La Quinta Municipal Code Ch. 8.06 Residential Code

Certain documents marked and designated as the "2025 California Residential Code", Specifically Chapters 1 through 10, Chapter 44, Appendix Chapter BB (Tiny Houses), Appendix Chapter BF (Patio Covers), Appendix Chapter BI (Light Straw-clay Construction), Appendix Chapter BJ (Strawbale Construction), Appendix Chapter BM (3D-Printed Building Construction), Appendix Chapter CI (Swimming Pool Safety Act) and Appendix Chapter CJ (Emergency Housing), 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 detached one- and two-family dwelling, townhouse not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and structures accessory thereto.

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 § 12(Exh. A), 12-16-2025; Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(13), 2022; Ord. 581 § 4, 2019; Ord. 551 § 4, 2016; Ord. 517 § 4, 2013)

Subsection R105.2 of Section 105 of the California Residential Code is amended by deleting the subheading "Building" and its listed items 1 through 10 and replacing them with the following:

Building:

1. Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 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. 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.

4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.

5. Sidewalks and driveways.

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

7. 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.

8. Swings and other playground equipment.

9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

10. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m 2 ) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by Section R318.4.

All such structures must comply with the setback and height requirements of the La Quinta Municipal Code, as applicable. Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits are required for the above-exempted items.

(Ord. 627 § 13(Exh. A), 12-16-2025; Ord. 622, § 1(Exh. A), 5-6-2025; Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(14), 2022; Ord. 581 § 4, 2019; Ord. 551 § 4, 2016; Ord. 517 § 4, 2013)

Section R902.1.3 of the 2025 California Residential Code is added to read as follows:

R902.1.3 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 § 14(Exh. A), 12-16-2025; Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(15), 2022; Ord. 581 § 4, 2019)

Editor's note— Ord. 604 § 4, Exh. A(15), adopted Nov. 15, 2022, amended the title of Sec. 8.06.030 to read as herein set out. The former Sec. 8.06.030 title pertained to required fire-retardant roofing materials.