Title 15 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING REGULATIONS AND CODES
Mammoth Lakes Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-02 · Mammoth Lakes
15.04.010. - Purpose of Chapter; building code.¶
This chapter is enacted for the purpose of adopting rules and regulations pursuant to the State Housing Law and the State Health and Safety Code, for the protection of the public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants and the public; governing the creation, construction, enlargement, conversion, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, occupancy, use, height, fire protection, sanitation, ventilation, and maintenance of any building used for human habitation.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.010; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.020. - Definitions.¶
For definitions not contained within this text, reference shall be made to Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged, as providing ordinarily accepted meanings. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter or in any of the codes adopted by reference, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Board of Appeals, Housing Advisory and Appeals Board and any other reference to an appellate body in any of the California Building Codes adopted by reference by this chapter means the Board of Appeals/Building Advisory Committee as established by the Town Council.
Building Department, Electrical Department, Plumbing Department, Office of Administrative Authority, or Housing Department means the Building Division of the Community and Economic Development Department of the Town.
Building Official, Plumbing Official, Chief Electrical Inspector, Administrative Authority and similar references to a chief administrative position means the Building Official of the Town:
(1)
When such terms are used in connection with those duties imposed by a statute or ordinance upon the State/County Health Officer, the terms shall refer to the County Health Officer.
(2)
When enforcement of the provisions of this chapter has been delegated to a special district, the terms shall include the person designated by the governing board of such special district to carry out the required inspections and enforcement.
Fire Chief means the Chief of the Fire Protection District wherein a particular building is or is to be located.
Licensed contractor means an individual licensed by the State to conduct activities within the construction industry.
Loft or mezzanine means an intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story of a building that is open to the room in which the loft is located. For purposes of this section, lofts used for residential overnight sleeping purposes shall be addressed. Lofts in residential occupancies shall be considered sleeping areas.
Lot means:
(1)
A parcel of real property with a separate and distinct number or other designation legally created under the provisions of the State Subdivision Map Act, Government Code §§ 66410 through 66499.58, or created pursuant to local ordinance not in conflict with the Map Act.
(2)
A lot shall also have the following characteristics:
a.
It shall abut at least one public street or right-of-way or easement determined by the Planning and Economic Development Commission to be adequate for the purpose of access.
b.
The map or deed referred to in Subsection (1) of this definition shall have been recorded in the office of the County Recorder.
Square footage or gross square footage for the calculation of building permit fees shall be determined by multiplying exterior dimensions.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.020; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019; Ord. No. 2025-07, § 3(Exh. A), 12-17-2025)
15.04.030. - Codes adopted.¶
Subject to the modifications and amendments contained in this title, the following primary and secondary codes are adopted and incorporated into this Code by reference and as having the legal effect as if their respective contents were set forth in this chapter.
(1)
The 2025 edition of the California Building Code, together with Appendix P ("Sleeping Lofts"), Chapter 1 and the adopted referenced standards thereto, as developed by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as the building code of the Town.
(2)
The 2025 edition of the California Plumbing Code, together with Chapter 1 and the adopted appendices thereto, as developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is adopted by reference as the plumbing code of the Town.
(3)
The 2025 edition of the California Electrical Code, together with Article 89 and all other adopted chapters and articles thereto, as promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, is adopted by reference as the electrical code of the Town.
(4)
The 2025 edition of the California Mechanical Code, together with Chapter 1 and all other adopted chapters and the appendices thereto, as developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is adopted by reference as the mechanical code of the Town.
(5)
The 2025 edition of the California Administrative Code, as developed by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as the administrative code of the Town.
(6)
The 2025 edition of the California Historical Building Code, as adopted by the State of California, is adopted by reference as the historical building code of the Town.
(7)
The 2025 edition of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code, as developed by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as the wildland urban interface code of the Town.
(8)
The 2025 edition of the California Existing Building Code, as adopted by the State of California, is adopted by reference as the existing building code of the Town.
(9)
The 2025 edition of the California Energy Code, as adopted by the state of California, is adopted by reference as the energy code of the Town.
(10)
The 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, as developed by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as the property maintenance code of the Town.
(11)
The 2025 edition of the California Residential Code, together with Appendix BO ("Existing Buildings and Structures"), and Appendix BB ("Tiny Houses") as developed by the International Code Council, is adopted
by reference as the residential code of the Town.
(12)
The 2025 edition of the California Green Building Standards Code, as adopted by the state of California, is adopted by reference as the green building standards code of the Town.
(13)
The 2025 edition of the California Reference Standards Code, as adopted by the state of California, is adopted by reference as the reference standards code of the Town.
(14)
The 2016 edition of the American Concrete Institute 306R Guide to Cold Weather Concreting is adopted by reference as the cold weather concreting standard for the Town.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.030; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019; Ord. No. 22-11, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2022; Ord. No. 2025-07, § 3(Exh. A), 12-17-2025)
15.04.040. - Filing of copies of the adopted codes.¶
The Building Division of the Town shall maintain on file copies of the codes referred to in Section 15.04.030 and the codes shall be open to public inspection.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.040; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.050. - Plans and specifications—California Building Code.¶
With each application for a building permit, and when required by the Building Official for enforcement of any provisions of this Code, plans, engineering calculations (if required), specifications, diagrams, and other necessary construction documents shall be submitted in accordance with current submittal procedures. All construction documents shall be submitted at one time to affect a complete submittal. For projects that involve structural design that deviate from substantial compliance with conventional framing requirements for wood frame construction, or where other special conditions exist, the Building Division shall require plans and specifications to be prepared, stamped, and signed by a registered design professional. Due to the Town's ground snow load (P9) being 233 to 300 pounds per square foot, conventional light framing provisions found in the California Building Code and the California Residential Code cannot be used.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.050; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019; Ord. No. 22-11, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2022)
15.04.060. - Building permit expiration.¶
(a)
Commencement and abandonment. Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of the building code shall expire and become null and void if the work authorized by the permit does not commence within 180 days from the issuance of the permit. Any abandonment of a project for a period of time in excess of 180 days shall also cause a building permit to become null and void. For the purpose of
this section, November 1 through April 1, because of climatic constraints associated with the winter months, will not be considered as part of the 180-day time schedule.
(b)
Active building permits shall remain valid for a period not to exceed three years from the date of issuance. The Building Official may extend an unexpired permit for a period not to exceed one year upon written request by the permittee.
(c)
To renew action on an expired permit, the permittee shall pay a fee equal to the original building permit fee multiplied by the percentage of construction remaining as determined by the Building Official.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.060; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.070.¶
- Compliance with health, zoning, and other regulations prerequisite to building permits.
(a)
No building permit shall be issued for any building for which an individual sewage disposal system, a connection to a public sewage collection system, an individual water supply system and/or a connection to a public water supply system must be installed, altered or added to until the Building Official is satisfied that all appropriate permits have been issued therefor.
(b)
No building permit shall be issued if the construction authorized by the permit will violate any existing ordinance or law.
(c)
No building or structure regulated by this Code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a permit has first been obtained from the Building Division.
(d)
Exempted work. A building permit shall not be required for that work exempted in the California Building Standards Code, 24 CCR 1 et seq., except platforms, decks, permanent roof, and similar structures affected by snow loads shall require a building permit.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.070; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.080. - Utility connection.¶
(a)
It is unlawful for any person, including utility companies, to connect electric power lines or liquefied petroleum gas to any building or structure for which a permit is required by this chapter until such structure
complies with all applicable ordinances and codes and has been approved by the Building Division. This section shall not prohibit the erection and use of temporary power poles when approved by the Building Official, provided that such temporary electrical connections and facilities are removed prior to connection of permanent lines.
(b)
Electrical service may be connected to a building or structure prior to final inspection and approval, provided:
(1)
The applicant completes a temporary power agreement, on the form supplied by the Building Division, and executes a disconnect order which authorizes the Town to disconnect, under the applicant's liability and expense, in the event of unauthorized usage and/or failure to meet a schedule of completion;
(2)
The Building Division finds that the early connection is not hazardous, and the completion time estimate is reasonable;
(3)
Electrical service is for construction use only and the Building Division has granted approval for such use.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.080; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.090. - Certificate of Occupancy.¶
No building, structure or leasehold improvement shall be used or occupied without a final inspection and approval of the Building Division. Occupying or using a structure without this approval shall, in addition to other civil violations, constitute an infraction.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.090; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.100. - Driveway encroachments.¶
All driveway encroachments shall be installed in accordance with the Town's driveway standards and approved prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.100; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.110. - Lot surveys.¶
All building permits shall require a lot survey or evidence of the location of all lot lines. The evidence shall be in writing and shall be by a person authorized to practice land surveying in the State by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. The permittee/property owner shall be responsible for lot line locations.
(1)
This section shall apply to the following type of building permits:
a.
Initial building construction on vacant lots;
b.
Any additions to existing structures that increase the building footprint or lot coverage of any occupancy as defined by the California Building Code;
c.
Detached structures or accessory buildings, including those structures exempted from permits in the California Building Code.
(2)
In lieu of a survey of corners and lot lines, the permittee, with prior approval of the Building Official, may have the surveyor verify the building location.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.110; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.120. - Woodstoves and similar appliances.¶
It is unlawful for anyone to install and use a woodstove, woodstove insert, or similar appliance without first obtaining a building permit and an inspection or approval from the Building Official or designee authorizing its use.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.130; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 3(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.130. - Woodstove inserts—California Mechanical Code.¶
(a)
"Woodstove insert" shall mean a factory-built metal solid fuel burning device designed to be inserted into a fireplace constructed of masonry, metal, or other materials.
(b)
All woodstove inserts shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
Dimensions to combustibles: A minimum of 48 inches vertically of non-combustible material shall be installed within the chase area measured from the top of the existing prefabricated metal firebox. A minimum of 24 inches horizontally of non-combustible material shall be installed within the chase area measured from the edge of the woodstove insert. Some construction exceptions may be permitted due to unforeseen circumstances. Further, should the manufacturer's minimum dimensions be greater than the above dimensions, the manufacturer's dimensions shall prevail.
(2)
Air channels around enclosure panel: Per NFPA 211, passive circulation shall be maintained in the void space around the woodstove insert and the prefabricated fireboxes. Passive circulation shall be installed in each corner of the panels installed with the woodstove insert.
(3)
Circulation of air in the prefabricated fireboxes: Passive circulation shall be maintained around the walls of the prefabricated firebox.
(4)
Lintel bar: All lintels and all supporting material for said lintels shall be of non-combustible material.
(5)
Flue pipe: Required spacing of not less than two inches shall be maintained for all installations. No exceptions shall be granted for existing non-conforming flue pipes, and all flue pipes shall meet the standards in this section prior to any final approval being issued.
(6)
Support of prefabricated fireboxes at the base of unit: Should the woodstove insert assembly weigh more than 200 pounds then the base of the prefabricated firebox shall be supported by an approved method and means. Should the complete assembly of the woodstove insert exceed more than two stories in height then the base of prefabricated firebox shall be supported regardless of the weight of the woodstove insert.
(7)
Prefabricated firebox: Any modification to the prefabricated firebox shall be approved by the manufacturer of record. Town inspection and verification shall be required prior to installing decorative panels.
(8)
Approved manufacturers: Unless otherwise approved by the Board of Appeals, Building Official and Fire Marshal, all woodstove inserts shall be manufactured by the following manufacturers: Quadra Fire, Buck Stoves, Regency Fire, Lopi, Jotul, Sierra Stove, Avalon, Pacific Energy, Napoleon, Enviro, Country Stoves, Hampton, Drolet, and Flame XTD.
(c)
All woodstove inserts currently installed into a prefabricated fire box within the Town of Mammoth Lakes shall be removed or be reconstructed to meet the requirements of this section upon the sale of the real property within which the woodstove insert is located (provided that for a property for which escrow is opened in conjunction with the sale, the requirements of this subsection shall apply only to properties for which escrow is opened after June 30, 2013). If the buyer assumes responsibility, in writing on a form approved by the Community and Economic Development Director, for woodstove insert replacement or removal, the deadline for such action shall be extended to 60 calendar days from the date of completion of
the sale or transfer. This requirement shall apply to all occupancy types, including single-family homes, multifamily residential structures, and commercial structures in which woodstove inserts have been installed.
(d)
The Building Official and Fire Marshal may enforce the provisions of this section. Neither the Building Official nor Fire Marshal shall finally approve any building permit for a woodstove insert without determining that the insert complies with the provisions of this section. This subsection is not intended to and does not modify or abrogate any Town immunities set forth in the Government Code.
(e)
Pursuant to California Civil Code § 1102.6(a), sellers of residential real property shall disclose to purchasers of such property the provisions of this section. This disclosure obligation shall be satisfied by providing to each purchaser a "Local Option Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement" specified by the Town and by providing a copy of this section.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.140; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019; Ord. No. 22-11, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2022)
15.04.140. - Work requiring licensed contractor.¶
(a)
Any person or firm who alters or installs any mechanical, electrical or plumbing facilities, or installs, alters, or reconstructs any permanent structural framework shall be a licensed contractor or work under the direct supervision of a contractor licensed in the State by the registrar of contractors.
(b)
Exceptions:
(1)
An owner-builder working on or within an individual dwelling unit may act as his or her own contractor under the provisions of the California Contractor's License Law.
(2)
All exceptions granted under the California Contractor's License Law shall apply.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.150; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.150. - Violations.¶
Section 114 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
"Section 114. Violations.
114.1. Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish or occupy any building, structure or equipment regulated by this Code, or cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this Code.
114.2. Notice of violation. The Building Official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, extension, repair, moving, removal, demolition, or occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the provisions of this Code, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this Code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.
114.3. Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the Building Official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this Code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.
114.4. Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this Code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the Building Official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this Code, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed in Section 1.12.010."
(Code 1990, § 15.04.160; Ord. No. 16-08, § 3(exh. A), 12-7-2016; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2(exh. A), 11-20-2019)
15.04.160. - Small residential rooftop solar energy system review process.¶
(a)
The intent of this section is to comply with the requirements of Government Code § 65850.5 regarding the establishment of an expedited permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
(b)
The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:
Electronic submittal means a submittal made by e-mail, the Internet, or facsimile.
Small residential rooftop solar energy system means a system that meets all of the following criteria:
(1)
A solar energy system that is no larger than ten kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal.
(2)
A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable State fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes, as adopted or amended by the Town, and Civil Code § 714(c)(3).
(3)
A solar energy system that is installed on a single-family or duplex-family dwelling.
(4)
A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction.
Solar energy system has the same meaning set forth in Civil Code § 801.5(a)(1) and (2).
(c)
The Town's Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to develop, adopt, and maintain a checklist of the requirements with which a small residential rooftop solar energy system project must comply in order to be entitled to expedited processing. The checklist shall be published on the Town's website.
(d)
The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the Town's Building Division by personal, mailed, or electronic submittal together with any required permit processing and inspection fees. In the case of electronic submittal, the electronic signature of the applicant on all forms, applications and other documentation may be used in lieu of a wet signature.
(e)
Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:
(1)
Verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction through the use of standard engineering evaluation techniques that the support structure for the small residential rooftop solar energy system is stable and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building foundation; and
(2)
At the applicant's cost, verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction using standard electrical inspection techniques that the existing electrical system, including existing line, load, ground and bonding wiring as well as main panel and subpanel sizes are adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry all new photovoltaic electrical loads.
(f)
For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, only one inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the Town's Building Official and a representative of the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized; however, the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this subsection.
(g)
An application that satisfies the information requirements in the checklist, as determined by the Building Official, shall be deemed complete. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the Building Official shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.
(h)
Upon confirmation by the Building Official of the application and supporting documentation being complete and meeting the requirements of the checklist, the Building Official shall administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to a utility provider's electricity grid. The applicant is responsible for obtaining such approval or permission from the local utility provider.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.170; Ord. No. 22-05, § 2, 5-4-2022)
15.04.170. - Electric vehicle charging stations review process.¶
(a)
Title and purpose. The intent of this section is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles, in accordance with California Government Code § 65850.7, by creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, while promoting public health and safety and preventing specific adverse impacts on the installation and use of such charging stations.
(b)
Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Electric vehicle charging station or charging station means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with California Electrical Code, Article 625, as it reads on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.
Electronic submittal means a submittal made by e-mail, the internet, and/or facsimile.
Specific, adverse impact means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
(c)
Duties of the Building Official. Consistent with Government Code § 65850.7, the Building Official shall:
(1)
Implement an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations;
(2)
Adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with in order to be eligible for expedited review, which shall be based on the Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist of the Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook of the Governor's Office of Planning and Research; and
(3)
Ensure that the expedited, streamlined permitting process and checklist shall be published on the Town's website.
(d)
Permit review and inspection requirements.
(1)
The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the Town's Building Division by personal, mailed, or electronic submittal together with any required permit processing and inspection fees. Consistent with Government Code § 65850.7, the Building Official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this section and associated supporting documentation. In accepting such permit applications, the Building Official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.
(2)
Prior to submitting an application for processing, the applicant shall verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have specific, adverse impacts to public health and safety and building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes, but is not limited to, electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding, and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking. Upon filing the application, the applicant shall pay a permit application fee as established by resolution adopted by the Town Council as amended from time to time.
(3)
A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the Town's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meet the requirements of the Town adopted checklist and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code § 65850.7, approve the application and issue all necessary permits. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until final inspection and approval of the installation of the station have been granted by the Town. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.
(4)
If the Building Official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, as defined in this chapter, the Town may require the applicant to apply for a use permit.
(e)
Electric vehicle charging station installation requirements.
(1)
Electric vehicle charging station equipment shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited testing laboratories, such as Underwriters Laboratories, and rules of the Public Utilities Commission or a municipal electric utility company regarding safety and reliability.
(2)
Installation of electric vehicle charging stations and associated wiring, bonding, disconnecting means and overcurrent protective devices shall meet the requirements of Article 625 of the California Electrical Code and all other applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.
(3)
Installation of electric vehicle charging stations shall be incorporated into the load calculations of all new or existing electrical services and shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code. Electric vehicle charging equipment shall be considered a continuous load.
(4)
Anchorage of either floor-mounted or wall-mounted electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the requirements of the California Building or Residential Code as applicable per occupancy, and the provisions of the manufacturer's installation instructions. Mounting of charging stations shall not adversely affect building elements.
(f)
Expedited review process. Consistent with Government Code § 65850.7, the Building Official shall implement an expedited administrative permit review process for electric vehicle charging stations and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with in order to be eligible for expedited review. The expedited administrative permit review process and checklist may refer to the recommendations in the checklist prescribed by the most current version of the Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist of the Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The Town's adopted checklist shall be published on the Town's website.
(g)
Electronic submittals. Consistent with Government Code § 65850.7, the Building Official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this section and associated supporting
documentations. In accepting such permit applications, the Building Official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.
(h)
Association approval. Consistent with Government Code § 65850.7, the Building Official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Civil Code § 4080.
(i)
Permit application processing. A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the Town's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the Town's adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code § 65850.7, approve the application and issue all necessary permits. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the Town. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, said official shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.
(j)
Technical review. It is the intent of this section to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing obstacles to permitting for charging stations so long as the action does not supersede the Building Official's authority to address higher priority life-safety situations. If the Building Official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, as defined in Government Code § 65850.7, the Town may require the applicant to apply for a use permit.
(Code 1990, § 15.04.180; Ord. No. 22-04, § 3, 5-4-2022)
15.04.180.¶
- Findings to support amendments to the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards
Code.
(a)
This section provides the express findings and determinations (where necessary pursuant to California Health and Safety Code §§ 17958, 17958.7 and/or 18941.5) justifying the Town of Mammoth Lakes' amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code as reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geologic, or topographic conditions.
(b)
Amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards Code.
Amendment Section Amendment Justification (see below key to justifications)
15.04.150 Violations A¶
Justifications key: Findings to Support Amendments to California Building Standards Code.
A. This amendment is necessary for administrative clarification and does not modify a building standard pursuant to California Health and Safety Code §§ 17958, 17958.7 and/or 18941.5. This amendment establishes administrative standards for the effective enforcement of the building standards in the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
B. This amendment is reasonably necessary because of the following local climatic conditions:
(i) During the winter the Town experiences of periods of very cold temperatures accompanied by periods of significant snowfall and high winds; and
(ii) During the summer months relatively hot temperatures with periods of low humidity and high winds. The vegetative environment surrounding the Town varies from meadow/high desert vegetation communities (grass/brush) to densely populated stands of timber.
(iii) These conditions require building conditions suitable for these wildland environments.
C. This amendment is reasonably necessary because of the following local geological conditions:
(i) The Town is within an active seismic/volcanic area; and
(ii) A significant earthquake could render emergency responders incapable of providing adequate emergency response.
D. This amendment is reasonably necessary because of the following local topographical conditions:
(i) The Town is located in a geographically challenging environment with elevations ranging from approximately 7,500 feet to over 11,000 feet. Slopes vary from relatively flat to hillsides exceeding 60 degrees; and these conditions require building conditions addressing these challenges.
(Ord. No. 22-11, § 4(exh. B), 12-7-2022; Ord. No. 2025-07, § 3(Exh. A), 12-17-2025)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 2025-07, § 3(Exh. A), adopted Dec. 17, 2025, amended the title of § 15.04.180 to read as herein set out. The former § 15.04.180 title pertained to findings to support amendments to the 2022 edition of the California Building Standards Code.
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