Building Codes
The latest version of California Code of Regulations, Title 24, the California Building Standards Code was adopted by the City of Hesperia and became effective on January 1, 2023. Title 24 includes twelve parts:
- 2022 California Administrative Code
- 2022 California Building Code
- 2022 California Residential Code
- 2022 California Plumbing Code
- 2022 California Electrical Code
- 2022 California Mechanical Code
- 2022 California Green Building Standards Code (CAL Green)
- 2022 California Energy Code
- 2022 California Fire Code
- 2022 California Existing Building Code
- 2022 California Historical Building Code
- 2022 California Referenced Standards Code
| Design Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Wind Speed: 3-second peak guest wind speed per risk category: | 90 mph for Risk Category I |
| 105 mph for Risk Category II | |
| 110 mph for Risk Category III | |
| 115 mph for Risk Category IV | |
| Wind Exposure | Site specific for each project (CBC 1609) - Most areas of the City of Hesperia can be classified as wind exposure category C |
| Seismic Design - Mapped Acceleration Parameters | Site specific for each project based on latitude and longitude or project location (CBC 1613.2.) https://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/ |
| Rainfall | 3 Inches per hour for roof drainage design |
| Conventional Construction Criteria (CBC Chapter 23, Section 2308) | Seismic Design Category D |
| Flood Zones | Specific areas within the City of Hesperia having a flood zone designation as outlined by FEMA flood insurance maps (FIRMs) https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home |
| California Residential Code Chapter 3, Section R301.2.2.1 | Seismic Design Category D0 |
| California Energy Code Climate Zone | Zone 14 |
| International Climate Zone (IRC/IECC/ASHRAE) | Zone 3B-Dry |
| Residential Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria: (CRC Table R301.2) | |
| Termite | Very Heavy |
| Ground Snow Load | 5lbs PSF (per square foot) |
| Ice Barrier Underlayment | N/A |
| Frost Line Depth | N/A |
| Site Class for Seismic Design | D - Unless recommended otherwise by Geotechnical Engineer |
| Weathering | Negligible |
| Air Freezing Index | 0 |
| Mean Annual Temperature | 64.0 F |
| Outdoor Winter Design Temperature | 63.0 F |
What Are Building Codes and Why Are They Important?
Building codes are the foundation of safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. In the United States, building regulations originated in the late 1800s, primarily in response to devastating fires in densely populated urban areas—most notably the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. While early codes focused on fire prevention, modern building codes have evolved to address a wide range of hazards and safety concerns.
In Hesperia, as throughout California, building codes are based on the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations). These standards are updated every three years by the California Building Standards Commission and adopted by the City to reflect the latest in construction safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and environmental performance.
Today’s building codes establish minimum requirements for structural integrity, fire and life safety, emergency egress, sanitation, lighting, ventilation, accessibility, sustainability, and construction materials. They are enforced through plan review and field inspection processes to help safeguard the health, safety, and general welfare of building occupants and the broader community.
Though we can’t always prevent natural disasters such as earthquakes or wildfires, adhering to modern building codes is one of the most effective ways to mitigate their impact. Strong code enforcement:
Protects lives and property during disasters
Reduces long-term damage and financial loss
Supports continuity of essential services
Helps the community recover more quickly
At the City of Hesperia, the Building & Safety Division ensures compliance with these codes through professional plan reviews and inspections. Our goal is to support development that is safe, resilient, and aligned with both state law and local needs.