Kern County Municipal Code Ch. 17.08 Building Code

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, adopted Nov. 4, 2025, repealed the former Ch. 17.08, §§ 17.08.010—17.08.596, and enacted a new Ch. 17.08 as set out herein. The former Ch. 17.08 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. G-8866, § 4, adopted Nov. 5, 2019; Ord. No. G-9078, §§ 4, 5, adopted Jan. 25, 2022; and Ord. No. G-9179, § 4, adopted Nov. 8, 2022.

This chapter may be cited as the "Kern County Building Code."

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

This chapter shall apply to the construction, erection, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, improvement, removing, conversion, demolition, and use and occupancy of every building and structure in the unincorporated territory of the county of Kern, excepting those exempted therefrom or permitted and constructed under the Kern County Residential Code.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 being that portion of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code, referred to as the California Building Code, including Appendix Chapters C, I, P, and Q as modified and amended by this chapter, is adopted by this reference into the Kern County Building Code. Additions and modifications to the California Building Standards Code (made by this chapter) are made by reference to the appropriate section of the California Building Code.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

The following provisions of the California Building Code are not adopted as part of this chapter and shall not apply thereto:

A. Section 101.4.4 Property maintenance

B. Section 103 Code Compliance Agency

C. Section 104.2.4.1 Flood hazard areas

D. Section 105.3.2 Time limitation of application

E. Section 105.5 Expiration

F. Section 110.3.12.1 Flood hazard documentation

G. Chapter 29 Plumbing Systems

Appendix Chapters NOT Adopted

Appendix A, Employee Qualifications

Appendix B, Board of Appeals

Appendix D, Fire Districts

Appendix E, Reserved

Appendix F, Rodentproofing

Appendix G, Flood-Resistant Construction

Appendix H, Signs

Appendix J, Grading

Appendix K, Group R-3 and Group R-3.1 Occupancies Protected by the Facilities of the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan

Appendix L, Earthquake Recording Instrumentation

Appendix M, Tsunami-Generated Flood Hazard

Appendix N, Replicable Buildings

Appendix O, Performance-Based Application

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

The following sections of the California Building Code are amended to read as set out in this chapter.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 101.4.3 is amended by deleting the last sentence.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 102.2.1 is added to read as follows:

102.2.1 Flood. Where this code refers to Section 1612 (Flood Loads), the user is directed to Section 17.48 (Floodplain Management) of this title for local requirements.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

A. Section 105.2 is amended by replacing building items 2, 3 and 4 to read as follows:

Building

2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high. However, the Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department will require a variance for any fence over 6 feet high.

3. Accepted oilfield activities. The exemption does not apply where construction is part of a processing plant, refinery, cogeneration facility, or other similar activities as determined by the building official:

a. Tanks which meet API or AWWA standards and are supported directly upon grade (grade being the final ground surface elevation of the site prior to installation of the tank) with associated foundations if the ratio of height to diameter or width in the shortest direction does not exceed two to one. This also includes the associated equipment such as piping, walkways, stairs, guardrails, handrails and ladders which are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

b. Processing equipment and pressure vessels which meet API, ASME or ANSI standards and are supported directly upon grade (grade being the final ground surface elevation of the site prior to installation of the equipment or vessel) with associated foundations if the ratio of height to width in the shortest direction does not exceed one and one-half to one. This also includes the associated equipment such as piping, walkways, stairs, guardrails, handrails and ladders which are covered by OSHA.

c. Miscellaneous equipment which meets API, ASME or ANSI standards and is mounted on skids or supported on flanges. Placement of this equipment on an at-grade concrete slab or similar foundation, without attaching it to resist uplift or overturning is considered part of the exempted activity.

d. Flatwork or non-supporting concrete slabs.

e. One-story detached accessory buildings which do not contain a work station and are used as storage sheds, typically unattended control or electrical enclosures or gauging sheds, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11m 2 ).

f. Oil derricks, artificial lift equipment and associated foundations.

g. Pipe racks and associated foundations, if the structure height does not exceed 8 feet (2438mm).

h. Process piping.

i. Oilfield containment walls not over four feet (1219mm) measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.

Exemption from a building permit does not abrogate the responsibility for obtaining clearance or permits from any other entity having jurisdiction over oil field activities. Construction of new or modifications to existing office buildings or any building intended for human occupancy are not exempt. HVAC replacements, or any other electrical or mechanical alteration or replacement that is subject to the California Energy Efficiency Standards are not exempt.

4. Retaining walls that are not over four feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.

EXCEPTIONS:

a. Supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.

b. Walls retaining soils within a 2:1 (horizontal to vertical) slope of the lowest finished grade at property line shall be constructed from 6-inch minimum nominal thickness masonry or concrete, unless a permitted retaining wall or otherwise exempt retaining wall is protecting the property line. Other construction materials may be approved on a case by case basis by the building official.

Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits will be required for any exempted items.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 107.3.1 is amended by replacing the first sentence to read as follows:

107.3.1 Approval of construction documents. When the building official issues a permit, the construction documents shall be approved, in writing or by stamp, as "Approved."

The remainder of the paragraph remains unchanged.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 110.3.3 is amended to read as follows:

110.3.3 Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard areas, upon placement of concrete forms for the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to placement of concrete or any further vertical construction, the elevation certificate required in Chapter 17.48 shall be submitted to and approved by the building official. Wherever this code refers to flood or flood hazard areas, the user is directed to Chapter 17.48.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 110.3.6 is amended by deleting the exception.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 306.2 is amended by adding the following factory industrial uses:

Cannabis cultivation, extraction and processing not classified as Group H.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 110.5.1 is added to read as follows:

110.5.1 Inspection record card. Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder shall have posted or otherwise made available an inspection record card such as to allow the building official to conveniently make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. The card and approved plans shall be maintained available by the permit holder until final approval has been granted by the building official.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 406.3.2.1 is amended by replacing the first two sentences to read as follows:

406.3.2.1 Dwelling unit separation. If the building is equipped with an automatic residential fire sprinkler system, the private garage shall be separated from the dwelling unit and its attic area by means of a minimum of ½-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board applied to the garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms shall be separated from all habitable rooms above by not less than a ⅝-inch (15.9mm) Type X gypsum board or equivalent and ½-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board applied to structures supporting the separation from the habitable rooms above the garage. If the building is not equipped with an automatic residential fire sprinkler system, the private garage shall be separated from the dwelling unit and its attic area by means of a minimum of ⅝-inch Type X gypsum board or equivalent applied to the garage side, and to structures supporting the separation.

The remainder of this paragraph remains unchanged.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 802.4 is amended to read as follows:

802.4 Applicability. For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in 17.48.080, interior finishes, trim, and decorative materials below the elevation of the base flood plus one foot (BFE+1.0 ft) shall be flood-damage resistant materials.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.1 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section. For Group A-1, A-2, A-3, and A-4 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the entire building containing a Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancy. For Group A-5 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in the spaces indicated in Section 903.2.1.5.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.1.1 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.1.1 Groups A-1, A-3 and A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-1, A-3 and A-4 occupancies.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Assembly rooms or spaces with a cumulative area less than 1,000 square feet (93 m 2 ) where no alcohol is consumed.

2. Group A-3 occupancies located on the level of exit discharge provided the fire area does not exceed 5,000 square feet (464 m 2 ) and the occupant load is less than 100 and the building contains a fire alarm as required by Section 907.2.1.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.1.3 is deleted.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.1.4 is deleted.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.2.3 is added to read as follows:

903.2.2.1 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group B occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. A Group B fire area exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m 2 );

2. A Group B fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane; or

3. The combined area of all Group B fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m 2 ).

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.3 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:

1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 10,000 square feet (929 m 2 ) in area.

2. The Group E fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

Exception: In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area.

3. The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.

4. In rooms or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, vocational shops and other such areas where hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity are used or stored.

5. Throughout any Group E structure greater than 10,000 square feet (929 m 2 ) in area, which contains more than one fire area, and which is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of not less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.

6. For public school state-funded construction projects see Section 903.2.19.

7. For public school campuses, Kindergarten through 12th grade, see Section 903.2.20.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.4 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.4 Group F. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. A Group F fire area exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m 2 );

2. A Group F fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane;

3. The combined area of all Group F fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m 2 ).

4. A Group F-1 occupancy is used to manufacture lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries.

5. A Group F-1 occupancy is used to manufacture vehicles, energy storage systems or equipment containing lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries where the batteries are installed as part of the manufacturing process.

6. A Group F-1 fire area is used for cannabis cultivation, processing or extraction.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.7, is amended to read as follows:

903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. A Group M fire area exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m 2 ).

2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.

3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m 2 ).

4. The structure exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m2), contains more than one fire area containing a Group M occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of not less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.

5. A Group M fire area is used for retail of cannabis or cannabis products.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.8.5 is added to Chapter 9 of the Kern County Fire Code to read as follows:

903.2.8.4 Manufactured Homes. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in new manufactured homes, as defined in Health and Safety Code Sections 18007 & 18009, and multiple family manufactured homes with two dwelling units, as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18008.7, in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.9 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m 2 ).

2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.

3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m 2 ).

4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m 2 ).

5. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal powered vehicles where the fire area exceeds 500 square feet (46.4 m 2 ).

6. A Group S-1 fire area storing cannabis or cannabis products.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.9.1 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with the Kern County Building Code, as follows:

1. Buildings with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 10,000 square feet (929 m 2 ).

2. Buildings with a repair garage servicing vehicles parked in the basement.

3. A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m 2 ).

4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal powered vehicles where the fire area exceeds 500 square feet (46.4 m 2 ).

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.10 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.10 Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as a Group S-2 occupancy where one of the following conditions exist:

1. A Group S-2 fire area exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m 2 ).

2. Where an enclosed parking garage is located beneath other occupancy groups.

Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.

3. The combined area of all Group S-2 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m 2 ).

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.2.11.3 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.11.3 Multi-story buildings and buildings 55 feet or more in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings more than 3 stories in height or with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 feet (16,764 mm) or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.3.1.2.3, Item 3 is amended to read as follows:

3. Attics not required by Item 1 to be equipped with automatic sprinklers shall comply with one of the following if the building is more than two stories in height:

3.1 Provide automatic sprinkler protection throughout the attic.

3.2 Construct the attic using noncombustible materials.

3.3 Construct the attic using fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2 of the Kern County Building Code.

3.4 Fill the attic with noncombustible insulation.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.3.11 is added to read as follows:

903.3.11 Fire sprinkler control room. When an automatic fire sprinkler system is installed in a building constructed for multiple tenants and the system protects multiple tenant spaces, the main controls, risers, gauges and appurtenances shall be located in an attached room or enclosure with access only from an exterior door which has a minimum size of 3'0" wide and 6'8" high. The equipment required to be in the fire sprinkler control room shall be located in the fire alarm control room when one is required in accordance with Section 907.9.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 903.6 is added to read as follows:

903.6 Existing buildings. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in existing buildings as required in Sections 903.6.1 through 903.6.3.

903.6.1 Pyroxylin Plastics. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all existing buildings where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored or handled where required in Chapter 11.

903.6.2 Group I-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in Group I-2 where required in Chapter 11.

903.6.3 Existing buildings. In other than Group U occupancies, when the floor area of an existing building is increased and the total floor area exceeds ten thousand (10,000) square feet (929 m 2 ) before or after the addition, or is otherwise required to be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. If new or existing fire areas are clearly established within the limits of this code and approved by the Fire and Building Official.

2. Where a fire wall of 4 hour fire-resistance-rated construction without openings is installed to separate the new and existing portions of the building, only the new portion need comply.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 905.5.3 is deleted.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

The first paragraph of Section 907.2.1 is amended to read as follows:

907.2.1 Group A. A manual alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with 907.5 shall be installed in all Group A occupancies.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 907.2.8.1 is amended to read as follows:

907.2.8.1 Manual Fire Alarm System. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies.

Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are only required at exterior exit doors on the level of exit discharge if the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 907.2.9.1 of Chapter 9 of the Kern County Fire Code is amended by deleting Exception 1.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 907.9 is added to read as follows:

907.9 Fire alarm control room. When a fire alarm system is installed in a building constructed for multiple tenants and the system protects multiple tenant spaces, the fire alarm control panel and appurtenances shall be located in an attached room or enclosure with access only from an exterior door which has a minimum size of 3'0" wide and 6'8" high. In buildings with a required fire sprinkler control room in accordance with Section 903.3.11, the equipment required to be in the fire alarm control room and the equipment required in the fire sprinkler control room can be collocated in one room.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1202.4.4 is amended to read as follows:

1202.4.4 Flood hazard area. For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in 17.48.080 of the Ordinance Code, the openings for under-floor ventilation shall be deemed as meeting the flood opening requirements of ASCE 24 provided that the ventilation openings are designed and installed in accordance with ASCE 24.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1402.6 is amended to read as follows:

1402.9 Flood resistance. For buildings located in flood hazard areas as established in 17.48.080 of the Ordinance Code, exterior walls and floors extending below the elevation of the base flood plus one foot (BFFE+1.0 ft) shall be resistant to damage from flood water. Wood shall be pressure-preservative treated in accordance with AWPA U1 for the species, product and end use using a preservative listed in Section 4 of AWPA U1 or decay-resistant heart-wood of redwood, black locust or cedar.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1512.1 is amended by adding the following paragraphs:

New roof covering shall not be applied without first obtaining a permit and written approval from the building official. A final inspection and approval shall be obtained from the building official when reroofing is completed. The building official shall limit the number of layers which may be applied to the roof without stripping the existing roofing consistent with the California Building Code.

If the proposed reroof results in a net increase of more than 3 pounds per square foot, a roof framing plan shall be provided to verify structural adequacy.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1603.1, Exception 5 is amended to read as follows:

5. Flood design data, if located in flood hazard areas established in 17.48.080 of the Ordinance Code.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1603.1.7 is amended by replacing the first sentence to read as follows:

1603.1.7 Flood Design Data. Buildings and structures located in whole or in part in flood hazard areas as established by 17.48.080 of the Ordinance Code, the documentation pertaining to design shall be included and the following information, referenced to the datum on the community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), shall be shown:

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Table 1607.1, Line 4 of item 27 of the California Building Code is revised to read as follows:

Habitable attics and sleeping rooms — 40 psf

The remainder of item 27 of this table remains unchanged.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1608.2 of the California Building Code is amended by adding the following paragraph:

If no statistical analysis of data is available, ground snow loads, based on site elevations, may be assumed as follows:

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1609.3 is amended by adding the following paragraph:

The basic design wind speed, V , in mph, for the determination of the wind loads in Kern County shall be determined from figure 1609D based on the corresponding Risk Category assigned to the structure. For purposes of this section, the Special Wind Region shall be defined as shown per figure 1609D.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

A new Figure 1609D is added to Chapter 16 of the California Building Code as found at the end of this chapter.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1612 is amended to read as follows:

Section 1612 Geological or Flood Hazard.

If, in the opinion of the building official, a structure to be used for human habitation or occupancy is proposed to be located such that it would be subject to geological or flood hazard to the extent that it would endanger human life safety, a permit to construct shall be denied, unless corrective work satisfactory to the building official can be done to eliminate or sufficiently reduce the hazard. No structures shall be permitted where expressly prohibited under either Title 19 or Chapter 17.48 of the Ordinance Code.

The building official, in formulating his opinion as to the extent of the hazard, may take into consideration such data as is available from federal, state, and local agencies, and other County departments having information and knowledge relative to such hazardous conditions. He may require applicants to furnish geological and/or engineering studies, reports, and recommendations for corrective work sufficient to establish the safety of the proposed structure, and for which a qualified registered geologist or engineer shall assume full responsibility.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1704.2.5.1 is amended by adding a paragraph to read as follows:

EXCEPTION: The building official may accept fabricators approved by other authorized agencies.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1705.6 is amended by adding a paragraph to read as follows:

During earthwork excavations, grading and filling operations, the special inspector shall determine that proper materials and procedures are used to satisfy requirements of Chapter 18 of the building code and Chapter 17.28 of the Ordinance Code.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1705.7 is amended by adding the following paragraph to read as follows:

Unless otherwise required by the Registered Design Professional or the geotechnical report, periodic inspection may be provided for driven foundations that do not exceed 8 feet in depth supporting nonbuilding structures.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1704.6 is amended by revising the first sentence to read as follows:

1704.6 Structural observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1, the owner shall employ a structural observer to perform structural observations as defined in Section 202 and the structural observer shall be either the registered design professional responsible for the structural design, or a registered design professional designated by the registered design professional responsible for the structural design.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1804.4 is amended to read as follows:

1804.4 Site grading. The ground immediately adjacent to the foundation shall be sloped away from the building at a slope of not less than a 2 percent slope for a minimum distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) measured perpendicular to the face of the wall. If physical obstructions or lot lines prohibit 10 feet (3048 mm) of horizontal distance, a 2 percent slope shall be provided to an approved alternate method of diverting water away from the foundation. Swales used for this purpose shall be sloped a minimum of 1 percent where located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the building foundation. Impervious surfaces within 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be sloped a minimum of 1 percent away from the build.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Where climatic or soil conditions warrant, the slope of the ground away from the building foundation is permitted to be reduced to not less than 1 percent.

2. Impervious surfaces shall be permitted to be sloped less than 2 percent where the surface is a door landing or ramp that is required to comply with Section 1010.1.5, 1012.3 or 1012.6.1.

The procedure used to establish the final ground level adjacent to the foundation shall account for additional settlement of backfill.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1804.5 is amended to read as follows:

1804.5 Grading and fill in flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas established in Section 17.48.080 of the Ordinance Code, grading and/or fill shall not be approved:

1. Unless such fill is placed, compacted and sloped to minimize shifting, slumping and erosion during the rise and fall of flood water and, as applicable wave action.

2. In floodways, unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis performed by a registered design professional in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed grading or fill or both will not result in any increase in the flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.

3. Where base flood elevations are specified but floodways have not been designated, unless it has been demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed flood hazard area encroachment, when combined with all other existing and anticipated flood hazard area encroachments, will not increase the base flood elevation more than 1 foot (305 mm) at any point.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1805.1.2.1 is amended to read as follows:

1805.1.2.1 Flood hazard areas. For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas as established in Section 17.48.080 of the Ordinance Code, the finished ground level of an under-floor space such as a crawl space shall be equal to or higher than the outside finished ground level on at least one side of the structure.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1807.1.4 is amended to read as follows:

Permanent wood foundation systems shall not be used for buildings or structures.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1807.1.6 is amended to read as follows:

Prescriptive design of foundation walls shall not be used for buildings or structures.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1809.7 is amended by adding the following paragraphs:

Non-occupied, single story, detached wood or metal storage sheds and similar uses other than a garage or carport, may be supported on skids provided the skids are anchored to the surface, the building width does not exceed 14 feet, the building length does not exceed 40 feet, the plate height does not exceed 12 feet above grade at any point, and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches.

At the discretion of the building official, pressure treated wood posts or poles embedded in earth or in concrete footings may be used for minor accessory buildings, typically limited to 200 square feet, and nonbuilding structures.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Footnotes "c" and "g" of Table 1809.7 are deleted.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 1905.6.2 is amended to read as follows:

1905.6.2 Seismic Design Categories C, D, E and F Structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F shall not have elements of structural plain concrete, except as follows:

1. Isolated footings of plain concrete supporting pedestals or columns are permitted, provided the projection of the footing beyond the face of the supported member does not exceed the footing thickness.

2. Plain concrete footings supporting walls are permitted provided the footings have at least two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars. Bars shall not be smaller than No. 4 and shall have a total area of not less than 0.002 times the gross cross-sectional area of the footing. A minimum of one bar shall be provided at the top and bottom of the footing. Continuity of reinforcement shall be provided at corners and intersections.

In detached one and two-family dwellings three stories or less in height and constructed with stud-bearing walls, plain concrete footings with at least two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars not smaller than No. 4 are permitted to have a total area of less than 0.002 times the gross cross-sectional area of the footing.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 2304.12.2.8 is amended to read as follows:

Wood shall not be used in retaining or crib walls, except for retaining walls not over four feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, not supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids, and not protecting a property line.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

Section 3109.3 is added to read as follows:

3109.3 Protection from adjacent properties. Swimming pools and spas protected by the two safety devices required by Section 115922 of the Health and Safety Code, but which are not protected by an enclosure that complies with Section 115923, shall be additionally protected by an enclosure in accordance with the Health and Safety Code, Section 115923 or power-operated pool cover to prevent unsupervised access by children from adjacent properties and from the public way. This protection shall be provided by means of one of the following safety measures:

1. A non-climbable enclosure/barrier placed along the property line, or within the same property as the pool or spa, that is not less than 60 inches in height measured from grade on the side of the enclosure/barrier opposite to the pool, and which isolates the pool or the spa from adjacent properties and the public way. The enclosure/barrier shall comply with the most stringent requirements for barriers in the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code or Section 115923 of the Health and Safety Code.

2. A power-operated pool cover that is listed as meeting the performance standards of ASTM F1346-91.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

3109.4 is added to read as follows:

3904.4 Pool design and construction. Pool design and construction shall be in accordance with accepted engineering practice, shall be in conformity with applicable provisions of the adopted building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and energy codes, and shall be structurally suitable for the soil, topographic, and geologic conditions prevailing at the construction site.

(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)

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(Ord. No. G-9359, § 4, 11-4-25)