Earlier editions: 2026-07
Laguna Beach Municipal Code Ch. 15.01 California Fire Code
Laguna Beach Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Laguna Beach
Cite as: Laguna Beach Municipal Code Chapter 15.01 · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 15.01.010. Adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code including Chapters 1-80 and…¶
Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 50022.1 through 50022.5 of the Government Code of the state of California, there is adopted by reference by the city council, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion, that certain code known as the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Fire Code, in its entirety, including Chapters 1-80 and Appendix Chapter 4, and Appendices B, BB, C, CC, D, H, and K, save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified, added or amended by Chapter 15.01 of this municipal code.
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.020. Amendment to Chapter 1 of the Fire Code.¶
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments and additions:
Section 103.2 Appointment is hereby revised as follows:
Section 103.2 Appointment. The fire code official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.
Section 112.1 Board of appeals established is hereby revised as follows:
Section 112.1 Board of appeals.
Whenever the Chief shall disapprove an application or refuse to grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal the decision of the Chief to the City Council by filing a written notice of appeal within thirty days from the date of the decision appealed.
Section 112.2 Limitations on authority is hereby deleted in its entirety.
Section 112.3 Qualifications is hereby deleted in its entirety.
Section 113.4 Violation penalties is hereby revised as follows:
Section 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 shall fail to comply with any issued orders or notices 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 provisions of this code, shall result in penalties assessed as prescribed in the Fire Department Fee Schedule. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
Section 113.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor is hereby added as follows:
Section 113.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor.
Persons operating or maintaining any occupancy, premises or vehicle subject to this code that shall permit any fire or life safety hazard to exist on premises under their control shall be guilty of an infraction. Persons who fail to take immediate action to abate a fire or life safety hazard when ordered or notified to do so by the chief or a duly authorized representative are guilty of a misdemeanor.
Section 114.4 Failure to comply is hereby revised as follows:
Section 114.4 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 liable to penalties assessed as prescribed in the Fire Department Fee Schedule. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.025. Amendment to Chapter 2 of the Fire Code.¶
Chapter 2 Definitions is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:
Section 202 General Definitions is hereby revised by adding the following definitions:
202 General Definitions
FLOW-LINE. The lowest continuous elevation on a curb defined by the path traced by a particle in a moving body of water at the bottom of the rolled curb.
LBFD. Laguna Beach Fire Department, fire authority having jurisdiction.
HAZARDOUS FIRE AREA. Includes all areas identified within the Fire Code and other areas as determined by the Fire Code Official due to the presence of combustible vegetation or the proximity of the property to an area that contains combustible vegetation.
SPARK ARRESTER. A listed device constructed of noncombustible material specifically for the purpose of meeting one of the following conditions:
Removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles/debris from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 38366.
Fireplaces that burn solid fuel in accordance with California Building Code Chapter 28.
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.030. Amendment to Chapter 3 of the Fire Code.¶
Chapter 3 General Requirements is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:
Section 304.1.3 Vegetation is hereby revised as follows:
304.1.3.1 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Vegetation clearance requirements in urban-wildland interface areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones areas shall be in accordance with Chapter 49 and the Fuel Modification Guidelines pursuant to Resolution 89.104.
Section 304.1.3.1 Defensible Space Guideline is hereby added as follows:
304.1.3.2 Defensible space guideline. All existing habitable buildings and structures within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall maintain defensible space in accordance with the requirements in the Defensible Space Guideline for Existing Structures in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, dated August 2021.
Exceptions:
| 1. | New construction or major remodels, as defined by local ordinance, to be built or installed in areas containing City of Laguna Beach Fuel Modification designation, shall comply with Section 324. |
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| 2. | Existing structures built in compliance with the Fuel Modification Guidelines pursuant to Resolution 89.104 shall be maintained in accordance with the approved plan. |
Section 304.1.3.2 Documentation of Compliance is hereby added as follows:
304.1.3.3 Documentation of compliance. Property owners are required to comply with the Defensible Space Guideline for Existing Structures in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, or the Fuel Modification Guidelines pursuant to Resolution 89.104, shall obtain documentation of compliance from the fire code official upon inspection verification.
Section 305.6 Hazardous conditions is hereby added as follows:
305.6 Hazardous conditions. Outdoor fires are not allowed when any of the following conditions apply:
| 1. | When predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH and relative humidity is less than 25%, and the fire would occur within a wildfire risk area. |
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| 2. | When predicted sustained winds exceed 20 MPH and relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared. |
| 3. | When an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or a public announcement is made. |
Section 307 Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces, including subsections 307.1 through 307.5, is deleted in its entirety.
Section 307 Outdoor Fires is hereby added.
Section 307.1 Outdoor fires is hereby added as follows:
Section 307.1 Outdoor fires. Outdoor fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained except as noted in Section 307.2.
Section 307.2 Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and barbeques is hereby added as follows:
Section 307.2 Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and barbeques.
| 1. | All exterior flame producing devices, appliances, structures or equipment shall be natural gas or LP gas burning only. |
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| 2. | All portable exterior fireplaces and barbeques shall maintain a 10-foot separation from all combustible materials. |
| 3. | All permanent exterior fire pits shall maintain 20 feet of separation from all combustible materials. |
| 4. | Such devices, appliances, structures or equipment shall not be used for the disposal of rubbish, trash or combustible materials. |
| 5. | Such devices shall be maintained in satisfactory condition and operated for their intended use only. |
| 6. | Outdoor fireplaces shall be equipped with an approved spark arrestor. |
| 7. | Tiki type torches, ember producing devices, and open flame decorative devices are not permitted. |
| 8. | Portable fire pits, portable fireplaces, chimineas, or fire bowls using solid fuel are not permitted. |
| 9. | Separation distances required by this section shall not extend off property. |
Section 308.1.5 Open-flame devices in wildfire risk areas is deleted in its entirety.
Section 308.1.6 Portable fueled open-flame devices is deleted in its entirety.
Section 308.1.6 Use of equipment and devices generating heat, sparks, or open flames is hereby added as follows:
Section 308.1.6 Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks, or open flames.
During any time of the year within wildfire risk areas, within or immediately adjacent to any forest- or brush-covered land or non-irrigated grass-covered land, no person shall use or operate any welding equipment, cutting torches, tar pots, grinding devices, or other tools or equipment that may produce a spark, fire, or flame that could result in a wildfire without doing the following:
| 1. | First, clearing away all flammable material, including snags, from the area around such operation for a distance of 30 feet or other approved method to reduce fire spread into the wildlands. If a 30-foot clearing cannot be achieved, then an alternate method shall be approved by the fire code official prior to work starting. |
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| 2. | Maintain one serviceable round point shovel with an overall length of not less than forty-six (46) inches and one backpack pump water type fire extinguisher fully equipped and ready for use at the immediate area during the operation. |
| 3. | Stop work when winds are 8 MPH or greater during periods when relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared or public announcement is made, when an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official. |
| 4. | Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of fire. |
Section 308.1.7 Sky lanterns is hereby revised as follows:
Section 308.1.7 Sky lanterns or similar devices. The ignition and/or launching of a sky lantern or similar device is prohibited.
Section 308.4 Group R occupancies is hereby revised as follows:
Section 308.4 Group R occupancies.
Open flame, fire and burning in Group R occupancies shall comply with the requirements of Section 307, Sections 308.1 through 308.1.7 and Section 308.4.1.
Section 324 Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction or Major Remodel is hereby added as follows:
Section 324 Fuel modification requirements for new construction or major remodel.
All new buildings or major remodels, as defined by local ordinance, to be built or installed in areas containing City of Laguna Beach Fuel Modification designation shall comply with the following:
| 3. | Preliminary fuel modification plans shall be submitted to and approved by the fire code official concurrent with the submittal for approval of any tentative map. |
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| 4. | Final fuel modification plans shall be submitted to and approved by the fire code official prior to the issuance of a building permit. |
| 5. | The fuel modification plans shall meet the criteria set forth in the 2019 Laguna Beach Fire Department Landscape/ |
| 6. | The fuel modification plan may be altered if conditions change. Any alterations to the fuel modification areas shall have prior approval by the fire code official. |
| 7. | All elements of the fuel modification plan shall be maintained in accordance with the approved plan and are subject to the enforcement process outlined in the Fire Code. |
Section 325 Clearance of Brush or Vegetation Growth from Roadways is hereby added as follows:Section 325 Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways. The fire code official is authorized to cause areas within 10 feet (3,048 mm) on each side of portions of highways and private streets which are improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic, to be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth. Measurement shall be from the flow-line or the end of the improved edge of the roadway surfaces.
Exception:
Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground covers, provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.
Section 326 Unusual Circumstances is hereby added as follows:
Section 326 Unusual circumstances.
The fire code official may suspend enforcement of the vegetation management requirements and require reasonable alternative measures designed to advance the purpose of this code if determined that in any specific case that any of the following conditions exist:
| 1. | Difficult terrain. |
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| 2. | Danger of erosion. |
| 3. | Presence of plants included in any state and federal resources agencies, California Native Plant Society and City-approved list of wildlife, plants, rare, endangered and/ |
| 4. | Stands or groves of trees or City listed heritage trees. |
| 5. | Other unusual circumstances that make strict compliance with the clearance of vegetation provisions undesirable or impractical. |
Section 327 Use of Equipment is hereby added as follows:
Section 327 Use of equipment.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall use, operate, or cause to be operated in, upon or adjoining any hazardous fire area any internal combustion engine which uses hydrocarbon fuels, unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester as defined in Section 202 maintained in effective working order, or the engine is constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire.
Exceptions:
| 1. | Engines used to provide motor power for trucks, truck tractors, buses, and passenger vehicles, except motorcycles, are not subject to this section if the exhaust system is equipped with a muffler as defined in the Vehicle Code of the State of California. |
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| 2. | Turbocharged engines are not subject to this section if all exhausted gases pass through the rotating turbine wheel, there is no exhaust bypass to the atmosphere, and the turbocharger is in good mechanical condition. |
Section 328 Spark Arrestors is hereby added as follows:
Section 328 Spark arresters.
Spark arresters shall comply with Section 202, and when affixed to the exhaust system of engines or vehicles subject to Section 324 shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.
Section 329 Restricted Entry is hereby added as follows:
Section 329 Restricted entry.
The Fire Chief can determine if necessary, when hazardous fire areas shall be closed to entry and when such areas shall again be opened to entry.
Exceptions:
| 1. | Residents and owners of private property within hazardous fire areas and their invitees and guests going to or being upon their lands. |
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| 2. | Entry, in the course of duty, by peace or police officers, and other duly authorized public officers, members of a fire department and local, state and federal public officers and their authorized agents acting in the course of duty. |
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1664 § 1, 2021; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1699, 5/28/2024; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.035. Amendment to Chapter 9 of the Fire Code.¶
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:
Section 903.2 Where required.
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new and existing buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this Section and Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.18. When automatic fire sprinkler systems are required or installed in any part of a building or structure, the entire building or structure must be provided with an automatic fire sprinkler system. Fire walls, fire partitions, and fire barriers are not allowed to be utilized to separate a building or structure into fire areas that would allow a building or structure to be partially sprinklered, nor shall they define separate buildings.
Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided when one of the following conditions exists:
| 1. | New Buildings: In all new buildings other than Group R or Group U when the total building area exceeds 5,000 square feet as defined in Section 202, regardless of fire areas or allowable area, is more than two stories in height, or as required by Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.18. | New Buildings: In all new buildings other than Group R or Group U when the total building area exceeds 5,000 square feet as defined in Section 202, regardless of fire areas or allowable area, is more than two stories in height, or as required by Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.18. |
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| 2. | Existing Buildings: | Existing Buildings: |
| a. | Additions are made to a building equipped with an automatic sprinkler system whether or not the building was required to have a sprinkler system. | |
| b. | When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, and the resulting building area exceeds 5,000 square feet. | |
| c. | When an addition exceeds 2,000 square feet and the resulting building area exceeds 5,000 square feet. | |
| d. | An additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area. | |
| e. | When additions, alterations or repairs are done where the building would be required to be sprinklered after the additions, alterations or repairs are completed and the additions, alterations or repairs have a valuation of 50% or more of the building's valuation prior to the additional, alterations or repairs. The cumulative value of additions, alterations, and repairs done within any three-year period is the valuation used to determine the 50% threshold compliance with this section. The valuation used for the existing building and for the additions, alterations and repairs is the valuation established in the City's resolution for computation of building permit fees. |
Exception: Group R occupancies shall comply with Section 903.2.8.
Section 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. Any building over two stories in height or 5,000 square feet in total area containing a Group A occupancy must be sprinklered throughout and must also comply with the applicable provisions of Subsections 903.2.1.1 through 903.2.1.5.
Section 903.2.1.1 Group A-1.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group A-1 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
| 1. | The Group A-1 occupancy has an occupant load of 300 or more. |
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| 2. | The Group A-1 is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge. |
| 3. | The building contains a multi-theater complex. |
Section 903.2.1.2 Group A-2.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group A-2 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
| 1. | The Group A-2 occupancy has an occupant load of 100 or more. |
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| 2. | The Group A-2 occupancy is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge. |
Section 903.2.1.3 Group A-3.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group A-3 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
| 1. | The Group A-3 occupancy has an occupant load of 300 or more. |
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| 2. | The Group A-3 occupancy is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge. |
Section 903.2.1.4 Group A-4.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group A-4 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
| 1. | The Group A-4 area has an occupant load of 300 or more. |
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| 2. | The Group A-4 area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge. |
Section 903.2.1.5 Group A-5.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group A-5 occupancies when the aggregate area of concession stands, retail areas, press boxes and other accessory areas exceed 1,000 square feet in area.
Section 903.2.2 Group B Ambulatory Health Care Facilities.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all buildings containing Group B ambulatory health care facility occupancy when any of the following conditions exists at any time:
| 1. | Four or more patients are incapable of self-preservation. |
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| 2. | One or more care recipients who are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such occupancy. |
| 3. | The building contains rooms or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, vocational shops and other areas where hazardous materials in exempt amounts are used or stored. |
Section 903.2.3 Group E.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group E occupancies when any of the following conditions exist:
| 1. | Any building over two stories in height. |
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| 2. | Building areas exceed 5,000 square feet. |
| 3. | Portions of the building are below the lowest level of exit discharge. |
| 4. | The building contains rooms or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, vocational shops and other areas where hazardous materials in exempt amounts are used or stored. |
Section 903.2.4 Group F-1.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group F-1 occupancies as provided in this section. Any building over two stories in height or 5,000 square feet in total area containing a Group F-1 occupancy must be sprinklered throughout and must also comply with Section 904.2.4.1.
Section 903.2.4.1 Woodworking Operations.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout any building containing woodworking operations in excess of 2,500 square feet in area which generate finely divided combustible waste or use finely divided combustible materials.
Section 903.2.7 Group M.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group M occupancies as provided in this section. Any building over two stories in height or 5,000 square feet in total area containing a Group M occupancy must be sprinklered throughout. In addition, any building of any height or area containing a Group M occupancy that is used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture must be sprinklered throughout.
Section 903.2.7.1 High-Piled Storage.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with the California Fire Code in all buildings of Group M occupancy where storage of merchandise is in high-piled or rack storage arrays.
Section 903.2.8 Group R.
An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows:
| 1. | New Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout. | New Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout. |
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| 2. | Existing Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when one of the following conditions exists: | Existing Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when one of the following conditions exists: |
| a. | Additions are made to a building equipped with an automatic sprinkler system whether or not the building was required to have a sprinkler system. | |
| b. | When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area as defined in Section 202, and greater than 1,000 square feet within a two-year period. | |
| c. | When an existing Group R occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official or Fire Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building. | |
| d. | Additions, alterations or repairs are done where the additions, alterations or repairs have a valuation of 50% or more of the building's valuation prior to the additions, alterations or repairs. The cumulative value of additions, alterations, and repairs done within any three-year period is the valuation used to determine the 50% threshold compliance with this section. The valuations used for the existing building and for the additions, alterations and repairs is the valuation established in the City's resolution for computation of building permit fees. |
For the purposes of this section, firewalls, fire barriers or fire partitions shall not define separate buildings.
Exceptions:
| 1. | Existing Group R-3 occupancies converted to Group R-3.1 occupancies not housing bedridden clients, not housing non- ambulatory clients above the fire floor, and not housing clients above the second floor. |
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| 2. | Existing Group R-3 occupancies converted to Group R-3.1 occupancies housing only one bedridden client and complying with Section 435.8.3.3 of the California Building Code. |
| 3. | Pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Section 13113 , occupancies housing ambulatory children only, none of whom are mentally ill children or children with intellectual disabilities, and the buildings or portions thereof in which such children are housed are not more than two stores in height, and building or portions thereof house such children have an automatic fire alarm system activated by approved smoke detectors. |
| 4. | Pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Section 13143.6 , occupancies licensed for protective social care which house ambulatory clients only, none of whom is a child (under the age of 18 years), or who is elderly (65 years of age or over). When not used in accordance with area or height increases for automatic fire sprinklers allowed in the California Building Code, an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be allowed in Group R-2.1 occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system designed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall not be utilized in Group R-1 or R-4 occupancies. |
Section 903.2.9 Group S-1.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group S-1 occupancies as provided in this section. Any building over two stories in height or 5000 square feet in total area containing a Group S-1 occupancy must be sprinklered throughout.
Section 903.2.9.1 Repair Garages.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406 when the repair garage is in a basement.
Section 903.2.10 Group S-2 Enclosed Parking Garages.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing an enclosed parking garage in accordance with Section 406.4 when the enclosed parking garage is located beneath other groups.
Section 903.3.5 Water Supplies.
Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the standards referenced in Section 903.3.1. The potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with Health and Safety Code 13114.7. For connections to public waterworks systems, the water supply test used for design of fire protection systems shall be adjusted to account for seasonal and daily pressure fluctuations based on information from the water supply authority and as approved by the fire code official. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.
Section 903.4 Sprinkler System Supervision and Alarms.
Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.
Exceptions:
| 1. | Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings. |
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| 2. | Limited area systems serve fewer than 20 sprinklers. |
| 3. | Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position. |
| 4. | Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position. |
| 5. | Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, pre-action and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position. |
Section 903.6 Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code, or as required by other parts of Section 903.
Section 904.3.5 Monitoring.
Where a building fire alarm or monitoring system is installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by the building fire alarm or monitoring system in accordance with NFPA 72.
Section 910.4 Sprinklered Buildings.
Where installed in buildings equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall be designed to operate automatically by actuation of a heat-responsive device rated at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit above the operating temperature of the sprinkler, unless otherwise approved.
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.040. Amendment to Chapter 11 of the Fire Code.¶
Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:
Section 1117 Required access for Fire Department resources is hereby added as follows:
Section 1117 Required access for Fire Department resources.
Approved Fire Department vehicle access for firefighting shall be provided to all construction or demolition sites. Vehicle access shall be provided to within 100 feet of temporary or permanent fire department connections. Vehicle access shall be provided by either temporary or permanent roads, capable of supporting vehicle loading of 74,000 pounds under all weather conditions. Vehicle access shall be maintained until permanent fire apparatus access roads are available. Approved key boxes shall be provided as required by Chapter 5.
The Fire Code Official or Building Code Official may determine further restrictions are necessary for construction staging areas of building supplies and equipment so that Fire Department vehicle access is not delayed.
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.050. Amendment to Chapter 50 of the Fire Code.¶
Chapter 50 Hazardous Materials—General Provisions is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:
Section 5003.1.1.1 Extremely Hazardous Substances is hereby added as follows:
Section 5303.1.1.1 Extremely hazardous substances.
No person shall use or store any amount of extremely hazardous substances (EHS) in excess of the disclosable amounts (see Health and Safety Code Section 25500 et seq.) in a residential zoned or any residentially developed property.
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.055. Amendment to Chapter 56 of the Fire Code.¶
Chapter 56 Explosives and Fireworks is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:
Section 5601.2.2 Sale and retail display is hereby revised as follows:
Section 5601.2.2 Sale and retail display.
The storage, use, sale, possession, and handling of all fireworks, including fireworks 1.4G (commonly referred to as Safe & Sane) and fireworks 1.3G is prohibited.
Exception:
Fireworks 1.4G and fireworks 1.3G may be part of an electrically fired public display when permitted by the fire code official and conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic operator.
Section 5601.2.3 Permit restrictions is hereby revised as follows:
Section 5601.2.3 Permit restrictions.
The fire code official is authorized to limit the quantity of explosives, explosive materials or fireworks permitted at a given location. Persons possessing a permit for storage of explosives at any place, shall not keep or store an amount greater than authorized in such permit. Only the kind of explosive specified in such a permit shall be kept or stored.
Section 5601.2.5 Seizure of fireworks is hereby added as follows:
Section 5601.2.5 Seizure of fireworks.
The fire code official and fire arson investigators shall have the authority to seize, take, remove all fireworks stored, sold, offered for sale, used or handled in violation of the provisions of Title 19 CCR, Chapter 6. Any seizure or removal pursuant to this section shall be in compliance with all applicable statutory, constitutional, and decisional law.
Section 5601.3.2 Explosives—Wildland-urban interface is hereby added as follows:
Section 5601.3.2 Explosives—Wildland urban interface.
Explosives shall not be possessed, kept, stored, sold, offered for sale, given away, used, discharged, transported or disposed of within wildland-urban interface areas, or hazardous fire areas except by permit from the fire code official.
Section 5608.1 General is hereby revised as follows:
Section 5608.1 General.
Outdoor fireworks displays, use of pyrotechnics before a proximate audience and pyrotechnic special effects in motion picture, television, theatrical and group entertainment productions shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6 Fireworks, this section and the conditions of the permit as approved by the fire code official.
Section 5608.2 Firing is hereby added as follows:
Section 5608.2 Firing.
All fireworks displays shall be electrically fired. Manually fired firework displays maybe permitted at the fire code officials discretion.
Section 5608.3 Application for permit is hereby added as follows:
Section 5608.3 Application for permit.
A diagram of the grounds on which the display is to be held showing the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged, the fallout area based on 70 feet per inch of shell size, the location of all buildings, roads, and other means of transportation, the lines behind which the audience will be restrained, the location of all nearby trees, telegraph or telephone line, or other overhead obstructions shall be provided to Laguna Beach Fire Department.
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.060. Amendment to Chapter 57 of the Fire Code.¶
Chapter 57 Flammable and Combustible Liquids is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:
Section 5707 On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations, including subsections 5707.1 through 5707.6.3, is deleted in its entirety.
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.065. Amendment to Chapter 61 of the Fire Code.¶
Chapter 61 Liquefied Petroleum Gases is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:
Section 6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits is hereby revised as follows:
Section 6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits.
Within the limits established by law restricting the storage of liquefied petroleum gas for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons.
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.070. Amendment to Chapter 80 of the Fire Code.¶
Chapter 80 Referenced Standards is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:
NFPA 13 2022 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems is hereby amended as follows:
Section 9.4.3.1 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 9.4.3.1. When fire sprinkler systems are installed in shell buildings of undetermined use (Spec Buildings) other than warehouses (S occupancies), fire sprinklers of the quick-response type shall be used. Use is considered undetermined if a specific tenant/occupant is not identified at the time the permit is issued. Sprinklers in light hazard occupancies shall be one of the following:
| 1. | Quick-response type as defined in Section 3.6.4.8. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Residential sprinklers in accordance with the requirements of Section 8.4.5. |
| 3. | Quick response CMSA sprinklers. |
| 4. | ESFR sprinklers. |
| 5. | Standard-response sprinklers used for modifications or additions to existing light hazard systems equipped with standard-response sprinklers. |
| 6. | Standard-response sprinklers used where individual standard-response sprinklers are replaced in existing light hazard systems. |
Section 16.12.1 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 16.12.1. Fire Department Connections (FDC) shall be of an approved type. The FDC shall contain a minimum of two 2 1/2" inlets. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public hydrant. The size of piping and the number of inlets shall be approved by the chief. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red. When the fire sprinkler density design requires 500 g.p.m. (including inside hose stream demand) or greater, or a standpipe system is included, four 2 1/2" inlets shall be provided. FDC may be located within 150 feet of a private fire hydrant when approved by the chief.
Section 16.12.5.7 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 16.12.5.7. Fire department connections shall be on the street address side of buildings and shall be located and arranged so that they are immediately adjacent to the approved fire department access road and that hose lines can be readily and conveniently attached to the inlets without interference from nearby objects including buildings, fence, posts or other fire department connections.
Section 28.1.3 Water Supply Capacity Information is hereby revised as follows:
Section 28.1.3 Water Supply Capacity Information.
The available water supply for fire sprinkler system design shall be determined by utilizing the LBFD Hydrant Flow Report and Fire Flow Information form to document a flow test conducted by the water purveyor and approved by the Fire Code Official. Where a waterflow test is used for the purposes of system design, the test shall be conducted no more than 6 months prior to working plan submittal unless otherwise approved by the Laguna Beach Fire Department.
NFPA 13D 2022 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two- Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes is hereby amended as follows:
Section 4.1.3 is hereby added as follows:
Section 4.1.3 Stock of Spare Sprinklers Section 4.1.3.1 is hereby added as follows:
Section 4.1.3.1. A supply of at least two sprinklers for each type shall be maintained on the premises so that any sprinklers that have operated or been damaged in any way can be promptly replaced.
Section 4.1.3.2 is hereby added as follows:
Section 4.1.3.2. The sprinklers shall correspond to the types and temperature ratings of the sprinklers in the property.
Section 4.1.3.3 is hereby added as follows:
Section 4.1.3.3. The sprinklers shall be kept in a cabinet located where the temperature to which they are subjected will at no time exceed 100°F (38°C).
Section 4.1.3.4 is hereby added as follows:
Section 4.1.3.4. A special sprinkler wrench shall be provided and kept in the cabinet to be used in the removal and installation of sprinklers. One sprinkler wrench shall be provided for each type of sprinkler installed.
Section 7.1.2 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 7.1.2. The piping system shall not have a separate control valve unless supervised by a central station, proprietary, or remote station alarm service.
Section 7.3.1 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 7.3.1. At least one water pressure gauge shall be installed on the riser assembly.
Section 7.6 Alarms is hereby revised as follows:
Section 7.6 Alarms.
Exterior alarm indicating device shall be listed for outside service and audible and visible from the street from which the house is addressed. Exterior audible devices shall be placed on the front or side of the structure, and the location is subject to final approval by the fire code official.
Section 7.6.1 is hereby added as follows:
Section 7.6.1. Additional interior alarm devices shall be required to provide audibility throughout the structure. Sound levels in all sleeping areas with all intervening doors closed shall be a minimum of 15 dBA above the average ambient sound level but not less than 75 dBA. Audible devices shall be powered from an uninterruptible circuit (except for over-current protection) serving normally operated appliances in the residence.
Exception:
| 1. | When an approved water flow monitoring system is installed, interior audible devices may be powered through the fire alarm control panel. |
|---|---|
| 2. | When smoke detectors specified under CFC Section 907 are used to sound an alarm upon water flow switch activation and provides audibility throughout the structure. |
Section 8.3.4 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 8.3.4. Sprinklers shall be required in all attached garages, attached carports, open attached porches, and similar structures. Sprinklers shall also be required in all detached garages and carports within 30 feet of the dwelling structure.
Section 8.3.5.1 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 8.3.5.1. Sprinklers shall be required in attics with storage, penthouse equipment rooms, elevator machine rooms, concealed spaces dedicated to ventilation equipment, accessible floor/ceiling spaces, at the top of elevator shafts, accessible crawl spaces, and other accessible concealed spaces that are not used or intended for living purposes.
Section 8.3.5.2. is hereby added as follows:
Section 8.3.5.2. All attics shall be protected with an intermediate temperature quick response sprinkler, which shall be located to protect attic penetrations created by the access scuttles or mechanical equipment.
Section 8.3.5.3 is hereby added as follows:
Section 8.3.5.3. All exterior overhangs 48" and greater shall be provided with fire sprinkler coverage.
NFPA 13R 2022 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, is hereby amended as follows:
Section 6.16.1 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 6.16.1. An NFPA 72 fire alarm system with 24-hour UL-certified central station monitoring shall be provided on all sprinkler systems and shall be connected to the building fire alarm or water-flow monitoring system where provided. There shall also be a minimum of one exterior alarm indicating device, listed for outside service and audible and visible from the access roadway that serves that building.
Section 6.16.1.1 is hereby added as follows:
Section 6.16.1.1. Additional interior alarm devices shall be required to provide audibility throughout the structure. Sound levels in all sleeping areas with all intervening doors closed shall be a minimum of 15 dBA above the average ambient sound level, but not less than 75 dBA. Audible devices shall be powered from an uninterruptible circuit (except for over-current protection) serving normally operated appliances in the residence.
Exception:
| 1. | When an approved water flow monitoring system is installed, interior audible devices may be powered through the fire alarm control panel. |
|---|---|
| 2. | When smoke detectors specified under CFC Section 907 are used to sound an alarm upon water flow switch activation and provide audibility throughout the structure. |
NFPA 14 2019 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, is hereby amended as follows:
Section 6.4.6.1 is hereby added as follows:
Section 6.4.6.1. The fire department connection shall have a minimum of two 2 1/2 inches, internal threaded (NHS) inlets. Additional inlets shall be provided at a 250 GPM per inlet ratio to meet the system demand. The inlets shall be provided with approved caps to protect the system from entry of debris. The location of the FDC shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public hydrant. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red.
Section 7.3.1.1 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 7.3.1.1. Hose connection height for Class I and III Standpipe hose connections shall be unobstructed and shall be located not less than 18 inches, or more than 24 inches above the finished floor. Class II Standpipe hose connections shall be unobstructed and shall be located not less than 3 feet or more than 5 feet above the finished floor.
NFPA 24 2019 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, is hereby amended as follows:
Section 5.9.1.3 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 5.9.1.3. The fire department connection shall be of an approved type and contain a minimum of two 2 1/2 inch inlets. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public fire hydrant. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the backflow assembly. The supply pipe shall be painted OSHA safety red.
Section 5.9.1.3.1 is hereby added as follows:
Section 5.9.1.3.1. When the sprinkler density design is 500 g.p.m. (including the interior hose stream demand) or greater, or a standpipe system is included, four 2 1/2" inlets shall be provided.
Section 5.9.1.3.2 is hereby added as follows:
Section 5.9.1.3.2. The fire department connection (FDC) may be located within 150 feet of a private fire hydrant provided the FDC connects down-stream of an aboveground sprinkler system check valve.
Section 6.2.1.3 is hereby added as follows:
Section 6.2.1.3. The closest upstream indicating valve to the riser shall be painted OSHA red. Brass or bronze valves on sprinkler risers mounted to the exterior of the building may be left unpainted.
Section 6.2.1.4 is hereby added as follows:
Section 6.2.1.4. Where OS&Y valves on the detector check assembly are the only control valves, at least one OS&Y valve shall be painted OSHA red.
Section 6.2.9 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 6.2.9. All connections to private fire service mains for fire protection systems shall be arranged in accordance with one of the following so that they can be isolated:
| 1. | A post indicator valve installed not less than 40 feet from the building. For buildings less than 40 feet in height, a post indicator valves shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 feet, but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the post indicator valve. |
|---|---|
| 2. | A wall post indicator valve. |
| 3. | An indicating valve in a pit, installed in accordance with Section 6.4. |
| 4. | A backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve not less than 40 feet from the building. For buildings less than 40 feet in height, a backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 feet but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the backflow preventer. |
| 5. | Control valves installed in a fire-rated room accessible from the exterior. |
| 6. | Control valves in a fire-rated stair enclosure accessible from the exterior. |
Section 6.3.3 is hereby added as follows:
Section 6.3.3. All post indicator valves controlling fire suppression water supplies shall be painted OSHA red.
Section 10.4.1.1 Coatings is hereby revised as follows:
Section 10.4.1.1 Coatings.
All bolted joint accessories shall be cleaned and thoroughly coated with asphalt or other corrosion-retarding material, prior to polytube, and after installation.
Section 10.4.1.1.1 is hereby added as follows:
Section 10.4.1.1.1. All bolts, washers and nuts used in pipe-joint assembly shall be 316 stainless steel.
Section 10.4.1.4 is hereby added as follows:
Section 10.4.1.4. All ferrous pipes shall be coated and wrapped. Joints shall be coated and wrapped after assembly. All fittings shall be protected with a loose 8-mil polyethylene tube. The ends of the tube shall extend past the joint by a minimum of 12 inches and be sealed with 2-inch-wide tape approved for underground use. Galvanizing does not meet the requirements of this section.
Exception: 316 or 304 Stainless Steel pipe and fittings.
Section 10.4.3.1 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 10.4.3.1. Where fire service mains enter the building adjacent to the foundation, the pipe may run under a building to a maximum of 18 inches, as measured from the interior of the exterior wall. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall be 316 stainless steel and shall not contain any joints.
Section 10.4.3.2 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 10.4.3.2. Where approved, private fire service mains supplying systems within the building shall be permitted to extend more than 18 inches under the building when all the requirements of Sections 10.4.3.2.1 through 10.4.3.2.4 are met.
NFPA 72 2022 Edition, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, is hereby amended as follows:
Section 14.2.2.3.2 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 14.2.2.3.2. If a defect or malfunction is not corrected at the conclusion of system inspection, testing, or maintenance, the system owner or the owner's designated representative and fire code official shall be informed of the impairment in writing within 24 hours.
Section 14.6.2.1 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 14.6.2.1. Upon completion of annual testing in accordance with Section 14.4.3.2, records shall be sent to the fire authority having jurisdiction and records shall be retained until the next year and for 1 year thereafter.
Section 14.6.2.1.1 is hereby added as follows:
Section 14.6.2.1.1. Upon completion of annual testing in accordance with Section 14.4.3.2, a durable tag shall be conspicuously affixed to the main fire alarm panel on all fire alarm systems and will display the following information relating to the performance of annual inspection, testing and maintenance:
| 1. | Company Name. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Company Address. |
| 3. | Company Phone Number. |
| 4. | License Number with Type. |
| 5. | Printed Name of Contractor. |
| 6. | Signature of Contractor. |
| 7. | Service date — including month, day and year. |
| 8. | Type of Service Performed. |
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
§ 15.01.075. Appendix adoption of the 2025 Fire Code.¶
2025 California Fire Code Appendix Adoption
Appendix Chapter 4 is adopted in its entirety without amendments.
Appendix B is adopted in its entirety without amendments.
Appendix BB is adopted in its entirety without amendments.
Appendix C is adopted in its entirety without amendments.
Appendix CC is adopted in its entirety without amendments.
Appendix D is adopted in its entirety without amendments.
Appendix H is adopted in its entirety without amendments.
Appendix K is adopted in its entirety without amendments.
(Ord. 1640 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1682, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1726, 12/18/2025)
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