A variety of changes to existing State building code are about to go into effect in California on July 1, 2008. The Code combined with regional or local codes is getting a much needed overhaul in part due to the enormous number of wild fires of the past few years.
In simple terms it calls for fire prone areas to have its construction be made of fire resistant materials. The state code applies to new construction but depending on your jurisdiction, it may also apply to remodels.
All roofing must be Class A type of Materials. Class A type of roofs can be a “stand alone” Type A such as Asphalt, Concrete Tile, Slate, or Clay Tile. Class A “Assembly rated” would consist of Composite materials, Aluminum and Fire Retardant ( treated Class B) Wood shakes.
Eave vents are now prohibited unless you can prove that they prevent the intrusion of fire or embers. It should be noted that no such test exists currently, so it would be a lot harder than putting a sock on a chicken to prove they prevent it, so as they say, “forget” about it.
Exterior Walls must be of non-combustible or at least of a material that is is considered “ignition” proof. Stucco is a non-combustible material but it is noted that there are 15 different fire treated woods and other sidings that are approved. The new complete list can be found in the State of California Fire Marshall’s handbook.
So if you are building new or even remodeling, it is best to become acquainted with the new code before starting out. Your builder or contractor will know about these changes but don’t get your heart set on something that you have seen before as it might not be approved any longer. Take note of this especially if you are buying a resale property and planning to remodel it down the road. That wood shake roof has to go. And if you are out in the country, best be sure you are buying in a location that has good access and that the land near the home is cleared away and has a viable and permanent firebreak . We are in a drought period in California and wildfires are becoming more frequent. Protect yourself.
Courtesy of William Johnson GRI CRS e-PRO author of The San Diego Real Estate Text Book and The Voice of San Diego Real Estate
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William - this is useful information for buyers. Seems like some of the changes are things that should have been changed a long time ago, such as the roofing. Such is the bureaucracy. It's always interesting to get the perspective of builders and inspectors on the codes that have been inplemented - some make sense and others sometimes don't. THere were sme things back in Boston that were, to say the least, very peculiar.
Jeff
Hi Jeff, I was hoping someone would comment on this. I would hate to have a post that absolutely no one was interested in,lol. What I have heard is that the new building code as it pertains to fire safety for new construction, added a couple thousand more dollars on to the builders costs. I have heard that the city of San Diego is also adding in yet another new building fee as it pertains to this. It was told to me that they needed to raise these fees to have and maintain ample fire support.