Chapter 18.01 — GENERAL PROVISIONS

These regulations shall be known as the "Long Beach Building Standards Code," a portion of the "Long Beach Municipal Code," hereinafter referred to as "this title." This title adopts by reference portions of the California Building Standards Code as required by Section 17958 of the California Health and Safety Code.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

The purpose of this title is to:

Establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, accessibility, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

Provide minimum provisions considered necessary for safety, efficiency, adequacy and the practical safeguarding of persons and of buildings, structures and their contents from hazards arising from the use of electricity for light, heat, power, radio signaling and for other purposes, as well as some provisions for future expansion of electrical use.

Provide minimum requirements and standards for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation and maintenance of plumbing fixture and fixture fittings, water heaters, water supply and distribution system, sanitary drainage, indirect wastes, vents, traps and interceptors, storm drainage, fuel piping, and gray water systems.

Provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, incinerators and other miscellaneous heat producing appliances.

Improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a reduced negative impact, or positive environmental impact

and encouraging sustainable construction practices in planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental quality.

Ensure public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the continued occupancy and maintenance of structures and premises.

Establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

The provisions of this title shall apply to:

The site preparation and the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings and structures within the City, except work located primarily in a public way, as regulated by Title 14, other than pedestrian protection structures required by Section 3306 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40, public utility, towers and poles, mechanical equipment not specifically regulated in this title, and hydraulic flood control structures.

All electrical systems or equipment installed, used, maintained, rented, leased, or offered for sale or distributed for use in the City, except those electrical systems and equipment exempted from the provisions of this title.

The erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use, or maintenance of plumbing within the City, except those plumbing and plumbing installations exempted from the provisions of this title.

The addition to or erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, use, or maintenance of any heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems; incinerators; or other miscellaneous heat-producing

appliances within the City, except those mechanical systems and equipment exempted from the provisions of this title.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

The provisions of this title shall not apply to any of the following:

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

Towers or poles supporting public utility communication lines, antennas, or power transmission lines.

Gantry cranes, drill presses, and other similar manufactured machinery or equipment.

Water tanks supported on a foundation at grade if the capacity does not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of the height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one (2:1).

Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery that are not supported by any building.

Work in a public way, dams and drainage structures constructed by or under contract with the Department of Public Works, the Department of Water and the County Flood Control District, unless the structure forms a portion of the support for a building or a structure coming within the jurisdiction of the Building Official.

Portable amusement devices and structures, including merry-go-rounds, Ferris wheels, rotating conveyances, slides, similar devices, and portable accessory structures whose use is necessary for the operation of such amusement devices and structures; any portable accessory structure included in the provisions of this chapter shall be limited to a cover or roof over each device, but shall not include any storage building or detached structure which is not an integral part of the device; and provided, however, that any electrical installations shall require subtrade permits where applicable and be regulated by this title; and provided further that any special event activity shall require Fire Department's approval.

Nothing in this title shall apply to any excavation, removal, fill or deposit of any earth or other materials from individual interment sites, underground crypts or burial vaults within a property which is dedicated or used for cemetery purposes, provided that such work does not affect the lateral support or increase the stresses in or pressure upon any adjacent or contiguous property not owned by the cemetery authority.

Any portable metal hangar less than two thousand (2,000) square feet in size, located on the City-owned airport property, used for the parking of aircraft only, and bearing evidence of approval by the California Department of Motor Vehicles for movement on any highway. Such structure shall, as an integral part of its basic construction, be equipped with a hitch or coupling device for towing. It shall accommodate, without further major structural change, wheel and axle assemblies which will provide such structure with a safe means of portability. No water or sanitary facilities shall be permitted in such structure and it shall be equipped with permanent ventilation as required for group S-2 occupancy; and is not in violation of the Zoning Regulations.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

The codes listed in this section and referenced elsewhere in this title shall be considered part of the requirements of this title to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

A.

Building Code. The provisions of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40 shall apply to 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.

B.

Residential Code. The provisions of the California Residential Code adopted in Chapter 18.41 shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height.

C.

Electrical Code. The provisions of the California Electrical Code adopted in Chapter 18.42 shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.

D.

Plumbing Code. The provisions of the California Plumbing Code adopted in Chapter 18.43 shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances,

fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system.

EXCEPTION: Chapter 18.43 shall not apply to any sewer, potable water, or gas lines or pipes constructed, maintained and regulated by a City department or agency.

E.

Mechanical Code. The provisions of the California Mechanical Code adopted in Chapter 18.44 shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems.

F.

Housing Code. The provisions of the Uniform Housing Code adopted in Chapter 18.45 shall apply to existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety hazards; responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants; and occupancy of existing buildings or portions thereof used, or designed or intended to be used, for human habitation.

G.

Energy Code. The provisions of the California Energy Code adopted in Chapter 18.46 shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.

H.

Green Building Code. The provisions of the California Green Building Standards Code adopted in Chapter 18.47 shall apply to the planning, design, operation, construction, use and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure, unless otherwise indicated in this title, throughout the City.

I.

Fire Code. The provisions of the California Fire Code adopted in Chapter 18.48 establishes regulations affecting or relating to structures, processes, premises and safeguards relating to all of the following:

The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices.

Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises.

Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.

Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression and alarm systems.

Conditions affecting the safety of fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

J.

Existing Building Code. The provisions of the California Existing Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.49 shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings and structures.

K.

Historical Building Code. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.50 shall apply in permitting repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, reconstruction, rehabilitation, relocation or continued use of a qualified historical building or property when so elected by the private property owner.

L.

Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The provisions of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code adopted in Chapter 18.51 shall apply to the construction of all new buildings constructed in any fire hazard severity zone or any wildland-urban interface fire area.

M.

Zoning Regulations. The provisions of the Zoning Regulations of the City of Long Beach and the Transitional Zoning Code adopted in Titles 21 and 22, respectively, shall apply to all development or use of property within the City of Long Beach, as indicated in the applicable Title.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)

A.

General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different chapters or sections of this title specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. All the provisions of this title shall be limitations for safeguarding life, limb, health, property and public welfare. If two (2) or more pertinent limitations are not identical, those limitations shall prevail which provide the greater safety to life or limb, health, property or public welfare.

B.

Other laws. The provisions of this title shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, State or Federal law.

C.

Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this title shall be considered part of the requirements of this title to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this title and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this title shall apply. Wherever in this title reference is made to the appendix of a referenced code or standard, the provisions in the appendix shall not apply unless specifically adopted by this title. Where intervening code adoption, errata, or supplement of referenced codes or standards results in the requirements of this title being in conflict with the referenced codes or standards, the more restrictive requirement shall apply except where determined by the Building Official that the adopted amendment is applicable.

D.

Partial invalidity. In the event that any part or provision of this title is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.

E.

Existing buildings or structures.

Legal occupancy. The legal occupancy of any building and structure existing on the date of adoption of this title shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this title, the codes and standards referenced and adopted in this title, or as is deemed necessary by the Building Official or Fire Code Official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.

Responsibility for maintenance. All buildings and structures, both existing and new, and all parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards that are required by this title shall be maintained in conformance with the code requirements under which it was installed. To determine compliance with this section, the Building Official or Fire Code Official may cause any building or structure to be reinspected.

Every owner remains liable for violations of duties imposed upon him or her by this title even though an obligation is also imposed on the occupants of his or her building, and even though the owner has, by agreement, imposed on the occupant the duty of furnishing required equipment or of complying with this title.

Every owner, or his or her agent, in addition to being responsible for maintaining his or her building in a sound structural condition, shall be responsible for keeping that part of the building or premises which he or she occupies or controls in a clean, sanitary and safe condition including the shared or public areas in a building containing two (2) or more dwellings.

F.

Existing subtrade installation.

Existing electrical installation. Nothing contained in this title shall be construed to restrict the use, nor to require any person to reinstall, reconstruct, alter, change or remove any electrical wiring or equipment which complied with the laws and regulations of the City in effect before the effective date of this title unless the same is dangerous, unsafe or a hazard to life or property in the judgment of the Building Official. Additions or alterations to, and alterations and renewals of existing installations shall be made in compliance with the provisions of this title.

EXCEPTION: In locations where the existing electrical system was of some other type of approved wiring, an existing circuit may be increased to its maximum safe carrying capacity or with the addition of not to exceed five (5) lights, plugs or switch outlets. Not more than ten (10) such outlets may be added to an existing electrical system unless all new wiring is in conformity with the provisions of this title.

Existing plumbing installation. Nothing contained in this title, with the exception of the change of building occupancy or use, shall be construed to require any plumbing construction or work, regulated by this title to be altered, changed, reconstructed, removed or demolished if such plumbing work was installed which complied with the laws and regulations of the City in effect before the effective date of this title, unless the same is dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary or a menace to life, health or property, in the judgment of the Building Official.

Plumbing systems that are a part of any building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy shall comply with all requirements of this title that may be applicable to the new use or occupancy.

Existing mechanical installation. Additions, alterations or repairs may be made to any mechanical system without requiring the existing mechanical system to comply with all the requirements of this title, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to that required for a new mechanical system. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing system to become unsafe or create unhealthy or overloaded conditions in the judgment of the Building Official.

EXCEPTION: Minor additions, alterations and repairs to existing mechanical systems may be installed in accordance with the law in effect at the time the original installation was made if such mechanical system may be used safely for such purposes, that there is an urgent necessity for such use, and if approved by the Building Official.

Heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration systems, incinerators or other miscellaneous heat producing appliances lawfully installed prior to the effective date of this title may have their existing use, maintenance or repair continued if the use, maintenance or repair is in accordance with the original design and location and is not a hazard to life, health or property in the judgment of the Building Official.

Mechanical systems that are a part of any building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy shall comply with all requirements of this title that may be applicable to the new use or occupancy.

All heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration systems, incinerators or other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances, both existing and new, and all parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards which are required by this title in heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration systems, incinerators or other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances when installed, altered or repaired, shall be maintained in good working order. The owner, or his designated agent, shall be responsible for the maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, incinerators or other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances.

G.

Unsafe buildings or structures. The regulations for the abatement of unsafe buildings and structures are enumerated in Chapter 18.20.

H.

Long-term boarded or vacated buildings. The regulations for the maintenance of long-term boarded or vacated buildings are enumerated in Chapter 18.21.

I.

Temporary structures and uses. The regulations for temporary structures and uses are enumerated in Subsection 18.04.010.H.

J.

Moved buildings or structures. Buildings or structures moved into or within the City shall comply with the provisions of this title for new buildings or structures. The regulations for moving buildings are enumerated in Chapter 18.60.

EXCEPTION: Apartment houses and dwellings shall be allowed the retention of existing materials and methods of construction so long as the apartment house or dwelling complies with the rules and regulations of the California Housing and Community Development Commission, complies with the standards for foundations applicable to new construction, and does not become or continue to be a substandard building.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025; ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; ORD-19-0031 § 1(Exh. A), 2019; ORD- 16-0026 § 1(Exh. A), 2016)