Code Advisory Committees to the State Building Standards Commission
The California Building Standards Commission has six Code Advisory Committees (CAC), each covering a specific area, that reviews proposed California amendments to the model building codes. Each CAC has at least one architect volunteer, most of them appointed with the support of the AIACC. The CACs met over the past six weeks to review the proposed changes, with the architects actively participating as your representative and voice in this important part of the code adoption process.
New Executive Officer at the California Architects Board
The California Architects Board hired Laura Zuniga as its new Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2018. AIACC Executive Vice President, Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIACC, and Director of Government Relations, Mark Christian, Hon. AIACC, recently met with Zuniga to discuss mutual goals and to express our strong desire to continue the strong working relationship between the AIAC C and CAB. We do anticipate a good working relationship with her; Christian has known and worked with Zuniga for nearly 20 years in and around the State Capitol. Zuniga will meet with the AIACC Executive Committee at its next meeting.
Live/Work Legislation
The legislation originating with Ric. Abramson, FAIA, to improve the definitions of live/work spaces in the California Building and Residential Codes, AB 565, continues to move through the legislature. We expect it to be sent to the Governor this week, the final week of the session of the Legislature. Additionally, Abramson has been working with staff at the Department of Housing and Community Development to write the proposed changes to the Building and Residential Codes to be incorporated in the next codes.
Citizen Architect
The AIACC is developing a Citizen Architect program for architects who are civic leaders and would like to use their experience and insights to collaborate, share, and learn from their peers. The Citizen Architect seeks to advocate for architecture through civic activism, and by gaining appointment to boards and commissions, and other elective office at all levels of government. The program is expected to launch by early fall. If you or someone you know would like to be included in this program, please email Melissa Barton at mbarton@aiacc.org.
California Wildfires
After disasters occur, there is a critical need for architects to help communities understand what happened to their buildings, from the extent of damage to livability and cost. In addition, aid for disaster victims with recovery and rebuilding efforts is also required. AIA Central Valley has been involved in wildfire outreach at Shasta County resource centers for the past two weeks. Brian Sehnert, AIA and Executive Director, Kimberly Anderson, Hon. AIACC, made the trek north and quickly recruited local architect members in the Redding area to disseminate useful and comforting information for residents who were displaced from the Carr fire.
The Carr fire is not yet fully contained. The AIACC anticipates that the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) will contact us after full containment to begin deploying certified Safety Assessment Program architects to evaluate the structural damage.