§ 18.04

This Title is enacted as a result of requirements of State law and the determination that within the unincorporated area of this county, certain types of construction require regulation to provide minimum standards to safeguard lives and property and protect the public health, safety and general welfare. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Mendocino has determined that the adoption of this Title will assure local control of the mandatory building inspection requirements of the State of California.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015)

Whenever any of the following names or terms are used herein or in any of the codes adopted by reference by this Chapter, unless the context directs otherwise, such names or terms so used shall have the meaning ascribed thereto by this section, to-wit:

(A)

"Administrative Authority" and similar references to a chief administrative position shall mean the Building Official of Mendocino County; provided, however, that where such terms are used in connection with those duties imposed by statute or ordinance upon the County Health Officer; said terms shall include the County

Health Officer; and further provided, however, that, for the purpose of implementing Section 116 of the California Building Code the term "authorized representative" of the Building Official shall refer to and include the County Health Officer and such personnel of the Mendocino County Department of Public Health or the Code Enforcement Division as he/she may designate.

(B)

"Board of Appeals" and any other reference to an appellate body in any of the California codes adopted by reference by this title shall mean the Board of Building and Housing Appeals provided for in Section 2.24.030 of Title 2 of the Mendocino County Code.

(C)

"Building Department" shall mean the Department of Planning and Building Services of the County of Mendocino.

(D)

"Building Official" shall mean "Chief Building Official, or an authorized designee."

(E)

"Chief Electrical Inspector" shall mean "Building Official, or an authorized designee."

(F)

"Chief Mechanical Inspector" shall mean "Building Official, or an authorized designee."

(G)

"Chief Plumbing Inspector" shall mean "Building Official, or an authorized designee."

(H)

"City" shall mean the County of Mendocino when referring to a political entity, or an unincorporated area of said County when referring to area.

(I)

"City Clerk" shall mean Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

(J)

"City Council" shall mean the Board of Supervisors of the County of Mendocino.

(K)

"Electrical Department" shall mean the Department of Planning and Building Services of the County of Mendocino.

(L)

"Electrical Inspector" shall mean "Building Official, or an authorized designee."

(M)

"HCD" shall mean the State Department of Housing and Community Development.

(N)

"Housing Advisory and Appeals Board" and any other reference to an appellate body in any of the California codes adopted by reference by this title shall mean the Board of Building and Housing Appeals provided for in Section 2.24.030 of Title 2 of the Mendocino County Code.

(O)

"Manufactured Home" shall mean a structure that was constructed on or after June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. "Manufactured home" includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification and complies with the standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C., Sec. 5401, and following.

(P)

"Mayor" shall mean the Board of Supervisors of the County of Mendocino.

(Q)

"Mechanical Department" shall mean the Department of Planning and Building Services of the County of Mendocino.

(R)

"Mobile Home" shall mean:

A structure that was constructed prior to June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or when erected onsite, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis, and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation system when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. "Mobilehome" includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph and complies with the state standards for mobilehomes in effect at the time of the construction. "Mobilehome" does not include a commercial modular or a manufactured home as defined herein.

(S)

"Commercial modular" means a structure transportable in one or more sections, designed and equipped for human occupancy for industrial, professional, or commercial purposes, which is required to be moved under a permit, and shall include a trailer coach as defined in Section 635 of the California Vehicle Code.

(T)

"Office of Administrative Authority" shall mean the Department of Planning and Building Services of the County of Mendocino.

(U)

"Plumbing Department," shall mean the Department of Planning and Building Services of the County of Mendocino.

(V)

"Permit" shall mean an official document or certificate issued by the building official authorizing performance of a specified building, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical activity or any combination of such permits issued jointly by the building official.

(W)

"Technical Codes" shall mean those codes adopted by this chapter containing the provisions for design, construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy and maintenance of buildings and structures and building service equipment as herein defined which include but are not limited to the California Administrative Code, California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California Historical Building Code, California Fire Code, California Green Building Standards Code, and the California Referenced Standards Code.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015; Ord. No. 4380, § 1, 3-7-2017)

[See editor's note following the historical notation]

(Ord. No. 4380, § 12, 3-7-2017)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 4380, § 10, adopted March 7, 2017, renumbered § 18.04.015 as § 18.08.015; and amended the title of § 18.05.015 to read as set out herein. Previously § 18.04.015 was titled "Environmental Impact Reports."

For the purposes of this Title, any building or structure constructed prior to January 1, 1974, shall be conclusively presumed to have been lawfully constructed.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015)

Subject to applicable sections of this title, the following primary and secondary codes are hereby adopted and incorporated into the Mendocino County Code by reference and as having the full legal effect as if their respective contents were set forth verbatim herein:

(A)

CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 1, as published by the International Code Council.

(B)

CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 2, Volumes I and II, together with Appendix C (Group U - Agricultural Buildings); Appendix G (Flood Resistant Construction); Appendix H (Signs); and Appendix I (Patio Covers) as published by the International Code Conference subject to the changes and modifications set forth in Section 18.04.035 and other provisions of this Title.

(C)

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 2.5, together with Appendix BB (Tiny Houses); Appendix BF (Patio Covers); Appendix BG (Sound Transmission); Appendix BI (Light Straw-Clay Construction); Appendix BJ (Strawbale Construction); Appendix BO (Existing Building and Structures); and Appendix CI (Swimming Pool Safety Act), as published by the International Code Council, subject to the changes and modifications set forth in Section 18.04.040 and other provisions of this Title.

(D)

CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 3, together with Annex H (Administration and Enforcement) as published by the National Fire Protection Association subject to changes and modifications set forth in Section 18.04.045 and other provisions of this Title.

(E)

CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 4, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials subject to the changes and modifications set forth in Section 18.04.050 and other provisions of this Title.

(F)

CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 5, together with Appendix A (Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System); Appendix B (Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems); Appendix D (Sizing Storm Water Drainage Systems); Appendix I (Installation Standards); Appendix J (Combination of Indoor and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation Opening Design), as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, subject to the changes and modifications set forth in Section 18.04.055 and other provisions of this Title.

(G)

CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 6, as published by the International Code Council.

(H)

CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 7, as published by the International Code Council.

(I)

CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION, Part 8, as published by the International Code Council.

(J)

CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 9, as published by the International Code Council subject to changes and modifications set forth in Section 18.04.060 and other provisions of this Title.

(K)

CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2025 edition, Part 10, as published by the International Code Council.

(L)

CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 11, as published by International Code Council.

(M)

CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE, 2025 Edition, Part 12, as published by the International Code Council.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015; Ord. No. 4380, § 2, 3-7-2017; Ord. No. 4444, § 1, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4516, § 1, 12-6-2022; Ord. No. 4553, § 1, 11-18-2025)

Each of the California codes adopted by reference by this Title is amended to provide that the appellate body referred to therein, whether it be the "Board of Appeals" in Section 113 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition or any other similar provision in the remaining California codes, shall be the Board of Building and Housing Appeals as constituted and empowered by Section 2.24.030 of the Mendocino County Code. In the event of any inconsistency, Section 2.24.030 of the Mendocino County Code shall prevail.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015; Ord. No. 4444, § 2, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4516, § 2, 12-6-2022; Ord. No. 4553, § 2, 11-18-2025)

The California Building Code, 2025 Edition, as adopted in Section 18.04.025(B) of this Chapter, is adopted with the following changes and modifications:

Section 105.3.2 shall be amended to read as follows:

Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned one (1) year after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official. The applicant must request an extension in writing, and demonstrate justifiable cause. The Building Official may grant one or more extensions in time, for periods of not more than 180 days each. Each extension requires payment of a fee established by the Board of Supervisors.

Section 105.5 shall be amended to read as follows:

Expiration: Every permit issued shall become invalid if the work on the site authorized by such permit is not commenced within one (1) year (365 calendar days) after the issuance of said permit and an inspection resulting in an approval of the work has not been obtained; or if after the first inspection approval the work does not receive an inspection resulting in an approval every year (365 calendar days). However, this provision will not apply if the permit was issued to legalize previously unpermitted construction. In those cases, the timelines for the permit to remain valid will correspond with any timelines the Department has set for compliance. Extensions may be granted as indicated in this section. The submittal of revisions to issued permits, if pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official, shall extend the building permit 180 calendar days from the submittal of the revisions.

For permits which have not expired, the Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing, and will only be granted upon demonstration of justifiable cause, as determined by the Building Official.

Permits may be renewed if they have been expired for less than five (5) years, and/or have a vested interest, as determined by the Building Official. In order to renew action on an expired permit, the permit holder shall pay a re-instatement fee established by the Board of Supervisors.

Section 109.6 shall be amended to read as follows:

Refunds.

1.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.

2.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work had been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code provided that the request for refund is made by written application by the original permittee not later than one year after the date of issuance of the permit.

3.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before

any plan reviewing is done.

4.

The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of the plan review fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee no later than one year after the date of fee payment.

Appendix C: Agricultural Buildings: Section C102.1 shall be amended to read as follows:

General. Buildings classified as U Agricultural shall not exceed the area in Table C102.1 or the height limits in Title 20 of the Mendocino County Code.

Appendix H: Signs: Section H101.1 shall be amended to include the following as a second paragraph:

Notwithstanding any other provision of this appendix, all external lighting for signs shall be designed to be shielded or downcast in order to minimize the illumination of the nighttime sky.

Appendix H: Signs: Section H101.2 shall be amended to read as follows:

Signs exempt from permits. The following signs are exempt from the requirements to obtain a permit before erection:

1.

Nonilluminated signs painted on exterior surface of existing permitted or legal nonconforming buildings or structures.

2.

Temporary signs announcing the sale or rent of property.

3.

Signs erected by transportation authorities.

4.

Projecting signs not exceeding 2.5 square feet (0.23 m[2 ] ).

5.

The changing of moveable parts of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the repainting or repositioning of display matter shall not be deemed an alteration.

6.

Temporary signs on grade that are no higher than 7 feet in height above grade and no more than 32 square feet in size.

Exemption from the permit requirements of this Section shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work done in any manner in violation of the provisions of Title 20 of the Mendocino County Code, or any

other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Appendix H: Signs: Section H105.3 shall be amended to read as follows:

Wind load. Signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressure as provided for in Chapter 16. Exception: The Building Official may waive the engineering design requirements for signs if he/she finds that the signs will not create a hazard to private or public property due to the type, size, location or placement of the sign.

Appendix H: Signs: Section H105.4 shall be amended to read as follows:

Seismic load. Signs designed to withstand wind pressures shall be considered capable of withstanding earthquake loads, except as provided for in Chapter 16. Exception: The Building Official may waive the engineering design requirements for signs if he/she finds that the signs will not create a hazard to private or public property due to the type, size, location or placement of the sign.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015; Ord. No. 4380, § 3, 3-7-2017; Ord. No. 4444, § 3, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4516, § 3, 12-6-2022; Ord. No. 4553, § 3, 11-18-2025)

The California Residential Code, 2025 Edition as adopted in Section 18.04.025(C) of this Chapter, is adopted with the following changes and modifications.

Section R105.3.2 shall be amended to read as follows:

Time limitation of application. A permit application for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned one (1) year after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official. The applicant must request an extension in writing and demonstrate justifiable cause. The Building Official may grant one or more extensions in time, for periods of not more than 180 days each. Each extension requires payment of a fee established by the Board of Supervisors.

Section R105.5 shall be amended to read as follows:

Expiration: Every permit issued shall become invalid if the work on the site authorized by such permit is not commenced within one (1) year (365 calendar days) after the issuance of said permit and an inspection resulting in an approval of the work has not been obtained; or if after the first inspection approval the work does not receive an inspection resulting in an approval every year (365 calendar days). However, this provision will not apply if the permit was issued to legalize previously unpermitted construction. In those cases, the timelines for the permit to remain valid will correspond with any timelines the Department has set for compliance. Extensions may be granted as indicated in this section. The submittal of revisions to issued permits, if pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official, shall extend the building permit 180 calendar days from the submittal of the revisions.

For permits which have not expired, the Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing, and will only be granted upon demonstration of justifiable cause, as determined by the Building Official.

Permits may be renewed if they have been expired for less than five (5) years, and/or have a vested interest, as determined by the Building Official. In order to renew action on an expired permit, the permit holder shall pay a re-instatement fee established by the Board of Supervisors.

Section R108.5 shall be amended to read as follows:

Refunds.

1.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.

2.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work had been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code provided that the request for refund is made by written application by the original permittee not later than one year after the date of issuance of the permit.

3.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is done.

4.

The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of the plan review fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee no later than one year after the date of fee payment.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015; Ord. No. 4380, § 4, 3-7-2017; Ord. No. 4444, § 4, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4516, § 4, 12-6-2022; Ord. No. 4553, § 4, 11-18-2025)

The California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, as adopted in Section 18.04.025(D) of this Chapter, is adopted with the following changes and modifications.

Annex H, Section 80.15 Electrical Board is deleted.

Annex H, Section 80.19(E) shall be amended to read as follows:

(E)

Fees and Fee Refunds.

(1)

Any political subdivision that has been provided for electrical inspection in accordance with the provisions of Article 80 may establish fees that shall be paid by the applicant for a permit before the permit is issued.

(2)

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.

(3)

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work had been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code provided that the request for refund is made by written application by the original permittee not later than one year after the date of issuance of the permit.

(4)

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is done.

(5)

The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of the plan review fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee no later than one year after the date of fee payment.

Annex H, Section 80.19(H) shall be amended to include the following as a new paragraph (4):

(4)

Time limitation of application. A permit application for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned one (1) year after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official. The applicant must request an extension in writing, and demonstrate justifiable cause. The Building Official may grant one or more extensions in time, for periods of not more than 180 days each. Each extension requires payment of a fee established by the Board of Supervisors.

Annex H, Section 80.19(H)(7) shall be amended to include the following new paragraph (5):

(5)

Expiration: Every permit issued shall become invalid if the work on the site authorized by such permit is not commenced within one (1) year (365 calendar days) after the issuance of said permit and an inspection resulting in an approval of the work has not been obtained; or if after the first inspection approval the work does not receive an inspection resulting in an approval every year (365 calendar days). However, this provision will not apply if the permit was issued to legalize previously unpermitted construction. In those cases, the timelines for the permit to remain valid will correspond with any timelines the Department has set for compliance. Extensions may be granted as indicated in this section. The submittal of revisions to issued permits, if pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official, shall extend the building permit 180 calendar days from the submittal of the revisions.

truction. In those cases, the timelines for the permit to remain valid will correspond with any timelines the Department has set for compliance. Extensions may be granted as indicated in this section. The submittal of revisions to issued permits, if pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official, shall extend the building permit 180 calendar days from the submittal of the revisions.

For permits which have not expired, the Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing, and will only be

granted upon demonstration of justifiable cause, as determined by the Building Official.

Permits may be renewed if they have been expired for less than five (5) years, and/or have a vested interest, as determined by the Building Official. In order to renew action on an expired permit, the permit holder shall pay a re-instatement fee established by the Board of Supervisors.

Annex H, Section 80.23, Notices of Violations, Penalties: Subsection (B)(3) is deleted.

Annex H, Section 80.27 Inspector Qualifications is deleted.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015; Ord. No. 4380, § 5, 3-7-2017; Ord. No. 4444, § 5, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4516, § 5, 12-6-2022; Ord. No. 4553, § 5, 11-18-2025)

The California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, as adopted in Section 18.04.025(E) of this Chapter, is adopted with the following changes and modifications.

Section 104.3.3 shall be amended to read as follows:

Section 104.3.3 Time Limitation of Application. A permit application for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned one (1) year after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official. The applicant must request an extension in writing, and demonstrate justifiable cause. The Building Official may grant one or more extensions in any time, for periods of not more than 180 calendar days each. Each extension required payment of a fee as established by the Board of Supervisors.

Section 104.4.3 shall be amended to read as follows:

Expiration: Every permit issued shall become invalid if the work on the site authorized by such permit is not commenced within one (1) year (365 calendar days) after the issuance of said permit and an inspection resulting in an approval of the work has not been obtained; or if after the first inspection approval the work does not receive an inspection resulting in an approval every year (365 calendar days). However, this provision will not apply if the permit was issued to legalize previously unpermitted construction. In those cases, the timelines for the permit to remain valid will correspond with any timelines the Department has set for compliance. Extensions may be granted as indicated in this section. The submittal of revisions to issued permits, if pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official, shall extend the building permit 180 calendar days from the submittal of the revisions.

For permits which have not expired, the Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing, and will only be granted upon demonstration of justifiable cause, as determined by the Building Official.

Permits may be renewed if they have been expired for less than five (5) years, and/or have a vested interest, as determined by the Building Official. In order to renew action on an expired permit, the permit holder shall pay a re-instatement fee established by the Board of Supervisors.

Expiration of Plan Review. A permit application for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned one (1) year after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith as

determined by the Building Official. The applicant must request an extension in writing, and demonstrate justifiable cause. The Building Official may grant one or more extensions in time, for periods of not more than 180 days each. Each extension requires payment of a fee established by the Board of Supervisors.

Section 104.5, Subsection 104.5.3 Fee Refunds shall be amended to read as follows:

Fee Refunds.

1.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.

2.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work had been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code provided that the request for refund is made by written application by the original permittee not later than one year after the date of issuance of the permit.

3.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is done.

4.

The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of the plan review fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee no later than one year after the date of fee payment.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015; Ord. No. 4380, § 6, 3-7-2017; Ord. No. 4516, § 6, 12-6-2022; Ord. No. 4553, § 6, 11-18-2025)

The California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, as adopted in Section 18.04.025(F) of this Chapter, is adopted with the following changes and modifications:

Section 104.4.3 shall be amended to read as follows:

Expiration: Every permit issued shall become invalid if the work on the site authorized by such permit is not commenced within one (1) year (365 calendar days) after the issuance of said permit and an inspection resulting in an approval of the work has not been obtained; or if after the first inspection approval the work does not receive an inspection resulting in an approval every year (365 calendar days). However, this provision will not apply if the permit was issued to legalize previously unpermitted construction. In those cases, the timelines for the permit to remain valid will correspond with any timelines the Department has set for compliance. Extensions may be granted as indicated in this section. The submittal of revisions to issued

permits, if pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official, shall extend the building permit 180 calendar days from the submittal of the revisions.

For permits which have not expired, the Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing, and will only be granted upon demonstration of justifiable cause, as determined by the Building Official.

Permits may be renewed if they have been expired for less than five (5) years, and/or have a vested interest, as determined by the Building Official. In order to renew action on an expired permit, the permit holder shall pay a re-instatement fee established by the Board of Supervisors.

Expiration of Plan Review. A permit application for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned one (1) year after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith as determined by the Building Official. The applicant must request an extension in writing, and demonstrate justifiable cause. The Building Official may grant one or more extensions in time, for periods of not more than 180 days each. Each extension requires payment of a fee established by the Board of Supervisors.

Section 104.5.3 shall be amended to read as follows:

Fee Refunds.

1.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.

2.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work had been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code provided that the request for refund is made by written application by the original permittee not later than one year after the date of issuance of the permit.

3.

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is done.

4.

The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of the plan review fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee no later than one year after the date of fee payment.

Section 603.5.7 shall be amended to read as follows:

Outlets with Hose Attachments. Potable water outlets with hose attachments, other than water heater drains, boiler drains, and clothes washer connections, shall be protected by a nonremovable hose bibbtype backflow preventer, a nonremovable hose bibb-type vacuum breaker, or by an atmospheric vacuum

breaker installed not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the highest point of usage located on the discharge side of the last valve. In climates where freezing temperatures occur, a listed self-draining frostproof hose bibb with an integral backflow preventer or vacuum breaker shall be used. One exterior hose bibb supplied by potable water shall be installed on each structure containing a Group R, Division 3 or Division 1 Occupancy.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015; Ord. No. 4380, § 7, 3-7-2017; Ord. No. 4444, § 7, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4516, § 7, 12-6-2022; Ord. No. 4553, § 7, 11-18-2025)

The California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, as adopted in Section 18.04.025(J) of this Chapter, is adopted with the following changes and modifications:

Section 202 definition of FIRE CHIEF shall be amended to read as follows:

FIRE CHIEF. The chief officer of the fire department serving the jurisdiction, or a duly authorized representative; areas not located in the jurisdiction of a fire district shall be under the authority of the Building Official.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015; Ord. No. 4380, § 8, 3-7-2017; Ord. No. 4444, § 8, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4516, § 8, 12-6-2022; Ord. No. 4553, § 8, 11-18-2025)

Prior references to the former local codes shall be construed to apply to the corresponding provisions of the local codes adopted through this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015)

One (1) copy of each of the codes adopted by reference in this Title have heretofore been filed with the County Clerk and with the Building Official, and shall be maintained for use and examination by the public in the office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and the Department of Planning & Building Services. Additionally, one (1) copy of this Ordinance will be filed with the California Building Standards Commission as required by California Health & Safety Code Section 17958.7(a).

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015)

(A)

Violation of this Chapter may be an infraction, and may be punishable by fines as specified in Government Code Section 25132 or any successor statute. Further, these violations may be redressed by civil action through the Office of County Counsel.

(1)

A separate offense shall be deemed for each and every week the first citation is issued, and shall be punishable as herein provided.

(B)

Any violation of provision of this Chapter may cause to be filed for the record with the Recorders of the County in which the real property is located a notice of such violation and a lien of the estimated permit costs and penalties (such fees shall be further evaluated at the time of restitution). The notice shall specify the names of the record owners and particularly describing the real property, provided that, at least thirty (30) days prior to recording such notice the owner of the parcels or units to be affected by the notice of violation, shall be advised in writing of the intention to record the notice specifying the time, date and place at which the owner may present evidence to the Department of Planning and Building Services as to why such notice should not be recorded. The decision of Planning and Building Services may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015)

The regulations and provisions contained in the body of this Title shall prevail over any inconsistent provision contained in any primary or secondary code adopted hereby; provided, however, that in the case of inconsistent regulations, no regulation shall prevail which is less stringent than the regulations established by the State of California.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015)

Appeal may be taken by an applicant or owner of property contiguous to the property to be regulated. For the purpose of determining contiguity, property lines shall be projected to the center of public streets or highways. Said appeals consistent with Section 2.24.030(G) and (H) may be taken from the decision of the Building Official or his Deputies, or the Health Officer, or the Public Health Sanitation Officer; provided, however, that such appeal may not be taken more than thirty (30) days after the decision from which appeal is being taken has been rendered. All applicants and appellants shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard and present evidence. Decisions of the Board of Building and Housing Appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the appellant either in person or by mailing to the address stated on the appeal or applications. The decision of the Board of Building and Housing Appeals is final. The Board of Building and Housing Appeals shall render its decision within thirty (30) days of the date of the hearing.

(Ord. No. 4333, § 1, 3-17-2015)

CHAPTER 18.08 - CONSTRUCTION PERMITS