Burbank Municipal Code Div. 1 City of Burbank Administrative Standards

The provisions of this Article, including Division 1 (City of Burbank Administrative Code) and Division 2 (California Administrative Code), shall apply to all Articles within Chapter 1, Title 9 of the Burbank Municipal Code.

A. Title: This Chapter shall be known as the “City of Burbank Building Code.” In this Chapter where the phrase “Building Code” or “CBC” appears, such phrase shall be construed to refer to the most recent edition of the California Building Standards Code, which includes the California Administrative Code, California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Energy Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Historical Building Code, California Fire Code, California Existing Building Code, California Green Building Standards Code, and California Referenced Standards Code, as more fully described in and adopted in this Chapter.

B. Scope: This Article shall serve as the administrative, organizational and enforcement rules and regulations for the technical codes and other building, property, health and safety regulations within this title which regulate site preparation, construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, grading, removal and demolition of buildings or structures or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings and structures. This article shall be referred to as the “City of Burbank Building Administrative Standards” or the “Building Administrative Code”.

Except as changed or modified in this Chapter, the building standards which are published in the California Building Standards Code are applicable to all occupancies and uses within the City. Amendments to the building standards contained in the codes published by the model code organizations (ICC, IAPMO, and NFPA) by California state agencies, are applicable only to those occupancies or uses which the state agency making the amendment is authorized to regulate.

C. Intent: The purpose of this Chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, accessibility, sustainability, resiliency, 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.

Certain changes and modifications have been made during the City’s adoption of the California Building Standards Code because of specific local conditions. The provisions of this Chapter are intended to confer a benefit on the community as a whole and are not intended to establish a duty-of-care toward any particular person.

This Chapter shall not be construed to hold the City of Burbank or any officer, employee or agent thereof responsible for any damage to persons or property by reason of any inspection authorized herein or by reason of the issuance or non-issuance of any permit authorized herein, and/or for any action or omission in connection with the application and/or enforcement of this Chapter. By adopting the provisions of this Chapter, the City does not intend to impose on itself, its employees or agents any mandatory duties-of-care toward persons and property within its jurisdiction so as to provide a basis of civil liability for damages.

This section is declaratory of existing law and is not to be construed as suggesting that such was not the purpose and intent of previous code adoptions.

D. Numbering. In order to provide consistency between this Chapter and the provisions of the California Building Standards Code, the section, subsection, and paragraph numbers or designations of the California Building Standards Code and its parts shall be retained in this Chapter to the extent applicable, and shall be preceded by a prefix referring to Title 9, Chapter 1, and the relevant Article number of the Burbank Municipal Code, followed by the Part number of the California Building Standards Code.

E. Inspection: Copies of codes adopted by reference throughout this Chapter are on file in the office of the Building and Safety Division, and are available for public inspection. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

For the purpose of this code, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this section.

Where terms are not defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context with which they are used. Words used in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine.

BUILDING OFFICIAL: The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative. “Building Official” shall be synonymous with the term “Assistant Community Development Director/Building Official” or “Building Director” of the City.

BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT: Refers to plumbing, mechanical, electrical and elevator equipment, devices and installations including, but not limited to, piping, conduits, raceways, conductors, and fixtures which provide sanitation, lighting, heating, ventilation, cooling, refrigeration, firefighting and transportation facilities essential to the occupancy of the building or structure for its designated use. This term shall include “system service equipment.”

FIRE OFFICIAL: The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the Fire Code, or a regularly authorized deputy. Used herein, the term Fire Chief, or his or her designee, shall be construed to mean the fire official. Whenever the term or title “fire official” or other similar designation is used herein, it shall be construed to mean the fire official designated by the Council of the City of Burbank, as applicable in enforcing the administrative code as it pertains to the California Fire Code.

JURISDICTION: As used in this code, is the City of Burbank, California.

RESPONSIBLE PERSON: Includes all persons, whether as owners, lessees, occupants or others, who allow, cause, create, maintain, suffer, or permit a violation of the Burbank Municipal Code to exist or continue, by any act or the omission of any act or duty.

SUCCESSFUL INSPECTION: A required inspection (as set forth in Section 9-1-1-110 of this Chapter) in which work inspected was determined by the Building Official or designee thereof to meet all applicable minimum code requirements and the inspection was approved and documented as successful by the Building and Safety Division.

TECHNICAL CODES: Refer to those codes adopted by the City of Burbank containing the provisions for design, construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy and maintenance of buildings and structures and building service equipment as herein defined.

VALUATION OR VALUE: As applied to improvements a building and its building service equipment, shall be the estimated cost to replace the building and its building service equipment in kind, based on current replacement costs. Valuation or value, as applied to building permit fees, shall mean the estimated fair market value of the cost of all construction work for which the permit is issued as determined by the Building Official. To determine the valuation, the Building Official may use the most current building valuation table published by the International Code Council, the mean of three (3) responsible bids from properly licensed contractors or any other commonly accepted method to estimate construction costs. Soft cost including design services shall not be incorporated unless a design-build project approach is used. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

A. The Building and Safety Division is hereby established in the City of Burbank as the building, code enforcement, and licensing division under the administrative and operational control of the Building Official.

B. Building Official: Whenever the term or title “building administration manager,” “code enforcement manager,” “building inspection manager,” “plan check manager,” “responsible official,” or other similar designation is used herein or in any of the technical codes, it shall be construed to mean the Building Official designated by the Community Development Director.

C. Fire Official: Whenever the term or title “Building Official” or other similar designation is used herein, it shall be construed to mean the Fire Official as applicable in enforcing the California Fire Code and local amendments thereto. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

The building official shall have the following powers and duties, in addition to those powers and duties outlined in the CBC:

A. Emergency Powers:

1. Where the Building Official determines that an imminent life safety hazard exists in a building or with regard to a structure or premises, that requires immediate containment, correction or elimination, or other actions to protect public health and welfare, the Building Official or his/her designee may exercise any or all of the following powers in accordance with the provisions of the Burbank Municipal Code and applicable statues, codes and laws.

a. Order the immediate vacation of all persons and prohibit the occupancy, reentry, or use of the premises until the hazard has been fully abated and all repairs and other corrective actions have been completed with all required permits and inspection approvals.

b. Post the premises as unsafe, substandard or dangerous, and regulate or condition entries thereon by all persons until an order to vacate and/or an order to not enter is rescinded in writing.

c. Order or conduct the boarding, fencing or securing of the building, structure, or the premises.

d. Order or conduct the razing and grading of any portion of the building, structure, or site that involves the imminent life safety hazard to prevent further collapse in order to protect public health, safety and welfare.

e. Order or make emergency repairs or undertake other actions as necessary to eliminate, correct, or contain any imminent life safety hazard.

f. Cause any water, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, or other system connections or installations that are, or could possibly be, affected by the hazard, or that could contribute to the hazard, to be disconnected or otherwise rendered inoperative.

g. Take any other action as appropriate under the circumstances.

2. The Building Official or his/her designee shall comply with the following provisions when exercising emergency powers:

a. In determining the existence of an imminent life safety hazard, the Building Official or his/her designee shall conduct a personal inspection of the hazard and issue a brief written report identifying the nature, scope and condition of the hazard.

b. The Building Official or his/her designee shall give notice, setting forth the imminent life safety hazard found, to the owner, occupant, other responsible person or authorized representative of the building, structure or site upon which the hazardous condition exists. If the Building Official or his designee determines that, under the circumstances, notice cannot first be given or it is impractical to do so because of the nature of the hazard, emergency powers may be exercised without prior notice.

c. The nature and scope of emergency powers to contain, eliminate, or correct the imminent life safety hazard level, or to protect public health, safety and welfare shall be determined by the Building Official or his designee.

3. The Building Official or his/her designee may, notwithstanding the exercise of any emergency powers, alternatively or concurrently exercise any remedy to address violations of this title.

4. In any undertaking by the City to address or abate an emergency situation or imminent life safety hazard where the City expends funds in the undertaking of such abatement, the owner of a building, structure or property shall pay for the costs associated with the abatement.

5. Appeal from the Exercise of Emergency Powers: An owner or occupant of a premises that is subject to the Building Official’s actions under this section may appeal the Building Official’s exercise of emergency powers or payment of abatement fees in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 9-1-1-113 in the Burbank Municipal Code. A timely appeal shall not stay the effectiveness of an issued order to vacate and/or an order to not enter.

6. Violation: It shall be unlawful and a violation of this code for any person to fail to comply with an order to vacate and/or an order to not enter issued under this section. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

In addition to the provisions of Section 105 of Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code, the following provisions shall apply to work conducted pursuant to this Chapter.

A. Sandblasting: No person shall engage in any sandblasting on the inside or outside of any building or structure within the City without first making application, paying fees, and obtaining a permit from the Building Official. The sandblasting operation shall at all times be protected and separated from any adjoining property by canvas or other suitable barriers sufficient to prevent splashing or blowing of water or sand, or both. Failure to comply with any provision of this code shall be cause for the immediate revocation of any permit and the immediate stoppage of the sandblasting on any job.

1. Dry Sandblasting. Dry sandblasting is prohibited unless authorized by special permission of the Building Official endorsed upon the permit. Permission for dry sandblasting shall be granted only when it is not possible to employ wet sandblasting. When dry sandblasting is permitted, the Building Official may impose such conditions as he may deem necessary for the protection of the public and adjacent property.

2. Use of Canvas. Sandblasting operations shall at all times be separated from adjacent property by canvas or other suitable barrier to prevent the splashing or blowing of water or sand thereupon.

3. Stoppage of Work. The Building Official may order the immediate stoppage of sandblasting for failure to comply with any provision of this article. Disobedience of such order shall constitute a misdemeanor.

4. Pollution and Discharge Runoff. Sandblasting operations shall comply with the requirements of Title 9, Chapter 3, Article 4, Standard Urban Storm Water and Urban Runoff Management Programs, of this code.

B. Minor Repairs: Application or notice to the Building Official is not required for minor repairs, such as to structures, replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load bearing support, or the removal, obstruction or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall minor repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.

C. Demolition of Buildings and Structures: It shall be unlawful for any person to demolish any building or structure, or portion thereof, within the City without first obtaining a permit from the Building Official. The amount of the fee for the permit shall be established by City fee resolution.

1. The permittee shall comply with the following requirements before a permit to perform demolition may be issued under this section:

a. A construction fence shall be installed to screen the site from view on public property, if required by the Building Official. The composition, location and effectiveness of the proposed fence for screening purposes shall meet the approval of Building Official, which shall be confirmed in writing.

b. Water service shall be maintained on the site for the duration of the demolition project and for any subsequent development or improvements on the subject property.

c. When required by other provisions of this code, bonds and insurance shall be posted with the City.

d. All utility companies shall be notified in writing by the owner of the property of the intention to demolish the building or structure.

e. A permit shall be obtained to remove and fill any basement, pool, sump, or other depression in the surface of the lot or parcel of land.

f. A permit shall be obtained to cap the sewer and any drains connecting to the building or structure. The sewer and drains shall be capped at the property line unless otherwise approved by the Building Official in writing. The sewer caps shall be inspected and approved by the Building Official.

g. The building shall be inspected by qualified individuals for the presence of asbestos or other hazardous materials. If the building is found to contain asbestos or hazardous materials, the building owner or his representative shall submit a letter to the Building Official so stating. If the building is found to contain asbestos, then an asbestos abatement permit shall be obtained from the department upon submittal

by the applicant of all necessary documentation as required by Rule 1403 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Demolition permits shall not be issued prior to submittal of an asbestos abatement completion certificate by qualified contractors and full abatement of other hazardous materials.

h. The building shall be inspected for rats and rodent infestation and a report from qualified individuals that are acceptable to the Building Official shall be submitted attesting that the building is free of any rats or rodents prior to issuance of the demolition permit. If the building is found to be infested, then proper eradication measures by qualified individuals shall be implemented and a report attesting to the eradication of the rodent infestation shall be submitted prior to issuance of the demolition permit.

i. A list of building addresses to be demolished with square footage and occupancy and use type.

j. Confirmation of an approved haul route of vehicles associated with the demolition procedures.

k. Any work related to the public right-of-way or streets shall first obtain approval from the Burbank Department of Public Works.

l. Best Management Practice and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan measures shall be incorporated into the site during and following demolition.

m. A sign posted on site with contact information for the owner and project manager.

n. A schedule of the demolition with specific execution measures.

o. An onsite pre-construction meeting with City inspection staff and the demolition contractor.

2. Before a demolition permit shall receive final inspection approval and before the pertinent bonds are released, the following requirements shall be met:

a. All concrete, weeds, debris, stones, or other loose material shall be removed from the lot or parcel of land.

b. All basements, pools, tanks, sumps, or other subterranean structures shall be removed and backfilled and the lot properly graded.

c. The fence, when required by the Building Official, is installed and inspected.

3. Completion of Demolition: The demolition activities authorized by a demolition permit issued for a project required by this section shall be commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days of permit issuance, and thereafter shall be diligently pursued to completion, otherwise the demolition permit shall be null and void, and of no further effect whatsoever.

4. Performance Bond: When a building is to be demolished, the permittee may be required to post a bond in compliance with the provisions of the Burbank Municipal Code as security for restoration of the site, or completion of the demolition. The amount of the bond shall be in an amount, as determined by the Building Official, which is sufficient to complete the demolition, or restore the site.

D. Responsible Person or Contractor of Record: When required by the Building Official, the contractor of record or a representative responsible person shall be present at the construction site at all times during the construction process. That person shall have the authority to address the concerns of neighboring property residents or occupants regarding the particular construction project. The names and telephone numbers of the contractor of record or the responsible person shall be conspicuously displayed at the construction site in a manner satisfactory to the Building Official.

E. Notice of Demolition/Construction: The property owner or the owner’s representative shall post at the construction site a notice of intent to do grading, construction or demolition that is readily visible at least ten (10) days prior to issuance of permit whenever the Building Official determines that the grading, demolition, or construction work will have a significant impact on the surrounding properties.

F. Construction Parking and Hauling Restrictions: No hauling or construction related parking shall be permitted on a public street except as otherwise approved by the Building Official and City engineer, provided that the work described in an application for a permit, and the plans, specifications and other data filed therewith, conform to the requirements of this code, the technical codes and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that all applicable fees specified by the City’s Fee Resolution have been paid. All hauling related to construction shall not be commenced without hauling permits from the City. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

9-1-1-105.2: WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMIT:

Any exemption from a permit requirement as allowed by this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of the building standards codes, zoning code, or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Note: Exempt one-story, detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses not exceeding 120 square feet shall not contain any heating, plumbing, or electrical installations or be used for the storage of any hazardous materials. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

9-1-1-105.5.1: PERMIT EXPIRATION:

A. Expiration of Permit: A permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void unless work authorized by such permit is commenced within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days from the issuance date of such permit. However, a permit for residential occupancies shall expire 365 days from the date of application as stated in AB 2913 (Wood).

B. Expiration of Permit for Unlawful Structure: Notwithstanding any provision of this subsection or any other provision of this chapter, if a building permit was issued in order to bring an unpermitted structure or other unlawful, substandard, or hazardous condition into compliance with any applicable law, or ordinance, such permit shall expire by limitation and become null and void ninety (90) calendar days after the date on which the permit was issued. The Building Official may extend the validity of the permit for a period not exceeding ninety (90) calendar days beyond the initial ninety (90) day limit upon written request by the applicant filed with the Building Official prior to the expiration date of the original permit. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

9-1-1-105.8: TO WHOM A PERMIT MAY BE ISSUED:

A. Issuance to State Licensees. No permit shall be issued to any person doing any work regulated by the California Building Code except to a person holding a valid, unexpired and unrevoked State license to do such work.

B. Issuance to Owners. Any permit required by this article may be issued to any person to do any construction or work regulated by the California Building Code in the event that such person is a bona fide owner of such property provided that the work is limited to:

1. A single-family dwelling of wood frame construction not more than two stories and basement in height.

2. Multiple dwellings containing no more than four dwelling units of wood frame construction not more than two stories in height. However, this shall not be construed as allowing an unlicensed person to construct multiple clusters of up to four dwelling units each to form apartment or condominium complexes where the total exceeds four units on any lawfully divided lot.

3. Garages or other structures appurtenant to buildings described under subdivision (1) of wood frame construction not more than two stories and basement in height.

4. Nonstructural or non-seismic alterations or additions. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

9-1-1-105.9: APPEALS:

Appeals of the Building Official’s decision to suspend or revoke any permit issued under this Code may be appealed within 60 days of the date of mailing notice of such suspension or revocation as stated in Section 9-1-1-113 of this Chapter. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

9-1-1-105.10: CONSTRUCTION HOURS:

The following construction hours shall apply to all construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, maintenance, removal and demolition work regulated by this code:

Construction Hours:

Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday and City Holidays None

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Single-family residential owner-builder permits when work is performed solely by the owner and family members:

Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday and City Holidays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for interior work only.

2. Where work must be performed in an emergency situation, as defined in Section 9-3-204 of the Burbank Municipal Code.

3. The Community Development Director may grant exceptions wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this section or other specific onsite activity warrants unique consideration.

4. The Planning Commission or City Council may grant exceptions pursuant to land use entitlements. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

A. Setback Certification Required: A California State licensed surveyor is required to certify the location and setbacks of all new construction prior to the first foundation inspection. A copy of the certification shall be available to the Building and Safety Division inspector for the job file prior to the first inspection.

EXCEPTION: Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this section, the Building Official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases.

B. Construction Means and Method Plan:

1. When required by the City of Burbank, a construction means and method plan shall be provided to the Building Official. The construction means and method plan required by this code shall provide the following information:

a. A detailed description of the construction process, organized sequentially;

b. An explanation of the impact that this construction will have on the adjacent properties, the immediate surrounding neighborhood and the community;

c. A description of the construction mitigation measures that the owner will implement to minimize the impacts of noise, dust, vibrations, utility shutoffs, and other construction impacts on adjacent properties and the immediate surrounding neighborhood.

2. Compliance with Required Means and Method Plan:

a. General: No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, sandblast or convert the use of any building, structure or building service equipment regulated by this code without complying with all conditions of any required construction means and methods plan.

b. Owner’s Responsibility: The property owner shall remain responsible for any violation of the construction means and method plan regardless of the responsibility of any other person for the violation or any contract or agreement the owner entered into with a third party concerning the owner’s property or the construction that necessitated the preparation of the means and method plan. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

9-1-1-107.3.1: APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS:

Section 107.3.1 of Chapter 1, Part 2, of the CBC is amended and restated as follows, and shall apply to all Articles in this Chapter:

107.3.1 Approval of construction documents. When the Building Official issues a permit the construction documents shall be approved, in writing or by stamp as “APPROVED”. One set of construction documents so reviewed shall be retained by the Building Official. The other set shall be returned to the applicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the Building Official or a duly authorized representative.

Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the Building Official, and all work regulated by this code shall be done in accordance with the plans marked “APPROVED”.

[Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

In addition to the provisions of Section 109 of Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code, the following provisions shall apply to work conducted pursuant to this Chapter.

A. Fees associated with any action taken or required pursuant to this Chapter shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of this section and as set forth in the Burbank Fee Resolution.

B. Exemption from fees. The City, any department or office thereof acting on behalf of the City, any municipal utility wholly owned by the City, and the Burbank Unified School District, shall be exempt from the payment of all fees required by the Building Code. However, this fee waiver does not exempt any party from obtaining a permit for such work nor exempt such party from conforming to the procedures established by the City nor from compliance with all applicable City ordinances or State laws regulating such work.

C. Fees for copies.

1. Fees for file copies. At the time of issuance of permit, the applicant shall pay a fee, as set forth in the Burbank Fee Resolution, to the Building Official for digital copies of the approved construction documents, or other format approved by the Building Official, to serve as the official file copy of the corrected plans.

2. Fees for reproduction of file copies. The reproduction fee for file copies of official plans retained on microfilm shall be as set forth in the Burbank Fee Resolution.

D. Relocated Buildings Fees and Bond. The Building Official shall not issue a permit unless the provisions of the Burbank Municipal Code, insofar as applicable, have been complied with and until the permittee or an authorized agent shall have first deposited with the Building Official a cash bond in an amount equal to the estimated cost plus 10 percent of the work required to be done in order to comply with all of the conditions under which the permit is issued. Every such deposit made pursuant to this section shall be conditioned as follows:

1. Each and all of the terms and conditions of the permit shall be complied with to the satisfaction of the Building Official.

2. All of the work required to be done pursuant to the conditions of the permit shall be fully performed and completed within the time limit specified in the permit. If no time limit is specified, the work shall be completed within 90 days after the date of the issuance of the permit. The time limit herein specified in any permit issued under the provisions of this section may be extended for good and sufficient cause, either before or after said time period has expired, by written order of the Building Official.

3. If the permittee fails to fully perform and complete the work required to be done in order to comply with all of the conditions under which the permit is issued, or, if an extension or extensions have been granted by the Building Official, within the time specified in such extensions, the Building Official shall give written notice to the permittee of such default. Such notice of default shall state the work to be done, the estimated cost thereof, and the period of time deemed by the Building Official to be reasonably necessary for the completion of such work. If compliance is not had within the time specified, the Building Official shall proceed without delay and without further notice or proceeding whatever to cause the required work to be done and deduct from the cash bond deposited the cost of the work plus 10 percent which shall be retained by the City to cover administrative costs.

4. In lieu of completing the required work, the Building Official may demolish the building or structure and clear, clean, and restore the site and deduct from the cash bond deposited the cost of the work plus 10 percent thereof, which 10 percent shall be retained by the City to cover the administrative costs.

5. Every permittee accepting a permit hereunder shall agree to be bound by the above provisions without recourse to the City or any officer or Board of the City.

6. The term of each cash bond deposited pursuant to this section shall begin upon the date of deposit and shall end upon completion, to the satisfaction of the Building Official, of the performance of all the terms and conditions of this section. Upon such completion, the Building Official shall return the cash deposit to the depositor or the depositor’s successors or assigns, except any portion thereof which may have been used or deducted as provided in this section. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

9-1-1-109.4: INVESTIGATION FEES, WORK WITHOUT A PERMIT:

A. Investigation: Whenever work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining a permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work.

B. Fee: Pursuant to Section 109.4 of Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code, an investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee required by this code. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt an applicant from compliance with all other provisions of either this code or the technical codes nor from the penalty prescribed by law. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

9-1-1-109.6: REFUND POLICY:

A. Plan check fees: No portion of the plan check fee shall be refunded unless plan review has not been performed, in which case 80 percent of the plan check fee shall be refunded upon written application for refund submitted by the person who made original payment of such fee and with the written consent of the owner of the real property on which the work was proposed to be done. The Building Official shall determine, in such official’s discretion, whether an applicant is qualified to receive a refund. After 180 days have elapsed from the date of the submittal for plan check, no plan check fees shall be refunded. In the event subsequent application for plan check is made by a person who has received a refund, the full amount of all required fees shall be paid as elsewhere provided in this chapter.

B. Permit fees: In the event any person shall have obtained a building permit and no portion of the work or construction covered by such permit shall have commenced, nor any inspection performed by any City employee, and notice of abandonment has been received from the owner of the real property on which such work would have been performed, the permittee, upon presentation to the Building Official of a written request for refund, shall be entitled to a refund in an amount equal to 80 percent of the building permit fee actually paid for such permit. The Building Official shall determine, in such official’s discretion, whether an applicant is qualified to receive a refund. After 180 days have elapsed from the date of the issuance of the permit, no permit fees shall be refunded. In the event subsequent application for a permit is made by a person who has received a refund, the full amount of all required fees shall be paid as elsewhere provided in this chapter.

EXCEPTION:

1. If a permit has been issued for a project located in an area outside the jurisdiction of the City, 100 percent of the permit and plan checking fee may be refunded.

2. If a duplicate permit has been erroneously issued, 100 percent of the duplicated permit and plan checking fee may be refunded. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

In addition to the requirements contained in Section 110 of Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code, the following provisions shall apply to work completed pursuant to this Chapter.

A. Demolition, Excavation and Shoring Inspections: Reinforcing steel or structural framework of a part of a building or structure shall not be covered or concealed without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. Protection of joints and penetrations in fire resistive assemblies shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved.

The Building Official, upon notification, shall make the following inspections:

1. Demolition Inspection: To be made before demolition begins and after demolition is completed per approved plans but before construction, grading, or shoring is commenced.

2. Shoring and Excavation: To be made throughout and after shoring and excavations are complete and required before foundations are in place.

3. Basement and Subterranean Garage: To be made throughout and after the basement and subterranean footings and walls are in place.

B. Trades (Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas and Electrical Systems) Inspection: Rough inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems shall be made prior to covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and prior to framing inspection.

C. Green Building Standards Inspection: To be made before work is concealed or made inaccessible based at the point in time when adequate stages of construction for the selected method of code compliance. Inspections shall be made to determine compliance with green building standards code and shall include, but not be limited to, inspections for site, parking, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental quality.

D. Site Grading/Landscaping: To be made before work is concealed or made inaccessible. Underground irrigation system shall be inspected before landscaping is installed. Planting compliant with this code needs to be installed prior to final approval.

E. Equipment Inspections: Equipment for which a permit is required by this code shall be inspected by the Building Official. Equipment intended to be concealed by a permanent portion of the building shall not be concealed until inspected and approved. When the installation of equipment is complete, an additional and final inspection shall be made. Equipment regulated by this code shall not be connected to the water, fuel or power supply, or sewer system until authorized by the Building Official. The requirements of this section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of equipment installed to replace existing equipment serving an occupied portion of the building in the event a request for inspection of such equipment has been filed with the Building Official not more than forty-eight (48) hours after the replacement work is completed, and before any portion of such equipment is concealed by permanent portions of the building.

F. Additional Required Inspections and Tests:

1. A preconstruction meeting with the City and the project personnel will be required prior to beginning any new building or when required by the City.

2. For all new construction and when required by the City, a licensed surveyor must certify that the location of the footing forms is per the approved plans before foundations can be poured. The surveyor must provide a plot plan showing precise dimensions to the property lines and the elevation of the forms as compared with the reference elevation shown on the approved plans.

3. For all new construction and when required by the City, a licensed surveyor must certify that the height of the building is in accordance with the approved plans. The surveyor must show the precise height of the building as compared with the reference elevation shown on the approved plans.

4. An approved weatherproofing consultant must certify the installation of weatherproofing on all retaining walls which are adjacent to interior areas of the building. The consultant will not be required if the installer is certified in writing by the manufacturer.

5. For all new construction and when required by the City, an approved weatherproofing consultant must certify that the weatherproofing elements of the building have been installed in accordance with the approved plans, all relevant codes, and per manufacturer’s specifications. At a minimum, an inspection and report will be required before plastering begins and before final approval is granted.

6. Prior to final approval, a certified air balancer must provide a written report showing the air volumes for all elements of a commercial garage exhaust system or a commercial kitchen hood system.

7. Prior to final approval, the City must witness a test of all fire smoke dampers.

8. Prior to rough framing inspection approval, and prior to final inspection approval, the City may verify conformity with applicable entitlements and zoning regulations.

G. Structural Observation: Structural observation shall be provided in Seismic Design Category D, E, or F as indicated in the California Building Code.

H. Inspection Record: Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or the agent of the permit holder shall have posted in a conspicuous place at the construction site a permit and inspection record such as to allow the Building Official conveniently to make the required entries regarding inspection of the work. The permit shall be posted in a location such that it is visible from the street. The permit, construction documents, and plans shall remain readily available on site until final approval has been granted by the Building Official. The requirements for posting and location of posting may be waived or modified by the Building Official as deemed necessary for the particular type of work.

Duplicate inspection cards may be issued upon payment of applicable fees as established by City Council resolution.

I. Inspection Requests: It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Building Official that such work is ready for inspection. Failure to do so constitutes a violation of this administrative code. The Building Official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one business day before such inspection is desired. Such requests shall be made in a manner deemed acceptable by the Building Official. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of the work.

Failure of a permit holder to schedule and undergo all required progress, final or other inspections is a violation of this administrative code.

J. Approval Required: Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. The Building Official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspection and shall either indicate that that portion of the construction is satisfactory as completed (which is referred to as a “successful inspection”) or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portion of work that does not comply with the code shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Official.

All work and installations that are authorized by a permit shall not become lawful until a permit holder has obtained a final inspection approval, which shall be in writing. There shall be a final inspection and approval of all buildings and structures when completed and ready for occupancy and use.

K. Reinspections: A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection.

Reinspection fees may be assessed when the inspection record card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall file an application therefor in writing upon a form furnished for that purpose, and pay the reinspection fee in accordance with the Burbank Fee Resolution. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, additional inspection of the work will not be performed until the required fees have been paid. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

In addition to the requirements contained in Section 111 of Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code, the following provisions shall apply to work completed pursuant to this Chapter.

A. In lieu of a Certificate of Occupancy, when the building shell, including all structural elements, is completed and all life safety systems are installed and functional, the Building Official may issue a certificate of completion to allow a limited use but not occupancy of the building prior to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. A certificate of completion is issued to signify completion of a building exclusive of interior build out by a tenant or an owner.

B. Change in Use: Changes in the character or use of a building shall not be made except as specified in the building code and the residential code.

C. Temporary Occupancy:

1. Temporary Certificate: If the Building Official finds that no substantial hazard will result from occupancy of any building or portion thereof before the same is completed, they may issue a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the use of a portion or portions of a building or structure prior to the completion of the entire building or structure; provided a cash deposit is made. The building official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system service equipment to the utility source of energy for the purpose of testing building service equipment, or for use under a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.

2. Fees and Bond:

a. A bond in the amount of two percent of the valuation of the building permit shall be provided by the applicant before issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy. The bond shall assure the completion of the project. The bond shall be released to the applicant upon issuance of the certificate of occupancy in accordance with Section 111 of the California Building Code. If the Building Official determines that less than two percent of the work is necessary for completion, the Building Official may reduce the amount of the bond proportional to the incomplete work.

b. The City shall collect a fee for each temporary certificate of occupancy and temporary utilities release. Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of this section and as set forth in the Burbank Fee Resolution.

3. Application for Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: After the Building Official inspects the building or structure and finds no violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the Building Division, the Building Official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy.

The application shall contain the following:

a. The building permit number.

b. The address of the structure.

c. The name and address of the owner.

d. A description of that portion of the structure for which the temporary certificate is issued.

e. A statement that all work shall conform to the provisions of the Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Codes, as amended, and the applicable provisions of the Burbank Municipal Code.

f. A statement that all work shall be completed within the time limitations granted by the temporary certificate of occupancy.

g. The Building Official may require the applicant of a temporary certificate of occupancy to also apply for a temporary utilities release.

4. Time Limitation of Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: Such temporary certificate of occupancy and temporary utilities release shall be valid for a period not to exceed 180 days. Additional temporary certificates of occupancy may be issued, if the application is approved by the Building Official. Upon expiration of a temporary certificate of occupancy, the building or structure shall require a certificate of occupancy in accordance with other provisions in this code. A violation of a condition shall constitute cause to revoke or suspend the temporary certificate.

D. Temporary Connection: The building official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system service equipment to the utility source of energy for the purpose of testing building service equipment, or for use under a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, provided a cash performance deposit is made in accordance with subsection C, above.

Applications for temporary connection to the utility service shall be submitted with the payment of fees as established by Council resolution. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

In addition to the requirements in Section 113 of Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code, the following provisions shall apply.

A. BOARD MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS: Section 113.3 of Chapter 1, Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code is amended and restated as follows:

113.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall be the same as the City of Burbank Board of Building and Fire Code Appeals. The establishment and composition of the board and qualifications of board members are specified in Section 2-1-414 of the Burbank Municipal Code.

B. NOTICE OF APPEAL: Unless otherwise specified in this Code, prior to any appeal heard by the Board, a notice of appeal shall be filed with the Building Official stating the grounds for appeal set forth in the California Building Code Section 113.2. The Building Official shall fix a time and place for hearing such appeal within 60 days from the date notice of appeal was filed and shall give not less than five days’ notice therefor to appellant and to each member of the Board. No notice of appeal shall be accepted unless the appellant first pays to the Building Official the fee as designated in the Burbank Fee Resolution for filing such appeal. The decision of the Board shall be final and conclusive. Within seven days of the Board’s determination, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the Building Official shall give notice of the decision to the appellant. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

In addition to the provisions stated in Section 114 of Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code, the following provisions shall apply to violations of this Chapter.

A. General: The Building Official may record a notice with the Los Angeles County recorder’s office that a property, building, structure, land, or any portion thereof, is in violation of any provision of this code, provided that the provisions of this section are complied with. The remedy provided herein is cumulative to any other enforcement actions permitted by the California Building Code or the Burbank Municipal Code.

B. Recordation: If: a) the Building Official determines that any property, building, structure, land, or any portion thereof is in violation of any provision of this code; and if b) the Building Official gives written notice of said violation(s) to the owner of the subject property (as identified on the last equalized assessment roll of the Los Angeles County assessor’s office) as specified below; then the Building Official shall have the discretion to record with the Los Angeles County recorder’s office a notice of violation(s) concerning the subject property.

C. Notice: The written notice given pursuant to this section shall indicate:

1. The nature of the violation(s); and

2. That if corrective or other required actions to abate the violation(s) are not started and/or completed in accordance with stated deadlines, as established by the Building Official in said notice, the Building Official may, at any time after a missed deadline, record a notice of violation with the Los Angeles County recorder’s office against the subject property. The notice shall be posted on the property and shall be mailed to the owner of the property as indicated on the last equalized Los Angeles County assessment roll. The mailed notice may be by registered, certified, or first class mail.

A notice of violation(s) may be combined with other notices that the Building Official issues in the administration and/or enforcement of this Code.

D. Rescission: Any owner who desires to have a notice of violation rescinded must first fully abate all violations with all required permits and inspection approvals, as required by the code. Upon determining full compliance with the code has occurred, the Building Official shall, within twenty (20) days of such a determination, file a rescission of notice of violation for recording with the Los Angeles County recorder’s office.

Following the recordation of a notice of violation the Building Official is not required to make any inspection or review of the premises to determine the continued existence of the noticed violation(s). It is the responsibility of the property owner, to obtain all permits and request inspections, undertake and complete all corrective or other required actions to abate the violation(s) so that a notice of violation may be rescinded.

E. Violation Penalties: Any person who violates a provision of this Building Code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters, or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive by the Building Official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this Building Code, shall be subject to penalties or other remedies set forth in this code.

F. Costs: Any person that violates any provision of this code shall be responsible for the costs of any and all code enforcement actions taken by the Building Official in response to such violations. These costs shall be based on the amounts specified by the Burbank Fee Schedule.

Any person violating the provisions of this Code shall reimburse the City for any and all costs, expenses and fees incurred by the City in responding to, investigating, assessing, monitoring, treating, cleaning, removing or remediating any violation of this code. Such costs, expenses and fees to be paid to the City shall include all administrative expenses and all legal expenses, including costs and attorney fees in obtaining compliance and in litigation, including all costs and attorney fees on any appeal. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

In addition to the provisions stated in Section 116 of Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code, the following provisions shall apply to unsafe buildings, structures, uses, and building appendages.

All buildings, structures, or building service equipment, or portions thereof, that are or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary, or deficient or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation to an existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health, or public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster damage, or abandonment as specified in this code or any other applicable ordinance of the City, are, for the purpose of this code, unsafe buildings or structures. As used herein, “abandonment” exists when a building or structure is not lawfully occupied and contains conditions that violate the Burbank Municipal Code, and for which all required submittals and fees to repair, demolish or replace said building or structure have not been received by any division of the Community Development Department for a period of six (6) months.

Building service equipment regulated by the Code, which constitutes a fire, electrical or health hazard, or an unsanitary condition, or is otherwise dangerous to human life is, for the purpose of this section, unsafe. Use of buildings, structures or building service equipment constituting a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment is, for the purpose of this section, an unsafe use.

Parapet walls, cornices, spires, towers, tanks, statuary and other appendages or structural members which are supported by, attached to, or a part of a building and which are in a deteriorated condition or otherwise unable to sustain the design loads which are specified in the Building Code are hereby designated as unsafe building appendages.

Unsafe building or structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as the Building Official deems necessary and as provided for in this Code. A vacant structure that is not secured against entry shall be deemed unsafe. No person shall own, use, occupy or maintain any unsafe building. All unsafe buildings are hereby declared to be public nuisances. In addition to instituting any appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate a violation of this section, the Building Official may abate an unsafe condition by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedure specified in any articles of this chapter. [Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]

The following sections are added to Chapter 1, Part 2 of the CBC to read as follows:

117. Building Security. Residential occupancies as referred to in Chapter 3 of the California Building Code shall comply with the security requirements in this section.

A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Doors, windows or hatchways for dwelling units, room units or housekeeping units, openings between attached garages and dwelling units, and openings in enclosed attached garages, other than vehicular access, shall be provided with devices designed to provide security for the occupants and property within.

B. DOORS:

Doors providing access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit shall be equipped with a deadbolt lock designed to be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort and shall have a lock throw of not less than 1 inch. Such deadbolt locks shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and maintained in good working order. For the purpose of this section, a sliding bolt shall not be considered an acceptable deadbolt lock.

C. WINDOWS:

1. Operable windows located in whole or in part within 6 feet above ground level or a walking surface below that provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit shall be equipped with a window sash locking device.

2. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices shall not be installed on any emergency or escape windows.

D. BASEMENT HATCHWAYS:

Basement hatchways that provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit shall be equipped with devices that secure the units from unauthorized entry.

[Added by Ord. No. 25-4,034, eff. 1/1/26.]