Description
The records of the California Building Standards Commission reflect the administrative processes of review, approval, adoption,
publication, and implementation of California's building codes.
Background
The Building Standards Commission (BSC) is part of the State of California's lineage of agencies to promote and regulate building
safety. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire was seen by many as confirmation to the State's need for building regulations.
The State Tenement Housing Act, adopted in 1909, set the precedent for state regulation of design and construction in the
interest of the public health, safety, and welfare. The Commission of Immigration and Housing and the Division of Safety
of the Department of Engineering were created in 1913. These two offices gained separate regulatory authority, but unfortunately
this established a precedent of different state departments responding individually to similar building problems instead of
collaboratively.
Restrictions
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives
collections.
Availability
Collection is open for research.