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Committee backs bill to let state resolve disputed building‑code interpretations across jurisdictions
Summary
AB 306 would let the California Building Standards Commission hear appeals and issue official code interpretations to reduce inconsistent local interpretations across 540 jurisdictions; sponsors said the change preserves local control while improving certainty and encouraging innovation.
Assemblymember Schultz presented AB 306, explaining the bill creates a practical appeals and interpretation process at the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) so that parties can request determinations of statewide significance rather than navigating 540 local interpretations.
Bruce Monaghan (AIA California) and Ali Saperman (Housing Action Coalition) testified in support, describing frequent delays and inconsistent rulings that add cost and uncertainty to housing projects and adaptive reuse efforts. "The existing process requires local agency participation, which almost never happens," Saperman told the committee, and AB 306 would provide an accessible pathway for requesters and require transparency in local code interpretations.
Committee members asked whether the bill would displace legitimate local amendments inserted by ordinance; sponsors clarified that AB 306 preserves local authority over matters appropriately handled locally and does not override locally adopted ordinances, but it provides models and clarifications that other jurisdictions might consider.
The committee passed AB 306 to local government. Supporters said the measure should reduce time and cost associated with inconsistent local interpretations and better enable deployment of innovative materials and methods statewide.
