Article 2 — Administrative Provisions

This chapter shall be known as the "City of Ojai Building Code," may be cited as such, and will be referred to in this chapter as "this Code."

(§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985)

The Council expressly finds that the purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life and limb, health, property, and the public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location, relocation and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the City. (§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985)

For the purposes of this chapter and the Codes adopted by reference by this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and phrases used in this chapter and said Codes are defined as follows:

"Administrative Authority" shall mean the Building Official.

"Board of Appeals" shall mean the Building Appeals Board as established in Section 9-1.214 of this Title.

"Building Official" shall mean the designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this Code.

"City" shall mean the City of Ojai.

"Council" shall mean the City Council of the City.

(§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985 as amended by § 2, Ord. 772, eff. June 25, 2004, and § 3 Ord. 829, eff. July 25, 2013)

Fees for permits and services rendered pursuant to this Code shall be paid to the City as established by resolution of the Council. Said resolution of fees shall be in addition to any fee schedules mentioned in the State Code and other Uniform Codes adopted by reference pursuant to this chapter; provided, however, that in the event that said resolution conflicts with any such fee schedules, the resolution of the Council shall prevail.

(§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985, as amended by § 2, Ord. 718, eff. April 25, 1997)

Any violation of the provisions of this Code or any amendment thereto shall be an infraction and shall be punishable as provided in Chapter 2 of Title 1 of the Ojai Municipal Code. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain any building or structure in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to any of the provisions of this Code.

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BUILDING REGULATIONS

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§ 9-1.210

(§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985)

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Code shall be deemed guilty of an infraction, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day, or portion thereof, during which any violation of any of the provisions of this Code is committed, continued, or permitted and, upon the conviction of any such violation, such person shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985)

The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be deemed or construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of any primary Code adopted by this chapter. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of any primary Code adopted by this chapter shall be valid, except insofar as the work or use which it authorizes is lawful.

(§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985)

No work shall be done on any part of a building or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written approval of the Building Official or their authorized representative. Such written approval shall be given only after an inspection shall have been made of each successive step in the construction as indicated by this Code. (§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985)

There shall be a final inspection and approval on all buildings when completed and ready for occupancy. Clearance to connect utilities will be issued by the Building Official after the building or premises are found to meet all applicable Codes and City laws. The Building Official may refuse to allow any or all of the public utilities to be connected to any building or structure until a final inspection and building approval has been issued. (§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985)

The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all of the provisions of this Code, the State Code and other Uniform Codes adopted by reference hereby. The decision of the Building Official in enforcing the provisions of this Code or the State Code and other Uniform Codes adopted by reference, or in interpreting the provisions thereof or in exercising the authority delegated thereby shall be final, subject to appeal as provided in this Code. The Building Official may arrest a person without a warrant whenever he has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has violated any provision of this Code, the State Code or other Uniform Codes adopted by reference herein in his presence. In any case in which a person is arrested for violation of the provisions of this Code, the State Code or other Uniform Codes adopted by reference pursuant hereto and the person does not demand to be taken before a magistrate, the Building Official making the arrest shall prepare a written notice to appear and

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City of Ojai, CA

OJAI CODE

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§ 9-1.214

release the person on his promise to appear as provided by the California Penal Code. (§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985, as amended by § 3, Ord. 718, eff. April 25, 1997)

Whenever in this Code, the State Code or the Uniform Codes adopted by reference herein another Code or publication of standards or of rules or regulations is referred to, any language to the contrary notwithstanding, such reference shall not incorporate by reference such other Codes, standards or rules and regulations as part of this Code or of the State and other Uniform Codes adopted by reference hereby unless set out in full herein, but they shall be considered and used by the Building Official as guides to assist in determining whether or not there has been compliance with the provisions of this Code. The Building Official shall not be bound by the provisions of any such other Codes, standards or rules and regulations not expressly adopted by reference in this Code in determining such compliance.

(§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985, as amended by § 4, Ord. 718, eff. April 25, 1997)

Any person, firm, or authorized representative charged with the enforcement of this Code, acting in good faith for the City and without malice in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby render himself liable personally, and he is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required, or by reason of any act or omission performed by him or her in the enforcement of any provision of this Code, and he shall be defended by the legal department of the City until the final termination of the proceedings.

(§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985)

The Council, following due considerations, hereby finds and determines that due to the geographical location of the City, unusual soil, areas subject to liquefaction, geological and topographical conditions prevailing within the City, high wind and fire protection requirements, the need for minimum desirable design features, as well as the fact that the public health and welfare would be best served, modifications and changes to the State Code and other Uniform Codes adopted hereby are needed and, therefore, the State Code and other Uniform Codes adopted by this chapter are hereby modified, amended, added to and changed as set forth in Articles 3 through 9 of this chapter.

(§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985, as amended by § 5, Ord. 718, eff. April 25, 1997)

• (a) There is hereby established in the City a Building Appeals Board consisting of five members. The Building Appeals Board shall be the "local appeals board," the "housing appeals board," and the "board of appeals" as those phrases are defined and used in the California Building Standards Code or any other code under this title as the same may apply to the City of Ojai either by express adoption or by operation of law.

• (b) Board members shall be nominated and appointed through the following process:

  • (1) A nominating committee comprised of the following three members shall nominate each Board member for confirmation by the City Council: the Mayor; a rotating City

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BUILDING REGULATIONS

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§ 9-1.214

Councilmember, as determined by the City Clerk; and the Board Chair, or the ViceChair if the Chair's office is under consideration within two months of the nomination.

• (2) If any member of the nominating committee affirmatively declines to participate in the nomination process, then their seat shall be forfeit and the next person, as appropriate and as determined by the City Clerk shall participate on the nominating committee instead: the next rotating Council Member, as determined by the City Clerk; the Chair, Vice-Chair, or Commission member; or the Mayor Pro Tem for the Mayor.

• (3) The nominating committee shall interview each applicant under consideration together, virtually or in person, before selecting a nominee for City Council confirmation.

• (4) The nominating committee must unanimously decide each nominee for confirmation by a majority vote of all members of the City Council. No nominee shall be submitted to the City Council for confirmation without unanimous support of the nominating committee.

• (5) If a nominee fails to garner a majority vote of the full City Council, then the applicable nominating committee shall meet again to consider and propose a new nominee for confirmation by the City Council in accordance with the process in this section. This process shall repeat until a nominee is confirmed by a majority vote of the full City Council.

• (6) If a mid-term vacancy occurs, the nominating committee may nominate their replacement to fill the remainder of the original term in accordance with the process in this section, which must be confirmed by a majority of the full Council. Where feasible, the members of the nominating committee used to nominate the member whose seat is vacated shall be used to nominate their replacement. Where members of such nominating committee are no longer in office or otherwise unavailable to serve on the nominating committee to fill the vacant seat, the seat shall be filled by the following, as appropriate: the next rotating Councilmember, as determined by the City Clerk; the Mayor Pro Tem if the Mayor is unable to serve on the nominating committee; or the sitting Chair, or the Vice-Chair if the Chair's office is under consideration within two months of the nomination.

unavailable to serve on the nominating committee to fill the vacant seat, the seat shall be filled by the following, as appropriate: the next rotating Councilmember, as determined by the City Clerk; the Mayor Pro Tem if the Mayor is unable to serve on the nominating committee; or the sitting Chair, or the Vice-Chair if the Chair's office is under consideration within two months of the nomination.

• (c) Each member shall become knowledgeable in the California Building Standards Code and applicable ordinances of the City of Ojai. Members need to be residents of the City.

• (d) The members of the Building Appeals Board shall be appointed for terms of four years and shall hold office until their successors have been appointed and qualified. A person who has been appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term. Any member of the Board may be removed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the Council. Members may be reappointed.

• (e) The Board shall elect its chair and vice-chair from among its members and shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the Board. Such officers shall be chosen for a period of one year. In the absence or disability of either the chair, vice-chair, or secretary, the Board may designate a chair or secretary pro tempore.

• (f) The Board shall meet when:

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• (1) An appeal is filed pursuant to this chapter; or

• (2) The Building Official requests advisory comments regarding issues related to this chapter, such as the potential adoption of new codes, proposed code changes, or alternate methods and materials.

Unless otherwise designated by the City Manager, the Building Official shall be the principal City staff liaison to the Board.

• (Ord. 829, § 1, eff. July 25, 2013; Ord. 957, eff. 7/11/2024)

Any person adversely affected by a determination made by the Building Official in administering or enforcing any provision of this chapter may appeal the determination to the Building Appeals Board.

• (a) Appeals shall be in writing, state the grounds for the appeal, and be accompanied by a fee in the amount set by resolution of the City Council. Only those matters or issues specifically raised by the appellant shall be considered in the hearing of the appeal.

• (b) The appeal shall be filed with the Building Official no later than 10 days after receipt of written notice of the determination and the appeal provisions of this chapter. Failure to timely request an appeal constitutes a waiver of the right to a hearing before the Building Appeals Board and a failure to exhaust administrative remedies.

• (c) Within 45 days of receiving an appeal, the Building Official shall schedule a hearing before the Building Appeals Board which shall consider relevant evidence presented at the hearing. Appellant shall be given at least 10 days' written notice of the date and time of the hearing.

• (d) The Building Appeals Board shall render a final written decision with findings within a reasonably prompt time after the filing of the appeal. The authority of the Building Appeals Board to render a written decision shall be limited to the scope of authority of the Building Official in the first instance and the Building Appeals Board shall have no authority to waive a requirement of this title.

• (e) The decision of the Building Appeals Board shall be final and conclusive. The written decision shall be sent to the appellant and shall provide that, pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6, any action to review said decision shall be commenced in an appropriate court of law not later than the ninetieth (90th) day after the date that the decision becomes final.

• (Ord. 829, § 2, eff. July 25, 2013)

• (a) The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:

  • (1) "Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following:

    • (i) E-mail;

    • (ii) Facsimile.

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• (2) "Small residential rooftop solar energy system" means all of the following.

  • (i) A solar energy system that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal.

  • (ii) A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the City and paragraph (iii) of subdivision (c) of Section 714 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.

  • (iii) A solar energy system that is installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling.

  • (iv) A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction.

• (3) "Solar energy system" has the same meaning set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 801.5 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.

• (b) Section65850.5 of the California Government Code provides that, on or before September 30, 2015, every City, County, or City and County shall adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.

• (c) Section65850.5 of the California Government Code provides that in developing an expedited permitting process, the City, County, or City and County shall adopt a checklist of all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to develop and adopt such checklist.

• (d) The checklist shall be published on the City's Internet website. The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the City'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 building official. If a small residential rooftop solar energy

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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 the local utility provider's electricity grid. The applicant is responsible for obtaining such approval or permission from the local utility provider.

• (§ 1, Ord. 860, eff. November 14, 2015)

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Article 3

California Building Code and California Residential Code

• (1) The 2025 California Building Code is hereby amended as follows:

  • (a) CBC 105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work will be deemed abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, corrections issued or plan approval unless a permit has been issued; except that the Building Official is authorized to grant up to two extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each. The extension must be requested in writing. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant must resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.

  • (b) CBC 105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued will become invalid, unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 365 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time of work is commenced. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit must first be obtained to do so, and the applicable fee will be one-half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made, nor will be made, in the original plans and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. If the suspension or abandonment has exceeded one year, the permit will be considered expired. In order to renew a permit after expiration, the permittee must pay a new full permit fee. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, two extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension must be requested in writing.

  • (c) CBC 109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee equal to the permit fee, that shall be in addition to any required permit fees.

  • (d) CBC 109.7 Reinspection fees. A reinspection fee may be imposed for each inspection or reinspection, when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete, access is denied, access is not available or when required corrections are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of the technical codes, but as a method of controlling the practice of calling inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection. Reinspection fees may be imposed when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector; for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested; or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, the permit will not be finaled nor occupancy granted until the required fees have been paid. Reinspection fees are established by City Ordinance.

ot readily available to the inspector; for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested; or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, the permit will not be finaled nor occupancy granted until the required fees have been paid. Reinspection fees are established by City Ordinance.

• (e) CBC 109.9 Refunds. The Building Official may authorize a refund of any fee that was erroneously paid or collected. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than 80% of the applicable permit fee paid when no work has been done under the permit. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than 80% of the

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plan review fee paid when an application for a permit is withdrawn or canceled before any examination time has been expended. The Building Official may not authorize a refund of any fee paid except upon written request, filed by the original permittee no later than 180 days after date of fee payment.

• (f) CBC 117 All electric buildings. All new constructed buildings and structures shall not be supplied with natural gas for the purpose of water heating (including pools and spas), space-heating, space-cooling, cooking and clothes drying.

• (g) CBC 202 Definition. Barrier. A barrier is a fence, wall, building wall or any combination of these that completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.

• (h) CBC 202 Definition. Swimming pools. Any body of water created by artificial means which is designed, intended for use, or used for swimming or immersion purposes, which has a water depth exceeding 18 inches. The term, "pool," includes swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, above- and below-ground, and vinyl-lined pools; pool does not include plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs nor does it apply to man-made lakes, reservoirs, farm ponds, or ponds used primarily for public park purposes, water conservation purposes, irrigation purposes or for the watering of livestock.

• (i) CBC 701A.1 Scope. This chapter applies to building materials, systems and or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings and building alterations located within a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area as defined in Section R337.2A.

• (j) CBC 701A.3 Application. New buildings and building alterations located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or any Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.

• (k) CBC 701A.3.1 Application date and where required. New buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008 located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area shall comply with all sections of this chapter, including all of the following areas:

  • (1) All unincorporated lands designated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as State Responsibility Area (SRA) including:

• 1.1. Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

  - 1.2. High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. 
  
  - 1.3. Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. 
  

  • (2) Land designated as Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone by cities and other local agencies.

  • (3) Land designated as Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area by cities and other local agencies.

• (l) CBC 703A.5.2 Weathering. Fire-retardant-treated wood shall meet the fire test

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performance requirements of this chapter after being subjected to the weathering conditions contained in the following standards, as applicable to the materials and conditions of use.

• (m) CBC 703A.5.2.2 Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes. This section is deleted in its entirety.

• (n) CBC 704A.4 Alternative methods for determining ignition-resistant materials. This section is deleted in its entirety.

• (o) CBC Table 1505.1 Minimum roof covering classification for types of construction. Change Table so Minimum Class A would be required for all construction types. Exception may be granted by the Building Official for City or County registered historic landmarks. The applicant shall submit evidence of historical registry and proposed materials.

• (p) CBC 1511.3 Roof replacement. Roof replacement shall include the removal of all existing layers of roof covering down to the roof deck. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 10% of the total roof area is repaired or replaced within any one-year period, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A. When a roof is being replaced the following must also be upgraded:

  • (1) Spark arrestors must be installed on any fireplace chimney. Manufactured fireplace must have a spark arrestor installed approved by the manufacturer.

• (q) CBC 1511.3.1.2 Roof recover upgrade entire roof. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 10% of the total roof area is repaired or replaced within any one-year period, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.

• (r) CBC 1803.1 General. Geotechnical investigations shall be conducted in accordance with Section 1803.2 and reported in accordance with Section 1803.6. Where required by the building official or where geotechnical investigations involve in-situ testing, laboratory testing or engineering calculations, such determination must be made by a California licensed engineer experienced in soil engineering. The Soil Expansion Index must be listed in all soils investigation reports.

• (s) CBC 3109.1 General. The design and construction of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs shall comply with this Code.

• (t) CBC 3109.3 Residential swimming pools. Residential swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a barrier complying with the requirements of SB 442.

• (u) CBC 3109.3.1 Barrier height and clearances. The top of the barrier must be at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier must be two inches measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is above grade, the barrier is authorized to be at ground level or mounted on top of the pool structure, and the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier must be four inches.

• (v) CBC 3109.3.1.1 Openings. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a four-

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inch-diameter sphere.

• (w) CBC 3109.3.1.2 Solid barrier surfaces. Solid barrier surfaces which do not have openings shall not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.

• (x) CBC 3109.3.1.3 Closely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not be greater than one and three-quarter inches in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing with the cutouts shall not be greater than 1¾ inches in width.

• (y) CBC 3109.3.1.4 Widely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, spacing between vertical members must not be greater than four inches. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing must not be greater than 1¾ inches in width.

• (z) CBC 3109.3.1.5 Chain link dimensions. Mesh size for chain link fences must not be greater than 1¾ inches in width, unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or bottom that reduce the openings to not more than one and three-quarter inches in width.

• (aa) CBC 3109.3.1.6 Diagonal members. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members shall not be greater than 1¾ inches.

• (bb) CBC 3109.3.1.7 Gates. Access gates must comply with the requirements of Sections 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.1.6 and must be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool and must be selfclosing and have a self-latching device. Doors or gates other than pedestrian access gates must have a self-latching device and must be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and must remain locked at all times when not in use. Release mechanisms must comply with Sections 1010.1.9 and 1109.13. Where release mechanisms of the self-latching device are located less than 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool, the release mechanism must be located on the pool side of the gate at least three inches below the top of the gate and the gate barrier may have no opening greater than one-half inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.

• (cc) CBC 3109.3.1.8 Dwelling wall as a barrier. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, two safety devices must be provided in accordance with Section 115922 of the California Health and Safety Code.

• (dd) CBC 3109.3.1.9 Pool structure as barrier. Where an above-ground pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then the ladder or steps either shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of Sections 3109.3.1.1 through 3109.3.1.8. Where the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening shall not allow the passage of a four-inch-diameter sphere.

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• (ee) CBC 3109.3.2 Indoor swimming pools. Wall surrounding indoor swimming pools shall not be required to comply with Sections 3109.3.1.8. through 3109.3.3

• (ff) CBC 3109.3.3 Prohibited locations. Barriers shall be located as to prohibit permanent structures, equipment or similar objects from being used to climb the barriers. There shall be a clear zone of not less than 36 inches between the exterior of the enclosure and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters and heaters that can be used to climb the enclosure.

• (2) The 2025 California Residential Code is hereby amended as follows:

  • (a) CRC R105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work will be deemed abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, corrections issued or plan approval unless a permit has been issued; except that the Building Official is authorized to grant up to two extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each. The extension must be requested in writing. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant must resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.

er the date of filing, corrections issued or plan approval unless a permit has been issued; except that the Building Official is authorized to grant up to two extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each. The extension must be requested in writing. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant must resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.

• (b) CRC R105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued will become invalid, unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 365 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time of work is commenced. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit must first be obtained to do so, and the applicable fee will be one-half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made, nor will be made, in the original plans and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. If the suspension or abandonment has exceeded one year, the permit will be considered expired. In order to renew a permit after expiration, the permittee must pay a new full permit fee. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, two extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension must be requested in writing.

• (c) CRC R108.5 Refunds. The Building Official may authorize a refund of any fee that was erroneously paid or collected. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than 80% of the applicable permit fee paid when no work has been done under the permit. The Building Official may authorize a refund of not more than 80% of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit is withdrawn or canceled before any examination time has been expended. The Building Official may not authorize a refund of any fee paid except upon written request, filed by the original permittee no later than 180 days after date of fee payment.

• (d) CRC R108.6 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee equal to the permit fee, that shall be in addition to any required permit fees.

• (e) CRC R108.7 Reinspection fees. A reinspection fee may be imposed for each inspection or reinspection, when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete, access is denied, access is not available or when required corrections are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of the technical

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City of Ojai, CA § 9-1.301

OJAI CODE

§ 9-1.301

codes, but as a method of controlling the practice of calling inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection. Reinspection fees may be imposed when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector; for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested; or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, the permit will not be finaled nor occupancy granted until the required fees have been paid. Reinspection fees are established by City ordinance.

• (f) CRC R115 All electric buildings. All new constructed buildings and structures shall not be supplied with natural gas for the purpose of water heating (including pools and spas), space-heating, space-cooling, cooking and clothes drying.

• (g) CRC R314.9 Heat sensor detector.

• (h) CRC R314.9.1 General. Heat sensor shall comply with Section 314.9.

• (i) CRC R314.9.1.1 Listings. Heat sensor detectors shall be listed by a listing agency approved by the Building Official.

• (j) CRC R314.9.2 Where required. Heat sensor detectors shall be installed within attached and unattached garages when any permit is issued with a valuation greater than $500.

• (k) CRC 314.9.3 Power source. Heat sensor detectors shall be either hard wired or plugged in to an outlet receiving power from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Heat sensor detector shall emit a signal when the batteries are low.

• (l) CRC R337.1.1 Scope. This chapter applies to building materials, systems and or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings and building alterations located within a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area as defined in Section R337.2A.

• (m) CRC R337.1.3 Application. New buildings and building alterations located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or any Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.

• (n) CRC R337.1.3.1 Application date and where required. New buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008 located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area shall comply with all sections of this chapter, including all of the following areas:

  • (1) All unincorporated lands designated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as State Responsibility Area (SRA) including:

    • 1.1. Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

    • 1.2. High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

    • 1.3. Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

  • (2) Land designated as Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone by cities and other local

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City of Ojai, CA

BUILDING REGULATIONS

§ 9-1.301

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agencies.

• (3) Land designated as Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area by cities and other local agencies.

• (o) CRC R337.3.5.2 Weathering. Fire-retardant-treated wood shall meet the fire test performance requirements of this chapter after being subjected to the weathering conditions contained in the following standards, as applicable to the materials and conditions of use.

• (p) CRC R337.3.5.2.2 Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes. This section is deleted in its entirety.

• (q) CRC R337.4.3 Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes. This section is deleted in its entirety.

• (r) CRC R337.3.5.2.2 Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes. This section is deleted in its entirety.

• (s) CRC R337.8.2.1 Exterior windows and exterior glazed doors assembly requirements. Exterior windows and exterior glazed doors assemblies shall comply with one of the following requirements:

  • (1) Be constructed of multiplane glazing with a minimum of one tempered pane meeting the requirements of Section R308 Safety Glazing; or

  • (2) Be constructed of block glass units; or

  • (3) Have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested according to NFPA 257; or

  • (4) Be tested to meet the performance requirements of SFM Standard 12-7A-2.

• (t) CRC R401.1 Application. The provisions of this chapter control the design and construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for all buildings. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1) must meet the provisions of Section R322. Wood foundations must be designed and installed in accordance with AF&PA PWF (American Forest and Paper Association permanent wood foundation).

Exception: The provisions of this chapter are permitted to be used for wood foundations only in the following situations:

• (1) In buildings that have no more than two floors and a roof;

• (2) When interior basement and foundation walls are constructed at intervals not exceeding 50 feet;

• (3) Wood foundations in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, D2, or E are not permitted.

• (u) CRC R403.1.2 Continuous footing in seismic design categories D0, D1, D2 and E. Exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E, shall be supported by continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings.

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City of Ojai, CA § 9-1.301

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Other footing materials or systems shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. The braced wall panels at exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E must be supported by continuous footings. All required interior braced wall panels in buildings must be supported by continuous footings. The exception is deleted in its entirety.

• (v) CRC R902.1 Roofing covering materials. Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. A minimum Class A roof shall be installed in all areas or where the edge of the roof is less than three feet from a lot line. Class A roofing shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E108.

• (w) CRC R902.1.1 Roof coverings within very-high fire hazard severity zones. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 10% of the total roof area is repaired or replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in alteration, repair or replacement of the roof or every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.

• (x) CRC R902.1.2 Roof coverings within state responsibility zones. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 10% of the total roof area is repaired or replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.

• (y) CRC R902.1.2 Exception. The exception is deleted in its entirety.

• (z) CRC R903.1.3 Roof coverings in all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 10% of the total roof area is repaired or replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.

(§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985; as amended and renumbered by § 7, Ord. 718, eff. April 25, 1997, §§ 3, 4, Ord. 743, eff. March 10, 2000, § 10, Ord. 891, eff. March 25, 2019, § 4, Ord. 904, eff. January 1, 2020, and § 4, Ord. 935, eff. January 1, 2023; Ord. 969, 12/9/2025, eff. 1/8/ 2026)

The 2025 California Building Code Appendices I and J adopted as parts of this Code.

The 2025 California Residential Code Appendix AH adopted as part of this Code. (§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985; as amended and renumbered by § 8, Ord. 718, eff. April 25, 1997, § 11, Ord. 891, eff. March 25, 2019, § 5, Ord. 904, eff. January 1, 2020, and § 5, Ord. 935, eff. January 1, 2023; Ord. 969, 12/9/2025, eff. 1/8/2026)

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City of Ojai, CA

BUILDING REGULATIONS

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§ 9-1.401