Long Beach Municipal Code Ch. 18.40 Building Code

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Editor's note— ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), adopted Nov. 11, 2025, amended Ch. 18.40 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 18.40, §§ 18.40.010—18.40.830, pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from ORD-22-0033 § 1(Exh. A), adopted Nov. 15, 2022.

The City Council adopts and incorporates by reference as though set forth in full in this chapter the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code (herein referred to as the "California Building Code"). The California Building Code is Part 2 of the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, also referred to as the California Building Standards Code. This part is based on the provisions of the 2024 Edition of the International Building Code (herein referred to as the "International Building Code") as developed by the International Code Council with necessary California amendments. The following appendices of the California Building Code are included: Appendices G, I, P and Q. The following sections, chapters or appendices of the California Building Code are deleted: Sections 101 through 116 of Chapter 1, Division II, Section 3113 of Chapter 31, and Section 3308 of Chapter 33; Chapters 27, 28, 29, 31A, 31C, 31D, 31E, 31F, 32, and 34; and Appendices A, B, C, D, E, F, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O.

The adoption of the California Building Code is subject to the changes, amendments and modifications to said code as provided in this chapter, and certain provisions of the Long Beach Municipal Code, which shall remain in full force and effect as provided in this title. Such codes and code provisions shall constitute and be known as the Long Beach Building Code. A copy of the California Building Code, printed as code in book form, shall be on file in the Office of the City Clerk.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 201.4 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies. Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged, shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meanings.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

The last two sentences in Section 302.1 of the California Building Code are amended to read as follows:

Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specifically listed in this section or about which there is any question, such structure shall be classified, as determined by the Building Official, in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard. Occupiable roofs shall be classified, as determined by the Building Official, in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard, and shall comply with Section 503.1.4.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Exception in Section 901.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

Exception: Any fire protection or life-safety system not required by this code or the California Fire Code shall be permitted to be installed for complete protection throughout the entire building or structure provided that such system meets the requirements of this code or the California Fire Code. Any fire protection or life-safety system not required by this code or the California Fire Code may be permitted to be installed for partial protection provided the building or structure or portion thereof is separated by fire walls without door or window openings if approved by the Fire Code Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 901.8 is added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code is to read as follows:

901.8 Protection of fire protection systems and equipment. Fire protection systems and equipment subject to possible vehicular damage shall be adequately protected with guard posts in accordance with Section 312 Vehicle Impact Protection of the California Fire Code, as amended in Chapter 18.48.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 903.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section.

903.1.1 Alternative protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted instead of automatic sprinkler system protection where recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the Fire Code Official.

903.1.2 Existing buildings. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all existing occupancies as required by this section if any of the following occurs:

1. A change in occupancy classification to another occupancy classification that would require an automatic sprinkler system as required by this code for the new occupancy.

2. A determination by the Fire Code Official that an automatic sprinkler system is required to provide a minimum level of public safety.

903.1.3 Partial automatic sprinkler systems. Partial automatic sprinkler systems are not allowed. Where automatic sprinkler systems are required to be installed by this section, any other sections in this code or the California Fire Code, any nationally recognized standards, or are electively installed, the automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building or structure. Partial protection may be allowed provided the building or structure or portion thereof is separated by fire walls without door or window openings if approved by the Fire Code Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 903.2 of the California Building Code is amended by the addition of the following paragraph to read as follows:

All new commercial, industrial or nonresidential buildings or structures that require two or more exits or that are greater than 3,000 square feet (279 m 2 ) shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 903.2.8 of the California Building Code is amended by the addition of the following paragraphs to read as follows:

All new multi-family (3 or more units) residential, hotels, motels, or similar buildings shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

All new single-family dwellings and duplexes shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 903.3.5.3 is added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

903.3.5.3 Hydraulic calculations margin. Fire protection system hydraulic calculations shall include a ten percent (10%) safety margin between the available water supply and the required system supply.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 903.3.10.1 is added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

903.3.10.1 Control valve location. Fire sprinkler system control valves shall be located within the stairway designated as "Number 1", as required by the Fire Code Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 903.4.2.1 is added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

903.4.2.1 Signal reporting. All signals shall be transmitted to the remote annunciator and supervising station with the specific location, type and address of each device.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 903.4.3 of the California Building Code is amended by the addition of Sections 903.4.3.1 and 903.4.3.2 to read as follows:

903.4.2.1 Alarms. At least one (1) additional horn and strobe device is required on the interior of a building at the main entrance or in a location as approved by the Fire Code Official.

903.4.2.2 Manual pull station. At least one (1) manual pull station is required on the interior of a building at the main entrance or in a location as approved by the Fire Code Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 903.4.4 is added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

903.4.4 Remote annunciator. A remote annunciator shall be provided at the main entrance, the first suite in a multi-suite building, or in a location as approved by the Fire Code Official. The remote annunciator shall be key operated and shall have the capability to silence and reset the system, or by other approved means. The visual description shall lock in until the system is reset and shall not be cancelled by operation of an audible alarm-silencing switch.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 905.1.1 is added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

905.1.1 Design. All standpipe systems, except Class II systems, shall be designed to deliver a minimum of one hundred twenty-five (125) psi at the discharge of all standpipe outlets.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Subsection 1 of Section 905.4 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1. In every required interior exit stairway or exterior exit stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each floor level. Hose connections shall be located at the floor landing of each floor, unless otherwise approved by the Fire Code Official. See Section 909.20.2.3 for additional provisions in smokeproof enclosures.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Sections 907.1.6 through 907.1.10 are added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

907.1.6 Voluntary. Any fire alarm system not required by this code or the California Fire Code shall be furnished for complete protection and meet all requirements of this code and the California Fire Code, unless approved by the Fire Code Official.

907.1.7 Evacuation. Buildings over 3 stories may be required to provide building evacuation based on the floor of alarm, the floor above and the floor below, in lieu of a general alarm, at the discretion of the Fire Code Official.

907.1.8 Control panels. Fire alarm system control panels, including sprinkler monitoring panels, shall be utilized for connecting and supervising fire alarm and/or fire related equipment only. Security or similar devices shall not be connected to a fire alarm or sprinkler monitoring control panel. The use of control panels capable of this feature is subject to the following:

1. The owner of the facility where the panel is to be installed shall provide an original letter on a company letterhead to the Long Beach Fire Department stating that not now, nor in the future, will security or similar equipment be connected to the fire alarm or sprinkler monitoring control panel.

2. New and/or existing control panels installed after the adoption of this ordinance and found to be in violation of this requirement shall be subject to corrective action as determined by the Fire Code Official.

907.1.9 Remote annunciator. A remote annunciator shall be provided at the main entrance, the first suite in a multi-suite building, or in a location as approved by the Fire Code Official. The remote annunciator shall have the capability to silence and reset the system by an approved key located in the Knox box or other approved means.

907.1.10 Alarms. Where fire alarm systems are installed in nonsprinklered buildings, an exterior horn and strobe device shall be installed and located on the address side of the building closest to the location of the remote annunciator.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 907.3.1 and Exception 2 of Section 907.3.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

907.3.1 Duct smoke detectors. Smoke detectors installed in ducts shall be listed for the air velocity, temperature and humidity present in the duct. Duct smoke detectors shall be connected to the building's fire alarm system or sprinkler monitoring system, when one is installed. Activation of a duct smoke detector shall initiate a visible and audible supervisory signal at a constantly attended location and shall perform the intended fire safety function in accordance with this code and the California Mechanical Code. Duct smoke detectors shall not be used as a substitute for required open area detection.

Exceptions:

1. The supervisory signal at a constantly attended location is not required where above duct smoke detectors activate the building's alarm notification appliances.

2. In occupancies not required to be equipped with a fire alarm or sprinkler monitoring system, actuation of a duct smoke detector shall activate a visible and an audible signal in an approved location. Duct smoke detector trouble conditions shall activate a visible or audible signal in an approved location and shall be identified as an air duct detector trouble.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 907.9 is added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

907.9 Fire alarm upgrade. All existing multi-family residential, hotels, motels and high-rise buildings shall upgrade the existing fire alarm system to current code, at the time of replacement of the existing fire alarm control panel.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 907.10 is added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

907.10 Firefighter smoke removal system. A natural or mechanical Fire Department approved ventilation system for the removal of products of combustion shall be provided above and below grade on every level, at the discretion of the Fire Code Official, and shall consist of one of the following:

1. Panels or windows in the exterior walls which can be opened remotely from an approved location other than the fire floor. Such venting facilities shall be provided at the rate of twenty square feet per lineal feet of exterior wall in each story and shall be distributed around the perimeter at not more than fifty-foot intervals. Such windows or panels and their controls shall be clearly identified.

Exception: When a complete automatic fire extinguishing system is installed, windows or panels manually openable from within the fire floor or approved fixed tempered glass may be used in lieu of the remotely operated openable panels and windows. Such windows shall be clearly identified and shall be of the size and spacing called for above.

2. When a complete and approved automatic fire extinguishing system is installed, the mechanical air-handling equipment may be designed to accomplish smoke removal. Under fire conditions, the return and exhaust air shall be moved directly to the outside without recirculation to other sections of the building. The air-handling system shall provide a minimum of one exhaust air change each ten minutes for the area involved. The system shall utilize a firefighter smoke exhaust panel located at the main entrance to the building or as required by the Fire Code Official and shall be permanently labeled "Fire Department Smoke Evacuation Use Only". Operation of the system shall be by the use of a Knox key switch.

3. Any other design which will produce equivalent results as approved by the Fire Code Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 910.3 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

910.3 Smoke and heat vents. The design and installation of smoke and heat vents shall be in accordance with Sections 910.3.1 through 910.3.6.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 910.3.6 is added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

910.3.6 Sprinkler buildings. Smoke and heat vents fusible links shall be designed at a minimum of 100 degrees above the temperature rating of the fire sprinklers.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 912.1.1 is added to Chapter 9 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

912.1.1 Design. Fire Department connections, where required, shall be provided with a minimum number of two (2) 2-½ inch inlets, regardless of the size of the fire sprinkler system. Where fire protection system demands are in excess of 1,000 gpm, a minimum of four (4) 2-½ inch inlets shall be provided.

Hazardous locations, high-rise buildings or where fire protection system demands are in excess of 2,000 gpm, a second fire department connection utilizing four (4) 2-½ inch inlets may be required at the discretion of the Fire Code Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 912.2.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

912.2.1 Visible location. Fire department connections shall be located on the address side of buildings or structures and shall be within 150 feet of a public fire hydrant, except as required by the Section 507.5.1.1 of the California Fire Code, or as approved by the Fire Code Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 912.4 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

912.4 Access. Immediate access to fire department connections shall be maintained at all times and without obstruction by fences, bushes, trees, walls or other fixed or movable object. Access to fire department connections shall be approved by the Fire Code Official.

Fire department connections, where located in landscaping or other similar areas, shall be provided with a minimum 3-foot concrete pad around the fire department connection, and an approved concrete pathway leading to the fire department connection.

Exceptions:

1. Fences, where provided with an access gate equipped with a sign complying with the legend requirements of Section 912.5 and a means of emergency operation. The gate and the means of emergency operation shall be approved by the fire code official and shall be maintained operational at all times.

2. When acceptable to the fire enforcing agency, fire department connections for Group I-3 detention facilities may be located inside all security walls or fences on the property.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1003.8 is added to Chapter 10 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

1003.8 Protection of means of egress. When the Fire Code Official determines that means of egress require protection from possible vehicular damage, crash posts shall be installed in accordance with Section 312 Vehicle Impact Protection of the California Fire Code.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Sections 1011.12.3 and 1011.12.4 are added to Chapter 10 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

1011.12.3 Ladder. A fixed ladder shall be provided for access to the hatch or trap door.

1011.12.4 Stairway 1. When a stairway to the roof is required, it shall be designated as "Stairway 1."

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1208.5 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1208.5 Efficiency dwelling units. As modified pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1, efficiency dwelling units shall comply with the following:

1. The unit for occupancy by no more than two persons shall have a minimum floor area of 150 square feet. An additional 50 square feet of floor area shall be provided for each occupant of such unit in excess of two. The unit shall also comply with Sections 1208.1, 1208.2, and 1208.4.

2. The unit shall be provided with a separate closet.

3. For other than Accessible, adaptable dwelling units, the unit shall be provided with a kitchen sink, cooking appliance and refrigeration facilities, each having a clear working space of not less than 30 inches in front. Light and ventilation conforming to this code shall also be provided.

4. The unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom containing a water closet, lavatory, and bathtub or shower.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1612.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1612.2 Design and construction. The design and construction of buildings and structures in flood hazard areas, including coastal high hazard areas and coastal A zones, shall be in accordance with Chapter 5 of ASCE 7 and ASCE 24.

The design flood elevation (DFE) shall be the greater of the DFE as defined in Chapter 5 of ASCE 7 and/or ASCE 24 and the base flood elevation (BFE) plus twelve (12) inches of flood freeboard and six (6) inches of freeboard to account for future sea-level rise. For buildings and structures with a use or occupancy defined as flood design class 3 or 4, the design flood elevation shall be the greater of the DFE as defined in Chapter 5 of ASCE 7 and/or ASCE 24 and the BFE plus twenty-four (24) inches of flood freeboard and six (6) inches of freeboard to account for future sea-level rise. Elevators, escalators, conveying systems and their components shall conform to ASCE 24 and ASME A17.1/CSA B44 as applicable.

Exception: For buildings and structures with a use or occupancy defined as flood design class 3 and located in flood hazard areas not identified as coastal high hazard areas or coastal A zones, the DFE shall be the greater of the DFE as defined in Chapter 5 of ASCE 7 and/or ASCE 24 and the BFE plus twelve (12) inches of flood freeboard and six (6) inches of freeboard to account for future sea-level rise.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1612.3 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1612.3 Establishment of flood hazard areas. To establish flood hazard areas, the City shall adopt a flood hazard map and supporting data. The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in an engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for the City of Long Beach" dated July 6, 1998, as amended or revised with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) and related supporting data along with any revisions thereto. The adopted flood hazard map and supporting data are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this section.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1612.4 Items 1.1, 1.4 and 2.1 of the California Building Code are amended to read as follows:

1.1 The elevation of the lowest floor, including the basement, as required by the lowest floor elevation inspection in Subsection 18.07.050.A.4 of the Long Beach Municipal Code and for the final inspection in Subsection 18.07.050.A.15 of the Long Beach Municipal Code.

1.4 For dry floodproofed nonresidential buildings, the elevation to which the building is dry floodproofed as required for the final inspection in Subsection 18.07.050.A.15 of the Long Beach Municipal Code.

2.1 The elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member as required by the lowest floor elevation inspection in Subsection 18.07.050.A.4 of the Long Beach Municipal Code and for the final inspection in Subsection 18.07.050.A.15 of the Long Beach Municipal Code.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Sections 1613.8 and 1613.8.1 are added to Chapter 16 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

1613.8 Amendments to ASCE 7. The provisions of Section 1613.8 shall be permitted as an amendment to the relevant provisions of ASCE 7.

1613.8.1 Values for Vertical Combinations. Modify ASCE 7 Section 12.2.3.1 Exception 3 as follows:

3. Detached one- and two-family dwellings up to two stories in height of light frame construction.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1613.8.2 is added to Chapter 16 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

1613.8.2 Wood Diaphragms. Modify ASCE 7 Section 12.11.2.2.3 as follows:

12.11.2.2.3 Wood Diaphragms. The anchorage of concrete or masonry structural walls to wood diaphragms shall be in accordance with AWC SDPWS 4.1.5.1 and this section. Continuous ties required by this section shall be in addition to the diaphragm sheathing. Anchorage shall not be accomplished by use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal, nor shall wood ledgers or framing be used in cross-grain bending or cross-grain tension. The diaphragm sheathing shall not be considered effective for providing the ties or struts required by this section.

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, wood diaphragms supporting concrete or masonry walls shall comply with the following:

1. The spacing of continuous ties shall not exceed 40 feet. Added chords of diaphragms may be used to form subdiaphragms to transmit the anchorage forces to the main continuous crossties.

2. The maximum diaphragm shear used to determine the depth of the subdiaphragm shall not exceed 75% of the maximum diaphragm shear.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1613.8.3 is added to Chapter 16 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

1613.8.3 Structural Separation. Modify ASCE 7 Section 12.12.2 as follows:

12.12.2 Structural Separation. All portions of the structure shall be designed and constructed to act as an integral unit in resisting seismic forces unless separated structurally by a distance sufficient to avoid damaging contact as set forth in this section.

Separations shall allow for the Design Earthquake Displacements, δ DE , as determined in accordance with Section 12.8.6 and Equation 12.8-16, as modified below:

δ DE = C d δ e + δ di

Adjacent structures on the same property shall be separated by at least δ SS , determined as:

[Figure]

Where δ DE1 and δ DE2 are the Design Earthquake Displacements of the adjacent structures at their adjacent edges. Where a structure adjoins a property line not common to a public way, the structure shall be set back from the property line by at least the displacement δ DE of that structure.

EXCEPTION: Smaller separations or property line setbacks are permitted where justified by rational analysis based on inelastic response to design ground motions.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1613.9 is added to Chapter 16 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

1613.9 Suspended Ceilings. Minimum design and installation standards for suspended ceilings shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of Section 2506.2.1 of this code and this section.

1613.9.1 Scope. This part contains special requirements for suspended ceilings and lighting systems. Provisions of Section 13.5.6 of ASCE 7 shall apply except as modified herein.

1613.9.2 General. The suspended ceilings and lighting systems shall be limited to 6 feet (1,828 mm) below the structural deck unless the lateral bracing is designed by a registered design professional.

1613.9.3 Sprinkler Heads. All sprinkler heads (drops) except fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies, shall be designed to allow for free movement of the sprinkler pipes with oversize rings, sleeves or adaptors through the ceiling tile. Sprinkler heads and other penetrations shall have a 2 inch (50 mm) oversize ring, sleeve, or adapter through the ceiling tile to allow for free movement of at least 1 inch (25 mm) in all horizontal directions. Alternatively, a swing joint that can accommodate 1 inch (25 mm) of ceiling movement in all horizontal directions is permitted to be provided at the top of the sprinkler head extension.

Sprinkler heads penetrating fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies shall comply with Section 714 of this code.

1613.9.4 Special Requirements for Means of Egress. Suspended ceiling assemblies located along means of egress serving an occupant load of 30 or more and lobbies accessory to Group A Occupancies shall comply with the following provisions.

1613.9.4.1 General. Ceiling suspension systems shall be connected and braced with vertical hangers attached directly to the structural deck along the means of egress. Spacing of vertical hangers shall not exceed 2 feet (610 mm) on center along the entire length of the suspended ceiling assembly located along the means of egress or at the lobby.

1613.9.4.2 Assembly Device. All lay-in panels shall be secured to the suspension ceiling assembly with two hold-down clips minimum for each tile within a 4-foot (1,219 mm) radius of the exit lights and exit signs.

1613.9.4.3 Emergency Systems. Independent supports and braces shall be provided for light fixtures required for exit illumination. Power supply for exit illumination shall comply with the requirements of Section 1008.3 of this code.

1613.9.4.4 Supports for Appendage. Separate support from the structural deck shall be provided for all appendages such as light fixtures, air diffusers, exit signs, and similar elements.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1704.6 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1704.6 Structural observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1, the owner or the owner's authorized agent shall employ a structural observer to perform structural observations. The structural observer shall visually observe representative locations of structural systems, details and load paths for general conformance to the approved construction documents. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the inspections or special inspections in Chapter 18.07 of the Long Beach Municipal Code or the special inspections in Section 1705 or other sections of this code. The structural observer shall be one of the following individuals:

1. The registered design professional responsible for the structural design, or

2. A registered design professional designated by the registered design professional responsible for the structural design.

Prior to the commencement of observations, the structural observer shall submit to the Building Official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of structural observations.

The owner or owner's representative shall coordinate and call a preconstruction meeting between the structural observer, contractors, affected subcontractors and special inspectors. The structural observer shall preside over the meeting. The purpose of the meeting shall be to identify the major structural elements and connections that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the structure and to review scheduling of the required observations. A record of the meeting shall be included in the report submitted to the Building Official.

Observed deficiencies shall be reported in writing to the owner or owner's representative, special inspector, contractor and the Building Official. Upon the form prescribed by the Building Official, the structural observer shall submit to the Building Official a written statement at each significant construction stage stating that the site visits have been made and identifying any reported deficiencies which, to the best of the structural observer's knowledge, have not been resolved. A final report by the structural observer which states that all observed deficiencies have been resolved is required before acceptance of the work by the Building Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1704.6.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1704.6.1 Structural observations for structures. Structural observations shall be provided for those structures where one or more of the following conditions exist:

1. The structure is classified as Risk Category III or IV.

2. The structure is a high-rise building.

3. A lateral design is required for the structure or portion thereof.

Exception: One-story wood framed Group R-3 and Group U Occupancies less than 2,000 square feet in area, provided the adjacent grade is not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10% sloped), assigned to Seismic Design Category D.

4. Such observation is required by the registered design professional responsible for the structural design.

5. Such observation is specifically required by the City's building official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1705.3 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1705.3 Concrete Construction. Special inspections and tests of concrete construction shall be performed in accordance with this section and Table 1705.3.

Exceptions: Special inspections and tests shall not be required for:

1. Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock, where the structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, f'c, no greater than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 Mpa) regardless of the compressive strength specified in the construction documents or used in the footing construction.

2. Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock where:

2.1. The footings support walls of light-frame construction;

2.2. The footings are designed in accordance with Table 1809.7; or

2.3. The structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, f'c, no greater than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 Mpa), regardless of the compressive strength specified in the construction documents or used in the footing construction.

3. Nonstructural concrete slabs supported directly on the ground, including prestressed slabs on grade, where the effective prestress in the concrete is less than 150 psi (1.03 Mpa).

4. Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Exception 3 of Section 1705.13 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

3. The structure is a detached one- or two-family dwelling not exceeding two stories above grade plane, is not assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F and does not have any of the following horizontal or vertical irregularities in accordance with Section 12.3 of ASCE 7:

3.1 Torsional or extreme torsional irregularity.

3.2 Nonparallel systems irregularity.

3.3 Stiffness-soft story or stiffness-extreme soft story irregularity.

3.4 Discontinuity in lateral strength-weak story irregularity.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1707.1 of the California Building Code is amended by changing the reference to "Section 104.2.3" to read "Section 18.03.060 of the Long Beach Municipal Code."

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1807.1.4 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1807.1.4 Permanent wood foundation systems. Permanent wood foundation systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with ACW PWF. Lumber and plywood shall be preservative treated in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Special Requirement 4.2) and shall be identified in accordance with Section 2303.1.9.1. Permanent wood foundation systems shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1807.1.6 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1807.1.6 Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation walls. Concrete and masonry foundation walls that are laterally supported at the top and bottom shall be permitted to be designed and constructed in accordance with this section. Prescriptive design of foundation walls shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1807.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1807.2 Retaining walls. Retaining walls shall be designed in accordance with Sections 1807.2.1 through 1807.2.5. Retaining walls assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F shall not be partially or wholly constructed of wood.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1807.3.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1807.3.1 Limitations. The design procedures outlined in this section are subject to the following limitations:

1. The frictional resistance for structural walls and slabs on silts and clays shall be limited to one-half of the normal force imposed on the soil by the weight of the footing or slab.

2. Posts embedded in earth shall not be used to provide lateral support for structural or nonstructural materials such as plaster, masonry or concrete unless bracing is provided that develops the limited deflection required.

Wood poles shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 for sawn timber posts (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B) and for round timber posts (Commodity Specification B, Use Category 4B). Wood poles and posts embedded in direct contact with soil shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Exception: Wood poles and posts embedded in direct contact with soil may be used to support nonhabitable, nonoccupiable structures such as fences when approved by the Building Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1809.3 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1809.3 Stepped footings. The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall be permitted to have a slope not exceeding one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footing or where the surface of the ground slopes more than one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, the stepping requirement shall also apply to the top surface of grade beams supporting walls. Footings shall be reinforced with four ½-inch diameter (12.7 mm) deformed reinforcing bars. Two bars shall be place at the top and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure 1809.3.

[Figure]

FIGURE 1809.3 STEPPED FOOTING

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1809.7 and Table 1809.7 of the California Building Code are amended to read as follows:

1809.7 Prescriptive footings for light-frame construction. Where a specific design is not provided, concrete or masonry-unit footings supporting walls of light-frame construction shall be permitted to be designed in accordance with Table 1809.7. Light-frame construction using prescriptive footings in Table 1809.7 shall not exceed one story above grade plane for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

TABLE 1809.7 PRESCRIPTIVE FOOTINGS SUPPORITNG WALLS OF LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION a, b, c, d, e

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm

a. Depth of footings shall be in accordance with Section 1809.4.

b. The ground under the floor shall be permitted to be excavated to the elevation of the top of the footing.

c. Not Adopted.

d. See Section 1908 for additional requirements for concrete footings of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.

e. For thickness of foundation walls, see Section 1807.1.6.

f. Footings shall be permitted to support a roof addition to the stipulated number of floors. Footings supporting roof only shall be as required for supporting one floor.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1809.12 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1809.12 Timber footings. Timber footings shall be permitted for buildings of Type V construction and as otherwise approved by the Building Official. Such footings shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B). Treated timbers are not required where placed entirely below permanent water level, or where used as capping for wood piles that project above the water level over submerged or marsh lands. The compressive stresses perpendicular to grain in untreated timber footings supported on treated piles shall not exceed 70 percent of the allowable stresses for the species and grade of timber as specified in the ANSI/AWC NDS. Timber footings shall not be used in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1810.3.2.4 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1810.3.2.4 Timber. Timber deep foundation elements shall be designed as piles or poles in accordance with ANSI/AWC NDS. Round timber elements shall conform to ASTM D 25. Sawn timber elements shall conform to DOC PS-20. Timber deep foundation elements shall not be used in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 1905.6.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1905.6.2 Seismic design categories C, D, E and F. Structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F shall not have elements of structural plain concrete, except as follows:

1. Concrete used for fill with a minimum cement content of two (2) sacks of Portland cement or cementious material per cubic yard.

2. Isolated footings of plain concrete supporting pedestals or columns are permitted, provided the projection of the footing beyond the face of the supported member does not exceed the footing thickness.

3. Plain concrete footings supporting walls are permitted provided the footings have at least two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars. Bars shall not be smaller than No. 4 and shall have a total area of not less than 0.002 times the gross cross-sectional area of the footing. A minimum of one bar shall be provided at the top and bottom of the footing. Continuity of reinforcement shall be provided at corners and intersections.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Sections 1905.8 through 1905.10 are added to Chapter 19 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

1905.8 ACI 318, Section 18.7.5. Modify ACI 318, Section 18.7.5, by adding Section 18.7.5.8 and 18.7.5.9 as follows:

18.7.5.8 Where the calculated point of contraflexure is not within the middle half of the member clear height, provide transverse reinforcement as specified in ACI 318 Section 18.7.5.1, Items (a) through (c), over the full height of the member.

18.7.5.9 At any section where the design strength, φ P n , of the column is less than the sum of the shears V e computed in accordance with ACI 318 Sections 18.7.6.1 and 18.6.5.1 for all the beams framing into the column above the level under consideration, transverse reinforcement as specified in ACI 318 Sections 18.7.5.1 through 18.7.5.3 shall be provided. For beams framing into opposite sides of the column, the moment components are permitted to be assumed to be of opposite sign. For the determination of the design strength, φ P n , of the column, these moments are permitted to be assumed to result from the deformation of the frame in any one principal axis.

1905.9 ACI 318, Section 18.10.4. Modify ACI 318, Section 18.10.4, by adding Section 18.10.4.7 as follows:

18.10.4.7 Walls and portions of walls with Pu > 0.35 Po shall not be considered to contribute to the calculated shear strength of the structure for resisting earthquake-induced forces. Such walls shall conform to the requirements of ACI 318 Section 18.14.

1905.10 ACI 318, Section 18.12.6. Modify ACI 318, by adding Section 18.12.6.2 as follows:

18.12.6.2 Collector and boundary elements in topping slabs placed over precast floor and roof elements shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) or 6 db in thickness, where db is the diameter of the largest reinforcement in the topping slab.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2304.10.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

2304.10.2 Fastener requirements. Connections for wood members shall be designed in accordance with the appropriate methodology in Section 2302.1. The number and size of fasteners connecting wood members shall not be less than that set forth in Table 2304.10.2. Staple fasteners in Table 2304.10.2 shall not be used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Exception: Staples may be used to resist or transfer seismic forces when the allowable shear values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the Building Official.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2304.10.3.1 is added to Chapter 23 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

2304.10.3.1 Quality of Nails. In Seismic Design Category D, E or F, mechanically driven nails used in wood structural panel shear walls shall meet the same dimensions as that required for hand-driven nails, including diameter, minimum penetration and minimum head diameter. Clipped head or box nails are not permitted in new construction. The allowable design value for clipped head nails in existing construction shall be multiplied by the nail-head-area ratio of the clipped head nails to that of the same size hand-driven nails.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2304.12.2.8 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

2304.12.2.8 Wood used in retaining walls and cribs. Wood installed in retaining or crib walls shall be preservative treated in accordance with AWPA U1 for soil and fresh water use. Wood shall not be used in retaining or crib walls for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2305.4 is added to Chapter 23 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

2305.4 Hold-down connectors. In Seismic Design Category D, E or F, hold-down connectors shall be designed to resist shear wall overturning moments using approved cyclic load values or 75 percent of the allowable seismic load values that do not consider cyclic loading of the product. Connector bolts into wood framing shall require steel plate washers on the post on the opposite side of the anchorage device. Plate size shall be a minimum of 0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.82 mm by 76 mm by 76 mm) in size. Hold-down connectors shall be tightened to finger tight plus one-half (½) wrench turn just prior to covering the wall framing.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2306.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

2306.2 Wood-frame diaphragms. Wood-frame diaphragms shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ANSI/AWC SDPWS. Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples, requirements and limitations of ANSI/AWC SDPWS shall be met and the allowable shear values set forth in Table 2306.2(1) or 2306.2(2) shall only be permitted for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.

Exception: Allowable shear values where panels are fastened to framing members with staples may be used if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.

The allowable shear values in Tables 2306.2(1) and 2306.2(2) are permitted to be increased 40 percent for wind design.

Wood structural panels used to resist seismic diaphragm forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F shall be applied directly to the framing members.

Exception: Wood structural panels are permitted to be fastened over solid lumber planking or laminated decking, provided the panel joints and lumber planking or laminated decking joints do not coincide.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2306.3 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

2306.3 Wood-frame shear walls. Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ANSI/AWC SDPWS. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, application of Table 4.3A of ANSI/AWC SDPWS shall include the following:

1. Wood structural panel thickness for shear walls shall not be less than 3/8 inch thick and studs shall not be spaced at more than 16 inches on center.

2. The maximum nominal unit shear capacities for ⅜ inch wood structural panels resisting seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F is 400 pounds per linear foot (plf).

Exception: Other nominal unit shear capacities may be permitted if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.

3. Nails shall be placed not less than ½-inch in from the panel edges and not less than ⅜-inch from the edge of the connecting members for shear greater than 350 plf using ASD or 500 plf using LRFD. Nails shall be placed not less than ⅜-inch from panel edges and not less than ¼-inch from the edge of the connecting members for shears of 350 plf or less using ASD or 500 plf or less using LRFD.

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, application of Table 4.3B of ANSI/AWC SDPWS shall not be allowed.

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, application of Table 4.3C of AWC SDPWS shall not be used below the top level in a multi-level building for structures.

Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples, requirements and limitations of AWC SDPWS shall be met and the allowable shear values set forth in Tables 2306.3(1), 2306.3(2) or 2306.3(3) shall only be permitted for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.

Exception: Allowable shear values where panels are fastened to framing members with staples may be used if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.

The allowable shear values in Tables 2306.3(1) and 2306.3(2) are permitted to be increased 40 percent for wind design. Panels complying with ANSI/APA PRP-210 shall be permitted to use design values for Plywood Siding in the ANSI/AWC SDPWS.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2307.2 is added to the California Building Code to read as follows:

2307.2 Wood-frame shear walls. Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section 2306.3 as applicable.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Table 2308.10.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

[Figure]

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm. NP = Not Permitted. a. This table specifies minimum requirements for braced wall panels along interior or exterior braced wall lines. b. See Section 2308.6.3 for full description of bracing methods. c. For Method GB, gypsum wallboard applied to framing supports that are spaced at 16 inches on center. d. The required lengths shall be doubled for gypsum board applied to only one face of a braced wall panel. e. Percentage shown represents the minimum amount of bracing required along the building length (or wall length if the structure has an irregular shape). f. DWB, SFB, PBS, and HPS wall braces are not permitted in Seismic Design Categories D or E. g. Minimum length of panel bracing of one face of the wall for WSP sheathing shall be at least 4'-0" long or both faces of the wall for GB or PCP sheathing shall be at least 8'-0" long: h/w ratio shall not exceed 2:1. Wall framing to which sheathing used for bracing is applied shall be nominal 2 inch wide factual 1½-inch (38 mm) or larger members and spaced a maximum of 16 inches on center. Braced wall panel construction types shall not be mixed within a braced wall line. h. WSP sheathing shall be a minimum of 15/32" thick nailed with 8d common placed ⅜ inches from panel edges and spaced not more than 6 inches on center and 12 inches on center along intermediate framing members.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2308.10.5.1 and Figure 2308.10.5.1 of the California Building Code are amended to read as follows:

2308.10.5.1 Alternate braced wall (ABW). An ABW shall be constructed in accordance with this section and Figure 2308.10.5.1. In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 2 feet 8 inches (813 mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3,048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on one face with ⅜-inch (3.2 mm) minimum-thickness wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance with Table 2304.10.1 and blocked at wood structural panel edges. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E, each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch-minimum-thickness (11.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common nails spaced 3 inches on panel edges, 3 inches at intermediate supports. Two anchor bolts installed in accordance with Section 2308.7.1 shall be provided in each panel. Anchor bolts shall be placed at each panel outside quarter points. Each panel end stud shall have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation, capable of providing an approved uplift capacity of not less than 1,800 pounds (8,006 N). The hold-down device shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The ABW shall be supported directly on a foundation or on floor framing supported directly on a foundation that is continuous across the entire length of the braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous footing is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This continuous footing shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped 24 inches (610 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation located directly under the braced wall line.

Where the ABW is installed at the first story of two-story buildings, the wood structural panel sheathing shall be provided on both faces, three anchor bolts shall be placed at one-quarter points and tie-down device uplift capacity shall be not less than 3,000 pounds (13,344 N).

[Figure]

a. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E, sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch-minimum-thickness (11.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing.

FIGURE 2308.10.5.1—ALTERNATE BRACED WALL PANEL (ABW)

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2308.10.5.2 and Figure 2308.10.5.2 of the California Building Code are amended to read as follows:

2308.10.5.2 Portal frame with hold-downs (PFH). A PFH shall be constructed in accordance with this section and Figure 2308.10.5.2. The adjacent door or window opening shall have a full-length header.

In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 16 inches (406 mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3,048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on one face with a single layer of ⅜-inch (9.5 mm) minimum-thickness wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance with Figure 2308.10.5.2. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E, each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch minimum thickness (11.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common nails spaced 3 inches on panel edges, 3 inches at intermediate supports and in accordance with Figure 2308.10.5.2. The wood structural panel sheathing shall extend up over the solid sawn or glued-laminated header and shall be nailed in accordance with Figure 2308.10.5.2. A built-up header consisting of at least two 2-inch by 12-inch (51 mm by 305 mm) boards, fastened in accordance with Item 26 of Table 2304.10.2 shall be permitted to be used. A spacer, if used, shall be placed on the side of the built-up beam opposite the wood structural panel sheathing. The header shall extend between the inside faces of the first full-length outer studs of each panel. The clear span of the header between the inner studs of each panel shall be not less than 6 feet (1,829 mm) and not more than 18 feet (5,486 mm) in length. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4,400 N) shall fasten the header to the inner studs opposite the sheathing. One anchor bolt not less than ⅝-inch (15.9 mm) diameter and installed in accordance with Section 2308.7.1 shall be provided in the center of each sill plate. The studs at each end of the panel shall have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 3,500 pounds (15,570 N).

Where a panel is located on one side of the opening, the header shall extend between the inside face of the first full-length stud of the panel and the bearing studs at the other end of the opening. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4,400 N) shall fasten the header to the bearing studs. The bearing studs shall also have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4,400 N). The hold-down devices shall be an embedded strap type, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The PFH panels shall be supported directly on a foundation that is continuous across the entire length of the braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous footing is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This continuous footing shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped not less than 24 inches (610 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation located directly under the braced wall line.

Where a PFH is installed at the first story of two-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 24 inches (610 mm).

FIGURE 2308.10.5.2—PORTAL FRAME WITH HOLD-DOWNS (PFH)

[Figure]

a. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E, sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch-minimum-thickness (11.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2308.10.8.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

2308.10.8.1 Foundation requirements. Braced wall lines shall be supported by continuous foundations.

Exception: For structures with a maximum plan dimension not over 50 feet (15,240 mm), continuous foundations are required at exterior walls only for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B or C.

For structures in Seismic Design Categories D and E, exterior braced wall panels shall be in the same plane vertically with the foundation or the portion of the structure containing the offset shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice and Section 2308.3.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2308.10.9 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

2308.10.9 Attachment of sheathing. Fastening of braced wall panel sheathing shall not be less than that prescribed in Tables 2308.10.1 or 2304.10.2. Wall sheathing shall not be attached to framing members by adhesives. Staple fasteners in Table 2304.10.2 shall not be used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Exception: Staples may be used to resist or transfer seismic forces when the allowable shear values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the Building Official.

All braced wall panels shall extend to the roof sheathing and shall be attached to parallel roof rafters or blocking above with framing clips (18 gauge minimum) spaced at a maximum of 24 inches (6,096 mm) on center with four 8d nails per leg (total eight 8d nails per clip, minimum). Braced wall panels shall be laterally braced at each top corner and at intervals not to exceed 24 inches (6,096 mm) along the top plate of discontinuous vertical framing.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 2503.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

2503.1 Inspection. Lath and gypsum panel products shall be inspected in accordance with Section 18.07.050 of the Long Beach Municipal Code.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 3007.6.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

3007.6.1 Access to interior exit stairway or ramp. The enclosed fire service access elevator lobby shall have direct access from the enclosed elevator lobby to a smokeproof enclosure with an interior exit stairway or ramp complying with Section 909.20.

Exception: Access to a smokeproof enclosure with an interior exit stairway or ramp shall be permitted to be through a protected path of travel that has a level of fire protection not less than the elevator lobby enclosure. The wall and floor/ceiling assemblies of the protected path shall comply with the requirements of Section 3007.6.2 and doors opening into the protected path shall comply with the requirements of Section 3007.6.3. The protected path shall be separated from the enclosed elevator lobby through an opening protected by a smoke and draft control assembly in accordance Section 716.2.2.1.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 3114.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

3114.1 General. The provisions of Section 3114 and other applicable sections of this code shall apply to intermodal shipping containers that are repurposed for use as buildings or structures, or as a part of buildings or structures.

Exceptions:

1. Intermodal shipping containers previously approved as existing relocatable buildings complying with Chapter 14 of the California Existing Building Code.

2. Stationary battery storage arrays located in intermodal shipping containers complying with Chapter 12 of the California Fire Code.

3. Intermodal shipping containers that are listed as equipment complying with the standard for equipment, such as air chillers, engine generators, modular data centers, and other similar equipment.

4. Intermodal shipping containers housing or supporting experimental equipment are exempt from the requirements of Section 3114, provided they comply with all of the following:

4.1. Such units will be single stand-alone units supported at grade level and used only for occupancies as specified under Risk Category I in Table 1604.5.

4.2. Such units are located a minimum of 8 feet (2,438 mm) from adjacent structures, and are not connected to a fuel gas system or fuel gas utility.

4.3. In hurricane-prone regions and flood hazard areas, such units are designed in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 16.

5. [HCD] Shipping containers constructed or converted off-site that meet the definition of Factory-built Housing in Health and Safety Code Section 19971 or Commercial Modular(s) as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18001.8 shall be approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

6. Single-unit stand-alone intermodal shipping containers used as temporary storage or as construction trailers on active construction sites. Construction support facilities for uses and activities not directly associated with the actual processes of construction, including but not limited to, offices, meeting rooms, plan rooms, other administrative or support functions shall not be exempt from Section 3114.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 3114.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

3114.2 Construction documents. The construction documents shall contain information to verify the dimensions and establish the physical properties of the steel components and wood floor components of the intermodal shipping container, in addition to the information required by Chapter 18.05 of the Long Beach Municipal Code and Section 1603.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 3114.8.4.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

3114.8.4.2 Seismic design parameters. The seismic force-resisting system shall be designed and detailed in accordance with ASCE 7 and one of the following:

1. Where all or portions of the profiled steel panel elements are considered to be the seismic force-resisting system, design and detailing shall be in accordance with AISI S100 and ASCE 7, Table 12.2-1 requirements for steel systems not specifically detailed for seismic resistance, excluding cantilevered column systems.

2. Where all or portions of the profiled steel panel elements are not considered to be part of the seismic force-resisting system, an independent seismic force-resisting system shall be selected and detailed in accordance with ASCE 7 Table 12.2-1.

3. Where all or portions of the profiled steel elements are retained and integrated into a seismic force-resisting system other than as permitted by Section 3115.8.4.2 Item 1, seismic design parameters shall be developed from testing and analysis in accordance with Section 18.03.060 of the Long Beach Municipal Code and ASCE 7, Section 12.2.1.1 or 12.2.1.2.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G101.3 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

G101.3 Scope. The provision of this appendix shall apply to all proposed development in a flood hazard area established in Section 1612 of this code, including certain building work exempt from permit under Section 18.04.020 of the Long Beach Municipal Code.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G101.4 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

G101.4 Violations. Any violation of a provision of this appendix, or failure to comply with a permit or variance issued pursuant to this appendix or any requirement of this appendix, shall be handled in accordance with Chapter 18.09 of the Long Beach Municipal Code.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G101.5 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

G101.5 Designation of local floodplain administrator. The Building Official and City Engineer are hereby designated to administer and implement this appendix by granting or denying permits in accordance with its provisions and the Long Beach Municipal Code.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G101.6 is added to the California Building Code to read as follows:

G101.6 Warning and disclaimer of liability. The degree of flood protection required by this appendix is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on occasion. Flood heights may be increased by manmade or natural causes. This appendix does not imply that land outside areas of special flood hazards or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This appendix shall not create liability on the part of the City of Long Beach, any officer or employee thereof, the State of California, the Federal Insurance Administration, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for any flood damage that results from reliance on this appendix or any administrative decision made hereunder.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

The first sentence of Section G102.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

G201.1 General. The following words and terms shall, for the purpose of this appendix, have the meanings shown herein. Refer to Chapter 2 of this code or Chapter 18.02 of the Long Beach Municipal Code for general definitions.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Item 10 of Section G103.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

10. Certain building work exempt from permit under Section 18.04.020 of the Long Beach Municipal Code and other buildings and development activities.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G103.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

G103.2 Establishment of flood hazard areas. Flood hazard areas are established in Section 1612.3 of this code and by the Federal Insurance Administration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in a scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for the City of Long Beach", dated July 6, 1998, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRMs), and all subsequent amendments and/or revisions, are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this appendix. This flood insurance study and attendant mapping is the minimum area of applicability of this appendix and may be supplemented by studies for other areas which allow implementation of this appendix and which are recommended to the City Council by the City Engineer. The Flood Insurance Study and FIRMs are on file in the office of the Department of Public Works, 411 West Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90802.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G103.3 is added to the California Building Code to read as follows:

G103.3 Interpretation of FIRM boundaries. The City Engineer shall make interpretations where needed as to the exact location of the boundaries of flood hazard areas where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions. The applicant contesting the boundaries shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided for in Section G106.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Item 2 of Section G104.3 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

2. Determine the design flood elevation in accordance with accepted hydrologic and hydraulic engineering techniques. Such analyses shall be performed and sealed by a registered design professional. Studies, analyses, and computations shall be submitted in sufficient detail to allow review and approval by the City Engineer. The accuracy of data submitted for such determination shall be the responsibility of the applicant.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G104.5 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

G104.5 Floodway encroachment. Prior to issuing a permit for any floodway encroachment, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and other development or land-disturbing activity, the City Engineer shall require submission of a certification, prepared by a registered design professional, along with supporting technical data, demonstrating that such development will not cause any increase of the base flood level.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Sections G104.6 and G104.6.1 of the California Building Code are amended to read as follows:

G104.6 Watercourse alteration. Prior to issuing of a permit for any alteration or relocation of any watercourse, the City Engineer shall provide notification of the proposal to the appropriate authorities of all adjacent government jurisdictions, as well as the California Department of Water Resources. A copy of the notification shall be maintained in the permit records and submitted to FEMA.

G104.6.1 Engineering analysis. The City Engineer shall require submission of an engineering analysis, prepared by a registered design professional, demonstrating that the flood-carrying capacity of the altered or relocated portion of the watercourse will not be decreased. Such watercourses shall be maintained in a manner that preserves the channel's flood-carrying capacity.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G104.7 of the California Building Code are amended to read as follows:

G104.7 Alterations in coastal areas. Prior to issuing a permit for any alteration of sand dunes and mangrove stands in coast high-hazard areas and coastal A zones, the City Engineer shall require submission of an engineering analysis, prepared by a registered design professional, demonstrating that the proposed alteration will not increase the potential for flood damage.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G104.11 is added to the California Building Code to read as follows:

G104.11 Letter of Map Revision. Within 6 months of information becoming available or project completion, whichever comes first, the City Engineer shall submit technical or scientific data to FEMA for a Letter of Map Revision pursuant to the requirement of Part 65 and 65.3 of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G105.4 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

G105.4 Expiration. Section 18.04.060 of the Long Beach Municipal Code shall govern when a permit becomes invalid or expired.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G106.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

G106.1 General. The Board of Examiners, Appeals and Condemnation (hereinafter referred to as "board of appeals" in this appendix) established pursuant to Chapter 18.10 of the Long Beach Municipal Code shall hear and decide requests for variances. The board of appeals shall base its determination on technical justifications and has the right to attach such conditions to variances as it deems necessary to further the purposes and objectives of this appendix and Section 1612.

Any person aggrieved by the decision of the board of appeal may, within ten (10) days from the date the aggrieved party is notified in writing of the decision, appeal such decision to the City Council by filing a written notice thereof with the City Clerk. The City Council's decision shall be reduced to writing and shall be served by mail on the aggrieved party within ten (10) days after all evidence has been received by the City Council. Upon consideration of the factors of Section G106.6 and the purposes of this appendix, the City Council may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems necessary to further the purposes of this appendix. The decision of the City Council shall be final.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section G106.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

G106.2 Records. The Building Official shall maintain a permanent record of all variance actions, including justification for their issuance. The City Engineer shall report any variances issued in its report submitted to FEMA.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Item 5 of Section G106.7 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

5. Notification to the applicant in writing over the signature of the Building Official that the issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage, and that such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property. Prior to the issuance of a permit, a copy of the notice shall be recorded by the applicant in the Office of the Los Angeles County Recorder and shall be recorded in a manner so that it appears in the chain of title of the affected parcel of land.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 3109.2.1 is added to Chapter 31 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

3109.2.1 Required enclosure. A permanent enclosure preventing direct access to a swimming pool and/or spa shall be provided as one of the two drowning safety features required by the Swimming Pool Safety Act Section 115922(a) of the California Health and Safety Code.

Where the permanent enclosure includes an exterior wall of the residence and/or accessory structures including but not limited to garages, sheds, pool houses and accessory dwellings units, any doors opening directly into the enclosed area shall be provided with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed not lower than 54 inches above the interior finished floor or a permanent exit alarm.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)

Section 3109.2.2 is added to Chapter 31 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

3109.2.2 Access gates. Access gates shall comply with the requirements of the Swimming Pool Safety Act Section 115923(a) of the California Health and Safety Code. The access gate shall not exceed 48 inches in width.

(ORD-25-0019 § 1(Exh. A), 2025)