Chapter 15.05 — CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

The California Building Code, 2025 edition, including tables and Appendices C, I, J, O, N and Q as set forth in Part 2 of Title24 of the California Code of Regulations, is hereby adopted by reference in its entirety by the City, as amended herein, except that for purposes of citation, said code shall be renumbered by adding "15.05" before the sections of the California Building Code.

15.05.015 - Section 103.1 Creation of Enforcement Agency. Section 103.1 is amended as follows: "Insert Name of Department" is hereby deleted and replaced with "City of Cloverdale Building Department." (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

15.05.21 - Section 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit (Building (4)). Section 105.2 Building (4) is amended to read as follows: Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless; supporting a surcharge, impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids, or when retaining walls of any height are located within 3 feet from a public right-of-way.

15.05.023 - Section 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit (Building (14)). Section 105.2 Building (14) is added to read as follows: Decks at a one-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, accessory dwelling unit, or townhouse that do not serve the required number of exits or exit access doorways required by CBC 1006, does not exceed 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, and are not attached to the building.

15.05.025 - Section 105.5 Expiration. Section 105.5 is amended to read as follows: Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days 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 and justifiable cause demonstrated. The chief building official may extend this time period when such extension is warranted, including but not limited to (1) to correct an error by the department, (2) when a legal action prevents the project from being completed within the allowed time frame, or (3) in the interest of public health and safety. The chief building official's decision regarding the limitation period shall be final.

Section 202 is amended to add a definition for "New Construction" to read as follows: NEW CONSTRUCTION: "For the purposes of enforcing the provisions of the California Fire Code, California Building Code, and the California Residential Building Code, any work, addition to, remodel, repair, renovation, or alteration of any building(s) or structure(s) shall be considered "New Construction" when 50 percent or more of the exterior weight bearing walls are removed or demolished."

(Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 202 is amended to add a definition for "Alteration of Floor Area" to read as follows: ALTERATION OF FLOOR AREA: "For the purpose of this definition, the following criteria shall be considered in determining the percentage of "alteration of floor area." The 50% referred to under "Substantial Remodel" applies to the entire building's gross floor area in plan view. The entire room or space where the remodel is taking place will be considered in the calculation, either alone or in combination with any of the following:

• a. Removing wall finishes and exposing framing of;

  • Interior wall (where finishes are removed from one side only the room or space to which the framing is exposed will be included in the calculation).

  • Perimeter exterior wall (one or both sides).

• b. New wall construction, removing, or repositioning, either interior or perimeter exterior walls, the rooms or spaces on both sides of the wall will be included in the calculation.

• c. Removal of the ceiling in any room or space to expose rafters, trusses, beams, purlins, or floor joists.

• d. Removal of the roof structure (only rooms or spaces that are directly below the removed roof structure will be included in the calculation).

• e. Removal of floor finishes which exposes floor framing and/or removal of concrete slab.

• f. Relocating plumbing fixtures in a bathroom or kitchen will cause that entire room or space to be included in the calculation.

• g. Other alterations considered substantial by the Fire Code Official (see DSA-AC definition of "Alteration" in the 2025 California Building Code).

• (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 202 is amended to add a definition for "Substantial Remodel" to read as follows: SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL: "In all existing buildings or structures, any alteration of floor area that is greater than fifty percent (50%) of the existing gross floor area." (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 202 is amended to add a definition for "Substantial Addition, Group R-3" to read as follows: SUBSTANTIAL ADDITION, GROUP R-3: "In all existing Group R-3 buildings or structures, any addition of floor area that exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the existing gross floor area."

(Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 202 is amended to add a definition for "Substantial Addition" to read as follows: All existing buildings or structures not classified as Group R-3 occupancy, any addition of floor area that is greater than twenty-five percent (25%) of the existing gross floor area. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 502.1 is amended to read as follows: New buildings and tenant spaces shall have approved illuminated address numbers or building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall be in contrasting color with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Where it is impractical to install illuminated numbers due to long driveways or other circumstances, approved reflective numbers with those properties listed above may be installed at the intersection of the driveway and road fronting the parcel. For existing properties, any additions, alterations or other work requiring a permit with a valuation over $20,000, approved numbers or addresses shall be installed.

(Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 502.1.1 is added to read as follows: Numbers for one and two- family dwellings shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole, or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 502.1.2 is added to read as follows: Numbers for other than one and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of 12 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 1 inch. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Suite numbers for other than one and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of 6 inches high and with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches.

Exception: These requirements may be modified as required by the Fire Code Official at approved locations to facilitate emergency response. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.2 is amended to read as follows: Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided as described in this section. Additional local requirements are described in Section 903.2.22. Additional local requirements are described in Section 903.2.21 and may supersede the following requirements. The most restrictive requirements shall apply.

(Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.2.22 is added to read as follows: Section 903.2.22 Local Fire Sprinkler System Requirements shall be in accordance with Sections 903.2.22.1 through 903.2.22.8. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.2.22.1 is added to read as follows: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed and maintained in all newly constructed buildings.

Exceptions:

1. Detached Group U occupancies 1,000 sq. ft. or less. Agricultural buildings and private riding arenas as approved by the fire or building code official.

2. Detached pool houses up to 1,000 sq. ft. in floor area within 50 feet of the pool and limited to a single bathroom.

3. Detached non-combustible motor vehicle fuel dispensing canopies classified as Group M occupancy and conforming with CBC Section 406.7. Detached Car Ports of noncombustible construction with no habitable space above.

4. Detached Group B or M occupancies 500 sq. ft. or less. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.2.22.2 is added to read as follows: Additions to existing R-3 occupancy residential buildings that meet the definition of substantial addition, Group R-3 shall meet the requirements for new construction. All additions to all Group R occupancy residential buildings with an existing approved automatic sprinkler system shall be required to extend the sprinkler system into the addition.

Additions to existing Group R-1 occupancies that result in additional guest room(s) shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.2.22.3 is added to read as follows: Additions to existing commercial buildings that increase the total square footage of existing floor area by 25% or greater shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building. All additions to commercial buildings with an existing approved automatic sprinkler system shall be required to extend the sprinklers into the addition.

Additions to existing Group R-1 occupancies that result in additional guest room(s) shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.2.22.4 is added to read as follows: For remodels, alterations or repairs to an existing building involving demolition, removal or repair which meets the definition of a Substantial Remodel, the building shall meet the automatic fire sprinkler requirements for a newly constructed building.

Exceptions:

1. Alterations or additions made solely for the purpose of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

2. Whenever there are practical difficulties involved, the Fire Code Official shall have the authority to grant modifications in individual cases provided the modifications do not lessen the health, life, and fire safety requirements as permitted in Section 104.2.4 of the Fire Code.

3. Additions or repairs solely for the purpose of seismic retrofit. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.2.22.5 is added to read as follows: When any change of occupancy occurs where the proposed new occupancy classification is more hazardous based on fire and life safety risks as determined by the Fire Code Official, including, but not limited to, the conversion of residential buildings to condominiums, the building shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building.

(Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.2.22.6 is added to read as follows: An automatic fire extinguishing system shall be installed throughout all existing buildings when the building is elevated to: three or more stories, or more than 35 feet in height, from grade to the exposed roof.

Exceptions: An automatic fire-extinguishing system need not be provided when the area above 35 feet is provided for aesthetic purposes only and is a non-habitable space. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.2.22.7 is added to read as follows: Residential fire sprinkler systems must have an NFPA 13D approved pressure relief valve when static pressures are greater than 80 psi. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.2.22.8 is added to read as follows: Residential fire sprinkler systems shall have adequate freeze protection to address outside temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be achieved by insulating coverings or other reliable means of maintaining a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

(Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.3 is amended to read as follows: Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, if approved by the Fire Code Official, and NFPA 903.3.1.3.

(Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.3.1 is amended to read as follows: Fire sprinkler systems installed in buildings of an undetermined use shall be designed and installed to have a design density of .33 gallons per minute per square foot over a minimum design area of 3,000 square feet. Where a subsequent occupancy change requires a system with greater capacity, it shall be the building owner's responsibility to upgrade the system to the required density.

(Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.3.7 is amended to read as follows: The location of the fire department connections (FDC's) shall be approved by the Fire Code Official. Approved locking caps shall be provided on all newly installed FDC's and on any existing FDC's found to be vandalized. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.4.1 is amended to read as follows: Except for Group R, Division 3 Occupancies, all valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, and associated pumps, tanks, water levels, critical air pressures, and water flow switches shall be electronically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit. (Exceptions deleted). (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.4.2 is amended to read as follows: Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved central station, remote supervising station, or proprietary supervising station as defined in NFPA 72 or, when approved by the Fire Code Official, shall sound an audible alarm at a constantly attended location. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 903.4.4 is added to read as follows: Every new commercial fire alarm system installed as a sprinkler system monitoring alarm shall also provide notification for the purpose of initiating emergency action, including those systems activated solely by the fire sprinkler systems, so that occupants of the building shall be notified audibly and visually within each suite or building division. A minimum of one notification appliance shall be located in each suite or building division in an occupied location. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 905.3.1 is amended to read as follows: Standpipes shall be installed in buildings three stories or more in height, with approved outlets on each floor above or below grade and the roof. Said outlets may be connected to the building's fire sprinkler system. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 905.9 (Exception 2) is deleted. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 907.2.8.1 (Exception 2.2) is amended to read as follows: 2.2 Notification appliances installed in the common areas serving the residential units shall activate upon sprinkler water flow or manual station activation.

Section 907.2.9.1.1 Group R-2 Fire Alarm – Occupant Notification. Section 907.2.9.1.1 is added to read as follows: Group R-2 occupancies equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 903.3, not otherwise provided with notification throughout, shall have at least one interior occupant notification appliance in each dwelling unit which activates upon sprinkler water flow or manual station activation.

(Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 1505.1.5 is added to read as follows: Regardless of other provisions of this chapter, the roof covering or roofing assembly on any structure within the City of Cloverdale shall be not less than Class "A" fire rated as classified in ASTM E 108 or UL 790. This requirement shall apply to all new structures and every existing structure when 25 percent or more of the total roof area is re-roofed within a one-year period. Roofing shall be secured or fastened to the supporting roof construction and shall provide weather protection for the building at the roof. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 1505.1.1 is amended to read as follows: Roofing requirements for structures located within Fire Hazard Severity Zones or in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) shall also comply with Part 7 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 1511.92 is added to read as follows: Solar Photovoltaic Panels/Modules - Roof mounted photovoltaic panels/modules shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code as amended, California Electrical Code, the California Fire Code as amended and the City of Cloverdale Fire Department Standards for installation of Photovoltaic Power Systems. (Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)

Section 1612.3 is amended as follows: "Insert Name of Jurisdiction" is hereby deleted and replaced with "The City of Cloverdale." "Insert Date of Issuance" is hereby deleted and replaced with, "December 2, 2008."

(Ord. 765-2025, 12/10/2025)