Can Building Departments adopt local ordinances that modify the building standards adopted by HCD?
When the Building Standards Commission adopts proposed building standards, they are applicable throughout the state as provided by Health and Safety Code (HSC), Section 17950 and Section 18938 . The State Housing Law, HSC, Section 17958 , provides the authority for local jurisdictions to amend regulations. Upon express findings, any city or county may make changes or modifications that are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions to building standards adopted pursuant to HSC, Section 17922 and published in the California Building Standards Code. A-2. What is the State Housing Law? The California State Legislature has given Division 13, Part 1.5, commencing with Section 17910, in the Health and Safety Code the name “State Housing Law”. The State Housing Law charges HCD with the responsibility to adopt administrative regulations necessary to carry out its provisions, and for proposing building standards to the CBSC for adoption with applicat
