Modesto Municipal Code Art. 2 General Code Provisions

These regulations shall be known as the "Building Code of the City of Modesto," and may be cited and referred to herein as such or may be cited and referred to herein as the "Building Code," the "[2025] California Building and [2025] California Residential Code," the "California Building and Residential Code," the "Green Building Code", or "this Code."

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08; Ord. 3541-C.S., § 2, effective 1-13-11; Ord. No. 3592-C.S., § 2, effective 1-3-14; Ord. 3658-C.S., § 1, effective 1-6-17; Ord. No. 3707-C.S., § 1, effective 12-26-2019; Ord. No. 3754-C.S., § 1, effective 2-24-23; Ord. No. 3808-C.S., § 1, effective 6-11-26)

The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, public health and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire, explosion and other hazards, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08; Ord. No. 3707-C.S., § 1, effective 12-26-2019; Ord. No. 3754-C.S., § 1, effective 2-24-23)

The provisions of this Code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the City of Modesto.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08; Ord. No. 3754-C.S., § 1, effective 2-24-23)

Provisions contained in the appendices of the California Building Code and the California Residential Code shall not apply unless specifically adopted by the State of California Building Standards Commission or the City of Modesto.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08; Ord. 3541-C.S., § 2, effective 1-13-11; Ord. 3592-C.S., § 2, effective 1-3-14)

(Ord. 3658-C.S., § 1, effective 1-6-17; Ord. No. 3707-C.S., § 1, effective 12-26-2019; Ord. No. 3754-C.S., § 1, effective 2-24-23)

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 there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

The provisions of this Code shall not be deemed to nullify any provision(s) of local, state, or federal law.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this Code.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

The codes and standards referenced in this Code shall be considered part of the requirements of this Code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this Code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this Code shall apply, unless stated otherwise.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

In the event that any part or provision of this Code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions of this Code.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

All plumbing, mechanical, electrical system, materials, and appurtenances, both existing and new, and all parts thereof, shall be maintained in proper operating condition. All devices or safeguards required by this Code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which installed.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the date of adoption of this Code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this Code, the California Mechanical Code, or the California Fire Code, or as is deemed necessary by the Building Official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems or equipment lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of this Code may have their use, maintenance, or repair continued if the use, maintenance, or repair is in accordance with the original design and location and no hazard to life, health, or property has been created by such system or equipment.

(Ord. 3465-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)