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Morgan Hill, California
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Zucker Systems
Part 10: 2013 California Existing Building Code (Based on 2009 International
Existing Building Code – IEBC);
Part 11: 2013 California Green Building Standards Code; and
Part 12: 2013 California Referenced Standards Code.
Morgan Hill works closely with the Building Officials in the Santa Clara County
region to avoid adopting numerous amendments to the building codes. This effort
results in more consistent code interpretations across jurisdictional boundaries, which
in turn reduces confusion for contractors and designers working in the region.
During our review of the City’s Code adopting ordinances we did identify two (2)
areas of the Municipal Code that should be changed to better reflect the Building
Division’s actual operations. Specifically, the procedure utilized to establish permit
fees still references the use of valuation tables; the City no longer uses this approach
in favor of a process that estimates the actual amount of staff time required to provide
permit processing, plan review and inspection services. In addition, the adopting
ordinance includes extensive language on sustainable building requirements. These
requirements have been superseded by minimum State requirements that the City has
adopted by reference. The Building Official has been made aware of these needed
changes and has indicated the City’s intent to make the necessary changes in
conjunction with the next Code adoption cycle.
27.
Recommendation:
The Building Official should propose deletion of
language that is no longer consistent with their current operations during
the next Code adoption cycle.
Basic Functions
The primary function of the Building Division is to support the overall development
review and inspection process. Staff works daily with members of the commercial
development community and homeowners to identify and resolve construction code
related deficiencies. The process is designed to protect the public and property by
ensuring that the minimum health and life safety standards are incorporated into all
new construction. This is achieved by working in cooperation with other Divisions
within Community Development and other Departments including Public Works-
Engineering. Unlike many other jurisdictions in the country, the Building Division is
also responsible for performing the plan review and field inspection responsibilities
for confirming compliance with the Fire Code and investigating zoning and other
related complaints. Also included within the Building Division is the work performed
by the City Geologist.
The Building Division currently employs a total of ten (10) positions in a combination
of full-time and part-time positions supporting the permit counter, plan review, field