Residential developments: building standards: review.

Assembly Member Ward's proposal to revise California's residential building standards centers on expanding the application of the California Residential Code to developments of three to ten units, while establishing a systematic review of construction costs. The legislation directs the Department of Housing and Community Development to convene a working group by December 2026, bringing together the Building Standards Commission, State Fire Marshal, Division of the State Architect, Energy Commission and other stakeholders to evaluate potential amendments to current standards.

The working group must submit recommendations to the Legislature by December 2027 on allowing these small multi-unit developments to be built under residential code requirements, rather than more complex commercial standards. If amendments are proposed, state agencies would develop them for consideration during the next California Building Standards Code update after January 2027. The bill maintains existing electrical, mechanical, plumbing and energy code requirements for all residential buildings.

In parallel, the Department must analyze how building standards affect construction costs for both single-family and multi-unit housing, delivering initial findings by December 2026. This assessment would then occur every three years to identify opportunities for updating standards with the aim of reducing new residential construction costs by 30 percent. The reviews would align with the regular building code update cycle starting after January 2027.