Part 11 — Stopping for Loading or Unloading Only

• (a) The City Traffic Engineer is hereby authorized to establish passenger and freight loading zones as follows:

  • (1) At any place in any business district.

  • (2) In front of the entrance to any place of business or in front of any hall or place used for the purposes of public assembly.

• (b) Except as may be permitted by the City Traffic Engineer, no more than 60 feet of the total length of any block may be reserved for loading zone purposes.

• (c) Passenger loading zones shall be indicated by painting the face and top of the length of curb to be designated as a passenger loading zone white with "PASSENGER LOADING ONLY" stenciled upon the top of the respective curb. The City Traffic Engineer shall determine if supplemental signing is required and the location of the sign(s) to be installed if any.

• (d) Freight loading zones shall be indicated by painting the face and top of the length of curb to be designated as a freight loading zone yellow with "FREIGHT LOADING ONLY" stenciled upon the top of the respective curb. The City Traffic Engineer shall determine if supplemental signing is required and the location of the sign(s) to be installed, if any.

• (Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

• (a) The City Traffic Engineer is hereby authorized, subject to the provisions and limitations of this chapter, to place, and when required herein, shall place the following curb markings and signs to indicate parking or standing regulation and such curb markings shall have the following meanings:

  • (1) Red shall mean no stopping, standing, or parking at any time, except as permitted by the California Vehicle Code except that a bus may stop in a red zone marked or signed as a bus zone for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers.

  • (2) Yellow shall mean no stopping, standing, or parking at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day, except Sundays and holidays, for any purpose other than the purpose of loading or unloading of passengers or materials provided, however, the loading or unloading of passengers shall not consume more than three minutes nor the loading or unloading of materials more than 20 minutes.

  • (3) White shall mean no stopping, standing, or parking for any purpose other than the loading or unloading of passengers, which shall not exceed three minutes, and such restrictions shall apply between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day, except Sundays and holidays, and except as follows:

    • (i) When such zone is in front of a church, hotel, or park, the restrictions shall apply at all times; and

    • (ii) When such zone is in front of a theater, the restrictions shall apply at all times except when such theater is closed.

  • (4) Green shall designate time-limited parking zones and shall mean no standing or parking for longer than a maximum time ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, as determined by the City Traffic Engineer, at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day, except Sundays and holidays. Time limited parking zones shall be indicated by painting the face and top of the length of the curb to be designated as a time-limited parking zone green with the maximum permitted duration for which parking is allowed stenciled upon the top of the respective curb in white letters. The City Traffic Engineer shall determine if supplemental signage is required and the location of the sign(s) to be installed, if any.

  • (5) Blue shall designate disabled parking zones and shall mean no stopping, standing, or parking for any purpose other than for the exclusive use of physically challenged persons whose vehicles display a distinguishing license plate or an officially-issued placard, as issued to disabled persons pursuant to Section 22511.5 of the California Vehicle Code or to disabled veterans as specified in Section 2015 of the California Vehicle Code, suspended from the vehicles rear view mirror. Disabled parking zones shall be indicated by painting the face and top of the length of the curb to be designated as a disabled parking zone blue with "DISABLED PARKING ONLY" stenciled upon the top of the respective curb in white letters and supplemented with signage designating the disabled parking zone as such in accordance with CAMUTCD and City requirements.

• (b) When the City Traffic Engineer, as authorized under this chapter, has caused curb markings to be placed, no person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle adjacent to any such legible curb marking in violation of any of the provisions of this part except that the specified time limits shall not apply to any police, fire or City vehicle parked in performance of their respective duty.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

• (a) Permission herein granted to stop or stand a vehicle for the purposes of loading or unloading of materials shall apply only to commercial vehicles and shall not extend beyond the time necessary therefor, and in no event for more than 20 minutes.

• (b) The loading or unloading of materials shall apply only to commercial deliveries and to the delivery or pickup of express and parcel post packages and United States mail.

• (c) Permission herein granted to stop or park for the purposes of loading and unloading passengers shall include the loading or unloading of personal baggage but shall not extend beyond the time necessary therefor and in no event for more than three minutes.

• (d) Within the total time limits specified in this section, the provisions of this section shall be enforced so as to accommodate necessary and reasonable loading or unloading, but without permitting the abuse of the privileges hereby granted.

• (Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

• (a) No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any alley for any purpose other than the loading or unloading of persons or materials.

• (b) The regulation will become effective when signs conforming to the requirements and standards of the CAMUTCD and City have been installed.

• (Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

The City Traffic Engineer is hereby authorized to establish bus zones for the loading and unloading of buses or common carriers of passengers and to determine the locations thereof subject to the directives and limitations set forth in this section.

• (a) The word "bus," as used in this section, shall mean any motor bus, motor coach, trackless trolley coach, or passenger stage used as a common carrier of passengers.

• (b) No bus zone shall exceed 80 feet in length except when satisfactory evidence has been presented to the City Traffic Engineer showing the necessity therefor. The City Traffic Engineer may extend bus zones not to exceed a total length of 125 feet.

• (c) Bus zones shall normally be established on the far side of an intersection.

• (d) The City Traffic Engineer shall designate a bus zone by painting the face and top of the length of curb to be designated bus stop red with "No Standing Bus Zone" stenciled in white letters on the top of the respective curb. Signing, conforming to the requirements of the City Traffic Engineer shall be placed at the far end of the bus zone.

• (e) No person, except those individuals indicated in the California Vehicle Code, shall stop, stand or park any vehicle except a bus in a bus zone.

• (Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

No person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle other than a taxicab on any public street where the adjacent curbing is painted red and has stenciled thereon the words "Taxi Stand." The City Traffic Engineer may require additional signing to better identify the taxicab stand. (Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

The City Traffic Engineer is hereby authorized to establish designated parking zones for the loading and unloading of passengers exclusively for app-based rideshare services.

• (a) The term "app-based rideshare service", as used in this section, shall mean a transportation network company providing peer-to-peer ridesharing services which rely on internet and mobile application technology.

• (b) App-based rideshare parking zones shall be established by posting signs designating the parking space(s) as an app-based rideshare parking zone and specifying the days and hours during which the special parking zone is in effect.

• (c) No person, except the driver of a vehicle clearly identified as a vehicle providing an appbased rideshare service, shall stop, stand or park any vehicle within an app-based rideshare parking zone while in effect.

(Added by Ord. 19-1411, adopted 6/11/19)

Part 12

Stopping, Standing and Parking Restricted

Upon the installation of signs, pavement and/or curb markings, no person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle on a public street within a business district between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day, except Saturday, Sunday and holidays, for a period of time longer than two hours.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

Upon the installation of signs, no person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle on any public street designated by resolution of the City Council for a period of time longer than specified by the signage and/or curb markings on the days also specified by the signage and/or curb markings. The City Council shall, by resolution, designate certain parking restrictions upon certain streets and shall, by resolution, order signs posted thereon giving notice of such restrictions. After such signs have been posted, no person shall park any vehicle upon such streets in violation of such restrictions.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

Whenever any vehicle is parked continuously on one block in which maximum parking times are posted, as provided in this part, for longer than the maximum allowed parking time, such vehicle shall be deemed to be parked contrary to such parking restriction and shall constitute a violation of this part.

"Block," for the purposes of this section, shall mean property facing each side of any street between the next intersecting streets or between the terminus of a dedicated right-of-way of a street and an intersecting street. If a block, as defined in this section, exceeds five hundred lineal feet (500′), then each five hundred feet (500′) of such a block shall constitute a block within the meaning of this section.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

Vehicles displaying a valid veteran's special license plate issued pursuant to the provisions of California Vehicle Code Section 5007(a)(2) (Disabled Veteran), 5101.3 (Pearl Harbor Survivor), 5101.4 (Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross Recipient), 5101.5 (former American Prisoner of War), 5101.6 (Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient), or 5101.8 (Purple Heart Recipient) shall be exempt from the parking restrictions set forth in Section 3198 and 3199 of this Code. However, such vehicles shall be subject to any other applicable parking restriction not expressly exempt by this section.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

Whenever, in the opinion of the City Traffic Engineer, the parking of vehicles in any area constitutes a traffic or safety hazard during certain times or hours, the City Traffic Engineer, may designate the same as a hazard during such times or hours and order signs, pavement and/or curb markings to be installed in such area or along the curbing adjacent thereto prohibiting parking in such area during such times or hours, and parking thereafter in such area during such times or hours shall be prohibited.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

• (a) No parking, standing or stopping shall be permitted in spaces on public or private streets and property which have been designated by signs and pavement markings for the exclusive use of physically challenged persons whose vehicles display a distinguishing license plate or an officially-issued disabled placard suspended from the vehicle's rear view mirror pursuant to Sections 22511.5 – 22511.11 of the California Vehicle Code or the disabled veterans as specified in Section 9105 of the California Vehicle Code. Signing, pavement markings and parking space configuration designating a disabled parking space shall conform to the specifications of the CAMUTCD, the provisions of this chapter and/ or the State Architect.

• (b) The City Traffic Engineer may seek the concurrence of the Public Works Committee for the installation of on-street disabled parking spaces in residential districts if:

  • (1) The applicant submits a written request to the City Traffic Engineer for an on-street disabled parking space detailing the basis for the request and a facsimile copy of their officially-issued disabled placard.

  • (2) The City Traffic Engineer determines that there is no parking space on the residential property that can accommodate the needs of the disabled resident. Restrictions may include, but are not limited to, physical space, topography features, location of available parking, lack of complementary improvements, obstructing landscaping or lack of a clear, accessible path of travel between the on-street parking space and the ingress to the residential structure.

  • (3) The City Traffic Engineer determines that the disabled resident resides in a parkingimpacted area.

An on-street residential parking space would remain in effect only during the course of the disabled individual's occupancy of the residential property. Subsequent occupants, if not disabled, may request the City Traffic Engineer to remove the disabled parking space. In addition, the City Traffic Engineer may remove the on-street disabled parking space if determined through investigation that the disabled parking space is no longer necessary.

The Public Works Committee may require improvements, such as hard surface walkway, in the parkway adjacent to the disabled parking space. The cost of such improvements will be the responsibility of the requesting party.

The on-street disabled parking spaces shall be designated by curb markings in accordance with Section 3193(a)(5) of this Code and legends meeting the requirements of CAMUTCD. The City Traffic Engineer will determine the need for supplemental signing.

• (c) The City Traffic Engineer may seek the concurrence of the Public Works Committee for the installation of on-street disabled parking spaces in a business district if:

• (1) The City Traffic Engineer determines that there is insufficient parking available for disabled individuals at locations in the business district and that this condition could be mitigated by installing on-street disabled parking spaces.

• (d) The curb side disabled parking spaces in the business district shall be designated by curb markings in accordance with Section 3193(a)(5) of this Code, with the pavement legends and signing meeting the requirements of the CAMUTCD.

• (Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

Notwithstanding the relative sections of this Code, the City Council may suspend any of the parking regulations or restrictions set forth in said sections upon following conditions:

• (a) A written application for the suspension of all or any such parking regulations shall be filed with the City Clerk.

• (b) The City Clerk shall refer such application to the Chief of Police and the City Traffic Engineer.

• (c) The Chief of Police and the City Traffic Engineer shall report to the City Council relative to such application.

• (d) If the City Council shall find that the requested suspension of all or any such parking regulations or restrictions is in the public interest and is in connection with a civic celebration, community event, or otherwise is for the benefit of the citizens of the City, the City Council, by motion duly entered upon the City Council minutes, may authorize the Chief of Police to suspend the enforcement of the provisions of any of said sections for such periods of time and, upon such conditions as the City Council may deem necessary, for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and general welfare.

• (Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

The City Council may designate, by resolution, certain residential streets or portions thereof as residential preferential parking districts for the benefit of residents adjacent to such residential streets, in which vehicles displaying a permit may be exempt from parking prohibitions or restrictions otherwise posted, marked, or noticed. Each residential preferential parking district shall be established only upon finding that such a district is required to provide on-street parking relief for inhabitants of residential neighborhoods which have become impacted due to overflow parking from nearby uses which are unable to contain their on-site parking demand. No resolution designating a residential preferential parking district shall be enforceable until signs giving adequate notice have been placed.

• (a) The permit parking exemption is subject to the following conditions:

  • (1) A motor vehicle on which is properly displayed a residential parking permit, as provided for herein, shall be permitted to stand or be parked in the designated parking district for which the permit has been issued without being limited by time restrictions established for the street(s) within that district. Any authorized motor vehicle which does not display such permit shall be subject to citation.

• (2) A residential parking permit shall not guarantee or reserve to the holder thereof an on-street parking space within the designated parking district.

• (3) This section shall not exempt the permit holder from other traffic controls and regulations existing in the designated parking district, including parking restrictions or prohibitions in effect Citywide for purposes such as street sweeping, roadwork, discouraging overnight disturbances, or similar notices.

• (4) This section shall not allow the permit holder to stop, park, or leave standing his or her vehicle for more than 72 hours.

(b) Exemption of Certain Vehicles—Permit Display.

• (1) No person shall, without a properly displayed parking permit, park, stop, or leave standing any unauthorized motor vehicle in a residential preferential permit parking district during the posted parking prohibition or restriction in excess of the posted parking restriction or where parking restrictions have been established for the street(s) within the district, except for the following:

  • (i) Otherwise lawfully parked repair, service, maintenance, refuse, utility, fuel, delivery or city vehicles parked for reasonable amounts of time while conducting business within the residential preferential parking district;

  • (ii) Police, fire, or other law enforcement, public safety, or emergency vehicles operated by or under the authority of a governmental entity while engaged in the performance of official duties; or

• (iii) Otherwise lawfully parked motor vehicles used by disabled persons meeting the requirements of California Vehicle Code Sections 22511.5 – 2211.11 or disabled veterans meeting the requirements of California Vehicle Code Section 9105 and displaying appropriate disabled license plates or placards.

• (2) The City Traffic Engineer is authorized to establish rules and regulations concerning the issuance and display of parking permits in accordance with Section 3199.6(d)(6) of this Code.

(c) Designation of a Residential Permitted Parking District.

• (1) An area shall be evaluated for the designation as a residential permit parking district if the residents of the proposed parking district submit an application with a petition that contains, at minimum, the following elements:

  • (i) A description and/or map showing the proposed district;

  • (ii) A petition containing the signature, printed name, date of signing, and address of owners of at least 75% of the dwelling units within the proposed district;

  • (iii) The name and telephone number of the applicant(s) who will be the designated representative for the application; and

  • (iv) The requested hours and days of the parking restriction or prohibition.

• (2) The eligibility of a proposed residential parking permit district shall be evaluated upon the basis of the following criteria:

  • (i) The proposed permitted parking district is at least three quarters, 75%, singlefamily residential and includes whole blocks. For purposes of this section, "whole block" shall be defined as the entire portion of a street block from intersection to intersection. The proposed parking district shall also include both sides of a street, unless the City Traffic Engineer determines this to be impractical or undesirable;

  • (ii) Multi-family properties, if any, within the proposed district boundaries consist of duplexes, triplexes or fourplexes only;

  • (iii) At least 75% of the on-street parking spaces within the proposed district boundaries are occupied during the time of the requested parking prohibition or restriction;

  • (iv) A minimum of 50% of the vehicle parking spaces within the proposed restricted or prohibited parking hours must be registered to nonresidents of the proposed district. For purposes of this section, "nonresident" shall be defined as an individual who resides outside of the district boundaries;

  • (v) A determination by the City Traffic Engineer that the size and boundaries of the proposed district provide a self-contained area and would not result in shifting the parking problem to an adjacent area;

  • (vi) The street block in question is a designated residential street. For purposes of this section, "residential street" shall be defined as any street located within an area zoned as residential which does not appear on the Circulation Plan contained within the Circulation chapter of the City's adopted General Plan;

  • (vii) No alternative solution is practical or reasonable;

• (viii) Such other criteria as the City Traffic Engineer determines necessary, including, but not limited to:

  • (A) The extent to which vehicles owned by residents of the area could be accommodated by off-street parking spaces, and

  • (B) The location and number of parking spaces available that would be displaced in the proposed permit parking district.

• (3) After an application and petition meeting the eligibility requirements is received by the City Traffic Engineer, the City Traffic Engineer shall cause to be undertaken surveys or studies as necessary, and after completion of all necessary surveys and studies, shall notify the applicant whether the establishment of a residential permitted parking district will be recommended to the Public Works Committee. If approved by the Public Works Committee, the residential preferential permitted parking district shall then be considered by the City Council for establishment.

• (4) Upon recommendation of the City Traffic Engineer, the City Council shall hold a public hearing for the purpose of determining whether a proper basis exists for making findings outlined in Section 3199.6(c)(2) of this Code. Notice of such public hearing shall be given at least 10 days prior to the hearing by publication in a newspaper of general circulation and by mailing to the property owners as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, and to the occupants of each parcel in the proposed district and within four hundred feet (400′) of the proposed district boundaries.

• (5) Once a resolution establishing a residential preferential parking district is established, parking permits must be issued to at least 50% of residents in the district before signs will be installed designating the preferential parking district. If the minimum number of permits is not obtained within 60 days, or the number of permit holders drops below 50% following annual permit renewals, the residential preferential parking district may be terminated by resolution of the City Council at a public hearing noticed as described above.

• (6) Upon receipt and verification of a petition signed by a majority (50% plus one) of the property owners within an established district, a residential preferential parking district may be terminated by resolution of the City Council at a public hearing noticed as described above. Such determination shall be based upon a finding that the conditions set forth in the establishing resolution no longer exist or have diminished to such extent as to make unnecessary the continuation of the district.

(d) Issuance of Parking Permits.

• (1) The City Traffic Engineer shall issue residential parking permits for residential preferential parking applicants who have completed an application form supplied by the City. Applicants for such permits shall present such proof of residency through a utility bill, vehicle registration, or proof of auto insurance. Not more than two residential permits may be issued for each single-family dwelling unit and not more than one residential permit may be issued for each multi-family dwelling unit. The residential permit(s) will be issued to the owner or occupant for single-family dwelling units and to the owner or his or her authorized representative for the multifamily dwelling units. Applicants requesting more than two residential permits for single-family dwelling units or more than one residential permit for multi-family dwelling units may be granted one additional permit, up to a maximum of three residential permits per single-family dwelling unit or a maximum of two residential permits per multi-family dwelling unit, upon successful demonstration to the City Traffic Engineer that any of the following conditions exist:

  • (i) There is more than three vehicles registered at the address of such dwelling unit and that sufficient off-street parking is not available to the applicants during the effective hours of the preferential parking zone;

  • (ii) Unique physical condition, not created by the property owner, limiting the resident's ability to park motor vehicles on site;

  • (iii) All legally authorized (code permitted) parking areas are being used for parking purposes by current licensed and operable vehicles.

• (2) The Finance Department shall collect a fee for each resident or vehicle permit issued. The fee shall be established by resolution of the City Council.

• (3) Permits issued pursuant to this section, with the exception of temporary permits, shall remain effective through the end of the fiscal year so long as the applicant continues to reside at the address set forth in the application and continues to own the vehicle to which the permit is attached, and so long as the district for which the permit was issued remains in effect.

  • (4) An owner or occupant residing within a preferential parking district may apply for temporary parking permits once per month to exempt guests or visitors from the posted parking prohibition or restriction. Residents may apply for a maximum of 10 temporary permits at any given time. The temporary parking permits are valid for up to one day maximum.

  • (5) Permits shall be placed upon or inside a vehicle as specified in the instructions accompanying the permit issued by the City Traffic Engineer.

  • (6) Each person shall be subject in all conditions and restrictions set forth in this section and of the residential preferential parking district for which it is issued. The issuance of such a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or approval of, any violation of any provision of this Code or any other laws or regulations.

• (7) Such fees as may be required shall be set from time to time by resolution of the City Council and shall be subject to change annually depending on actual costs incurred by the City for administering the program, fabricating and posting the signs (including one set of spare signs) and all other staff charges incurred as necessary to establish and eventually remove (if necessary) the district.

  • (8) The number of permits issued for a given district shall not exceed 150% of the total number of available on-street parking spaces within the given district.

  • (9) Permits shall not be issued to the following types of vehicles:

    • (i) Semi-tractor trucks;

    • (ii) Motor homes;

    • (iii) Motorcycles;

    • (iv) Boat, travel and utility trailers;

    • (v) Vehicles posted for sale;

    • (vi) Any commercial vehicle as defined in the California Vehicle Code.

• (e) Pilot Program to Allow Expansion of Existing Districts.

  • (1) Effective October 1, 2023, the City Council hereby creates a pilot program to allow the expansion of existing residential preferential parking districts. The City Council may add, by resolution, single-family properties to an existing district provided such single-family residential properties are located on streets that are contiguous to, but not included within, an existing district. The City Council shall consider adopting such resolution at a public hearing, duly noticed pursuant to this section.

(2) Such expansion of an existing district shall be based on findings that:

• (i) On-street parking relief is needed for inhabitants of such residential neighborhoods which have become impacted due to overflow parking from nearby uses; and

• (ii) The existing district has sufficient capacity to include additional single-family residential properties.

• (3) Upon the effective date of the resolution, those properties that are added to an existing district shall enjoy the same privileges and be subject to the same requirements as all of the other properties within the district.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18; amended by Ord. 23-1508, adopted 9/26/23)

Part 13 Restricted Use of Certain Streets

In addition to the conditions set forth in Section 3175 of this Code for the removal of vehicles from public streets, any member of the Police Department authorized by the Chief of Police may remove or cause to be removed, any vehicle from a street or alley when:

• (a) Any vehicle left standing on a street or alley in such a position as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or in such a condition as to create a hazard to other traffic upon the street or alley and an official notice as authorized by the Police Department is placed on the vehicle in a conspicuous location stating that the vehicle may be removed.

• (b) Any vehicle is parked or left standing upon the street or alley, or portion thereof, when the use of such street or alley or portion thereof, is necessary for:

  • (1) The cleaning, repair or construction of the street or alley, portion thereof;

  • (2) The installation or maintenance of utilities;

  • (3) Where such street or alley, or portion thereof, is authorized for a purpose other than normal traffic flow; or

  • (4) Where the use of such street or alley, or portion thereof, is necessary for the movement of equipment, articles, or structures of unusual size and the parking of such vehicle would prohibit or interfere with such use or movement.

• (c) Provided that an official notice authorized by the Police Department stating that the vehicle may be removed is placed on the parked vehicle in a conspicuous location 24 hours prior to the actual removal of the vehicle.

• (Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

The City may establish truck routes on certain streets subject to the following conditions:

• (a) Motor Truck Defined. For the purpose of this chapter, a motor truck is a motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property and having a gross vehicle weight of 8,500 pounds or more and nothing in this section shall apply to motor vehicles having a gross vehicle weight of less than 8,500 pounds.

• (b) Restricted Use of Streets by Trucks and Other Vehicles. Upon the recommendation of the City Traffic Engineer and subject to the requirements of California Vehicle Code Sections 35701 – 35714, the City Council may, by ordinance, designate, establish and maintain fixed truck routes within the City.

• (c) Prohibited Routes. Subject to the provisions, exceptions and limitations of the California Vehicle Code Sections 35701 – 35714, no person shall operate any vehicle, which has a gross vehicle weight of 8,500 pounds or more on any street not designated as a truck route.

• (d) Exemptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to passenger buses under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission; or to any vehicle owned or operated by the

City, public utilities, or any contractor or material man, while engaged in the repair, maintenance or construction of streets, street improvements or street utilities within the City; or to any authorized emergency vehicle, or to any commercial vehicle otherwise exempted under California Vehicle Code Section 35714.

• (e) Erection of Signs. The City Traffic Engineer shall install and maintain signage on those streets affected by this section. The signage shall conform to the standards and requirements of the CAMUTCD and the City.

• (f) Loading and Unloading. As specified in California Vehicle Code Section 35703, nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the operator of any motor truck traversing any of the foregoing routes from leaving such routes for the purpose of loading or unloading; or for truck terminal access provided such deviation from the nearest truck route is reasonably necessary.

• (g) Public Utility Service. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to apply to any vehicle which is subject to the provisions of Sections 1031 through 1036, inclusive, of the Public Utilities Code.

• (h) Weigh-In. Any police officer shall have the authority to require any person driving or in control of any commercial vehicle not proceeding over a truck route to proceed to any public or private scale available for the purpose of weighing and determining whether the conditions of this section have been met.

The City Council has established the following streets as fixed truck routes to be effective when signing conforming to the requirements of Section 3199.8(e) of this Code has been installed:

• (1) Bellflower Boulevard from Lakewood Boulevard to the southerly City limits;

• (2) Columbia Way from Lakewood Boulevard to Imperial Highway;

• (3) Cleta Street from Lakewood Boulevard to Patton Road;

• (4) Firestone Boulevard from the easterly City limits to the westerly City limits;

• (5) Florence Avenue;

• (6) Garfield Avenue;

• (7) Imperial Highway;

• (8) Lakewood Boulevard;

• (9) Old River School Road;

• (10) Patton Road from Firestone Boulevard to Cleta Street;

• (11) Paramount Boulevard;

• (12) Regentview Avenue;

• (13) Rosecrans Avenue;

• (14) Stewart and Gray Road from Lakewood Boulevard to Firestone Boulevard;

• (15) Studebaker Road from Florence Avenue to Route 605/5 freeway ramp intersection;

• (16) Telegraph Road;

• (17) Washburn Road from Regentview Avenue to Woodruff Avenue;

• (18) Woodruff Avenue from Firestone Boulevard to the southerly City limits;

• (19) Phlox Street between Paramount Boulevard and Downey Avenue; and

(20) Downey Avenue between Firestone Boulevard and Phlox Street. (Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18; amended by Ord. 25-1530, 7/8/2025)

It is unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation to move or operate upon any street in the City of Downey any vehicle, combination of vehicles, mobile equipment or load which weighs or measures in excess of the weight, width, height or length permitted by Division 15 of the California Vehicle Code, unless an application therefor has been filed with and a permit issued by the Director of Public Works or designee.

• (a) Application for Permit. The application for a permit shall be upon forms to be supplied by the City of Downey and shall set forth the following information:

  • (1) The name and address of the applicant;

  • (2) Description of vehicle and load to be operated or moved;

  • (3) Streets over which permit to operate is requested;

  • (4) Date, hour, duration and number of trips to be made; and

  • (5) Number and location of stops to be made within the City.

The City will accept applications made by, and issue permits directly to, an applicant or permit service by any of the following processes:

• (1) In writing;

• (2) By an authorized facsimile process; or

• (3) Through an authorized computer and modem connection.

• (b) Import or Export of Earth Material. Any person, firm, association or corporation moving more than 500 cubic yards of earth material shall comply with the following requirements:

  • (1) Haul routes shall be identified and approved by the City Traffic Engineer when more than 500 cubic yards of earth material per project is moved from or to the site of an earth grading operation in a one day period on public streets not designated as truck routes within the City; or, when more than 2,500 cubic yards of earth material per project is moved from or to the site of an earth grading operation over a period of time exceeding one day on public streets not designated as truck routes within the City; or, when more than 5,000 cubic yards of earth material per project is moved from or to the site of an earth grading operation on public roadways not designated as truck routes within the City.

• (2) Trailers carrying loads of earth material shall, in a manner adequate to prevent the earth material from blowing or bouncing out of or otherwise leaving the truck and/or trailer while traveling or standing upon any public street, either wet down the loads or cover the load of earth material with a tarpaulin prior to entering upon any public street in the City.

• (3) A street sweeper and/or water truck may be required on the job site to mitigate effects of dirt, mud, dust and debris on the street.

• (4) Days and hours of haul will be reviewed and approved by the City Traffic Engineer to mitigate area and peak hour traffic conflicts.

• (5) Provide evidence of proper liability insurance coverage acceptable to the City Finance Director naming the City as additionally insured.

• (6) A cash deposit by certified/cashier's check only will be required to insure the streets in the haul route will be maintained in a clean and orderly condition throughout the hauling operations, and to protect against any damage to City infrastructure.

When in conformance with the provisions of this section, a Hauling Permit shall be issued by the Director of Public Works or designee.

• (1) Hauls in excess of 30,000 cubic yards requiring the use of public streets may require provision of the following additional measures:

  • (i) Periodic safety inspection of all haul trucks;

  • (ii) A hold harmless agreement between the City and the grading contractor will be required for vehicles hauling earth material from or to the project site;

  • (iii) Flaggers and/or automatic traffic lights may be necessary as required by the City Traffic Engineer;

  • (iv) A cash bond may be required to insure against loss of pavement life along primary haul routes.

When in conformance with the provisions of this section, a Hauling Permit shall be issued by the Director of Public Works.

• (c) Filing Fees. A fee shall be paid by the applicant upon the filing of each application, for a permit as follows:

  • (1) A single trip permit (five working days and includes legal return);

  • (2) An annual permit, valid for one year from date of issuance, and permitting any number of trips within or into the City within said year; provided, however, that separate applications shall be filed for each vehicle that operates in the City containing the information required by this chapter;

  • (3) A rider to modify a permit after its original issuance;

  • (4) Fees for the aforementioned permits shall be in the amount set forth in the City's Fee Schedule.

• (d) Consideration of Application—Criteria for Issuance, Denial of Permit. The Director of Public Works or designee shall, by written permit, authorize the use of public streets within the City in accordance with the terms of the application, if, in the judgment of the Director of Public Works and the Chief of Police, said streets and appurtenant public and private property can safely withstand such use. Such permit shall specify the period of time for which it is to be effective; the route or routes to be traveled; the date, hour and number of trips to be made; such stops as shall be made within the City, and such other terms and conditions which the Director of Public Works and the Chief of Police determine necessary for public convenience and safety. Every permit shall be carried in the vehicle or combination of vehicles to which it refers and shall be presented for inspection by any California Vehicle Safety Alliance officer, authorized agent of the Director of Public Works, or any other officer or employee charged with the care or protection of such streets upon request.

• (e) Indemnification—Bonding—Insurance Requirement. A written agreement, approved as to form by the City Attorney, shall be filed by the applicant providing that the City and all officers, employees, agents and representatives thereof shall be indemnified and held harmless by the applicant from any liability or responsibility for any accident, loss or damage to persons or property happening or occurring as the proximate result of the use of street(s) under the terms of the application and the permit granted in response thereto, and that all said liabilities are hereby assumed by the applicant. Such permit shall be granted upon such conditions and upon depositing such bond and certificate of insurance at the discretion of the Director of Public Works.

• (f) Safety Inspection of Vehicles. Every driver of a vehicle, combination of vehicles, mobile equipment or load subject to this section shall stop and submit to an inspection of the size, weight, equipment and safety of such vehicle, combination of vehicles, mobile equipment or load at any location where any officer of the Downey Police Department is conducting test and inspections of such vehicles, combination of vehicles, mobile equipment or loads and when signs are displayed requiring the stop.

• (g) Violation—Revocation. Any person, firm, association or corporation moving or operating on any public street in the City any vehicle, combination of vehicles, mobile equipment or load contrary to any term of condition of a permit issued under the authority of Section 3199.9 of this Code hereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, such permit shall be revoked and cancelled by the Director of Public Works.

• (Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

The City Council may, by ordinance, establish speed zones within the City of Downey upon the basis of appropriate engineering and traffic surveys.

• (a) State Speed Limit Decreased. The City Council may, by ordinance determine, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey, that the maximum speed applicable under State law is more than is reasonable or safe upon a street or portions of a street, and, by ordinance, establish speed limits which would facilitate the orderly movement of traffic, and it is declared that the prima facie speed limit shall be as therein set forth on those streets or parts of streets therein designated when signs are erected giving notice thereof.

• (b) State Speed Limit Increased. The City Council may, by ordinance determine, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey, that a speed greater than 25 miles per hour would facilitate the orderly movement of vehicular traffic and would be reasonable and safe on those streets or parts of streets therein designated when signs are erected giving notice thereof.

• (c) Speed Limits Established. On the basis of engineering and traffic surveys, the City Council has established the prima facie speed limits as indicated herein upon the following streets in miles per hour (MPH):

Garfield Avenue. Between the westerly City limits and southerly City limits, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour.

Telegraph Road. Between the west City limit and the east City limit, the prima facie speed limit shall be 45 miles per hour (eastbound direction only).

Studebaker Road. Between Florence Avenue and the southern City limit, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Downey Avenue. On those portions within the City of Downey between Century Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard as well as North of Florence Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour; between Fifth Street and Florence Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour; and between Firestone Boulevard and Fifth Street, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Florence Avenue. Between the westerly City limits and Woodruff Avenue, and from Little Lake Road to the easterly City limits, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour. Between Woodruff Avenue and Little Lake Road/I-605, the prima facie speed limit shall be 45 miles per hour.

Old River School Road. Between Florence Avenue and Imperial Highway, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Stewart and Gray Road. Between the westerly City limit and Bellflower Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour and between Bellflower Boulevard and Firestone Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Imperial Highway. On those portions within the City of Downey between the west City limit and the east City limit, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Gallatin Road. Between Paramount Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour; between Tweedy Lane and Paramount Boulevard and between Lakewood Boulevard and Downey-Sanford Bridge Road, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Bellflower Boulevard. Between Foster Road and Imperial Highway, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour; between Imperial Highway and Lakewood Boulevard the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Rives Avenue. Between Florence Avenue and Firestone Boulevard and Imperial Highway, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Gardendale Street. On those portions within the City of Downey between the westerly city limit and Brookshire Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour. On the portion within the City of Downey between Brookshire Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Woodruff Avenue. Between Florence Avenue and Firestone Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour; between Firestone Boulevard and Stewart & Gray

Road, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour; and between Stewart & Gray Road and the southerly City limit, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Brookshire Avenue. Between Gardendale Street and Firestone Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour; between Firestone Boulevard and Cherokee Drive, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour; between Cherokee Drive and Florence Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour; between Florence Avenue and Gallatin Road, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour.

Dunrobin Avenue. Between Imperial Highway and Foster Road, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Paramount Boulevard. Between the northerly and the southerly city limits, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Washburn Road. Between Bellflower Boulevard and Regentview Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour.

Patton Road. Between Firestone Boulevard and Stewart and Gray Road, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Regentview Avenue. Between Stewart and Gray Road and Washburn Road, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Quill Drive. Between Old River School Road and Paramount Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Cherokee Drive. Between Downey Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Suva Street. Between the west city limit and Horley Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour, between Horley Avenue and Paramount Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Tweedy Lane. Between Gallatin Road and Florence Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Fifth Street. Between Paramount Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour; between Brookshire Avenue and Lakewood Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Cecilia Street. Between Studebaker Road and Fairford Avenue and between Woodruff Avenue and Pico Vista Road, the prima facie speed limits shall be 25 miles per hour; between Lakewood Boulevard and Woodruff Avenue and between Little Lake Road and Studebaker Road, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Third Street. Between Old River School Road and Paramount Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour; between Paramount Boulevard and Civic Center Drive, the prima facie speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour.

Foster Road. On that portion within the City of Downey between Lakewood Boulevard and Woodruff Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour; between Woodruff Avenue and the easterly City limit, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Alameda Street. Between Paramount Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Firestone Boulevard. Between the west city limit and Woodruff Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour; and between Woodruff Avenue and the east city limit, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Rosecrans Avenue. On that portion within the City of Downey between the west city limit and the east city limit, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Haledon Avenue. Between Gallatin Road and Florence Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour.

Lakewood Boulevard. On that portion within the city of Downey between the northerly City limits and Gardendale Street, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour.

Wiley Burke Avenue. Between Firestone Boulevard and Suva Street, the prima facie speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour.

Seventh Street. Between Rives Avenue and Downey Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour.

Columbia Way. Between Foster Road and Imperial Highway, the prima facie speed limit shall be 40 miles per hour, and 35 miles per hour between Imperial Highway and Lakewood Boulevard.

Ardis Avenue. Between Foster Road and the I-105 Freeway Overcrossing, the prima facie speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour and between the I-105 Overcrossing and Imperial Highway, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

Cleta Street. Between Lakewood Boulevard and Downey Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour.

Davis Street. Between Downey Avenue and Brookshire Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour.

Dolan Street. Between Firestone Boulevard and Davis Street, the prima facie speed limit shall be 25 miles per hour.

Fairford Avenue. Between Florence Avenue and the southerly City limit, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18; amended by Ord. 19-1406, adopted 4-23-19; Ord. 19-1414, adopted 8-13-19; Ord. 23-1505, adopted 3-28-23; Ord. 23-1509, adopted 9-26-23)

• (a) As used in this part, "public parking lot" shall mean any parking lot or area owned by or under the control of the City, and approved and made available for use by the public for the parking of motor vehicles.

• (b) As used in this chapter, "public parking structure" shall include any structure owned by or under the control of the City, and approved and made available for use by the public for the parking of motor vehicles.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18; amended by Ord. 25-1522, 3/25/2025)

• (a) Purpose. The City Council of the City of Downey seeks to provide off-street parking within public parking lots and public parking structures for persons who wish to utilize commercial, recreational, and civic offerings within the City of Downey. In so doing, the City Council seeks to deter activities and behavior that interfere with or otherwise inhibit the stated goal of the City Council, or that otherwise adversely impact the health, safety, and welfare of authorized users of public parking lots and public parking structures and of the general public.

(b) Compliance.

• (1) The Director of Public Works shall have the authority to promulgate rules, regulations, policies, and procedures regulating the use of public parking lots and public parking structures within the City, that are consistent with the purpose of this Section and other applicable laws.

• (2) Pursuant to Section 10102(a) of this Code, the Director of Parks and Recreation shall have the concurrent authority to promulgate rules, regulations, policies, and procedures regulating the use of public parking lots and public parking structures that are appurtenant to any public parks within the City, that are consistent with the purpose of this section and other applicable laws.

• (3) No person shall enter, be in, or remain in, nor shall any vehicle be stopped, parked, or left standing in, any public parking lot or public parking structure unless in compliance with all of the regulations set forth in this section applicable to such public parking lot or public parking structure, and with all other applicable ordinances, rules, and regulations, and with any conditions made a part of any applicable permit.

• (c) Hours of Operation. No person or vehicle may be present in or upon any public parking lot or public parking structure, or portion thereof, at any time when the public parking lot or public parking structure, or portion thereof, is closed to the public and has been posted with signage stating either the hours of operation or that the public parking lot or public parking structure, or portion thereof, is closed.

• (d) Towing of Vehicles. Any vehicle that is parked in or upon any public parking lot or public parking structure, or portion thereof, during any time when the public parking lot or public parking structure, or portion thereof, is closed to the public, may be removed under the direction of any police officer or authorized traffic enforcement officer, in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 22651(n), Downey Municipal Code Section 3183, and/or any other applicable law.

• (e) Prohibited Acts.

  • (1) General. No person may be present in any public parking structure unless actively engaged in one of the following activities or accompanying someone who is so engaged:

    • (i) Parking a vehicle, removing/unparking a vehicle, or riding in a vehicle that is being parked or removed/unparked;

• (ii) Departing from or returning to a vehicle that is parked in the parking structure;

  • (iii) Operating or maintaining the parking structure as an employee or contractor for the City; or

  • (iv) Any other lawful activity for which an approval has been granted or a permit has been issued by the Director of Public Works or authorized agent thereof.

• (2) Abandoned or Inoperative Vehicles. No person shall park a wrecked, dismantled, inoperative, or abandoned vehicle, nor any vehicle that is not currently registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, within a public parking lot or public parking structure at any time.

  • (i) Exception. Any vehicle that becomes mechanically inoperable while parked in a public parking lot or public parking structure, or portion thereof, shall be removed within two hours. In no event shall a mechanically inoperable vehicle remain in a public parking lot or public parking structure, or portion thereof, when that lot or structure, or portion thereof, is closed to the public.

• (3) Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller Skating, and Similar Devices Prohibited. No person shall use or ride any bicycle, skateboard, roller skates, rollerblades, scooter, or similar devices within any public parking structure.

  • (i) Exception. This section shall not prohibit the use of any personalized mobility device used for transportation purposes of disabled persons.

• (4) Commercial Uses. No person shall park any vehicle in or upon any public parking lot or public parking structure for any of the following purposes:

  • (i) Displaying such vehicle for sale;

  • (ii) Advertising purposes;

  • (iii) Soliciting business or the use of such vehicle for any purpose, except for public transportation vehicles or app-based rideshare vehicles only when actively picking up or dropping off a passenger; or

  • (iv) Washing, detailing, greasing, or repairing such vehicle, except repairs necessitated by an emergency but in no event to exceed two hours.

• (5) Vending. No person shall stand or park in or upon any public parking lot or public parking structure any vehicle, wagon, pushcart, or other such conveyance from which food, beverages, goods, wares, or merchandise are sold, displayed, solicited, or offered for sale, bargained or exchanged unless approved by a special permit as issued by the Director of Public Works or designee thereof.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18; amended by Ord. 25-1522, 3/25/2025)

No person shall sleep in any vehicle, including a truck-camper, motor home, travel home, travel or recreational trailer or other similar recreational vehicle, while parked in the public right-ofway.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

• (a) No amendment or addition to this Code nor any resolution, if such amendment, addition, or resolution imposes, modifies, or changes any regulation in respect to a State highway, shall take or be of any effect until such addition, amendment, or resolution is approved by the State Department of Transportation. The City Traffic Engineer shall not erect any sign or place any marking upon a State highway unless the regulation imposed by such sign or marking has been approved by the State Department of Transportation. Within six months after receipt of written notice that the State Department of Transportation has withdrawn its approval of any regulation affecting a State a highway, the City Traffic Engineer shall remove from such State highway any sign or marking giving notice of such regulation.

• (b) Whenever this chapter delegates authority to a City officer or authorizes action by the City Council, to regulate traffic upon a State highway in any way, which by law requires the prior approval of the State Department of Transportation, no such officer shall exercise such authority nor shall such action by the City Council be effective with respect to any State highway without the prior approval in writing by the State Department of Transportation when and to the extent required by Divisions 9 and 11 of the California Vehicle Code.

(Added by Ord. 18-1402, adopted 11-13-18)

CHAPTER 2 BICYCLES

(Repealed by Ord. 1332, adopted 6-10-14)

CHAPTER 3 FIRE CODE

Note: Ords. 635, 753, 893, 992, 1009, 1062, 1064, 1162, 1185; 1224; Ord. 1295; 1331; 1371; 20-1424; 22-1490; and 25-1530 were repealed by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026.

There is hereby adopted by the City Council of the City of Downey for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, hazardous conditions, or explosion, the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9), as modified and amended by this chapter, and hereby collectively declared to be the Downey Fire Code.

One copy of all the above is on file in the Office of the City Clerk for public inspection and is adopted with the same force and effect as through set out herein in full. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

The following appendices of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code are adopted as though fully set forth herein, together with certain modifications and amendments as set forth in this chapter:

1. Appendix A - Board of Appeals;

2. Appendix B - Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings;

3. Appendix BB - Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings;

4. Appendix C - Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution;

5. Appendix CC - Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution;

6. Appendix D - Fire Apparatus Access Roads;

7. Appendix E - Hazard Categories;

8. Appendix F - Hazard Ranking;

9. Appendix G - Cryogenic Fluids-Weight and Volume Equivalents;

10. Appendix H - Hazardous Materials Management Plans and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements;

11. Appendix I - Fire Protection Systems-Noncompliant Conditions;

12. Appendix J - Building Information Sign;

13. Appendix K - Construction Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities;

14. Appendix I - Requirements for Fire Fighter Replenishment Systems;

15. Appendix M - High-Rise Buildings — Retroactive Automatic Sprinkler Requirement;

16. Appendix N - Indoor Trade Shows and Exhibitions;

17. Appendix O - Temporary Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Similar Amusements. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

The 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, as adopted and amended herein, shall be enforced by the Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Fire Department of the City of Downey which is hereby established, and which shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire Department. The Fire Chief shall appoint the Fire Marshal in charge of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 103.1 (“Creation of Agency”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

103.1 General. The Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Fire Department of the City of Downey is hereby established within the jurisdiction and shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire Department. The function of the Department shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of the code. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 105.2 (“Permits: Application”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

105.2 Application and Fees. Any application for plan check and/or a permit required by this code shall be made to the fire code official in such form and detail described by the fire code official. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by the following:

• A. Fees. All plan check fees, permit fees, and other fees set forth in Section 108, as established by Resolution of the City Council.

• B. Permit Investigation Fee. When work has begun prior to the issuance of a valid permit and staff time is necessary for Code compliance, a Permit Investigation Fee, as established by Resolution of the City Council, for the administrative time required to research the project and appropriately permit the work.

• C. Construction Plans and Supporting Documents. Such construction plans, reports, and other supporting documents as set forth in Section 106 (“Construction Documents”) or as otherwise described by the fire code official.

• (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 105.3 (“Conditions of a Permit”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding the following language:

The fire code official is authorized to impose reasonable conditions upon any permit issued pursuant to this Code consistent with the intent of this Code and reasonably necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare from hazardous conditions that could result from the activities or conditions authorized by the permit. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 105.5.36 (“Required Operational Permits: Open Burning”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

105.5.36 Open burning and Recreational Fire. An operational permit is required for any kindling or maintaining of an open burning or recreational fire on any public sidewalk, street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Open burnings and recreational fires shall be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Section 307, as well as any other instructions, stipulations, and conditions of the permit. No permit shall be issued for an open burning or recreational fire on private property without proof that the applicant has provided notification to the owners of the properties adjoining where the open burning or recreational fire will be kindled or maintained.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 106.1 (“Construction Documents: Submittals”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Construction plan documents shall be submitted for all work performed for which a permit is required under Section 105 of the 2025 California Fire Code. Construction documents and supporting data shall be submitted in accordance with Sections 106.1 and 106.1.1 of this code. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and supporting data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 106.1 (“Construction Documents: Submittals”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 106.1.1 to read as follows:

106.1.1. Requirement for submission of electronic plans. All applicants for commercial and public building projects in the City of Downey will be required to submit to the Downey Fire Department an accurate electronic copy of the following “layers”:

• A. Site Plan

• B. Floor Plan with service rooms identified, and exits clearly identified

• C. Utility shut off locations

• D. Roof detail

• E. Fire alarm system

• F. Fire extinguishing system

• G. Fixed extinguishing system

• H. High Piled Storage

NOTES:

1. The submittal will be in the approved file format as agreed upon with the Fire Prevention Bureau.

2. The submittal will through the Citizen Access portal - or other City-approved method.

3. The submittal will be a condition prior to issuing an Occupancy Certificate.

4. The “City” will provide a confidentiality agreement to the architect agreeing to use the provided electronic plans for public safety use only.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 108 (“Fees”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 108.5.1 to read as follows:

108.5.1 Field Inspection Fees. In addition to all other applicable fees, all field inspection requests must be accompanied by a field inspection fee as established by Resolution of the City Council.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 202 (“Definitions”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding or amending the following terms:

AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION. — The organization, office or individual responsible for approving equipment, installation or procedure.

FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. — The Chief of the Downey Fire Department or authorized designee thereof.

HIGH RISE BUILDING. — All buildings having floors used for human occupancy located more than fifty-five feet (55’) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access are considered HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS. Campus Facilities and “Special Structures” as addressed in NFPA 101, facilities which include open structures, towers, water-surrounded structures, piers, underground and windowless structures, high rise buildings, membrane structures, tents, covered mall buildings or traditional occupancies that are located in special or unusual structures, shall conform to the requirements of this Section in addition to other recognized codes and standards.

JURISDICTION. — Shall mean the City of Downey.

RECREATIONAL FIRE. — An outdoor fire for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes, where the fuel being burned is not contained in an adequate or approved barbecue grill. Recreational fire shall include, but shall not be limited to, barbecue pits, bonfires, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and portable outdoor fireplaces. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 307 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Sections 307.6 and 307.7 to read as follows:

307.6 Recreational Fires: Approved Times. No recreational fire shall be kindled or maintained during the following prohibited times:

• A. Prior to 7:00 a.m. on any day of the week;

• B. After 10:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; or

• C. After 12:00 a.m. (midnight), Friday and Saturday.

307.7 Additional Requirements for Recreational Fires. No person shall kindle or maintain a recreational fire unless in compliance with the following:

• A. Combustibles and Flammables. No oils, combustible and flammable liquids, rubber, plastics, chemically treated materials, construction materials, hazardous waste, and rubbish/trash shall be burned or used as starting materials. No flammable or combustible liquids shall be used to kindle or rekindle a fire.

• B. Total Fuel Load. The total fuel load of the recreational fire shall not exceed three feet (3’) in diameter or two feet (2’) in height.

• C. Liability. The owner of the property on which a recreational fire is kindled or maintained shall be responsible and liable for damages or injuries that directly or indirectly result from the recreational fire.

• D. Permanent Outdoor Fireplaces and Barbecues. No person shall install, erect, place, maintain, or use any ay permanent outdoor fireplace or permanent outdoor barbecue in the City unless all requisite permits have been issued and finalized for the fireplace or barbecue.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 324 is hereby added to Chapter 3 (“General Requirements”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

324 Vehicle Creating Hazard. Whenever it is determined by a Fire Officer, that an unattended or attended vehicle parked or stopped upon any public street, road, alley, right of way, or upon private property creates an immediate danger or fire hazard to itself, other vehicles, persons or surrounding property; such Fire Officer shall request the Police Department to cause the removal of the vehicle to a safe location and the Police Department shall cause the removal at the expense of the Registered Owner of the vehicle and Notice of the removal shall be given to the Registered Owner as soon as feasible.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 503.4 (“Obstruction of Fire Apparatus Access Roads”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto language to read as follows:

No person owning or occupying or having the possession or control of any property bordering on any public alley in the City shall fail, refuse, or neglect to keep the portion of such alley between the center line thereof and the property line of such property free from garbage, rubbish, and combustible materials or compounds and flammable liquids and other obstructions. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 511 is hereby added to Chapter 5 (“Fire Service Features”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

SECTION 511 REQUIREMENT FOR IN BUILDING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

511.1 General. Except as otherwise provided, no person shall erect, construct, change the use of or provide an addition of more than 20 percent to any building or structure or any part thereof, or cause the same to be done which fails to support adequate radio coverage for the City of Downey radio communications system, including but not limited to firefighters and police officers. In-building communications will be provided for ALL subterranean structures constructed after passage of this ordinance. For purposes of this section, adequate radio coverage shall include all of the following:

• A. A minimum signal strength of -95 dbm available in 90 percent of the area of each floor of the building when transmitted from the closest City of Downey radio communications system site;

• B. A minimum signal strength of -95 dbm received at the closest City of Downey radio communications system site when transmitted from 90 percent of the area of each floor of the building;

• C. The frequency range which must be supported shall be the current band of frequencies used by the City of Downey; and

• D. A 100 Percent Reliability Factor. When measuring the performance of a bi-directional amplifier, signal strength measurements are based on one input signal adequate to obtain a maximum continuous operating output level.

511.2 Amplification Systems Allowed. Buildings and structures which cannot support the required level of radio coverage shall be equipped with any of the following in order to achieve the required adequate radio coverage: a radiating cable system or an internal multiple antenna system with or without FCC type accepted bi-directional 800 MHz amplifiers as needed. If any part of the installed system or systems contains an electrically powered component, the system shall be capable of operating on an independent battery and/or generator system for a period of at least 12 hours without external power input. The battery system shall automatically charge in the presence of an external power input. If used, bi-directional amplifiers shall include filters to reduce adjacent frequency interference. These filters shall be tuned so that they will be 35 dbm below the City of Downey frequencies.

511.3. Testing Procedures.

• A. Acceptance Test Procedure. When an in-building radio system is required, and upon completion of installation, it will be the building owner’s responsibility to have, the radio system tested to ensure that two-way coverage on each floor of the building is a minimum of 90 percent. Each floor of the building shall be divided into a grid of approximately 20 equal areas. A maximum of two nonadjacent areas will be allowed to fail the test. In the event that three of the areas fail the test, in order to be more statistically accurate, the floor may be divided into 40 equal areas. A maximum of four nonadjacent areas will be allowed to fail the test. After the 40-area test, if the system continues to fail, it will be the building owner’s responsibility to have the system altered to meet the 90 percent coverage requirement. The test shall be conducted using a UHF and VHF portable radio, talking through the City of Downey radio communications system as specified by the authority having jurisdiction. A spot located approximately in the center of a grid area will be selected for the test, then the radio will be keyed to verify two-way communications to and from the outside of the building through the City of Downey Radio Communications System. Once the spot has been selected, prospecting for a better spot within the grid area will not be permitted.

The gain values of all amplifiers shall be measured and the test measurement results shall be kept on file with the building owner so that the measurements can be verified each year during the annual tests. In the event that the measurement results become lost, the building owner will be required to rerun the acceptance test to reestablish the gain values.

As part of the installation, a spectrum analyzer or other suitable test equipment shall be utilized to ensure that spurious oscillations are not being generated by the subject bi-directional amplifier (BOA) due to coupling (lack of sufficient isolation) between the input and output systems. This test will be conducted at time of installation and subsequent annual inspections.

• B. Annual Tests. When an in-building radio system is required, it shall be the building owner’s responsibility to have all active components of the system, such as amplifiers and power supplies and backup batteries tested to a minimum of once every 12 months. Amplifiers shall be tested to ensure that the gain is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance, Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load of a period of one hour to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the one hour test period, and in the opinion of the testing technician, the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional one hour periods until the integrity of the battery can be determined. All other active components shall be checked to determine that they are operating within the manufacturer’s specifications for the intended purpose.

• C. Five-Year Tests. In addition to the annual test, it shall be the building owner’s responsibility to perform a radio coverage test a minimum of once every five (5) years to ensure that the radio system continues to meet the requirements of the original acceptance test.

• D. Qualifications of Testing Personnel. Personnel conducting radio system tests shall be qualified to perform the work. All tests shall be conducted, documented and signed by a person in possession of a current FCC license, or a current technician certification issued by the Associated Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) or the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA). All test records shall be retained on the inspected premises by the building owner and a copy submitted to the fire department officials.

511.4. Field Testing. Police and fire personnel, after providing reasonable notice to the owner or his representative, shall have the right to enter onto the property to conduct field testing to be certain that the required level of radio coverage is present.

511.5. Exemptions. This section shall not apply to: buildings less than 5,000 square feet or any R-3 occupancy.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) of the 2025 California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 903.6.1 to read as follows:

903.6.1. Existing non-residential occupancies. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) and Chapter 11 (“Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings”) of this code, existing buildings and structures with non-residential occupancies shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and NFPA 13 throughout if:

• A. Such building(s) and/or structure(s) would require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 2025 California Fire Code if determined to be a “new building or structure”; AND

• B. During any period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months, the building(s) or structure(s), or any portion thereof-including the appurtenant electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system, has been enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced, to the extent that exceeded fifty percent (50%) of the value of said building(s) or structure(s), as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief.

For the purpose of this section, an existing building or structure shall be deemed to be valued as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief as per the most current edition of the ICBO Building Standards-Building Valuation Data.

Exception: Signs, landscape, and parking lot improvements shall be exempt from such valuation.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) of the 2025 California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 903.6.2 to read as follows:

903.6.2. Existing residential occupancies. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) and Chapter 11 (“Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings”) of this code, existing buildings and structures with residential occupancies shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and NFPA 13D throughout if:

• A. Any existing building or structure with less than five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area is enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced to an extent that would exceed five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area; OR,

• B. During any period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months, an existing building(s) or structure(s) exceeding five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area, or any portion thereof — including the appurtenant electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system, has been enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced, to the extent that exceeded fifty percent (50%) of the value of said building(s) or structure(s), as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief.

For the purpose of this section, an existing building or structure shall be deemed to be valued as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief as per the most current edition of the ICBO Building Standards - Building Valuation Data.

Exception: Signs, landscape, and parking lot improvements shall be exempt from such valuation.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 907.9 (“Fire Alarm and Detection Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code are hereby amended to read as follows:

907.9. Where required in existing buildings and structures. An approved fire alarm and detection system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 (“Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings”).

Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 11, existing buildings and structures shall be equipped with an approved Automatic Fire Alarm and Detection System in accordance with the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and NFPA 72 throughout if:

• A. Such building(s) and/or structure(s) would require the installation of a fire alarm and detection system in accordance with 2025 California Fire Code if determined to be a “new building or structure”; and

• B. During any period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months, the building(s) or structure(s), or any portion thereof - including the appurtenant electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system, has been enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced, to the extent that exceeded fifty percent (50%) of the value of said building(s) or structure(s), as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief.

For the purpose of this section, an existing building or structure shall be deemed to be valued as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief as per the most current edition of the ICBO Building Standards - Building Valuation Data.

Exception: Signs, landscape, and parking lot improvements shall be exempt from such valuation.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 2411 is hereby added to Chapter 24 (“Flammable Finishes”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

2411.1. Roof Coatings. No person shall apply by any means, a flammable or combustible liquid material or any product as a roof coating, upon any structure, unless such material has been approved for such use by a recognized testing agency.

2411.2. Driveway Coatings. No person shall apply by any means, a flammable or combustible liquid material or any product as a driveway coating, upon any structure, unless such material has been approved for such use by a recognized testing agency. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Elevators installed in building(s) as required by the Building Department shall be appropriately sized to accommodate both emergency medical staff (minimum of three (3) persons plus patient) and associated local emergency equipment such as gurneys and medical supplies, as described in Section 3002.4 (“Elevator Car to Accommodate Ambulance Stretcher”) of Chapter 30 (“Elevators and Conveying Systems”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 3313 is hereby added to Chapter 33 of the 2025 California Fire Code to read as follows:

SECTION 3313 REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN WOOD FRAME BUILDINGS

3313.1 General. The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply only to activities occurring during the construction of certain wood frame buildings as specified herein. Nothing contained in this Ordinance shall be construed to alter such building occupancy standards or fire protection measures for wood frame or other construction methods as may otherwise be set forth in this code.

• A. No person shall engage in any aspect of construction on a large or major wood frame building project, or permit or authorize any such construction to occur, except in full compliance with this Ordinance.

• B. The property owner, as identified on the application for a building permit for a large or major wood frame building project, shall be liable for full compliance with this Ordinance.

The Fire Chief or responsible fire code official and the Chief Building Official are authorized to, from time to time, as necessary to implement this Ordinance, issue, review and revise administrative regulations to implement the provisions of this Ordinance, including but not limited to regulations concerning the required content of construction fire protection plans and the manner in which fire safety officer duties are to be performed.

3313.2 Definitions. The definitions contained in this part shall govern the interpretation of this Ordinance. Where terms are not specifically defined in this Ordinance, the definitions contained in Ordinances and Title 24 of this code shall control.

Building height. “Building Height” for the purpose of this Ordinance only, shall mean the vertical distance above a reference datum, measured to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof, or to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the average height of the highest gable of a pitched or hipped roof. The reference datum shall be selected by either of the following, whichever yields the greatest height of building: (1) The elevation of the highest natural ground surface within a five-foot horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the building when the highest such natural ground surface is not more than ten feet above the lowest grade; or (2) An elevation ten feet higher than the lowest grade when the natural ground surface described in (1) is more than ten feet above the lowest grade.

Construction fire protection plan. “Construction fire protection plan” means a document which specifies measures and practices to be incorporated into the construction process to minimize the potential for the occurrence and spread of fires, and to facilitate firefighting efforts during building construction.

Exposed wood framing. “Exposed wood framing” means the area of a large or major wood frame building project that is enclosed, in whole or in part, by wood stud framing and decking of the floor or roof above. Attics not designated for occupancy, balconies open to the sky and other similar open space are not included in this square footage calculation. For the purpose of measuring total square footage of wood framing, any adjacent ongoing wood frame construction is considered to be within the project when adjacent structures are separated by less than sixty feet of open air.

Fire safety officer. “Fire safety officer” means an individual employed on a construction job site whose job function is to minimize the potential for the occurrence and spread of fires in accordance with the requirements of this Ordinance and the approved construction fire protection plan. The duties of a fire safety officer shall be in addition to, and do not supersede, the duties of any contractor or individual engaging in activities which have the potential to cause the occurrence or spread of fire, including but not limited to the duties specified in Chapter 33 of the 2025 California Fire Code, as adopted in this code.

Hot work. “Hot work” means construction activities including, but not limited to, cutting, welding, use of open torch, brazing, and glass blowing, which are regulated by Chapter 35 of the 2016 California Fire Code, as adopted in this code.

Large wood frame building project. “Large wood frame building project” means a building project utilizing exposed wood framing in the construction of fifteen or more attached dwelling units, or construction exceeding a total of fifty thousand square feet.

Major wood frame building project. Major wood frame building project” is large wood frame building project which will either:

• A. Exceed two hundred fifty thousand square feet; or

• B. Exceed two hundred thousand square feet if the project exceeds fifty feet in height.

• Maximum allowable exposed wood framing limit. “Maximum allowable exposed wood framing limit” means:

• A. Two hundred fifty thousand square feet; or

• B. Two hundred thousand square feet for a large wood frame building project which exceeds fifty feet in height.

Mitigating fire protection barrier. “Mitigating fire protection barrier” means at least one layer of 5/8-inch gypsum board or other fire resistive blocking located at the end of a fire resistive area or separation wall or party wall, and installed such that the mitigating fire protection barrier(s) and fire resistive wall(s) enclose area(s) of not less than ten thousand square feet and not more than fifty thousand square feet.

• A. No building permit shall be issued which allows the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless the Fire Chief or responsible fire code official has provided written approval of a construction fire protection plan for the project.

• B. Construction fire protection plans for a large or major wood frame building project shall state how the requirements of this ordinance and all other fire safety requirements shall be met during construction of the project. Construction fire protection plans for major wood frame building projects shall, in addition, state how off-hours security will be addressed, and how construction sequencing, including the installation of mitigating fire protection barriers, will be utilized to minimize the potential for the occurrence and spread of fire.

• C. No person shall engage in, permit, authorize or allow any aspect of construction on any project for which a construction fire protection plan has been approved unless the Fire Chief or responsible fire code official has provided written approval of a fire protection plan for the project.

• D. No person shall engage in, permit, authorize or allow any aspect of construction on any project for which a construction fire protection plan has been approved except in full compliance with the approved construction fire protection plan for the project.

• E. The approved construction fire protection plan shall be a condition of the building permit and a copy of the plan shall be maintained on site at all times during construction of the project.

• A. No person shall perform, permit, authorize or allow any hot work on any large or major wood frame building project, after wood framing has commenced, unless a fire safety officer is present on the project site at all times while hot work is being performed.

• B. A fire safety officer shall monitor, confirm and document the following:

  1. That a fire watch as required by Chapter 33 of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, as adopted in this code;

  2. That storage, use and handling of flammable liquids conforms to all federal, state and local, legal and administrative requirements;

  3. That construction debris is promptly removed from the project site;

  4. That fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, standpipes, and other fire service connections, are in place and operational, as required by law or specified in the approved construction fire protection plan;

  5. That mitigating fire protection barriers are in place on any major wood frame building project, in accordance with this ordinance and the construction sequencing requirements of the approved construction fire protection plan;

  6. That such other requirements relating to fire safety have been met, as may be specified in this code, in the regulations adopted pursuant to this Ordinance, or in the approved construction fire protection plan.

• A. No person shall commence, permit, authorize or allow wood framing or engage in any construction activity after the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless an all-weather access road is in place, meeting the requirements of Section 3310 of the 2025 California Fire Code, or such other fire apparatus access requirements as may be specified in the construction fire protection plan for the project, or in any development or building permit for the project, are in place and functional.

• B. No person shall commence, permit, authorize or allow wood framing or engage in, permit, authorize or allow any construction activity after the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless all fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, standpipes and other fire service connections, are in place and operational, as required by law or specified in the approved construction fire protection plan.

3319.6 Mitigating Fire Protection Barriers. No person shall continue, permit, authorize, or allow any construction activity on any major wood frame building project, unless mitigating fire protection barriers are in place and operational, in accordance with the approved construction fire protection plan, to maintain the project at or below the applicable maximum allowable exposed wood framing limit.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 4801.2 (“Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages: General”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 4801.2.1 to read as follows:

4801.2.1. General Authority. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to approve ALL fire/ life safety activities associated with the motion picture and television industry within the City upon either public or private property. This shall include the design, construction, operation and maintenance of soundstages and approved production facilities used in the motion picture and television industry productions. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to require the appropriate level of fire/life safety during motion picture and television production activities to protect life and property. This may include the scheduling of Fire Safety Officers (FSO) and fire suppression resources at the expense of the motion picture/television production industry. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 4803 (“Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages: Required Permits”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 4803.4 to read as follows:

4803.4 Permit Required. Prior to commencement of any film and/or production activities, an operations permit for these activities shall be first obtained from the City of Downey. (Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

Section 4807 (“Fire Safety Officers”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 4807.2 to read as follows:

4807.2 Substitution of temporary fire/life safety services for commercial activities. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to approve temporary fire/safety services provided for filming activities. The approval process is covered in Downey Municipal Code Article VI, Chapter 11, starting with Section 6955.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)

• A. Section D101.1 (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads: General: Scope”) of Appendix D of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section D101.1.1 to read as follows:

D101.1.1 Identification of fire lanes. Fire Department access or fire lanes shall be identified on private streets or drives by use of the phrase “NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1” and shall be designated by the use of one or more of the following:

• a. Approved SIGNS

• b. Approved RED CURBS

• c. Approved ROADWAY STRIPING

• d. Any combination of the above

• B. Section D103.4 (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads: Minimum Specifications”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

D103.4 Dead ends. Access roads greater than 150 feet in length shall have an approved means for turning around fire apparatus in accordance with the figures shown in Attachment “A,” Attachment “B,” and Attachment “C,” [1] unless otherwise dictated by the Fire Chief.

• C. Section D103.6 (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads: Signs”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

D103.6 Signs. Where required by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be marked with permanent “NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1” signs complying with this section. Signs shall be posted on one or both sides of the fire apparatus road as required by Section D103.6.1 or D103.6.2.

• a. Shall be eighteen (18) inches in height by twelve (12) inches in width.

• b. Lettering shall be red on a white background and no less than three (3) inches in height. The perimeter of the sign shall have a red border no more than one (1) inch in width.

Sign shall read as follows:

(Image not reproduced in this text.)

• c. Signs shall be installed so that there is not less than seven (7) feet clear from the bottom of the sign to finish grade. Temporary signs must be approved by the fire department prior to placement and use.

• d. The distance between the signs shall no exceed fifty (50) feet and there shall be a sign within five (5) feet of the beginning and end of the FIRE LANE.

• e. Installation and maintenance of the signs located on private streets and drives shall be the responsibility of the property owner.

• D. Section D103.7 is hereby added to Appendix D (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads”) to read as follows:

D103.7 Red curbs.

• a. Curbing which is used in designating FIRE LANES shall be painted “FIRE SAFETY RED” OR EQUIVALENT.

• b. White lettering, no less than three (3) inches in height shall be placed on top of the

1. Editor’s Note: These attachments are included as attachments to this article.

red curbing and shall read “NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1.”

• c. Such lettering shall be located a maximum of thirty-five (35) feet apart and within five (5) feet from the beginning and end of the designated FIRE LANE.

  • d. Installation and maintenance of red curbing located on private streets and drives shall be the responsibility of the property owner.

• E. Section D103.8 is hereby added to Appendix D (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads”) to read as follows:

D103.8 Roadway striping.

• a. Areas designated to be FIRE LANE where no curbs exist shall be striped.

• b. Striping shall consist of three (3) inch wide red stripes on a diagonal basis for the full width and length of the FIRE LANE.

• c. White lettering a minimum dimension of two (2) inches in width by twelve (12) inches in height, per letter, shall read “NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1” and shall be painted within the striping.

• d. Such lettering shall be located a maximum of thirty-five (35) feet part and within five feet of the beginning and end of the FIRE LANE.

• e. Installation and maintenance of the roadway striping located on private streets and drives shall be the responsibility of the property owner.

(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)