La Quinta Municipal Code Ch. 8.02 Building Code

Certain documents marked and designated as the "2025 California Building Code", Specifically Chapters 1 through 35, Appendix Chapter C (Group U—Agricultural Buildings), Appendix Chapter H (Signs), Appendix Chapter J (Grading), Appendix Chapter N (Replicable Buildings), Appendix Chapter P (Sleeping Lofts), and Appendix Chapter Q (Emergency Housing) within Volumes 1 and 2, published by the California Building Standards Commission are adopted for regulating the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Each and all of the regulations, provisions, conditions and terms therein, on file with the building official, are referenced and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this chapter, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(Ord. 627 § 2(Exh. A), 12-16-2025; Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(2), 2022; Ord. 581 § 4, 2019; Ord. 551 § 4, 2016; Ord. 517 § 4, 2013; Ord. 483 § 2, 2010; Ord. 447 § 2, 2007; Ord. 376 Exh. A(2), 2002; Ord. 330 Exh. A(4), 1999; Ord. 276 § 2, 1995; Ord. 208 § 2, 1992; Ord. 150 § 1, 1989; Ord. 114 § 1, 1987; Ord. 68 § 1, 1985)

Subsection 105.2 of Section 105 of the California Building Code is amended by deleting the subheading "Building" and its listed items 1 through 13 and replacing them with the following:

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11 m 2). It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by Part 7 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, despite exemption from permit.

2. Fences not over seven (7) feet (2134 mm) in height measured from finished grade and non-retaining masonry walls not over three (3) feet (914 mm) in height measured from top of footing, other than when used as a swimming pool drowning prevention safety feature.

3. Oil derricks.

4. Retaining walls that are not over 2 feet (609 mm in height measured from top of footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.

5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1.

6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.

7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18,925 L), and are installed entirely above ground.

10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.

11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.

12. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

13. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1,753 mm) in height.

(Ord. 627 § 3(Exh. A), 12-16-2025; Ord. 622, § 1(Exh. A), 5-6-2025; Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(3), 2022; Ord. 581 § 4, 2019; Ord. 551 § 4, 2016; Ord. 517 § 4, 2013; Ord. 483 § 2, 2010; Ord. 447 § 2, 2007; Ord. 376 Exh. A(3), 2002; Ord. 330 Exh. A(5), 1999; Ord. 276 § 2, 1995; Ord. 150 § 1, 1989; Ord. 114 § 1, 1987; Ord. 68 § 1, 1985)

Section 903.2 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided as follows:

1. In all new buildings and structures which are 3,600 square feet or greater, an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided regardless of occupancy classification. Where the Sections 903.2.1 - 903.2.21 of the California Building Code require more restrictive requirements than those listed below, the more restrictive requirement shall take precedence.

2. All existing buildings, except for one- and two-family dwellings, shall be retrofitted with automatic fire sprinklers when a structure exceeds 3,600 square feet and changes are made to the building including any of the following: change of use/occupancy, removal of an existing fire wall as defined by the California Building Code, or additions of 50% or more are made to the original building area and the resulting square footage exceeds 5,000 square feet.

3. One- and two-family dwellings shall have an automatic fire sprinkler system regardless of square footage in accordance with this Code or the California Residential Code, as applicable. Fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in mobile homes, manufactured homes and multifamily manufactured homes with two dwelling units in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.

Exception: Unless required elsewhere in this code or the California Fire Code, automatic fire sprinkler systems shall not be required for the following:

1. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries not required to have an automatic sprinkler system by California Fire Code Section 1207 for energy storage systems and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.

2. Detached Group U occupancies used for agricultural purposes.

3. Detached non-combustible equestrian arena shade canopies that are open on all sides and used for riding only - no commercial, assembly or storage uses.

4. Non-combustible fueling station canopies not exceeding 10,000 square feet when separated from other buildings by a distance of not less than 50 feet.

5. Detached fabric or non-combustible shade structures that are open on all sides and used to shade playground equipment, temporary storage of vehicles and dining areas with no cooking.

6. Where determined by the Fire Chief that no major life safety hazard exists, and the fuel load does not pose a significant threat to firefighter safety or to other structures or property, automatic fire sprinklers may be exempted.

The following exceptions in the California Building Code shall not be allowed:

Exception to Section 903.2.3.

Exception to Section 903.2.11.3.

(Ord. 627 § 4(Exh. A), 12-16-2025; Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(4), 2022; Ord. 581 § 4, 2019; Ord. 551 § 4, 2016; Ord. 517 § 4, 2013; Ord. 483 § 2, 2010; Ord. 447 § 2, 2007; Ord. 376 Exh. A(6), 2002; Ord. 330 Exh. A(7), 1999; Ord. 276 § 2, 1995; Ord. 208 § 2, 1992; Ord. 150 § 1, 1989; Ord. 114 § 1, 1987; Ord. 68 § 1, 1985)

Section 1505.1.3 is added to the 2025 California Building Code to read as follows:

1505.1.4 Roof coverings within the City of La Quinta. With the exception of patio covers and similar structures, roof coverings shall be of a Class A rating and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this code.

Exception: When the existing roof covering is not a Class A rating and all of the following conditions exist:

1. The scope of work is an addition or roof repair, and;

2. The newly roofed area consists of less than 25 percent of the existing roof area.

(Ord. 627 § 5(Exh. A), 12-16-2025; Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(5), 2022; Ord. 581 § 4, 2019; Ord. 551 § 4, 2016; Ord. 517 § 4, 2013; Ord. 483 § 2, 2010; Ord. 447 § 2, 2007; Ord. 276 § 2, 1995; Ord. 68 § 1, 1985)

Editor's note— Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(5), adopted Nov. 15, 2022, amended the title of Sec. 8.02.040 to read as herein set out. The former Sec. 8.02.040 title pertained to required fire-retardant roofing materials.

A. The following requirements shall apply to swimming pools (as defined in Section 9.280.030 of the La Quinta Municipal Code) which are located on individual residential lots:

1. Every person who owns or who is in possession of land upon which a swimming pool is located shall construct and maintain in good condition, completely surrounding such parcel of land or the swimming pool itself, an enclosure consisting of a fence, wall, gate, building, or a combination thereof.

Exception: Within a walled, gated community, when the swimming pool is located in a rear or side yard that abuts a golf course or other common open space that also has access to a water feature such as a lake, pond, water fall or other site design element involving water.

2. The enclosure and any access gates shall be constructed of substantial material, as allowed elsewhere in the La Quinta Municipal Code, and shall have all the following characteristics:

a. A minimum height of 60 inches measured from the exterior finished grade.

b. Free of voids that readily provide access through the enclosure.

Note: This section shall not be construed as an alternative to a drowning prevention feature as required by the Health and Safety Code.

(Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(6), 2022; Ord. 581 § 4, 2019; Ord. 551 § 4, 2016; Ord. 517 § 4, 2013)

Editor's note— Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(6), adopted Nov. 15, 2022, amended the title of Sec. 8.02.050 to read as herein set out. The former Sec. 8.02.050 title pertained to swimming pool, spa and hot tub regulations.