Grover Beach Municipal Code § 150.023 Adoption of California Green Building Standards Code

Section

General Provisions

Building Codes

Fire Code

Review Processes

Encroachment Permits

GENERAL PROVISIONS

(A) The Building Official shall be appointed by the City Manager and shall hold office at the pleasure of said City Manager. The Building Official or his/her authorized representative shall work under the direction of the Community Development Director.

(B) The Building Official is authorized and directed to administer and enforce all provisions and codes adopted by this chapter and for such purpose shall have the powers of a police officer.

(Prior Code, § 8100) (Ord. 13-03, passed 12-2-2013; Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Administrative Code, is hereby adopted as the Building Standards Administrative Code of the city.

(Prior Code, § 8101) (Ord. 13-03, passed 12-2-2013; Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

Permits issued to correct code violations pursuant to an active code enforcement case shall be valid for a period of 90 days. Extensions to the permit may be granted at the discretion of the Building Official. Performance or approval of a required inspection will not automatically extend the permit.

(Prior Code, § 8116) (Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

BUILDING CODES

The 2025 edition of the California Building Code, including Appendix B, G, I, J, and Q is hereby adopted as the Building Code of the city except for the following revisions.

Section 903.2 through 903.2.11.3 of the 2025 California Building Code shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

Section 903.2. Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in the following locations:

1. In all new buildings and structures that exceed 1,000 square feet.

2. In additions or alterations for all buildings or structures as follows:

a. Throughout structures where additions add more than 50% to the existing square footage, and results in a total square footage equal or greater than 1,000 square feet. Modifications that require addition of an automatic sprinkler system shall include removal, combining or rearrangement of demising or tenant space walls to create a single occupancy or tenant space of 1000 square feet or greater or changes in occupancy or use when the change of occupancy or use results in a requirement for an automatic sprinkler system as specified in Section 903, including, but not limited to, increased occupant load, multiple fire areas, use of hazardous materials and other increased hazards.

b. Throughout structures where alterations remove more than 50% of the exterior walls and/or remove more than 50% of the roof framing, and are in excess of 1,000 square feet.

c. Throughout structures where additions and alterations combined encompass more than 50% of the existing square footage of the structure and are in excess of 1,000 square feet.

d. Where there is a change of occupancy to a more hazardous use as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief based on Table 903.2.1.

Table 903.2.1

Hazard Categories

e. These requirements will be applicable to the combined square footage of all building permits issued for the address or site within the last five years.

903.2.8.1 Group R-3.

An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3, including Section 903.3.1.3 for Group R-3, shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area including all Manufactured, Modular or Mobile single family or Multifamily Homes or sleeping units.

903.2.10 Group S-2 parking garages

2. Where the enclosed parking garage, in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code, is located beneath other groups.

(Prior Code, § 8102) (Ord. 13-03, passed 12-2-2013; Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Residential Code, including Appendix BB, BF, CI, and CJ is hereby adopted as the Residential Code of the city except for the following revisions.

(A) Sections R309.1 Exception and R309.2, Exception 1 shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

Section R309.1 Exception and R309.2, Exception 1. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in additions or alterations for all one- and two-family dwelling buildings or structures as follows:

1. Throughout structures where additions add more than 50% to the existing square footage and results in a total square footage in excess of 1,000 square feet.

2. Throughout structures where alterations remove more than 50% of the exterior walls and/or remove more than 50% of the roof framing, and are in excess of 1,000 square feet.

3. Throughout structures where additions and alterations combined encompass more than 50% of the existing square footage of the structure and are in excess of 1,000 square feet.

4. Where there is a change of occupancy to a more hazardous use as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief based on Table 903.2.1.

Table 903.2.1

Hazard Categories

5. These requirements will be applicable to the combined square footage of all building permits issued for the address or site within the last five years. Buildings or structures separated by less than ten feet shall be considered as a single building or structure.

(B) Section R309.2.2. shall be added as follows:

1. Where an Accessory Dwelling Unit cannot comply with minimum access requirements, a horizontal dry pipe may be installed in lieu of fire sprinklers as approved by the Fire Chief.

(Prior Code, § 8103) (Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Electrical Code, including Annex A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I is hereby adopted as the Electrical Code of the city.

(Prior Code, § 8104) (Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016 Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Mechanical Code, including Appendix B, C and D, is hereby adopted as the Mechanical Code of the city.

(Prior Code, § 8105) (Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019 Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Plumbing Code, including Appendix A, B, D, H, I and J, is hereby adopted as the Plumbing Code of the city.

(Prior Code, § 8106) (Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Energy Code, including Appendix 1-A, is hereby adopted as the Energy Code of the city.

(Prior Code, § 8107) (Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Historical Building Code, including Appendix A, is hereby adopted as the Historical Building Code of the city.

(Prior Code, § 8108) (Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Existing Building Code, including Appendix A1, is hereby adopted as the Existing Building Code of the city.

(Prior Code, § 8110) (Ord. 13-03, passed 12-2-2013; Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Green Building Standards Code without appendices is hereby adopted as the Green Building Standards Code of the city.

(Prior Code, § 8111) (Ord. 13-03, passed 12-2-2013; Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Reference Standards Code is hereby adopted as the Reference Standards Code of the city.

(Prior Code, § 8112) (Ord. 13-03, passed 12-2-2013; Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

(A) The 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code is hereby adopted as the Property Maintenance Code of the city, except for the following revisions.

(B) The following Sections of the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code shall be revised to delete and insert the following:

Section 101.1 Title. Delete “Name of Jurisdiction” and insert “The City of Grover Beach”.

Section 103.1 Creation of agency. Delete “[Insert Name of Department]” and insert “The City of Grover Beach Community Development Department”.

Section 108.4 Failure to Comply shall be deleted and replaced with the following:

Section 108.4 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 subject to fines of not less than triple the amount charged for the original permit fee(s), or more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).

Section 302.4 Weeds. Delete “jurisdiction to insert height in inches” and insert “four inches (4 inches)”.

Section 304.14 Insect screens. Delete “during the period from [Date] to [Date]” and insert “Year-round”.

Section 602.3 Heat supply. Delete “during the period from [Date] to [Date]” and insert “year-round”.

Section 602.4 Occupiable workspaces. Delete “during the period from [Date] to [Date]” and insert “year-round”.

(Prior Code, § 8113) (Ord. 13-03, passed 12-2-2013; Ord. 16-04, passed 11-21-2016; Ord. 19-11, passed 11-18-2019; Ord. 22-09, passed 11-14-2022; Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

The 2025 edition of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code is hereby adopted as the Wildland Urban Interface Code of the city.

( Ord. 25-08, passed 10-27-2025)

FIRE CODE

The 2025 edition of the California Fire Code, including Appendix Chapters A, B, BB, C, CC, F, H, and I and is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the city except for the following revisions.

Chapter 1 Administration.

Section 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Grover Beach Code, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

Section 103 – Code Compliance Agency

103.1 Creation of agency. The Five Cities Fire Authority is hereby created and the official in charge therefore shall be known as the Fire Code Official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

Section 104 – Duties and powers of the Fire Code Official.

104.10.2 Fire Department personnel and police. The chief of the fire department and other members of the Five Cities Fire Authority designated by the Chief of the fire department have the authority of peace officers or public officers pursuant to California Penal Code sections 830.2(g), 830.7(d) and 836.5(a) in performing their duties under the California Fire Code.

104.10.3 Fire investigation unit. A fire investigation unit is established within the Five Cities Fire Authority under the direction of the Fire Chief. All members of the fire investigation unit shall, upon completion of requirements as set forth in California Penal Code section 832, or any successor legislation, have the full power, authority, and immunity of a California peace officer to issue citations for violations of this Code.

104.10.4 Arrests. In addition to Five Cities Fire Authority personnel, who are assigned as arson investigators pursuant to California Penal Code section 830.37, any other member of the Five Cities Fire Authority shall have the power to arrest, without a warrant, whenever that member has reasonable cause to believe the person to be arrested has committed the crime of misdemeanor or felony arson, as defined in California Penal Code sections 450 et seq. and California Code of Regulations, Titles 19, 24, and 25, in his/her presence, pursuant to the authority granted by California Penal Code section 836.5.

104.10.5 Citations. The Fire Code Official, or duly authorized agent, is granted the authority as provided in Section 836.5(a) of the California Penal Code to issue citations for violations of this code.

Section 105 – Permits

105.3.3 Occupancy and use prohibited before approval. The building or structure shall not be occupied prior to the fire code official issuing a permit and conducting associated inspections indicating that applicable provisions of this code have been met. No appliance, device, equipment, or system shall be operated or used until the installation has been approved and permitted by the Fire Code Official and all applicable provisions of this code have been met. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant or contractor or both to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes.

Section 113 – Violations

113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the Fire Code Official, or of a permit or certificate used under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars $1,000.00, or by imprisonment not exceeding three hundred sixty five (365) calendar days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day a violation continues, after due notice has been served, shall be deemed a separate offense.

113.3.5. Citations. The Fire Chief, Fire Marshal and Battalion Chiefs are each authorized to issue a citation to any person operating or maintaining an occupancy or a premises or vehicle subject to this code, and who allow a hazard to exist or fail to take immediate action to abate a hazard on such occupancy, premises or vehicle when ordered or notified to do so by any of those officials.

Chapter 4 Emergency Planning

Section 405 – Emergency Evacuation Drills

405.8 Initiation. Where a fire alarm system is provided, emergency evacuation drills shall be initiated by activating the fire alarm system. Prior to initiating an alarm, the person initiating the alarm shall contact the fire alarm monitoring company and advise the company’s dispatcher of the fire drill. In cases where the fire alarm system is not monitored by a central station, notification shall be provided to the fire department dispatch center.

Chapter 5 Fire Service Features

Section 503 – Fire Apparatus Access Roads

503.3 Marking. Fire lanes and fire apparatus access roads shall be identified by curbs painted red on both the top and face along the entire length of the fire lane or fire apparatus access road, as applicable. Where no curb exists or a rolled curb is installed, an eight-inch wide red (OSHA safety red) strip or approved posted signs applied the full length of the fire lane or fire apparatus access road, as applicable, shall be installed. “FIRE LANE – NO PARKING” shall be painted on top of curb in 3” white lettering at a spacing of 25 feet on center or portion thereof.

Exception: On school grounds, the markings to be implemented shall be as approved by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.

503.4.2 Removal of Obstructions. The Fire Code Official shall have the power and authority to remove or cause to be removed, without notice, any vehicle, vessel, or thing parked or placed in violation of any or all sections of this code. The owner of any item so removed shall be responsible for all charges connected therewith.

503.6.1 Electrically operated gates. Any electrically operated gate which is installed across any required fire access road or fire lane shall have a Knox brand access switch installed which will open the gate. The switch (with dust cover) shall be installed so it will open the gate, and the gate will remain in the open position until re-set by fire department personnel. The key switch shall be placed between 42” and 48” above the roadway surface at the left side of the access gate unless otherwise allowed by the fire code official. The key switch shall be clearly labeled “FIRE DEPT”. The gate shall have a manual means of opening in the event of a power failure and shall be accessible from the exterior of the property.

503.6.2 Click to Enter Remotely Operated Gates. For electrically operated gates, a radio- controlled system “Click to Enter” may be required in addition to the Knox key switch. A gate serving an individual single-family residence or duplex is exempt from this requirement.

503.6.3 Exiting. If there is no sensing device that will automatically open the gates for exiting, then a Knox brand electrical override switch (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief) shall be placed on each side of the gate in approved locations.

503.6.4 Manually operated gates. Each manually operated gate which is installed across any required fire access road or fire lane and which is locked shall have a Knox brand (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief) padlock installed. The Knox padlock (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief) shall be integrated with any other lock in such a manner as to allow the gate to be opened only by unlocking the Knox padlock (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief).

Section 505 – Premises Identification

505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high for single family residential buildings and 8 inches (203.2 mm) for R-1, R-2 and non-residential buildings, with a minimum stroke of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), unless otherwise required to be greater in height or of reflective material as determined by the fire code official during the jurisdiction’s development review process for a specific project. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

505.1.1 Directories. When required by the Fire Code Official, complexes with multiple buildings may be required to provide directories, premises maps and directional signs. The scale, design and location of directory signs shall be approved by the Fire Code Official and may be required to be illuminated.

Section 506 – Key Boxes

506.1 Knox Box. All new commercial occupancies shall have a Knox brand key box (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief) installed as directed by the fire code official. Existing commercial occupancies shall install a Knox brand key box (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief), as directed by the fire code official when a building permit is obtained for any work. The key box shall contain keys which will allow the fire department access to all portions of the building. The keys shall have a tag affixed identifying their purpose. The nominal height of key box installations shall be five (5) feet above grade.

506.4 Electronic Controlled Gates. A final field inspection, by the Fire Code Official or an authorized representative, is required before electronic Knox (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief) controlled gates may become operative. Prior to final inspection, electronic gates shall remain in a locked open position.

Section 507 – Fire Protection Water Supplies

507.5.7 Fire Department Connection. All newly installed fire department connections will be required to install Knox brand FDC caps (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief). This also includes existing businesses that perform work to the structure that requires a building permit or any tenant improvement.