DECEMBER 20, 2019

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

FROM THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION: RUMOR CONTROL - ENERGY REGULATIONS & MORE

** Energy Regs Rumor Control ** For those of you who may have heard a rumor that the CEC is delaying the effective date of the new standards (including the solar mandate) for 2-3 months, this is NOT the case. The effective date of the new standards is January 1, 2020. Building permit applications submitted to the local building department on or after January 1, 2020 must comply with the new energy efficiency standards.

Reminder: Building Permit Submittal Rules As we head into the holiday season, keep in mind California's longstanding rule as it pertains to building permit submittals and compliance with new sets of building codes. Health & Safety Code §18938.5 effectively says a builder needs to comply with the set of building codes in effect on the date the permit application is submitted to the local building department. There are a lot of new codes taking effect on January 1st, including the new solar mandate and other changes to the energy code. In addition, the EV-ready requirements for new apartment construction have increased as well. On a positive note, California Building Industry Association’s sponsored legislation has doubled the length of the permit expiration period. AB 2913 (Wood) increased from 6 months to 12 months the life of a permit once that permit is issued. Also, all local jurisdictions have the authority to grant one or more six-month extensions once that initial 12-month period expires. These six-month extensions are entirely up to the discretion of the local jurisdiction. For more information, contact Bob Raymer .

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