As of January 1, 2008, the Building and Safety Division of the City of Santa Clarita will begin enforcement of the new California State building codes for all new construction projects located in the City of Santa Clarita.

The new State codes contain regulations that pertain to all aspects of new construction. These regulations apply to all new buildings, additions, remodels, and commercial tenant improvements. The new codes include the 2007 California Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, and Mechanical Code.

The purpose of State building codes is to ensure the safety and welfare of the public by making sure the buildings we live and work in are safe and energy efficient. The State codes also require buildings be designed to provide access to those with physical disabilities or impairments.

The City of Santa Clarita has adopted local amendments to the State codes that will provide a higher level of safety and protection to the public in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or wildfire.

The provisions of the new State building codes and local amendments will apply to all construction projects for which a permit application is submitted to Building and Safety on or after the effective date. The State codes are developed and published under the direction of the California Building Standards Commission.

For additional information, visit www.bsc.ca.gov . If you have questions regarding building permits, local amendments to the code, or other construction related issues, contact Building and Safety at (661) 255-4935 or visit www.santa-clarita.com .