Arcadia Municipal Code Part 3 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code

Footnotes:

--- (4) ---

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2409, § 5, adopted November 18, 2025, in effect repealed pt. 3, §§ 3130, 3130.1, and enacted a new pt. 3 as set out herein and as may later be amended. Former pt. 3 pertained to fire hazard severity zones and derived from Ord. No. 2405, adopted June 17, 2025.

There is adopted by reference for the City of Arcadia the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including Chapter A based on the 2024 Edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code published by the International Code Council, and the foregoing shall constitute the Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the City of Arcadia.

(Ord. No. 2409, § 5, 11-18-25)

The boundaries of the Wildland-Urban Interface Area shall be the same as the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map as produced by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and as adopted by City Council Resolution.

(Ord. No. 2409, § 5, 11-18-25)

Section 101.5 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows due to local climatic and topographical conditions:

101.5. Additions, Remodels, Repairs or Alterations. Additions, remodels, repairs or alterations may be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with all the requirements of this code, provided the addition, remodel, repair or alteration conforms to that required for a new building or structure.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are retroactive.

2. The Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall apply to any remodel, alteration, addition or repair based on the following:

0% - 50% - Applicable to addition/alteration only.

51% - 100% - Applicable to the entire structure.

All percentages are based on habitable area and pertain to remodel/additions completed within the most recent thirty-six (36) month period.

Additions, repairs, remodels or alteration shall not be made to an existing building or structure that will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code nor shall such additions or alterations cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not provide adequate access in compliance with the provisions of this code or will obstruct existing exits or access; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.

(Ord. No. 2409, § 5, 11-18-25)

Section 112.1 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is added to read as follows:

112.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Official or the Fire Chief relative to the application and interpretation of the City's Building and Fire codes, the Planning Commission shall act as the Arcadia Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals. The Planning Commission shall not consider an appeal until the Building Official or the Fire Chief has rendered a decision in writing. An appeal shall be filed with the City within 30 days from the date of his or her written decision; in addition, an appeals fee shall be paid to the City in an amount established by City Council Resolution. The appeal shall be in writing and shall clearly set forth the order, decision or determination being appealed. A hearing shall be scheduled before the Planning Commission as soon as practicable from the date of receipt of the appeal. The Building Official or the Fire chief, as applicable, shall prepare a written report for the Planning Commission. The decision of the Planning Commission shall be final unless appealed to the City Council. The appeal to the City Council shall be in writing and shall be filed with the City within five (5) working days from the date of the Planning Commission's decision; in addition, an appeals fee shall be paid to the City in an amount established by City Council Resolution. A hearing shall be scheduled before the City Council as soon as practicable from the date of the receipt of the written appeal. The Building Official or the Fire Chief, as applicable, shall prepare a written report for the City Council. The decision of the City Council shall be final.

(Ord. No. 2409, § 5, 11-18-25)

Section 503.3 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is added to read as follows due to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:

503.3 Heavy timber construction. Heavy timber construction as defined per Chapter 6 of the 2025 California Building Code.

(Ord. No. 2409, § 5, 11-18-25)

Section 504.7.3 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows due to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:

504.7.3 Decks. The walking surface material of decks, porches, balconies and stairs shall comply with the requirements of Sections 504.7.3.1 through 504.7.3.4 when any portion of such surface is within fifty (50) feet of the building.

(Ord. No. 2409, § 5, 11-18-25)

Section 507.1 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows due to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:

507.1 General. The Wildland-Urban Interface Code Sections 504.2 and 504.2.1 shall apply to any addition, replacement, or repair of roof coverings based on the following:

0% - 25% of the existing roof area - Applicable to new roof covering only.

26% - 100% of the existing roof area - Applicable to the entire roof covering of the structure.

All percentages are based on the addition, replacement, or repairs completed within the most recent twelve (12) month period. All portions of a roof covering applied during an addition, replacement, or repair to an existing structure shall meet at least a Class A classification. Pressure treated, untreated, or fire-retardant treated wood shakes and wood shingles shall not be installed on any building or structure located in the Wildland Urban-Interface Area Boundaries.

(Ord. No. 2409, § 5, 11-18-25)