Regulatory A Flashcards
What are the two basic purposes of CEQA?
- Inform decision makers and public about the impacts of proposed actions and mitigate effects, if possible.
- Provide opportunities for other agencies to review and comment on draft documents.
True/False: CEQA is an agency.
False. It’s an ACT.
Yes/No: Plans are submitted to CEQA as part of document review.
FALSE. Remember that CEQA is an act, not an agency!
After which 2 events does the CEQA public review period occur?
Lead agency files notice of completion and gives public notice of availability for draft EIR.
Lead agency gives public notice of availability of Negative Declaration.
Define lead agency as it relates to CEQA.
Public agency with the primary responsibility to complete the required environmental review process.
Agency must coordinate with all parties.
Define responsible agency as it relates to CEQA.
What is its relationship to the lead agency?
Public agencie/agencies with discretionary approval authority over a portion of a project.
Interfaces directly with the lead agency.
Define commenting agency as it relates to CEQA.
Public agency with “jurisdiction by law” over a particular resource but is neither a lead agency nor a responsible agency.
Basically it’s a group with a vested interest by law over a portion of the project, but is not a direct stakeholder.
Define trustee agency as it relates to CEQA.
State agency having jurisdiction by law over natural resources affected by a project which are held in trust for the people of the state of California.
What is a statutory exemption in CEQA?
A statutory exemption applies to projects which the California legislature has decided are not subject to CEQA procedures and policies.
What is a categorical exemption in CEQA?
A categorical exemption applies to projects which the Secretary of the Resources Agency has determined do not usually have a significant effect on the environment.
If a notice of exemption is filed for CEQA, where does the state agency file the form? And the local agency?
State Agency = Office of Planning and Research
Local Agency = County Clerk of each county in which project is located
For CEQA, who performs the initial study?
Lead agency.
What is the purpose of a CEQA initial study?
An initial study identifies environmental impacts and their significance.
It basically determines if a Negative Declaration must be prepared, or if an EIR should be prepared.
There are 3 possible outcomes to an initial proposal drafted by a lead agency for CEQA. List them.
- Negative declaration: no significant environmental impact is found.
- Mitigated negative declaration: impacts were found, but they can be revised/redesigned to avoid significant impacts and the project can proceed.
- Environmental Impact Report (EIR): the project has been found to have significant impacts.
What is an EIR? Name two things that it does.
Detailed report that…
Describes and analyzes the significant environmental effects of a proposed project.
Identifies alternatives and discusses ways to reduce or avoid environmental damage.
If an EIR is required, describe the next steps.
- Notice of Preparation issued to relevant agencies. Purpose is to solicit information.
- A draft EIR is prepared for review: lead agency files a Notice of Completion.
- Public review period ocmmences. 30 < n < 60.
- State Clearinghouse coordinates the state level review of documents.
- Notice of Determination is filed.
True/False: For CEQA compliance, only draft EIR’s must be submitted for public review.
False. Negative declarations must also be made available to the public.
Who coordinates state level reviews of environmental documents prepared for CEQA?
State Clearinghouse
Where can you find the Essential Services Buildings Seismic Safety Act? (In terms of hierarchy, state-wide)
California Health and Safety Code!
List 3 non-structural components (vital to the operation of essential services buildings) that must be maintained in the event of an earthquake:
Communication systems
Main transformers and switching equipment
Emergency backup systems
List 6 types of essential services buildings as defined in Section 16007 of the California Health and Safety Code.
Fire station Police station Emergency operations center California Highway Patrol Sheriff's Office Emergency dispatch center
Who reviews state-owned essential services buildings for compliance?
Division of the State Architect
Who reviews non state-owned essential services buildings for compliance?
Local enforcement agencies such as the county of local building department.
List two exemptions for essential services buildings.
One story Type V construction < 2000 sf
Type IIN construction < 2000 sf
What is the California Building Standards Code also known as?
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations
True/False: Title 24 is the energy code used by architects, engineers, etc.
False.
The energy code is only one small portion (Part 6) of Title 24.
What is the California Code of Regulations? How many titles does it have?
CCR is the official compilation and publication of the regulations adopted, amended, or repealed by state agencies pursuant to the Administrative Procedure At.
There are 28 titles. (Title 24 is just one!)
What is the role of the California Building Standards Commission?
It’s responsible for administering California’s building codes, including adopting, approving, publishing and implementing codes and standards.
Title 24, Part 1
California Building Standards Administrative Code
Title 24, Part 2?
California Building Code
What’s the difference between the California Building Code and the California Building Standards Code?
The California Building Code is just one part of the California Building Standards Code (aka Title 24).
List 7 key components of the California Building Code.
Pick 7:
Occupancy Type Construction Type Building/Floor Area Building Height Egress Building separation and shafts Fire protection Fire extinguishing systems Accessibility Engineering requirements
Without getting too specific, what is the purpose of the California Building Code?
The purpose of the code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare.
Chapter 1, California Building Code
California Code Provisions
Chapter 2, California Building Code
Definitions of words and terms
Chapter 3, California Building Code
Occupancy Classification
Occupancy Type A
Assembly
Occupancy Type B
Business
Occupancy Type E
Educational
Occupancy Type F
Factory Industrial
Occupancy Type H
Hazardous
Occupancy Type I
Institutional
Occupancy Type M
Mercantile
Occupancy Type R
Residential
Occupancy Type S
Storage
Occupancy Type U
Utility and Miscellaneous
Define Occupancy Type A.
50+ occupants
Occupancy Type A-1 + Examples
Assembly area w/ fixed seating
Ex: performing arts, movie theaters
Occupancy Type A-2 + Examples
Assembly areas w/ food + drink
Ex: restaurants, night clubs
Assembly Type A-3 + Examples
Assembly for places of worship, recreation, or amusement or other areas that are not easily categorized
Ex: libraries, museums, churches
Assembly Type A-4
Assembly areas for viewing of indoor sporting events
Assembly Type A-5
Assembly areas for the participation or viewing of outdoor sporting events
What would you classify a testing and research laboratory as for occupancy type?
Type B: Business
True/False: Collegiate buildings are classified as occupancy type E (Educational).
False. Type E only covers educational services provided through 12th grade.
Occupancy Type F-1
Factory industrial: moderate hazard occupancy
Occupancy Type F-2
Factory industrial: low hazard occupancy
Define occupancy Type I.
This covers users who are cared for and/or live in supervised environments, having physical limitations because of health or age and are harbored for medical treatment.
What occupancy type would prisons be classified as?
Occupancy Type I, Institional
Testing and research laboratories would fall under what occupancy classification?
Occupancy Type I, Institutional
Occupancy type R-1 + Examples
Residential Occupancy: transient occupants
Ex: hotels, motels, boarding houses
Occupancy type R-2 + examples
Residential occupancy: permanent occupants in buildings containing more than 2 dwelling units.
Ex: apartment homes, dormitories
Occupancy type R-3
Residential occupancy: occupants are permanent and not otherwise cateogrized
Occupancy Type R-3.1
Residential occupancy: facilities licensed by governmental agency for residentially based 24 hour care with 6 or less clients of any age
Occupancy Type R-4
Residential occupancy: residential care or assisted living facilities
Would the storage of alcohol fall under occupancy type S (Storage)?
No, as alcohol is deemed hazardous it would be labeled as occupancy type H.
Define occupancy type U, and provide some examples.
Utility and Miscellaneous Occupancy: incidental buildings of an accessory nature, usually unoccupied except for short times during a 24 hour period.
Ex: agricultural buildings, barns, carports, sheds
Chapter 4, California Building Code
Special Uses and Occupancy
It provides requirements for specific building types.
Chapter 5, California Building Code
Building heights and areas
Chapter 6, California Building Code
Types of Construction
How many types of construction are described in the California Building Code?
5
Construction Type 1
Steel
Reinforced concrete
Masonry construction
Non-combustible structure required and fire-resistive
Construction Type II
Steel
Reinforced concrete
Masonry construction
Non combustible structure required and fire-resistive
Construction Type III
Steel
Reinforced concrete
Masonry construction
Wood construction
Structural frame typically not wood
Construction Type IV
Heavy timber
Construction Type V
Steel
Reinforced Concrete
Masonry Construction
Wood Construction
For the beginning of a project, list 5 basic steps per the California Building Code
- Determine occupancy
- Determine construction type
- Determine location of building on property
- Determine allowable floor area
- Determine height and number of stores
Chapter 7, California Building Code
Fire-Resistance Rated Construction
Chapter 7A, California Building Code
Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure
What is so special about Chapter 7A in the California Building Code?
This chapter about construction methods and materials for exterior wildfire exposure is unique to the California Building Code.
Chapter 8, California Building Code
Interior finishes
Chapter 9, California Building Code
Fire Protection Systems
Chapter 10, California Building Code
Means of egress
Chapter 11, California Building Code
Accessibility
Chapter 11A, California Building Code
Housing Accessibility
Chapter 11B, California Building Code
Accessibility to Public Buildings
Chapter 12, California Building Code
Interior environment
True/False: Temperature control and ventilation specifications are found in Title 24.
False! They are in Chapter 12 of California Building Code: Interior Environment.
Chapter 13, California Building Code
Also this chapter is unique in that…
Energy efficiency
There’s not really anything here. This chapter refers users to see “California Energy Code, Title 24 Part 6.”
Chapter 14, California Building Code
Exterior Walls
Chapter 15, California Building Code
Roof assemblies
Chapters 16-23, California Building Code
Structural Provisions
Chapters 25-35 of the California Building Code cover many subjects. List 6.
Pick 6:
Gypsum and plaster Plastic Electrical Mech systems Plumbing systems Elevator and conveying systems Special construction Encroachments into public right of way Safeguards during construction Existing structures Reference standards
What is Part 2.5 of the California Building Standards Code?
California Residential Building Code
What is the purpose of the California Residential Building Code?
This code establishes the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare through all the typical considerations…
What is the scope of the California Residential Building Code?
Every 1 and 2 unit family dwelling
Townhouses not more than 3 stories above grade, with separate means of egress
Accessory structures
What is Part 3 of the California Building Standards Code?
California Electrical Code
What is the California Electrical Code concerned with? Provide 3 examples.
Pick 3:
Safe installation of wiring + equipment
Circuits + circuit protection
Methods + materials for wiring
General purpose equipment (cords/receptacles/switches)
Part 4, California Building Standards Code
California Mechanical Code
What is the California Mechanical Code concerned with? Provide 3 examples.
Pick 3:
Ventilation + air supply Exhaust systems Duct systems Chimneys + vents Steam + hot water boilers Refrigeration systems
Part 5, California Building Standards Code
California Plumbing Code
Provide 4 examples of what the California Plumbing Code addresses.
Plumbing fixtures Water heaters Water supply + distribution Sanitary drainage Vents Traps + interceptors Storm drainage
Part 6, California Building Standards Code
California Energy Code
Part 8, California Building Standards Code
California Historical Building Code (CHBC)
List 5 solutions that the California Historical Building Code provides:
Preservation of qualified properties Promotes sustainability Provides access to the disabled Provides cost-effective approaches to preservation Provides reasonable safety for users
I’m adding a non-historical addition to a structure qualified as historic per the CHBC. Do I need to follow CHBC?
Nope. Just conform to the regular code.
What is the purpose of the State Historical Building Safety Board (SHBSB)?
It provides interpretation of CHBC provisions.
It also hears appeals, and acts as a repeal and review board to state/local agencies/affected parties.
What is a qualified historical building/property?
Any building(s) deemed to be important to the history, architecture, or culture of an area by appropriate local, state, or federal governmental jurisdiction.
True/False: For the CHBC, qualified buildings are permitted to remain unaccessible so long as the original use is unchanged.
False.
The regular accessibility code applies unless it threatens or destroys historical significance of building. Even then, it is still applied on case by case basis.
If the historical significance of a qualified historical structure is threatened by accessibility requirements, describe two conditions which alternate provisions must meet:
Provisions are applied on a case by case basis.
Documentation is provided stating the reasons for the alternate provisions.
True/False: In terms of structural considerations, CHBC shall not be construed to allow local enforcing agencies to provide lower levels of safety of structural design and construction in occupancies that are critical to the safety and welfare of the public at large.
True
Part 9, California Building Standards
California Fire Code
The purpose for the California Fire Code is twofold. Describe.
- Establish minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practices to safeguard health, safety and welfare of public from fire hazards in new and existing buildings.
- Provide safety and assistance to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
California Building Standards, Part 10
California Existing Building Code
What is the purpose of the California Existing Building Code?
Promote public safety/welfare by reducing the risk of death/injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes on existing, unreinforced masonry bearing walls.
What is the scope of the California Existing Building Code?
It shall apply to all existing buildings having at least one unreinforced masonry bearing wall.
Part 11, California Building Standards
California Green Building Standards Code
“CALGreen”
What is the purpose of CALGreen?
Improve public health, safety, and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings by …
Reducing negative environmental impact
Increasing positive environmental impact
Encouraging sustainable construction practices
CALGreen encourages sustainable practices in 5 categories. Name them.
“Pew Me.”
Planning and design Energy efficiency Water efficiency/conservatio Material conservation and resource effiency Environmental quality