Duarte Municipal Code Ch. 16.04 Building Laws

Footnotes:

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Note— Prior ordinance history: Ordinance 399 as amended by Ordinances 403, 405 and 420.

(a) The city adopts by reference, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the following codes:

(1) The 2025 edition of the California Building Code Volume 1 and 2 with Appendices F, G, H, I, J, N, and Chapter 1 Division II; based on the 2021 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference.

(2) The 2025 edition of the California Electrical Code.

(3) The 2025 edition of the California Plumbing Code with Appendix H.

(4) The 2025 edition of the California Mechanical Code.

(5) The 2025 edition of the California Residential Code with Appendices.

(6) The 2025 edition of the California Green Building Standards Code.

(7) The 2025 edition of the California Building Code, Appendix J as amended by Los Angeles County related to grading.

(8) The 2025 edition of the California Energy Code.

(9) The 2025 edition of the California Reference Standard Code.

(10) The 2025 edition of the California Administrative Code.

(11) The 2025 edition of the California Existing Building Code.

(12) The 2021 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code with Appendix H.

(13) The 2025 edition of the California Historical Building Code.

(b) The foregoing laws are hereinafter, for convenience, referred to collectively as the "California Building Code" and shall, except as hereafter provided, be and become the building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical, and residential codes of the city.

(c) Except as hereinafter provided, the California Building Code, Chapter 1, Division II, 2025 Edition, is hereby made a part hereof as though set forth in full and the same shall be established and adopted as the rules, regulations, provisions and conditions for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use and maintenance of buildings or structures in the City, and is hereby adopted by reference as the Scope and Administration Provisions of the City of Duarte.

(Ord. 797 § 1, 2007: Ord. 766 § 1, 2003: Ord. 743, 1999: Ord. 722 § 1, 1995: Ord. 696 § 1, 1993: Ord. 692 § 1 (part), 1992: Ord. 680 § 1, 1991: Ord. 649 § 1, 1988: Ord. 616 § 1, 1986; Ord. 603 § 1, 1985; Ord. 576 § 1, 1983; Ord. 558 § 1, 1982: Ord. 475 § 1, 1979: Ord. 439 § 1 (part), 1978)

(Ord. No. 824, § 1, 12-14-2010; Ord. No. 842, § 1, 10-22-2013; Ord. No. 870, § 1(A.), 10-13-2016; Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 914, § 2A, 1-10-2023; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2A, 12-9-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 842, § 1, adopted Oct. 22, 2013, repealed § 16.04.015 which pertained to adoption of the California Green Building Standards Code and derived from Ord. No. 824, § 2, adopted Dec. 14, 2010.

One copy each of the California Building Code and one copy of the California Green Building Standards Code shall be deposited in the office of the city clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the clerk for use and examination by the public.

(Ord. 797 § 2, 2007: Ord. 649 § 2, 1988: Ord. 603 § 2, 1985: Ord. 439 § 1 (part), 1978)

(Ord. No. 824, § 3, 12-14-2010; Ord. No. 842, § 1, 10-22-2013)

(a) Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the California Building Code or in this chapter, each such name or terms shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows:

(1) "Authority having jurisdiction," "chief plumbing inspector" or "plumbing inspector," as used in the Plumbing Code, means the building official.

(2) "Board of appeals," or "appeals board" as used in the Building Code, means the planning commission of the city of Duarte.

(3) "Building official." Unless otherwise expressly indicated, "building official" shall mean the community development director of the city of Duarte or designee.

(4) "City" means the city of Duarte.

(5) "Fire Code" or "Los Angeles County Fire Code" means Chapter 15.04 of this code.

(6) "General fund" means the city treasury.

(7) "Ordinance No. 7583, an ordinance adopting a health code" or "health code" means Section 6.04.010 of this code.

(8) "Special inspector" means a person holding a valid certificate of registration as special inspector and approved by the city.

(9) When referencing the California Building Code, Appendix J as amended by Los Angeles County related to grading, "Building Official" shall be substituted for "City Engineer.

(b) The building official is authorized and directed to enforce all of the provisions of this code, including the Housing Code, the Electrical Code, the Plumbing Code, and the Mechanical Code, and to make all inspections pursuant to the provisions of each such code, except for those specific sections and chapters where the city engineer is the designated building official. For such purposes, he or she shall have the powers of a police officer.

(Ord. 797 § 3, 2007: Ord. 475 § 2, 1979; Ord. 439 § 1 (part), 1978)

(Ord. No. 824, § 4, 12-14-2010; Ord. No. 842, § 1, 10-22-2013; Ord. No. 870, § 1(B.), 10-13-2016)

The fees collectible by the city for the issuance of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, sewer, grading, and similar permits as well as plan checking fees for building and structures shall be established at two times the prevailing Los Angeles County fee, as periodically amended.

(Ord. 797 § 5, 2007: Ord. 674 § 1, 1990: Ord. 558 § 3, 1982: Ord. 439 § 1 (part), 1978)

(Ord. No. 842, § 1, 10-22-2013)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 842, § 1, adopted Oct. 22, 2013, renumbered the former § 16.04.050 as § 16.04.040 as set out herein. The historical notation has been retained with the amended provisions for reference purposes.

(a) GENERAL.

(1) No person shall construct, alter, repair, demolish, remove, move, use, occupy or maintain, within the city, any building or structure or any portion thereof, except as provided by this code.

(2) No person shall grade, excavate or fill any land except as provided by this code.

(3) The permissive provisions of this code shall not be presumed to waive any limitations imposed by other statutes or ordinances of the state or city.

(4) All of the provisions of this code shall be limitations for safeguarding life, limb, health, property and public welfare.

(b) VIOLATION OF A BUILDING OR GRADING PERMIT. Every person who knowingly and willfully procures a building and/or grading permit without the consent of the owner of record of the property for which the permit is issued, or such person's agent, is guilty of a misdemeanor or infraction.

(c) VIOLATION OF AN ORDER. No person shall fail to comply with any valid order issued pursuant to any provision or requirement of this code.

(d) MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS TO THE DEPARTMENT. It is unlawful for any person, authorized by the department to perform inspections, to make a false or misleading statement, or misrepresentation in any writing submitted to the department.

(e) VIOLATION IS MISDEMEANOR. Every violation of this section or regulation related or referenced herein is punishable as a misdemeanor.

(f) ALL AVAILABLE REMEDIES. The remedies available to the city pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall not limit the right of the city to seek any other remedy that may be available by law, including, but not limited, to the nuisance remedies.

(Ord. 797 § 6, 2007: Ord. 766 § 3, 2003)

(Ord. No. 824, § 5, 12-14-2010; Ord. No. 842, § 1, 10-22-2013)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 842, § 1, adopted Oct. 22, 2013, renumbered the former § 16.04.051 as § 16.04.050 as set out herein. The historical notation has been retained with the amended provisions for reference purposes.

(a) The building official or his or her authorized representative as employees or acting under contract as agents of this jurisdiction, charged with the enforcement of this code and the technical codes, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable for damage that may occur to persons or property as a result of an act or omission in the discharge of the assigned duties. A suit brought against the building official, employee or his/her authorized agent acting under contract of this jurisdiction, because of such act or omission performed by the building official, employee or his/her authorized agent acting under contract of this jurisdiction in the enforcement of the provisions of such codes or other pertinent laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this code or enforced by the code enforcement agency shall be defended by this jurisdiction until final termination of such proceedings, and any judgment resulting there from shall be assumed by this jurisdiction.

(b) This code shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any such person owning, operating or controlling a building, structure or building service equipment therein for damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the code enforcement agency or its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this code or permits or certificates issued under this code.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020)

Section 109.4.1 of the California Building Code shall be amended to add the following:

The additional fee established for work commencing before issuance of building permits shall be determined by the building official and shall be no less than the established investigation fee and no greater than two times the established permit fee.

(Ord. No. 842, § 1, 10-22-2013; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2B, 12-9-2025)

Section 111.2.1 of the California Building Code shall be added to read as follows:

(a) In addition to the requirements of Section 111, the following minimum requirements shall be completed prior to any occupancy or utilities connected:

(1) Written clearance from the fire and public works departments and planning and business license divisions.

(2) The following when applicable:

(A) Electronic copy of plans received.

(B) Verification of school fees paid.

(C) Grading certificate received.

(D) All plan review fees paid.

(E) Sewer assessment fees paid.

(F) Hazard materials statements received.

(G) Subcontractor's list received.

(Ord. No. 842, § 1, 10-22-2013; Ord. No. 870, § 1(C.), 10-13-2016; Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2C, 12-9-2025)

New construction or rehabilitation or remodeling in excess of fifty percent of the valuation of the existing structure requires that all utilities on the site for direct service to the area therein shall be installed underground except as otherwise approved by the city council. The owner or developer is responsible for complying with the requirements of this section and shall make the necessary arrangements as required by the serving utilities for the installation of such facilities. For the purpose of this section, appurtenances and associated equipment, such as, but not limited to, surface-mounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts in an underground system may be terminated aboveground.

(Ord. 460 § 1, 1979)

(Ord. No. 842, § 1, 10-22-2013)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 842, § 1, adopted Oct. 22, 2013, repealed the former §§ 16.04.070—16.04.086 and § 16.04.100 which pertained to building code amendments, residential and commercial roofs, and driveways and parking aprons, and satellite receiving antennas, and derived from Ord. No. 439 § 1 (part), 1978; Ord. No. 516 § 2, 1981; Ord. No. 517 § 2, 1981; Ord. No. 518 § 2, 1981; Ord. No. 559 §§ 1, 2, 1982; Ord. No. 577 § 1, 1983; Ord. No. 597, § 2, 1984; Ord. No. 603 §§ 3—5, 1985; Ord. No. 797 §§ 7—10, 2007; and Ord. No. 824, §§ 6—9, adopted Dec. 14, 2010. Said ordinance further renumbered §§ 16.04.092 and 16.04.095 as §§ 16.04.070 and 16.04.080 as set out herein. The historical notation has been retained with the amended provisions for reference purposes.

Section 105.2 of the Building Code shall be amended by amending exemptions 2 and 9 to read as follows:

(2) Fences other than swimming pool barriers, not over 6 feet (2134 mm high).

(9) Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2D, 12-9-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 895, § 1, adopted March 24, 2020, repealed the former § 16.04.080, and enacted a new § 16.04.080 as set out herein. The former § 16.04.080 pertained to the Plumbing Code and derived from Ord. 603 adopted in 1985; Ord. 797 adopted in 2007; Ord. No. 828, adopted March 22, 20111; Ord. No. 842, adopted October 22, 2013; and Ord. No. 870, adopted October 13, 2016.

(a) APPLICABILITY. This section applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems, as defined herein, in the city.

(b) DEFINITIONS. SECTION The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:

(1) "Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following: e-mail; the internet.

(2) "Small residential rooftop solar energy system" means all of the following:

(a) A solar energy system that is no larger than ten kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty kilowatts thermal.

(b) A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the city and paragraph (iii) of subdivision (c) of Section 714 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesigned from time to time.

(c) A solar energy system that is installed on a single or duplex family dwelling.

(d) A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction.

(3) "Solar energy system" has the same meaning set forth in paragraphs 1 and 2 of subdivision (a) of Section 801.5 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.

(c) SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.

(1) All solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state of California and of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

(2) Solar energy systems for heating water in single-family residences and for heating water in commercial or swimming pool applications shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code.

(3) Solar energy systems for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.

(d) DUTIES OF THE BUILDING DIVISION AND BUILDING OFFICIAL.

(1) Duarte Municipal Code Sections 16.04.090 govern expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.

(2) All documents required for the submission of an expedited small residential rooftop solar energy system shall be made available to the public on the city of Duarte website.

(3) An applicant's electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications and other documents, in-lieu of a wet signature. However, because the city's ability to accept electronic signatures on forms, applications and other permit documents is still under development, the city can only accept electronic signatures that are sent via email or fax.

(4) A checklist shall be prepared by the building official of all requirements with which a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.

(5) The small residential rooftop solar energy system permit process and checklist shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist, contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook. The city may modify the checklist and standards found in the California Solar Permitting Guidebook due to unique climactic, geological, seismological, or topographical conditions.

(6) The fees prescribed for the permitting of small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall be established from time to time by resolution of the city council and shall be in compliance with Government Code Section 65850.55, Government Code Section 66015, Government Code Section 66016, and State Health and Safety Code Section 17951.

(e) PERMIT REVIEW AND INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS.

(1) The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the city's building division by person, mail, or electronic submittal together with any required permit process and inspection fees.

(2) The city of Duarte Building Division shall implement an administrative, non-discretionary review process to expedite approval of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. The building division shall issue a permit(s) after receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the checklist and the payment of applicable permit fees, either through mail, phone or in-person. The city cannot currently process electronic (online) payments. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the building division shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

(3) An approval of the application and/or issuance of the permit(s) does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid. The applicant is responsible for obtaining such approval or permission from the local utility provider.

(4) Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:

(a) Verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction through the use of standard engineering evaluation techniques that the support structure for the small residential rooftop solar energy system is stable and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building foundation; and

(b) At the applicant's cost, verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction using standard electrical inspection techniques that the existing electrical system including existing line, load, ground and bonding wiring as well as main panel and subpanel sizes are adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry all new photovoltaic electrical loads.

(5) For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, only one inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the building official and fire chief. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized; however the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this subsection.

(6) The building official may require an applicant to apply for a use permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety. Such decisions may be appealed to the planning commission. If a use permit is required, the building official may deny an application for the use permit if the official makes written findings based upon substantive evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid, as defined, the adverse impact. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact. Such decisions may be appealed to the planning commission.

(7) Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.

(8) "A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by the city on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit. The city shall use its best efforts to ensure that the selected method, condition, or mitigation meets the conditions of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 714 of the Civil Code defining restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance.

(Ord. No. 860, § 1, 10-13-2015; Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2E, 12-9-2025)

(a) APPLICABILITY. This chapter applies to the permitting of all electric vehicle charging stations, as defined herein, in the city.

(b) DEFINITIONS. The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:

(1) "Electronic submittal" means e-mail.

(2) "Electric vehicle charging stations" means an electric vehicle supply equipment station, of any level, that delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle and is designed and built in compliance with 24 California Code of Regulations sections 625.1, et seq., as it reads on the effective date of this chapter, or as it may be amended.

(3) "Specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

(c) ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION REQUIREMENTS.

(1) All electric vehicle charging stations shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state of California and of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

(2) Electric vehicle charging stations shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.

(d) DUTIES OF THE BUILDING DIVISION AND BUILDING OFFICIAL.

(1) Duarte Municipal Code Section 16.04.100 govern expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations.

(2) All documents required for the submission of an expedited electric vehicle charging station(s) shall be made available to the public on the city of Duarte website.

(3) An applicant's electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications and other documents, in-lieu of a wet signature. However, because the city's ability to accept electronic signatures on forms, applications and other permit documents is still under development, the city can only accept electronic signatures that are sent via e-mail.

(4) A checklist shall be prepared by the building official of all requirements with which an electric vehicle charging station shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.

(5) The electric vehicle charging station permit process and checklist shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist, contained in the most current version of the Plug-in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist and the Zero-Emissions Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.

(6) The fees prescribed for the permitting of electric vehicle charging stations shall be established by resolution of the city council and shall comply with State Health and Safety Code Section 17951.

(e) PERMIT REVIEW AND INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS.

(1) The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the city's building division by person, mail, or electronic submittal together with any required permit process and inspection fees.

(2) The city of Duarte Building Division shall implement an administrative, non-discretionary review process to expedite approval of electric vehicle charging stations. The building division shall issue a permit(s) after receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the checklist and the payment of applicable permit fees, either through mail, phone or in-person. The city cannot currently process electronic (online) payments. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the building division shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

(3) Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall, at his or her cost, verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction using standard electrical inspection techniques that the existing electrical system is adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry electrical loads associated with an electric vehicle charging station and is in compliance with the development standards for electric vehicle charging stations identified in the Duarte Development Code, section DDC 19.38.190(c).

(4) The building official may require an applicant to apply for a conditional use permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety. Such decisions may be appealed to the planning commission. If a conditional use permit is required, the building official may deny an application for the conditional use permit if the official makes written findings based upon substantive evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid, as defined, the adverse impact. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact. Such decisions may be appealed to the planning commission.

(5) Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.

(6) "A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by the city on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit. The city shall use its best efforts to ensure that the selected method, condition, or mitigation meets the conditions of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 714 of the Civil Code defining restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance.

(7) Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080.

(8) If an electric vehicle charging station and any associated equipment interfere with, reduce, eliminate, or in any way impact the required parking spaces for existing uses, the city shall reduce the number of required parking spaces for the existing uses by the amount necessary to accommodate the electric vehicle charging station and any associated equipment.

(9) All construction or work for electric vehicle charging stations for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the building official.

(f) PERMIT APPLICATION TIMELINES FOR ONE TO TWENTY-FIVE STATIONS AT A SINGLE SITE.

(1) An application will be deemed complete if after five business days the city has not either:

(A) Found the application to be complete or;

(B) Issued a written correction notice to the applicant detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

(2) The application will be deemed approved twenty business days after it was deemed complete if:

(A) The city has not made a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the EVCS could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety; and

(B) The city has not required the applicant to apply for a use permit as specified in Section 65850.7(b); and

(C) An appeal has not been made to the planning commission pursuant to Section 65850.7(d).

(g) PERMIT APPLICATION TIMELINES FOR TWENTY-SIX OR MORE STATIONS AT A SINGLE SITE.

(1) An application will be deemed complete if after ten business days the city has not either:

(A) Found the application to be complete; or

(B) Issued a written correction notice to the applicant detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

(2) The application will be deemed approved forty business days after it was deemed complete if:

(A) The city has not made a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the EVCS could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety; and

(B) The city has not required the applicant to apply for a use permit as specified in Section 65850.7(b); and

(C) An appeal has not been made to the planning commission pursuant to Section 65850.7(d).

(Ord. No. 875, § 1, 9-26-2017; Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 911, § § 2—4, 9-27-2022)

(a) Every residential permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within three hundred sixty-five days after its issuance, or if work has been suspended or abandoned for a period of one hundred eighty days between each required inspection. Every commercial permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within one hundred eighty days after its issuance, or if work has been suspended or abandoned for a period of one hundred eighty days between each required inspection. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, only one extension of time for a period of one hundred eighty days. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2F, 12-9-2025)

(a) Section 109.7 of Chapter 1, Division II is added to the CBC to read as follows:

109.7 Reinspection Fees. A reinspection fee may be imposed for each inspection or reinspection, when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when required corrections are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of the technical codes, but as a method of controlling the practice of calling inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection. Reinspection fees may be imposed when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector; for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested; or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. To obtain a reinspection, the applicant must file an application in writing upon a city-approved form and pay the applicable reinspection fee. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, additional inspection of the work will not be performed until the required fees have been paid.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2G, 12-9-2025)

(a) CBC Sections 202, Barrier, Spa, Non-self-Contained; Spa, Self-Contained is added to the CBC; and amending the definition of swimming pool by revising these definitions to read as follows:

(1) "Barrier" means fence, wall, building wall, or any combination of these that completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.

(2) "Spa, non-self-contained" means a hydro-massage pool or tub for recreational or therapeutic use, not located in health-care facilities, designed for immersion of users and usually having a filter, heater and motor driven blower. It may be installed indoors or outdoors, on the ground or on a supporting structure, or in the ground or in a supporting structure. A non-self-contained spa is intended for recreational bathing and contains water over 18 inches deep.

(3) "Spa, self-contained" means a continuous-duty appliance in which all control, water-heating and water-circulating equipment is an integral part of the product, located entirely under the spa skirt. A self-contained spa is intended for recreational bathing and contains water over 18 inches deep.

(4) "Swimming Pools" means any body of water created by artificial means which is designed, intended for use, or used for swimming or immersion purposes, which has a water depth exceeding 18 inches. The term, "pool," includes swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, above- and below-ground, and vinyl-lined pools; pool does not include plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs nor does it apply to man-made lakes, reservoirs, farm ponds, or ponds used primarily for public park purposes, water conservation purposes, irrigation purposes or for the watering of livestock.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020)

The roof assembly on any structure regulated by this code shall be as specified in Table 1505.1 except that only fire retardant roof coverings meeting Class A roofing assemblies are permitted in the high Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Roof coverings required to be listed by this section shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 108 or UL 790. The roofing assembly includes the roof deck, underlayment, interlayment, insulation and covering, which is assigned a roof classification.

Exception: Skylights and sloped glazing that comply with Chapter 24 or Section 2610.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020)

(a) Section 2406.4.7 Glazing windows in High Fire Hazard Severity Zones- Section 2406.3.1 of the California Building Code is hereby added to read as follows:

1. Glazing in High fire Hazard Severity Zones Shall be Tempered Glazing.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2H, 12-9-2025)

(a) The following provisions is hereby added to Volume 2, Chapter 31 of the California Building Code ("Special Construction") as follows:

(1) 3109.1 General. The design and construction of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs shall comply with this code.

(2) 3109.3 Residential swimming pools. Residential swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a barrier complying with Sections 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.3.

(3) 3109.3.1.1 Barrier Height and Clearances. The top of the barrier must be at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier must be two inches measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is above grade, the barrier is authorized to be at ground level or mounted on top of the pool structure, and the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier must be four inches.

(4) 3109.3.1.1 Openings. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.

(5) 3109.3.1.2 Solid barrier surfaces. Solid barrier surfaces which do not have openings shall not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.

(6) 3109.3.1.3 Closely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not be greater than 1¾ inches in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing with the cutouts shall not be greater than 1¾ inches in width.

(7) 3109.3.1.4 Widely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, spacing between vertical members must not be greater than 4 inches. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing must not be greater than 1¾ inches in width.

(8) 3109.3.1.5 Chain link dimensions. Mesh size for chain link fences must not be greater than 1¾ inches in width, unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or bottom that reduce the openings to not more than 1¾ in width.

(9) 3109.3.1.6 Diagonal members. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members shall not be greater than 1¾ inches.

(10) 3109.3.1.7 Gates. Access gates must comply with the requirements of Sections 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.1.6 and must be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool and must be self-closing and have a self-latching device, with the self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. Doors other than pedestrian access gates located on the private single-family home's doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa must have a self-latching device placed no lower than 54 inches above the ground. Gates other than pedestrian access gates must have a self-latching device and must be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and must remain locked at all times when not in use. Release mechanisms must comply with Sections 1010.1.9 and 1109.13. Where release mechanisms of the self-latching device are located less than 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool, the release mechanism must be located on the pool side of the gate at least three inches below the top of the gate and the gate barrier may have no opening greater than one-half inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.

(11) 3109.3.1.8 Dwelling wall as a barrier. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, two safety devices must be provided in accordance with Section 115922 of the California Health and Safety Code. With the exception of removable mesh fences without having other drowning prevention safety features in place as listed in Section 115922.

(12) 3109.3.1.9 Pool structure as barrier. Where an above-ground pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then the ladder or steps either shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of Sections 3109.3.1.1 through 3109.3.1.8. Where the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.

(13) 3109.3.2 Indoor swimming pools. Wall surrounding indoor swimming pools shall not be required to comply with Section 3109.3.1.8. through 3109.3.3.

(14) 3109.3.3 Prohibited Locations. Barriers shall be located as to prohibit permanent structures, equipment or similar objects from being used to climb the barriers. There shall be a clear zone of not less than 36 inches between the exterior of the enclosure and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters and heaters that can be used to climb the enclosure.

(15) 3109.4 Residential Swimming Pools—Withholding approval. Plaster inspection or approval to fill a pool or spa with water shall be withheld by the Building Official, until there has been compliance with all fencing and other requirements of this Section.

(16) Appendices deleted. Appendices A, B, C, D, E, and K are deleted.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2I, 12-9-2025)

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

All grading exceeding 1,000 cubic yards must be performed in accordance with the approved grading plan prepared by a civil engineer, and will be designated as engineered grading. Grading involving less than 1,000 cubic yards will be designated regular grading, unless City Engineer determines that special conditions or unusual hazards exist, in which case the grading must conform to the requirements for engineered grading.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020)

(a) ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 EDITION. The 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is hereby adopted by reference. A copy of the plumbing code as adopted is on file in the office of community development and is open to public inspection.

(b) Section 604.3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Copper or copper alloy tube for water piping shall be Type K when copper pipe is used. Other plumbing materials shall be subject to the requirements of the Plumbing Code.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 914, § 2B, 1-10-2023; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2J, 12-9-2025)

(a) ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025 EDITION. The 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code (Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted by reference. A copy of the residential code as adopted is on file in the office of community development and is open for public inspection.

(b) SECTION R403 FOOTINGS. Section R403.1.2, R 403.1.3, R403.1.4, R403.1.5 and R403.1.61 of the CRC are amended to read as follows:

(1) R403.1.2 Continuous Footings in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 D2, and E. Exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E, must be supported by continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings. Other footing materials or systems must be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. The braced wall panels at exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2 and E must be supported by continuous footings. All required interior braced wall panels in buildings must be supported by continuous footings.

(2) The exception is deleted in its entirety.

(3) Section R403.1.3 Footing and Stem wall reinforcing in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2 and E. Concrete footings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E, as established in Table R301.2(1), must have minimum reinforcement in accordance with this section and Figure R403.1.3. Reinforcement must be installed with support and cover in accordance with Section R403.1.3.5.

(4) Section R403.1.3.1 Concrete stem walls with concrete footings. In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E, where a construction joint is created between a concrete footing and a concrete stem wall, a minimum of one No. 4 vertical bar must be installed at not more than four feet (4') on center. The vertical bar must have a standard hook and extend to the bottom of the footing and must support and cover as specified in Section R608.5.4.5. A minimum of one No. 4 horizontal bar must be installed within twelve inches (12") of the top of the stem wall and one No. 4 horizontal bar must be located three (3") to four (4") inches from the bottom of the footing.

(5) Section R403.1.3.2 Masonry stem walls with concrete footings. In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E, where a masonry stem wall is supported on a concrete footing, a minimum of one No. 4 vertical bar must be installed at not more than four feet (4') on center. The vertical bar must have a standard hook and extend to the bottom of the footing and must have support and cover as specified in Section R403.1.3.5.3 and extend a minimum of 14 inches into the stem wall. Standard hooks must comply with Section R608.5.4.5. A minimum of one No. 4 horizontal bar must be installed within 12 inches of the top of the wall and one No. 4 horizontal bar must located 3 to 4 inches from the bottom of the footing. Masonry stem walls must be solid grouted.

(6) Section R403.1.3.3 Slabs-on-ground with turned-down footings. In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E, slabs on ground cast monolithically with turned-down footings must have a minimum of one No. 4 bar at the top and the bottom of the footing or one No. 5 bar or two No. 4 bars in the middle third of the footing depth. Where the slab is cast monolithically with the footing, No. 3 or larger vertical dowels with standard hooks on each end must be installed at not more than 4 feet on center in accordance with Figure R403.1.3, Detail 2. Standard hooks must comply with Section R608.5.4.5.

(7) Section R403.1.3.4 Interior bearing and braced wall footings in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E. In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E, interior footings supporting bearing walls or braced wall panels, and cast monolithically with a slab on grade, must extend to a depth of not less than 12 inches below grade.

(c) Section R403.1.3.6 is deleted in its entirety.

(d) Section R403.1.6.1 Foundation anchorage in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1, D2, and E. In addition to the requirements of Section R403.1.6, the following requirements apply to wood light-frame structures in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E and wood light-framed townhouses in Seismic Design Category C.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 914, § 2C, 1-10-2023; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2K, 12-9-2025)

(a) ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION. The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code (Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), based on the 2023 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association, is hereby adopted by reference. A copy of the electrical code as adopted is on file in the office of community development and is open for public inspection.

(b) Article 6901.13 of the California Electrical Code is being amended to read as follows:

690.13 Photovoltaic System Disconnecting Means.

Means Shall be provided to disconnect the PV system from all systems including power systems, energy storage systems, and utilization equipment and its association premises wiring.

(A) Location.

(1) Readily Accessible.

Photovoltaic System Disconnecting Means, Location. The PV disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location outside of a building or structure nearest the point of entrance of the system conductors. A single visible, lockable AC disconnect shall be within 3 feet of the meter on the exterior of the building. Where disconnecting means of systems above 30V are readily accessible to unqualified persons, any enclosure door or hinged cover that exposes live parts when open shall be locked or require a tool to open.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 914, § 2D, 1-10-2023; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2L, 12-9-2025)

ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION. The 2025 Edition of the California Mechanical Code (Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is hereby adopted by reference. A copy of the mechanical code as adopted is on file in the office of community development and is open for public inspection.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 914, § 2E, 1-10-2023; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2M, 12-9-2025)

ADOPTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 2021 EDITION. The 2021 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code is hereby adopted by reference. A copy of the international property maintenance code as adopted is on file in the office of community development and is open for public inspection.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 914, § 2F, 1-10-2023)

ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, 2025 EDITION. The 2025 Edition of the California Energy Code (Part 6 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference. A copy of the energy code as adopted is on file in the office of community development and is open to public inspection.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 914, § 2G, 1-10-2023; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2N, 12-9-2025)

ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION. The 2025 Edition of the California Historical Building Code (Part 8 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference. A copy of the historical building code as adopted is on file in the office of community development and is open to public inspection.

(Ord. No. 895, § 1, 3-24-2020; Ord. No. 914, § 2H, 1-10-2023; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2O, 12-9-2025)

ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION. The 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code (Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference. A copy of the existing building code as adopted is on file in the office of community development and is open to public inspection.

(Ord. No. 914, § 2J, 1-10-2023; Ord. No. 25-05, § 2P, 12-9-2025)