California lawmakers heard testimony recently from victims of a deadly balcony collapse in Berkeley last summer as they consider a bill to address contractor negligence.
The balcony was constructed by a company with a history of shoddy work, according to the San Jose Mercury News. The collapse caused the death of six college students and raised questions about California's building standards and balcony safety.
The bill, which already passed the state senate, would require the Contractors State License Board and the Building Standards Commission to research how to protect the public from negligent contractors and raise transparency in the construction industry. The two boards would then report back to the Legislature by 2018 with recommendations for reform.
After the tragedy, victims’ families discovered that the balcony had been built by a firm that paid $26.5 million in construction defect settlements that were never reported to the state license board. Disclosure of such settlements isn't required under current law.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2019
USGBC calls for proposals for feedback, concepts for next LEED version
The move follows successful public input on LEED 4.1.
AEC Tech | Jul 15, 2019
Lack of standards hampers development of exoskeleton industry
Guidelines, common terminology, and testing methodology are needed, says expert.
Concrete | Jul 8, 2019
Concrete repair code requirements released
American Concrete Institute offers guidance on assessment, repair, rehab of existing concrete structures.
K-12 Schools | Jul 8, 2019
Collaborative for High Performance Schools releases 2019 Core Criteria Version 3.0 Update
The update adds credits to lower carbon footprints and to promote climate change resiliency.
Wood | Jul 8, 2019
Campaign launched to promote ‘climate-smart wood’
The Forest Stewardship Council and other groups aim to help buyers understand and make it easier to locate lumber that meets sustainable forestry standards.
Urban Planning | Jul 8, 2019
U.S. cities experience ‘Doppler shift’ in walkable urban development
The walkability trend is spreading to urbanizing suburbs.
Mixed-Use | Apr 7, 2019
Chicago-area joint venture antes up $1 billion for Opportunity Zone development investment
Decennial Group says it’s looking at 250 potential projects, primarily in America’s heartland and rural areas.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2018
Silicon Valley cities considering taxes aimed at large employers
The aim is to offset the impact on housing costs and homelessness by tech companies.
Legislation | Apr 18, 2018
Steel and aluminum tariffs raise more questions than answers for domestic suppliers
Are import quotas and a “Buy American” infrastructure mandate in the cards?
Multifamily Housing | Mar 4, 2018
Katerra, a tech-driven GC, plots ambitious expansion
Investors flock to this vertically integrated startup, which automates its design and construction processes.
