Gonzales Municipal Code Ch. 11.04 Adoption of California Building Code

The 2025 edition of the California Administrative Code, including all appendices, as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission and amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "Administrative Code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Administrative Code of the City.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2025 edition of the California Building Code Volumes I and II including Chapter 1, Division II, Scope and Administration; and all appendices as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "Building Codes," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Building Code of the City, except for the following additions, deletions, and amendments:

A. Add Chapter 1, Section 105.8 – Restrict Hours for Construction: Unless specifically exempted by the building official, construction will be restricted to the hours between seven o'clock (7:00) A.M. and seven o'clock (7:00) P.M. The building official may grant an exemption upon his/her determination of an emergency.

B. Add Chapter 1, Section 107.2.9 – Geotechnical Reports: Whenever any section of this code, or any code adopted by this title, or any other ordinance or regulation of the city requires the submission of a geology or soils report (hereinafter referred to as a geotechnical report) or whenever such report is otherwise required by the building official, city engineer or the planning director, the following provisions shall be applicable:

A. Responsibility Of Applicant: The applicant shall be solely responsible for selection and compensation of the geotechnical consultant; except, that the city may specify the type and licensing requirements for the consultant.

B. Third Party Consultant: The city shall have the right to require a third-party geotechnical consultant in the event of any major disagreement between the city's geotechnical consultant and the applicant's consultant. The city will provide a list of at least three (3) qualified geotechnical consultants to the applicant from which to select one as such third-party consultant, and the applicant shall be responsible for his compensation. The decision of the third-party consultant shall be conclusive on the city and the applicant.

C. Substance And Scope of Report: The substance and scope of each geotechnical report shall remain the sole responsibility of the applicant and his consultant. Any comments by the city or the city's geotechnical consultants are for the purpose of pointing out possible areas of concern to the applicant or deficiencies in the report, and any approval of any geotechnical report by the city shall not be construed to imply that the city or the city's consultant warrants the accuracy of the report or any of its contents, findings or recommendations.

D. Hold Harmless Agreement: Whenever any applicant submits a geotechnical report to the city, s/he shall also submit a written statement to the city representing that s/he is and will be relying upon the investigation, report and opinion of her/his own geologist, and that if the requested site approval, subdivision approval or building, grading or other permit or permits are granted, s/he agrees to and does thereby indemnify and hold the city, its officers, agents, employees, boards, commissions and professional consultants free and harmless from and against any and all claims, actions, damages, suits or liabilities claimed by the applicant or any other person by reason of any actual or potential geologic hazard, including, without limitation, land slippage, landslide, earthquake, slope instability, soil or subsoil instability, or lack of lateral or subjacent support of any kind or nature, including any failure, collapse or damage to any building or structure or its foundation, and further setting forth that he is voluntarily and knowingly assuming the risk thereof.

C. Add Chapter 1, Section 107.4.1 — Approval of Modifications of Plans, Conditions. No modification shall be made to any building or site plans previously approved by the city or to any development conditions imposed by the city, unless such modification has been approved as follows:

A. Where the modification does not result in any exterior change to a structure or material change to an approved site plan and does not otherwise violate or change any development condition relating to the project, the modification may be approved by the building official.

B. Where the modification involves any change to a development condition, the modification shall be subject to approval by the planning commission if the condition was originally imposed by the commission or by the city council on appeal, or subject to approval by the planning director if the condition was originally imposed by said director.

C. Any modification which is not described in either subsection A or B of this section shall be referred to the planning director, for disposition as follows:

1. If the project was originally approved by the planning director, the modification may be approved by said director.

2. If the project was originally approved by the planning commission, or the city council on appeal, the modification shall require approval by the planning commission if such modification results in any material change to the project or any adverse impact upon the surrounding area; otherwise, the modification may be approved by the planning director. A material change shall include, but is not limited to, any ascertainable change in the size, height or elevation of a structure or its placement upon the site; any change in the approved elevation of a building pad; any ascertainable change in the location or design of access roads, driveways or parking areas; or any change in a specific requirement of an approved grading plan or landscape plans.

D. Replace Chapter 1, Section 114.1 – with new language. Unlawful Acts. It shall be unlawful and shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, as provided in Chapter 1.16 of the Municipal Code of the City of Gonzales, for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any permanent, temporary or portable building or structure in the city, or cause the same to be done, or to engage in any excavating or grading, or cause the same to be done, except as provided in this title or in violation of any provisions of this code.

E. Add Chapter 1, Section 114.5 Nuisance Declared Abatement: In addition to other penalties for the violation of any provision of this chapter, or any code adopted in this title, any building or other structure erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, demolished, equipped, used, occupied, or maintained contrary to the provisions of any chapter of this title, or any use of any land, building or structure conducted, operated or maintained contrary to the provisions of any chapter of this title, or any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of any chapter of this title shall be deemed a public nuisance and may be summarily abated as such. In addition, the city attorney shall, upon direction from the city manager, immediately commence action or proceedings for the abatement and removal or enjoinment thereof in the manner provided by law and shall take such other steps as may be necessary or appropriate to abate and remove any such building, structure, condition or use constituting a public nuisance and to restrain and enjoin any person from erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, maintaining or using such building or structure, or using any property in the city, contrary to the provisions of this title.

F. Amend Chapter 2, Section 202 – Definition of Dwelling Unit by adding the following line at the end of the section: A dwelling unit shall be limited to not more than one family or a congregate residence for ten or less persons.

G. Add Section 903.2. – Exemptions.

Add exemption as follows:

Existing unsprinklered structures to which additions, alterations, or repairs are made that involve the addition, removal, or replacement of less than 50% (fifty percent) of the building's usable square footage within a one-year period.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2025 edition of the California Residential Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "Residential Code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Residential Code of the City.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2025 edition of the California Electrical Code, as compiled and published by the National Fire Protection Association with necessary California amendments as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "electrical code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Electrical Code of the city.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2025 edition of the California Mechanical Code, including all appendices, as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission and amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "Mechanical Code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Mechanical Code of the City.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2025 edition of the California Plumbing Code, including all appendices, as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission and amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "Plumbing Code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Plumbing Code of the City.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2025 edition of the California Energy Code, including all appendices, as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "energy code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the energy code of the city.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2025 edition of the California Fire Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "Fire Code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the Fire Chief, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Fire Code of the City, except for the following additions, deletions, and amendments:

[Section 101.1 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code for the City of Gonzales, hereinafter referred to as "Fire Code."

Section 101.2.1 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in all appendices to the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby adopted in their entirety and shall apply.

Section 102.1 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

102.1 Construction and design provisions. The construction and design provisions of this Code shall apply to:

1. Structures, facilities and conditions arising after the adoption of this Code.

2. Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legally in existence at the time of adoption of this Code.

3. Existing structures, facilities and conditions when identified in specific Sections of this Code.

4. Existing structures, facilities and conditions, which, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, constitute a distinct hazard to life and property.

5. Existing Structures Alterations and repairs.

a. All new work performed in alterations and/or repairs to existing structures shall comply with the current provisions of this Chapter.

b. When alterations and/or repairs result in the removal, alteration, modification, replacement and/or repair of fifty percent (50%) or more of the external walls of a building, or result in the removal, modification, replacement and/or repair of fifty percent (50%) or more of the existing internal structural and/or non-structural framework, independently or in combination thereof, within a five year period, the entire building shall be made to conform to the current provisions of this Chapter.

c. Calculations of linear wall measurements shall be shown on all plans submitted for building permits, on the cover page in the project description of said plans.

d. The determination under this section of the requirement for upgrading any existing structure to full conformance with current provisions of this Chapter shall be at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief.

e. Reference Chapter 33 and NFPA 241

f. Should the scope of work expand due to unanticipated conditions, the Fire Chief shall be consulted to review the applicability of this section.

Section 103 of the CFC is amended to add Sections 103.0 to read as follows:

103.0 Responsibility for enforcement

103.0.1 Within the City of Gonzales, responsibility for enforcement of this Code shall be under the direction of the Fire Chief.

Section 104 of the CFC is amended to add Section 104.1.1 to read as follows:

104.1.1 Police powers. The Fire Chief and his deputies shall have the powers of police officers in performing their duties under this Code. When requested to do so by the Fire Chief, the chief of police of the jurisdiction is authorized to assign such available police officers as necessary to assist the Fire Chief in enforcing the provisions of this Code.

Section 105.5 of the CFC is amended to add Section 105.5.0 to read as follows:

105.5.0 Agricultural Explosive Devices. An operational permit is required for storage or use of any agricultural explosive device including "bird bombs".

Section 113.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

112.2 Owner/occupant responsibility. Correction and abatement of violations of this Code shall be the responsibility of the owner. If an occupant creates, or allows to be created, hazardous conditions in violation of this Code, the occupant shall be held responsible for the correction and abatement of such hazardous conditions.

Section 113.4 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate any provision of this Code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the Fire Chief, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this Code, shall be guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine in conformance with City of Gonzlaes Municipal Code Chapter 1.16 titled "General Penalty."

Section 114.4 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of an infraction as specified in Section 113.4 of this Code.

Section 202 of the CFC is amended to add the following definitions:

202 Definitions

ALL WEATHER SURFACE. A road surface constructed to the minimum standards adopted by the jurisdiction.

BRIDGE. A structure to carry a roadway over a depression or obstacle.

IDLE PALLET. A pallet or similar product storage and/or lifting device not currently in use and empty of product.

Section 503.2.6 of the CFC is amended to add Sections 503.2.6.1 to read as follows:

503.2.6.1 Private bridge engineering. Every private bridge hereafter constructed shall meet the following engineering requirements:

Section 503.2.6 of the CFC is amended to add Sections and 503.2.6.2 to read as follows:

503.2.6.2 Private bridge certification. Every private bridge hereafter constructed shall be engineered by a licensed professional engineer knowledgeable and experienced in the engineering and design of bridges. Certification that the bridge complies with the design standards required by this Code and the identified standards, and that the bridge was constructed to those standards, shall be provided by the licensed engineer, in writing, to the Fire Chief. Every private bridge, including existing and those constructed under this Code, shall be certified as to its maximum load limits every ten (10) years or whenever deemed necessary by the Fire Chief. Such recertification shall be by a licensed professional engineer knowledgeable and experienced in the engineering and design of bridges. All fees charged for the purpose of certification or recertification of private bridges shall be at the owner's expense.

Section 503.2.7 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

503.2.7 Grade. The grade of fire apparatus access roads shall be no greater than fifteen (15) percent unless specifically approved by the Fire Chief.

Section 503.2.7.1 of the CFC is amended to add the following:

503.2.7.1 Paving. All fire apparatus access roads over eight (8) percent shall be paved with a minimum 0.17 feet of asphaltic concrete on 0.34 feet of aggregate base. All fire apparatus access roads over fifteen (15) percent where approved shall be paved with perpendicularly grooved concrete.

Section 503 of the CFC is amended to add Section 503.7 to read as follows:

503.7 Fire apparatus access road names. All fire apparatus access road names shall be issued or approved by the jurisdictional authority.

Section 505.1 Address Identification. To be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

505.1 Address Identification: New and existing buildings shall be provided with an approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible at all times from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be in Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4" high with a minimum width stroke of one-half inch for single family dwellings and duplexes. For all other occupancies each character shall be not less than 12" high with a minimum stroke of three-quarters inch unless otherwise required by the Fire Chief.

Section 507.5.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

507.5.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the Fire Chief. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall comply with approved standards. When required by the Fire Chief, hydrants shall be painted in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 291. Records of test and required maintenance shall be maintained and forwarded to the Fire Chief upon request.

Section 605.3 of the CFC is amended to add Section 605.3.1 to read as follows:

605.3.1 Spark arresters.

605.3.1.1 An approved spark arrester shall be installed on all chimneys, incinerators, smokestacks or similar devices using solid fuel for conveying smoke or hot gases to the outer air.

605.3.1.2 Spark arresters shall have openings in accordance with Section 2113.9.2(3) of the California Building Code and Section 1003.9.2 of the California Residential Code with minimum openings of 3/8" and maximum openings of 1/2".

Section 901.1 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.1.1 to read as follows:

901.1.1 Responsibility. The owner of the protected premises shall be responsible for all fire protection systems within the protected premises, whether existing or installed under this code.

Section 901.2 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.2.2 to read as follows:

901.2.2 Additional documentation. Additional documentation as required by the Fire Chief shall be provided to the Fire Chief in an acceptable format.

Section 901.4 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

901.4 Installation. Fire protection systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with the original installation standards for that system. All systems shall be extended, altered, or augmented as necessary to maintain and continue protection whenever the building is altered, remodeled or added to. Alterations to fire protection systems shall be done in accordance with applicable standards.

Section 901.4.8 is added to read as follows:

901.4.8 Nonoperational equipment. Any fire protection equipment that is no longer in service shall be removed. A fire department permit is required for any fire equipment modification, including demolition and removal.

Section 901.6 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.6.4 to read as follows:

901.6.4 Qualifications of Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Personnel. All personnel performing any inspection, testing or maintenance of any fire protection system shall be qualified. Where such inspection, testing and maintenance is performed by an outside service company, the company shall be appropriately licensed by the California Contractors State License Board in accordance with the California Business & Professions Code or by the California State Fire Chief.

Section 901.6 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.6.5 to read as follows:

901.6.5 Additional records. All documentation generated during any scheduled inspection or test of any fire protection system, whether required or voluntarily installed, shall be forwarded to the Fire Chief within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date of the inspection or test.

Section 901.7.7 of the CFC is added to read as follows:

901.7.1 Fire Watch Personnel Requirements: Unless otherwise approved by the Fire Chief, fire watch personnel shall be California licensed private security individuals with a minimum of two (2) individuals on duty at all times. Fire watch personnel shall be on duty 24 hours per day until the fire protection system has been returned to service.

Section 901 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.11 to read as follows:

901.11 Fire Protection Features for Plant Processing and Extraction Facilities

901.11.1 Scope. This section applies to occupancies regulated by Chapter 39 of this Code.

901.11.2 Definitions.

901.11.3 Fire Protection Systems. All buildings or portions thereof housing plant post-harvest or indoor cultivation operations shall be protected as defined in this section.

Section 903.2 of the CFC is amended as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in all new buildings and structures constructed, moved into or relocated within the jurisdiction.

Exceptions:

The following Sections are amended by changing requirements to five hundred (500) square feet for fire sprinkler installation, as follows (the complete text of the section is not provided):

903.2.1.1 Group A-1. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.

903.2.1.2 Group A-2. Change five thousand (5,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.

903.2.1.3 Group A-3. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.

903.2.1.4 Group A-4. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.

903.2.1.5 Group A-5. Change one thousand (1,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.

903.2.3 Group E. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.

903.2.4 Group F-1. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.

903.2.4.1 Group F-1. Change two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet for woodworking operations to five hundred (500) square feet.

903.2.7-1 Group M. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.

903.2.7-3 Group M. Change 24,000 square feet to 500 square feet.

903.2.9 Group S-1. Change 12,000 square feet to 500 square feet.

903.2.9.1 Repair Garages. Change 10,000 square feet (2 story buildings) and 12,000 square feet (1 story buildings) to 500 square feet.

903.2.9.2 Bulk storage of tires. Change 20,000 cubic feet to 500 square feet.

Section 903.2.8 of the CFC, first paragraph is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following. Exceptions remain unchanged.

903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided in all buildings with a Group R fire area, including, but not limited to, one-and two-family dwellings, townhomes, and manufactured homes and mobile homes located outside of licensed mobile home parks hereafter constructed, moved into or relocated within the jurisdiction, including all additions to buildings already equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems.

(Exceptions remain per 2022 California Fire Code)

Section 903.3.1.1.1 of the CFC is amended to add Section 903.1.1.1-5 to read as follows:

903.3.1.1.1(5) Passenger elevator shafts or associated passenger elevator mechanical rooms, where elevator shafts are constructed with a 2-hour fire resistive method.

Section 903.3.1.1.2 of the CFC is deleted:

Section 903.3.1.1.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted.

Sections 903.3.1.2, 903.3.1.2.2, 903.3.1.2.3, 903.3.1.2.4, 903.3.1.2.5, and 903.3.1.2.6 of the CFC are deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies up to and including four stories in height shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R as amended in Chapter 47 of this Code.

Section 903.3.1.3 of the CFC, first paragraph is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following.

903.3.1.3 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. Automatic fire sprinkler systems installed in one and two-family dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 congregate living facilities and townhouses shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D. The requirements of this section supersede the requirements of the California Residential Code.

Section 903.3.10 of the CFC shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following;

903.3.10 Floor Control Valves. Approved indicating control valves and water flow switches shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in all buildings over one story in height and shall be individually annunciated as approved by the Fire Chief.

Section 903.4.2 of the CFC, first paragraph is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following. Exceptions remain unchanged.

903.4.2 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved central station, remote supervising station or proprietary supervising station as defined in NFPA 72, or, when approved by the Fire Chief, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location. The fire alarm system installed to transmit such signals shall be considered a building fire alarm system.

Section 903.4.3 of the CFC, first paragraph is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following.

903.4.3 Alarms. One exterior approved audible appliance shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system in an approved location. Sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a building fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system. Interior alarm notification appliances shall be installed as required by Section 903.4.2.1. A minimum of one audible appliance shall be installed in all occupancies subject to this section.

903.4.3.1 Where an automatic fire sprinkler system is installed in a building with more than one tenant or with over 100 sprinkler heads, audible and visible notification appliances shall be installed throughout the building as follows:

Section 904.14.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following.

904.14.2 System interconnection. The actuation of the fire extinguishing system shall automatically shut down power to the makeup air appliance and all fuel and electrical power located under the hood, except for the electrical power to the exhaust air supply. The fuel and electrical supply reset shall be manual.

Section 904.14.5.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following.

904.14.5.2 Extinguishing system service. Automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be serviced by a CSLB licensed C-16 contractor or a CSFM licensed "A" licensee at least every six months and after any activation of the system. Inspection shall be performed by the owner at least monthly in accordance with the currently adopted edition of NFPA 17-A. The service contractor shall review the records of monthly inspections every six months, and deficiencies shall be reported to the Fire Chief. A service report shall be forwarded to the Fire Chief by the licensed service contractor within 15 days after every service on the appropriate AES form.

Section 907 of the CFC is amended to add Section 907.1.6 to read as follows:

907.1.6 Multiple Fire Alarm Systems. Multiple fire alarm systems within a single protected premise are not permitted, unless specifically authorized by the Fire Chief.

Section 907.2 Exception 1 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following.

907.2 Exception 1. The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm control units dedicated to elevator recall control.

Section 907.6.4 of the CFC is amended to add 907.6.4.0 to read as follows.

907.6.4.0 Zone Transmittal. Where required by the official code, fire alarm signals shall be transmitted by zone to the supervising station and retransmitted by zone to the public fire service communications.

Section 907.6.5 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following.

907.6.5 Access. Access shall be provided to each fire alarm system component for periodic inspection, maintenance and testing.

Section 907.6.6 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following.

907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm systems, whether required by this Chapter or the California Building Code or voluntarily installed, shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72 and this Section.

Section 907.6.6 of the CFC is amended to add Section 907.6.6.4 to read as follows:

907.6.6.0 Means of communication. The use of either POTS or cable telephone lines with a digital alarm communicator transmitter shall not be permitted.

EXCEPTION. Where no other communications methods are available, the use of telephone lines shall be permitted to be used on a temporary basis not to exceed one year from the date of final acceptance test or until permitted alternate means of communications are available.

Section 907.7.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following

907.7.2 Completion documents. The following documentation shall be provided at the time of acceptance testing for all fire alarm system installations:

Section 907.8.2 of the CFC amended to add Section 907.8.2.1 to read as follows;

907.8.2.1 Testing and FACU Batteries. Batteries installed in the fire alarm control units and remote power supplies shall be verified for battery capacity based on the approved plans and battery calculations. It shall not be permitted to disconnect the system for 24 hours prior to an acceptance or reacceptance test to test the battery capacity.

Section 1205.1 of the CFC is amended to add Section 1205.1.1 to read as follows:

1205.1.1 Signing and Marking. In addition to signing and marking requirements of the California Building Code and the California Residential Code, the following signing and marking is required:

Section 1205.2.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Group R-3 Buildings Exceptions 1 and 2 of the California Fire Code are deleted in their entirety.

Section 1205.2.1 of the CFC is amended to add Section 1205.2.1.4 to read as follows:

1205.2.1.4 Hip and Valley Layout. Hip and Valley Layouts. Modules shall be located no closer than one and one-half feet (1-1/2') to a hip or valley if modules are to be placed on both sides of a hip or valley. Where modules are located on only one side of a hip or valley that is of equal length, the modules shall be permitted to be placed directly adjacent to the hip or valley.

Section 1206 of the CFC is amended to add Section 1206.14 to read as follows:

1206.14 Where stationary fuel cell power systems are installed inside any structure, signage acceptable to the Fire Chief shall be required indicating the location of the stationary fuel cell power system. Placarding shall be required to read "FUEL CELL" in block letters 6" high with a 3/4" stroke on a contrasting background.

Section 1207.4.1.1 is added to the CFC to read as follows:

1207.4.1.1 Location: Energy storage systems (ESS) disconnects shall be located at or adjacent to the main electrical panel with appropriate placarding showing location of equipment and all shutdowns.

Section 1207.4.8 of the CFC is amended to add Section 1207.4.8(6) to read as follows:

1207.4.8(6) Where battery energy storage systems are installed inside any structure, signage acceptable to the Fire Chief shall be required indicating the location of the battery energy storage system. Placarding shall be required indicating the location of the battery energy storage system. Placarding shall be required to read "BESS" in block letters 6" high with a 3/4" stroke on a contrasting background.

Section 3905 of the CFC is amended to add Section 3905.4 to read as follows:

3905.4. Fire Protection Systems. Fire protection systems in occupancies regulated by this chapter shall be in accordance with Section 901.11 of this Code.

Section D103.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

D103.2 Grade. Fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent in grade with a maximum side slope of five (5) percent.

EXCEPTION: Grades steeper than fifteen (15) percent, if approved by the Fire Chief, shall be paved with perpendicularly grooved concrete.

The CFC is amended to add local Appendix R to read as follows:

APPENDIX R 101: STANDARD FIRE CONDITIONS FOR SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS

SECTION R GENERAL

R101.1 Scope. Applications for the construction or remodel of single family dwellings, including one- and two-family dwellings, townhomes, modular and manufactured homes, and mobile homes outside of established mobile home parks, shall be subject to the fire conditions in this appendix when conditioned by the Fire Chief.

R101.2 Conflicting sections. Where provisions in this appendix conflict with other sections of this Code or other appendices, the provisions of this appendix shall prevail unless otherwise directed by the Fire Chief.

SECTION R102 ROADS

R102.1 General. These conditions will be used primarily when conditioning a subdivision or other project that requires roads. Roads identified in this Section are vehicular access to more than two (2) parcels; more than four (4) residential units; or access to any industrial or commercial occupancy. Includes public and private streets and lanes.

R102.2 Road access. (FIRE 001). Access roads shall be required for every building when any portion of the exterior wall of the first story is located more than one hundred fifty (150) feet from fire department access. All roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of two (2) ten (10) feet wide traffic lanes with an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than fifteen (15) feet. The roadway surface shall provide unobstructed access to conventional drive vehicles including sedans and fire apparatus and shall be an all-weather surface designed to support the imposed load of fire apparatus (75,000 pounds). Each road shall have an approved name.

R102.3 Roadway engineering. (FIRE 002). The grade for all roads shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) with a maximum side slope of five percent (5%). Where road grades are 8 percent (8%) or less, an all-weather aggregate base is required at a minimum or as required in other sections of the City of Gonzales Municipal Code. Where road grades exceed eight percent (8%), a minimum structural roadway surface of 0.17 feet of asphaltic concrete on 0.34 feet of aggregate base shall be required. The length of vertical curves in roadways, exclusive of gutters, ditches and drainage structures designed to hold or divert water, shall not be less than one hundred (100) feet. No roadway turn shall have a horizontal inside radius of less than fifty (50) feet. A roadway turn radius of fifty (50) to one hundred (100) feet is required to have an additional four (4) feet of roadway surface. A roadway turn radius of one hundred (100) to two hundred (200) feet is required to have an additional two (2) feet of roadway surface. Roadway turnarounds shall be required on dead-end roads in excess of one hundred fifty (150) feet of surface length. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the road. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the "T" shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

R102.4 Dead end roads.

R102.4.1 Parcels less than one acre. (FIRE 003). For parcels less than one acre, the maximum length of a dead-end road, including all dead-end roads accessed from that dead-end road, shall not exceed eight hundred (800) feet. All dead-end road lengths shall be measured from the edge of the roadway surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its furthest point. Where a dead-end road serves parcels of differing sizes, the shortest allowable length shall apply. Each dead-end road shall have a turnaround constructed at its terminus. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the road. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the "T" shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

R102.4.2 Parcels greater than one acre and not exceeding five acres (FIRE 004). For parcels greater than one acre and not exceeding five acres, the maximum length of a dead-end road, including all dead-end roads accessed from that dead-end road, shall not exceed one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320) feet. All dead-end road lengths shall be measured from the edge of the roadway surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its furthest point. Where a dead-end road serves parcels of differing sizes, the shortest allowable length shall apply. Each dead-end road shall have a turnaround constructed at its terminus. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the road. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the "T" shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

R102.4.3 Parcels greater than five acres and not exceeding twenty (20) acres. (FIRE 005). For parcels greater than five acres and not exceeding twenty (20) acres, the maximum length of a dead-end road, including all dead-end roads accessed from that dead-end road, shall not exceed two thousand six hundred forty (2,640) feet. All dead-end road lengths shall be measured from the edge of the roadway surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its furthest point. Where a dead-end road serves parcels of differing sizes, the shortest allowable length shall apply. Each dead-end road shall have turnarounds at its terminus and at no greater than one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320) foot intervals. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the road. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the "T" shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

R102.4.4 Parcels greater than twenty (20) acres. (FIRE 006). For parcels greater than twenty (20) acres, the maximum length of a dead-end road, including all dead-end roads accessed from that dead-end road, shall not exceed five thousand two hundred eighty (5,280) feet. All dead-end road lengths shall be measured from the edge of the roadway surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its furthest point. Where a dead-end road serves parcels of differing sizes, the shortest allowable length shall apply. Each dead-end road shall have turnarounds at its terminus and at no greater than one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320)-foot intervals. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the road. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the "T" shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

SECTION R103 DRIVEWAYS, GATES, AND BRIDGES

R103.1 Driveways. (FIRE 007). Driveway identified in this Section is defined as a vehicle access that serves up to two (2) parcels with no more than two (2) residential units and any number on non-commercial or industrial buildings on each parcel. Driveways shall not be less than twelve (12) feet wide traffic lane and minimum fourteen (14) feet wide unobstructed clearance, with an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than fifteen (15) feet. The grade for all driveways shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) with a maximum side slope of five percent (5%). Where driveway grades are eight percent (8%) or less, an all-weather surface such as an aggregate base shall meet minimum fire requirements. Other types of material for driveways may be required by the City of Gonzales Municipal Code. Where the grade exceeds eight percent (8%), a minimum structural roadway surface of 0.17 feet of asphaltic concrete on 0.34 feet of aggregate base shall be required. The driveway surface shall be capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus forty thousand (40,000) pounds, and be accessible by conventional-drive vehicles, including sedans. For driveways with turns ninety (90) degrees and less, the minimum horizontal inside radius of curvature shall be twenty-five (25) feet. For driveways with turns greater than ninety (90) degrees, the minimum horizontal inside radius curvature shall be twenty-eight (28) feet. For all driveway turns, an additional surface of four (4) feet shall be added. All driveways exceeding one hundred fifty (150) feet in length, but less than eight hundred (800) feet in length, shall provide a turnout near the midpoint of the driveway. Where the driveway exceeds eight hundred (800) feet, turnouts shall be provided at no greater than four hundred (400)-foot intervals. Turnouts shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet wide and thirty (30) feet long with a minimum of twenty[??] (25)[??] foot taper at both ends. Turnarounds shall be required on driveways in excess of one hundred fifty (150) feet of surface length and shall be thirty (30) feet long with a minimum twenty-five (25) foot taper at both ends. Turnarounds shall be required on driveways in excess of one hundred fifty (150) feet of surface length and shall be located within fifty (50) feet of the primary building. The minimum turning radius for a turnaround shall be forty (40) feet from the center line of the driveway. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the "T" shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in length.

R103.2 Gates. (FIRE 008). All gates providing access from a road to a driveway shall be located at least thirty (30) feet from the roadway and shall open to allow a vehicle to stop without obstructing traffic on the road. Gate entrances shall be at least two (2) feet wider than the width of the traffic lane but in no case be less than fourteen (14) feet wide unobstructed and unobstructed vertical clearance of fifteen (15) feet. Where a one-way road with a single traffic lane provides access to a gated entrance, a forty (40) foot turning radius shall be used. Where gates are to be locked, the installation of a key box or other acceptable means for immediate access by emergency equipment may be required.

R103.3 Bridges. (FIRE 009). All new and reconstructed bridges shall be at least the width of the roadbed and berms, but in no case less than twelve (12) feet wide. Bridge width on all roads exceeding tertiary standards shall not be less than the width of the two lanes with berms. All bridges shall be designed for HS15-44 loading and have guardrails. Appropriate signage, including but not limited to, weight ratings or vertical clearance limitations, and one-way road or single-lane road conditions, shall be provided at both entrances to any bridge. One-lane bridges may be permitted if there is unobstructed visibility across the entire bridge, and turnouts are provided at both bridge ends. The Fire Chief may impose more stringent requirements for bridges.

SECTION R104 SIGNS AND ADDRESSES

R104.1 Road signs. (FIRE 010). All newly constructed or approved roads and streets shall be designated by names or numbers, posted on signs clearly visible and legible from the roadway. Size of letters, numbers and symbols for street and road signs shall be a minimum four-inch letter height, 1/2-inch stroke, and shall be a color that is reflective and clearly contrasts with the background color of the sign. All numerals shall be Arabic. Street and road signs shall be non-combustible and shall be visible and legible from both directions of vehicle travel for a distance of at least one hundred (100) feet. Height, visibility, legibility, and orientation of street and road signs shall meet the provisions of the jurisdiction. This section does not require any entity to rename or renumber existing roads or streets, nor shall a roadway providing access only to a single commercial or industrial occupancy require naming or numbering. Signs required under this section identifying intersecting roads, streets and private lanes shall be placed at the intersection of those roads, streets and/or private lanes. Signs identifying traffic access or flow limitations (i.e., weight or vertical clearance limitations, dead-end road, one-way road or single lane conditions, etc.) shall be placed: (a) at the intersection preceding the traffic access limitation; and (b) not more than one hundred (100) feet before such traffic access limitation. Road, street and private lane signs required by this article shall be installed prior to final acceptance of road improvements by the Fire Chief.

R104.2 Addresses for buildings. (FIRE 011). All buildings shall be issued an address in accordance with jurisdictional requirements. Each occupancy, including detached accessory dwelling units (ADU), except accessory buildings, shall have its own permanently posted address. When multiple occupancies exist within a single building, each individual occupancy shall be separately identified by its own address. Letters, numbers and symbols for addresses shall be a minimum of four-inch (4") height, 1/2-inch stroke, contrasting with the background color of the sign, and shall be Arabic. The sign and numbers shall be reflective and made of a noncombustible material. Address signs shall be placed at each driveway entrance and at each driveway split. Address signs shall be visible from both directions of travel along the road. In all cases, the address shall be posted at the beginning of construction and shall be maintained thereafter. Address signs along one-way roads shall be visible from both directions of travel. Where multiple addresses are required at a single driveway, they shall be mounted on a single sign. Where a roadway provides access solely to a single commercial occupancy, the address sign shall be placed at the nearest road intersection providing access to that site. Permanent address numbers shall be posted prior to requesting final clearance.

SECTION R105 WATER SUPPLY

R105.1 Water systems. (FIRE 012). The provisions of this condition shall apply when new parcels are approved by a local jurisdiction. The emergency water system shall be available on-site prior to the completion of road construction, where a community water system is approved, or prior to the completion of building construction, where an individual system is approved. Approved water systems shall be installed and made serviceable prior to the time of construction. Water systems constructed, extended or modified to serve a new development, a change of use, or an intensification of use, shall be designed to meet, in addition to average daily demand, NFPA Standard 1142 or other adopted standards. The quantity of water required pursuant to this chapter shall be in addition to the domestic demand and shall be permanently and immediately available.

R105.2 (RESERVED) (FIRE 013).

R105.3 Single parcel fire protection water supply. (FIRE 014). For development of structures totaling less than three thousand (3,000) square feet on a single parcel, the minimum fire protection water supply shall be four thousand nine hundred (4,900) gallons. For development of structures totaling three thousand (3,000) square feet or more on a single parcel, the minimum fire protection water supply shall be nine thousand eight hundred (9,800) gallons. For development of structures totaling more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet on a single parcel, the reviewing authority may require additional fire protection water supply. Other water supply alternatives, including ISO Rural Class 8 mobile water systems, may be permitted by the fire authority to provide for the same practical effect. The quantity of water required by this condition shall be in addition to the domestic demand and shall be permanently and immediately available.

R105.4 Fire hydrants and valves. (FIRE 015). A fire hydrant or fire valve is required. The hydrant or fire valve shall be eighteen (18) inches above grade, eight feet from flammable vegetation, no closer than four feet nor further than twelve (12) feet from a roadway, and in a location where fire apparatus using it will not block the roadway. The hydrant serving any building shall be not less than fifty (50) feet and not more than one thousand (1,000) feet by road from the building it is to serve. Minimum hydrant standards shall include a brass head and valve with at least one 2 1/2-inch National Hose outlet supplied by a minimum four inch main and riser. More restrictive hydrant requirements may be applied by the Reviewing Authority. Each hydrant/valve shall be identified with a reflectorized blue marker, with minimum dimensions of three inches, located on the driveway address sign, non-combustible post or fire hydrant riser. If used, the post shall be within three feet of the hydrant/valve, with the blue marker not less than three feet or greater than five feet above the ground, visible from the driveway. On paved roads or driveways, reflectorized blue markers shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with the State Fire Chief's Guidelines for Fire Hydrant Markings Along State Highways and Freeways, May 1988.

SECTION Q106 SETBACKS

R106.1 Setbacks. (FIRE 016). Except as permitted by the Fire Chief, all parcels one acre and larger shall provide a minimum thirty (30) foot setback for new buildings and accessory buildings from all property lines and/or the center of the road. For parcels less than one-acre, alternate fuel modification standards or other requirements may be imposed by the Fire Chief to provide the same practical effect.

SECTION R107 VEGETATION AND DEBRIS DISPOSAL

R107.1 Disposition of vegetation and debris fuels. (FIRE 017). Disposal, including chipping, burying, or removal to a landfill site approved by the local jurisdiction, of vegetation and debris caused by site development and construction, road and driveway construction, and fuel modification shall be completed prior to final clearance of the related permit.

SECTION R108 GREENBELTS

R108.1 Greenbelts. (FIRE 018). Subdivisions and other developments, which propose greenbelts as a part of the development plan, shall locate said greenbelts strategically as a separation between wild land fuels and structures. The locations shall be approved by the Fire Chief.

SECTION R109 DEFENSIBLE SPACE

R109.1 Standard defensible space requirements. (FIRE 019). Defensible space requirements shall meet Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code or the City of Gonzales Municipal Code, whichever is more restrictive. Additional or alternate fire protection approved by the Fire Chief may be required to provide reasonable fire safety. Environmentally sensitive areas may require alternative fire protection, to be determined by the Fire Chief and other jurisdictional authorities. Defensible space shall be maintained per CFC Chapter 49.

R109.2 (RESERVED) (FIRE 020).

SECTION R110 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

R110.1 Residential fire sprinkler systems (Standard). (FIRE 021). The building(s) and attached structure(s) shall be fully protected with automatic fire sprinkler system(s). Installation shall be in accordance with the applicable NFPA standard. A minimum of four sets of plans for fire sprinkler systems must be submitted by a California licensed C-16 contractor and approved prior to installation. This requirement is not intended to delay issuance of a building permit. A rough sprinkler inspection must be scheduled by the installing contractor and completed prior to requesting a framing inspection.

R110.2 (RESERVED) (FIRE 022).

R110.3 (RESERVED) (FIRE 023).

R110.4 Residential fire alarm systems. (FIRE 024). The residence shall be fully protected with an approved household fire warning system as defined by NFPA 72. Plans and specifications for the household fire warning system shall be submitted by a California licensed C-10 contractor and approved prior to installation. Household fire warning systems installed in lieu of single-station smoke alarms required by the California Residential Code shall meet the requirements of the California Residential Code.

R110.5 (RESERVED) (FIRE 025).

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2025 edition of the California Referenced Standards Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the California Building Standards Commission as amended from time to time, hereinafter referred to as the "Referenced Standards Code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Standards Code of the City.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2025 edition of the California Green Building Standards Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the California building standards commission, hereinafter referred to as the "California Green Building Standards Code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Green Building Standards Code of the City.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the International Code Council, hereinafter referred to as the "International Maintenance Code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Property Maintenance Code of the City.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

The 2025 edition of the California Wildland Urban-Interface Code, including all appendices as compiled and published by the California building standards commission, hereinafter referred to as the "California Wildland-Urban Interface Code," one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, is hereby referred to and such code is hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof, the same as if fully set forth in this chapter, and shall be the Wildland Urban-Interface Code of the City.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)

A. Purpose: The purpose of this section is to comply with California Government Code Section 65850.5 that provides: on or before September 30, 2015, every city shall adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.

B. Definitions.

"Electronic submittal"

means the utilization of one or more of the following:

a.

E-mail;

b.

The Internet;

c.

Facsimile.

"Small residential rooftop solar energy system"

means all of the following:

a.

A solar energy system that is no larger than ten (10) kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty (30) kilowatts thermal.

b.

A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the city and California Civil Code Section 714(c)(3), as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or designated from time to time.

c.

A solar energy system that is installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling.

d.

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

"Solar energy system"

has the same meaning set forth in California Civil Code Sections 801.5(a)(1) and (a)(2), as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or designated from time to time.

C. Permitting Process: The expedited permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply with the applicable requirements contained in this title, Building Regulations, and all of the following:

1. The building department shall develop a checklist of all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.

2. The checklist and required permitting documentation shall be published on a publicly accessible Internet website.

3. As allowed by available resources, the building department shall allow for electronic submittal of a permit application and associated documentation and shall allow electronic signature in lieu of a wet signature.

4. Upon confirmation by the building department that the application and supporting documentation meet all requirements of the California building standards codes, the building department shall approve the application and issue all required permits.

D. Inspection Process: Small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited, streamlined permitting process shall only require one inspection, unless the installation is found to be out of compliance with the California building standards codes. Inspection requests shall be made in compliance with this title, Building Regulations.

(Ord. 2025-154, 1/12/2026)