BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 433
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 433 (Gordon)
As Introduced February 15, 2013
Majority vote
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS 12-1
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|Ayes:|Gordon, Jones, Bocanegra, | | |
| |Campos, | | |
| |Dickinson, Eggman, | | |
| |Hagman, | | |
| |Holden, Maienschein, | | |
| |Mullin, | | |
| |Skinner, Ting | | |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
|Nays:|Wilk | | |
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Authorizes licensed plumbing contractors to install
residential fire protection systems for single- and two-family
homes, and makes other technical and clarifying amendments.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Requires the installation of a fire protection system,
excluding an electrical alarm system, to be performed only by
a contractor holding a fire protection contractor
classification as defined in the Contractor's State License
Board (CSLB) regulations or by an owner-builder of an
owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, as specified, if the
local authority approves and inspects the installation.
(Business and Professions Code Section 7026.12)
2)Authorizes a plumbing contractor to perform work, as
specified, to provide for a supply of safe water, ample in
volume and of suitable temperature for the purpose intended
and the proper disposal of fluid waste from the premises in
all structures and fixed works. (California Code of
Regulations, Title 16, Division 8, Article 3, Section 832.36)
FISCAL EFFECT : None. This bill is keyed non-fiscal by the
AB 433
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Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS :
1)Purpose of this bill . The California Building Standards Code
(Code) requires fire protection systems to be installed in all
new single- and two-family homes, beginning January 1, 2011.
This bill aims to expand the pool of licensed contractors who
can install residential fire sprinklers under the new Code
requirements by authorizing licensed plumbing contractors to
perform residential installations in addition to the licensed
fire protection contractors currently authorized to do the
work. This bill is sponsored by the California Building
Industry Association.
2)New Code requirement and demand for residential fire sprinkler
installations . In 2010, the California Building Standards
Commission adopted a new Code requirement that approved the
State Fire Marshal's Building, Fire and Residential Code and
mandated the installation of residential fire sprinklers in
all new single- and two-family dwellings and townhouses
statewide, beginning January 1, 2011. Rural counties report
having a difficult time complying with the new Code
requirement because of the relatively small number of C-16
fire protection contractors scattered throughout the state,
with no known C-16 fire protection contractors residing in
some rural counties.
According to the Construction Industry Research Board, in
2004, there were approximately 212,960 new residential single-
and multi-family homes built in California. In 2009, the
number of new homes built dropped to a record low of 36,421,
but has since been gradually climbing. In 2013, the projected
number of new homes that will be built is 62,000 homes and is
anticipated to rise in the future, which will create increased
demand for residential fire sprinkler installation.
3)Current licensed contracting authority to install residential
fire sprinklers . Currently, there are approximately 230,000
licensed contractors in the State of California. According to
the CSLB, as of February 2013, there were 2,148 active C-16
fire protection contractors. This bill would authorize the
15,090 active C-36 plumbing contractors in California to
install residential fire sprinklers and help ensure there are
AB 433
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than enough licensed contractors who can legally perform the
installations to meet new Code requirements.
Under existing law, only a licensed Class C-16 fire protection
contractor or owner-builder may install a residential
sprinkler system. At the same time, only a licensed C-36
plumbing contractor can perform work on residential plumbing
systems to distribute potable and non-potable water, at
varying temperatures and volumes, to and from a residence.
This bill would explicitly authorize a C-36 plumbing
contractor to install a multipurpose fire sprinkler system in
residential homes in addition to a C-16 contractor.
4)Effects of this bill . This bill adds 15,090 C-36 plumbing
contractors to the pool of 2,148 C-16 fire protection
contractors who can be hired to install residential fire
sprinklers. The CSLB will continue to be the appropriate
licensing entity that receives and investigates consumer and
professional complaints, and provides enforcement action
against unlicensed contracting activity arising from the
installation of residential fire protection systems. Because
it oversees both C-36 and C-16 contractors, the CSLB will be
able to monitor the effects of this bill on both
classifications.
Analysis Prepared by : Joanna Gin / B.,P. & C.P. / (916)
319-3301
FN: 0000056