Long Beach Municipal Code Ch. 18.05 Submittal Documents

Submittal documents consisting of construction documents, written record of computations, statement of special inspections, geotechnical report and other pertinent data shall be submitted with each permit application. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional licensed in the State of California to practice as such. Where special conditions exist, the Building Official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.

EXCEPTION: The Building Official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if the Building Official finds that the nature of the work applied for is such that the review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

(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)

Each application for a permit shall be accompanied by one (1) set of submittal documents for each type of plan examination or as determined by the Building Official.

(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)

All construction documents shall be dimensioned and drawn with ink or indelible pencil upon suitable material, or shall be made by a reproduction process approved by the Building Official. Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted when approved by the Building Official. The first sheet of each set of construction documents shall give the street address of the work and the name and address of the owner of the building.

All construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this title and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the Building Official.

In lieu of detailed specifications, the Building Official may approve reference on the construction documents to a specific section, subsection or paragraph of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

Distances and dimensions on the construction documents, when required to show conformity with the provisions of this title, shall be done in figures.

All construction documents shall include sufficient information to demonstrate compliance for installations required to comply with the rules and regulations of the California Energy Code adopted in Chapter 18.46, where applicable.

Where applicable, additional information required in Subsections A through E of this section shall be provided:

A. Information on building or structure required.

1. Construction documents shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grade and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations. It shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the locations and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site.

EXCEPTION: The Building Official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan when the application for permit is for alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted. Furthermore, the Building Official is authorized to grant the omission of a site plan when the proposed work is of such a nature that no information is needed to determine compliance with all laws relating to the location of buildings or structures.

2. Construction documents for buildings of other than one- or two-family dwelling and related accessory building and structure shall indicate how required structural and fire-resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communication conduits, pipes and similar systems.

3. Construction documents shall show in sufficient detail the location, construction, size and character of all portions of the means of egress, including the path of exit discharge to the public way, in compliance with the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State. In other than Groups R-2, R-3, and I-1 occupancies, the construction documents shall designate the number of occupants to be accommodated on every floor, and in all rooms and spaces.

4. Construction documents for all buildings shall describe the exterior wall envelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance with provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State. The construction documents shall provide details of the exterior wall envelope as required, including flashing, intersections with dissimilar materials, corners, end details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves or parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive membrane and details around openings.

5. Construction documents shall include manufacturer's installation instructions that provide supporting documentation that the proposed penetration and opening details described in the construction documents maintain the weather resistance of the exterior wall envelope. The supporting documentation shall fully describe the exterior wall system that was tested, where applicable, as well as the test procedure used.

6. Where balconies or other walking surfaces have weather-exposed surfaces, and the structural framing is protected by an impervious moisture barrier, the construction documents shall include details for all elements of the impervious moisture barrier system including, but not limited to, the manufacturer's installation instructions.

7. Construction documents shall show all mitigation measures required under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued to the City of Long Beach and the requirements of the Standard Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) mandated by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board in accordance with Section 8.96.130.

8. Construction documents for buildings and structures providing a methane gas mitigation system shall provide drawings indicating compliance with Chapter 18.79. The construction documents shall provide details of the sub-slab ventilation system, membrane barrier, above-grade ventilation, signage, and methane gas detection and alarm system.

9. For buildings located in whole or in part in flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 16 and Appendix G of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40 or Chapter 3 of the California Residential Code adopted in Chapter 18.41, the construction documents shall include flood hazard documentations and design flood elevation information as required by provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

10. When a structural design is required for the purpose of obtaining a permit, it shall be justified by a written record of computations filed with the Building Official and each sheet of the construction documents and written record of computations shall be signed by or bear the approved stamp of a registered design professional licensed by the State of California to practice as such. On structures which do not require a registered design professional's signatures according to Article 3, Chapter 7, Division 3, of the California Business and Professions Code but do require some structural design, the person responsible for such design shall sign the calculations and the sheets of the construction documents having engineering details thereon.

11. Construction documents shall provide structural information specified in Chapter 16 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40 or Chapter 3 of the California Residential Code adopted in Chapter 18.41.

12. When required by Chapter 17 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40, a statement of special inspection prepared by the registered design professional in responsible charge of the project shall be included with the construction documents.

13. When reports are required by this chapter, recommendations included in the approved soils engineering report and engineering geology report shall be incorporated into the grading construction documents, including the dates of the soils engineering and engineering geology reports together with the names, addresses and phone numbers of the firms or individuals who prepared the reports. A copy of the soils engineering report and engineering geology report shall be attached to the approved set of grading construction documents and kept at the job site. Reports shall be submitted to the Building Official for review and approval in, but not limited to, the following circumstances:

a. When required by Chapter 18 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40.

b. When projects are located on sites designated as an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone or Seismic Hazard Zone established pursuant to Chapter 7.5, Division 2, of the California Public Resources Code or a seismic hazard zone established pursuant to Chapter 7.8, Division 2, of the California Public Resources Code the Applicant shall demonstrate through accepted geologic seismic studies that the proposed building or structure will be located in a safe manner and not over or astraddle the trace of an active fault. Acceptable geologic seismic studies shall meet the criteria as set forth in rules and regulations established by the Building Official to ensure that such studies are based on sufficient geologic data to determine the location or nonexistence of the active fault trace on a site. Prior to approval of a project, a geologic report defining and delineating any hazard of surface fault rupture shall be required.

Notwithstanding Sections 2621.6 and 2621.7 of the California Public Resources Code to the contrary, the Building Official shall have the authority, as deemed necessary and appropriate, to establish criteria in determining the type of projects that are required to comply with this subsection.

c. When previously unknown adverse soils or geologic conditions, including liquefaction or expansive soils, are revealed prior to or during construction.

d. When buildings or structures are located near or on fills containing decomposable material. No new buildings or structures or additions to existing buildings and structures shall be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of fills containing rubbish or other decomposable material unless the fill is isolated by approved natural or manmade protective systems or unless designed according to the recommendations contained in a report prepared by a registered design professional licensed in the State of California to practice as such. Such report shall contain a description of the investigation, study and recommendation to minimize the possible intrusion, and to prevent the accumulation of explosive concentrations of decomposition gases within or under enclosed portions of such building or structure. At the time of the final inspection, the registered design professional shall furnish a signed statement attesting that the building or structure has been constructed in accordance with his or her recommendations as to decomposition gases required herein. No new buildings or structures or additions to existing building or structures shall be constructed on fills containing rubbish or other decomposable material unless provision is made to prevent damage to structure, floor, underground piping and utilities due to uneven settlement of the fill. One-story light frame accessory structures not exceeding four hundred (400) square feet in area nor twelve (12) feet in height may be constructed without special provisions for foundation stability.

The soils engineering report required by this section shall include data regarding the nature, distribution and strength of existing soils, conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures and design criteria for corrective measures, including buttress fills, when necessary, and opinion on adequacy for the intended use of sites to be developed by the proposed grading as affected by soils engineering factors, including the stability of slopes.

The engineering geology report required by this section shall include an adequate description of the geology of the site, conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development, and opinion on the adequacy for the intended use of sites to be developed by the proposed grading, as affected by geologic factors.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. A soils and geological report is not required where the Building Official determines that the nature of the work applied for is such that a report is not necessary.

2. A liquefaction study is not required where the Building Official determines from established local data that the liquefaction potential is low.

All soils engineering and engineering geology reports shall comply with rules and standards established by the Building Official.

14. The increase in allowable building area permitted by Chapter 5 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40 shall not be allowed unless or until the owner of the required yard shall file with the Building Official an agreement binding such owner, heirs and assignees, to set aside the required yard as an unobstructed space having no improvements. Such agreement shall be recorded in the County Recorder's Office.

B. Information on grading required.

1. Application for a grading permit shall be accompanied by grading construction documents prepared and signed by a registered design professional licensed by the State of California to practice as such. The first sheet of each set of grading construction documents shall give location of the work, the name and address of the owner and the person by whom they were prepared. The grading construction documents shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

a. General vicinity of the proposed site.

b. Property limits and accurate contours of existing ground and details of terrain and area drainage.

c. Limiting dimensions, elevations or finish contours to be achieved by the grading, and proposed drainage channels and related construction.

d. Detailed plans of all surface and subsurface drainage devices, walls, cribbing, dams and other protective devices to be constructed with, or as a part of, the proposed work together with a map showing the drainage area and the estimated runoff of the area served by any drains.

e. Location of any buildings or structures on the property where the work is to be performed and the location of any buildings or structures on land of adjacent owners that are within fifteen (15) feet of the property or which may be affected by the proposed grading operations.

f. The location of the top and toe of all cuts and fills, the location of all "daylight" lines, the amount of cut and fill, the location of disposal site for excess material, if known, and the estimated dates for starting and completing grading work.

2. Grading construction documents shall be prepared by a registered land surveyor or registered civil engineer licensed in the State of California to practice as such when the property location and its limits are not clear.

EXCEPTION: Portions of the aforementioned grading construction documents requirements may be waived by the Building Official if he or she finds that the information on the application and/or submitted plans is sufficient to show that the work will conform to the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

3. The Building Official is authorized to require professional inspection and testing by the soils engineer. When the Building Official has cause to believe that geologic factors may be involved, the grading will be required to conform to engineering grading.

C. Information on electrical required.

1. When required by the Building Official for the enforcement of any provision of this title, construction documents for the installation of electrical wiring or equipment shall be filed with the Building Official and approved prior to the issuance of any permit.

2. The construction documents shall show the following:

a. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to show that the proposed electrical installation will conform to the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

b. Layout of the proposed electric systems for each floor or area, including dimensions of all working spaces, a full scope of the project and a legend of all symbols used.

c. The type, location and capacity of all service equipment.

d. The size and the length of all service raceways to the manhole, vault or pole of the serving agency or to the service head.

e. The size of all raceways and the length of all feeder raceways.

f. The dimensions of all pull or junction boxes larger than four inches trade size.

g. The number, size, and type of all conductors to be installed in wiring enclosures.

h. The location of every proposed outlet and switch in all parts of the building or structure including all fixed showcases, wall cases, and similar wiring.

i. The wattage or ampere ratings of each outlet for noninductive loads and the volt-ampere rating of each unit or transformer for electric discharge lighting.

j. The location, voltage, and H.P. rating of every motor and the K.W. rating of every generator. The type and code letter of every A.C. motor shall be given unless otherwise satisfactory to the Building Official.

k. The location and K.V.A., or equivalent rating of each transformer, capacitor, ballast, converter, frequency changer, and similar equipment and the location and ampere or wattage rating of other appliances of the noninductive type.

l. Details of panelboard, switchboard, and distribution centers, showing type and arrangement of switches, overcurrent devices, and general control equipment.

m. Panelboard and switchboard schedules showing wattage and amperage, the number of active branch circuits to be installed, and the number of spare branch circuits for future use. This shall include identifying the circuits to which the outlets are connected.

n. The existing load, as calculated in accordance with Articles 210 and 220 of the California Electrical Code adopted in Chapter 18.42 or by other methods satisfactory to the Building Official, shall be indicated for existing installations having alterations or additions made to them.

o. Other additional information as the Building Official may consider necessary for proper enforcement of this title.

p. On all occupancies indicating location, rating and method being served for all new and existing power distribution equipment.

q. Any or all engineering calculations as applicable for the installation.

r. Interconnected wiring between all devices in each branch circuit from any panelboard or switch-board to the last device or load.

s. Location of grounding and bonding, including, but not limited to, grounding electrode conductor sizes and length, grounding electrode(s) to be utilized, termination locations of all grounding electrode conductors, main and system bonding jumpers.

t. Available fault current and documentation of preliminary design approval from Southern California Edison where the service is new or upgraded.

u. Construction documents for buildings more than two (2) stories in height of other than one- or two-family dwelling and related accessory building or structure shall indicate how required structural and fire resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for electrical conduits, pipes and similar systems.

v. Methane gas mitigation measures required for electrical installation per Chapter 18.79 for construction occurring in all areas identified in Section 18.79.040.

3. All electrical materials, devices, appliances and equipment installed or used in the City shall be in conformity with the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State. Conformity with the standards of the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., as approved by the American Standards Association, or other approved testing laboratory, shall be prima facie evidence of conformity with approved standards for safety to life and property. Previously used material shall not be reused in any work without the written approval obtained in advance from the Building Official.

D. Information on plumbing required.

1. When required by the Building Official for the enforcement of any provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State, construction documents for the installation of any plumbing, water piping, gas piping, waste and vent piping, water heater, water heater vents, water treating equipment, or any appliance or device shall be filed with the Building Official and approved prior to the issuance of any permit.

2. The construction documents shall show the following:

a. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to show that the proposed plumbing installation will conform to the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

b. Layout of the proposed plumbing systems for each floor or area, including dimensions of all working spaces, a full scope of the project and a legend of all symbols used.

c. Location, size and material of all plumbing pipes and fixtures.

d. System riser or isometric diagrams shall be provided for all drainage, waste and vent, fuel gas, potable water, storm drain, rainwater, sump pump, combination waste and vent and standpipe systems.

e. Construction documents for buildings more than two (2) stories in height of other than one- or two-family dwelling and related accessory building or structure shall indicate how required structural and fire resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for plumbing pipes and similar systems.

E. Information on mechanical required.

1. When required by the Building Official for the enforcement of any provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State, construction documents for the installation of environmental heating or cooling systems, refrigeration systems, absorption systems, ventilation systems and hoods shall be filed with the Building Official and approved prior to the issuance of any permit.

2. The construction documents shall show the following:

a. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to show that the proposed mechanical installation will conform to the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

b. Layout for each floor with dimensions of all working spaces and a legend of all symbols used.

c. Location, size and materials of all air ducts, air inlets and air outlets.

d. Location of all fans, warm-air furnaces, boilers, absorption units, refrigerant compressors and condensers and the weight of all pieces of such equipment weighing four hundred (400) pounds or more.

e. Rated capacity or horsepower of all boilers, warm-air furnaces, heat exchangers, blower fans, refrigerant compressors and absorption units.

f. Location, size and material of all combustion products, vents and chimneys.

g. Location and area of all ventilation and combustion air openings and ducts.

h. Location of all air dampers, fire dampers, smoke-control dampers and combustion-products-type smoke detectors.

i. The occupancy of each area served by any heating, air-conditioning or ventilation system.

j. The location of all required fire-resistive separations that are penetrated by ducts or openings of any heating, air-conditioning or ventilation system.

k. The complete drawings of all commercial hoods and ventilation systems, including the cooking appliances served by the hoods, and verify:

i. The interconnection of the fire-extinguishing system and fuel shutoff devices.

ii. Compliance with Department of Health and Human Services requirements.

iii. Compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District requirements.

l. The weight of any equipment weighing more than that specified in Chapter 13 of ASCE 7.

m. Construction documents for buildings more than two (2) stories in height of other than one- or two-family dwelling and related accessory building or structure shall indicate how required structural and fire resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for mechanical conduits, pipes and similar systems.

(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. When the permit applicant, in addition to the fee prescribed therefore and at the time of making application for such permit, pay a plan examination fee as set forth in Section 18.06.020, the Building Official shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying submittal documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with the provisions of this title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City, or laws and statutes of the State.

B. Approval of construction documents. When the Building Official issues a permit pursuant to Section 18.04.040, the construction documents shall be approved, in writing or by stamp, as "APPROVED." One set of approved construction documents shall be retained and maintained pursuant to Section 18.05.070.

C. Previous approvals. This title shall not require changes in the construction documents, construction or designated occupancy of a structure for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the construction of which has been pursued in good faith and has not been expired, suspended, discontinued or abandoned pursuant to Subsection 18.04.060.A or expired pursuant to Section 18.05.060.

D. Amended construction documents. Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction documents, and any changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved construction documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents.

E. Approved construction documents on job. One (1) set of approved construction documents issued to the permit applicant shall be kept at the site of the construction or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress and shall be available and open to inspection by the Building Official. Any deviation from the stamped or approved construction documents shall be in accordance with Subsection 18.05.040.D.

F. Re-examining construction documents.

1. Re-examining construction documents prior to approval. When construction documents have been examined and are subsequently so revised by the permit applicant for reasons other than plan examination correction as to necessitate re-examination, the Building Official shall require the permit applicant to pay a re-examination fee as set forth in Section 18.06.030 which would be required for the cost of that portion of the construction or work which has been revised. No additional permit fee will be required unless the revision increases the total cost of the entire project. In that event, the Building Official shall require the permit applicant to pay an additional permit fee based on the additional cost.

EXCEPTION: No additional plan examination fee shall be charged for verification of the corrections required by the Building Official.

2. Re-examining construction documents after approval. When construction documents are resubmitted for examination of changes made to previously approved construction documents, the permit applicant shall pay a re-examination fee as set forth in Section 18.06.030.

(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. When it is required that documents be prepared by a registered design professional licensed in the State of California, the Building Official shall be authorized to require the owner to engage and designate on the permit application a registered design professional who shall act as the registered design professional in responsible charge. If the circumstances require, the owner may designate a substitute registered design professional in responsible charge who shall perform the duties required of the original registered design professional in responsible charge. The Building Official shall be notified in writing by the owner if the registered design professional in responsible charge is changed or is unable to continue to perform the duties.

The registered design professional in responsible charge shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating submittal documents prepared by others, including phased and deferred submittal items, for compatibility with the design of the building.

B. Deferred submittals.

1. For the purposes of this section, deferred submittals are defined as those portions of the design which are not submitted at the time of the application and which are to be submitted to the Building Official within a specified period.

2. Deferral of any submittal items shall have prior approval of the Building Official. The registered design professional in responsible charge shall list the deferred submittals on the construction documents for review by the Building Official.

3. Documents for deferred submittal items shall be submitted to the registered design professional in responsible charge who shall review them and forward them to the Building Official with a notation indicating that the deferred submittal documents have been reviewed and been found to be in general conformance with the design of the building. The deferred submittal items shall not be installed until the Building Official has approved the deferred submittal documents.

C. Structural observation. Where structural observation is required by Chapter 17 of the California Building Code adopted in Chapter 18.40, the statement of special inspections shall name the individual or firms who are to perform structural observation and describe the stages of construction at which structural observation is to occur.

(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)

If after a period of one (1) year from date of application for permit, any permit applicant has failed to pay for and obtain a permit pursuant to Subsection 18.04.040.A, such application and examination fee shall become invalid and no permit shall be issued unless a new application is submitted and a new examination fee paid pursuant to Section 18.06.020. Construction documents submitted at the time of application may be disposed of if after a period of one (1) year from date of application no permit has been paid for or issued.

EXCEPTION: If the permit applicant presents satisfactory evidence that unusual difficulties or, delays have prevented a permit from being approved and made ready for permit issuance, the Building Official shall have the authority to grant a maximum of two (2) extensions each not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days. The extension shall be requested in writing on a form furnished by the Building Official for that purpose and justifiable cause is demonstrated pursuant to Section 18.03.050. Requests for additional extensions or a second extension of time that extends beyond the adoption of a new California Building Standards Code may be granted at the discretion of the Building Official, however, additional requirements dependent on the circumstances may apply.

(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. Retention of construction documents. The approved construction documents in electronic or paper format for every issued permit shall be stamped and retained by the Building Official at issuance of Certificate of Occupancy or final inspection approval for a period of not less than one (1) year from the date of completion of the work covered therein, after which time the Building Official may, at their discretion, either dispose of the copies or retain them as a part of the permanent files of the Building Official as required by Section 19850 of the California Health and Safety Code. Before issuing a permit, the Building Official shall collect a fee pursuant to Section 18.06.090 for maintaining construction documents that are required to be retained by this section.

EXCEPTIONS: Construction documents for the following need not be maintained, except where required by the Building Official:

1. Single or multiple dwellings in areas which are not part of a common interest development (as defined in Section 1351 of the California Civil Code), and not more than two (2) stories and basement in height;

2. Garages and other structures appurtenant to buildings described in Exception 1 of this subsection;

3. Farm or ranch buildings; and

4. Any one-story building where the span between bearing walls does not exceed twenty-five (25) feet. This exception does not, however, apply to a steel frame or concrete building.

B. Inspection of construction documents. The copy of the approved construction documents maintained by the Building Official as provided by Subsection 18.05.070.A may be available for inspection only on the premises of the Building Official.

C. Reproduction of construction documents. Construction documents maintained by the Building Official under Subsection 18.05.070.A may not be duplicated in whole or in part except with the written permission of the certified, licensed or registered professional or his or her successor, if any, who signed the original documents, and the written permission of the original or current owner of the building, or, if the building is part of a common interest development, with the written permission of the board of directors or governing body of the association established to manage the common interest development; upon request by any State agency; or by order of a proper court. In implementing this provision, the Building Official shall comply with the requirements of Section 19851 of the California Health and Safety Code.

The Building Official shall also furnish the form of an affidavit to be completed and signed by the person requesting to duplicate the official copy of the construction documents, which contains provisions stating the following:

1. That the copy of the construction documents shall only be used for the maintenance, operation and use of the building;

2. That drawings are instruments of professional service and are incomplete without the interpretation of the certified, licensed or registered professional of record; and

3. That Sections 5536.25(a) and 6735(b) of the California Business and Professions Code states that a registered design professional who signs construction documents shall not be responsible for damage caused by subsequent changes to, or use of, those construction documents where the subsequent changes or uses, including changes or uses made by State or local governmental agencies, are not authorized or approved by the registered design professional who originally signed the construction documents, provided that the service rendered by the registered design professional who signed the construction documents was not also a proximate cause of the damage.

The fees specified in the following item 1 or 2 shall be paid by the person requesting duplication of construction documents:

1. Construction documents that have not been stored in an electronic storage format and are authorized for reproduction to be duplicated by other than City services will be released only to a Department authorized duplicating service. The person requesting duplication shall pay the cost of duplicating the construction documents directly to the duplicating service. That person shall pay a processing fee for each set of construction documents released to the Building Official as determined by Section 18.06.120.

2. Construction documents that have been stored in an electronic storage format and are authorized for reproduction shall be duplicated by City services or vendors. The Building Official shall collect an initial service fee for each request for reproduction of construction documents plus an additional fee for each sheet requested to be photocopied as determined by Section 18.06.120.

D. Withdrawal of construction documents. The Building Official shall not permit any original construction documents, or portions thereof upon which a permit has been issued, to be withdrawn from the office of the Building Official, except for official use by representatives of the City.

(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)