Los Angeles County Municipal Code Part I General Provisions

100 - ADOPTION AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Except as hereinafter changed or modified, Sections 1.2.0 through 1.14.0 of Chapter 1, Division I, of that certain Mechanical Code known and designated as the 2025 California Mechanical Code, as published by the California Building Standards Commission, are adopted and incorporated by reference into this Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as Sections 119.1.2.0 through 119.1.14.0, respectively, of Chapter 1 of Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code.

Except as hereinafter changed or modified, Chapters 2 through 17, and Appendices B, C, and D, of that certain Mechanical Code known and designated as the 2025 California Mechanical Code, as published by the California Building Standards Commission, are adopted and incorporated by reference into this Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as Chapters 2 through 17, and Appendices B, C, and D, of Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code.

A copy of the 2025 California Mechanical Code shall be at all times maintained by the Chief Mechanical Inspector for use and examination by the public.

(Ord. 2025-0050 § 2, 2025; Ord. 2022-0054 § 2, 2022; Ord. 2019-0059 § 2, 2019; Ord. 2016-0056 § 2, 2016; Ord. 2013-0051 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2010-0056 § 2, 2010; Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 2002-0079 § 2, 2002; Ord. 99-0043 § 2, 1999; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

101 - TITLE

Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code shall be known as the Los Angeles County Mechanical Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to in this ordinance as "this Code."

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

102 - PURPOSE AND INTENT

The purpose of this Code is to provide minimum standards to preserve the public health, safety and welfare by regulating the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation, and maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, and other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances. Consistent with this purpose, the provisions of this Code are intended and always have been intended to confer a benefit on the community as a whole and are not intended to establish a duty of care toward any particular person.

This code shall not be construed to hold the County or any officer, employee or agent thereof responsible for any damage to persons or property by reason of any inspection authorized herein or by reason of the issuance or non-issuance of any permit authorized herein, and/or for any action or omission in connection with the application and/or enforcement of this Code. By adopting the provisions of this Code the County does not intend to impose on itself, its employees, or agents any mandatory duties of care toward persons and property within its jurisdiction so as to provide a basis of civil liability for damages.

This section is declaratory of existing law and is not to be construed as suggesting that such was not the purpose and intent of previous Code adoptions.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

103 - SCOPE

The provisions of this Code shall apply to the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use, or maintenance of any heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, incinerators or other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances.

Where, in any specific case, different sections of this Code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.

Where the requirements of this Code conflict with the requirements of Title 28 - Los Angeles County Plumbing Code, the Plumbing Code shall prevail.

Except as hereinafter changed or modified, the building standards contained in the Uniform Mechanical Code of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, which are published in the California Building Standards Code, are applicable to all occupancies and uses throughout the County of Los Angeles. Amendments to the building standards contained in the Uniform Mechanical Code, by state agencies, are applicable only to those occupancies or uses which the state agency making the amendment is authorized to regulate.

(Ord. 2013-0051 § 3, 2013; Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 2002-0079 § 3, 2002; Ord. 99-0043 § 3, 1999; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

104 - CHIEF MECHANICAL INSPECTOR

The office of Chief Mechanical Inspector exists in the Building and Safety Division of the Department of Public Works. The Chief Mechanical Inspector shall administer the provisions of this Code under the supervision and control of the Director of the Department of Public Works and shall be a competent mechanical engineer well versed in accepted mechanical engineering practices and techniques, construction and installation methods, and in the statutes of the State of California and the ordinances of the County of Los Angeles relating to heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, and other miscellaneous heat-producing equipment.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

105 - USE OF TERMS

Whenever the term "Chief Mechanical Inspector," "Mechanical Inspector," "Authority Having Jurisdiction" or "Building Official" is used in this Code, other than in Section 104, such term shall be construed to mean the "Director of the Department of Public Works" of the County of Los Angeles or his authorized representative.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

106 - EXISTING EQUIPMENT

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

All heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, or other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances, both existing and new, and all parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards which are required by this Code in heating, ventilation, cooling, refrigeration systems, or other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances when installed, altered, or repaired, shall be maintained in good working order.

The owner or his designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, or other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

107 - ALTERNATE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION AND MODIFICATIONS

Refer to Section 302.2 for the requirements for alternate materials and methods of construction and modifications.

(Ord. 2016-0056 § 3, 2016.)

108 - RESERVED

109 - BOARD OF APPEALS*

In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Authority Having Jurisdiction relative to the application and interpretations of this Code, the Board of Examiners of Plumbers provided for in Section 105.3 of Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code, known as the Plumbing Code, shall act as a Board of Appeals. The Board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations, which may be separate and distinct from, or may be a part of, the rules and regulations, if any, of the Board of Examiners of Plumbers. The Board shall render all decisions and findings in writing.

The Board of Appeals shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the administrative portions of this Code, nor shall the Board of Appeals be empowered to waive requirements of this Code.

A fee of $622.84 shall be paid to the Department of Public Works whenever a person requests a hearing before the Board of Appeals. The appellant shall cause to be made at his own expense any tests or research required by the Board to substantiate his claims.

(Ord. 2010-0056 § 4, 2010; Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 2002-0079 § 5, 2002; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

* Editor's note: Fee changes in this section were made by the director of public works due to increases in the Consumer Price Index and are effective July 1, 2025.

110 - DUTIES OF THE MECHANICAL INSPECTOR

The Mechanical Inspector shall examine and check plans and specifications, drawings, descriptions, and diagrams required by Section 112.1 of this Code and upon approval thereof shall issue the permit applied for.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

The Mechanical Inspector shall collect such fees as are required by this code and issue receipts therefor, copies of which shall be maintained as a record in his office. He shall transfer all fees collected by him to the proper authority provided by law to receive such funds.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

The Mechanical Inspector shall inspect all mechanical work authorized by any permit for compliance with the provisions of this Code or amendments thereto, and may approve or reject said work in whole or in part as conditions require.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

The Mechanical Inspector shall issue upon request a Certificate of Approval for any work approved by him.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

The Mechanical Inspector shall have the authority to reject all work done or being done or materials used or being used which do not comply with the provisions of this Code and amendments thereto and any other pertinent laws and ordinances.

(Ord. 2002-0079 § 6, 2002; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

The Mechanical Inspector may order changes in workmanship or materials, or both, to obtain compliance with the provisions of this Code.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

The Mechanical Inspector may investigate any construction or work regulated by this Code, and issue such notices and orders as provided under Section 110.10.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

The Mechanical Inspector shall keep a complete record of all the essential transactions of his office.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

Every applicant for a permit (pursuant to Section 111) shall be deemed to have given his permission to the Mechanical Inspector or his duly authorized representative to enter at reasonable times any building, structure or premises to which the permit relates to perform any duty imposed upon him by this Code. Every person who denies or prevents, obstructs, or attempts to deny, prevent or obstruct such access is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

Whenever it is brought to the attention of the Mechanical Inspector that any construction or equipment regulated by this Code is dangerous, unsafe, or a menace to life, health or property or is in violation of this Code, the Mechanical Inspector shall have the authority to make an investigation.

The Mechanical Inspector shall have the authority to order any person, firm or corporation using or maintaining any such condition or responsible for the use or maintenance thereof to discontinue the use of or maintenance thereof or to repair, alter, change, remove or demolish same, as he, in his discretion, may consider necessary for the protection of life, health or property. The Mechanical Inspector shall have the authority, in the case of any gas appliance or equipment, to order any person, firm or corporation supplying gas to such appliance or equipment to discontinue supplying gas thereto until such gas appliance or equipment is remedied or repaired to the satisfaction of the Mechanical Inspector.

Every such order shall be in writing addressed to the owner, agent or person responsible for the premises in which such condition exists, and shall specify the date or time when such order shall be complied with, which time shall allow a reasonable period in which such order can be complied with by the person receiving such order. Refusal or failure or neglect to comply with any such notice or order shall be considered a violation of this ordinance.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

The liability and indemnification of the Chief Mechanical Inspector and any of his subordinates are governed by the provisions of Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

Whenever any work regulated by this Code is being done contrary to the provisions thereof, the Mechanical Inspector may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in doing or causing such work to be done. Any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the Mechanical Inspector to proceed with the work.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

111 - PERMITS

No person shall install, alter, reconstruct or repair any heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment unless a permit therefor has first been obtained from the Chief Mechanical Inspector.

A permit shall be obtained for all heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment, moved with, or installed in, any relocated building. A separate permit shall be obtained for the equipment installed in each separate building or structure. Permits are not transferable from one person to another or from one location to another.

No permit shall be required for the following:

Any portable heating appliance.

Any portable ventilating equipment.

Any portable cooling unit.

Any steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this Code.

Replacement of any component part or assembly of an appliance which does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of this Code.

Any portable evaporative cooler.

Any refrigerating equipment which is a part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of this Code.

Any unit refrigerating system.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 2002-0079 § 7, 2002; Ord. 99-0043 § 5, 1999; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

To obtain a permit, the applicant shall file an application on forms furnished for that purpose. The application shall contain all information necessary to the lawful enforcement of the provisions of this Code.

When no permit is issued within one year following the date of the application therefor, the application shall automatically expire. Plans and specifications previously submitted may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Chief Mechanical Inspector. The Chief Mechanical Inspector may, before or after expiration of the application, grant up to two extensions not exceeding 180 days per extension, beyond the initial one-year limit upon written request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken and upon the payment of an extension fee as determined by the Chief Mechanical Inspector, not to exceed 25 percent of the plan check fee.

Once an application, including any extension(s) thereof has expired, the applicant shall file a new application, resubmit plans and specifications and pay a new plan checking or review fee.

(Ord. 2013-0051 § 5, 2013; Ord. 2010-0056 § 5, 2010; Ord. 2002-0079 § 8, 2002; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

112 - PLANS REQUIRED AND PLAN CHECK FEES

The Authority Having Jurisdiction may require the submission of plans, specifications, drawings, and such other information as he may deem necessary, prior to the commencement of and at any time during the progress of any work regulated by this Code.

The issuance of a permit upon plans and specifications shall not prevent the Authority Having Jurisdiction from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans and specifications, or from preventing construction operations being carried on thereunder when in violation of this Code or of any other pertinent ordinance, or from revoking any certificate of approval when issued in error.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 2002-0079 § 9, 2002; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

A plan checking fee shall be paid to the Chief Mechanical Inspector at the time of submitting the plans and specifications for work as described in Section 112.1 above. Said fee shall be as follows:

For projects requiring a mechanical code plan check, the fee shall be equal to the greater of either 50 percent of the required mechanical permit fee as set forth in Section 114 of this Code.

EXCEPTION: Identical appliances of 100,000 BTU or less, installed in a single building:

When mechanical plan check is required and any of the following systems are included in the proposed work, a supplemental plan review fee, in addition to the fee specified in paragraph 1, above, shall be collected for each of these systems as follows:

For plan review of projects consisting of one or more systems specified in section 112.2, 1. (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above and that do not require mechanical code plan check as specified in paragraph 1, above, the fee shall be $366.24 for each system.

For tenant improvement installations requiring review to verify compliance with the State's Energy Regulations, when a building permit is not required for that work, the fee shall be $39.32/1,000 square feet (93 m 2 ) of conditioned space;

provided, however, the minimum fee shall be $79.54.

In addition to the aforementioned fees, the Chief Mechanical Inspector may require additional charges at the rate of $158.63 per hour for reviews required by the complexity of plans, or revisions of approved plans and reports, or for services beyond the initial and second check when such additional work is due to changes, omissions or errors on the part of the plan check applicant. The payment of said charges shall not exempt any person from compliance with other provisions of this Code.

(Ord. 2019-0059 § 3, 2019; Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 2002-0079 § 10, 2002; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

* Editor's note: Fee changes in this section were made by the director of public works due to increases in the Consumer Price Index and are effective July 1, 2025.

113 - VALIDITY AND LENGTH OF PERMIT

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007)

The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this Code or of any other laws or ordinances. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this Code or any other laws or ordinances shall be valid.

The issuance of a permit based upon plans and specifications shall not prevent the Building Official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans and specifications, or from preventing construction being carried on thereunder when in violation of this Code or of any other laws and ordinances.

(Ord. 2002-0079 § 11, 2002; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this Code shall expire by limitation, and become null and void, if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 12 months from the date such permit is issued, or the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days, or permittee fails to obtain inspection as required by the provisions of Section 115.0 of this Code for a period of 180 days.

Exception: Permits issued to abate violation(s) in conjunction with a code enforcement action shall expire and become null and void at a date not to exceed 12 months from the issuance date or other date determined by the Building Official.

The Building Official may grant one or more extensions of the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days from the date of expiration upon written request from the permittee and payment of a fee in an amount determined by the Building Official, not to exceed 25 percent of the permit fee. Once a permit, including any extension(s) thereof, has expired, the permittee shall file a new application as specified in Section 111.2.

(Ord. 2019-0059 § 4, 2019; Ord. 2013-0051 § 6, 2013; Ord. 2002-0079 § 12, 2002; Ord. 99-0043 § 6, 1999; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this Code whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this Code.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

Whenever any work has been commenced without a permit as required by the provisions of Section 111.1 of this Code, a special investigation shall be made prior to the issuance of the permit.

An investigation fee shall be collected for each permit so investigated. The investigation fee shall be equal to and in addition to the permit fees specified in Section 114, but in no event shall the investigation fee be less than $487.88.

EXCEPTION: The investigation fee shall be $243.94 when the Chief Mechanical Inspector has determined that the owner- builder of a one family or two family dwelling, accessory building or accessory structure had no knowledge that a permit was necessary and had not previously applied for a permit from the Building and Safety Division of the County of Los Angeles.

The payment of the investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this Code nor from any penalty prescribed by law.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

* Editor's note: Fee changes in this section were made by the director of public works due to increases in the Consumer Price Index and are effective July 1, 2025.

In the event that any person shall have obtained a permit and no portion of the work or construction covered by such permit shall have been commenced and such permit shall have been canceled without any work having been done as provided for in Section 113.2, the permittee upon presentation to the Chief Mechanical Inspector of a request therefor in writing, shall be entitled to a refund in an amount equal to 80 percent of the fee actually paid for such permit.

When approved by the Chief Mechanical Inspector and upon verification of eligibility, each such refund shall be paid as provided by law for the payment of claims against the County. No refund shall be made when a permit has been obtained by falsification or misrepresentation and has been revoked for such cause.

(Ord. 2016-0056 § 4, 2016; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

The requirement for fees contained in this Code shall not apply when the collection of such fees is contrary to the provisions of any contract to which the County of Los Angeles is a part or is legally prohibited by statute.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

Permits are not transferable from one person to another or from one location to another.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

If the Chief Mechanical Inspector in the course of enforcing the provisions of this Code or any state law issues an order to any person and that person fails to comply with the order within 15 days following the due date for compliance stated in the order, including any extensions thereof, then the Chief Mechanical Inspector shall have the authority to collect a noncompliance fee.

The noncompliance fee shall not be imposed unless the order states that a failure to comply within 15 days after the compliance date specified in the order will result in the fee being imposed. No more than one such fee shall be collected for failure to comply with an order. The amount of the noncompliance fee shall be $146.52 per building for Group R Division 3 occupancies and $293.26 per building for all other occupancies and shall be in addition to the fees specified elsewhere in this Code.

(Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

* Editor's note: Fee changes in this section were made by the director of public works due to increases in the Consumer Price Index and are effective July 1, 2025.

114 - PERMIT FEES*

Any person desiring a permit required by this Code shall, at the time of filing an application therefor, pay a fee as required by this section.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

* Editor's note: Fee changes in this section were made by the director of public works due to increases in the Consumer Price Index and are effective July 1, 2025.

115 - INSPECTION

All equipment for which a permit is obtained under this Code shall be inspected by the Building Official.

No portion of any equipment intended to be concealed by any permanent portion of the building shall be concealed until inspected and approved.

When the installation of any equipment is complete, a second or final inspection shall be made.

Equipment regulated by this Code shall not be connected to the fuel or power supply until authorized by the Building Official.

EXCEPTION: The requirements of this Section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any heating equipment installed to replace existing heating equipment serving an occupied portion of a building, in the event a request for inspection of such heating equipment has been filed with the Division not more than 48 hours after such replacement work is completed, and before any portion of such equipment is concealed by any permanent portion of the building.

A final inspection approval may, upon notice, be revoked by the Building Official if he finds that the heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment fails in any respect to comply with the requirements of this Code, or that the installation is unsafe, dangerous, or a hazard to life or property.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

116 - REQUEST FOR INSPECTION

The Building Official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one day before such inspection is desired. Such request may be in writing or by telephone at the option of the Building Official.

It shall be the duty of the person requesting inspection of any equipment regulated by this Code to provide access to any means for proper inspection of such equipment. The Building Official shall not be liable for any expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow the inspection.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

117 - ANNUAL REVIEW OF FEES

The fees contained in this Code shall be reviewed annually by the Director of the Department of Public Works. Beginning on July 1, 1992, and thereafter on each succeeding July 1, the amount of each fee in this Code shall be adjusted as follows: Calculate the percentage movement between March of the previous year and March of the current year in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all urban consumers in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA areas, as published by the United States Government Bureau of Labor Statistics, and adjust each fee by said percentage amount; provided, however, that no adjustment shall decrease any fee and no fee shall exceed the reasonable cost of providing services. When it is determined that the amount reasonably necessary to recover the cost of providing services is in excess of this adjustment, the Chief Mechanical Inspector may present fee proposals to the Board of Supervisors for approval.

(Ord. 2022-0054 § 3, 2022; Ord. 2019-0059 § 5, 2019; Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 99-0043 § 7, 1999; Ord. 95-0070 § 3 (part), 1995.)

118 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, install, alter, repair, relocate, add to, replace, use or maintain heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment in the jurisdiction, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this Code. Maintenance of equipment which was unlawful at the time it was installed, and

which would be unlawful under this Code if installed after the effective date of this Code, shall constitute a continuing violation of this Code.

Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this Code is committed, continued, or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation, such person shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1000.00 or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties, or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of any provisions of this Code.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007; Ord. 2002-0079 § 13, 2002.)

119 - APPLICATION OF STATE AGENCIES

Following is a list of the state agencies that adopt building standards, the specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, and the specific statutory authority of each agency to adopt and enforce such building standards, unless otherwise stated.

(Ord. 2007-0111 § 2 (part), 2007)