Hey everyone, welcome to another blog post by beyondthecrayons.com!
Today, we’re going to talk about an exciting new Assembly Bill in California—Bill AB 176 and how it can Benefit you! In a nutshell, it eases the path for childcare centers to either expand their current operations or open a new facility by bypassing the very strict 2023 fire safety and building codes.
So, let’s jump in!
Opening a childcare center in California is challenging, as many of you already know, largely due to the strict fire safety and building code regulations. However, Assembly Bill 176 was recently introduced and passed. It offers temporary relief to childcare providers, making it easier (though still challenging) to either open or expand their childcare facilities. This could positively affect you if you’re looking to expand or open a new center.
So, I want you to stay with me, keep reading along, and I’ll tell you how you can take advantage of it right now.
What Are the Key Changes Brought by Assembly Bill 176?
#1. Exemption from Stricter 2023 Fire and Building Code Requirements
This exemption is temporary, lasting only until 2027. Childcare centers are allowed to follow the 2022 building codes instead of the stricter 2023 updates.
Why does this matter? This rollback can save providers both time and money when obtaining fire clearances.
#2. Faster and Clearer Fire Clearance Processes
Fire agencies are now required to complete clearance inspections within 30 days of receiving an inspection request from your licensing analyst, speeding up the entire process significantly.
#3. Consistency Across Agencies
Local fire agencies and the State Fire Marshal will now apply the same standards, reducing confusion and delays.
#4. Consultation and Guidance During Pre-inspection
Fire inspectors will be able to provide specific guidance to childcare providers during the pre-inspection process, making it easier to meet fire safety standards.
This is fantastic, and I’ll tell you why. Instead of just consulting and hiring a fire alarm company (which you should always consider getting a few different quotes for), you can now go directly to the fire inspector and ask, “What exactly do I need?”
Why is this important?
The fire inspector isn’t going to try to upsell you; they’ll give you straightforward information about what is required by the Fire Marshal and the State of California. In contrast, a fire alarm company might upsell you on the most advanced technology, which costs a lot more. I learned this from personal experience—I called the Fire Marshal myself and explained what the fire alarm company wanted to install. The Fire Marshal told me that what they were suggesting was really advanced, and that all we required was much more basic and affordable equipment. This saved me a lot of time and money, although it did sour my relationship with the alarm company.
Important Reminder:
Yes, you’ll still need to invest in a fire alarm system, hire a fire alarm company, and make any necessary changes or alterations to your building, including egress requirements based on the 2022 regulations. But remember, these are not as strict as the 2023 updates.
Differences Between the 2022 and 2023 California Building Code:
Let’s break down some of the main differences between the two codes:
A. Fire and Life Safety Requirements
- 2022 Code: Basic fire safety measures, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems.
- 2023 Code: Stricter, with more advanced fire suppression systems and tougher egress (exit) requirements.
B. Occupancy Classifications
- 2022 Code: Standard occupancy classifications based on the number of children and room usage.
- 2023 Code: New classifications likely introduce stricter limits on room sizes and capacities.
C. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
- 2022 Code: Basic energy-saving measures like efficient lighting and insulation.
- 2023 Code: Stricter energy-saving regulations, potentially requiring solar panels and greener materials.
D. Accessibility Standards
- 2022 Code: General requirements for accessibility, such as ramps and accessible restrooms.
- 2023 Code: More advanced requirements, including specific accommodations for children with disabilities throughout the center.
E. Seismic Standards
- 2022 Code: Standard seismic safety protocols.
- 2023 Code: More rigorous structural requirements for earthquake safety, especially critical in California.
How Does This Benefit Childcare Center Owners?
- Lower Costs
By allowing centers to use the 2022 codes, providers avoid the higher costs associated with the 2023 requirements. - Faster Opening Timeline
Although it’s not as fast as we might like, it’s still more streamlined. When your licensing analyst sends a request for fire inspection, the agency has 30 days to complete it, which helps centers open faster and avoids costly delays. - Less Confusion and Red Tape
With unified standards and clear, consistent fire safety requirements across agencies, providers won’t have to worry about contradictory enforcement from different bodies.
Let’s go through a few examples 🙂
Three Examples of How the Exemption Can Help Childcare Centers with Current Programs Expand:
- Increasing Capacity Without Major Renovations:
- A childcare provider who currently operates at a capacity of 50 children but wants to expand to 80 can take advantage of the 2022 building code’s more flexible occupancy standards. Under the 2023 code, they may have been required to increase room sizes, add additional exits, or upgrade fire suppression systems. By using the 2022 version, they can expand their capacity without being forced to make costly renovations immediately.
- Adding New Services or Spaces:
- A provider might want to add new services such as after-school programs or infant care rooms. The 2023 code would likely require updated fire alarms, new accessibility features, and stricter energy requirements. Under the 2022 code, they can proceed with their expansion using the less stringent requirements, allowing them to allocate funds toward hiring more staff or purchasing educational materials instead of expensive building upgrades.
- Modifying Building Use Without Extensive Structural Changes:
- A center might want to convert an existing office space into a playroom or classroom. The 2023 version of the code might have classified this change in use differently, requiring more fire alarms or additional structural changes. By using the 2022 code, the provider can make these modifications with fewer regulatory hurdles, saving on costs and speeding up the process.
Three Examples of How Childcare Center Owners Trying to Open a Center Can Benefit:
- Lower Initial Start-up Costs:
- A new childcare provider looking to open their first center may face significant expenses when it comes to building renovations or fire safety compliance under the 2023 code. With the 2022 code exemption, they won’t have to immediately invest in the latest, more expensive fire suppression systems or energy-saving technologies, allowing them to use their budget more efficiently for other start-up needs like furniture, educational materials, and staffing.
- Faster Licensing Process:
- Obtaining a fire clearance is a critical part of the licensing process. The 2023 code may have required more inspections, complex building upgrades, and additional paperwork. The 2022 code simplifies this, allowing providers to meet the standards more easily and get approved faster. This helps new centers open sooner and start serving children and families in their communities.
- Fewer Delays Due to Code Changes:
- New providers planning to open a center in a pre-existing building may find that upgrading the facility to meet the 2023 building codes is both time-consuming and expensive, especially if significant structural changes are needed. By being able to comply with the 2022 version, they avoid these delays, allowing them to focus on building their programs, hiring staff, and marketing to local families rather than getting stuck in construction and compliance issues.
Planning for the Future
Remember, this is temporary relief. Assembly Bill 176 emphasizes that this exemption is only valid until 2027. Future regulations will come into effect, so I encourage you to make any expansions to your facility or open a new childcare center before these changes take place.
The Fire Marshal and the state are collaborating to create a new plan and regulations, but this will take time. In the meantime, the impact of AB 176 offers significant relief, giving childcare providers in California time to grow without being overwhelmed by strict regulations.
So, I encourage everyone to prepare for the future—don’t let time pass by if you have the resources to open a center and use the 2022 regulations.
As childcare center operators, we strive to offer safe and educational spaces for children. Regulations can sometimes make this almost impossible, if not outright unfeasible, for those without the resources to manage the long licensing process and fire clearance requirements. But, this bill provides an opportunity—so take advantage of it now!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via email.
As always, heroes don’t always wear capes—heroes are definitely childcare providers. Thank you, and I hope this post was informative. I hope you learned something and understand what Assembly Bill 176 is and how it can positively affect you.
Thank you so much!
