AIA California is working on a comprehensive reform to the state-level Code Interpretation and Appeals process, including the potential for state-level Alternate Means approval. As this moves forward in this year’s legislative cycle, we’ll need some specific examples of the challenges faced in project delivery, with a focus on housing.

Examples:

• local code amendments that create inconsistencies affecting housing feasibility
• local code interpretations that affect housing costs or feasibility
• variations in how local authorities consider code alternatives when working on commercial-to-housing projects
• and challenges associated with implementing housing delivery innovations that work in one jurisdiction for use in other jurisdictions.

Have a story to share?
AIA California is looking for 1 to 5 sentences describing the challenge. There is no requirement to identify specific locations or people, nor to personally testify about the issues. We’ll reach out as the hearing process approaches to gather more information.

SHARE YOUR STORY HERE

The Goal
The collective voice of design professionals can be leveraged by AIA California to advance statewide appeal reform, increasing consistency across California’s 450 jurisdictions, and supporting project feasibility and cost control. 

These changes will also enable scaling of housing innovations that require code interpretations or Alternate Means/Methods. None of these benefits is possible at the state level today.