be ok as long as you add in all the sisemic rules for your area.
RJ,
Florida does the same thing...
Mike