Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Fullerton Municipal Code Ch. 14.04 Residential Code
Fullerton Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-03 · Fullerton
Cite as: Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 14.04 · Text as of 2026-10-03
§ 14.04.010 ADOPTION OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE.¶
(A) The 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, and everything contained therein, including Appendices BF, CI, CJ, codified as 24 C.C.R. Part 2.5, California Building Standards Code, is hereby adopted by reference, in accordance with Cal. Gov’t Code § 50022.2, except those sections that are adopted as amended in this chapter. A copy of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is on file in the office of the Fullerton Building and Safety Manager.
(B) All references to "this code" contained in the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, shall be deemed to refer to this chapter. Each paragraph or section number contained in the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, not amended by this chapter, shall be deemed to be a subdivision of this chapter. For example, "Section R102" of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, shall be deemed to be "Subdivision R102 of § 14.04.010 of the Fullerton Municipal Code," and may be referred to as, "§ 102 of the Fullerton Residential Code."
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.020 AMENDMENT TO § R101.1 TITLE.¶
Section R101.1 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
R101.1 Title. These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One- and Two-family Dwellings of The City of Fullerton and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this code".
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.030 AMENDMENT TO § R103.1 CREATION OF AGENCY.¶
Section R103.1 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
R103.1 Creation of agency. The City of Fullerton Building Division is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Building and Safety Manager. The function of the division shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
All references to "building official" contained in the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, shall be deemed to refer to the Building and Safety Manager.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.040 ADDITION OF § R102.6.2 TO § R102.6.¶
Section R102.6 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:
R102.6.2 Standards for approval of existing unpermitted structures, used for human habitation. The codes in effect when the structure was built may be applied, if that date can be determined, and a finding can be made that a level of safety equivalent to the current code is provided. However, nothing in this section shall preclude the Building Official applying the current codes to insure an adequate level of safety. For habitable structures or limited second dwelling units, specific upgrades and requirements are noted but not limited to those shown below. Nothing in this section will eliminate or modify the requirements for compliance with any other part of the Fullerton Municipal Code.
Zoning:
The proposed use of the structure must comply with Fullerton Municipal Code Title 15, Zoning.
Electrical:
Ground fault and arc fault protection of outlets will be required. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will be required. All electrical wiring and distribution must be installed with recognized materials and in compliance with the codes in effect at the time the structure was built, or in compliance with current codes.
Plumbing:
A legal connection to a sanitary sewer system must be provided. A water closet and sink must be provided. A source of hot water must be provided. All fuel burning appliances must be properly installed and vented. All plumbing must be installed with recognized materials and in compliance with the codes in effect at the time the structure was built, or in compliance with current codes.
Mechanical:
A code-compliant source of heat must be provided, which can be controlled by the tenant. The heat source must be able to maintain 68 degrees throughout the dwelling 3 feet above the floor. All fuel burning appliances must be installed and vented in compliance with any applicable code. All mechanical equipment must be installed with recognized materials and in compliance with the codes in effect at the time the structure was built, or in compliance with current codes.
Egress:
Each sleeping room shall have at least one window or door that meets current egress requirements. Light and ventilation shall meet the current requirements. Structural adequacy must be verified.
Energy:
New lights or equipment must be installed in accordance with current standards. If the walls or ceilings are opened, insulation shall be installed in accordance with current codes unless precluded by structural conditions, then the appropriate thickness of insulation shall be provided that will fit in the wall or ceiling.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.050 AMENDMENT TO § R105.2 WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMIT.¶
Section R105.2 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:
Building:
Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2). It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, despite exemption from permit.
Masonry or concrete fences not over 3 feet (1066.8 mm) in height above lowest adjacent grade, and all other fences not over 6 feet (1,828.8 mm) in height above lowest adjacent grade.
Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
- Sidewalks and driveways.
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
- Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
- Swings and other playground equipment.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling or townhouse and do not serve the exit door required by Section R318.4.
Electrical:
Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets therefor.
Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location.
Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Gas:
Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
Mechanical:
- Portable heating appliances.
- Portable ventilation appliances.
- Portable cooling units.
Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Portable evaporative coolers.
Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
Plumbing:
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.060 AMENDMENT TO § R105.5 EXPIRATION.¶
Section R 105.5 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
R105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 12 months after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
Time limitation for permit expiration as the result of code enforcement shall be as per notice of violation or as otherwise determined by the Building Official.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.070 ADDITION OF § R105.10 RESPONSIBILITY OF PERMITTEE.¶
Section R105.10 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby added to read as follows:
R105.10 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.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.080 ADDITION OF §§ R108.2.1 AND R108.2.2 TO § R108.¶
Section R108 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended by adding the following subsections:
R108.2.1 Plan Review Fees. When a plan or other data is required to be submitted by Section R106.1, a plan review fee shall be paid at the time of submitting plans and specifications for review. The plan review fee shall be as set forth in the Fee Schedule set by the Community and Economic Development Department.
Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan review, or when the project involves deferred submittal items as defined in Section 107.3.4.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code, an additional plan review fee shall be charged at a rate established by the Fee Schedule.
R108.2.2 Expiration of Plan Review. Applications for which no permit is issued within 180 days following the date of final approval of plans shall expire, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding 180 days upon request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. No application shall be extended more than once. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.090 AMENDMENT TO § R112.1.¶
Section R112.1 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section R112.1 Appeals. In order for final interpretation of the provisions of th is Code and to hear appeals provided for hereunder, the procedures of Chapter 14.02 of this Code shall govern the filing and hearing of such appeals.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.100 AMENDMENT TO TABLE R301.2.¶
Table R301.2 of Chapter 3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is hereby amended to read as follows.
TABLE R301.2 CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
| GRO- UND SNOW LOAD o | WIND DESIGN | WIND DESIGN | WIND DESIGN | WIND DESIGN | SEIS MIC DESI GN CATE- GORY f | SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM | SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM | SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM | ICE BARRIER UNDE R- LAYME NT REQUIRED h | FLOOD HAZARD S g | AIR FREEZING INDEX i | ANN- UAL MEAN TEMP j |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRO- UND SNOW LOAD o | Spe ed d (mp h) | Topog- raphic effec ts k | Spec ial wind region l | Win d- borne debris zone m | SEIS MIC DESI GN CATE- GORY f | Weath- ering a | Frost line depth b | Termite c | ICE BARRIER UNDE R- LAYME NT REQUIRED h | FLOOD HAZARD S g | AIR FREEZING INDEX i | ANN- UAL MEAN TEMP j |
| 0 | 95 | NO | NO | NO | D 2 or E | Neglig ible | 12 in. | Very Heavy | NO | See Exhibit B | 0 | 60 |
MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIA n
| Elevation | Altitude correction factor e | Coincident wet bulb | Indoor winter design dry-bulb temperature | Indoor winter design dry bulb temperature | Outdoor winter design dry-bulb temperature | Heating temperature difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 305 | 69 | 70 | 39 | 31 | ||
| Latitude | Daily range | Indoor summer design relative humidity | Indoor summer design relative humidity | Indoor summer design dry-bulb temperature | Outdoor summer design dry-bulb temperature | Cooling temperature difference |
| 34 | 27 | 75 | 85 | 10 | ||
| Notes to Table: | Notes to Table: | Notes to Table: | Notes to Table: | Notes to Table: | Notes to Table: | Notes to Table: |
| For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/ |
||||||
| (a) Where weathering requires a higher strength concrete or grade of masonry than necessary to satisfy the structural requirements of this code, the frost line depth strength required for wreathing shall govern. The weathering column shall be filled in with the weathering index, “negligible,” “moderate” or “severe” for concrete as determined from Figure R301.2(1). The grade of masonry units shall be determined from ASTM C34, ASTM C55, ASTM C62, ASTM C73, ASTM C90, ASTM C129, ASTM C145, ASTM C216 or ASTM C652. | ||||||
| (b) Where the frost line depth requires deeper footings than indicated in Figure R403.1(1), the frost line depth strength required for weathering shall govern. The jurisdiction shall fill in the frost line depth column with the minimum depth of footing below finish grade. | ||||||
| (c) The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table to indicate the need for protection depending on whether there has been a history of local subterranean termite damage. | ||||||
| (d) The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the wind speed from the basic wind speed map (Figure R301.2(2)). Wind exposure category shall be determined on a site-specific basis in accordance with § R301.2.1.4. | ||||||
| (e) The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the table to establish the design criteria using Table 10A from ACCA Manual J or established criteria determined by the jurisdiction. | ||||||
| (f) The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the seismic design category determined from § R301.2.2.1. | ||||||
| (g) The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with: the date of the jurisdiction’s entry into the National Flood Insurance Program (date of adoption of the first code or ordinance for management of flood hazard areas); and the title and date of the currently effective Flood Insurance Study or other flood hazard study and maps adopted by the authority having jurisdiction, as amended. |
| (h) In accordance with §§ R905.1.2, R905.4.3.1, R905.5.3.1, R905.6.3.1, R905.7.3.1 and R905.8.3.1, where there has been a history of local damage from the effects of ice damming, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES.” Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “NO.” |
|---|
| (i) The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403.3(2) or from the 100-year (99%) value on the National Climatic Data Center data table “Air Freezing Index USA Method (Base 32°F).” |
| (j) The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the mean annual temperature from the National Climatic Data Center data table “Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°F).” |
| (k) In accordance with § R301.2.1.5, where there is local historical data documenting structural damage to buildings due to topographic wind speed-up effects, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES.” Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table. |
| (l) In accordance with Figure R301.2(2), where there is local historical data documenting unusual wind conditions, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES” and identify any specific requirements. Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table. |
| (m) In accordance with § R301.2.1.2 the jurisdiction shall indicate the wind-borne debris wind zone(s). Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table. |
| (n) The jurisdiction shall fill in these sections of the table to establish the design criteria using Table 1a or 1b from ACCA Manual J or established criteria determined by the jurisdiction. |
| (o) The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the table using the Ground Snow Loads in Figure R301.2(3) and R301.2(4). |
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.110 AMENDMENT TO § R309.2.¶
Section R309.2 of Chapter 3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
R309.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings.
Exceptions:
An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required when alterations to an existing building within any two-year period removes floor area or roof area assemblies of less than 50 percent of the existing building.
An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required when alterations to an existing building within any two-year period removes floor area or roof area assemblies of less than 33 percent of the existing building for existing buildings within Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas.
An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required for additions to existing buildings that are not already provided with an automatic residential sprinkler system and that do not include alterations within any two-year period involving the removal of floor area or roof area assemblies of more than 50% of the total existing floor area of the building.
Accessory Dwelling Unit, provided that all of the following are met:
4.1.¶
The unit meets the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit as defined in the Government Code Section 65852.2.
4.2. The existing primary residence does not have automatic fire sprinklers.
4.3. The accessory detached dwelling does not exceed 1,200 square feet in size.
4.4. The unit is on the same lot as the primary residence.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.120 AMENDMENT TO § R902.1.¶
Section R902.1 of Chapter 9 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
R902.1 Roof assemblies. Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. A minimum Class A or B roofing shall be installed in areas designated by this section or where the edge of the roof is less than 3 feet (914 mm) from a lot line. Class A or B roofing required by this section to be listed shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E108. Where required, the roof assembly shall be listed and identified as to class by an approved testing agency.
Exceptions:
Class A roof assemblies include those with coverings of brick, masonry and exposed concrete roof deck.
Class A roof assemblies include ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal sheets and shingles, clay or concrete roof tile, or slate installed on noncombustible decks.
Class A roof assemblies include minimum 16 ounces per square foot copper sheets installed over combustible decks.
Class A roof assemblies include slate installed over underlayment over combustible decks.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.130 AMENDMENT TO § R902.1.2.¶
Section R902.1.2 of Chapter 9 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
R902.1.2 Roof coverings in all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class B.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.140 AMENDMENT TO § R902.4.¶
Section R902.4 of Chapter 9 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
R902.4 Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems. Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panel systems installed on or above the roof covering shall be tested, listed and identified with a fire classification in accordance with UL 2703. Listed systems shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and their listing. Class A or B photovoltaic panels and modules shall be installed areas designated by this section, in jurisdictions designated by law as requiring their use, or where the edge of the roof is less than 3 feet (914 mm) from a lot line.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.150 AMENDMENT TO § 115922(A).¶
Section 115922(a) of Appendix CI of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
(a) Except as provided in Section 115925, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with item #1 below and at least one additional of the following seven drowning prevention features:
An enclosure that meets the requirements of 115923 and isolates the swimming pool and spa from the private single-family home. Any walls of the residential structure or accessory structures used to complete the isolation enclosure must have door openings equipped with protection as required in 115922 (a) #4 or #5. Any such door protection device provided for this purpose may not be used to comply with the second drowning prevention feature requirement.
Removable mesh fencing that meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifications F2286 standards in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device.
An approved safety pool cover, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 115921.
Exit alarms on the private single-family home's doors that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa. The exit alarm may cause either an alarm noise or a verbal warning, such as a repeating notification that "the door to the pool is open."
A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches (1372 mm) above the floor on the private single-family home's doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa.
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 feature.
Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than that afforded by any of the features 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).
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
§ 14.04.160 AMENDMENT TO § 115923.¶
Section 115923 of Appendix CI of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics:
Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches (1524 mm) above the ground.
A minimum height of 60 inches (1524 mm).
A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of 2 inches (51 mm).
Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter.
An outside surface free of protrusions, cavities or other physical characteristics that would serve as handholds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of five years to climb over.
Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as a lattice or chain link fence, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall be no more than 2-1/4 inches. Posts shall be spaced at not over eight feet on center. The bottom wire of a chain link fence shall be staked to the ground, between support posts, unless provided with a bottom rail or pipe.
Access gates shall have a width no greater than four feet. Gates shall be self-closing and self-latching and swing in the direction of exit from the pool area. The latching device shall be capable of keeping the gate securely latched at all times when not in use.
The barrier shall be so arranged and constructed so that no impediment to a required exit is created, and a minimum of a three-foot-wide walking path is maintained between the barrier and the water.
All swimming pool and spa water shall be maintained in a clear condition which is free of significant algae, insects, debris and in a sanitary condition. The entire floor of the pool shall be clearly visible.
(Ord. 3316, passed - -2022; Ord. 3348, passed - -2025)
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