El Segundo Municipal Code Ch. 2 Residential Code (CA)

13-2-1: ADOPTION OF CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025 EDITION:¶

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 50022.2, the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 2.5, of the California Code of Regulations, including Appendix CI ("CRC") is adopted by reference, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth in Section 13-1-2. One true copy of the CRC is on file in the office of the building official and is available for public inspection as required by law. (Ord. 1680, 12-3-2025)

Exceptions & meaning →

13-2-2: AMENDMENTS TO THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE:¶

The California Residential Code adopted pursuant to Section 13-2-1 is hereby amended as follows:

Subsection 11 is added to R105.2 of the 2025 CRC:

R105.2 Work Exempt From Permit.

Building:

Block wall and concrete fences not over three (3) feet six (6) inches high.

Section R105.3.2 of the 2025 CRC is hereby amended to read as follows:

R105.3.2 Expiration Of Plan Check.

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

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

Section R105.8.1 of Chapter 1 of the 2025 CRC is added to read as follows:

R105.8.1 Responsibility Of Permittee.

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

Section R108.5.1 of Chapter 1 of the 2025 CRC is added to read as follows:

R108.5.1 Plan Check Fees Refund.

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

Section R108.5.2 of Chapter 1 of the 2025 CRC is added to read as follows:

R108.5.2 Permit Fees Refund.

In the event any person shall have obtained a building permit and no portion of the work or construction covered by such permit shall have commenced, nor any inspection performed by any City employee, and notice of abandonment has been received from the owner of the real property on which such work would have been performed, the permittee, upon presentation to the building official of a written request for refund, shall be entitled to a refund in an amount equal to eighty (80) percent of the building permit fee actually paid for such permit. The building official shall determine, in such official's discretion, whether an applicant is qualified to receive a refund. After twelve (12) months have elapsed from the date of the issuance of the permit, no permit fees shall be refunded. In the event subsequent application for a permit is made by a person who has received a refund, the full amount of all required fees shall be paid as elsewhere provided in this chapter.

Exception:

If a permit has been issued for a project located in an area outside the jurisdiction of the City, one hundred (100) percent of the permit and plan checking fee may be refunded.
If a duplicate permit has been erroneously issued, one hundred (100) percent of the duplicated permit and plan checking fee may be refunded.

Section R108.6 of Chapter 1 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R108.6 Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance.

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

Section R109.1.7 of Chapter 1 of the 2025 CRC is added to read as follows:

R109.1.7 Setback Certification Required.

A California State licensed surveyor is required to certify the location and setbacks of all new construction prior to the first foundation inspection. A copy of the certification shall be available to the building division inspector for the job file prior to the first inspection

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

Section R109.5 of Chapter 1 of the 2025 CRC is hereby added to read as follows:

R109.5 Re-Inspections.

A re-inspection fee in the amount set by the City Council resolution may be assessed for each inspection or re-inspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is incomplete or when required corrections called are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring re-inspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or re-inspection. Re-inspection fees may be assessed when the inspection record card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the building official. In instances where re-inspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.

Section R112.3 of Chapter 1 of the 2025 CRC is hereby amended to read as follows:

R112.3 Board Of Appeals.

The board of appeals consists of members of the Planning Commission. The term of a board of appeals member will coincide with the term of service as a Planning Commissioner and will terminate should the member cease serving as a Planning Commissioner. The building official is the secretary to the board. The board may adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and will render all its decisions and findings on contested matters, in writing to the building official, with a duplicate copy for any appellant or contestant affected by such decision or finding and may recommend to the city council appropriate new legislation.

Three (3) members of the board constitute a quorum. The Planning Chairperson is the board's chairperson and in the chairperson's absence the board will select a temporary chairperson.

The city will assess a filing fee set by City Council resolution, at the time that an appellant files appeal of any order, decisions, or determination made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of this code. The filing fee is refundable should the appellant prevail in a decision by the board. The appeal must be taken by filing a written notice of appeal, in letterform, to the board of appeals. The board's decision constitutes the city's final decision.

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

R301.1.3.2 Wood-Frame Structures Greater Than Two Stories.

The building official shall require construction documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for all dwellings of wood-frame construction more than two (2) stories and basement in height located in Seismic Design Category A, B or C. Notwithstanding other sections of law; the law establishing these provisions is found in Business and Professions Code Section 5537 and 6737.1.

Section R301.1.5 is added to Chapter 3 of the 2025 CRC to read as follows:

R301.1.5 Seismic Design Provisions For Buildings Constructed On Or Into Slopes Steeper Than One Unit Vertical In Three Units Horizontal (33.3 Percent Slope).

The design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when constructed on or into slopes steeper than one (1) unit vertical in three (3) units horizontal (33.3 percent slope) shall comply with Section 1613.6 of the Building Code.

Section R309.1 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R309.1 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.

A. New Buildings And Structures: Unless otherwise prohibited by law, approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be required for all occupancies.

B. Existing Buildings And Structures: Unless otherwise prohibited by law, any work to an existing building which removes more than fifty percent (50%) of the exterior perimeter wall height as defined in ESMC 15-1-6 for additions and alterations will require the existing building to be fully sprinklered throughout.

R309.1 Townhouse Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.

An approved automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in townhouses.

Exception: Deleted.

R309.1.1 Design And Installation.

Automatic fire sprinkler systems for townhouses shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section R309, NFPA 13 or NFPA 13D.

Section R330.1 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R330.1 General.

Energy storage systems (ESS) shall comply with the provisions of this section. and the El Segundo Fire Code.

Exceptions: Deleted.

Section R330.4 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R330.4 Locations.

ESS shall be installed only in the following locations:

Detached garages and detached accessory structures.
Deleted.
Outdoors or on the exterior side of exterior walls located not less than three (3) feet (914 mm) from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling unit, including accessory dwelling units.
Deleted.

Section R330.5 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R330.5 Energy Ratings.

Table R330.5 - Maximum Aggregate Ratings Of ESS

Location	Maximum Aggregate Ratings (kWh)	Installation Requirements

Table R330.5 - Maximum Aggregate Ratings Of ESS

Location	Maximum Aggregate Ratings (kWh)	Installation Requirements
In attached garages	80
On or within 3 feet of exterior walls of dwellings and attached garages	100
On or within 3 feet of exterior walls of dwellings and attached garages	200	Exterior walls and eaves are constructed with noncombustible surfaces 1
In detached garages and detached accessory structures	200
In detached garages and detached accessory structures	600	Detached garage or detached accessory structure is a minimum 10 feet away from property lines and dwellings
Outdoors on the ground	200	ESS is a minimum 3 feet away from property lines and dwellings
Outdoors on the ground	600	Ess is a minimum 10 feet away from property lines and dwellings
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8mm	For SI: 1 foot = 304.8mm	For SI: 1 foot = 304.8mm
1. Noncombustible wall surface shall extend in accordance with all the following:
A. A minimum of 5 feet horizontally from the edge of the ESS.
B. A minimum of 1 foot vertically below the bottom edge of the ESS.
C. A minimum of 8 feet vertically above the ESS, or to a non-combustible eave, whichever is less.
The code official is authorized to approve reductions of installation requirements based on large-scale fire testing complying with section 1207.1.5 of the California Fire Code.

ESS installations exceeding the permitted individual or aggregate ratings shall be installed in accordance with Section 1207 of the El Segundo Fire Code.

Section R330.7 of the 2025 CRC is deleted in its entirety:

Section R341 is added to the 2025 CRC to read as follows:

R341 RESIDENTIAL NOISE INSULATION STANDARDS (AIRPORT NOISE SOURCES)

R341.1 Noise Insulation Requirements For New Construction.

R341.2 Purpose And Scope.

The purpose of this section is to establish minimum noise insulation performance standards for new residential dwelling units and additions of habitable rooms to existing residential dwelling units to protect public health, safety, and welfare from the effects of excessive noise, including without limitation, indoor quality of life, speech interference, and sleep disruption.

R341.3 Applicability.

This section applies to all newly constructed residences and habitable room additions to existing residences.

R341.4 Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following words must have the following meaning:

"Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL)" means the noise measure defined in 21 Code of California Regulations § 5001(d), and any successor regulation or amendment.

"Habitable Room" means a room that is a space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility space, garages, and similar areas are not considered habitable space.

"LAX" means Los Angeles International Airport.

"Noise Impact Boundary For LAX" means the area around LAX as defined in 21 California code of regulations § 5001(1), and any successor regulation or amendment. The city's building safety department must at all times maintain a current map of the noise impact boundary. The latest published map by LAWA located at the Building Safety Counter shall be used as the basis for determination.

"Residence" means any occupancy group R building as used in El Segundo Title 13 of the El Segundo municipal code.

R341.5 Standards.

Any new residence or addition of one (1) or more habitable rooms to an existing residence that is within the noise impact boundary for LAX must be designed to ensure that internal noise levels due to LAX do not exceed 45 dB CNEL. This standard may be satisfied in two (2) ways: (1) by performing the acoustical analysis described in section R341.1207.6.06, below, or (2) by employing the prescribed construction methods described in section R341.1207.6.07, below.

R341.6 Acoustical Analysis.

A building permit application for a new residence or addition of one (1) or more habitable rooms to an existing residence must comply with the minimum noise insulation performance standards established in this section if it includes an acoustical analysis demonstrating that the proposed design will ensure that internal noise levels due to LAX aircraft noise will not exceed 45 dB CNEL. The acoustical analysis shall be proven to meet the standard by providing post-construction/pre-occupancy acoustic measurement to verify compliance with the 45 dB CNEL standard. The building official has the discretion to implement policies that meet the intent of this code section.

A. The acoustical analysis must be prepared by a person experienced in the field of acoustical engineering. The analysis must consider and include: the topographical relationship between LAX aircraft noise sources and the dwelling site, the characteristics of those noise sources, predicted noise spectra and levels at the exterior of the dwelling site, the basis for this prediction (measured or obtained from published data), the noise insulation measures to be employed, and the effectiveness of the proposed noise insulation measures.

B. If the interior allowable noise levels are to be met by requiring that windows be unopenable or closed, the design for the structure must also specify a ventilation or air-conditioning system to provide a habitable interior environment, having at least two (2) air exchanges per hour for the affected rooms. The ventilation system must not compromise the interior room noise reduction.

R341.7 Prescribed Construction Methods.

Construction Methods in the 70 dB CNEL and Greater Noise Zone.

R341.8 Exterior Walls.

New walls that form the exterior portion of habitable rooms must be constructed as follows:

A. Studs must be at least four (4) inches in nominal depth.

B. Exterior finish must be stucco, minimum seven-eighth (7/8) inch thickness, brick veneer, masonry, or any siding material allowed by this code. Wood or metal siding must be installed over one-half (½) inch minimum solid sheathing.

C. Masonry walls with a surface weight of less than forty (40) pounds per square foot must require an interior supporting stud-wall that is finished with at least five-eighth (5/8) inch-thick gypsum wall board or plaster.

D. Wall insulation must be at least R-11 glass fiber or mineral wool and must be installed continuously throughout the stud space.

E. Exterior solid sheathing must be covered with overlapping asphalt felt.

F. Interior wall finish must be at least five-eighth (5/8) inch-thick gypsum wall board or plaster.

R341.9 Exterior Windows.

A. Openable Windows: All openable windows in the exterior walls of habitable rooms must have a laboratory sound transmission class rating of at least STC 40 dB and must have an air infiltration rate of no more than zero point five (0.5) cubic feet per minute when tested according to ASTM E-283.

B. Fixed Windows: All fixed windows in the exterior walls of habitable rooms must:

Have a sound transmission class rating of at least STC 40 dB, or
Must be five-eighth (5/8) inch laminated glass with STC rating of 40 dB and must be set in non-hardening glazing materials, or
Must be glass block at least three and one-half (3 ½) inches thick.

C. The total areas of glazing in rooms used for sleeping must not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the wall area.

R341.10 Exterior Doors.

A. Exterior hinged doors to habitable rooms that are directly exposed to aircraft noise and are facing the source of the noise must be a door and edge seal assembly that has a laboratory sound transmission class of at least STC 40 dB.

B. Exterior hinged doors to habitable rooms that are not directly exposed to aircraft noise and do not face the source of the noise must have a minimum STC rating of 35 dB.

C. Sliding glass doors in habitable rooms must not be allowed in walls that are directly exposed to aircraft noise. Sliding glass doors in walls that are not directly exposed must have an STC rating of at least 40 dB.

D. Access doors from attached garage to the interior of a residence must have an STC rating of at least 30 dB.

R341.11 Roof/Ceiling Construction.

A. Roof rafters must have a minimum slope of 4:12 and must be covered on their top surface with minimum one-half (½) inch solid sheathing and any roof covering allowed by this code.

B. Attic insulation must be batt or blow-in glass fiber or mineral wool with a minimum R-30 rating applied between the ceiling joists.

C. Attic ventilation must be:

Gable vents or vents that penetrate the roof surface that are fitted with transfer ducts at least six (6) feet in length that are insulating flexible ducting or metal ducts containing internal one (1) inch-thick coated fiberglass sound absorbing duct liner. Each duct must have a lined ninety (90) degree bend in the duct so that there is no direct line of sight from the exterior through the duct into the attic, or
Noise control louver vents, or
Eave vents that are located under the eave overhang.
Ceilings must be finished with gypsum board or plaster that is at least five-eighth (5/8) inch thick. Ceiling materials must be mounted on resilient channels.
Skylights must penetrate the ceiling by means of a completely enclosed light well that extends from the roof opening to the ceiling opening. A secondary openable glazing panel must be mounted at the ceiling line or at any point that provides at least a four (4) inch space between the skylight glazing and the secondary glazing and must be glazed with at least three-sixteenth (3/16) inch plastic or laminated glass. The weather-side skylight must be any type that is permitted by the building code. The size of skylights must be no more than twenty (20) percent of the roof area of the room.

R341.12 Ventilation.

A. A ventilation system must be provided that will provide at least the minimum air circulation and fresh air supply requirements of this code in each habitable room without opening any window, door or other opening to the exterior. All concealed ductwork must be insulated flexible glass fiber ducting that is at least ten (10) feet long between any two (2) points of connection.

B. Kitchen cooktop vent hoods must be the non-ducted recirculating type with no ducted connection to the exterior.

R341.13 Fireplaces.

Each fireplace must be fitted with a damper at the top of the chimney that is operated from the firebox and must have glass doors across the front of the firebox.

R341.14 Wall And Ceiling Openings.

Openings in the shell of the residence that degrade its ability to achieve an interior CNEL rating of 45 dB or less when all doors and windows are closed are prohibited unless access panels, pet doors, mail delivery drops, air-conditioning, or other openings are designed to maintain the 45 dB CNEL (or less) standard in the room to which they provide access.

Construction Methods In The 65 dB CNEL To 70 dB CNEL Noise Zone.

R341.15 Exterior Walls.

New walls that form the exterior portion of habitable rooms must be constructed as follows:

A. Studs must be at least four (4) inches in nominal depth.

C. Masonry walls with a surface weight of less than forty (40) pounds per square foot will require an interior stud wall that is finished with at least five-eighth (5/8) inch-thick gypsum wallboard or plaster.

D. Wall insulation must be at least R-11 glass fiber or mineral wool and must be installed continuously throughout the stud space. Exterior solid sheathing must be covered with overlapping asphalt felt.

E. Interior wall finish must be at least five-eighth (5/8) inch-thick gypsum wallboard or plaster.

R341.16 Exterior Windows.

A. Openable Windows: All openable windows in the exterior walls of habitable rooms must have a laboratory sound transmission class rating of at least STC 35 dB and must have an air infiltration rate of no more than zero point five (0.5) cubic feet per minute when tested according to ASTM E-283.

B. Fixed Windows: All fixed windows in the exterior walls of habitable rooms must be at least one-forth (1/4) inch thick and must be set in non-hardening glazing materials.

C. The total area of glazing in rooms used for sleeping must not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the floor area.

R341.17 Exterior Doors.

B. Exterior hinged doors to habitable rooms that are not directly exposed to aircraft noise and do not face the source of the noise must have a minimum STC rating of 30 dB.

C. Sliding glass doors in habitable rooms must have glass that is one-forth (1/4) inch thick.

D. Access doors from a garage to a habitable room must have an STC rating of at least 30 dB.

R341.18 Roof/Ceiling Construction.

A. Roof rafters must have a minimum slope of 4:12 and must be covered on their top surface with minimum one-half (½) inch solid sheathing and any roof covering allowed by this code.

B. Attic insulation must be batt or blow-in glass fiber or mineral wool with a minimum R-30 rating applied between the ceiling joists.

C. Attic ventilation must be:

Gable vents or vents that penetrate the roof surface that are fitted with transfer ducts at least six (6) feet in length that are insulating flexible ducting or metal ducts containing internal one (1) inch-thick coated fiberglass sound absorbing duct liner. Each duct must have a lined ninety (90) degree bend in the duct so that there is no direct line of sight from the exterior through the duct into the attic, or
Noise control louver vents, or
Eave vents that are located under the eave overhang.

D. Ceilings must be finished with gypsum board or plaster that is at least five-eighth (5/8) inch thick.

E. Skylights must penetrate the ceiling by means of a completely enclosed light well that extends from the roof opening to the ceiling opening. A secondary openable glazing panel must be mounted at the ceiling line and must be glazed with at least three-sixteenth (3/16) inch plastic, tempered or laminated glass. The weather-side skylight must be any type that is permitted by the building code.

R341.19 Floors.

The floor of the lowest habitable rooms must be concrete slab on grade or wood framed floors.

R341.20 Ventilation.

A. A ventilation system must be provided that will provide at least the minimum air circulation and fresh air supply requirements of at least two (2) air exchanges in each affected habitable room without opening any window, door or other opening to the exterior. All concealed ductwork must be insulated flexible glass fiber ducting that is at least ten (10) feet long between any two (2) points of connection.

B. Kitchen cooktop vent hoods must be the non-ducted recirculating type with no ducted connection to the exterior.

R341.21 Fireplaces.

Each fireplace must be fitted with a damper at the top of the chimney that is operated from the firebox and must have glass doors across the front of the firebox.

R341.22 Wall And Ceiling Openings. Openings in the shell of the residence that degrade its ability to achieve an interior CNEL rating of 45 dB or less when all doors and windows are closed are prohibited. Any access panels, pet doors, mail delivery drops, air-conditioning, or other openings must be designed to maintain the 45 dB CNEL or less standard in the room to which they provide access.

Section R401.1 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R401.1 Application.

The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for buildings. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in flood hazard areas as established by Table R301.2 shall meet the provisions of Section R306. Wood foundations shall be designed and installed in accordance with AWC PWF.

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

In buildings that have no more than two (2) floors and a roof.
When interior basement and foundation walls are constructed at intervals not exceeding fifty (50) feet (15 240 mm).

Wood foundations in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2 shall not be permitted.

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

Section R403.1.3.6 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R403.1.3.6 Isolated Concrete Footings.

In detached one- and two-family dwellings located in Seismic Design Category A, B, or C that are three (3) stories or less in height and constructed with stud bearing walls, isolated plain concrete footings supporting columns or pedestals are permitted.

Section R403.1.5 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R403.1.5 Slope.

The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall not have a slope exceeding one (1) unit vertical in ten (10) units horizontal (ten (10) percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footings or where the slope of the bottom surface of the footings will exceed one (1) unit vertical in ten (10) units horizontal (ten (10) percent slope).

For structures located in Seismic Design Categories D0,D1or D2,stepped footings shall be reinforced with four (4) No. 4 rebar. Two (2) bars shall be placed at the top and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure R403.1.5.

[Figure]

FIGURE R403.1.5 - STEPPED FOOTING

Section R404.2 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R404.2 Wood Foundation Walls.

Wood foundation walls shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of Sections R404.2.1 through R404.2.6 and with the details shown in Figures R403.1(2) and R403.1(3). Wood foundation walls shall not be used for structures located in Seismic Design Category Do. D1or D2.

Section R503.2.4 is added to Chapter 5 of the 2025 CRC to read as follows:

R503.2.4 Openings In Horizontal Diaphragms.

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

[Figure]

a. Blockings shall be provided beyond headers.
b. Metal ties not less than 0.058 inch [1.47 mm (16 galvanized gage)] by one point five (1.5) inches (38 mm) wide with eight 16d common nails on each side of the header-joist intersection. The metal ties shall have a minimum yield of thirty-three thousand (33,000) psi (227 Mpa).
c. Openings in diaphragms shall be further limited in accordance with Section R301.2.2.2.6.

FIGURE R503.2.4 OPENINGS IN HORIZONTAL DIAPHRAGMS

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

TABLE R602.3(1)-continued

FASTENING SCHEDULE

Item	Description Of Building Elements	Number And Type Of Fastener a,b,c	Spacing And Location	Spacing And Location
20 k	1" x 6" sheathing to each bearing	3-8d box (2 ½ x 0.113"); or	Face nail	Face nail
20 k	1" x 6" sheathing to each bearing	2-8d common (2 ½ x 0.131"0; or	Face nail	Face nail
20 k	1" x 6" sheathing to each bearing	2-10d box (3" x 0.128"); or	Face nail	Face nail
20 k	1" x 6" sheathing to each bearing	2 staples, 1" crown, 16 ga., 1 ¾ " long	Face nail	Face nail
21 k	1" x 8" and wider sheathing to each bearing	3-8d box (2 ½ x 0.113"); or	Face nail	Face nail
21 k	1" x 8" and wider sheathing to each bearing	3-8d common (2 ½ x 0.131"); or	Face nail	Face nail
21 k	1" x 8" and wider sheathing to each bearing	3-10d box (3" x 0.128"); or	Face nail	Face nail
21 k	1" x 8" and wider sheathing to each bearing	3 staples, 1" crown, 16 ga.,1 ¾ " long	Face nail	Face nail
21 k	1" x 8" and wider sheathing to each bearing	Wider than 1" x 8"	Face nail	Face nail
21 k	1" x 8" and wider sheathing to each bearing	4-8d box (2 ½ " x 0.113"); or	Face nail	Face nail
21 k	1" x 8" and wider sheathing to each bearing	3-8d common (2 ½ " x 0.131"); or	Face nail	Face nail
21 k	1" x 8" and wider sheathing to each bearing	3-10d box (3" x 0.128"); or	Face nail	Face nail
21 k	1" x 8" and wider sheathing to each bearing	4 staples, 1" crown, 16 ga., 1 ¾ " long	Face nail	Face nail
Floor	Floor	Floor	Floor	Floor
24 k	1" x 6" subfloor or less to each joist	3-8d box (2 ½ " x 0.113"); or	Face nail	Face nail
24 k	1" x 6" subfloor or less to each joist	2-8d common (2 ½ " x 0.131"); or	Face nail	Face nail
24 k	1" x 6" subfloor or less to each joist	3-10d box (3" x 0.128"); or	Face nail	Face nail
24 k	1" x 6" subfloor or less to each joist	2 staples, 1" crown, 16 ga., 1 ¾ " long	Face nail	Face nail
Other wall sheathing g	Other wall sheathing g	Other wall sheathing g	Other wall sheathing g	Other wall sheathing g
34 k	½ " structural cellulosic fiberboard sheathing	1 ½ " x 0.120" galvanized roofing nail, 7/16" head diameter, or 1 ¼ " long 16 ga. staple with 7/16" or 1" crown	3	6
35 k	25/32" structural cellulosic fiberboard sheathing	1 ¾ " x 0.120" galvanized roofing nail, 7/16" head diameter, or 1 ¼ " long 16 ga. staple with 7/16" or 1" crown	3	6
36 k	½ " gypsum sheathing d	1 ½ " x 0.120" galvanized roofing nail, 7/16" head diameter, or 1 ¼ " long 16 ga.;	7	7
36 k	½ " gypsum sheathing d	staple galvanized, 1 ½ " long; 7/16" or 1" crown or 1 ¼ " screws, Type W or S	7	7
37 k	" gypsum sheathing d	1 ¾ " galvanized roofing nail, 7/16" head diameter, or 1 ¼ " long, 16 ga.;	7	7
37 k	" gypsum sheathing d	staple galvanized, 1 ½ " long; 7/16" or 1" crown or 1 ¼ " screws, Type W or S	7	7
a. Nails are smooth-common, box or deformed shanks except where otherwise stated. Nails used for framing and sheathing connections are carbon steel and shall have minimum average bending yield strengths as shown: eighty (80) ksi for shank diameter of 0.192 inch (20d common nail), ninety (90) ksi for shank diameters larger than 0.142 inch but not larger than 0.177 inch, and one hundred (100) ksi for shank diameters of 0.142 inch or less. Connections using nails and staples of other materials, such as stainless steel, shall be designed by accepted engineering practice or approved under Section R104.2.2.
b. RSRS-01 is a Roof Sheathing Ring Shank nail meeting the specifications in ASTM F1667.
c. Nails shall be spaced at not more than six (6) inches on center at all supports where spans are forty-eight (48) inches or greater.
d. Four (4) foot by eight (8) foot or four (4) foot by nine (9) foot panels shall be applied vertically.
e. Spacing of fasteners not included in this table shall be based on Table R602.3(2).
f. For wood structural panel roof sheathing attached to gable end roof framing and to intermediate supports within forty-eight (48) inches of roof edges and ridges, nails shall be spaced at four (4) inches on center where the ultimate design wind speed is greater than one hundred thirty (130) mph in Exposure B or greater than one hundred ten (110) mph in Exposure C. Fastener spacing applies where roof framing specific gravity is 0.42 or larger. Where roof framing specific gravity is greater than or equal to 0.35 but less than 0.42 in accordance with AWC NDS, fastening of roof sheathing shall be with RSRS-03 (2 ½" x 0.131" × 0.281" head) nails.
g. Gypsum sheathing shall conform to ASTM C1396 and shall be installed in accordance with ASTM C1280 or GA 253. Fiberboard sheathing shall conform to ASTM C208.
h. Spacing of fasteners on floor sheathing panel edges applies to panel edges supported by framing members and required blocking and at floor perimeters only. Spacing of fasteners on roof sheathing panel edges applies to panel edges supported by framing members and required blocking. Blocking of roof or floor sheathing panel edges perpendicular to the framing members need not be provided except as required by other provisions of this code. Floor perimeter shall be supported by framing members or solid blocking.
i. Where a rafter is fastened to an adjacent parallel ceiling joist in accordance with this schedule, provide two (2) toe nails on one (1) side of the rafter and toe nails from the ceiling joist to top plate in accordance with this schedule. The toe nail on the opposite side of the rafter shall not be required.
j. Use of staples in braced wall panels shall be prohibited in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2.
k. Use of staples in roof, floor, and braced wall panels shall be prohibited in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2.

Table R602.3(2) footnote "b" of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

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

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

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

The single top plate shall be tied at corners, intersecting walls, and at in-line splices in straight wall lines in accordance with Table R602.3.2.
The rafters or joists shall be centered over the studs with a tolerance of not more than one (1) inch (25 mm).
Omission of the top plate is permitted over headers where the headers are adequately tied to adjacent wall sections in accordance with Table R602.3.2.

[Figure]

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

R602.10.2.3 Minimum Number Of Braced Wall Panels. Braced wall lines with a length of sixteen (16) feet (4877 mm) or less shall have a minimum of two (2) braced wall panels of any length or one (1) braced wall panel equal to forty-eight (48) inches (1219 mm) or more. Braced wall lines greater than sixteen (16) feet (4877 mm) shall have a minimum of two (2) braced wall panels. In Seismic Design Category D0,D1,or D2,no braced wall panel shall have a contributing length less than forty-eight (48) inches in length or as required in Section R602.10.3, whichever is greater.

Table R602.10.3(3) of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
b. Interpolation of bracing length between the Sds values associated with the seismic design categories shall be permitted when a site-specific Sds value is determined in accordance with Section 1613.2 of the California Building Code.
c. Where the braced wall line length is greater than fifty (50) feet, braced wall lines shall be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of fifty (50) feet or less, and the amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this table.
d. Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one (1) side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed eight (8) inches.
e. Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
f. Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories.
g. Where more than one (1) bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1.
h. One- and two- family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D2 exceeding two (2) stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.
i. Methods GB and PCP braced wall panel h/w ratio shall not exceed 1:1 in SDC D0, D1 and D2. Methods DWB, SFB, PBS, HPS, and CS-SFB are not permitted in D0, D1 and D2.

Table R602.10.4 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

a. Adhesive attachment of wall sheathing, including Method GB, shall not be permitted in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1 and D2.
b. Applies to panels next to garage door opening where supporting gable end wall or roof load only. Shall only be used on one (1) wall of the garage. In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2, roof covering dead load shall not exceed three (3) psf.
c. Garage openings adjacent to a Method CS-G panel shall be provided with a header in accordance with Table R602.7(1). A full-height clear opening shall not be permitted adjacent to a Method CS-G panel.
d. Method CS-SFB does not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
e. Method applies to detached one- and two- family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories D0 through D2 only.
f. Methods GB and PCP braced wall panel h/w ratio shall not exceed 1:1 in SDC D0, D1 and D2. Methods LIB, DWB, SFB, PBS, HPS, and PFG are not permitted in SDC D0, D1 and D2.
g. Use of stapes in braced wall panels shall be prohibited in SDC D0, D1 and D2.

Table R602.10.5 of the 2025 Edition of the CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304. 8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
b. Use the actual length where it is greater than or equal to the minimum length.
c. Maximum header height for PFH is ten (10) feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.2, but wall height shall be permitted to be increased to twelve (12) feet with pony wall.
d. Maximum header height for PFG is ten (10) feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.3, but wall height shall be permitted to be increased to twelve (12) feet with pony wall.
e. Maximum header height for CS-PF is ten (10) feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.4, but wall height shall be permitted to be increased to twelve (12) feet with pony wall.

Figure R602.10.6.1 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

Figure R602.10.6.2 of the 2025 CRC is amen ded to read as follows:

[Figure]

Figure R602.10.6.4 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

Section R606. 12.2.2.3 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows :

R606. 12.2.2. 3 Reinforcement Requirements For Masonry Elements.

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

Horizontal Reinforcement. Horizontal joint reinforcement shall consist of least one (1) No. 4 bar spaced not more than forty-eight (48) inches (1219 mm). Horizontal reinforcement shall be provided within sixteen (16) inches (406 mm) of the top and bottom of these masonry elements.
Vertical Reinforcement. Vertical reinforcement shall consist of at least one (1) No. 4 bar spaced not more than forty-eight (48) inches (1219 mm). Vertical reinforcement shall be within eight (8) inches (406mm) of the ends of masonry walls.

Section R803.2.4 is added to Chapter 8 of the 2025 CRC to read as follows:

R803.2.4 Openings In Horizontal Diaphragms.

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

Section 905.3.1 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R905.3.1 Sheathing Requirements. Concrete and clay tile shall be installed only over solid sheathing.

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

Section R1001.3.1 of the 2025 CRC is amended to read as follows:

R1001.3.1 Vertical Reinforcing.

For chimneys up to forty (40) inches (1016 mm) wide, four (4) No. 4 continuous vertical bars adequately anchored into the concrete foundation shall be placed between wythes of solid masonry or within the cells of hollow unit masonry and grouted in accordance with Section R609. Grout shall be prevented from bonding with the flue liner so that the flue liner is free to move with thermal expansion. For chimneys more than forty (40) inches (1016 mm) wide, two (2) additional No. 4 vertical bars adequately anchored into the concrete foundation shall be provided for each additional flue incorporated into the chimney or for each additional forty (40) inches (1016 mm) in width or fraction thereof.

(Ord. 1680, 12-3-2025)

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