LARUCP

One such effort to promote uniformity of building regulations is through the Los Angeles Regional Uniform Code Program (LARUCP). The LARUCP program began in July 1999 with the purpose of developing uniform interpretations and handouts to serve as guidelines for building officials, contractors, engineers and architects in the consistent application of the codes. The mission of this program was to minimize the number of and to develop uniformity in local technical amendments to model codes for adoption by jurisdictions in the greater Los Angeles region. With the cooperation of many jurisdictions in the region, this resulted in an exciting regulatory streamlining effort that:

1. Created uniformity of building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes in most of the jurisdictions in the region.  

2. Reduced the total number of local amendments to the codes from over 1000 to less than 50 (96% reduction in local amendments).  

3. Has received support from 85 jurisdictions representing over 98% of the population in Los Angeles County.  

4. With construction valuation of over $5 billion in the region, conservatively assuming that this program produces a 1% construction cost savings, there resulted in an estimated cost saving of $50 million per year.  

5. Collected various productivity awards such as the:  

   a. 2000 National Association of Counties Achievement Award    
  b. 1999 City of Los Angeles Productivity Improvement Award    
  c. 1999 Los Angeles County Productivity and Quality Award    
  d. 1999 ICBO Chapter Award for Special Meritorious Achievement 

The most recent effort to streamline uniformity of technical amendments to the model code during the 2010 code adoption year was achieved through the efforts of the Chapter’s various committees. Dedicated members of these committees helped to develop the LARUCP Recommended Technical Amendments. The recommendations contained in that document served to ensure improved performances of buildings and structures in the greater Los Angeles region and its members found value to incorporating it into their local code. A copy of this and other documents can be found on the "Library" webpage.  

To further promote the uniform application of the code regulations, the Chapter continues to develop and/or update various documents such as the plan review checklists or information bulletins to assist local building officials and their staff to ensure compliance with current California Building Codes. Current dues paying members of the Chapter can obtain the electronic version of these documents whereby they can insert their jurisdiction’s logo and have it modified for their specific needs.   

Through the hard work and dedication of our members, the Chapter re-established existing committees as well as initiated new one. These committees will continue to further the goal of the Chapter by providing a forum for members to discuss, review and address issues or topics relevant to our profession. To learn more about these committees, please refer to the "Committees" webpage.

The ICC Los Angeles Basin Chapter and the Los Angeles Regional Uniform Code Program have been instrumental in supporting and educating building and safety staff, construction and design professionals throughout the Los Angeles basin area. Throughout the year, the Chapter will have many informative monthly meetings and hold a number of training classes to assist local building officials and their staff to become informed of all the new changes to the building codes. Dedicated members have helped the Chapter to provide valuable training and education, not only to our Chapter, but other fellow Chapters within the Southern California region. A Chapter is only as effective as its members, so we are proud to say that our members have tremendously helped us in serving our community!