Culver City Municipal Code Ch. 15.02 Buildings, Structures and Equipment

Section

General Provisions

Adoption of State Codes

Gender Neutral Public Restroom Facilities in New Construction

Mandatory Seismic Provisions for Existing Wood-Frame Buildings with Soft, Weak or Open-Front Walls

Antennas

Post-Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction

Administrative Assessment Cost Recovery

Local Amendments to the Green Building Standards Code, Building Code and Residential Building Code, to Establish Reach Codes Standards

GENERAL PROVISIONS

A. 1. No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve remove, convert, demolish, install, replace, equip, use, occupy, maintain or relocate any building or structure or fixture or equipment or property, or cause or permit the same to be done, in violation of any California Code herein adopted, or in violation of any provisions of this Chapter, and no person shall fail to comply with any lawful order made there under.

2. Any such violation or failure to comply shall be a misdemeanor, which shall be punishable in accordance with § 1.01.040 of this Code.

B. Any violation of, or failure to comply with this Chapter shall constitute a separate offense for each and every day, during any portion of which any such violation or failure is committed, continued or permitted, and shall be punishable accordingly.

C. At the discretion of the City Attorney, any violation of this Chapter may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or as an infraction.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part))

It is the purpose of the provisions of Chapters 15.02 and 15.03 of this Code and theCalifornia Code to provide minimum standards and requirements for the protection of the public health, safety, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, operation, construction, installation, replacement, quality of materials, use, occupancy, location and maintenance of buildings and structures, signs and sign structures, heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, incinerators and other heat-producing appliances, plumbing systems, and solar systems and rainwater drainage systems within the City.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part))

The Building Official shall be the administrative authority for each of the Codes.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part))

No permit required by this Chapter or Chapter 15.03 shall be issued to an applicant who is required by Chapter 11.01 of this Code to have a business tax certificate, unless the applicant has a valid, current tax certificate.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part))

A. No permit required by this Chapter or Chapter 15.03 shall be issued to an applicant unless the applicant complies with this section.

B. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

CONTRACTOR. Any person except a licensed architect or a registered civil engineer acting solely in his or her professional capacity, who in any capacity other than as the employee of another with wages or salary as his or her sole compensation, undertakes to, or offers to undertake, or purports to have the capacity to undertake to, or submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by or through others construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building, or other structure, project, development, improvement, or any part thereof, including the erection of scaffolding or other structures or work in connection therewith. The contractor shall include a subcontractor or specialty contractor but shall not include anyone who merely furnishes materials or supplies without fabricating them into or consuming them in the performance of the work of the contractor.

PERMIT. A building permit issued under this Chapter or Chapter 15.03.

PERSON. Any individual, receiver, administrator, executor, assignee, trustee in bankruptcy, trust, estate, firm, partnership, joint venture, club, company, joint stock company, business trust, domestic or foreign corporation, association, syndicate, society or any group of individuals acting as a unit, whether mutual, cooperative, fraternal, nonprofit or otherwise.

PROJECT. Any development project within the City consisting of twenty (20) or more new or added residential dwelling units or the addition of twenty thousand (20,000) or more square feet of commercial or industrial development.

• C. No Person shall be issued a Permit unless the Person is:

• 1. A licensed Contractor licensed by the California Contractors State License Board;
• 2. An employee, agent or authorized representative of a licensed Contractor;
• 3. The property owner performing his or her own work; or
• 4. An agent of the property owner.

D. A Person applying for a Permit shall submit the following information prior to Permit issuance:

1. A list of all subcontractors and verification of each subcontractor's state contractor license and license category, and City business license. No Person shall contract or subcontract construction work without a valid Contractor's license pursuant to applicable provisions of the California Business and Professions Code.

2. Whether there are any pending or final determinations pertaining to state or federal labor violations and whether any penalties were paid to any government agencies related to such violations within the prior five (5) years, for Contractor and all proposed subcontractors.

3. A certification that the information submitted as required by Subsection D is true and correct.

E. In the event that the applicant cannot provide a list of valid subcontractors and the information required above prior to Permit issuance, the applicant shall provide to the City, prior to commencement of any work pursuant to said Permit, all information required by Subsection D.

F. Failure to provide all information required under Subsection D, including valid and current subcontractor listings prior to commencing work, or failure to comply with Subsection G, shall result in one or more of the following:

1. Issuance of a Stop Work Order;

2. Revocation of the Permit; and

3. The Permit applicant paying a penalty for default to the City in an amount equal to the original Permit fee for each violation in order to defray City costs of enforcement of this section.

G. The information required by Subsection D shall be required at the time any new Contractor or subcontractor is added to the Permit. If at any time after Permit issuance a change occurs in any information submitted to the City pursuant to this section, including addition of a subcontractor, Contractor shall submit updated information to the City within 72 hours of Contractor acquiring knowledge of such change, excluding weekends and national holidays. If a Contractor is a subcontractor, the subcontractor must submit updated information to the Contractor within 72 hours of subcontractor acquiring knowledge of such change, excluding weekends and national holidays.

H. Any work performed prior to satisfying the requirements of this section shall be deemed performed without the required Permit.

(Ord. No. 2025-005 § 1)

ADOPTION OF STATE CODES

A. The 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Administrative Code, published by the International Code Council, and all appendices, amendments, supplements and errata thereto, is hereby adopted by reference and shall be applicable to the City of Culver City, and referred to as the "Building Standards Administrative Code of the City of Culver City.

B. One copy of the Building Standards Administrative Code of the City of Culver City shall be kept on file in the Building Official's office for public inspection.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 3; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 3; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 3 (part))

A. Adoption of California Building Code, 2025 Edition.

1. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 50022.2, the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 2, of the California Code of Regulations, including Appendices F, G, H, I, J, N and P ("CBC") is adopted by reference, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth below.

2. One true copy of the CBC is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection as required by law.

B. Amendments to the 2025 California Building Code.

SECTION 105.1 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is amended to read as follows:

105.1 Permit Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. Parking lots shall not be paved, improved, striped, or restriped unless a separate permit for each parking lot has first been obtained from the building official.

Exception: A separate permit shall not be required to pave, improve, stripe, or restripe a parking lot when such work is included in the scope of another project for which a building permit has been issued and when the design of such parking lot was included in the plan check review of such project.

Subsection 14 is added to § 105.2 of Chapter 1 of the CBC as follows:

105.2 Work exempt from permit.

Building:

14. Block wall and concrete wall not over 3 feet 6 inches high.

Subsection 105.3.1.1 is added to Section 105.3.1 of Chapter 1 of the CBC as follows:

105.3.1.1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Permitting

105.3.1.1.1 Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this Chapter is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles by creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations while promoting public health, safety and welfare and preventing specific adverse impacts in the installation and use of such charging stations. This Chapter is also adopted to comply with California Government Code Section 65850.7.

105.3.1.1.2 Definitions. For the purpose of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION or CHARGING STATION. Any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, as it reads on the effective date of this Chapter; and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL. The utilization of one or more of the following:

• 1. Electronic mail or email.
• 2. The internet.
• 3. Facsimile.

SPECIFIC, ADVERSE IMPACT. A significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

105.3.1.1.3 Expedited Permitting Process. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall implement an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with to be eligible for expedited review. The expedited, streamlined permitting process and checklist may refer to the recommendations contained in the most current version of the "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" as published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The City's adopted checklist shall be published on the City's website.

105.3.1.1.4 Permit Application Processing.

A. Prior to submitting an application for processing, the applicant shall verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have specific, adverse impact to public health and safety and building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes but is not limited to: electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking.

B. A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the City adopted checklist; and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, approve the application and issue all necessary permits. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the City. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

C. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this Chapter and associated supporting documentation. In accepting such permit applications, the Building Official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.

D. No fee shall be imposed on the applicant for the filing and processing of a permit application for installation of an electric vehicle charging station.

105.3.1.1.5 Technical Review.

A. It is the intent of this Chapter to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing obstacles to permitting for charging stations so long as the action does not supersede the Building Official's authority to address higher priority life-safety situations. If the Building Official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, as defined in this Chapter, the City may require the applicant to apply for a use permit.

B. In the technical review of a charging station, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080.

105.3.1.1.6 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Installation Requirements

A. Electric vehicle charging station equipment shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, and rules of the Public Utilities Commission or a Municipal Electric Utility Company regarding safety and reliability.

B. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations and associated wiring, bonding, disconnecting means and overcurrent protective devices shall meet the requirements of Article 625 and all applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.

C. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations shall be incorporated into the load calculations of all new or existing electrical services and shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code. Electric vehicle charging equipment shall be considered a continuous load.

D. Anchorage of either floor-mounted or wall-mounted electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the requirements of the California Building or Residential Code as applicable per occupancy, and the provisions of the manufacturer's installation instructions. Mounting of charging stations shall not adversely affect building elements.

Section 105.3.2 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is amended to read as follows:

105.3.2 Expiration of Plan Check. An application for a permit for any proposed work is deemed abandoned 12 months after the application date, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit issued. Unless otherwise provided, after expiration of the application, the City may not issue a permit until the plans are rechecked and approved, and a new fee is paid.

Exception: The Building Official may grant extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding one year each if a permit applicant submits in writing sufficient evidence that unusual conditions or circumstances precluded the securing of the permit within the allocated time.

Section 105.5 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is amended to read as follows:

105.5 Expiration of Permits. 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. Work shall be considered suspended or abandoned if the building official determines that substantial work has not been performed within the time specified above. Substantial work shall be constructed to mean:

1. Measurable work such as, but not limited to, the addition of footings, structural members, flooring, wall covering, etc.

2. The work mentioned in subsection 1 of this Section 105.5 above must constitute 20% of the value of the work for which the permit was issued in any 180-day period for Group R, Division 3 occupancies and 10% for all other occupancies.

Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the fee therefore shall be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work, and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new permit fee and may be required to comply with all applicable new regulations at the time of issuance. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than one year each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. Except as otherwise provided, every permit issued by the City is valid for a period of three (3) years.

Exception: The Building Official may grant extensions of time and permit renewal if a permit applicant submits in writing sufficient evidence that unusual conditions or circumstances precluded from the work being completed. An extension of time may require conditions of approval and additional fees.

Section 105.8 Chapter 1 of the CBC is added to read as follows:

105.8 Responsibility of permittee. Building permits shall be presumed by the City to incorporate all of the work that the applicant, the applicant's agent, employees and/or contractors shall carry out. Said proposed work shall be in accordance with the approved plans and with all requirements of this code and any other laws or regulations applicable thereto. No city approval shall relieve or exonerate any person from the responsibility of complying with the provisions of this code nor shall any vested rights be created for any work performed in violation of this code.

Section 109.4 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is amended to read as follows:

109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee in addition to the normally established permit fee, equal to 100% of such normally established permit fee, or as otherwise determined by the building official.

Section 109.6.1 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is added to read as follows:

109.6.1 Plan check fees refund. 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.

Section 109.6.2 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is added to read as follows:

109.6.2 Permit fees refund. 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.

Section 109.7 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is added to read as follows:

109.7 Re-inspections. A re-inspection fee in the amount set by City Council resolution may be assessed or each inspection or re-inspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is incomplete or when required corrections are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring re-inspection 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 re-inspection. Re-inspection 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. In instances where re-inspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until required fees have been paid.

Section 110.1.1 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is added to read as follows:

110.1.1 Setback Certification required. A California State licensed surveyor is required to certify the location of the new construction when it is within 3 feet of a setback line or property line prior to the first foundation inspection. A copy of the certification shall be available to the Building 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.

Section 113.4 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is added to read as follows:

113.4 Access Board of Appeals.

A. There shall be a Disability Access Board of Appeals ("Access Board of Appeals") to consist of five members. Each member shall be appointed and hold office in accordance with procedures established by resolution of the City Council. Three of the five members shall be members of the Building Board of Appeals and shall be co-appointed by the City Council to be a member of the Building Board of Appeals and the Access Board of Appeals. Two of the five members shall be "physically handicapped persons" (as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 19957.5).

B. The Access Board of Appeals shall be considered a "standing committee" with a continuing subject matter jurisdiction. Thus, the Access Board of Appeals shall be subject to the requirements of the Brown Act (California Government Code Section 54950 et seq.); however, the Access Board of Appeals shall have no regular meetings, and all meetings shall be special meetings noticed pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956. The Access Board of Appeals shall conduct its meetings in accordance with procedures established by resolution of the City Council. The Access Board of Appeals may establish its own rules of procedure or by-laws consistent with City Council resolutions and ordinances.

C. Any person aggrieved by a determination made by the Building Official or Fire Code Official in administering or enforcing the portions of this chapter related to access to "public accommodations or facilities" (pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 19955, et seq.) may appeal the determination to the Access Board of Appeals. The appeal shall be filed with the Building Official no later than 10 days after receipt of written notice of the determination and the appeal provisions of this section. Upon receipt of an appeal by the Building Official, a hearing shall be scheduled before the Access Board of Appeals. The Access Board of Appeals shall consider relevant evidence presented at the hearing and shall render a final written decision within a reasonably prompt time after conducting the hearing. The authority of the Access Board of Appeals to render a written decision shall be limited to the scope of authority of the Building Official, and the Access Board of Appeals shall have no authority to waive a requirement of this chapter.

D. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Access Board of Appeals may request an administrative hearing within 10 days of the issuance of the final written decision. Any such request shall be made and heard in the same manner as an administrative hearing related to an administrative citation, in accordance with City of Culver City Municipal Code.

E. Failure to timely request an appeal to the Access Board of Appeals (pursuant to subsection C), or to an administrative hearing officer (pursuant to subsection D) constitutes a waiver of the hearing and a failure to exhaust administrative remedies.

F. Unless otherwise designated by the City Manager, the Building Official shall be the principal city staff liaison to the Access Board of Appeals, and the Building Official shall appoint a secretary to the Access Board of Appeals to comply with all procedural requirements related to the Brown Act.

G. The Building Official may request a special meeting of the Access Board of Appeals in order to request advisory comments from the Access Board of Appeals regarding issues related to this chapter, such as the potential adoption of new codes, proposed code changes, or alternate methods and materials.

Section 117 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is added to read as follows:

117 Solar Photovoltaic Systems.

117.1 Definitions. Terms defined herein shall have the following meanings when used in this Section:

BUILDING OFFICIAL. The Building Official of the City of Culver City or his or her designee.

CALIFORNIA ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS. The California Energy Efficiency Standards set forth in Title 24, Part 6, of the California Code of Regulations.

CITY. The City of Culver City.

DIRECTOR. The Community Development Director of the City of Culver City or his or her designee.

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM. A system that generates electricity from the sun.

117.1 Requirements. All new buildings of 10,000 square feet or more of gross floor area, additions equal to 10,000 square feet or more of gross floor area, and major renovations to existing buildings of 10,000 square feet or more of gross floor area, where such renovation is equal to at least fifty percent (50%) of the valuation of the existing building, shall be equipped with a one kilowatt (1 kw) solar photovoltaic system per each 10,000 square feet of gross floor area, or fraction thereof.

A. Except as otherwise expressly provided, this Section shall not apply to one- and two-family residences, parking structures, garages, and renovations or additions to existing buildings.

B. For qualifying projects, the number of panels required for any given system shall be the total required energy production of the project, divided by the energy production capability of a single panel as specified on the project.

C. When calculating the number of panels required, fractional panels equal to or greater than one half shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number; fractional panels less than one half shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number.

117.2 Exceptions. Upon the written approval of the Director, an applicant who is unable to install the required solar photovoltaic system, due to the configuration of the proposed construction project, shall comply with one of the following options in order to satisfy the requirements set forth in § 117.1 :

A. In-lieu fee.

1. An applicant shall pay an in-lieu fee in an amount equal to the cost of a solar photovoltaic system installed in a comparable project.

2. Fees generated from in lieu payments pursuant to this Subsection shall be appropriated and disbursed only for solar photovoltaic designs and installations on City buildings or facilities.

3. The amount and process for the collection, utilization and return of fees contemplated by this Section shall be established by resolution of the City Council.

B. Alternate location. An applicant shall install a solar photovoltaic system equivalent to a system installed in a comparable project on another building owned by the applicant and located in Culver City.

117.3 Building Permit Fees and Inspections.

A. Plan check and permit fees in an amount not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) shall be waived for solar photovoltaic installations. This subsection, 117.3.A, shall remain in effect until May 23, 2028, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, enacted before May 23, 2028, deletes or extends that date.

B. The value of the required solar photovoltaic system shall not be required to be included in the overall construction valuation of the project for the purposes of determining building permit fees.

C. No final inspection shall be approved for a construction project subject to the requirements of this Subchapter, nor shall a temporary or final certificate of occupancy be issued for such project, prior to the installation of the solar photovoltaic system being completed, inspected and fully operational, unless otherwise excepted pursuant to § 117.2.

Section 118 of Chapter 1 of the CBC is added to read as follows.

118 Sandblasting. The purpose of this Section is to prevent the dust and debris that occurs in sandblasting operations from spreading throughout the neighborhood creating a public health hazard.

118.1 Permit Required; Compliance with Regulations.

A. No person shall sandblast or cause to be sandblasted the outside or inside of any building or structure within the City without first paying the fee and obtaining a permit from the Division of Building and Safety and without complying with regulations adopted by the City Council which are reasonable necessary to protect the public health and safety and property from damage which may result from sandblasting.

B. No permit for dry sandblasting shall be issued unless the Building Official determines that extraordinary reasons exist for the use of such a process and that adequate measures will be taken to protect the public health and safety from the effect of such dry sandblasting.

118.2 Enforcement.

A. The Building Official shall have the power to revoke without prior notice any sandblasting permit for failure to comply with any such regulations.

B. No person shall do any sandblasting after a permit therefore has been revoked.

Section 1006.3.5 is added to Chapter 10 of the 2022 CBC to read as follows:

1006.3.5 Single-exit buildings with Group R-2 dwelling units with an occupied 20 floor or roof above the third story. Single-exit, Group R-2 occupancy buildings with an occupied floor or roof above the third story are hereby permitted within the City of Culver City so long as they strictly comply with all of the following in addition to the requirements of this Code, and the CBC where specified, other than CBC Section 1006.3.4:

1. All dwelling units or accessory dwelling units shall meet the definitions of dwelling units or accessory dwelling units as defined in Chapter 2, and no other type of unit shall be permitted within the building. 2. Group R-2 occupancies, as defined in CBC Section 310.3, within the building shall be limited to apartment houses. Group R-2.1 and Group R-2.2 occupancies shall not be permitted.

2. The building is not classified as a high-rise building as defined in Chapter 2.

3. The floor area of each floor (story or basement) shall not exceed 4,000 net habitable square feet (371.6 m2).

4. There shall be no more than two single exit stairway conditions on the same property.

5. Single-exit buildings over three stories are not permitted in any area designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone pursuant to Section 9.02.400.

6. The building shall be of VA (four stories maximum), IVA, IVB, IVG, IIIA, IIA, IB, or IA type of construction.

7. Recycling, waste, and linen chute access shall be located within a separate room and shall not be accessible from the interior stairway. The separate chute access room shall have no horizontal dimension less than five feet (1.53 m) nor be less than 25 square feet (2.32 m2) in area.

8. Each dwelling unit and each accessory dwelling unit shall be limited to a maximum of six habitable spaces as defined in Chapter 2.

9. An elevator is required for buildings that are five or six stories in height. All stories must be served by the elevator. When an elevator is provided, it shall comply with CBC Section 3002.4A, general stretcher requirements.

10. When an elevator is provided, it shall have a pressurized shaft or pressurized hoistway that at all times must remain pressurized in accordance with CBC Section 909.21 at a minimum positive pressure of 0.10 inch of water (25Pa) and a maximum positive pressure of 0.25 inch of water (67Pa) with respect to all adjacent areas on all floors, or shall open into elevator lobbies constructed to comply with CBC Section 3006.

11. No more than 20 feet (6.10 m) of travel distance to the exit stairway as measured from the entry/exit door of any dwelling unit to the exit stairway door or related passageway door shall be permissible.

12. Other occupancies are permitted in the same building provided they separately comply with all the requirements of this Code. Other occupancies shall not communicate with the Group R occupancy portion of the building and shall be provided with a separate means of egress, distinct from the single-exit serving the Group R-2 occupancy.

Exception: Parking garages accessory to the Group R-2 occupancy are permitted to use the single-exit stairway.

13. Private roof decks up to 150 square feet (13.9 m2) per unit are permitted at or below the sixth story. The private roof deck must be accessible only through that individual unit. Individual roof decks shall be separated from other private roof decks and any other areas by a minimum 42-inch (1067 mm) tall guardrail or walls.

14. No more than a total of four dwelling units (including accessory dwelling units) shall be permitted on each story or basement level.

15. The building shall not exceed six stories, not more than 5 stories of Group R-2 occupancy are permitted to be served by a single exit stairway. Basement levels shall be counted as stories for the purpose of this limit.

16. Exit access doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel at the exterior or interior exit stairway, associated passageway, or vestibule, regardless of the occupant load served. Door swing shall not reduce or encroach into the required stair landing. Landings shall not be reduced by any amount when the door is in any position. Reductions in the minimum required landing dimensions, as allowed per CBC Section 1010.1.5 and CBC Section 1011.6, shall not be permitted.

17. The maximum exit access travel distance, measured in accordance with CBC Section 1017, shall not exceed 125 feet (38.1 m).

18. A corridor complying with CBC Section 1020 or an egress balcony complying with CBC Section 1021 shall separate each dwelling unit entry/exit door from the exit stairway, including any related passageway, on each floor. Corridor and egress balcony walls shall be of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. The egress balcony shall be separated from the interior of the building by walls and opening protectives as required for 1-hour fire-resistance-rated corridors.

19. Dwelling units, elevators, equipment rooms, storage rooms, trash rooms, and other similar rooms or spaces shall not open into the interior exit stairway enclosure.

20. An exterior exit stairway or interior exit stairway shall be provided. The interior exit stairway, including any related passageways, shall be a smoke-proof enclosure in compliance with CBC Section 909.20.

21. Electrical receptacles shall be prohibited in an interior exit stairway.

22. Dwelling unit doors are permitted to open onto an exterior exit stairway as long as the dwelling unit doors do not encroach into the stairs and required stairway landings. Reductions in the minimum required landing dimensions, as allowed per CBC Section 1010.1.5 and CBC Section 1011.6, shall not be permitted.

23. Exits shall terminate directly onto a public way that is 15 feet wide minimum or onto an egress court where the width of the egress court is equal to or exceeds the court length and terminates at a public way that is no less than 15 feet wide.

24. The total horizontal travel distance from the edge of the roadway to the farthest unit door (at any level), excluding the vertical rise within a stairway (and associated landings), shall be less than 250 feet.

25. Notwithstanding CBC Section 1031.2, all basement levels and sleeping rooms within any story or basement shall have not fewer than one emergency escape and rescue opening in accordance with CBC Section 1031.

26. The building shall be provided with a sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA-13 as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission and amended by the City of Culver City.

27. A manual fire alarm system and automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with CBC Section 907.5 shall be provided. Smoke detectors shall be located in common spaces outside of dwelling units, including but not limited to gathering areas, laundry rooms, mechanical equipment rooms, storage rooms, interior corridors, interior exit stairway, and passageways.

28. Compliance with these requirements does not exempt Single-exit, Group R-2 occupancy buildings with an occupied floor or roof above the third story from any other applicable requirements of the City of Culver City Fire Code or the State Fire Code.

29. There shall be 20 feet of width in both the front and rear of the building for fire department access and operations, specifically with regard to aerial ladder usage. For purposes of the rear requirement, a public alley, designated egress court, or other approved form of public access may be used to satisfy all or part of the required 20 feet.

Section 1507.3.1 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

1507.3.1 Deck requirements. Concrete and clay tile shall be installed only over solid sheathing.

Exception: Spaced lumber shall be permitted in Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C.

Sections 1613.5 and 1613.5.1 are added to Chapter 16 of the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

The provisions of Section 1613.5 shall be permitted as an amendment to the relevant provisions of ASCE 7.

1613.5.1 Values for vertical combinations. Modify ASCE 7 Section 12.2.3.1 Exception 3 as follows:

3. Detached one- and two-family dwellings up to two stories in height of light frame construction.

Section 1613.5.2 is added to Chapter 16 of the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

1613.5.2 Wood Diaphragms. Modify ASCE 7 Section 12.11.2.2.3 as follows:

1613.6.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum regulations for the design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when constructing such buildings on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3%). These regulations establish minimum standards for seismic force resistance to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of earthquakes.

1613.6.2 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to the design of the lateral-force-resisting system for hillside buildings at and below the base level diaphragm. The design of the lateral- force-resisting system above the base level diaphragm shall be in accordance with the provisions for seismic and wind design as required elsewhere in this division.

Exception: Non-habitable accessory buildings and decks not supporting or supported from the main building are exempt from these regulations.

1613.6.3 Definitions. For the purposes of this section certain terms are defined as follows:

BASE LEVEL DIAPHRAGM is the floor at, or closest to, the top of the highest 26 level of the foundation.

DIAPHRAGM ANCHORS are assemblies that connect a diaphragm to the adjacent foundation at the uphill diaphragm edge.

DOWNHILL DIRECTION is the descending direction of the slope approximately perpendicular to the slope contours.

FOUNDATION is concrete or masonry which supports a building, including footings, stem walls, retaining walls, and grade beams.

FOUNDATION EXTENDING IN THE DOWNHILL DIRECTION is a foundation running downhill and approximately perpendicular to the uphill foundation.

HILLSIDE BUILDING is any building or portion thereof constructed on or into a slope steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3%). If only a portion of the building is supported on or into the slope, these regulations apply to the entire building.

PRIMARY ANCHORS are diaphragm anchors designed for and providing a direct connection as described in Sections 1613.6.5 and 1613.6.7.3 between the diaphragm and the uphill foundation.

SECONDARY ANCHORS are diaphragm anchors designed for and providing a redundant diaphragm to foundation connection, as described in Sections 1613.6.6 and 1613.6.7.4.

UPHILL DIAPHRAGM EDGE is the edge of the diaphragm adjacent and closest to the highest ground level at the perimeter of the diaphragm.

UPHILL FOUNDATION is the foundation parallel and closest to the uphill diaphragm edge.

1613.6.4 Analysis and design.

1613.6.4.1 General. Every hillside building within the scope of this section shall be analyzed, designed, and constructed in accordance with the provisions of this division. When the code-prescribed wind design produces greater effects, the wind design shall govern, but detailing requirements and limitations prescribed in this and referenced sections shall be followed.

1613.6.4.2 Base level diaphragm-downhill direction. The following provisions shall apply to the seismic analysis and design of the connections for the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction.

1613.6.4.2.1 Base for lateral force design defined. For seismic forces acting in the downhill direction, the base of the building shall be the floor at or closest to the top of the highest level of the foundation.

1613.6.4.2.2 Base shear. In developing the base shear for seismic design, the response modification coefficient (R) shall not exceed 5 for bearing wall and building frame systems. The total base shear shall include the forces tributary to the base level diaphragm including forces from the base level diaphragm.

1613.6.5 Base shear resistance-primary anchors.

1613.6.5.1 General. The base shear in the downhill direction shall be resisted through primary anchors from diaphragm struts provided in the base level diaphragm to the foundation.

1613.6.5.2 Location of primary anchors. A primary anchor and diaphragm strut shall be provided in line with each foundation extending in the downhill direction. Primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall also be provided where interior vertical lateral-force-resisting elements occur above and in contact with the base level diaphragm. The spacing of primary anchors and diaphragm struts or collectors shall in no case exceed 30 feet (9144 mm).

1613.6.5.3 Design of primary anchors and diaphragm struts. Primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of Section 1613.6.8.

1613.6.5.4 Limitations. The following lateral-force-resisting elements shall not be designed to resist seismic forces below the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction:

• 1. Wood structural panel wall sheathing,
• 2. Cement plaster and lath,
• 3. Gypsum wallboard, and
• 4. Tension only braced frames.

Braced frames designed in accordance with the requirements of Section 2205.2.1.2 may be used to transfer forces from the primary anchors and diaphragm struts to the foundation provided lateral forces do not induce flexural stresses in any member of the frame or in the diaphragm struts. Deflections of frames shall account for the variation in slope of diagonal members when the frame is not rectangular.

1613.6.6 Base shear resistance-secondary anchors.

1613.6.6.1 General. In addition to the primary anchors required by Section 15 1613.6.5, the base shear in the downhill direction shall be resisted through secondary anchors in the uphill foundation connected to diaphragm struts in the base level diaphragm.

Exception: Secondary anchors are not required where foundations extending in the downhill direction spaced at not more than 30 feet (9144 mm) on center extend up to and are directly connected to the base level diaphragm for at least 70% of the diaphragm depth.

1613.6.6.2 Secondary anchor capacity and spacing. Secondary anchors at the base level diaphragm shall be designed for a minimum force equal to the base shear, including forces tributary to the base level diaphragm, but not less than 600 pounds per lineal foot (8.76 kN/m) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels. The secondary anchors shall be uniformly distributed along the uphill diaphragm edge and shall be spaced a maximum of 4 feet (1219 mm) on center.

1613.6.6.3 Design. Secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with Section 1613.6.8.

1613.6.7 Diaphragms below the base level-downhill direction. The following provisions shall apply to the lateral analysis and design of the connections for all diaphragms below the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction.

1613.6.7.1 Diaphragm defined. Every floor level below the base level diaphragm shall be designed as a diaphragm.

1613.6.7.2 Design force.Each diaphragm below the base level diaphragm shall be designed for all tributary loads at that level using a minimum seismic force factor not less than the base shear coefficient.

1613.6.7.3 Design force resistance-primary anchors. The design force described in Section 1613.6.7.2 shall be resisted through primary anchors from diaphragm struts provided in each diaphragm to the foundation. Primary anchors shall be provided and designed in accordance with the requirements and limitations of Section 1613.6.5.

1613.6.7.4 Design force resistance-secondary anchors.

1613.6.7.4.1 General. In addition to the primary anchors required in Section 1613.6.7.3, the design force in the downhill direction shall be resisted through secondary anchors in the uphill foundation connected to diaphragm struts in each diaphragm below the base level.

Exception: Secondary anchors are not required where foundations extending in the downhill direction, spaced at not more than 30 feet (9144 mm) on center, extend up to and are directly connected to each diaphragm below the base level for at least 70% of the diaphragm depth.

1613.6.7.4.2 Secondary anchor capacity. Secondary anchors at each diaphragm below the base level diaphragm shall be designed for a minimum force equal to the design force but not less than 300 pounds per lineal foot (4.38 kN/m) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels. The secondary anchors shall be uniformly distributed along the uphill diaphragm edge and shall be spaced a maximum of 4 feet (1219 mm) on center.

1613.6.7.4.3 Design. Secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with Section 1613.6.8.

1613.6.8 Primary and secondary anchorage and diaphragm strut design.

Primary and secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with the following provisions:

1. Fasteners. All bolted fasteners used to develop connections to wood members shall be provided with square plate washers at all bolt heads and nuts. Washers shall be minimum 0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.82 mm by 76 mm by 76 mm) in size. Nuts shall be tightened to finger tight plus one half (1/2) wrench turn prior to covering the framing.

2. Fastening. The diaphragm to foundation anchorage shall not be accomplished by the use of toenailing, nails subject to withdrawal, or wood in cross-grain bending or cross-grain tension.

3. Size of Wood Members. Wood diaphragm struts collectors, and other wood members connected to primary anchors shall not be less than 3 inch (76 mm) nominal width. The effects of eccentricity on wood members shall be evaluated as required per Item 9.

4. Design. Primary and secondary anchorage, including diaphragm struts, splices, and collectors shall be designed for 125% of the tributary force.

5. Allowable Stress Increase. The one-third allowable stress increase permitted under Section 1605.3.2 shall not be taken when the working (allowable) stress design method is used.

6. Steel Element of Structural Wall Anchorage System. The strength design forces for steel elements of the structural wall anchorage system, with the exception of anchor bolts and reinforcing steel, shall be increased by 1.4 times the forces otherwise required.

7. Primary Anchors. The load path for primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be fully developed into the diaphragm and into the foundation. The foundation must be shown to be adequate to resist the concentrated loads from the primary anchors.

8. Secondary Anchors. The load path for secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be fully developed in the diaphragm but need not be developed beyond the connection to the foundation.

9. Symmetry. All lateral force foundation anchorage and diaphragm strut connections shall be symmetrical. Eccentric connections may be permitted when demonstrated by calculation or tests that all components of force have been provided for in the structural analysis or tests.

10. Wood Ledgers. Wood ledgers shall not be used to resist cross-grain bending or cross-grain tension.

1613.6.9 Lateral-force-resisting elements normal to the downhill direction.

1613.6.9.1 General. In the direction normal to the downhill direction, lateral-force-resisting elements shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of this section.

1613.6.9.2 Base shear. In developing the base shear for seismic design, the response modification coefficient (R) shall not exceed 5 for bearing wall and building frame systems.

1613.6.9.3 Vertical distribution of seismic forces. For seismic forces acting normal to the downhill direction the distribution of seismic forces over the height of the building using Section 12.8.3 of ASCE 7 shall be determined using the height measured from the top of the lowest level of the building foundation.

1613.6.9.4 Drift limitations. The story drift below the base level diaphragm shall not exceed 0.007 times the story height at strength design force level. The total drift from the base level diaphragm to the top of the foundation shall not exceed 3/4 inch (19 mm). Where the story height or the height from the base level diaphragm to the top of the foundation varies because of a stepped footing or story offset, the height shall be measured from the average height of the top of the foundation. The story drift shall not be reduced by the effect of horizontal diaphragm stiffness.

1613.6.9.5 Distribution of lateral forces.

1613.6.9.5.1 General. The design lateral force shall be distributed to lateral-force-resisting elements of varying heights in accordance with the stiffness of each individual element.

1613.6.9.5.2 Wood structural panel sheathed walls. The stiffness of a stepped wood structural panel shear wall may be determined by dividing the wall into adjacent rectangular elements, subject to the same top of wall deflection. Deflections of shear walls may be estimated by AWC SDPWS Section 4.3.2. Sheathing and fastening requirements for the stiffest section shall be used for the entire wall. Each section of wall shall be anchored for shear and uplift at each step. The minimum horizontal length of a step shall be 8 feet (2438 mm) and the maximum vertical height of a step shall be 2 feet 8 inches (813 mm).

1613.6.9.5.3 Reinforced concrete or masonry shear walls. Reinforced concrete or masonry shear walls shall have forces distributed in proportion to the rigidity of each section of the wall.

1613.6.9.6 Limitations. The following lateral force-resisting-elements shall not be designed to resist lateral forces below the base level diaphragm in the direction normal to the downhill direction:

• 1. Cement plaster and lath,
• 2. Gypsum wallboard, and
• 3. Tension-only braced frames.

Braced frames designed in accordance with the requirements of Section 2205.2.1.2 of this Code may be designed as lateral-force-resisting elements in the direction normal to the downhill direction, provided lateral forces do not induce flexural stresses in any member of the frame. Deflections of frames shall account for the variation in slope of diagonal members when the frame is not rectangular.

1613.6.10 Specific design provisions.

1613.6.10.1 Footings and grade beams.

All footings and grade beams shall 8 comply with the following:

1. Grade beams shall extend at least 12 inches (305 mm) below the lowest adjacent grade and provide a minimum 24-inch (610 mm) distance horizontally from the bottom outside face of the grade beam to the face of the descending slope.

2. Continuous footings shall be reinforced with at least two No. 4 reinforcing bars at the top and two No. 4 reinforcing bars at the bottom.

3. All main footing and grade beam reinforcement steel shall be bent into the intersecting footing and fully developed around each corner and intersection.

4. All concrete stem walls shall extend from the foundation and reinforced as required for concrete or masonry walls.

1613.6.10.2 Protection against decay and termites.

All wood to earth separation shall comply with the following:

1. Where a footing or grade beam extends across a descending slope, the stem wall, grade beam, or footing shall extend up to a minimum 18 inches (457 mm) above the highest adjacent grade.

Exception: At paved garage and doorway entrances to the building, the stem wall need only extend to the finished concrete slab, provided the wood framing is protected with a moisture proof barrier.

2. Wood ledgers supporting a vertical load of more than 100 pounds per lineal foot (1.46 kN/m) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels and located within 48 inches (1219 mm) of adjacent grade are prohibited. Galvanized steel ledgers and anchor bolts, with or without wood nailers, or treated or decay resistant sill plates supported on a concrete or masonry seat, may be used.

1613.6.10.3 Sill plates.

All sill plates and anchorage shall comply with the following:

1. All wood framed walls, including nonbearing walls, when resting on a footing, foundation, or grade beam stem wall, shall be supported on wood sill plates bearing on a level surface.

2. Power-driven fasteners shall not be used to anchor sill plates except at interior nonbearing walls not designed as shear walls.

1613.6.10.4 Column base plate anchorage.

The base of isolated wood posts (not framed into a stud wall) supporting a vertical load of 4,000 pounds (17.8 kN) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels or more and the base plate for a steel column shall comply with the following:

1. When the post or column is supported on a pedestal extending above the top of a footing or grade beam, the pedestal shall be designed and reinforced as required for concrete or masonry columns. The pedestal shall be reinforced with a minimum of four No. 4 bars extending to the bottom of the footing or grade beam. The top of exterior pedestals shall be sloped for positive drainage.

2. The base plate anchor bolts or the embedded portion of the post base, and the vertical reinforcing bars for the pedestal, shall be confined with two No. 4 or three No. 3 ties within the top 5 inches (127 mm) of the concrete or masonry pedestal. The base plate anchor bolts shall be embedded a minimum of 20 bolt diameters into the concrete or masonry pedestal. The base plate anchor bolts and post bases shall be galvanized, and each anchor bolt shall have at least 2 galvanized nuts above the base plate.

1613.6.10.5 Steel beam to column supports. All steel beam to column supports shall be positively braced in each direction. Steel beams shall have stiffener plates installed on each side of the beam web at the column. The stiffener plates shall be welded to each beam flange and the beam web. Each brace connection or structural member shall consist of at least two 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) diameter machine bolts.

Section 1613.8 is added to Chapter 16 of the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

Minimum design and installation standards for suspended ceilings shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of Section 2506.2.1 of this Code and this section.

1613.8.1 Scope. This part contains special requirements for suspended ceilings and lighting systems. Provisions of Section 13.5.6 of ASCE 7 shall apply except as modified herein.

1613.8.2 General. The suspended ceilings and lighting systems shall be limited to 6 feet (1828 mm) below the structural deck unless the lateral bracing is designed by a licensed engineer or architect.

1613.8.3 Sprinkler Heads. All sprinkler heads (drops) except fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies, shall be designed to allow for free movement of the sprinkler pipes with oversize rings, sleeves or adaptors through the ceiling tile. Sprinkler heads and other penetrations shall have a 2-inch (50mm) oversize ring, sleeve, or adapter through the ceiling tile to allow for free movement of at least 1 inch (25mm) in all horizontal directions. Alternatively, a swing joint that can accommodate 1 inch (25 mm) of ceiling movement in all horizontal directions is permitted to be provided at the top of the sprinkler head extension.

Sprinkler heads penetrating fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies shall comply with Section 714 of this Code.

1613.8.4 Special Requirements for Means of Egress. Suspended ceiling assemblies located along means of egress serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall comply with the following provisions.

1613.8.4.1 General. Ceiling suspension systems shall be connected and braced with vertical hangers attached directly to the structural deck along the means of egress serving an occupant load of 30 or more and at lobbies accessory to Group A Occupancies. Spacing of vertical hangers shall not exceed 2 feet (610 mm) on center along the entire length of the suspended ceiling assembly located along the means of egress or at the lobby.

1613.8.4.2 Assembly Device. All lay-in panels shall be secured to the suspension ceiling assembly with two hold-down clips minimum for each tile within a 4-foot (1219 mm) radius of the exit lights and exit signs.

1613.8.4.3 Emergency Systems. Independent supports and braces shall be provided for light fixtures required for exit illumination. Power supply for exit illumination shall comply with the requirements of Section 1008.3 of this Code.

1613.8.4.4 Supports for Appendage. Separate support from the structural deck shall be provided for all appendages such as light fixtures, air diffusers, exit signs, and similar elements.

Section 1704.6 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1, 1704.6.2 or 1704.6.3, the owner or the owner's authorized agent shall employ a structural observer to perform structural observations. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the inspections in Section 110 or the special inspections in Section 1705 or other sections of this code. The structural observer shall be one of the following individuals:

1. The registered design professional responsible for the structural design, or

2. A registered design professional designated by the registered design professional responsible for the structural design.

Prior to the commencement of observations, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of structural observations.

The owner or owner's authorized agent shall coordinate and call a preconstruction meeting between the structural observer, contractors, affected subcontractors and special inspectors. The structural observer shall preside over the meeting. The purpose of the meeting shall be to identify the major structural elements and connections that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the structure and to review scheduling of the required observations. A record of the meeting shall be included in the report submitted to the building official.

Observed deficiencies shall be reported in writing to the owner or owner's authorized agent, special inspector, contractor and the building official. Upon the form prescribed by the building official, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement at each significant construction stage stating that the site visits have been made and identifying any reported deficiencies which, to the best of the structural observer's knowledge, have not been resolved. A final report by the structural observer which states that all observed deficiencies have been resolved is required before acceptance of the work by the building official.

Section 1704.6.2 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

1704.6.2 Structural observations for seismic resistance. Structural observations shall be provided for those structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F where one or more of the following conditions exist:

1. The structure is classified as Risk Category III or IV.

2. The structure is classified as Risk Category I or II, and a lateral design is required for the structure or portion thereof.

Exception: One-story wood framed Group R-3 and Group U Occupancies less than 2,000 square feet in area, provided the adjacent grade is not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10% sloped), assigned to Seismic Design Category D.

Section 1705.3 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

The special inspections and tests for concrete construction shall be performed in accordance with this section and Table 1705.3.

Exceptions: Special inspections and tests shall not be required for:

1. Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock where the structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, fc, not more than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 Mpa) regardless of the compressive strength specified in the construction documents or used in the footing construction.

2. Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock where:

The structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, fc, not more than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 Mpa), regardless of the compressive strength specified in the construction documents or used in the footing construction.

3. Nonstructural concrete slabs supported directly on the ground, including prestressed slabs on grade, where the effective prestress in the concrete is less than 150 psi (1.03 Mpa).

4. Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade.

Exception 3 of Section 1705.13 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

Special inspections for seismic resistance shall be required as specified in Sections 1705.12.1 through 1705.12.9, unless exempted by the exceptions of Section 1704.2.

Exception: The special inspections specified in Sections 1705.12.1 through 1705.12.9 are not required for structures designed and constructed in accordance with one of the following:

1. The structure consists of light-frame construction; the design spectral response acceleration at short periods, SDS, as determined in Section 1613.3.4, does not exceed 0.5; and the building height of the structure does not exceed 35 feet (10668 mm)

2. The seismic force-resisting system of the structure consists of reinforced masonry or reinforced concrete; the design spectral response acceleration at short periods, SDS, as determined in Section 1613.3.4, does not exceed 0.5; and the building height of the structure does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm)

3. The structure is a detached one- or two-family dwelling not exceeding two stories above grade plane, is not assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F and does not have any of the following horizontal or vertical irregularities in accordance with Section 12.3 of ASCE 7:

• 3.1 Torsional or extreme torsional irregularity.

• 3.2 Nonparallel systems irregularity.

• 3.3 Stiffness-soft story or stiffness-extreme soft story irregularity.

• 3.4 Discontinuity in lateral strength-weak story irregularity.

Section 1807.1.4 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

1807.1.4 Permanent wood foundation systems. Permanent wood foundation systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with AWC PWF. Lumber and plywood shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B and Section 5.2) and shall be identified in accordance with Section 2303.1.9.1. Permanent wood foundation systems shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Section 1807.1.6 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read 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.

Section 1807.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

Retaining walls shall be designed in accordance with Section 1807.2.1 through 1807.2.3. Retaining walls assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F shall not be partially or wholly constructed of wood.

Section 1807.3.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1807.3.1 Limitations.

The design procedures outlined in this section are subject to the following limitations:

1. The frictional resistance for structural walls and slabs on silts and clays shall be limited to one-half of the normal force imposed on the soils by the weight of the fooling or slab.

2. Posts embedded in earth shall not be used to provide lateral support for structural or nonstructural materials such as plaster, masonry or concrete unless bracing is provided that develops the limited deflection required.

Wood poles shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 for sawn timber posts (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 48) and for round timber posts (Commodity Specification 8, Use Category 48). Wood poles and posts embedded in direct contact with soil shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Exception: Wood poles and posts embedded in direct contact with soil may be used to support non-habitable, non-occupiable structures such as fences when approved by the building official.

Section 1809.3 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall be permitted to have a slope not exceeding one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal ( 10-percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footing or where the surface of the ground slopes more than one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, the stepping requirement shall also apply to the top surface of grade beams supporting walls. Footings shall be reinforced with four No. 4 bars. Two bars shall be place at the top and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure 1809.3.

[Figure]

FIGURE 1809.3 - STEPPED FOOTING

Section 1809.7 and Table 1809.7 of the 2025 CBC are amended to read as follows:

Where a specific design is not provided, concrete or masonry-unit footings supporting walls of light-frame construction shall be permitted to be designed in accordance with Table 1809.7. Light-frame construction using prescriptive footings in Table 1809.7 shall not exceed one story above grade plane for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

TABLE 1809.7 PRESCRIPTIVE FOOTINGS SUPPORTING WALLS OF LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTIONa, b, c, d, e

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm

a. Depth of footings shall be in accordance with Section 1809.4.

b. The ground under the floor shall be permitted to be excavated to the elevation of the top of the footing.

c. Not Adopted.

d. See Section 1905 for additional requirements for concrete footings of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.

e. For thickness of foundation walls, see Section 1807.1.6.

f. Footings shall be permitted to support a roof addition to the stipulated number of floors. Footings supporting roof only shall be as required for supporting one floor.

Section 1809.12 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

Timber footings shall be permitted for buildings of Type V construction and as otherwise approved by the building official. Such footings shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B). Treated timbers are not required where placed entirely below permanent water level, or where used as capping for wood piles that project above the water level over submerged or marsh lands. The compressive stresses perpendicular to grain in untreated timber footing supported upon treated piles shall not exceed 70 percent of the allowable stresses for the species and grade of timber as specified in the ANSI/AWC NOS. Timber footings shall not be used in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Section 1810.3.2.4 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

1810.3.2.4 Timber. Timber deep foundation elements shall be designed as piles or poles in accordance with ANSI/AWC NOS. Round timber elements shall conform to ASTM D 25. Sawn timber elements shall conform to DOC PS-20. Timber deep foundation elements shall not be used in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Section 1905.1.7 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

1905.1.7 ACI 318, Section 14.1.4. Delete ACI 318, Section 14.1.4, and replace with the following:

The text of ACI 318 shall be modified as indicated in Sections 1905.1.1 through 1905.1.11 .

1905.1.9 ACI 318, Section 18.7.5. Modify ACI 318, Section 18.7.5, by adding Section 18.7.5.8 and 18.7.5.9 as follows:

Where the calculated point of contraflexure is not within the middle half of the member clear height, provide transverse reinforcement as specified in ACI 318 Sections 18.7.5.1, Items (a) through (c), over the full height of the member.

18.7.5.9 At any section where the design strength, Pn, of the column is less than the sum of the shears Ve computed in accordance with ACI 318 Sections 18.7.6.1 and 18.6.5.1 for all the beams framing into the column above the level under consideration, transverse reinforcement as specified in ACI 318 Sections 18.7.5.1 through 18.7.5.3 shall be provided. For beams framing into opposite sides of the column, the moment components are permitted to be assumed to be of opposite sign. For the determination of the design strength, Pn, of the column, these moments are permitted to be assumed to result from the deformation of the frame in any one principal axis.

1905.1.10 ACI 318, Section 18.10.4. Modify ACI 318, Section 18.10.4, by adding Section 18.10.4.7 as follows:

In Seismic Design Category D, E or F, hold-down connectors shall be designed to resist shear wall overturning moments using approved cyclic load values or 75 percent of the allowable seismic load values that do not consider cyclic loading of the product. Connector bolts into wood framing shall require steel plate washers on the post on the opposite side of the anchorage device. Plate size shall be a minimum of 0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.82 mm by 76 mm by 76 mm) in size. Hold-down connectors shall be tightened to finger tight plus one half (1/2) wrench turn just prior to covering the wall framing.

Section 2306.2 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

Wood-frame diaphragms shall be designed and constructed in accordance with AWC SDPWS. Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples, requirements and limitations of AWC SDPWS shall be met and the allowable shear values set forth in Table 2306.2(1) or 2306.2(2) shall only be permitted for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.

Exception: Allowable shear values where panels are fastened to framing members with staples may be used if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.

The allowable shear values in Tables 2306.2(1) and 2306.2(2) are permitted to be increased 40 percent for wind design.

Wood structural panel diaphragms used to resist seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F shall be applied directly to the framing members.

Exception: Wood structural panel diaphragms are permitted to be fastened over solid lumber planking or laminated decking, provided the panel joints and lumber planking or laminated decking joints do not coincide.

Section 2306.3 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance with AWC SDPWS. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, application of Tables 4.3A and 4.3B of AWC SDPWS shall include the following:

1. Wood structural panel thickness for shear walls shall not be less than 3/8 inch thick and studs shall not be spaced at more than 16 inches on center.

2. The maximum nominal unit shear capacities for 3/8 inch wood structural panels resisting seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F is 400 pounds per linear foot (pit).

Exception: Other nominal unit shear capacities may be permitted if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.

3. Nails shall be placed not less than 1/2 inch in from the panel edges and not less than 3/8 inch from the edge of the connecting members for shear greater than 350 pit using ASD or 500 pit using LRFD. Nails shall be placed not less than 3/8 inch from panel edges and not less than 1/4 inch from the edge of the connecting members for shears of 350 pit or less using ASD or 500 pit or less using LRFD.

4. Table 4.3B application is not allowed for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, application of Table 4.3C of AWC SDPWS shall not be used below the top level in a multi-level building.

Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples, requirements and limitations of AWC SDPWS shall be met and the allowable shear values set forth in Table 2306.3(1), 2306.3(2) or 2306.3(3) shall only be permitted for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.

Exception: Allowable shear values where panels are fastened to framing members with staples may be used if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.

The allowable shear values in Tables 2306.3(1) and 2306.3(2) are permitted to be increased 40 percent for wind design. Panels complying with ANSI/APA PRP-210 shall be permitted to use design values for Plywood Siding in the AWC SDPWS.

Section 2307.2 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section 2307.2 as applicable.

Table 2308.6.1 of the 2022 CBC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

For S1: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

NP = Not Permitted.

a. This table specifies minimum requirements for braced wall panels along interior or exterior braced wall lines.

b. See Section 2308.6.3 for fall description of bracing methods.

c. For Method GB, gypsum wallboard applied to framing supports that are spaced at 16 inches on center.

d. The required lengths shall be doubled for fypsum board applied to only one face of a braced wall panel.

e. Percentage shown represents the minimum amount of bracing required along the building length (or wall length if the structure has an irregular shape).

f. DWB, SFB, PBS, and HPS wall braces are not permitted in Seismic Design Categories D or E.

g. Minimum length of panel bracing of one face of the wall for WSP sheathing shall be at least 4'-0" long or both faces of the wall for GB or PCP sheathing shall be at least 8'-0" long; h/w ratio shall not exceed 2:1. Wall framing to which sheathing used for bracing is applied shall be nominal 2 inch wide [actual 1 1/2 inch (38 mm)] or larger members and spaced a maximum of 16 inches on center. Braced wall panel construction types shall not be mixed within a braced wall line.

h. WSP sheathing shall be a minimum of 15/32" thick nailed with 8d common placed 3/8 inches from panel edges and spaced not more than 6 inches on center and 12 inches on center along intermediate framing members.

Section 2308.6.5, 2308.6.5.1, and 2308,6.5.2 and Figures 2308.6.5.1 and 2308.6.5.1 of the 2025 CBC are amended to read as follows:

2308.6.5 Alternative bracing. An alternate braced wall (ABW) or a portal frame with hold-downs (PFH) described in this section is permitted to substitute for a 48-inch (1219 mm) braced wall panel of Method DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP or HPS. For Method GB, each 96-inch (2438 mm) section (applied to one face) or 48-inch (1219 mm) section (applied to both faces) or portion thereof required by Table 2308.6.1 is permitted to be replaced by one panel constructed in accordance with Method ABW or PFH.

2308.6.5.1 Alternate braced wall (ABW).

An ABW shall be constructed in accordance with this section and Figure 2308.6.5.1. In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 2 feet 8 inches (813 mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 3/8-inch (3.2 mm) minimum-thickness wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance with Table 2304.10.1 and blocked at wood structural panel edges. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E, each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch-minimum-thickness (11.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common nails spaced 3 inches on panel edges, 3 inches at intermediate supports. Two anchor bolts installed in accordance with Section 2308.3.1 shall be provided in each panel. Anchor bolts shall be placed at each panel outside quarter points. Each panel end stud shall have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation, capable of providing an approved uplift capacity of not less than 1,800 pounds (8006 N). The hold-down device shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The ABW shall be supported directly on a foundation or on floor framing supported directly on a foundation that is continuous across the entire length of the braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous footing is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This continuous footing shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped 24 inches (610 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation located directly under the braced wall line.

Where the ABW is installed at the first story of two-story buildings, the wood structural panel sheathing shall be provided on both faces, three anchor bolts shall be placed at one-quarter points and tie-down device uplift capacity shall be not less than 3,000 pounds (13 344 N).

[Figure]

FIGURE 2308.6.5.1 ALTERNATE BRACED WALL PANEL (ABW)

2308.6.5.2 Portal frame with hold-downs (PFH)..

A PFH shall be constructed in accordance with this section and Figure 2308.6.5.2. The adjacent door or window opening shall have a full-length header.

In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 16 inches (406 mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on one face with a single layer of 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) minimum-thickness wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance with Figure 2308.6.5.2. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E, each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch-minimum-thickness (11.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common nails spaced 3 inches on panel edges, 3 inches at intermediate supports and in accordance with Figure 2308.6.5.2. The wood structural panel sheathing shall extend up over the solid sawn or glued-laminated header and shall be nailed in accordance with Figure 2308.6.5.2. A built-up header consisting of at least two 2-inch by 12-inch (51 mm by 305 mm) boards, fastened in accordance with Item 24 of Table 2304.10.1 shall be permitted to be used. A spacer, if used, shall be placed on the side of the built-up beam opposite the wood structural panel sheathing. The header shall extend between the inside faces of the first full-length outer studs of each panel. The clear span of the header between the inner studs of each panel shall be not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) and not more than 18 feet (5486 mm) in length. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4,400 N) shall fasten the header to the inner studs opposite the sheathing. One anchor bolt not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) diameter and installed in accordance with Section 2308.3.1 shall be provided in the center of each sill plate. The studs at each end of the panel shall have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 3,500 pounds (15570 N).

Where a panel is located on one side of the opening, the header shall extend between the inside face of the first full-length stud of the panel and the bearing studs at the other end of the opening. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4400 N) shall fasten the header to the bearing studs. The bearing studs shall also have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4400 N). The hold-down devices shall be an embedded strap type, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The PFH panels shall be supported directly on a foundation that is continuous across the entire length of the braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous footing is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This continuous footing shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped not less than 24 inches (610 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation located directly under the braced wall line.

Where a PFH is installed at the first story of two-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 24 inches (610 mm).

[Figure]

FIGURE 2308.6.5.2 PORTAL FRAME WITH HOLD-DOWNS (PFH)

Section 2308.6.8.1 of Chapter 23 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

2308.6.8.1 Foundation requirements. Braced wall lines shall be supported by continuous foundations.

Exception: For structures with a maximum plan dimension not more than 50 feet (15240 mm), continuous foundations are required at exterior walls only for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C. For structures in Seismic Design Categories D and E, exterior braced wall panels shall be in the same plane vertically with the foundation or the portion of the structure containing the offset shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice and Section 2308.1.1.

Section 2308.6.9 of the 2025 CBC is amended to read as follows:

2308.6.9 Attachment of sheathing.

Fastening of braced wall panel sheathing shall not be less than that prescribed in Tables 2308.6.1 or 2304.10.1. Wall sheathing shall not be attached to framing members by adhesives. Staple fasteners in Table 2304.10.1 shall not be used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Exception: Staples may be used to resist or transfer seismic forces when the allowable shear values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.

All braced wall panels shall extend to the roof sheathing and shall be attached to parallel roof rafters or blocking above with framing clips (18-gauge minimum) spaced at maximum 24 inches (6096 mm) on center with four 8d nails per leg (total eight 8d nails per clip). Braced wall panels shall be laterally braced at each top corner and at maximum 24 inches (6096 mm) intervals along the top plate of discontinuous vertical framing.

Section 3307 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

SECTION 3307 - Protection of Adjoining and Nearby Property and Persons.

3307.2 The Building Official shall have the authority to stop the construction work at any time that in his or her opinion said construction work has caused, is causing, or is about to cause, damage to adjacent or nearby properties. Said work shall not recommence until the time that the necessary corrections have been made so that no further damage will occur to the affected property (unless the Building Official determines that the damage will be corrected as provided in Section 3307.3) and written approval is obtained from the Building Official that said work may recommence.

3307.3

A. If construction work causes damage to adjacent or nearby properties, the Building Division shall withhold inspections of said work and stop work until (i) the damage to the affected property is repaired (or repair work has commenced and is continued to be performed with due diligence until completed), or (ii) the affected property owner is compensated the cost of repair, or (iii) a documented agreement satisfactory to the Building Official is executed to assure repair of the damage at a more appropriate phase of the construction.

B. If there is a bona fide dispute between the owner of the damaged property and the party alleged to have caused said damage, as to the cause of the damage, the method or scope of repair or the cost of the repair, work may resume and inspections provided only if the party performing the construction work posts a bond or cash deposit with the City in an amount that the Building Official reasonably determines is sufficient to cover the cost of repair. Where there exists a bona fide dispute, the issues in contention are a civil matter beyond the authority of the City to resolve.

The bond or the cash deposit will be held by the City until the dispute is resolved between the parties or by a court of competent jurisdiction. In the event that the aggrieved party does not submit proof to the City that an action has in fact been filed within one (1) year after the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy, then the City shall, unless good cause is shown, release the bond or deposit. The City shall provide thirty (30) days' written notice to the aggrieved party of its intent to release the bond or deposit.

3307.5

A. Prior to the commencement of new construction or major remodeling projects, including but not limited to demolition of exterior walls or roofs, excavation that requires shoring, sandblasting or other exterior construction activities that require a building permit, the owner or contractor shall mail written notice to the property owners and occupants located within one hundred (100) feet of the construction site that construction will occur, along with a copy of this Section 3307. Said notice shall be mailed to the affected property owners and occupants at least ten (10) days prior to any 26 construction taking place. The notice shall contain the following information:

• 1. Address where construction will occur;
• 2. Date(s) and approximate times construction will occur;
• 3. Name, address, telephone number and state license number of contractor;

4. Name, address and telephone number of the owner of the property on which construction is to occur.

If the owner or the contractor fails to provide the required notice, the Building Official shall have the authority to stop the work until the notice is provided, in addition to any other remedies provided by this Code.

B. In addition to the Notice provided for above, the contractor or building shall post a Notice at the construction site, which shall include as a minimum the date(s) and approximate times construction will occur, the name and contact information of the contractor, and the contact information for the City's Building Safety Division.

Section J101.3 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J101.3 Hazards.

1. Whenever the building official determines that any land or any existing excavation or fill has, from any cause, become a menace to life or limb, or endangers public or private property, or adversely affects the safety, use or stability of public or private property, the owner or other person in legal control of the property concerned shall, upon receipt of a written notice thereof from the building official, correct such condition in accordance with the provisions of this appendix and the requirements and conditions set forth in the notice so as to eliminate such condition. The owner or other person in legal control of the property shall immediately comply with the provisions set forth in the notice and shall complete the work within 180 days from the date of the notice unless a shorter period of time for completion has been specified in the notice in which case the owner shall comply with the shorter period of time. Upon written application and good cause shown, the building official may approve the request for an extension of time to complete the work required by the notice.

2. If the above condition is not eliminated within the specified time period, the building official may file with the Office of the Los Angeles County Recorder a certificate stating that the property is deemed substandard and that the owner thereof has been so notified to correct the substandard condition. Said certificate shall specify the conditions creating the substandard classification.

3. When the above conditions have been corrected to the satisfaction of the building official, upon receiving a fee from the owner or his agent, the building official shall file with the Office of the Los Angeles County Recorder, within a reasonable period of time, a certificate specifying that the conditions creating the substandard classification have been corrected and that the property is no longer considered substandard.

Section J101.4 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J101.4 Safety Precautions.

1. General.

a) If at any stage of work on an excavation or fill, the building official determines that the work has become or is likely to become dangerous to any person, or is likely to endanger any property, public or private, the building official must be authorized to require safety precautions to be immediately taken by the property owner as a condition to continuing such permitted work or to require cessation thereof forthwith unless and until it is made safe and to amend the plans for such work.

b) Safety precautions may include, without limitation, specifying a flatter exposed slope or construction of additional drainage facilities, berms, terracing, compaction, cribbing, retaining walls or buttress fills, slough walls, desilting basins, check dams, benching, wire mesh and guniting, rock fences, revetments or diversion walls.

c) Upon the determination of the building official that such safety precautions during grading are necessary, the building official must provide a notice and order to the permittee to implement same. After receiving such notice, oral or written, it is unlawful for the permittee or any person to proceed with such work contrary to such order.

2. Removal of Ground Cover.

a) The existing vegetative ground cover of any watershed in any hillside area cannot be destroyed, removed or damaged except for routine maintenance pursuant to lawful grading, use or occupancy of the property or to clear hazardous vegetation near structures and roads.

b) Whenever ground cover is removed or damaged pursuant to a validly issued grading permit, the permittee must restore and maintain the affected area with an approved ground cover, or must accomplish such other erosion control protection measures as may be approved by the building official. Such erosion control must be completed within thirty days after cessation of the grading work or other work pursuant to a validly issued building permit.

3. Maintenance of Protective Devices. All devices used to protect hillside areas from erosion or landslide damage including, without limitation, retaining walls, cribbing, terracing, surface and subsurface drainage structures, interceptor drains, check dams, and riprap must be maintained in good condition and repair as approved by the building official at the time of completion of construction thereof.

Section J101.5 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J101.5 Protection of Utilities. The owner and permittee of any property on which grading has been performed and that requires a grading permit must be responsible for the prevention of damage to any public utilities or services.

Section J101.6 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J101.6 Protection of Adjacent Properties. The owner and permittee of any property on which grading has been performed and that requires a grading permit is responsible for the prevention of damage to adjacent property and no person must excavate on land sufficiently close to the property line to endanger any adjoining public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public or private property without supporting and protecting such property from settling, cracking or other damage that might result. Special precautions approved by the building official must be made to prevent imported or exported materials from being deposited on the adjacent public way and/or drainage courses. A 30-day excavation notice must be provided as required by California Civil Code Section 829-834 when the excavation is of sufficient depth and proximity to adjacent lot structures.

Section J101.7 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J101.7 Storm water control measures. The owner and permittee of any property on which grading has been performed and that requires a grading permit under Section J103 shall put into effect and maintain all precautionary measures necessary to protect adjacent water courses and public private property from damage by erosion, flooding, and deposition of mud, debris and construction- related pollutants originating from the site during, and after, grading and related construction activities. Furthermore, the owner and permittee shall be responsible for putting into effect and maintaining appropriate measures necessary to prevent any change in cross-lot surface drainage that may adversely affect any adjoining property as a result of grading and/or construction-related activities. Such measures to prevent any adverse cross-lot surface drainage effects on adjoining property shall be required whether shown on approved grading plans or not.

Section J101.8 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J101.8 Conditions of approval. In granting any permit under this code, the building official may include such conditions as may be reasonably necessary to prevent creation of a nuisance or hazard to public or private property. Such conditions may include, but shall not be limited to:

1. Improvement of any existing grading to comply with the standards of this code.

2. Requirements for fencing of excavations or fills which would otherwise be hazardous.

Section J101.9 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J101.9 Rules and regulations.

J101.9.1 Rules. The permissive provisions of this chapter shall not be presumed to waive any regulations imposed by other statutes or other ordinances of the State of California or the City of Culver City.

J101.9.2 Regulations. If two or more pertinent regulations are not identical, those regulations shall prevail which are more restrictive, or which afford greater safety to life, limb, health, property or welfare. For the purposes of these regulations, grading permits shall be considered as building permits and shall be subject to the administrative provisions of this code, unless otherwise specifically provided for in this chapter.

Section J103.2 is amended to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J103.2 Exemptions. A grading permit shall not be required for the following:

1. When approved by the building official, grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties.

2. Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code where the excavation is limited to within the volume of the proposed structure.

• 3. Cemetery graves.
• 4. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
• 5. Excavations for wells, or trenches for utilities.

6. Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing or stockpiling rock, sand, aggregate or clay controlled by other regulations, provided such operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly increase stresses in, soil and adjoining properties.

7. Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered soils engineer or engineering geologist. This shall not exempt grading of access roads or pads created for exploratory excavations. Exploratory excavations must not create a hazardous condition to adjacent properties or the public in accordance with Section J101.3. Exploratory excavations must be restored to existing conditions, unless approved by the building official.

8. An excavation that does not exceed 100 cubic yards (38.3 m") and complies with one of the following conditions:

(1) is less than 3 feet (0.6 m) in depth.

(2) does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet (1.5 m) measured vertically upward from the cut surface to the surface of the natural grade and is not steeper than 4 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (25 percent slope).

9. A fill not intended to support a structure, that does not obstruct a drainage course and complies with one of the following conditions:

(a) is less than 1 foot (0.3 m) in depth and is placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 5 units horizontal to I unit vertical (20 percent slope).

(b) is less than 3 feet (0.9 m) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 100 cubic yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 4 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (25 percent slope).

(c) is less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 20 cubic yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 4 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (25 percent slope).

Exemption from the permit requirements of this appendix shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Section J103.3 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J103.3 Permit issuance.

1. The issuance of a grading permit shall constitute an authorization to do only that work which is described or illustrated on the application for the permit or on the grading plans and specifications approved by the building official at the time of issuance.

2. Jurisdiction of other agencies. Permits issued under the requirements of this chapter shall not relieve the owner of responsibility for securing required permits for work to be accomplished which is regulated by any other code, department or division of the governing agency.

3. Conditions of permit. The building official, upon recommendation of the city traffic and transportation administrator, may impose such regulations with respect to access routes to and from grading sites in hillside areas as the building official shall determine are required in the interest of safety precautions involving pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

4. Consent of adjacent property owner. Whenever any excavation or fill requires entry onto adjacent property for any reason, the permit applicant shall obtain the written consent or legal easements or other property rights of the adjacent property owner or their authorized representative, and shall file a signed and duly notarized copy of such consent with the building official, and no permit for such grading work may be issued unless and until all necessary consent documents are so filed. The consent shall be in a form acceptable to the building official.

Section J103.4 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J103.4 Grading fees.

1. Fees for grading plan check and for grading permits shall be established or modified by resolution of the city council. The schedule of such fees shall remain on file and be available in the office of the building official. The building official shall, with the approval of the city manager, recommend changes to the council when the costs to provide grading plan check and grading inspection services make it appropriate.

2. The applicant shall pay a plan check fee prior to acceptance of grading plans and specifications for checking by the city.

3. Whenever the applicant submits a grading plan for plan check that is substantially different in design of the earthwork as compared to previously submitted grading plans, the submittal shall be considered an original and a new grading plan check fee shall be determined and paid to the city as provided in this section.

4. The applicant shall pay a grading permit fee prior to the issuance of a grading permit by the city. The fee shall be based on the total volume of excavation and fill, on the site. If, during grading operations, the plans and specifications for the grading project are revised increasing the volume of excavation, fill, or a combination thereof above the volume that was used to determine the grading permit fee, the applicant shall pay to the city the difference between the original grading permit fee and the recalculated fee before work may resume under the grading permit.

5. Whenever grading operations are commenced without an approved grading permit, a penalty shall be added to all unpaid fees for grading plan check and grading permits. The penalty shall be three hundred percent of all fees due the city.

Section J104.2.1 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J104.2.1 Grading Designation. Grading in hilly terrain in Hillside "H" designated area and all grading in excess of 2,000 cubic yards shall be performed in accordance with the approved grading plan prepared by a registered civil engineer, and shall be designated as "engineered grading." Grading involving less than 2,000 cubic yards and not located in an area of hilly terrain shall be designated as "regular grading" unless the permittee chooses to have the grading performed as engineered grading, or the building official determines that special conditions or unusual hazards exist, in which case grading shall conform to the requirements for engineered grading.

Section J104.2.2 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J104.2.2 Regular grading requirements. In addition to the provisions of Section 20106, and Section 104.2, Chapter 1, Division 11, an application for a regular grading permit shall be accompanied by plans in sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work. The plans shall give the location of the work, the name of the owner, and the name of the person who prepared the plan. If the slope of the grade exceeds 3 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical or as required by the building official, the plans and specifications shall be prepared and signed by an individual licensed by the state to prepare such plans or specifications. The plan shall include the following information:

1. General vicinity of the proposed site.

2. Limits and depths of cut and fill.

3. Location of any buildings or structures where work is to be performed, and the location of any buildings or structures within 15 feet (4.6 m) of the proposed grading.

4. Contours, flow areas, elevations, or slopes which define existing and proposed drainage patterns.

5. Stormwater provisions in accordance with the requirements of Appendix J and Title 5 Chapter 5.04 of the City of Culver City Municipal Code.

6. Location of existing and proposed utilities, drainage facilities, and recorded public and private easements and use restricted use areas.

7. Location of all Special Flood Hazard Areas as designated and defined in Title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.

Section J104.2.3 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J104.2.3 Engineered grading requirements. In addition to the provisions of Chapter 1 Division II, Section 107 and Appendix J Section J104.2, an application for an engineered grading permit shall be accompanied by plans and specifications, and supporting data consisting of a soils engineering report and engineering geology report. The plans and specifications shall be prepared and signed by an individual licensed by the state to prepare such plans or specifications when required by the building official. Specifications shall contain information covering structures and material requirements. Plans shall be drawn to scale and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. The first sheet of each set of plans shall give location of the work, the name and address of the owner, and the person by whom they were prepared. The plans shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following information:

1. General vicinity of the proposed site.

2. Property limits and accurate contours of existing ground and details of terrain and area drainage.

3. Limiting dimensions, elevations, or finish contours to be achieved by the grading, proposed drainage channels, and related structures.

4. Detailed plans of all surface and subsurface drainage devices, walls, cribbing, dams and other protective devices to be constructed with, or as a part of, the proposed work. A map showing the drainage area and the estimated runoff of the area served by any drains shall also be provided.

5. Location of any existing or proposed buildings or structures on the property where the work is to be performed and the location of any buildings or structures on land of adjacent owners that are within 15 feet (4.6 m) of the property or that may be affected by the proposed grading operations.

6. Recommendations in the geotechnical engineering report and the engineering geology report shall be incorporated into the grading plans or specifications. When approved by the building official, specific recommendations contained in the geotechnical engineering report and the engineering geology report, that are applicable to grading, may be included by reference.

7. The dates of the geotechnical engineering and engineering geology reports together with the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the firms or individuals who prepared the reports.

8. A statement of the earthwork quantities of materials to be excavated and/or filled. Earthwork quantities shall include quantities for geotechnical and geological remediation. In addition, a statement of material to be imported or exported from the site.

9. A statement of the estimated starting and completion dates for work covered by the permit.

10. A statement signed by the owner acknowledging that a field engineer, geotechnical engineer and engineering geologist, when appropriate, will be employed to perform the services required by this code, whenever approval of the plans and issuance of the permit are to be based on the condition that such professional persons be so employed. These acknowledgments shall be on a form furnished by the building official.

11. Storm water provisions are required to be shown on the grading plan in accordance with Appendix J Section J and Title 5 Chapter 5.04 of the CCMC.

12. A drainage plan for that portion of a lot or parcel to be utilized as a building site (building pad), including elevation of floors with respect to finish site grade and locations of existing and proposed stoops, slabs, fences or other features that may affect drainage.

13. Location and type of any existing or proposed private sewage disposal system.

14. Location of existing and proposed utilities, drainage facilities, and recorded public and private easements.

15. Location of all recorded floodways.

16. Location of all Special Flood Hazard Areas as designated and defined in Title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.

Section J109.5 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J109.5 Disposal. All drainage facilities shall be designed to carry waters to the nearest practicable street, storm drain, or natural watercourse drainage way approved by the building official or other appropriate governmental agency jurisdiction provided it is a safe place to deposit such waters. Erosion of ground in the area of discharge shall be prevented by installation of non-erosive down drains or other devices. Desilting basins, filter barriers or other methods, as approved by the building official, shall be utilized to remove sediments from surface waters before such waters are allowed to enter streets, storm drains, or natural watercourses. If the drainage device discharges onto natural ground, riprap or a similar energy dissipater may be required. Building pads shall have a minimum drainage gradient of 2 percent toward approved drainage facilities, a public street or drainage structure approved to receive storm waters unless waived by the building official. A lesser slope may be approved by the building official for sites graded in relatively flat terrain, or where special drainage provisions are made, when the building official finds such modification will not result in unfavorable drainage conditions.

Section J112 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J112 HILLSIDE GRADING REQUIREMENTS AND PERMITTING

J112.1 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this Subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLANS. A component of a grading plan submittal which indicates the methods for mitigating erosion and surficial movement of soils during rainy seasons.

FINAL GRADING APPROVAL. Building Official approval that the proposed grading conforms to the project plans.

HILLSIDE "H" GRADING DESIGNATION. Refers to a lot where the existing slope on any portion of the lot is equal to or steeper than 15% and may be subject to the requirement for a grading permit.

SIGNIFICANT TREE. Trees that are well established with a minimum caliper size of ten (10) inches or more and/or a tree height and canopy spread of twenty (20) feet or greater, and are required to be noted in the Slope Protection and Fire Prevention Landscape Plan.

SLOPE PROTECTION AND FIRE PREVENTION LANDSCAPE PLAN. A landscape plan prepared by a licensed landscape architect with all significant trees noted on the project site, designed to minimize erosion and surficial sliding and maximize fire prevention, and includes proposed ground cover, shrub, tree planting, and proposed water conserving irrigation, including fire resistant planting.

SPECIAL REPORT 152. The report prepared in 1982 by the California Department of Conservation Division of Mines and Geology titled Special Report 152, Slope Stability and Geology of the Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles County, California.

J112.2 HILLSIDE "H" GRADING DESIGNATION.

A. All properties shown on the Hillside "H" Grading Designation Area map (below) and other hillside properties that are subject to the requirements of this Subchapter shall have the Hillside "H" Grading Designation.

[Figure]

B. The Hillside "H" Grading Designation requires that hillside properties are designed and constructed in accordance with appropriate grading and drainage standards. The Hillside "H" Grading Designation:

1. Applies to a hillside lot where the existing slope on any portion of the lot is equal to or steeper than 15%;

2. Is recorded on City building records;

3. Requires a topographic survey with project plan submittal;

4. Requires a geotechnical and geological report with grading plan submittal; and allows a property owner to appeal the Hillside "H" Grading Designation to the Planning Commission where it can be shown, with a detailed topographic survey prepared by a licensed civil engineer or land surveyor, that said lot does not contain any slope equal to or in excess of 15%.

J712.3 GRADING REQUIREMENTS.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code, total grading (cut and fill) on a lot shall be limited as outlined in § 15.02.1320 herein. No grading permit shall be issued until a building permit is approved. All grading plans shall be subject to third party review, with commensurate plan review fees applied consistent with the City's fee schedule.

J712.4 THRESHOLDS FOR A GRADING PERMIT.

A. A hillside grading plan and a grading permit issued by the Building Official is required when the grading exceeds one hundred (100) cubic yards cut or fill and involves either:

1. A cut or fill of more than three (3) feet in vertical height below or above natural ground;

2. Cumulative cut and fill which amounts to more than five (5) feet; or

3. An area where the natural gradient of the project site is more than 4:1 (horizontal to vertical) or 25% slope.

B. Grading plans that do not exceed the thresholds set forth in § 15.02.1315.A are subject to a building permit only, and do not require a grading permit. The building permit application shall include earth work calculations with cross sections.

J712.4 MAXIMUM GRADING QUANTITIES.

A. Grading for all projects on properties with a Hillside "H" Grading Designation shall be limited to a maximum amount of cut and fill. The cumulative quantity of grading or the total combined value of both cut and fill or incremental cut and fill for a project shall be limited to a base maximum of five hundred (500) cubic yards plus the numeric value equal to 5% of the total lot size in cubic yards.

Example: A 5,000 square-foot lot would have a maximum grading amount of 750 cubic yards (500 cubic yards for the base amount + 250 cubic yards for the 5% lot size).

B. For projects where there is a maximum slope of 50% (2:1) or greater and/or where there is an excavation or fill that exceeds a 50% (2:1) or greater slope, no grading permit shall be issued without Building Official review and approval.

C. The maximum grading quantities, grading percentage for cut of fill or maximum allowable slope for grading may be appealed to the Planning Commission, where specific findings can be made. Such findings shall be established by resolution of the City Council.

J712.5 SLOPE STABILIZATION.

A. When a grading permit is required and the project exceeds 50% of the replacement value for the structure, as determined by the Building Official, the owner shall also be required to increase standards of care and safety for grading, excavations, fills, soil placement and foundations by implementing slope stabilization measures for the entire lot. A geotechnical engineer or engineering geologist shall establish prescriptive measures for slope stabilization, which shall be subject to third party review, with commensurate plan review fees applied consistent with the City's fee schedule.

B. Notwithstanding the above, the Building Official, in his or her sole discretion, may require slope stabilization measures for any project, if such measures are determined to be necessary in the interest of public health, safety or welfare.

J712.6 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REVIEW.

All grading projects of one (1) acre or greater are subject to Public Works Department approvals for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Storm Water Pollution Protection Plan (SWPPP) and Low Impact Development (LID) requirements.

J712.7 GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOLOGY REPORT.

All projects involving properties with a Hillside "H" Grading Designation and subject to a grading permit shall be required to prepare and submit a geotechnical report and a geology report as follows:

A. Geotechnical report. A geotechnical report shall be prepared by a licensed geotechnical engineer and demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Building Official (based upon third party review by a City approved civil engineer, geotechnical engineer and/or engineering geologist) that the project is properly located and designed to address site specific geotechnical conditions. Every geotechnical report shall:

1. Include data regarding the nature, distribution and strength of existing soils, conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures, design criteria and corrective measures, the impact of proposed grading as affected by soils, engineering factors and the design stability of slopes;

2. Include data from test borings for subsurface explorations of appropriate number and depth to allow for the evaluation of earth materials related to: (a) impacts to the project; (b) impacts to adjacent properties within 15 feet of the project site, or properties which may be impacted by proposed grading operations; (c) impacts to designated routes of ingress and egress for hauling and staging; and (d) impacts created by the immediately previous rainy season;

3. Require professional inspection of grading operations by the civil engineer, geotechnical engineer and engineering geologist retained for the project; and

4. Include review of Special Report 152 and related records on existing hazards in the Hillside "H" Grading Designation Area.

B. Geology report. A geology report shall be prepared by a licensed engineering geologist and demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Building Official (based upon third party review by a City approved civil engineer, soils engineer and/or engineering geologist) that the project is properly located and designed to address site specific soil conditions. Every geology report shall:

1. Make findings that the project and grading will not adversely affect the stability of the adjacent properties;

2. Include a description of the geology of the project site, and conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic conditions and geologic factors on the project and the proposed grading;

3. Include data from test borings for subsurface explorations of appropriate number and depth to allow for the evaluation of earth materials related to: (a) impacts to the project; (b) impacts to adjacent properties within fifteen (15) feet of the project site, or properties which may be impacted by proposed grading operations; (c) impacts to designated routes of ingress and egress for hauling and staging; and (d) impacts created by the immediately previous rainy season; and

4. Include review of Special Report 152 and related records on existing hazards in the Hillside "H" Grading Designation Area.

J112.8 DRAINAGE PLAN REQUIREMENTS.

All projects shall be designed to include appropriate drainage control devices such as interceptor terraces, diverter terraces, berms, vee channels, inlet structures, down drains, outlet structures, drainage dispersal walls, sub-drains, gutters, site drainage, drainage around buildings; and shall include a plan for maintenance of drainage devices to ensure proper site drainage. An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan shall be prepared to address site drainage conditions during project construction. The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan must be updated each year, prior to October 15, to reflect the conditions of the site during the immediately previous rainy season.

J112.9 POST CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE REPORTS AND MAINTENANCE COVENANT.

Annually, or when required by plan check, a drainage report shall be submitted to the Building Official indicating the condition of all drainage structures, acceptance of water from off-site properties and drainage to adjacent properties. A maintenance covenant, approved as to form by the City Attorney, shall be prepared to address required maintenance for all drainage structures. The drainage report shall include:

A. Hydrology map showing the drainage basin(s), the site of proposed grading, and any proposed drainage structures;

B. Summary of the hydrology and any proposed drainage structure conditions checked; and

C. Hydrology calculations for storm intensity requirements (up to twenty-five (25) year storm) for all drainage facilities.

J112.10 LANDSCAPE PLAN.

All projects located on properties with a Hillside "H" Grading Designation or other property subject to the requirements of this Subchapter shall provide a Slope Protection and Fire Prevention Landscape Plan prepared by a licensed landscape architect that minimizes erosion and surficial sliding and maximizes fire prevention. This plan shall be prepared pursuant to § J112.13 of this Subchapter and indicate proposed ground cover, shrub, tree planting, proposed water conserving irrigation, including automatic shut off valves, and fire-resistant planting.

J112.11 SIGNIFICANT TREE REMOVAL.

A. All significant trees as defined in § J112.1 of this Subchapter shall be identified by a licensed landscape architect and shown on the grading plan and Slope Protection and Fire Prevention Landscape Plan with a note of intent to either remove or protect such trees.

B. Before any significant tree is removed, an application to remove significant trees must be filed with the current Planning Division for approval, which shall indicate the reason for such removal and alternative planting to substitute for the significant tree(s) removed. The grading plan and Slope Protection and Fire Prevention Landscape Plan shall be reviewed by the current Planning Division to verify that the significant trees marked for removal are in conformance with the approved application.

C. The application to remove significant trees must be approved prior to approval of the grading plan.

J112.12 GRADING PROCEDURES.

A. Bonds. Security will be required for all hillside grading and shall be provided in the form of a surety bond, letter of credit or cash deposit. The grading bond will be based on 50% of the cost of moving the largest amount of either cut or fill and include the cost of landscaping the slopes per the approved Slope Protection and Fire Prevention Landscape Plan. To obtain release of the bond, the landscape architect must submit a letter of certification that the soils, additives and amendments, weed control, planting of the slopes and the installation of the irrigation system comply with all approved plans and applicable requirements of this Code. The bond will be released one (1) year after receipt of this certification if an inspection of the site determines that the landscaping has become permanently established.

B. Agreements. Agreements with adjacent property owners will be required for all of the following activities occurring outside the property boundaries of a project: grading, drainage, ingress and egress, community driveways, or encroachment outside the property boundaries. All agreements must be in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, shall be recorded, and a conformed copy of the recorded document shall be submitted prior to approval of the grading plan.

J112.13 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS.

Additional project plan submittal requirements, including requirements for a grading plan, Erosion Sediment and Control Plan and/or Slope Protection and Fire Prevention Landscape Plan, may be established by resolution of the City Council.

Section J113 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J113. HILLSIDE DRAINAGE

J113.1 Drainage System Required in Hillside Area.

A. It is hereby declared a public nuisance for any person owning or occupying any lot or parcel of property within the area designated "Hillside Area" on either Diagram "A" or "B," set forth in the Appendix following this Chapter, to fail to have installed and maintain:

1. In good working condition a system, consisting of either roof gutters, downspouts and connecting pipes or structures, or a combination thereof, which is capable of carrying rainwater falling on any roof on the property to the gutter of a street abutting the property; or

2. A system on the lot or parcel of property for draining the entire building pad to an abutting street.

B. The drainage system shall consist of a continuous one percent (1%) grade, or more, on all parts of the pad sloping down to the nearest street, or drainage structures, or a combination of such structures and grading, designed to drain water falling on the pad to an abutting street.

C. This Section shall apply to all property shown on the diagrams, whether or not previously improved; provided that this Section shall not apply to a particular lot or parcel of property, when the City Engineer has determined that the lack of all such systems on the property does not create any hazard to adjacent property.

APPENDIX: HILLSIDE DRAINAGE; DIAGRAMS

DIAGRAM “A”

[Figure]

DIAGRAM “B”

[Figure]

Section J114 is added to the 2025 CBC to read as follows:

J114 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Compliance.

J114.1 General. All grading plans and permits shall comply with the provisions of this section for NPDES compliance including the owner of any property on which grading has been performed and which requires a grading permit under Appendix J Section J103. Sites which have been graded and which require a grading permit under Appendix J Section J103 are subject to penalties and fines. All best management practices shall be installed before grading begins or as instructed in writing by the building official for unpermitted grading as defined by Section J103.3. As grading progresses, all best management practices shall be updated as necessary to prevent erosion and control structures related pollutants from discharging from the site. All best management practices shall be maintained in good working order to the satisfaction of the building official unless final grading approval has been granted by the building official and all permanent drainage and erosion control systems, if required, are in place.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 4; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 4; Ord. 2025-013, § 1; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 4)

A. Adoption of California Residential Code, 2025 Edition. Pursuant to California Government Code § 50022.2, the California Residential Code (CRC), 2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 2.5, of the California Code of Regulations, and Appendices AH, Al, AJ, AK, AO, AQ, and AX, AZ. of the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 2.5, of the California Code of Regulations are adopted by reference, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth below. One true copy of the CRC is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection as required by law.

B. Amendments to the California Residential Code.

CRC Section R105.1.1 Sandblasting is hereby added as follows:

R105.1.1 Sandblasting. The purpose of this Section is to prevent the dust and debris that occurs in sandblasting operations from spreading throughout the neighborhood creating a public health hazard.

R105.1.1.1 Permit Required; Compliance with Regulations.

A. No person shall sandblast or cause to be sandblasted the outside or inside of any building or structure within the City without first paying the fee and obtaining a permit from the Division of Building and Safety and without complying with regulations adopted by the City Council which are reasonable necessary to protect the public health and safety and property from damage which may result from sandblasting.

B. No permit for dry sandblasting shall be issued unless the Building Official determines that extraordinary reasons exist for the use of such a process and that adequate measures will be taken to protect the public health and safety from the effect of such dry sandblasting.

R105.1.1.2 Enforcement.

A. The Building Official shall have the power to revoke without prior notice any sandblasting permit for failure to comply with any such regulations.

B. No person shall do any sandblasting after a permit therefore has been revoked.

Subsection 11 is added to § R105.2 of the CRC as follows:

R105.2 Work exempt from permit.

Building

11. Block wall and concrete fences not over 3 feet 6 inches high.

Section R105.3.1.1 Expedited Streamlined Permitting Process for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Systems is added to the CRC as follows:

R105.3.1.1 Expedited Review Process. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.5, the Building Official shall implement an expedited administrative permit review process for small rooftop solar energy systems and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply with in order to be eligible for expedited review. The expedited administrative permit review process and checklist shall substantially conform to the recommended process and checklist prescribed by the California Solar Permitting Guidebook as adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The City's adopted checklist shall be published on the City's website.

R105.3.1.1.1 Electronic Submittals. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.5, the Building Official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this Ordinance and associated supporting documentations. In accepting such permit applications, the Building Official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.

R105.3.1.1.2 Association Approval. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.5, the Building Official shall not condition the approval for any solar energy system permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080.

R105.3.1.1.3 Permit Application Process. A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the City's adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.5, approve the application and issue all necessary permits. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid. The applicant is responsible for obtaining such approval or permission from the local utility provider. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

R105.3.1.1.4 Inspection Requirements. The Building Official shall require only one inspection for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review as provided by this Ordinance. Such inspection shall be performed in a timely manner. If the small rooftop solar energy system fails the single inspection, subsequent inspections shall be authorized.

Section R105.3.1.2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Permitting is added to the CRC as follows:

R105.3.1.2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Permitting

R105.3.1.2.1 Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this Chapter is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles by creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations while promoting public health, safety and welfare and preventing specific adverse impacts in the installation and use of such charging stations. This Chapter is also adopted to comply with California Government Code Section 65850.7.

R105.3.1.2.2 Definitions. For the purpose of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION or CHARGING STATION. Any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, as it reads on the effective date of this Chapter, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL. The utilization of one or more of the following:

• 1. Electronic mail or email.
• 2. The internet.
• 3. Facsimile.

SPECIFIC, ADVERSE IMPACT. A significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

R105.3.1.2.3 Expedited Permitting Process. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall implement an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with to be eligible for expedited review. The expedited, streamlined permitting process and checklist may refer to the recommendations contained in the most current version of the "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" as published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The City's adopted checklist shall be published on the City's website.

R105.3.1.2.4 Permit Application Processing.

A. Prior to submitting an application for processing, the applicant shall verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have specific, adverse impact to public health and safety and building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes but is not limited to: electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking.

B. A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the City adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, approve the application and issue all necessary permits. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the City. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

C. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this Chapter and associated supporting documentation. In accepting such permit applications, the Building Official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.

D. No fee shall be imposed on the applicant for the filing and processing of a permit application for installation of an electric vehicle charging station.

R105.3.1.2.5 Technical Review.

A. It is the intent of this Chapter to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing obstacles to permitting for charging stations so long as the action does not supersede the Building Official's authority to address higher priority life-safety situations. If the Building Official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, as defined in this Chapter, the City may require the applicant to apply for a use permit.

B. In the technical review of a charging station, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080.

R105.3.1.2.6 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Installation Requirements.

A. Electric vehicle charging station equipment shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, and rules of the Public Utilities Commission or a Municipal Electric Utility Company regarding safety and reliability.

B. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations and associated wiring, bonding, disconnecting means and overcurrent protective devices shall meet the requirements of Article 625 and all applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.

C. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations shall be incorporated into the load calculations of all new or existing electrical services and shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code. Electric vehicle charging equipment shall be considered a continuous load.

D. Anchorage of either floor-mounted or wall-mounted electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the requirements of the California Building or Residential Code as applicable per occupancy, and the provisions of the manufacturer's installation instructions. Mounting of charging stations shall not adversely affect building elements.

Section R105.3.2 of the CRC is hereby amended to read as follows:

R105.3.2 Expiration of Plan Check. An application for a permit for any proposed work is deemed to have been abandoned 12 months after the application date. Unless otherwise provided, after expiration of the application, the City will not issue a permit until the plans are rechecked and approved and a new fee is paid.

Exception: The Building Official may grant extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 90 days each if a permit applicant submits in writing sufficient evidence that unusual conditions or circumstances precluded the securing of the permit within the allocated time.

Section R105.5 of Chapter 1 of the CRC is hereby amended to read as follows:

R105.5 Expiration of Permits. 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. Work shall be considered suspended or abandoned if the building official determines that substantial work has not been performed within the time specified above. Substantial work shall be constructed to mean:

1. Measurable work such as, but not limited to, the addition of footings, structural members, flooring, wall covering, etc.

2. The work mentioned in subsection 1 of this Section [A] 105.5 above must constitute 20% of the value of the work for which the permit was issued in any 180 day period for Group R, Division 3 occupancies and 10% for all other occupancies.

Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the fee therefore shall be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work, and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new permit fee and may be required to comply with all applicable new regulations at the time of issuance. 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.

Except as otherwise provided, every permit issued by the City is valid for a period of three (3) years.

Exception: The Building Official may grant extensions of time if a permit applicant submits in writing sufficient evidence that unusual conditions or circumstances precluded from the work being completed. An extension of time may require conditions of approval and additional fees.

Section R105.8 of Chapter 1 of the CRC is added to read as follows:

R105.8 Responsibility of permittee. Building permits shall be presumed by the city to incorporate all of the work that the applicant, the applicant's agent, employees and/or contractors shall carry out. Said proposed work shall be in accordance with the approved plans and with all requirements of this code and any other laws or regulations applicable thereto. No city approval shall relieve or exonerate any person from the responsibility of complying with the provisions of this code nor shall any vested rights be created for any work performed in violation of this code.

Section R109.5.1 of Chapter 1 of the CRC is added to read as follows:

R108.5.1 Plan check fees refund. 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.

Section R108.5.2 of Chapter 1 of the CRC is added to read as follows:

R108.5.2 Permit fees refund.

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.

Section 108.6 of Chapter 1 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

R108.6 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee in addition to the normally established permit fee, equal to 100% of such normally established permit fee, or as otherwise determined by the building official.

Section 110.1.1 of Chapter 1 of the CRC is added to read as follows:

R109.1.7 Setback Certification required. A California State licensed surveyor is required to certify the location of the new construction when it is within 3 feet of a setback line or property line prior to the first foundation inspection. A copy of the certification shall be available to the Building 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.

Section R109.5 of Chapter 1 of the CRC is hereby added to read as follows:

R109.5 Re-inspections. A re-inspection fee in the amount set by the City Council resolution may be assessed for each inspection or re-inspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is incomplete or when required corrections called are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring re-inspection 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 re-inspection. Re-inspection 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. In instances where re-inspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until required fees have been paid.

Section R301.1.3.2 of Chapter 3 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R301.1.3.2 Wood frame structures. The building official shall require construction documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for all dwellings of wood frame construction more than two stories and basement in height located in Seismic Design Category A, B or C. Notwithstanding other sections of law; the law establishing these provisions is found in Business and Professions Code Sections 5537 and 6737.1.

The building official shall require construction documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for all dwellings of wood frame construction more than one story in height or with a basement located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2.

Section R301.1.5 is added to Chapter 3 of the CRC to read as follows.

R301.1.5 Seismic design provisions for buildings constructed on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3 percent slope). The design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when constructed on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3 percent slope) shall comply with Section 1613.6 of the California Building Code.

Items 1, 3 and 5 of Section R301.2.2.6 of the CRC are amended to read as follows.

1. Shear wall or braced wall offsets out of plane. Conditions where exterior shear wall lines or braced wall panels are not in one plane vertically from the foundation to the uppermost story in which they are required.

2. Shear wall or braced wall offsets in plane. Conditions where the end of a braced wall panel occurs over an opening in the wall below.

3. Floor level offset. Conditions where portions of a floor level are vertically offset.

Section R301.2.2.11 is added to Chapter 3 of the CRC to read as follows.

R301.2.2.11 Anchorage of Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Components and Equipment. Mechanical, electrical, or plumbing components and equipment shall be anchored to the structure. Anchorage of the components and equipment shall be designed to resist loads in accordance with the California Residential Code and ASCE 7, except where the component is positively attached to the structure and flexible connections are provided between the component and associated ductwork, piping, and conduit; and either

1. The component weighs 400 lbs. (1,780 N) or less and has a center of mass located 4 ft. (1.22 m) or less above the supporting structure; or

2. The component weighs 20 lbs. (89 N) or less or, in the case of a distributed system, 5 lb/ft. (73 N/m) or less.

Section R401.1 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

R401.1 Application. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for buildings. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in flood hazard areas as established by Table R301.2(1) shall meet the provisions of Section R322. Wood foundations shall be designed and installed in accordance with AWC PWF.

Exception: The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be used for wood foundations only in the following situations:

1. In buildings that have no more than two floors and a roof.

2. When interior basement and foundation walls are constructed at intervals not exceeding 50 feet (15240 mm). Wood foundations in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2 shall not be permitted.

Exception: In non-occupied, single-story, detached storage sheds and similar uses other than carport or garage, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 200 square feet, the plate height does not exceed 12 feet in height above the grade plane at any point, and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches.

Section R401.5 of the 2025 CRC, is hereby added to read as follows:

R401.5 Grading. Grading requirements shall be in compliance with Appendix J of the Amended CBC of this Code.

Sections R403.1.2, R403.1.3.6 and R403.1.5 of the CRC are amended to read as follows:

R403.1.2 Continuous footing in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2. Exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 shall be supported by continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings. All required interior braced wall panels in buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 shall be supported on continuous foundations.

R403.1.3.6 Isolated concrete footings. In detached one- and two-family dwellings located in Seismic Design Category A, B, or C, that are three stories or less in height, and constructed with stud bearing walls, isolated plain concrete footings supporting columns or pedestals are permitted.

R403.1.5 Slope. The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall not have a slope exceeding one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footings or where the slope of the bottom surface of the footings will exceed one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 or D2, stepped footings shall be reinforced with four No. 4 rebar. Two bars shall be place at the top and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure R403.1.5.

[Figure]

FIGURE R403.1.5 - STEPPED FOOTING

Section R404.2 of the CRC is amended to read as follows.

R404.2 Wood foundation walls. Wood foundation walls shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of Sections R404.2.1 through R404.2.6 and with the details shown in Figures R403.1(2) and R403.1(3). Wood foundation walls shall not be used for structures located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2.

Section R501.1 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

R501.1 Application. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the floors for buildings, including the floors of attic spaces used to house mechanical or plumbing fixtures and equipment. Mechanical or plumbing fixtures and equipment shall be attached (or anchored) to the structure in accordance with Section R301.2.2.11.

Section R503.2.4 is added to Chapter 5 of the CRC to read as follows:

R503.2.4 Openings in horizontal diaphragms. Openings in horizontal diaphragms with a dimension perpendicular to the joist that is greater than 4 feet (1.2 m) shall be constructed in accordance with Figure R503.2.4.

[Figure]

FIGURE R503.2.4 - OPENINGS IN HORIZONTAL DIAPHRAGMS

Lines 20, 21, 24, and 34 - 37 of Table R602.3(1) of the 2025 CRC are amended to read as follows:

TABLE R602.3(1) - continued FASTENING SCHEDULE

For SI: 1 inch - 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s; 1 ksi = 6.895 MPa.

TABLE R602.3(1)- FASTENING SCHEDULE

a. Nails are smooth-common, box or deformed shanks except where otherwise stated. Nails used for framing and sheathing connections shall have minimum average bending yield strengths as shown: 80 ksi for shank diameter of 0.192 inch (20d common nail), 90 ksi for shank diameters larger than 0.142 inch but not larger than 0.177 inch, and 100 ksi for shank diameters of 0.142 inch or less.

b. Staples are 16 gage wire and have a minimum 7116-inch on diameter crown width.

c. Nails shall be spaced at not more than 6 inches on center at all supports where spans are 48 inches or greater.

d. Four-foot by 8-foot or 4-foot by 9-foot panels shall be applied vertically.

e. Spacing of fasteners not included in this table shall be based on Table R602.3(2).

f. For wood structural panel roof sheathing attached to gable end roof framing and to intermediate supports within 48 inches of roof edges and ridges, nails shall be spaced at 6 inches on center where the ultimate design wind speed is less than 130 mph and shall be spaced 4 inches on center where the ultimate design wind speed is 130 mph or greater but less than 140 mph.

g. Gypsum sheathing shall conform to ASTM C1396 and shall be installed in accordance with GA 253. Fiberboard sheathing shall conform to ASTM C208.

h. Spacing of fasteners on floor sheathing panel edges applies to panel edges supported by framing members and required blocking and at floor perimeters only. Spacing of fasteners on roof sheathing panel edges applies to panel edges supported by framing members and required blocking. Blocking of roof or floor sheathing panel edges perpendicular to the framing members need not be provided except as required by other provisions of this code. Floor perimeter shall be supported by framing members or solid blocking.

i. Where a rafter is fastened to an adjacent parallel ceiling joist in accordance with this schedule, provide two toe nails on one side of the rafter and toe nails from the ceiling joist to top plate in accordance with this schedule. The toe nail on the opposite side of the rafter shall not be required.

j. RSRS-01 is a Roof Sheathing Ring Shank nail meeting the specifications in ASTM F1667.

k. Use of staples in braced wall panels shall be prohibited in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2.

Exception of Section R602.3.2 and Table R602.3.2 of the 2025 Edition of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

Table R602.3.2

Exception: In other than Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2, a single top plate used as an alternative to a double top plate shall comply with the following:

1. The single top plate shall be tied at corners, intersecting walls, and at in-line splices in straight wall lines in accordance with Table R602.3.2.

2. The rafters or joists shall be centered over the studs with a tolerance of not more than 1 inch (25 mm).

3. Omission of the top plate is permitted over headers where the headers are adequately tied to adjacent wall sections in accordance with Table R602.3.2.

[Figure]

Table R602.3(2)

b. Staples shall have a minimum crown width of 7/16-inch on diameter except as noted. Use of staples in roof, floor, subfloor, and braced wall panels shall be prohibited in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2.

Section R602.10.2.3 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R602.10.2.3 Minimum number of braced wall panels. Braced wall lines with a length of 16 feet (4877 mm) or less shall have a minimum of two braced wall panels of any length or one braced wall panel equal to 48 inches (1219 mm) or more. Braced wall lines greater than 16 feet (4877 mm) shall have a minimum of two braced wall panels. No braced wall panel shall be less than 48 inches in length in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2.

Table R602.10.3(3) of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

[Figure]

[Figure]

Table R602.10.4 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

[Figure]

Table R602.10.5 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

[Figure]

Figure R602.10.6.1 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

Figure R602.10.6.2 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

Figure R602.10.6.4 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

Section R606.4.4 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

R606.4.4 Parapet walls. Unreinforced solid masonry parapet walls shall not be less than 8 inches (203 mm) thick and their height shall not exceed four times their thickness. Unreinforced hollow unit masonry parapet walls shall be not less than 8 inches (203 mm) thick, and their height shall not exceed three times their thickness. Masonry parapet walls in areas subject to wind loads of 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa) or located in Seismic Design Category Do, D1 or D2, or on townhouses in Seismic Design Category C shall be reinforced in accordance with Section R606.12.

Section R606.12.2.2.3 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

R606.12.2.2.3 Reinforcement requirements for masonry elements. Masonry elements listed in Section R606.12.2.2.2 shall be reinforced in either the horizontal or vertical direction as shown in Figure R606.11(2) and in accordance with the following:

1. Horizontal reinforcement. Horizontal joint reinforcement shall consist of at least one No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1219 mm). Horizontal reinforcement shall be provided within 16 inches (406 mm) of the top and bottom of these masonry elements.

2. Vertical reinforcement. Vertical reinforcement shall consist of at least one No.4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1219 mm). Vertical reinforcement shall be within 8 inches (203 mm) of the ends of masonry walls.

Section R803.2.4 is added to Chapter 8 of the CRC to read as follows:

R803.2.4 Openings in horizontal diaphragms. Openings in horizontal diaphragms shall conform with Section R503.2.4.

Section R905.3.1 of the 2025 Edition of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

R905.3.1 Deck requirements. Concrete and clay tile shall be installed only over solid sheathing.

Exception: Spaced lumber shall be permitted in Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C.

Section R1001.3.1 of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

R1001.3.1 Vertical reinforcing. For chimneys up to 40 inches (1016 mm) wide, four No. 4 continuous vertical bars adequately anchored into the concrete foundation shall be placed between wythes of solid masonry or within the cells of hollow unit masonry and grouted in accordance with Section R606. Grout shall be prevented from bonding with the flue liner so that the flue liner is free to move with thermal expansion. For chimneys more than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide, two additional No. 4 vertical bars adequately anchored into the concrete foundation shall be provided for each additional flue incorporated into the chimney or for each additional 40 inches (1016 mm) in width or fraction thereof.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 5; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 5; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 5)

Pursuant to California Government Code §§ 50022.1 to 50022.8, the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 3, of the California Code of Regulations, including Annexes A thru J ("CEC") is adopted by reference, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth below. One true copy of the CEC is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection as required bylaw.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 6; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 6; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 6)

A. Adoption of California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition. Pursuant to California Government Code §§ 50022.1 to 50022.8, the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 4, of the California Code of Regulations, including Appendices A through G ("CMC") is adopted by reference, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth below. One true copy of the CMC, is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection as required by law.

B. Amendments to the Code.

Section 104.0 of the CMC is hereby amended as follows:

CMC Section 104.0 Permits is deleted in its entirety. The 2025 California Building Code, as incorporated into the Culver City Municipal Code, will govern the administration of the CMC.

Section 104.5 of the CMC is hereby amended as follows:

CMC Section 104.5 Fees is deleted in its entirety. The 2025 California Building Code, as incorporated into the Culver City Municipal Code, will govern the administration of the CMC.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 7; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 7; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 7)

A. Adoption of California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition. Pursuant to California Government Code §§ 50022.1 to 50022.8, the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 5, of the California Code of Regulations, including Appendices A, B, D, H, I, and L ("CPC") is adopted by reference, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth below. One true copy of the CPC is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection as required by law.

B. Amendments to the Code.

CPC Section 104.4.3 (Expiration) and Section 104.4.4 (Extensions) are deleted in its entirety. The 2025 California Building Code, as incorporated into the Culver City Municipal Code, will govern the administration of the CPC.

CPC Section 1208.13.1 Seismic Gas Shutoff Valves is added to the 2025 CPC to read as follows:

1208.13.1 Seismic Gas Shutoff Valves.

1208.13.1.1 Scope. A seismic gas shutoff valve shall be installed in compliance with the requirements of this section on each gas fuel line in the following:

1208.13.1.1.1 Any building or structure for which a building permit was first issued on or after January 9, 2020.

1208.13.1.1.2 Any building or structure which is altered or expanded under a building permit first issued on or after January 9, 2020, when such alteration or addition is valued at more than $10,000.

1208.13.1.1.3 Any building or structure sold on or after January 9, 2020. However, when an individual condominium unit is sold in a building that has multiple gas lines, then the requirements of this section shall apply only to the line or lines serving the condominium unit that has been sold.

1208.13.1.2 Maintenance. Where the installation of a seismic gas shutoff valve is required by this section in any building or structure, that seismic gas shutoff valve shall be maintained for the life of that building or structure or shall be replaced with a valve complying with the requirements of this section.

1208.13.1.3 General Requirements. Where the installation of a seismic gas shutoff valve on a fuel line is required by this section, that valve must:

1208.13.1.3.1 Be mounted rigidly to the exterior of the building or structure containing the fuel line unless the building official determines that the seismic gas shutoff valve has been tested and listed for an alternate method of installation.

1208.13.1.3.2 Be installed downstream of the gas utility meter, except that a valve may be installed upstream of the gas utility meter at the discretion of the gas utility if the valve would otherwise meet the requirements of this section.

1208.13.1.3.3 Be listed by an approved testing laboratory and certified by the Office of the State Architect.

1208.13.1.3.4 Have a thirty-year warranty which warrants that the valve is free from defects and will continue to properly operate for thirty years from the date of operation.

1208.13.1.4 Critical Facilities. The requirements of this Section shall not apply to any building that is used by any public agency for the provision of emergency services, including fire, police, and similar public safety services.

1208.13.1.5 Definitions. For purposes of this section, certain terms shall be defined as follows:

1208.13.1.5.1 DOWNSTREAM OF THE GAS UTILITY METER. Shall refer to all customer owned gas piping.

1208.13.1.5.2 SEISMIC GAS SHUTOFF VALVE. Shall mean a system consisting of a seismic sensing means and actuating means designed to automatically actuate a companion gas shutoff means installed in a gas piping system in order to shut off the gas downstream of the location of the gas shutoff means in the event of a severe seismic disturbance. The system may consist of separable components or may incorporate all functions in a single body. The terms "seismically activated gas shutoff valves" and "earthquake sensitive gas shutoff valves," are synonymous.

1208.13.1.5.3 UPSTREAM OF THE GAS UTILITY METER. Shall refer to all gas piping installed by the utility up to and including the meter and the utility's bypass toe at the connection to the customer owned piping.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 8; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 8; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 8)

Pursuant to California Government Code §§ 50022.1 to 50022.8, the California Energy Code ("CEC"), 2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 6, of the California Code of Regulations. One true copy of the CEC, is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection as required by law.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 9; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 9; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 9)

Pursuant to California Government Code §§ 50022.1 to 50022.8, the California Historical Building Code ("CHBC"),2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 8, of the California Code of Regulations. One true copy of the HBC is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection as required by law.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 10; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 10; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 10)

A. Adoption of California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition. Pursuant to California Government Code § 50022.1 to 50022.8, the California Existing Building Code ("CEBC"), 2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 10, of the California Code of Regulations, is adopted by reference, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth below.

Appendix A (Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings) with Chapters A1, A2, A3 is also adopted as Voluntary Earthquake Hazard Reduction Measures in Existing Buildings (Voluntary Seismic Retrofit). One true copy of the CEBC, is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection as required by law.

B. Amendments to the Code.

Amendments are located in Subchapter 15.02.500 Mandatory Seismic Provisions 15 for Wood-Frame Buildings with Soft, Weak or Open-Front Walls.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 11; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 11; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 11)

Adoption of California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition.

Pursuant to California Government Code §§ 50022.1 to 50022.8, the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 11, of the California Code of Regulations ("CGBSC") is adopted by reference, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth below. One true copy of the CGBSC, is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection as required by law.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 12; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 12; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 12)

The 2025 Edition of the California Reference Standards Code, published by the International Code Council, and all appendices, amendments, supplements, and errata thereto, is hereby adopted by reference and shall be applicable to the City of Culver City, and referred to as the "Reference Standards Code of the City of Culver City." One copy of the Reference Standards Code of the City of Culver City shall be kept on file in the Building Official's office for public inspection.

(Ord. No. 2016-012 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 13; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 13; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 13)

A. Adoption of International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Edition. Pursuant to California Government Code §§ 50022.1 to 50022.8, the International Property Maintenance Code ("IPMC"), 2021 Edition, promulgated and published by the International Code Council, including Appendix A, is adopted by reference, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth below. One true copy of the IPMC, is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection as required by law."

B. Amendments to the Code.

Section [A] 111.2 of the IPMC is hereby amended as follows:

IPMC Section [A] 111.2 Membership of board, is deleted in its entirety. The 2025 California Building Code, as incorporated into the Culver City Municipal Code, will govern the administration of the IPMC.

Sections[A]111.2.1 through [A]111.8 of the IPMC are hereby deleted.

(Ord. No. 2019-015 § 14; Ord. No. 2022-007 § 14; Ord. No. 2025-015 § 14)

GENDER NEUTRAL PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITIES IN NEW CONSTRUCTION

All newly constructed buildings shall be required to provide gender neutral public restroom facilities.

(Ord. No. 2024-003 § 1 (part))

A. The requirements of this subchapter shall apply to public restroom facilities of all newly constructed buildings.

B. An applicant may voluntarily retrofit public restroom facilities of existing buildings as described in this subchapter.

C. The requirements of this subchapter shall not apply to any restroom inside a residential unit.

D. Pursuant to Cal. Health and Safety Code § 118507, this subchapter requires that public restrooms constructed in newly constructed buildings within the City comply with specific requirements designed to serve all genders instead of complying with the standards set forth in the California Plumbing Code.

E. This subchapter shall become inoperative and repealed on the date that standards that address all-gender, multi-user facilities take effect in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the Cal. Code of Regulations).

(Ord. No. 2024-003 § 1 (part))

For purposes of this subchapter, the following words or phrases shall have the following meanings:

GENDER NEUTRAL PUBLIC TOILET FACILITY. A public restroom whose access shall not be restricted to persons of a specific sex, an individual's gender expression, or an individual's gender identity.

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDING. A new structure that has never before been used or occupied for any purpose, or removal and replacement of an existing structure.

(Ord. No. 2024-003 § 1 (part))

A. Single-user facilities. Shall be designed and constructed with single-user toilet compartments and identified for use by all genders instead of the design standards for separate facilities for male and female found in the applicable provisions in Chapter 4 of the California Plumbing Code.

B. Multi-user facilities. Shall be designed with lavatories located either within toilet rooms or grouped in an immediately adjacent common use area accessible to all users. The following accepable designs are proded for example purposes only.

[Figure]

[Figure]

C. Signage. Signage indicating that public toilet facilities are accessible to all users, and not restricted to persons of a specific sex or gender identity, shall comply with Part 5 of Title 24 of the Cal. Code of Regulations, and be clearly and conspicuously posted on all entrances to such public restroom facility or facilities. An example of signage that may be used is depicted below:

[Figure]

D. Design. Gender neutral public restroom facilities shall be designed to serve all genders and shall adhere to the following criteria:

1. The location of facilities shall be along common and open circulation paths that will maintain privacy and allow for high visibility for security.

2. The main entrance to the space or area where public restroom facilities are located shall not have a door that will obstruct or prevent visual security.

3. Water closets shall be designed as single-user compartments and designated for use by no more than one occupant at a time or for family or assisted use.

4. Water closets shall be enclosed on all sides by walls or partitions extending from up to one inch above the floor and/or from the ceiling, and a door enclosing the fixture for privacy.

5. Lavatories may be located in the same compartment as a water closet or grouped in an immediately adjacent common use area accessible to all users.

6. Urinals shall be located in an area visually separated from the remainder of the facility or in an individual compartment(s).

7. The door to each individual compartment containing a water closet, urinal, or both, shall have a locking mechanism controlled by the occupant. The lock shall visually indicate to outside occupants that the compartment is occupied.

8. Adequate light and ventilation shall be provided within each compartment and each area of the facility.

9. Windows or glazing used in the compartment enclosures shall be opaque to provide for privacy.

10. The substitution of a water closet for each urinal shall be permitted provided the total number of fixtures installed complies with the California Plumbing Code.

E. Relation to other rules and regulations. The design standards contained in this subchapter shall not be construed as requiring or authorizing:

1. A reduction in the number of fixtures or toilet facilities that are required by Title 24, Part 5 of the Cal. Code of Regulations; or

2. A reduction in the number of fixtures or toilet facilities accessible to persons with disabilities that are otherwise required under either Title 24 of the Cal. Code of Regulations or the Federal Americans with Disability Act.

F. Alternate designs. Gender neutral public toilet facilities may be further designed in any manner that provides the greatest access, equivalency, and privacy for patrons, and maximizes space, with shared washbasins, enclosed lavatories, enclosed urinals and/or toilets, or other design features that promote the purposes herein promulgated in accordance with the California Building Code § 104.10.

(Ord. No. 2024-003 § 1 (part))

MANDATORY SEISMIC PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING WOOD-FRAME BUILDINGS WITH SOFT, WEAK OR OPEN-FRONT WALLS

The provisions of this Subchapter are intended to promote the public welfare and safety by reducing the risk of death or injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes on existing wood-framed multi-story buildings with soft, weak or open-front walls. Generally, this type of structure consists of partial tuck-under parking on the first-floor level with single or multi-family living space in the floors above. In past earthquakes many of these types of structures have performed poorly and collapsed, causing loss of life, personal injury, and substantial property damage. This Subchapter is considered an amendment to the California Building Code and creates minimum standards intended to reduce the risk of collapse and improve the performance of these buildings during earthquakes, but not necessarily prevent, the loss of life, injury and damage to property.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

A. The provisions of this Subchapter shall apply to all existing buildings of wood-frame construction, or wood-frame portions thereof, where:

1. A permit for construction of a new building was applied for before October 23, 1978, or if no permit can be located, the structure is determined by the Building Official to have been built under Building Code standards enacted prior to October 23, 1978; and

2. The ground floor or basement portion of the structure contains parking or other similar open floor space that causes soft, weak, open-front wall lines, or the majority of the ground floor or basement portion of the structure contains an open floor space, and there exists one or more stories above.

B. Exceptions. The provisions of this Subchapter shall not apply to detached single-family dwelling units and detached single-family dwelling units with an Accessory Dwelling Unit as defined in § 17.400.095.

C. Notwithstanding any provision of the Building Code, compliance with this Subchapter shall not require existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems to be altered to comply with the current Building Code unless they constitute a hazard to life or property as determined by the Building Official.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

Notwithstanding the applicable definitions, symbols and notations in the Building Code, the following definitions shall apply for the purposes of this Subchapter:

BUILDING CODE. The Building Code of the City of Culver City in effect at the time of submittal retrofit plan for plan review.

CRIPPLE WALL. A wood-framed stud wall extending from the top of the foundation wall to the underside of the lowest floor framing.

DESIGN CRITERIA. A document that outlines the design professional's alternative analysis or retrofit approach and methodology to satisfy the design intent and performance objective of this Subchapter. This document is intended to be used when the code and seismic ordinance language does not address the proposed analysis or retrofit approach or methodology.

GROUND FLOOR. Any floor within the wood-frame portion of a building whose elevation is immediately accessible from an adjacent grade by vehicles or pedestrians. The ground floor portion of the structure does not include any floor that is completely below adjacent grades.

HISTORICAL BUILDING. Any building designated as a "qualified historical building" as defined in Part 8, Title 24 of the Cal. Code of Regulations.

OPEN-FRONT WALL LINE. An exterior wall line, without vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system, which requires tributary seismic forces to be resisted by diaphragm rotation or contains an excessive cantilever beyond parallel lines of shear walls. Diaphragms that cantilever more than twenty-five (25%) of the distance between tines of lateral force resisting elements from which the diaphragm cantilevers shall be considered excessive. Diaphragm cantilevers or exterior balconies of six (6) feet or less in width shall not be considered excessive cantilevers.

OWNER or BUILDING OWNER. The individual(s), agent, firm, corporation, or entity having legal possession, equitable interest in the property, or rights to sanction evaluation or retrofit of a building.

RETROFIT. An improvement of the lateral force resisting system by alteration of existing structural elements or addition of new structural elements.

SEISMIC DESIGN GUIDELINES. Framework guidelines developed by the Building Official which are intended to calibrate, delineate and detail technical requirements to be used for the retrofitting of buildings subject to this Subchapter.

SOFT WALL LINE. A deficiency in a wall line in which the lateral stiffness is less than what is required by story drift limitations and deformation compatibility requirements of this Subchapter. In lieu of the engineering analysis required by this Subchapter to determine whether a wall line's lateral stiffness is less than the aforementioned story drift limitations and deformation compatibility requirements, a SOFT WALL LINE deficiency may be defined as a wall line in a story where the wall stiffness is less than seventy percent (70%) of the stiffness of the exterior wall above for the direction under consideration.

STORY. As defined in the Building Code, but includes any basement or under-floor space of a building with cripple walls exceeding four (4) feet in height.

STORY STRENGTH. The total strength of all seismic-resisting elements sharing the same story shear in the direction under consideration.

WALL LINE. Any length of a wall along a principal axis of the building used to provide resistance to lateral loads.

WEAK WALL LINE. A deficiency of a wall line at the ground floor in which the wall strength is less than eighty percent (80%) of the strength of the wall above in the direction under consideration or is an exterior wall where the majority of the ground floor or basement portion of the structure contains an open floor space and the ground floor story strength is less than eighty percent (80%) of the story strength above.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

A. The owner of each building within the scope of this Subchapter shall cause an investigation of the existing construction and a structural analysis to be performed on the building by a registered civil or structural engineer licensed in the State of California, and if the building does not meet the minimum standards specified in this Subchapter, the Owner shall cause it to be structurally altered to conform to such standards.

B. Each building within the scope of this Subchapter which has been analyzed to demonstrate compliance or has been structurally altered to comply with the minimum standards in this Subchapter shall be maintained in conformity with the requirements of this Subchapter in effect at the time of such analysis or structural alteration.

C. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Subchapter to the contrary, a building that is found to be within the scope of this Subchapter and is not brought into compliance in the time frame indicated in Table A of this Subchapter may be deemed unsafe and subject to the requirements of Section 102 of the Building Code.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

A. Screening report. Within the time limits allowed in Table A, the owner of any building subject to the provisions of this Subchapter shall submit a screening report to the Building and Safety Division. The report shall demonstrate whether the structure conforms to the earthquake design provisions contained in this Subchapter; minimum form requirements shall be as specified by the Building Official.

B. Plan, permits and construction. If the screening report concludes the structure does not comply with the provisions of this Subchapter, the structure shall be strengthened to comply with the standards of this Subchapter within the time periods shown in Table A. Minimum plan requirements shall be as specified by the Building Official.

Table A Time Period for Compliance

C. Priority designations. The Building Official shall prioritize enforcement of this Subchapter as defined in Table B.

Table B Priority Designation

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

A. Issuance of order. The Building Official shall, in accordance with the priorities set forth in Table B of this Subchapter, issue an order as provided in this Section to the owner of each building that is expected to be within the scope of this Subchapter.

B. Contents of order. The order shall be in writing and shall be served either personally or by certified mail to the owner as shown on the last equalized Los Angeles County assessment roll of the building. The order shall specify that the building has been determined by the Building Official to be within the scope of this Subchapter and, therefore, is required to meet the standards of this Subchapter.

C. Service of order. Proper service of a notice shall be by certified mail, It shall be deemed a reasonable effort has been made to serve such notice when registered or certified letters have been mailed to the address of the interested party as shown on the official record. The designated period within which the owner or person in charge is required to comply with such notice shall begin as of the date the owner or person in charge receives such notice by personal service or certified mail.

D. Failure to receive order. Failure of any owner, party concerned or other person to receive such notice shall not affect the validity of any proceedings taken thereunder.

E. Appeal from order. Once the building owner has submitted a screening report in accordance with § 15.02.520.A. and the Building Official has determined that the building is within the scope of this Subchapter, the owner may appeal the decision per Section 1.8.8.3 of the Building Code.

F. Extensions. The building owner may request an extension to the time period for compliance set forth in Table A of § 15.02.520. An application for extension may only be filed after the owner has submitted a screening report to the City and the retrofit plans have been approved by the City. The building owner has the burden of proof to establish with substantial evidence that good cause for the extension exists. The building owner must also provide a new proposed schedule for compliance, and plan to comply with the provisions of this Subchapter during that timeframe. Upon good cause shown, the Building Official may approve, approve with modifications or deny the extension request for an extension that is commensurate with the justification for the extension. The owner of the building may appeal the Building Official's decision on the extension per Section 1.8.8.3 of the Building Code.

G. Recordation. Once a building that was determined to be within the scope of this Subchapter has failed to comply with the requirements of this Subchapter within the time limits provided in Table A, the Building Official may record in the office of the Los Angeles County recorder a certificate stating that the subject building is within the scope of this Subchapter and requires seismic retrofit. The certificate shall also state that the owner thereof has been notified of the need to retrofit the building. Once the building has been retrofitted to comply with this Subchapter, the Building Official shall record a certificate indicating that the subject building no longer is in violation of this Subchapter.

H. Regulations and policies. The Building Official may promulgate implementing regulations and policies consistent with this Subchapter.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

A. Notification to tenants and occupants. The owner shall notify in writing all current and prospective residential and non-residential tenants, subtenants, lessees, sublessees, or any other person(s) entitled to the use and/or occupancy of the building (collectively, "tenants") of a proposed project submitted pursuant to this Subchapter. The notice shall include the information for the project, as determined by the City, including the scope of work, expected duration, and contact information for a representative of the contractor. The form of notice shall be supplied by the Community Development Department and Building and Safety Division.

B. Tenant Impact Mitigation Plan. If required, the property owner shall submit to the Building Official a Tenant Impact Mitigation Plan.

C. Tenant protections. The property owner must mitigate untenantable conditions resulting from the project either through actions to ensure that tenants can safely remain in the building during the project or through the temporary relocation of tenants, in compliance with all applicable provisions of § 15.09.330.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

Historical buildings shall comply with the California Historical Building Code and the provisions of this Subchapter. Modifications to the standards set forth in this Subchapter may be permitted when such modifications are consistent with the provision of the California Historical Building Code. Such modifications shall be clearly specified in the screening report.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

A. Scope of analysis. This Subchapter requires the alteration, repair, replacement or addition of structural elements and their connections to meet the strength and stiffness in conformance with the Building Code except as modified herein. The lateral-load-path analysis shall include the resisting elements and connections from the wood diaphragm immediately above any soft, weak or open-front wall lines to and including the foundation. Stories above the weak wall line shall be considered in the analysis but need not be modified. The engineer shall investigate existing conditions as applicable for the required analysis, including performing initial material testing and verification of existing conditions.

B. Design base shear and design parameters. The design force in a given direction shall not be less than seventy-five percent (75%) of that derived from the base shear as determined from the seismic provisions of ASCE 7 and design provisions as specified by the current Seismic Design Guidelines. The structure shall be analyzed and/or strengthened in order to mitigate the soft wall line and/or weak wall line deficiencies as defined in § 15.02.510.

C. Exception. Alternatively, the structure may be retrofitted per Appendix A4 of the California Existing Building Code, provided the entire story is analyzed and/or strengthened in order to mitigate the soft wall line and/or weak wall line deficiencies defined in § 15.02.510.

D. Lateral vertical systems. Strengthening systems with concrete walls or masonry walls, or steel braced frames shall not be permitted unless a full building analysis considering diaphragm stiffness and torsional behavior is performed.

E. Horizontal structural irregularities in buildings with three (3) or more stories. Structures with three (3) or more stories having horizontal structural irregularities of either type 2, 3, 4, or 5 listed in ASCE 7, "Horizontal Structural Irregularities", shall be altered to meet the additional requirements of those sections referenced in the table for the weak, soft or open-front wall lines being considered.

F. Alternate analysis, base shear and design parameters. The Building Official may approve alternate analysis and/or design methodologies that meet the same performance intent as those prescribed by this Subchapter and that achieve the objectives established by this Subchapter. A design criteria shall be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to submission of plans. Peer review shall be required when advanced systems, such as damped systems are utilized.

G. Additional anchorage requirements for buildings on hillsides. Where any portion of a building within the scope of this Subchapter is constructed on or into a slope steeper than one (1) unit vertical in three (3) units horizontal (33% slope), the lateral-force-resisting system, at and below the base level diaphragm, shall also be analyzed for the effects of concentrated lateral loads caused at the building base from the hillside conditions and comply with the provisions of the Building Code.

H. Story drift limitations. The calculated story drift for each retrofitted story shall not exceed the allowable deformation compatible with all vertical load-resisting elements and meet the requirements of the current Seismic Design Guidelines. The calculated story drift shall not be reduced by the effects of horizontal diaphragm stiffness, but shall be increased when these effects produce rotation. Drift calculations shall be in accordance with ASCE 7 requirements.

I. Cantilever column systems. The effects of rotation and soil stiffness shall be included in the calculated story drift where lateral loads are resisted by vertical elements whose required depth of embedment is determined by pole formulas. The coefficient of subgrade reaction used in deflection calculations shall be based on an approved geotechnical investigation conducted in accordance with approved geotechnical engineering reports.

J. P-delta effect. The requirements of the Building Code shall apply, except as modified herein. All structural framing elements and their connections not required by the design to be part of the lateral force resisting system shall be designed and detailed to be adequate to maintain support of design dead plus live loads when subject to the expected deformations caused by seismic forces. The stress analysis of cantilever columns shall use an effective length factor of 2.1 for the direction normal to the axis of the beam.

K. Ties, continuity and collectors. All parts of the structure included in the scope of analysis shall be interconnected and the connection shall be capable of resisting the seismic force created by the parts being connected as required per the Building Code.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

A. General. The plans and specifications required by the Building Official shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature, design methodology, and extent of the proposed work and to show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this Subchapter and the Building Code.

B. Engineer's statement. The responsible engineer shall provide the following statements on the approved plans:

"I am responsible for designing this building's seismic strengthening in compliance with the minimum standards of the Mandatory Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Existing Wood Frame Buildings with Soft, Weak or Open-Front Walls (Subchapter 15.02.500)."

C. Owner's or owners' representative statement. Unless the entire building has been retrofitted to meet the full intent of the current Building Code, the owner shall provide and sign the following statement on the cover of the drawings:

"_____ understand the seismic evaluation and strengthening performed under this project is limited to that specified in the Mandatory Seismic Strengthening Provisions For Existing Wood Frame Buildings With Soft, Weak or Open-Front Walls (Subchapter 15.02.500) which is intended to reduce the risk under a seismic event. I understand the full building has not been evaluated nor strengthen for other potential structural deficiencies that may cause a life safety concern, injury, or property damage risk under a seismic event."

D. Quality control and assurance requirements. General notes shall show the requirements for material testing, special inspection, structural observation and the proper installation of newly added materials.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

A. Structural observation. All structures regulated by this Subchapter require structural observation during construction. The owner shall employ the engineer of record responsible for the structural design, or another registered engineer designated by the engineer of record to perform structural observation as defined in the Building Code.

B. Special inspection. Special inspections shall be provided as required by the Building Code. Additional inspections shall be noted on drawings as required by Building Official.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

A. Violation. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or portion thereof, or cause the same to be done, contrary to, or in violation of, any of the provisions of this Subchapter, pursuant to § 15.02.005 of this Municipal Code, and California Building Code Section 114.

B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Subchapter shall be guilty of the misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this Subchapter is committed, continued or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation such person shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this Subchapter.

C. Recordation of violation.

1. General. The Building Official may record a notice with the County Recorder's Office that a property, building or structure, or any part thereof, is in violation of any provision of this Subchapter provided that the provisions of this section are complied with. The remedy provided by this section is cumulative to any other enforcement actions permitted by this Subchapter, Culver City Municipal Code, or any other applicable State or federal laws.

2. Recordation. If (i) the Building Official determines that any property, building, or structure, or any part thereof is in violation of any provision of this Subchapter; and (ii) the Building Official gives written notice as specified below of said violation; then the Building Official may have sole discretion to, at any time thereafter, record with the County Recorder's Office a notice that the property and/or any building or structure located thereon is in violation of this Subchapter.

3. Notice. The written notice given pursuant to this Section shall indicate:

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

b. That if the violation is not remedied to the satisfaction of the Building Official, the Building Official may, at any time thereafter, record with the County Recorder's Office a notice that the property and/or any building or structure located thereon is in violation of this Subchapter. The notice shall be posted on the property and shall be mailed to the owner of the

property as indicated on the last equalized County Assessment roll. The mailed notice may be by certified or first-class mail.

4. Rescission. Any person who desires to have recorded a notice rescinding the notice of violation must first obtain the necessary approvals and permit(s) to correct the violation. Once the Building Official determines that the work covered by such permit(s) has been satisfactorily completed, the Building Official may record a notice rescinding the prior notice of violation.

Following the recordation of the notice of violation the Building Official is not required to make any inspection of review of the premises to determine the continued existence of the cited violation. It is the responsibility of the property owner, occupant or other similarly interested private party to comply with the above provisions.

D. Costs. Any person that has violated any provision of this Subchapter shall be responsible for the costs of any and all enforcement actions taken by the Building Official in response to such violations. These costs shall be based on the amounts specified by the fee schedule adopted by the City Council.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

A. Internal conflict. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different Sections of this Subchapter specify different materials, methods of construction, or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.

B. Other laws. The provisions of this Subchapter shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, State or federal law.

C. Codes and references. The provisions of the codes and standards referenced in this Subchapter shall be considered part of the requirements of this Subchapter to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where there are conflicts between provisions of this Subchapter and the provisions of any referenced code or standard, the provisions of this Subchapter shall apply.

(Ord. 2021-013, § 1(part))

ANTENNAS

For the purpose of this Subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

ANTENNA. Any system of wires, poles, rods, reflecting discs or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves, which system is external to or attached to the exterior of any building. The term ANTENNA shall include “dish” antennas and devices having active elements extending in any direction, and directional beam-type arrays having elements carried by and disposed from a generally horizontal boom which may be mounted upon and rotated through a vertical mast or tower interconnecting the boom and antenna support, all of which elements are deemed to be a part of the antenna.

ANTENNA ARRAY. A group of antenna elements on the same geometric plane.

ANTENNA, COMMERCIAL. An antenna in any zoning district used in conjunction with a business, commercial enterprise, trade, calling, vocation, profession, occupation or means of livelihood, whether or not carried on for gain or profit, including, but not limited to, public utilities, cellular telephone communications or privately owned or publicly supported AM or FM radio stations not otherwise exempt from the provisions of the Zoning Code, cable television operations or television broadcast stations, but excluding FCC-licensed amateur radio stations and standard television receive only (TVRO) nonparabolic antennas.

ANTENNA ELEMENT. Individual components of an individual antenna.

ANTENNA HEIGHT. The distance from the grade of the property at the base of the antenna or, in the case of a roof-mounted antenna, from the grade at the exterior base of the building, to the highest point of the antenna and its associated support structure when fully extended.

ANTENNA, NONCOMMERCIAL. An antenna in any zoning district not used in conjunction with a business, commercial enterprise, trade, calling, vocation, profession, occupation, or means of livelihood, including, but not limited to, FCC-licensed amateur radio stations and standard television receive only (TVRO) parabolic antennas.

ANTENNA, NONPARABOLIC. An individual array or group of arrays used to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals, including, but not limited to, radio waves related to amateur radio stations licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

ANTENNA STRUCTURE. An antenna array and its associated support structure, such as a mast, tower, or bracing wire, but not to include a suspended simple wire antenna, that is used for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic signals, including, but not limited to, radio waves and microwaves.

ANTENNA STRUCTURE, FREESTANDING. An antenna structure that is not attached to a building, fence or other such structure.

ANTENNA, TVRO NONPARABOLIC. A standard roof-mounted antenna array, and its associated support structure, that is used solely to receive broadcast television signals.

ANTENNA, VERTICAL WHIP. A pole or single element vertical antenna no more than three (3) inches in diameter, and its associated support structure.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part))

A. Radio and television antennas, including satellite receiving or transmission antenna systems and microwave antenna systems, may be installed, erected and maintained within all land use zones of the City, but only in accordance with the provisions of this Subchapter and the “Dish Antenna Regulations” of the Zoning Code, as set forth in Title 17 of this Code.

B. No antenna shall be permitted within the City, except as follows:

1. Roof-mounted antennas are permitted when the boom or any active element of the antenna array is fifteen (15) feet or less in length, provided that they are in conformity with the development standards of this Section.

2. The following antennas shall require a building permit, and may be permitted upon review and approval of the plans for such antennas by the City Planner. The plan should be in conformity with the development standards of § 15.02.615 and the Zoning Code, as set forth in Title 17 of this Code:

a. Roof-mounted antennas when the boom or any active element of the antenna array is longer than fifteen (15) feet.

b. All ground-mounted antennas.

c. All satellite receiving or transmission antennas.

3. Every antenna, whether temporary or permanent, shall be subject to the review and approval of the Building Official where required by the Building Code, and shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the Zoning Code, as set forth it Title 17 of this Code, and to Chapter 15.07, except that noncommercial nonparabolic antennas are subject only to the provisions of § 15.02.610 C.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 §1 (part)) Penalty, see § 15.02.005

A. Applicability to noncommercial nonparabolic antennas.

1. Notwithstanding § 15.02.605, a nonparabolic antenna that is it existence as of May 11, 1995, may continue in existence at the current height and location, and need not comply with the design standards stated herein, unless the following occurs:

a. If, in the case of a roof-mounted antenna weighing more than fifty (50) pounds, the antenna is replaced with one that is larger in any of its dimensions, the antenna structure shall then comply with the applicable regulations and design standards.

b. If, in the case of a noncommercial freestanding antenna structure, an existing antenna is replaced with one that is larger in any of its dimensions, the antenna structure shall then comply with the regulations and design standards contained in § 15.02.610 C.

2. Notwithstanding § 15.02.605, no additional or structural alterations may be made to a nonconforming antenna structure that would increase its nonconformity with the applicable regulations and design standards.

B. Purpose.

1. The City desires to allow noncommercial nonparabolic antennas in all areas of the City, subject only to limited and reasonable regulations which are permitted by Federal Law in order to prevent such antennas from adversely affecting the public health, safety, welfare or aesthetic interests.

2. a. The City Council finds that amateur radio operators provide an important public service by participating in local, regional and Statewide emergency and disaster preparedness programs, in facilitating international disaster relief programs, and in fostering international goodwill and understanding.

b. The City Council finds, however, the antennas and antenna structures related to FCC-licensed amateur radio communications may be aesthetically unsightly and visually obtrusive.

3. a. The City Council recognizes that because of the important public service provided by amateur radio operators, the FCC has partially preempted local regulation of amateur radio antennas.

b. Federal regulations specify that local regulations concerning the placement, screening or height of antennas for amateur radio communications must reasonably accommodate amateur communications, and constitute the minimum practicable regulation necessary to accomplish the local agency's legitimate purpose.

4. The City Council finds that the regulations and design standards set forth in this Subchapter reasonably accommodate FCC-licensed amateur radio communications, and constitute the minimum practicable regulation necessary to protect the public health, safety and aesthetic interests.

5. The provisions allowing the erection of nonparabolic antennas shall only permit those individuals who are Federally-licensed amateur radio operators to erect such antennas as allowed by the Municipal Code.

C. Regulation and design standards.

1. A noncommercial nonparabolic antenna shall be installed, modified, and maintained in accordance with the following standards:

a. One (1) roof-mounted TVRO nonparabolic antenna per residential unit, and up to four (4) roof-mounted nonparabolic antennas related to a FCC-licensed amateur radio station, shall be permitted for each parcel.

(1) One of the roof-mounted nonparabolic antennas per parcel may extend up to twenty-five (25) feet above the roofline, but all other additional nonparabolic antennas shall extend no more than fifteen (15) feet above the roofline.

(2) One (1) roof-mounted antenna related to a FCC-licensed amateur radio station may extend up to twenty-five (25) feet above the roofline; however, all other roof-mounted antennas related to a FCC-licensed amateur radio station shall extend no more than fifteen (15) feet beyond these height limits.

b. One (1) freestanding antenna structure related to a FCC-licensed amateur radio station measuring up to sixty-six (66) feet in height or fifteen (15) feet above the height limit of the district in which it is located, whichever height is greater, shall be permitted per parcel.

(1) For purposes of this section, antenna structures shall be measured to the highest horizontal antenna element.

(2) A freestanding antenna structure exceeding fifty (50) feet in height shall be retractable to thirty-five (35) feet.

(3) A single vertical element may extend fifteen (15) feet beyond these height limits.

c. No portion of an antenna, including the array in any position, or of an antenna structure, shall be located between the face of the main building and any public street, or in any required front or side yard setback.

d. (1) The support structure shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from the rear property line.

(2) Neither an antenna nor an antenna structure shall extend beyond the property line of the parcel on which it is located.

e. Roof-mounted antennas or antenna structures shall be located at or to the rear of the centerline of a building.

f. An antenna structure shall be finished in a color to blend in with its immediate surroundings, to reduce glare, and to minimize its visual intrusiveness and negative aesthetic impact.

g. The display of any sign on an antenna or antenna structure is prohibited, except for public safety warnings, which must be placed no higher than eight (8) feet above the base of the antenna structure.

h. A building permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of a ground-mounted antenna structure, or a roof-mounted antenna structure for roof-mounted antennas weighing fifty (50) pounds or more, pursuant to the requirements of the Building Code.

2. Unless a finding is made that a proposed antenna poses an actual threat to the public health or safety, the Building Official, shall have the authority to grant a use permit to modify the regulations and design standards of Subsection C. l. paragraphs a., b., c., ore. of this Section, if topographical conditions, nearby tall structures or other factors unreasonably obstruct or otherwise unreasonably interfere with effective transmission or reception of the type desired, and the cause of such obstruction or interference was not created by the applicant.

a. An application for a use permit and for a building permit shall be reviewed upon payment of fees for each application as established by resolution of City Council.

b. As a condition of approval of a use permit to modify the design standard of Subsection C.1. paragraph b. of this Section, an antenna structure shall be required to be retractable to thirty-five (35) feet.

c. In cases where topographical conditions surrounding the antenna structure or the presence of nearby tall structures physically impede retracting an antenna to thirty-five (35) feet, the Building Official, may allow an antenna structure to be retracted to a height greater than thirty-five (35) feet.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2007-002 § 18; Ord. No. 2025-001 § 2 (part)) Penalty, see § 15.02.005

Every antenna shall be located, designed, constructed, treated, and maintained in accordance with the following standards:

A. The antenna shall be installed and maintained in compliance with the requirements of the Building Code.

B. The maximum number of antennas that may be installed on any lot shall not exceed:

1. One ground-mounted antenna;

2. Two (2) roof-mounted antennas;

3. In the manufacturing and studio zones, more dish antennas may be permitted, according to Title 17 of this Code.

C. 1. In residential zones, roof-mounted antennas shall not extend higher than fifteen (15) feet above the maximum building height permitted in the zone, except a single vertical pole antenna may extend to twenty (20) feet above the peak of the roof; provided that a roof-mounted disc antenna shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches in diameter.

2. In nonresidential zones, roof-mounted antennas shall not extend higher than fifteen (15) feet above the maximum building height permitted in the zone or fifteen (15) feet above the building upon which it is mounted, whichever is less.

D. 1. Ground-mounted antennas shall not exceed forty (40) feet in height, except remote communication installation facility antennas, as provided in the Zoning Code.

2. All satellite receiving and transmitting “dish” type antennas shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Code, as set forth in Title 17 of this Code.

E. Not more than one antenna shall be permitted on any lot when the boom or any active element of the antenna array is longer than fifteen (15) feet.

F. 1. Stacking of antennas may be permitted when stacked in a ground-mounted antenna configuration, provided that not more than three (3) such antennas are attached to the tower.

2. For the purpose of this Section, such antennas shall be considered one antenna and shall be subject to all the requirements of this Section.

G. Antennas shall be erected or maintained to the rear of the main building; provided that, when the subject property is a cul-de-sac or any lot with a side yard larger than the rear yard, the antenna may be located in the side yard.

1. Antenna towers or the supports therefor shall not be located in any street-facing setback area.

2. No portion of any antenna array shall extend beyond the property lines or into any front yard area.

3. Guy wires shall not be anchored within any front yard area, but may be attached to the building.

H. Antennas may be roof- or ground-mounted, freestanding or supported by guy wires, buildings or other structures in compliance with the manufacturer's structural specifications.

1. A ground-mounted antenna shall be an antenna with its base mounted directly in the ground, even if such antenna is supported or attached to the wall of a building.

2. A fixed-guy antenna tower shall be fascia-mounted or guyed according to approved standards.

3. A wire antenna that is not self-supporting shall be supported by objects entirely within the lot lines of the property upon which the antenna is erected, but not within a front setback.

I. Antennas, including guy wires, supporting structures and accessory equipment, shall be located and designed so as to minimize the visual impact on surrounding properties and from public streets.

1. Antennas should be screened through the addition of architectural features and/or landscaping that harmonize with the elements and characteristics of the property.

2. The materials used in constructing the antennas shall not be unnecessarily bright, shiny, garish or reflective.

J. The antenna shall meet all manufacturer's specifications.

1. The mast or tower shall be of noncombustible and corrosive-resistant material.

2. The miscellaneous hardware, such as brackets, turnbuckles, clips and similar type equipment subject to rust or corrosion, shall be protected with a zinc or cadmium coating, by either a galvanizing or a sherardizing process after forming, to guard against corrosion and to protect the elements against electrolytic action due to the use of adjoining dissimilar metals.

K. 1. Whenever it is necessary to install an antenna near power lines, or where damage would be caused by its falling, a separate safety wire must be attached to the antenna mast or tower, and secured in a direction away from the hazard.

2. Antenna transmission lines must be kept at least twenty-four (24) inches clear of utility lines.

L. Every antenna shall be adequately grounded for protection against a direct strike of lightning, with an adequate ground wire.

1. The ground wire shall be of the type approved by the latest edition of the Electrical Code for grounding masts and lightning arrestors, and shall be installed in a mechanical manner with as few bends as possible, maintaining a clearance of at least two (2) inches from combustible materials.

2. Lightning arrestors shall be used, which are approved as safe by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., and both sides of the line must be adequately protected with proper arrestors to remove static charges accumulated on the line.

3. When lead-in conductors of polyethylene ribbon-type are used, lightning arrestors must be installed in each conductor.

4. When coaxial cable or shielded twin lead is used for lead-in, suitable protection may be provided without lightning arrestors by grounding the exterior metal sheath.

M. Reasonable conditions of approval may be imposed to mitigate any negative impacts caused by installation of the antenna.

1. The cost of any such condition to the applicant shall be considered in light of the public benefit derived from the condition.

2. Other than the manufacturer's trade name and/or logo, no antenna or the support structure therefore shall be used for any commercial advertising purpose.

N. All antenna components shall be Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., approved as acceptable to the Building Official.

O. Ground-mounted antennas shall have their related cables installed in conduit underground from base of antenna to wall of building.

1. Conduit may be rigid steel or PVC.

2. Roof-mounted antennas may have related cables installed in conduit (threaded rigid) or run exposed, provided related cables are of hard usage type and grouped together.

3. All antennas are subject to Articles 810 and 820 of the 1984 National Electric Code, in addition to Culver City ordinances.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 §1 (part); Ord. No. 2004-013 § 1 (part)) Penalty, see § 15.02.005

A. Prior to installing any antenna for which approval is required pursuant to § 15.02.605 or the Zoning Code, as set forth in Title 17 of this Code, a building permit application shall be submitted to and approved by the authorized agency.

B. The application shall be accompanied by construction drawings showing the proposed method of installation, the manufacturer's specifications, if any, and a plot plan showing the location of the antenna, property and setback lines, and all structures.

C. In addition, the application shall be accompanied by engineering data establishing the fact that the antenna conforms to the structural requirements of the Building Code.

1. Such engineering data may include custom engineering calculations for each installation, the calculations and data to be submitted by a structural or civil engineer registered by the State of California.

2. Such registered engineer may be employed by the manufacturer of the antenna.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part))

A. Every antenna shall be maintained in good condition and in accordance with all requirements of this Section.

B. 1. Every antenna shall be subject to periodic reinspection.

2. No additions, changes or modifications shall be made to an antenna, unless the addition, change or modification is in conformity with the Building Code, this Subchapter, and the Zoning Code, as set forth in Title 17 of this Code, if it is a dish antenna.

C. 1. Failure to abide by and faithfully comply with this Section, or with any and all conditions that may be imposed, shall constitute grounds for the revocation of the approval by the City Planner.

2. The remedies provided for herein shall be cumulative with other remedies provided in this Code, and not exclusive.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 §1 (part)) Penalty, see § 15.02.005

POST-DISASTER RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION

A. This Subchapter establishes regulations to apply in the event a disaster causes damage to buildings and structures in the City, and includes the adoption of uniform placards to post the condition of the building based on an early assessment of danger, procedures for demolition and standards for repair and reconstruction of building and structures, including those deemed historic, damaged by disasters.

B. Adoption of this Subchapter is not intended to preempt the City Council's authority to adopt different or supplemental regulations, including interim regulations, for post-disaster recovery and repair.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part))

The provisions of this Subchapter are applicable following any disaster or societal upheaval, including earthquake, fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, tsunami or similar event which results in damage to buildings and structures of all occupancies within the City of Culver City.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part))

For the purpose of this Subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

ARCHITECT. An individual licensed by the State of California to practice architecture as defined in the California Business and Professions Code.

BUILDING. Any building as defined in California Health and Safety Code § 18908.

CBC. The California Building Code published by the California Building Standards Commission, as adopted by § 15.02.100 hereinabove, in accordance with the operation of law pursuant to California Health and Safety Code § 18941.5. The edition to be applied shall be that edition in effect at the time of the declaration of a local emergence by the City Council.

CIVIL ENGINEER. An individual registered by the State of California to practice civil engineering as defined in the California Business and Professions Code.

DISASTER. Any natural occurrence, including earthquake, fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, tsunami or similar event, or any societal upheaval, including civil disturbance or similar event, which results in a declaration that the City or a portion thereof is a disaster area, or a declaration of local emergency by the President of the United States, Governor of the State of California, City Council of Culver City, City Manager or designee, or other governmental official.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES FACILITY. Any building or structure which houses facilities or services necessary for emergency operations subsequent to a disaster, as determined by the City Manager or his or her designee.

HISTORIC BUILDING OR STRUCTURE. Any building or structure included on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Register of Historic Places or Points of Interest, or structures or buildings within a historic district designated pursuant to Chapter 15.05 of this Code.

REINFORCED. The installation or the existence of reinforcing steel with the capacity to allow the load-resisting cross section to resist flexure and shear stress, as determined by the Building Official.

REPLACEMENT VALUE. The dollar value, as determined by the Building Official, of replacing the damaged structure with a new structure of the same size, construction material and occupancy on the same site.

SAFETY ASSESSMENT. A visual, nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy following a natural or manmade disaster.

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER. The individual appointed by the Governor, pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C. § 470a (b), to administer the State Historic Preservation Program.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER. An individual registered by the State of California to practice civil engineering, and to use the title STRUCTURAL ENGINEER as defined in the California Business and Professions Code.

STRUCTURE. Any STRUCTURE as defined in California Health and Safety Code § 18908.

VALUE OF REPAIR. The dollar value, as determined by the Building Official, of making the necessary repairs to the damaged structure.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2006-009 § 22 (part))

A. The placards described in this Section are hereby adopted as the official placards to be used to designate the condition for continued occupancy of building or structures.

B. At the top of each placard, the words “DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM, CITY OF CULVER CITY BUILDING DIVISION,” the official City Seal, address and telephone number of the Building Division, and at the bottom of each placard the words “DO NOT REMOVE, ALTER OR COVER THIS PLACARD UNTIL AUTHORIZED BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL OF THE CITY OF CULVER CITY” shall appear.

C. In addition to the information set forth in Subsection B., the placards shall additionally provide one of the three (3) following descriptions:

1. “INSPECTED—Lawful Occupancy Permitted” is to be posted on any building or structure wherein no apparent structural hazard has been found. Posting of this placard does not intend to mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.

2. “RESTRICTED USE” is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged, wherein the damage has resulted in some form of restriction to the continued occupancy. The individual who posts this placard will:

a. Note in general terms the type of damage encountered; and

b. Clearly and concisely note the restrictions on continued occupancy.

3. “UNSAFE—Do Not Enter or Occupy” is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life safety.

a. Buildings or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstance, except as authorized in writing by the Building Division.

b. This placard is not to be used or considered as a demolition order or permit.

c. The individual who posts this placard will note in general terms the type of damage encountered.

D. Once it has been attached to a building or structure, a placard is not to be removed, altered or covered until done so by an authorized representative of the department or upon written notification from the Building Division.

E. 1. No person shall post or attach any facsimile placards on any building.

2. No person shall use any facsimile placards for advertisement.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 §1 (part)) Penalty, see § 15.02.005

A. 1. Except as provided in § 15.02.725 for historic buildings or structures, within seven (7) days after the event, any building or structure determined by the Building Official to represent an imminent hazard to public health and safety, or to pose an imminent threat to the public right-of-way, shall be condemned and immediately demolished.

2. The condemnation and demolition shall be performed in the interest of public health and safety, without the hearings otherwise required by Chapter 9.04 of this Code.

B. After the seven (7)-day period established in Subsection A., if the Building Official determines that any building or structure represents a hazard to the health and safety of the public, or poses a threat to the public right-of-way, the Building Official shall duly notify the owner, or other person or legal entity in lawful possession or control of such building, stating that the building or structure is a dangerous building and represents a hazard to the public health and safety, or poses a threat to the public right-of-way, and shall commence condemnation or other legal proceedings.

C. In the event the owner of a building or structure damaged by the disaster elects to demolish rather than repair, the owner shall obtain a demolition permit for the building or structure in accordance with City procedures.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 §1 (part)) Penalty, see § 15.02.005

A. Notwithstanding the Historic Preservation Program set forth in Chapter 15.05, within seven (7) days after the event, any historic building or structure determined by the Building Official to represent an imminent hazard to public health and safety, or to pose an imminent threat to the public right-of-way, the Building Official shall notify the State Historic Preservation Officer that one of the following actions will be taken:

1. Whenever possible, within reasonable limits as determined by the Building Official, the historic building or structure shall be braced or shored in such a manner as to mitigate the hazard to public health and safety or the hazard to the public right-of-way.

2. Whenever bracing or shoring is determined not to be reasonable, the Building Official shall cause the historic building or structure to be condemned and immediately demolished.

a. The condemnation and demolition shall be performed in the interest of public health and safety, without the hearings otherwise required by Chapter 9.04 of this Code.

b. Prior to commencing demolition, the Building Official shall videotape and photographically record the entire building or structure.

B. If, after the seven (7)-day period specified in subsection A. and less than thirty (30) days after the event, a historic building or structure is determined to represent a hazard to the health and safety of the public, or pose a threat to the public right-of-way, the Building Official shall duly notify the owner, or other person or legal entity in lawful possession or control of such building, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, stating that the building or structure is a dangerous building and represents a hazard to the public health and safety, or poses a threat to the public right-of-way, and that the City intends to commence condemnation or other legal proceedings.

C. In the event the owner of any historic building or structure and the Building Official have agreed to demolition of the affected building or structure within thirty (30) days of the event, the Building Official shall submit a request to demolish, including al substantiating data, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.

D. If, after thirty (30) days have elapsed, the Building Official and owner of a historic building or structure agree to demolition of the affected structure, the proposed demolition shall be subject to the review process, including appeal, established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 §1 (part)) Penalty, see § 15.02.005

Except as otherwise provided, buildings and structures of all occupancies which have been damaged as a result of a disaster shall be repaired in accordance with the following criteria:

A. When the estimated value of repair does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the replacement value of the structure, the damaged portion shall be restored to its pre-disaster condition, unless the damaged elements include suspended ceiling systems.

B. Notwithstanding Subsection A.1. above, a suspended ceiling system which is damaged shall be repaired and all bracing required by the current CBC shall be installed.

C. When the estimated value of repair is greater than ten percent (10%) but less than fifty percent (50%) of the replacement value of the structure, the damaged elements, including all critical ties, supported elements and supporting elements associated with therewith, shall be repaired and brought into conformance with the structural requirements of the current CBC.

D. When the estimated value of repair is fifty percent (50%) or more of the replacement value of the structure, the entire structure shall be brought into conformance with the structural requirements of the current CBC.

E. In Group R, Division 3 occupancies (single-family dwelling and duplex), the repair value of damaged chimneys shall be excluded from the computation of percentage of replacement value.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 §1 (part)) Penalty, see § 15.02.005

A. All damaged reinforced chimneys must be repaired or reconstructed to comply with the requirements of Chapter 31 of the CBC (pertaining to chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues). Damaged portions shall be removed in accordance with the following criteria:

1. a. When the damaged portion is located between the roofline and the top of the chimney, the damaged portion shall be removed to the roofline, provided the roof and ceiling anchorage are in sound condition.

b. The reconstructed portion of the chimney shall be braced to the roof structure.

2. For a single-story structure in which the damaged portion of the chimney is below the roofline or extends from above the roofline to below the roofline, the chimney shall be removed to the top of the fireplace.

3. For a multiple-story structure, the damaged portion of the chimney shall be removed from the top to a floorline where sound anchorage is found.

4. In any structure where the firebox has been damaged, the entire chimney and firebox shall be removed to the foundation.

a. If the foundation is in sound condition, the firebox and chimney may be reconstructed using the existing foundation.

b. If the foundation has been damaged, the foundation shall be removed and replaced.

B. 1. Where existing conditions preclude the installation of all anchorage required by Chapter 31 of the CBC, alternate systems may be used in accordance with the alternate methods and materials provisions of the CBC, as approved by the Building Official.

2. Such alternate systems shall be designed and detailed by a structural engineer, civil engineer or architect, as approved by the Building Official.

C. When the portion of the chimney extending above the roofline exceeds two (2) times the least dimension of the chimney, that portion above the roofline shall be braced to the roof structure.

D. All damaged unreinforced chimneys shall be demolished to the footing or other founding support system.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 §1 (part)) Penalty, see § 15.02.005

A. An engineering evaluation shall be performed for buildings or structures housing essential service facilities which have been damaged as a result of a disaster.

B. The minimum criteria for repair shall be as follows:

1. When the estimated value of repair is less than thirty percent (30%) of the replacement value of the structure, the damaged elements, including all critical ties, supported elements and supporting elements associated with therewith, shall be repaired and brought into conformance with the structural requirements of the current CBC.

2. When the estimated value of repair is thirty percent (30%) or more of the replacement value of the structure, the entire structure shall be brought into conformance with the structural requirements of the current CBC.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 §1 (part)) Penalty, see § 15.02.005

A. An engineering evaluation shall be performed for historic buildings or structures which have been damaged as a result of a disaster.

B. The criteria for repair shall be those established in the State of California Historic Building Code, as set forth in California Code of Administrative Regulations, Title 24, Part 8; provided that the minimum standards established in § 15.02.730 (for general repair criteria) shall be followed, with consideration given to the historical rating and nature of the structures.

C. Where conflicts exist between the standards established in this Subchapter and the State Historic Building Code, the State Historic Building Code shall govern.

(Ord. No. 2003-015 § 1 (part))

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENT COST RECOVERY

The City Council hereby finds and determines it is appropriate and necessary to require the recovery of costs incurred by the City in the administrative enforcement of § 9.07.035 of this Code; Chapter 15.02 of this Code, including but not limited to, the adopted California Building, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Codes; Chapters 15.03 and 15.05 of Title 15 of this Code; Title 17 of this Code, any and all final conditions of approval imposed on a construction project pursuant to this Code, and any other provisions of this Code authorized by resolution of the City Council.

(Ord. No. 2004-005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2005-005 § 1 (part))

A. Violation. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to comply with any Order to Comply issued by the Culver City Building Safety Division.

B. Violation corrected. When an Order to Comply has been satisfied within the time period prescribed, as confirmed by inspection or other proof acceptable to the Building Official, no administrative assessment shall be imposed.

C. Violation not corrected. When an Order to Comply has not been satisfied within the time period prescribed, as confirmed by inspection or other proof acceptable to the Building Official, an administrative assessment, established by resolution of the City Council, shall be imposed on the person named in the Order to Comply for each additional compliance inspection required until such time as the Order to Comply has been satisfied.

(Ord. No. 2004-005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2005-005 § 1 (part))

The initial Order to Comply identified as an “initial warning” cannot be appealed. Subsequent orders to comply can be appealed to the Municipal Code Appeals Committee. To contest subsequent Orders to Comply and their respective administrative assessments, a written objection must be filed with the Building Safety Division office within ten (10) days after receipt of the appealable Order to Comply. The Building Safety Division will notify each appellant of the date and time of the scheduled hearing.

(Ord. No. 2004-005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2005-005 § 1 (part))

The imposition of an administrative assessment, as set forth in this Subchapter, is not mutually exclusive of the provisions set forth in § 15.02.005 of this Chapter, or any other applicable provisions of this Code or federal, state or local laws, and does not prevent the use of concurrent or consecutive remedies to achieve compliance with this Code.

(Ord. No. 2004-005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2005-005 § 1 (part))

LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, BUILDING CODE AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE, TO ESTABLISH REACH CODES STANDARDS

The city has established Reach Code standards, which shall be administered by the Building Safety Division pursuant to the provisions of this Subchapter. The purpose of the Reach Code is to reduce the use of natural resources, create healthier living environments, and minimize the negative impacts of development on local, regional, and global ecosystems. The city's Reach Code standards shall be in addition to all current State of California Title 24 Energy Code requirements.

(Ord. No. 2009-004 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2022-007 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2025-015 § 15 (part))

Terms defined herein shall have the following meanings when used in this Subchapter:

APPLICANT. Any individual, firm, limited liability company, association, partnership, political subdivision, government agency, municipality, industry or public or private corporation, or any other entity whatsoever that applies to the City for the applicable permits to undertake a qualifying project.

BUILDING OFFICIAL. The Building Official of the City of Culver City or his or her designee.

BUILDING SAFETY DIVISION. The city's Building Safety Division and its staff.

CALGREEN. The California Green Building Standards Code (Title-24, Part 11, California Code of Regulations)

CATEGORY 1 QUALIFYING PROJECT. The construction of a new low-rise residential building.

CATEGORY 2 QUALIFYING PROJECT. The addition to, or alteration of, an existing low-rise residential building wherein the construction valuation of the proposed work exceeds 50% of the replacement value of the existing building, as determined by the Building Official.

CATEGORY 3 QUALIFYING PROJECT. The construction of a new non-residential building or a new high-rise building.

CATEGORY 4 QUALIFYING PROJECT. The addition to, or alteration of, an existing non-residential building or an existing high-rise building wherein either of the following conditions applies:

(1) The construction valuation of the proposed work exceeds 50% of the replacement value of the existing building, as determined by the Building Official; or

(2) The combined area of all alterations to the existing building and all additions to the existing building exceeds 50,000 square feet.

CCMC. The Culver City Municipal Code.

CITY. The City of Culver City.

DIRECTOR. The Community Development Director of the City of Culver City or his or her designee.

PROJECT. The qualifying project that is the subject of the permit application.

Construction projects that meet the definition of a Category 1 Qualifying Project, Category 2 Qualifying Project, Category 3 Qualifying Project or Category 4 Qualifying Project, shall comply with the provisions of §§ 15.02.1120 through 15.02.1180, as applicable, and the provisions of the California Energy Code and 2 CALGreen.

(Ord. No. 2009-004 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2019-015 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2022-007 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2025-015 § 15 (part))

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter, Section 4.106.3.1 and Section 5.106.3 of the California Green Building Standards Code are hereby added to read as follows:

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter, § 4.305.2 of the California Green Building Standards Code is hereby added as follows:

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter, § 4.304.2 and § 145.304.2 of the California Green Building Standards Code are hereby added to read as follows:

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter, § A402.3.1 .4of the California Green Building Standards Code is hereby adopted.

(Ord. No. 2019-015 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2022-007 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2025-015 § 15 (part))

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter, § 4.408.1 and § 5.408.1 of the California Green Building Standards Code are hereby modified to read as follows:

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter 6, § 603.1.1 of the California Wild land Urban Interface Code of the California Residential Code are hereby added to read as follows:

701A.5.1 Vegetation management plan. For all projects located in an area designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, a plan shall be submitted to the Building Official or designee that identifies all areas of the property for which vegetation management compliance is required by Chapter 6 of the California Wild land Urban Interface Code. Compliance with Chapter 6 must be completed prior to requesting a final inspection.

(Ord. No. 2019-015 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2022-007 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2025-015 § 15 (part))

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter, § 504.2.3 of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code are hereby added to read as follows:

705A.1.1 Class-A fire resistant roof assemblies. Roof coverings for new buildings and replacements located in an area designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall be listed as Class-A by a recognized listing agency. Wood shake and wood shingle roof coverings shall be prohibited in areas designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

(Ord. No. 2019-015 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2022-007 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2025-015 § 15 (part))

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Chapter, § 5.106.4.1.2.4 of the California Green Building Code is hereby added as follows:

When bicycle parking is required by other provisions in the Culver City Municipal Code, shower facilities shall be required to be installed in a quantity and location as established by guidelines promulgated by the Building Official and/or the Director. When installed, shower facilities shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.

(Ord. No. 2019-015 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2022-007 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2025-015 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2026-011 § 1)

A. No final inspection shall be approved for a project subject to the requirements of this Subchapter, nor shall a temporary or final certificate of occupancy be issued for such project, until such time as the requirements of this Subchapter have been satisfied, as determined by final inspection of the Building Safety Division.

B. The Building Safety Division may issue field correction notices and/or stop work orders on a project for non-compliance with the requirements of this Subchapter.

C. The provisions of this Subchapter may be enforced through any or all available remedies provided in the CCMC.

(Ord. No. 2019-015 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2022-007 § 15 (part); Ord. No. 2025-015 § 15 (part))

APPENDIX: HILLSIDE DRAINAGE; DIAGRAMS

DIAGRAM “A”

[Figure]

DIAGRAM “B”

[Figure]