The training template is designed to provide a review of current code, accommodate a jurisdiction’s customization of its own new reach code including exceptions and then dive into the compliance forms, with opportunities for hands-on interaction during the training session. For instance, a customized version of the training template might include actual plan reviews relevant to the specific jurisdiction’s building stock for attendees to discuss and work through in order to get a practical understanding of how the compliance process should work.
Q: What kinds of local staff do you typically see in a training session?
A: There may be plan checkers and reviewers, inspectors, chief building officials, or third-party vendors if a local community has outsourced these services to an external provider. Members from the local sustainability team who participated in the development of the ordinances during the adoption process may also attend. Occasionally, there may be staff from multiple departments to gain greater understanding of the new reach code being implemented. It may vary greatly from community to community depending on the local circumstances.
Q: Are these in-person or virtual trainings?
A: They can be either, depending on how the local jurisdiction wants to proceed and who will be providing the training. Often, a local team will organize a training program and download the training modules themselves to customize them. BayREN also provides training sessions on these tools to jurisdictions within its region. In those cases, we will work directly with the team to customize the training specifically for that jurisdiction. For instance, if a jurisdiction has adopted an ordinance focusing on multi-family construction and EV, we will tailor the training materials to the compliance landscape of that community.
Q: When is the best time to conduct this training?
A: There’s really no specific timeframe, although there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind. Ideally, a jurisdiction would wait until the ordinance has been adopted locally to ensure the language is final. This time frame, after adoption and Energy Commission approval (if relevant) is a great time to schedule training for compliance staff. However, some jurisdictions might conduct trainings shortly before the effective date of the new ordinance to prepare; others might schedule trainings after adoption but before the Energy Commission approves the ordinance; others may schedule training after approval and effective date.
Q: Where can we find the training template and get more information?
A: Local staff can download the templates at either the Statewide Reach Codes website here or via Building Decarbonization Coalition’s Clean Building Compass. Bay Area jurisdictions can request a customized reach code training from BayREN here.
