<p class="ql-block">To:</p><p class="ql-block">Mayor George K. Chen, T: (310) 618-2801, E: GChen@TorranceCA.gov</p><p class="ql-block">Jon Kaji, Councilmember, D1, T: (310) 618-2801, E: JKaji@TorranceCA.gov</p><p class="ql-block">Bridgett Lewis, Councilmember, D2, T: (310) 781-7668, E: BLewis@TorranceCA.gov</p><p class="ql-block">Asam Sheikh, Councilmember, D3, T: (310) 618-2801, E: ASheikh@TorranceCA.gov</p><p class="ql-block">Sharon Kalani, Councilmember, D4, T: (310) 618-2801, E: SKalani@TorranceCA.gov</p><p class="ql-block">Aurelio Mattucci, Councilmember, D5, T: (310) 618-2801, E: AMattucci@TorranceCA.gov</p><p class="ql-block">Dr. Jeremy Gerson, Councilmember, D6, T: (310) 618-2801, E: JGerson@TorranceCA.gov</p><p class="ql-block"> </p><p class="ql-block">Subject: <b>Please Amend Ordinance 3957 and Remove the Replacement Window Amendment</b></p><p class="ql-block"> </p><p class="ql-block">Dear Mayor Chen and City Councilmembers,</p><p class="ql-block">My name is Gang Chen, and I am a registered voter and a homeowner in Torrance, CA. I am writing to request your help to amend Ordinance 3957 and remove the unreasonable Replacement Window Amendment noted below:</p><p class="ql-block">Section 812.2.6 Replacement Windows for Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings</p><p class="ql-block">Section R319.5 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:</p><p class="ql-block">“R319.5 Replacement Windows for Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings. Replacement windows shall comply with Sections R319.2 and R319.4.4.”</p><p class="ql-block">Section 812.2.6 of Ordinance 3957 creates an undue burden and extreme hardship for all homeowners. For example, many Californians prefer to replace old windows with energy-efficient double-pane windows. In a typical California city, homeowners can retain the existing window frame and install replacement windows at an average cost of about $500 each. This is because, under Section R319.5 of the 2025 California Residential Code (CRC), these replacement windows are exempt from Sections R319.2 and R319.4.4. See link:</p><p class="ql-block">https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CARC2025P1/chapter-3-building-planning#CARC2025P1_Pt03_Ch03_SecR319</p><p class="ql-block">However, in Torrance, a replacement window may cost several thousand dollars more than the typical $500 average. For example, most homes in Torrance were built before 1978, and many have window sills approximately 52 inches above the finished floor. Because Section 812.2.6 requires replacement windows to comply with Sections R319.2 and R319.4.4, homeowners cannot simply install replacement windows within the existing . Instead, they must remove the existing window frame and modify the structure to lower the window height to 44 inches above the floor.</p><p class="ql-block">This work can add at least $2,000 to $3,000 per . In addition, since homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint or asbestos, remediation may cost an additional $3,000 to $5,000. These additional costs do not provide meaningful benefits and make window replacement cost-prohibitive for many Torrance homeowners. Furthermore, this requirement may create environmental and health hazards by forcing the disturbance of materials containing lead-based paint or asbestos.</p><p class="ql-block">For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to amend Ordinance 3957 and remove Section 812.2.6, “Replacement Windows for Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings.”</p><p class="ql-block">Thank you for your time and consideration.</p><p class="ql-block">Sincerely,</p><p class="ql-block">Gang Chen</p><p class="ql-block">Registered voter and homeowner in Torrance, CA</p>