Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Ch. 15.08 California Electrical Code

Contents:

15.08.010 Adoption of the California Electrical Code.

15.08.020 Local amendments to the California Electrical Code.

15.08.030 Underground service requirements.

15.08.040 Undergrounding exceptions.

15.08.050 Right-of-way and permitting coordination.

15.08.060 Required standards for electric vehicle charging equipment.

15.08.070 Temporary electrical service for construction sites.

15.08.080 Violations.

Prior legislation: Prior code §§ 11-1–11-4, 11-4.1–11-4.8 and Ords. 95-1142, 96-1149, 99-1192U, 99-1192, 02-1225U, 05-1256, 07-1289U, 07-1289, 10-1315, 13-1344U, 14-1344 and 16-1372.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. E), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

The 2025 California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3) is adopted by reference as the electrical code of the City except as amended in this chapter. A copy of the code shall be kept on file with the City Clerk for public inspection.

References in the California Electrical Code to “jurisdiction” mean the City of Hermosa Beach. References to “building official” mean the Building Official of the City or their designee.

(Ord. 19-1400 §9 (part), 2019) (Ord. # 22-1455 §7, adopted 11/29/2022, effective 01/01/2023; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. E), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Section 230.70(A)(1) Service disconnect location.

Section 230.70(A)(1) of the 2025 California Electrical Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Service disconnects shall be installed in an exterior location approved by the Building Official to allow safe access for emergency personnel. The disconnect shall be clearly identified and readily accessible.

(Ord. 19-1400 §9 (part), 2019) (Ord. # 22-1455 §7, adopted 11/29/2022, effective 01/01/2023; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. E), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Electrical service undergrounding is required as follows:

1. New construction, including new primary structures and accessory structures where electrical service is being established.
2. Properties already served by underground service where panel upgrades, service replacements, or service relocations occur.
3. Any panel upgrade, including increases in amperage or relocation of the main service panel.
4. Where adjoining properties are undergrounded, any new or upgraded service shall also be placed underground to maintain consistency and reduce overhead conflicts.
5. Any new or upgraded service of two hundred amps or more shall be placed underground.
6. Undergrounding is required in all areas designated as Underground Utility Districts by the City, regardless of the scope of proposed electrical work.
7. For existing buildings, undergrounding is also required when expansion, remodeling, or improvement exceeds fifty percent of the existing structure valuation or gross floor area, consistent with Sections 15.02 and 15.04.

(Ord. 19-1400 §9 (part), 2019) (Ord. # 22-1455 §7, adopted 11/29/2022, effective 01/01/2023; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. E), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

The undergrounding requirements of this chapter apply unless the Building Official approves an exception due to one or more of the following:

1. Physical constraints on the site.
2. Documented utility provider limitations.
3. Site infeasibility supported by engineering analysis.
4. Engineering conditions demonstrating that undergrounding cannot reasonably be achieved.

Exceptions must be documented in writing and kept with the permit file.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. E), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Any trenching, conduit installation, or related electrical work proposed within the public right of way requires approval from the Public Works Department, including required permits, traffic control plans, trench and pavement restoration, and all applicable engineering requirements.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. E), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

All electric vehicle supply equipment must comply with applicable safety and performance standards in the California Electrical Code, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and Underwriters Laboratories. Installation must comply with Article 625 and all applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.

This section supplements Chapter 15.30 and is read in conjunction with that chapter.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. E), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

1. Required.

Temporary electrical power is required on construction sites where permanent service is not yet available.

2. Restrictions.

Temporary power poles or temporary service equipment may not remain in place more than thirty days after substantial completion of the project. The Building Official may grant an extension only upon written request supported by site conditions.

3. Substitutions prohibited.

Generators may not be used in place of required temporary power poles except where specifically approved by the Building Official due to demonstrated necessity.

(Ord. 19-1400 §9 (part), 2019) (Ord. # 22-1455 §7, adopted 11/29/2022, effective 01/01/2023; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. E), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Any violation of this chapter or the California Electrical Code as adopted is enforceable under Chapter 15.02, including administrative citations, orders to correct, permit suspension, stop work orders, and recovery of enforcement and inspection costs. Violations may also be prosecuted as misdemeanors pursuant to Section 1.04.020 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. E), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025