CAD DRAFTING FRESNO CA
Understanding the 2022 California Code Changes and its impact on new and existing dwellings.
Every three years the California Building Codes get updated and bring additional life and safety regulations as well as simplified language, better coordination with other codes plus other small clerical edits.
The 2022 Building Codes take effect on January 1st, 2023 which means that any construction applications for new, additions, alterations submitted on or after that date will be subject to comply and meet the minimum requirements of the new codes.
A lot of hype goes on during the preceding months to try to not only learn what has changed but mostly, to understand how these changes will impact existing and future builds. The internet of things is filled with information about what is coming however, it is always wise to wait until the final approved versions of the Codes are released (many times within a month or so in advance of the actual release dates).
Once the Codes are out, it is time to burn some eyebrows and find those changes, care should be taken especially with subtle changes in the way a section has been reworded to understand what the new intent is.
What to look for? Each Code has a explanatory legend often called "Marginal Markings", these are symbols placed to the left of the paragraph to let the user know that a change or deletion has been made, relocations are also noted in this page; another important item to look for on all codes are the definitions, many times more are added or changed; lastly some codes in addition to the marginal markings, highlight the changes so it is easier to find them.
Well, enough of the introductions, let's find out what has changed that will impact your new and existing construction!
The biggest change that we see is the incremental removal of gas appliances, in this cycle the California Energy Commission is pushing all new construction to "Electric Ready" where the first offender on the list seems to be the gas water heater. Most Energy calculations for single family, duplexes and townhomes will have a tough time passing without an electric heat pump water heater. In other cases we have seen the use of an HRV/ERV to get some of these buildings to pass. Having said that, any gas appliance within the building will have to be set up for a future electric appliance replacement in case a homeowner wants to remove the gas appliance. We call it "Plug and Play" since the electric readiness will include all necessary infrastructure to easily remove and replace appliances.
For existing buildings (homes) the codes come into play when there's a room addition or a significant change to the existing building. In most cases it will only apply to the new portion of the building being proposed and not necessarily to the existing one. Changes such as higher insulation resistance values, and or air conditioning verifications when ducts are added or extended to supply the proposed construction.
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