Earlier editions: 2026-09
Chapter 5 — City of Fairfield Building and Housing Code
Fairfield Municipal Code Art. II Chapter 5.2. Codes Adopted and Amended
Fairfield Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Fairfield
Cite as: Fairfield Municipal Code Article II · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 5.2.1. Adoption of California Building Standards Codes.¶
The following publications are hereby adopted by reference and incorporated in this article, except as expressly amended or superseded by the provisions of this article. The 2025 Triennial Edition of Title 24, California Code of Regulations (CCR), consisting of the following parts:
| Part 2 – California Building Code; Part 2.5 – California Residential Building Code; Part 3 – California Electrical Code; Part 4 – California Mechanical Code; Part 5 – California Plumbing Code; Part 6 – California Energy Code; Part 7 – California Wildland Urban Interface Code; Part 8 - California Historical Building Code; Part 9 – California Fire Code (as amended in chapter 8 of the City of Fairfield municipal code); Part 10 – California Existing Building Code; Part 11 – California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen Code); Part 12 – California Referenced Standards Code. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.2. Building Code adopted.¶
Adopt the California Building Code, 2025 edition, volumes 1 and 2, based on the 2024 International Building Code, as published by the International Code Council (ICC), as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and other agencies listed in chapter 1, division I of the CBC, where the city is the enforcing authority or the authority has been delegated to the city by these agencies in the California Building Code, California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 2, including, the adoptions of Chapter 31, section 3109, Appendix C (Group U – Agricultural Buildings), and Appendix J (Grading).
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.3. Building Code amended.¶
The California Building Code adopted in Section 5.2.2 is modified, amended, and or supplemented as set forth in Sections 5.2.3.1 through 5.2.3.9.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.3.1. Definitions.¶
Section 202 – Definitions. Add the following to section 202 of the CBC:
| Bedroom: A room that meets the minimum dimension, area, and height requirements for a habitable room as specified in California Building Code section 1208 or California Residential Building Code sections R304 and R305 that has an adjoining area or space that may be utilized as a closet whether or not the room is actually utilized for sleeping purposes. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.3.2. Building addresses.¶
Section 502.1 – Address identification. Replace section 502.1 of the CBC with the following section:
| Section 502.1 – Address identification. |
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| Buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position on the subject building that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Whenever the address on the building will not be clearly visible from the public street or access road fronting the property, and or the address is more than 150 feet from the street (e.g., driveways over 150 feet in length), the address shall also be placed at the public street or access road in a manner that is clearly visible from both directions of travel on the frontage road or street. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Numbers and letters shall be a minimum 4-inch letter height, 1/2-inch stroke, reflectorized, and contrast with their background; or a minimum 5-inch letter height, 1/2-inch stroke, and contrast with their background. Address identification shall be maintained at all times, including throughout the construction process of new and or remodeled buildings. |
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.3.3. Factory-built chimneys and fireplaces.¶
Section 718.2.5.1 – Factory-built chimneys and fireplaces. Add the following to section 718.2.5.1 of the CBC:
| Enclosures for factory-built metallic chimneys used for solid fuel-burning appliances shall also be separated from habitable space (conditioned or unconditioned) and attic space by the installation of materials approved for a minimum 1-hour fire-resistive construction on the chimney side of the enclosure (e.g., 5/8" type "X" sheet-rock installed in accordance with this code and the latest edition of the Fire Resistance Design Manual for Gypsum Systems). |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.3.4. Automatic sprinkler systems.¶
Section 903.2 – Where required. Add the following to section 903.2 of the CBC:
| Or as amended in Chapter 8 of the City of Fairfield Municipal Code. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.3.5. Efficiency dwelling units.¶
Section 1208.4 – Efficiency dwelling units. Replace section 1208.4 of the CBC with the following:
Section 1208.4 – Efficiency dwelling units. Efficiency dwelling units shall comply with the following:
| 1. | The unit shall have a living space with a minimum floor area of not less than 150 square feet. An additional 100 square feet (9.3 m2) of floor area shall be provided for each occupant of such unit in excess of two. |
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| 2. | The unit shall be provided with a separate closet. |
| 3. | For other than Accessible, adaptable dwelling units, the unit shall be provided with a kitchen sink, cooking appliance, and refrigerator, each having a clear working space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in front. Light and ventilation conforming to this code shall be provided. |
| 4. | The unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom containing a water closet, lavatory, and bathtub or shower. |
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.3.6. Fire Classification.¶
Section 1505.1.3 – Roof coverings within all other areas. Add the following to section 1505.1.3 of the CBC:
| Roof coverings used on all buildings located at elevations of 100 feet or more above sea level shall be Class B fire-resistive rated unless in a designated high fire area. All high fire areas shall have a class A roof covering. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.3.7. Requirements for roof coverings.¶
Section 1507.8 – Wood shingles. Add the following to section 1507.8.5 of the CBC:
| Wood shingles shall be a fire-resistive treated material and shall be tested and listed with a minimum of a Class B assembly rating. Wood shake shingles are not allowed in high fire areas. |
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Section 1507.9 – Wood shakes. Add the following to section 1507.9.6 of the CBC:
| Wood shakes shall be a fire-resistive treated material as approved for a Class B assembly or greater. Wood shake shingles are not allowed in high fire areas. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.3.8. Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs.¶
Section 3109.2 – California swimming pool safety act.
Repeal and replace the Health and Safety Code Section 115922, noted in section 3109.2 of the California Building Code, with the following section:
Section 3109.2 – California swimming pool safety act, Subsection 115922. 115922. (a) Except as provided in California Health and Safety Code section 115925 , when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa, or any building permit is issued for the remodeling of an existing pool or spa, at a private single-family home, the pool or spa shall contain safety features as required in either subsection (1) or (2) below.
| (1) | The pool must be surrounded by a permanent enclosure that isolates the pool or spa from the home which meets the requirements of California Health and Safety Code section 115923 and shall also be equipped with one of the following other safety features for each pool or spa: |
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| (A) | An approved safety cover, as defined in subdivision (d) of section 115921. |
| (B) | An alarm that, when placed in a swimming pool or spa, will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. The alarm shall meet and be independently certified to the ASTM Standard F2208 "Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms", which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared type alarms. A swimming protection alarm feature designed for individual use, including an alarm attached to a child that sounds when the child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water, is not a qualifying drowning prevention safety feature. |
| (C) | Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than that afforded by any of the devices set forth above and has been independently verified by an approved testing laboratory as meeting standards for those features established by the ASTM or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). |
| (2) | The pool must be surrounded by a permanent enclosure that is either, a perimeter property enclosure, or an enclosure that utilizes a portion or portions of the residence (including an attached garage) as part of the enclosure, meeting the requirements of California Health and Safety Code section 115923 . In addition to the enclosure noted in this section, each pool or spa shall also be equipped with two of the following other safety features: |
| (A) | Removable mesh pool fencing that meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifications F2286 standards in conjunction with a gate that is selfclosing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device. |
| (B) | An approved safety cover, as defined in subdivision (d) of section 115921. |
| (C) | Exit alarms on the single-family home’s doors that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa. The exit alarm may either cause an alarm noise or a verbal warning, such as a repeating notification that "the door to the pool is open." |
| (D) | A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on a single-family home’s doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa. |
| (E) | An alarm that, when placed in a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. The alarm shall meet and be independently certified to the ASTM Standard F2208 "Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms," which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared type alarms. A swimming protection alarm feature designed for individual use, including an alarm attached to a child that sounds when the child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water, is not a qualifying drowning prevention safety feature. |
| (F) | Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than that afforded by any of the devices set forth above and has been independently verified by an approved testing laboratory as meeting standards for those features established by the ASTM or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). |
| (b) | Prior to the issuance of approval to plaster, the building department shall inspect the drowning safety prevention devices required by this code and if no violations are found, approval to plaster shall be given. Prior to final, the building department shall again inspect the drowning safety prevention devices required by this code and if no violations are found, shall give final approval. |
Section 3109.2 – California swimming pool safety act, Subsection 115923.
Repeal and replace the Health and Safety Code Section 115923, noted in section 3109.2 of the California Building Code, with the following section:
Section 3109.2 – California swimming pool safety act, Subsection 115923. 115923. An enclosure shall have all the following characteristics:
| (a) | Any access gates through the enclosure shall open away from the pool or spa and be self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground, except as allowed or required in items (f) through (h) below. |
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| (b) | A minimum of 60 inches in height. |
| (c) | A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches. |
| (d) | Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow the passage of a sphere equal to or greater than four inches in diameter. |
| (e) | An outside surface free of protrusions, cavities, or other physical characteristics that would serve as hand-holds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of five years to climb over. |
| (f) | Gates, other than pedestrian access gates, can be non-self-closing and non-self-latching where equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and the gate shall remain locked at all times when not in use. A permanent sign shall be permanently attached to and posted on any non-self-closing and non-self-latching gate that may provide access to a pool or spa, which reads: "This access to be kept locked at all times." |
| (g) | Driveway gates that are part of the enclosure shall be electronically operated and shall automatically close within one minute of being opened. |
| (h) | Gates that open parallel with the enclosure are allowed where equipped as noted in item (f) or (g) above. |
| In all cases, owners/ |
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.3.9. Grading.¶
Section J103.2 – Exemptions. Replace Exemption 1 in section J103.2 of the CBC with the following:
| Exemption 1. Grading less than 50 cubic yards, where such grading does not create a cut or fill in excess of 3 feet, does not impact a neighboring property, does not alter drainage, is not in a flood plain or floodway, or is not in a wetland or other protected area. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.4. Residential Building Code adopted.¶
Adopt the California Residential Building Code, 2025 edition, based on the 2024 International Residential Building Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC), as adopted and amended by the Department of Housing and Community Development in the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 2.5 including, the adoption of Appendix AZ (Emergency Housing).
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.5. Residential Building Code amended.¶
The California Residential Building Code adopted in section 5.2.4 is modified, amended, and or supplemented as set forth in sections 5.2.5.1 through 5.2.5.7.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.5.1. Definitions.¶
Section 202 – Definitions. Add the following to section 202 of the CRC:
| Bedroom: A room that meets the minimum dimension, area, and height requirements for a habitable room as specified in California Building Code section 1208 or California Residential Building Code sections R304 and R305 that has an adjoining area or space that may be utilized as a closet whether or not the room is actually utilized for sleeping purposes. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.5.2. Efficiency dwelling units.¶
Section R304 – Minimum Room Areas. Add the following to section R304:
Section R304.5 – Efficiency dwelling units. Efficiency dwelling units shall comply with the following:
| 1. | The unit shall have a living space with a minimum floor area of not less than 150 square feet. An additional 100 square feet (9.3 m2) of floor area shall be provided for each occupant of such unit in excess of two. |
|---|---|
| 2. | The unit shall be provided with a separate closet. |
| 3. | For other than Accessible, adaptable dwelling units, the unit shall be provided with a kitchen sink, cooking appliance, and refrigerator, each having a clear working space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in front. Light and ventilation conforming to this code shall be provided. |
| 4. | The unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom containing a water closet, lavatory, and bathtub or shower. |
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.5.3. Site addresses.¶
Section R319 – Address identification. Replace section R319.1 of the CRC with the following section:
| Section R319.1 – Address identification. |
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| Buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position on the subject building that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Whenever the address on the building will not be clearly visible from the public street or access road fronting the property, and or the address is more than 150 feet from the street (e.g., driveways over 150 feet in length), the address shall also be placed at the public street or access road in a manner that is clearly visible from both directions of travel on the frontage road or street. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Numbers and letters shall be a minimum 4-inch letter height, 1/2-inch stroke, reflectorized, and contrast with their background; or a minimum 5-inch letter height, 1/2-inch stroke, and contrast with their background. Address identification shall be maintained at all times, including throughout the construction process of new and or remodeled buildings. |
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.5.4. Fire classification.¶
Section R902.1.2 – Roof coverings in all other areas. Add the following to section R902.1.2 of the CRC:
| Roof coverings used on all buildings located at elevations of 100 feet or more above sea level shall be Class B fireresistive rated. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.5.5. Requirements for roof coverings.¶
Section R905.7 – Wood shingles. Add the following to section R905.7.4 of the CRC:
| Wood shingles shall be a fire-resistive treated material as approved for a Class B assembly. Wood shake shingles are not allowed in high fire areas. |
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Section R905.8 – Wood shakes. Add the following to section 905.8.5 of the CRC:
| Wood shingles shall be a fire-resistive treated material and shall be tested and listed with a minimum of a Class B assembly rating. Wood shake shingles are not allowed in high fire areas. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.5.6. Factory-built chimneys and fireplaces.¶
Section R1005.3 – Solid-fuel appliances. Add the following to section 1005.3 of the CRC:
| Enclosures for factory-built metallic chimneys used for solid fuel-burning appliances shall also be separated from habitable space (conditioned or unconditioned) and attic space by the installation of materials approved for a minimum 1-hour fire-resistive construction on the chimney side of the enclosure (e.g., 5/8" type "X" sheet-rock installed in accordance with this code and the latest edition of the Fire Resistance Design Manual for Gypsum Systems). |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.5.7. Emergency Housing.¶
Section AZ103.3 – Occupant Load. Section AZ103.3, Exception 3 is replaced with the following:
| Exception 3. For emergency housing, including emergency sleeping cabins, the minimum interior floor area may be reduced to 50 square feet. The minimum 50 square-foot floor area shall not include closets, sanitation, and or cooking facilities. The floor area shall be increased as required to accommodate sanitation and cooking facilities or they may be provided separately at the same location as approved by the Chief Building Official. |
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Section AZ104.1 – Emergency Sleeping Cabins. Add the following provision to Section AZ104.1:
| Emergency sleeping cabins, the minimum interior floor area may be reduced to 50 square feet. The minimum 50-square foot floor area shall not include, closets, sanitation, and or cooking facilities. The floor area shall be increased as required to accommodate sanitation and cooking facilities or they may be provided separately at the same location as approved by the Chief Building Official. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.6. Electrical Code adopted.¶
Adopt the California Electrical Code (CEC), 2025 edition, based on the 2023 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and as adopted by the State Building Standards Commission in the California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 3.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.7. Electrical Code amended.¶
The California Electrical Code (CEC) adopted in section 5.2.6 is modified, amended, and or supplemented as set forth in sections 5.2.7.1 through 5.2.7.3.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.7.1. Requirements for electrical installations.¶
Section 110.1 – Scope. Add the following to section 110.1 of the CEC:
| The chief building official may withhold or disconnect power from any dangerous building, as defined in the Code, or due to other hazardous condition(s). |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.7.2. Temporary power.¶
Section 590.1 – Scope. Add the following to section 590.1 of the CEC:
| Temporary electrical service may be authorized only during periods of construction or repair of a structure for which a valid permit has been issued, or where the conditions of approval only authorize temporary service. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.7.3. Unsafe electrical panels.¶
Section 110.2 – Approval. Add the following to section 110.2 of the CEC:
| Section 110.2.1 – Unsafe electrical panels. Any Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panels shall be replaced when any work is proposed on the electrical system. The city may also require investigation or replacement of any electrical system or component where there is evidence of potential issues with the electrical system. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.8. Mechanical Code adopted.¶
Adopt the California Mechanical Code and appendices, 2025 edition, based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and other agencies listed in chapter 1, where the city is the enforcing authority or the authority has been delegated to the city by these agencies in the California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 4.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.9. Plumbing Code adopted.¶
Adopt the California Plumbing Code (CPC) and appendices, 2025 edition, chapter 1, division II and the appendices thereto, based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and other agencies listed in chapter 1, where the city is the enforcing authority or the authority has been delegated to the city by these agencies in the California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 5.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.10. Plumbing Code amended.¶
The California Plumbing Code (CPC) adopted in section 5.2.9 is modified, amended, and or supplemented as set forth in sections 5.2.10.1 through 5.2.10.2.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.10.1. Installation, Testing, Unions, and Locations.¶
Section 609.3 – Under concrete slab. Delete section 609.3 of the CPC and replace it with the following:
| Section 609.3 – Under slab. |
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| No water piping shall be installed in or under a concrete slab floor or in or on the ground under any building or structure without submitting and obtaining approval through an alternate methods and materials request addressing corrosion and or pipe fracture from settlement. |
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.10.2. Cleanouts.¶
Section 719.1 – Location. Add the following to section 719.1 of the CPC:
| In addition to the cleanouts required in this code, a cleanout shall be required for all new or replacement sewer lines at or near the property line at the junction with the building sewer and the sewer main lateral. This cleanout shall be installed per City standard specifications and must be brought to grade and installed in a yard box. All other exterior cleanouts shall be made accessible by yard boxes or extending flush with grade with approved materials and be adequately protected. |
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(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.11. Energy Code adopted.¶
Adopt the California Energy Code, 2025 edition, as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 6.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.12. California Wildland Urban Interface Code Adopted.¶
Adopt the California Wildland Urban Interface Code, 2025 edition, as published by the International Code Council (ICC) as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 7.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.13. Historical Building Code adopted.¶
Adopt the California Historical Building Code, 2025 edition, as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 8.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.14. Existing Building Code Adopted.¶
Adopt the California Existing Building Code, 2025 edition, based on the 2021 International Existing Building Code, as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 10.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.15. California Green Building Standards Code adopted.¶
Adopt the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 edition, as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 11.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.16. California Referenced Standards Code adopted.¶
Adopt the California Referenced Standards Code, 2025 edition, as published by the International Code Council (ICC) as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, title 24, part 12.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.17. International Property Maintenance Code adopted.¶
Adopt the International Property Maintenance Code, 2024 edition, published by the International Code Council (ICC), as a supplement to the California Health and Safety Code and Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
§ 5.2.18. Secondary codes and standards adopted as supplemental reference.¶
The following codes and standards are adopted as supplemental and may be used by the chief building official in accordance with California Building Code sections 104.10 and 104.11 in a case-by-case review process:
A. International Building Code, 2024 edition published by ICC, and the International Residential Code, 2024 edition published by ICC.
B. Part 9, California Fire Code (as amended in chapter 8 of the city of Fairfield municipal code) of the California Code of Regulations.
C. The latest edition of the following: International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, Uniform Swimming Pool Code, Spa, and Hot Tub Code; published supplements to the International Codes; the International Fuel Gas Code; the Uniform Sign Code; IBC and IRC Appendix Chapters; National Fire Protection Association Standards; the Uniform Solar Energy and Hydronics Code; California Solar Permitting Guide Book; American National Standards, published by American National Standards Institute, Inc.; and other applicable nationally recognized Standards.
(Ord. No. 2025-10, § 1)
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