California Assembly Bill AB349

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/19
• Refer: 2/11/19
• Report Pass: 4/25/19
• Refer: 4/25/19
• Report Pass: 5/8/19
• Engrossed: 5/16/19
• Refer: 5/16/19
• Refer: 5/29/19
• Report Pass: 6/10/19
• Refer: 6/10/19
• Report Pass: 6/19/19
• Refer: 6/19/19
• Refer: 7/1/19

Caption

Building standards: garages.

Impact

If enacted, AB 349 would amend the California Building Standards Code to incorporate mandatory regulations for residential garages. This change is expected to have a positive effect on community safety by facilitating easier evacuation routes from garages in emergencies. The bill represents a proactive approach to mitigating potential hazards associated with garage structures, which can often be overlooked in conventional building standards.

Summary

Assembly Bill 349, introduced by Assembly Member Choi, focuses on enhancing building standards particularly related to garage constructions in California. The bill mandates that all new single-family homes must include a secondary door that allows ingress and egress to the garage bay. This requirement is aimed at ensuring safety and improving emergency access to garages, which could be crucial in situations where primary exits may be blocked. The bill tasks the Department of Housing and Community Development to explore additional building modifications that will enforce these changes without significantly raising construction costs.

Sentiment

Discussions around AB 349 have generally been supportive, emphasizing the importance of safety in building practices. Many stakeholders, including safety advocates, laud the introduction of a secondary egress point as a vital step toward accident prevention and enhancing safety protocols in residential areas. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation costs for builders and how these new standards might affect housing affordability.

Contention

While there is support for the intent of AB 349, debates may arise over the balance between increased safety regulations and the potential financial implications for developers and homebuyers. Some constructors might express apprehensions regarding the feasibility of integrating additional egress points into their designs, especially if it leads to heightened construction expenses. As the bill progresses, these concerns will likely be pivotal in the discussions surrounding its final form and implementation.