Anaheim Municipal Code Ch. 15.03 Building Standards Codes and Administrative Provisions Pertaining To…

.010 Pursuant to Section 50022.1 et seq. of the California Government Code and Section 513 of the City Charter, the City Council of the City of Anaheim does hereby adopt, by reference, the following California Building Codes, subject to the amendments set forth in this chapter:

.0101 The 2025 Edition of the California Building Code (which is based on the 2024 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, including Chapter 1, Division II). The provisions of the California Building Code shall apply to all buildings and structures other than those meeting the scoping limitations contained in the California Residential Code.

.0102 The 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code (which is based on the 2024 International Residential Code). The provisions of the California Residential Code shall apply to detached one and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhomes) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures.

.0103 The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code (which is based on the 2023 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association). The provisions of the California Electrical Code shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.

.0104 The 2025 Edition of the California Mechanical Code (based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials). The provisions of the California Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs, and replacement of residential and commercial mechanical and gas systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and for appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other energy-related systems. Where there is a conflict between the California Mechanical Code and the California Plumbing Code, as related to the chapters pertaining to fuel gases, the provisions provided in the California Plumbing Code shall prevail.

.0105 The 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code (based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials). The provisions of the California Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair, replacement of plumbing systems, gas delivery systems, and all aspects of a medical gas system including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, where connected to a water or sewage system. The provisions of the California Plumbing Code shall apply to private sewage disposal systems.

.0106 The 2025 Edition of the California Energy Code. The provisions of the California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.

.0107 The 2025 Edition of the California Historical Building Code. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code shall apply to the alteration and repair of recognized historical buildings.

.0108 The 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code (which is based on the 2024 International Existing Building Code). The provisions of the California Existing Building Code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to, and relocation of existing buildings.

.0109 The 2025 Edition of the California Green Building Standards (which is known as the CALGreen Code). The mandatory provisions of the California Green Building Standards Code shall apply to all buildings and structures.

.0110 The 2025 Edition of the California Referenced Standards Code. The provisions of the California Referenced Standards Code shall apply to all buildings and structures, as outlined in the Code.

.0111 The 1997 Edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials. The provisions of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings shall apply to all buildings and structures.

.0112 Scope and Administration Section, Chapter 1, of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code will replace all Administration Sections and Chapters of all Codes and Standards adopted.

.0113 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (which is based on the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code). The provisions of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall apply to wildland fire protection of all buildings and structures.

.020 The Codes set forth in this section shall be collectively referred to and may be cited collectively as the "Building Standards Codes," and individually as the Anaheim Building Code, the Anaheim Residential Code, the Anaheim Electrical Code, the Anaheim Mechanical Code, the Anaheim Plumbing Code, the Anaheim Energy Code, the Anaheim Historical Building Code, the Anaheim Existing Building Code, the Anaheim Green Building Standards Code, the Anaheim Referenced Standards Code, the Anaheim Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and the Anaheim Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. The provisions of the Building Standards Codes, as amended by this chapter, shall constitute the building regulations of the City of Anaheim. Provisions in the appendices of the Building Standards Codes shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

.030 In accordance with Health & Safety Code Section 18942(e)(1), one (1) copy of all of the above Building Standards Codes shall remain on file in the office of the City of Anaheim Building Division and are available for public inspection during normal business hours.

.040 The provisions of the Building Standards Codes shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use, occupancy, height, location, maintenance, removal, conversion, demolition, and area of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

.050 The purpose of the Building Standards Codes is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilitation, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. (Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

Scope and Administration Section, Chapter 1, of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code will replace all Administration Sections and Chapters of all Codes and Standards adopted. The Administration Section is hereby amended, modified and supplemented by the addition and application of the provisions of Section 15.03.020 of this Code.

.010 Phase approval. The Building Official may also allow the phasing of projects that may span a new Code adoption for consistency to remain on the existing Code edition from the first substantial submission, so that the full project may be completed under one Code edition.

.0101 Definition of terms. Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the Building Standards Codes, including all indices and amendments, or in the Anaheim Municipal Code, such names or terms shall be deemed and construed to have the name ascribed to it in this section as follows:

A. "Building Division" means the Building Division of the Planning Department of the City of Anaheim.

B. "Health office or Health Department" means the Orange County Department of Health Services.

.0102 Resolution of conflicts in application. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in the California Codes and any amendment or addition thereto contained in this title, the amendment or addition thereto shall prevail.

(Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended as set forth in this section:

.010 Chapter 1, Division II is hereby recommended to be adopted. Chapter 1, Part 1 and Part II of the Anaheim Building Code are hereby substituted in its place.

.020 Insert "City of Anaheim" into the text as the name of the jurisdiction in Section Paragraph 101.1 of Section 101 of Division II of Chapter 1.

.030 Paragraph 101.4 of Section 101 of Division II of Chapter 1 is deleted in its entirety (including sections 101.4.1, 101.4.2, 101.4.3, 101.4.4, 101.4.5, 101.4.6, 101.4.7, and 101.4.8), and replaced with the following:

101.4. Referenced Codes. The California Codes listed in Section 2 of this ordinance shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the extent of each such reference.

.040 Subsection 105.2 of Section 105 of Division II of Chapter 1 is revised by amending Exception 9:

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches (457.2 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927.059L), and are installed entirely above ground.

.050 Subsection 105.5 of Section 105 of Division II of Chapter 1 is amended as follows:

105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 12 months after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing with justifiable cause demonstrated.

Time limitation for permit expiration as the result of code enforcement action shall be as per the notice of violation or as otherwise determined by the Building Official.

.060 Subsection 107.3 of Section 107 of Division II of Chapter 1 is revised to add a paragraph as follows:

An expedited review and permit issuance process shall be provided for EV Charging Stations and simplified forms for submittal will be made available on city's website.

.070 Subsection 113.3 of Section 113 of Division II of Chapter 1 is amended to provide as follows:

Board of Appeals. "Board of Appeals" when used in the Building Standards Codes shall mean the City Council {'{'}or Planning Commission{'}'}. The Board of Appeals is hereby established for each of the Building Standards Codes. Depending on the subject of the appeal, specialized expertise may be solicited for the purpose of providing input to the Appeals Board.

.080 Table 1505.1 of Section 1505 of Chapter 15 is revised to read in full as follows:

TABLE 1505.1a

MINIMUM ROOF COVERING CLASSIFICATIONS TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.

a. Unless otherwise required in accordance with Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

.090 Paragraph 1505.1.2 of Subsection 1505.1 of Section 1505 of Chapter 15 is revised to read in full as follows:

1505.1.2 Roof coverings within all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class B fire classification.

.100 Paragraph 1807.1.6 of Subsection 1807.1 of Section 1807 of Chapter 18 is revised to read in full as follows:

1807.1.6 Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation walls. Concrete and masonry foundation walls that are laterally supported at the top and bottom shall be permitted to be designed and constructed in accordance with this section. Prescriptive design of foundation walls shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

.110 Subsection Section 3109.2 of Section 3109 of Chapter 31 is amended as follows:

New or remodeled pools or spas, at a private single-family home, shall have an enclosure complying with the amended California Residential Code Appendix CI.

(Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended as set forth in this section:

.010 The Anaheim Residential Code is hereby amended, modified and supplemented by the addition and application of the provisions of Section 15.03.040 of this Code.

.020 Subsection R105.2 of Section R105 of Division II of Chapter 1 is revised by amending item 1 as follows:

1. Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses, gazebo, and similar uses, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15m²), the structure is not more than 10 (ten) feet in height above grade, the structure is not provided with electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical installations, and not used as carports or habitable rooms, with a minimum 5 (five) foot separation from any other structure.

.030 Table R301.2 of Chapter 3 is revised to read in full as follows:

TABLE R301.2 - CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA

MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIA n

For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.

a. Where weathering requires a higher strength concrete or grade of masonry than necessary to satisfy the structural requirements of this code, the frost line depth strength required for weathering shall govern. The weathering column shall be filled in with the weathering Index, "negligible," "moderate" or "severe" for concrete as determined from Figure R301.2(1). The grade of masonry units shall be determined from ASTM C34, ASTM C55, ASTM C62, ASTM C73, ASTM C90, ASTM C129, ASTM C145, ASTM C216 or ASTM C652.

b. Where the frost line depth requires deeper footings than indicated in Figure R403.1(1), the frost line depth strength required for weathering shall govern. The jurisdiction shall fill in the frost line depth column with the minimum depth of footing below finish grade.

c. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table to indicate the need for protection depending on whether there has been a history of local subterranean termite damage.

d. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the wind speed from the ultimate design wind speeds map [Figure R301.2(2)]. Wind exposure category shall be determined on a site- specific basis in accordance with Section R301.2.1.4.

e. The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the table to establish the design criteria using Table 10A from ACCA Manual J or established criteria determined by the jurisdiction.

f. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the seismic design category determined from Section R301.2.2.1.

g. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with: the date of the jurisdiction's entry into the National Flood Insurance Program (date of adoption of the first code or ordinance for management of flood hazard areas); and the title and date of the currently effective Flood Insurance Study or other flood hazard study and maps adopted by the authority having jurisdiction, as amended.

h. In accordance with Sections R905.1.2, R905.4.3.1, R905.5.3.1, R905.6.3.1, R905.7.3.1 and R905.8.3.1, where there has been a history of local damage from the effects of ice damming, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part at the table with "YES." Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with "NO."

i. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403.3(2) or from the 100-year (99 percent) value on the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°F)."

j. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the mean annual temperature from the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°F)."

k. In accordance with Section R301.2.1.5, where there is local historical data documenting structural damage to buildings due to topographic wind speed-up effects, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with "YES." Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate "NO" in this part of the table.

l. In accordance with Figure R301.2(2), where there is local historical data documenting unusual wind conditions, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with "YES" and identify any specific requirements, Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate "NO" in this part of the table.

m. In accordance with Section R301.2.1.2 the jurisdiction shall indicate the wind-borne debris wind zone(s). Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate "NO" in this part of the table.

n. The jurisdiction shall fill in these sections of the table to establish the design criteria using Table 1a or 1b from ACCA Manual J or established criteria determined by the jurisdiction.

o. The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the allowable stress design table using the Ground Snow Loads in Figure R301.2(3).

.40 Subsection R902.1 of Section R902 of Chapter 9 is revised to allow only class A or B roofs as follows:

R902.1 Roofing covering materials. Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. A minimum of Class A or B roofing shall be installed in areas designated by this section. Classes A or B roofing required by this section to be listed shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E 108. Where required, the roof assembly shall be listed and identified as to Class by an approved testing agency.

Exceptions:

1. Class A roof assemblies include those with coverings of brick, masonry and exposed concrete roof deck.

2. Class A roof assemblies also include ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal sheets and shingles, clay or concrete roof tile, or slate installed on noncombustible decks.

.050 Paragraph R902.1.2 of Subsection R902.1 of Section R902 of Chapter 9 is revised it to require a minimum Class B roof as follows:

R902.1.2 Roof coverings within all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class B fire classification.

.060 The first paragraph of Subsection R902.2 of Section R902 of Chapter 9 is revised to allow only Class A or B treated wood roofs as follows:

R902.2 Fire-retardant-treated shingles and shakes. Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles are wood shakes and shingles complying with UBC Standard 15-3 or 15-4 which are impregnated by the full-cell vacuum-pressure process with fire-retardant chemicals, and which have been qualified by UBC Standard 15-2 or ASTM E108 or UL790 for use on Class A or B roofs.

.070 Subsection 115922(a) of Section CI100 of Appendix CI is hereby amended as follows:

Except as provided in Section 115925, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with item #1 below AND at least one additional following seven drowning prevention features.

.080 Subsection CI100 (115922) of Appendix CI is amended as follows:

1. A non-removable enclosure that meets the requirements of 115923 and isolates the swimming pool and spa from the private single-family home. Any walls of the residential structure or accessory structures used to complete the isolation enclosure must have door openings equipped with protection as required in 115922 #4 or #5. Any such door protection device provided for this purpose may not be used to comply with the second drowning prevention feature requirement.

(Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code is amended as set forth in this section:

.010 The Anaheim Electrical Code is hereby amended, modified and supplemented by the addition and application of the provisions of Section 15.03.050 of this Code.

.020 Paragraph 310.106(B) of Section 310.106 of Article 310 of Chapter 3 is amended by the addition of a second paragraph to read as follows:

Copper wire shall be used for wiring No. 6 and smaller in all installations. Consideration for use of aluminum wiring can be made by the Building Official for feeder lines only on an individual basis where adequate safety measures can be ensured.

.030 Article 310 of Chapter 3 is hereby amended, modified and supplemented by the addition of a new item in subsection 310.3, to read in full as follows:

310.3 (E) Continuous inspection of aluminum wiring. Aluminum conductors of No. six (6) or smaller used for branch circuits shall require continuous inspection by an independent testing agency approved by the Building Official for proper connectors and torque of connections at their termination point.

(Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Mechanical Code is amended as set forth in this section:

.010 Chapter 1 is hereby deleted in its entirety and the provisions of Section 15.03.020 (Amendment to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code) of this Chapter 15.03 are hereby substituted in its place. (Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code is amended as set forth in this section:

.010 Chapter 1 is hereby deleted in its entirety and the provisions of Section 15.03.020 (Amendment to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code) of this Chapter 15.03 are hereby substituted in its place. (Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Energy Code is amended as set forth in this section.

.010 The 2025 Edition of the California Energy Code is amended, modified and supplemented by the addition and application of the provisions of Section 15.03.020 (Amendment to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code) of this Chapter 15.03. (Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code is amended as set forth in this section.

.010 Chapter 1 is hereby deleted in its entirety and the provisions of Section 15.03.020 (Amendment to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code) of this Chapter 15.03 are hereby substituted in its place. (Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Green Building Standards Code is amended as set forth in this section:

.010 The 2025 Edition of the California Green Building Standards Code is amended, modified and supplemented by the addition and application of the provisions of Section 15.03.020 (Amendment to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code) of this Chapter 15.03. (Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Referenced Standards Code is amended as set forth in this section:

.010 Chapter 12-1 is hereby deleted in its entirety and the provisions of Section 15.03.020 (Amendment to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code) of this Chapter 15.03 are hereby substituted in its place. (Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 1997 Edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials is amended as set forth in this section:

.010 The 1997 Edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials is amended, modified and supplemented by the addition and application of the provisions of Section 15.03.020 (Amendment to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code) of this Chapter 15.03. (Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Historical Building Code is amended as set forth in this section.

.010 The 2025 Edition of the California Historical Building Code is amended, modified, and supplemented by the addition and application of the provisions of Section 15.03.020 (Amendment to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code) of Chapter 15.03. (Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended as set forth in this section.

.010 The 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended, modified, and supplemented by the addition and application of the provisions of Section 15.03.020 (Amendment to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code) of this Chapter 15.03. (Ord. 6613 § 2 (part); September 23, 2025.)