Section 504.5. — Novato Municipal Code

The text of Section 504.6 of the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 504.6 Underfloor enclosure. Buildings or structures shall have underfloor areas enclosed to the ground with exterior walls in accordance with Section 504.5.

Exception: Complete enclosure shall not be required where the underside of exposed floors and exposed structural columns, beams and supporting walls are protected as required for exterior 1-hour fire-resistance- rated construction or heavy timber construction

The text of Section 504.7 of the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 504.7 Projections. Unenclosed accessory structures attached to buildings with habitable spaces and projections, other than decks, shall be heavy timber construction or construction of one of the following:

Noncombustible materials.

Ignition-resistant building materials in accordance with Section 503.2.

Materials approved for not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction on the exterior side, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263.

One layer of 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum sheathing applied behind the exterior covering on the underside of the ceiling.

The exterior portion of a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated exterior assembly, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263, applied to the underside of the ceiling assembly, including assemblies using the gypsum panel and sheathing products listed in the Gypsum Association Fire Resistance Design Manual.

The underside of a floor projection assembly that meets the performance criteria in Section 504.7.2 when tested in accordance with the test procedures set forth in ASTM E2957.

The underside of a floor projection assembly that meets the performance criteria in accordance with the test procedures set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-3.

The text of Section 504.7.1 of the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 504.7.1 Underside of projections. The underside of projections shall be enclosed to grade in accordance with the requirements of this chapter or the underside of the exposed underfloor shall be protected by one or more of the following:

Noncombustible material.

Ignition-resistant building material shall be labeled for exterior use and shall meet the requirements of Section 503.2.

Materials approved for not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction on the exterior side, as treated in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263.

One layer of 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum sheathing applied behind an exterior covering on the underside of the floor projection.

The exterior portion of a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated exterior assembly, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263, applied to the underside of the floor, including assemblies using the gypsum panel and sheathing products listed in the Gypsum Association Fire Resistance Design Manual.

The underside of a floor assembly that meets the performance criteria in Section 504.7.2 when tested in accordance with the test procedures set forth in ASTM E2957.

The underside of a floor assembly that meets the performance criteria in accordance with the test procedures set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-3.

Exception: Structural columns and beams are not required to be protected in accordance with Section 504.7.1 when constructed with sawn lumber or glue-laminated wood with the smallest minimum nominal dimension of 4 inches (102 mm). Sawn or glue-laminated planks shall be splined, tongue-and-groove, or set close together and well spiked.

The text of Section 504.7.3.2 of the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 504.7.3.2 Decking surfaces. The walking surface material of decks, porches, balconies and stairs shall be constructed with any of the following materials:

Material that complies with the performance requirements of Section 504.7.3.3 when tested in accordance with ASTM E2632 and ASTM E2726.

Ignition-resistance building material that complies with the performance requirements of Section 503.2.4.

Material that complies with the performance requirements of both SFM Standard 12-7A-4 and Section 503.2.4.

Noncombustible material.

Any material that complies with the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-4A and any attached exterior wall covering that is noncombustible or ignition-resistant building materials.

Exception: Wall material shall be permitted to be of any material that otherwise complies with this chapter when the decking surface material complies with the performance requirements of ASTM E84 or UL 723 with a Class B flame spread index.

Any material that complies with the performance requirements of Section 504.7.3.4 when tested in accordance with ASTM E2632 and any attached exterior wall covering that is noncombustible or ignition-resistant building materials.

The text of Section 504.7.3.5 of the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby added to read as follows:

Section 504.7.3.5 Deck Repairs. Repairs to decks that require replacement or removal of less than 50% of the existing square footage of deck surfaces do not have to meet the requirements of Section 504.7.3.2.

Repairs to decks that require replacement or removal of more than 50% of the existing square footage of deck surfaces shall have deck surface materials that meet the requirements of Section 504.7.3.2.

Repairs to decks that require replacement or removal of less than 50% of the supporting structure of deck surfaces do not have to meet the requirements of Section 504.7.3.2.

Repairs to decks that require replacement or removal of more than 50% of the supporting structure of deck surfaces, shall have deck surface and supporting structure materials that meet the requirements of Section 504.7.3.2.

The text of Section 504.8 of the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 504.8 Exterior glazing. New, including replacement, or modified: Exterior windows, window walls and glazed doors, windows within exterior doors, and skylights shall be constructed of any of the following:

Multilayered glazed panels with at least one pane of tempered glass complying with Section 2406 of the California Building Code.

Glass block.

Glazing with a fire-protection rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested according to NFPA 257 or UL 9 and shall be exempt from the hose stream test.

Glazing meeting the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-2.

The text of Section 504.9 of the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 504.9 Exterior doors. New or modified: Exterior doors shall be constructed in accordance with any of the following:

Noncombustible construction.

Solid-core wood not less than 1-3/4 inches thick (44 mm).

The exterior door shall be constructed of solid core wood that complies with the following requirements:

3.1.

Stiles and rails shall not be less than 1-3/8 inches (35 mm) thick.

3.2.

Raised panels shall not be less than 1-1/4 inches (32 mm) thick, except for the exterior perimeter of the raised panel that shall be permitted to taper to a tongue not less than 3/8 inch (10 mm) thick.

Have a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested according to NFPA 252, UL 10B or UL 10C.

The exterior surface or cladding meeting the performance requirements of Section 504.9.3 when tested in accordance with ASTM E2707.

The exterior surface or cladding shall be tested to meet the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12- 7A-1.

Windows within doors and glazed doors shall be in accordance with Section 504.8.

Section 508 of the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code is hereby added to read as follows:

Section 508 - Replacement or Repair of Exterior Wall Coverings

Section 508.A General. The exterior wall covering on buildings or structures in existence prior to the adoption of this code, when more than fifty percent (50%) of exterior wall covering on one face or elevation of a structure is repaired or replaced within a twelve (12) month period, the entire face or elevation of exterior wall covering shall comply with Section 504.5.2 of this code.

4-1.4.8 2025 California Historical Building Code. Part 8 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, also referred to as the 2025 Edition of the California Historical Building Code published by the International Code Council.

4-1.4.9 2025 California Fire Code Amendment. Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, also referred to as the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code (which incorporates by adoption a California version of the 2024 International Fire Code published by the International Code Council) as amended from time to time by Novato Fire Protection provided that the City Council ratifies said ordinance after its adoption.

Based upon the express findings of necessity #1, #2, #3 and #4 set forth in Section 4-1.2, the administrative regulations of Chapter 1, Division II of Part 9 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code, known as the California Fire Code, as adopted by Section 4-1.4.9, are amended as follows:

Delete Chapter 1, Division II (Scope and Administration) in its entirety and replace with the administrative provisions contained in Section 4-1.3 of the Novato Municipal Code.

4-1.4.10 2025 California Existing Building Code Amendment. Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, also referred to as the 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code (which incorporates by adoption a California version of the 2024 International Existing Building Code published by the International Code Council.

Based upon the express findings of necessity #1, #2, #3 and #4 set forth in Section 4-1.2, the administrative regulations of Chapter 1, Division II of Part 10 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code, known as the California Existing Building Code, as adopted by Section 4-1.4.10, are amended as follows:

Delete Chapter 1, Division II (Scope and Administration) in its entirety and replace with the administrative provisions contained in Section 4-1.3 of the Novato Municipal Code

Based upon the express finding of necessity #1, #2, #3, and #4 set forth in Section 4-1.2, Part 10 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code, known as the California Existing Building Code, as adopted by Section 4- 1.4.10, is amended as follows:

Adopt by reference and add the following 2025 California Existing Building Code appendices:

Appendix Chapter A - Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings

Appendix Chapter B - Supplemental Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities

Appendix Chapter C - Guidelines for the Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings.

Appendix Chapter E - Temporary Emergency Uses

4-1.4.11 2025 California Green Building Standards Code Amendment. Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, also referred to as the 2025 Edition of the California Green Building Standards Code.

Based upon the express finding of necessity #1 and #4 set forth in Section 4-1.2, Part 11 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code, known as the California Green Building Standards Code, as adopted by Section 4- 1.4.11, is amended as follows:

Amend Subsection 301.1 [subsection 301.1.1 remains unchanged] to require a Tier 1 level of compliance (except Tier 1 energy) to read as follows:

301.1 Scope. Buildings shall be designed to include the green building measures specified as mandatory in Chapters 4 and 5 of this code, as applicable. Newly constructed buildings shall also be designed and constructed to include the prerequisite and applicable elective measures to achieve Tier 1 status as prescribed in Appendix A4 and A5 of this code, as applicable, except that the energy efficiency measures set forth in Appendix A4 Division A4.2 and Appendix A5 and Division A5.2 shall not be required. Additions and alterations shall meet the requirements of Section 301 but shall not be required to meet Tier 1 status as prescribed in Appendix A4 or A5 of this code, as otherwise applicable. The building official shall develop CALGreen application checklists to be included in the design and used for construction of structures covered by this code. All buildings subject to the requirements of this code shall meet all applicable requirements of the California Energy Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6).

Adopt by reference and add Appendix Chapter A4 (Residential Voluntary Measures) and Appendix Chapter A5 (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures) of the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code appendices.

For new residential construction only, adopt as mandatory measures the following divisions of Appendix A4 only:

Division A4.1 (Planning and Design);

Division A4.2 (Energy Efficiency);

Division A4.3 (Water Efficiency and Conservation);

Division A4.4 (Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency);

Division A4.5 (Environmental Quality); and

Division A4.6 (Voluntary Tiers) including Tier 1 measures only.

For new nonresidential construction only, adopt following divisions of Appendix A5:

Division A5.1 (Planning & Design);

Division A5.3 (Water Efficiency & Conservation);

Division A5.4 (Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency);

Division A5.5 (Environmental Quality); and

Division A5.6 (Voluntary Tiers) including Tier 1 measures only.

Amend the title and explanatory note of Appendix A4 to read as follows:

Appendix A4 Supplementary Residential Mandatory and Elective Measures

The measures contained herein that are necessary to achieve Tier 1 status shall be mandatory pursuant Section 301.1 of this code.

Amend Appendix Section A4.201.1 to read as follows:

A4.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of meeting mandatory Tier 1 status pursuant to Section 301.1 of this code, compliance with the provisions contained in this Appendix A4 Division A4.2 (Energy Efficiency) shall not be required. The provisions contained in this Appendix A4 Division A4.2 are entirely voluntary and are intended only as a means to encourage buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

Amend Item 2 in Appendix Section A4.601.4.2 to read as follows:

From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency.

2.1.

No requirements for this division.

Amend the note in the last paragraph of Appendix Section A4.601.4.2 to read as follows:

Note: Checklists authorized by the building official shall be used to show the mandatory and Tier 1 elective measures that will be incorporated into the project to show compliance with the provisions of Appendix A4.

Delete Appendix Section A4.602 (Residential Occupancies Application Checklist) in its entirety.

Delete Appendix Division A4.7 (Residential Model Ordinance) in its entirety.

Amend the title and explanatory note of Appendix A5 to read as follows:

Appendix A5 Supplementary Nonresidential Mandatory and Elective Measures

The measures contained herein that are necessary to achieve Tier 1 status shall be mandatory pursuant Section 301.1 of this code.

Amend Appendix Section A5.201.1 to read as follows:

A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of meeting mandatory Tier 1 status pursuant to Section 301.1 of this code, compliance with the provisions contained in this Appendix A5 Division A5.2 shall not be required. The provisions contained in this Appendix A5 Division A5.2 are entirely voluntary and are intended only as a means to encourage buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

Amend the first paragraph in Appendix Section A5.601.2.3 to read as follows:

A5.601.2.3 Tier 1. For the purposes of meeting mandatory Tier 1 status pursuant to Section 301.1 of this code, compliance with the provisions contained in Section A5.201 shall not be required. The provisions of Section A5.201 are entirely voluntary and are intended only as a means to encourage buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

Amend the first paragraph in Appendix Section A5.601.2.4 to read as follows:

A5.601.2.4 Measures for Tier 1. In addition to the provisions of Section A5.601.2.1 above, compliance with the following measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 1.

In Table A5.601 (Nonresidential Buildings), delete the row, references, and requirements for Division 5.2 (Energy Efficiency) in its entirety.

Delete Appendix Section A5.602 (Nonresidential Occupancies Application Checklists) in its entirety and replace to read as follows:

A5.602 Nonresidential Occupancies Application Checklists. Checklists authorized by the building official shall be used to show the mandatory and Tier 1 elective measures that will be incorporated into the project to show compliance with the provisions of Appendix A5.

4-1.4.12 2025 California Referenced Standards Code. Part 12 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, also referred to as the 2025 Edition of the California Referenced Standards Code published by the International Code Council.

4-1.4.13 2024 International Property Maintenance Code. The 2024 International Property Maintenance Code published by the International Code Council.

4-1.4-14 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code published by the International Code Council

4-1.5 Reserved.

4-1.6 Housing and Building Codes Appeals Board.

In order to determine the suitability of alternate materials and methods of construction, and to provide for reasonable interpretation of the provisions of this code, and to provide recommendations to the city council relative to energy conservation and solar application, there shall be and is hereby created, a Housing and Building Code Appeals Board, consisting of five members and two alternate members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction. The building official shall be an ex officio member and shall act as secretary of the board. The board shall be appointed by the City Council and shall hold office at its pleasure. The board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the building official with a duplicate copy to the appellant and may recommend to the City Council new legislation as is consistent therewith.

Procedure for Appeals. The board shall as soon as practical, hear all appeals in writing from decisions of the building official concerning use of all alternate materials or methods of construction, or interpretation of the codes. It may affirm, overrule, or modify rulings of the building official, and its decision shall be final unless appealed in writing to the city council within 10 days. Unless at least one member of the commission is qualified by experience and training to rule on a particular question presented to it, the commission shall not decide the question until it has consulted with and been advised by a disinterested individual who is qualified.

4-1.7 Penalty for Violation. Any person, firm or corporation, whether as principal, agent or employee or otherwise, violating any of the provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of an infraction, and upon conviction, shall be liable for the penalties stated in Chapter I, section 1-5 of the Novato Municipal Code. Furthermore, any such violation shall be deemed to be a public nuisance, pursuant to section 1-6 of the Novato Municipal Code.

4-1.8 Compliance with Law. The building official shall issue no certificate of occupancy unless the person doing the work authorized by the permit has complied with all other applicable regulations of the city (including without limitation, Chapter V, Development Standards, Chapter IX, Land Subdivision, and Chapter XIX, Zoning) and of other governmental agencies (including without limitation, North Marin County Water District, Novato Sanitary District, Novato Fire Protection District and Health Services Department of Marin County).

4-1.9 Enforcement. The following designated employee positions may enforce the provisions of this chapter by the arrest or by the issuance of citations. Persons employed in such positions and authorized to exercise the authority provided in Penal Code Section 836.5 are authorized to issue citations with the approval of the community development director for any violations of the provisions of this chapter. The designated employee positions are:

Community Development Director

Chief Building Official, or

The designee of the Community Development Director.

It shall be the duty of the chief of police to render any and all necessary assistance to the community development director for the enforcement of this chapter and all provisions of the same.

Add Section 4.5 Gate Safety