Building Code Action Summaries for NY, SC, OK and CA
The following legislative and regulatory actions in New York, South Carolina, Oklahoma and California could have an impact on the building code.
New York State Considers Legislation on Code Revisions and Updates
New York SB 4562 introduced by Senator Elizabeth "Betty" Little - directs the state fire prevention and building code council to update the state fire prevention and building code and the state energy conservation construction code within 12 months of the publication of any updated or revised edition of the international and national codes relating thereto, so as to ensure that the state's codes reflect such revisions and updates. As part of that the most recent edition of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 is included. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development but has not yet been scheduled to come before the Committee.
South Carolina Legislature Considers Bill to Alter State Building and Energy Codes
South Carolina SB 579, introduced last week, is a revamp of a bill that died in Committee last year. This bill could make alterations to the state's residential building code cycle. Additionally, there is concern the bill could lead the state to abandon its adherence to state model codes and, instead, write its own codes.
Building Codes Rollbacks Advance in Oklahoma
Oklahoma SB 283 which passed the Senate that would make building codes adopted by the Uniform Building Code Commission valid for six years.
California Proposed New Rules on Building Standards for Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Licensed Clinics and Correctional Treatment Centers
California Regulatory Notice Register, issued on March 17, 2017, gives notice that the California Building Standards Commission proposes to adopt building standards for the physical plant of clinics. Proposed action makes editorial and minor technical modifications to various mechanical system requirements for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, licensed clinics and correctional treatment centers. The national standards of ASHRAE 170, as published in the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities (2014 edition) published by the Facility Guidelines Institute, were used as the basis for many of the proposed amendments. Information on the proposed rule may be found here.
A public hearing has not been scheduled; however, written comments will be accepted from March 17, 2017, until 5:00 p.m. on May 1, 2017. Written comments can be faxed to (916) 263-0959 or emailed to CBSC@dgs.ca.gov.