The purpose of this technical bulletin is to outline the criteria for acceptance of products, materials, assemblies, and equipment specified for construction of buildings, as well as to outline criteria for recognizing listing agencies. 

Which Listing Agencies are considered approved?

The products specified for construction of buildings shall be evaluated, listed, and labeled by an approved listing agency recognized by the City. Such products shall have a current and valid approved listing showing conformance to the applicable governing California Building Standards Code or International Codes.

Please note, the City will not evaluate or list products. Examples of approved listing agencies recognized by the City are: 

1. International Code Council-Evaluation Service [www.icc-es.org]
2. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., (UL), [www.ul.com]
3. Intertek Testing Services, [www.Intertek.com]
4. Factory Mutual (FM), [www.fmapprovals.com]
5. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), [www.iapmo.org]
6. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), [https://www.osha.gov/nationally-recognized-testing-laboratory-program]

How to be recognized as an Approved Listing Agency?

The agency shall provide substantial documentation of the following to the City for review and approval. The agency shall: 

1. Be accredited by a recognized accreditation service such as the ANSI Accreditation Program, IAS International Accreditation Service, or the City of Los Angeles Building and Safety.
2. Employ qualified technical personnel who are knowledgeable of the California Building Standards Code and its referenced standards, and the evaluation criteria used to produce product evaluation reports.
3. Implement a product labeling and marking program consistent with nationally recognized standards.
4. Publish lists of building products evaluated or tested.
5. Research reports shall use acceptance criteria in the evaluation process that are based on standards published through a national consensus process.
6. Develop a quality control program for the product manufacturer to implement.
7. Enforce the quality control program through periodic in-plant inspections of the building product manufacturing facility.
8. Have a process to periodically evaluate published product evaluation reports to address applicable changes in the California Building Standards Code, acceptance criteria, or referenced standards utilized in the evaluation report.

To approve product evaluation reports and listings or proof of compliance by a listing agency that is not approved, the applicant shall submit an application for Alternate Materials, design, or Construction Methods Code Modification and other substantial documentation as outlined in this bulletin. For information concerning Alternate Materials, Design, Construction Methods, or Code Modifications, refer to Information Bulletin 151.

References

• San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC)