May 2025

Adaptive Reuse Working Group and Report (AB 529 (Chapter 743, Statutes of 2023))

Assembly Bill 529 (Chapter 743, Statutes of 2023) (AB 529) requires the California Department of Housing and Community Development to convene a working group to identify challenges to, and opportunities that help support, the creation and promotion of adaptive reuse residential projects, including identifying potential amendments to building standards.

Program History

California's concern for adequate housing for its residents was first established by the State Tenement House Act in 1909. The Act regulated only tenements such as apartment houses and hotels within cities. In 1913, the Commission of Immigration and Housing became the enforcement agency for the Tenement House Act.

Utility Trenches and Fire Protection Plans

Utility Trenches

Detail on the Utility Trenches must include the following:

  • Location of all utility trenches.
  • Depth of trenches.
  • Width of trenches.
  • Location and spacing of utilities within trenches.
  • Types of bedding and covering for utilities.
  • Protection and backfill of trenches.

Fire Protection Plans

Fire Protection Plans must include at least the following information:

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