These days, developers are being reminded that unless permit applications are submitted before the end of the year, the new California Building Codes - including the new CALGreen Code - will take effect on January 1, 2011.
Although the building permit application submittal date is the important date to note, it is entirely up to your specific jurisdiction to determine what constitutes a building permit application, what constitutes a "complete" application, and what date in 2010 is the last day to submit a permit under the 2007 Building Code.
Nevada County and the City of Berkeley require permits to be filed by December 22nd, otherwise, permit applications filed as of December 23rd are subject to the new requirements. Counties of San Diego and Sacramento seem to take the stance that permit applications submitted (and completed) as of January 1, 2011 will need to comply with the new Building Code. Also, many jurisdictions will allow a phased project, where a majority of it commenced before January 1, 2011, to continue to show compliance under the 2007 Building Codes.
It is therefore very important for developers to contact their local building department and request a clear interpretation of how their local jurisdiction plan to implement the new provisions of the California Building Code.
By Karina Terakura
