Ojai Municipal Code Art. 7 California Electrical Code (CA)

§ 9-1.701. Amendments.¶

The 2025 California Electrical Code is hereby amended as follows:

(a) CEC Sec. 89.108.48. Permit application. To obtain an electrical permit, an application shall be filed therefor and appropriate fees paid as set forth by resolution of the Council.

(b) CEC Sec. 89.108.9.3. Authority to disconnect. The Building Official is hereby authorized to order the discontinuance and/or disconnection of any electrical wiring, device, appliance, apparatus or equipment which is found to be hazardous to life, health or property.

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or serving utility to make connections with a source of electrical energy or to supply electrical service to any electrical wiring, device, appliance, apparatus or equipment which has been disconnected or ordered disconnected by the Building Official until approval has been granted for reconnection of such equipment.

(c) CEC Sec. 89.108.9.4. Connection to electrical installations. Except where work is done under an annual electrical maintenance permit, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to make connection from a source of electrical wiring, device, appliance or equipment which requires a permit for installation unless such person, firm or corporation shall have obtained evidence from the Building Inspector that such equipment is authorized to be energized.

(d) CEC Sec. 89.108.9.5. Authority to abate. Any portion of an electrical system found by the Building Official to be unsafe as defined in this Code or which the Building Official finds is manifestly unsafe is hereby declared to be a nuisance.

(1) Where a nuisance exists or an electrical system is maintained in violation of this Code or any notice issued pursuant to this section, the Building Official shall require the nuisance or violation to be abated and, where necessary, shall seek such abatement in the manner provided by law.

(e) CEC Sec. 110.5. Conductors. Conductors normally used to carry current shall be of copper unless otherwise provided in this Code. Where the conductor material is not specified, the sizes given in this Code shall apply to copper conductors. Where other materials are used, the size shall be changed accordingly.

(1) For aluminum and copper-clad aluminum conductors, see Tables 310-16 through 310-19 of the NEC. Aluminum wire used under the provisions of this Code shall be a minimum of #6 A.W.G. stranded conductor.

(f) CEC Sec. 110.8. Wiring methods. Only wiring methods recognized as suitable are included in this Code. The recognized methods of wiring shall be permitted to be installed in any type of building or occupancy, except as otherwise provided in this Code.

(1) Wiring installations and equipment in existence at the time of passage of this Code may have their existing use continued if such use was legal at the time of passage and provided such continued use is not unsafe.

(g) Energy Efficiency Code. It is the purpose and intent of this section to establish standards for residential retrofits including major additions and alterations that exceed minimum 2025 California Code of Regulations Title 24 Part 6 requirements. In furtherance of this purpose, these changes shall be made to the 2025 California Energy Code and shall apply to building permit applications submitted to the City of Ojai on or after January 31, 2026:

(1) Add the following definitions to Subchapter 1, Section 100.1(b):

MAJOR ADDITION is any change to an existing building that increases conditioned floor area by 300 or more square feet in a one-year period.

MAJOR ALTERATION is any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than a repair whose altered components cover 300 or more square feet in a one-year period. A project that consists only of roof and/or window replacement is not considered a major alteration.

(2) Amend Section 150.0 Single-Family Residential Buildings — Mandatory Features and Devices to read as follows:

Single-family residential buildings shall comply with the applicable requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through 150.0(w).

(3) Add new Section 150(w) to read as follows:

(w) Mandatory Requirements for Existing Building Additions and Alterations. Existing Building Additions and Alterations shall meet the requirements of Items 1 through 3 below, as applicable:

Major addition. Any Major Addition shall install a set of measures from the Measure Menu Table, Table 150.0-I to achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 8. Any Major Addition 1,000 square feet or greater must achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 19. In addition, all mandatory measures listed in Table 150.0-I shall be installed. Measure verification shall be explicitly included as an addendum to the Title 24 Part 6 Certificate of Compliance to be filed pursuant to 2025 Title 24 Section 10-103. Installed measures shall meet the specifications in Table 150.0-J.
Major alteration. Any Major Alteration shall install a set of measures from the Measure Menu Table, Table 150.0-I to achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 8. Any Major Alteration 1,000 square feet or greater must achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 19. In addition, all mandatory measures listed in Table 150.0-I shall be installed. Measure verification shall be explicitly included as an addendum to the Certificate of Compliance to be filed pursuant to 2025 Title 24 Section 10-103. Installed measures shall meet the specifications in Table 150.0-J.
Combination alterations and additions. Any project that includes an addition and alteration whose altered components cover equal to or greater than 300 square feet shall install a set of measures from the Measure Menu Table, Table 150.0-I to achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 8. Any project that includes an addition and alteration whose altered components cover equal to or greater than 1,000 square feet shall achieve a total score that is equal to or greater than 19. In addition, all mandatory measures listed in Table 150.0-I shall be installed. Measure verification shall be explicitly included as an addendum to the Certificate of Compliance to be filed pursuant to 2025 Title 24 Section 10-103. Installed measures shall meet the specifications in Table 150.0-J.

Exception 1 to Section 150.0(w): The project is the result of a repair as defined by Title 24 Part 2 Section 202.
Exception 2 to Section 150.0(w): If compliance costs exceed 20% of total project valuation or due to conditions specific to the project, it is technically infeasible to achieve compliance through any available set of measures, the applicant may request an exemption as set forth below. In applying for an exemption, the burden is on the applicant to allow hardship or infeasibility.

(1)	Application. Based on the following, the applicant shall identify in writing the specific requirements of the standards for compliance that the project is unable to achieve and the circumstances that make it a hardship or infeasible for the project to comply with this chapter. The applicant may not petition for relief from any requirement of the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and referenced standards, or the 2025 California Green Building Standards (Title 24, Part 11) of the California Building Standards Code. Circumstances that constitute hardship or infeasibility shall include one of the following:	Application. Based on the following, the applicant shall identify in writing the specific requirements of the standards for compliance that the project is unable to achieve and the circumstances that make it a hardship or infeasible for the project to comply with this chapter. The applicant may not petition for relief from any requirement of the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and referenced standards, or the 2025 California Green Building Standards (Title 24, Part 11) of the California Building Standards Code. Circumstances that constitute hardship or infeasibility shall include one of the following:
	(i)	That the cost of achieving compliance is disproportionate to the overall cost of the project;
	(ii)	That it is technically infeasible to achieve compliance through all packages due to conditions specific to the project; That strict compliance with these standards would create or maintain a hazardous condition(s) and present a life safety risk to the occupants.
(2)	Granting of exemption. If the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, determines that it is a hardship or infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of this chapter and that granting the requested exemption will not cause the building to fail to comply with the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and referenced standards, or the 2025 California Green Building Standards (Title 24, Part 11) of the California Building Standards Code, the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, shall determine the minimum feasible threshold of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. If an exemption is granted, the applicant shall be required to comply with this chapter in all other respects and shall be required to achieve the threshold of compliance determined to be achievable by the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development.	Granting of exemption. If the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, determines that it is a hardship or infeasible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of this chapter and that granting the requested exemption will not cause the building to fail to comply with the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and referenced standards, or the 2025 California Green Building Standards (Title 24, Part 11) of the California Building Standards Code, the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, shall determine the minimum feasible threshold of compliance reasonably achievable for the project. If an exemption is granted, the applicant shall be required to comply with this chapter in all other respects and shall be required to achieve the threshold of compliance determined to be achievable by the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development.
(3)	Denial of exemption. If the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, determines that it is reasonably possible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of this chapter, the request shall be denied, and the applicant shall be notified of the decision in writing. The project and compliance documentation shall be modified to comply with the standards for compliance.	Denial of exemption. If the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, determines that it is reasonably possible for the applicant to fully meet the requirements of this chapter, the request shall be denied, and the applicant shall be notified of the decision in writing. The project and compliance documentation shall be modified to comply with the standards for compliance.
(4)	Appeal. Any aggrieved applicant or person may appeal, at no fee, the determination of the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, regarding the granting or denial of an exemption or compliance with any other provision of this chapter. An appeal of a determination of the chief building official shall be filed in writing with the Building Appeals Board.	Appeal. Any aggrieved applicant or person may appeal, at no fee, the determination of the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, regarding the granting or denial of an exemption or compliance with any other provision of this chapter. An appeal of a determination of the chief building official shall be filed in writing with the Building Appeals Board.

Exception 3 to Section 150.0(w): If the dwelling unit has previously installed measures from the Measure Menu, Table 150.0-I, and compliance can be demonstrated to the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, then these measures shall not be required to be newly installed, and appropriate credit shall be included in the applicable compliance calculations.

Exception 4 to Section 150.0(w): The applicant for alterations or additions to a City landmark or contributing structure to a City-designated historic district may request an exemption to any requirements of this chapter which would impair the any City landmark or contributing structure to a City-designated historic district shall be exempt from the requirements of this section/chapter if the energy efficiency improvements would impair any character-defining element of the landmark or historic district, as determined by the Director of Community Development and as regulated by the California Historic Building Code (Title 24, Part 8). In making a determination of exemption, the Director of Community Development, or their designee, may require the submittal of an evaluation by an architectural historian or similar expert.

Exception 5 to Section 150.0(w): An alteration that consists solely of seismic and fire hardening improvements.

Exception 6 to Section 150.0(w): Buildings which are temporary (such as construction trailers).

Exception 7 to Section 150.0(w): An alteration that consists solely of roof and/or window projects.

Exception 8 to Section 150.0(w): Mobile Homes, Manufactured Housing, or Factory-built Housing as defined in Division 13 of the California Health and Safety 12 Code (commencing with Section 17000 of the Health and Safety Code).

Exception 9 to Section 150.0(w): Properties located outside of climate zone 9.

Exception 10 to Section 150.0(w): Any accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit allowed per state law, and/or tiny house permitted per Section 10-2.1712 of this Code.

Exception 11 to Section 150.0(w): Where the project includes an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit that is attached to the primary dwelling unit, either as a new addition or converted from within the space of the primary dwelling unit, and there is not an additional combination alteration/addition to the primary dwelling unit of at least 300 square feet, then the primary dwelling unit is exempt from the requirements.

Exception 12 to Section 150.0(w): Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed so as to prohibit any one appliance covered by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) (42 U.S.C. § 6292). Should an applicant establish that this ordinance, as applied, prohibits a covered appliance in applicant's project, the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, shall waive that portion of the ordinance causing such prohibition.

Exception 13 to Section 150.0(w): If the applicant demonstrates, using Commission-certified compliance software as specified by Section 10-109(c) and Section 10-116, that the Energy Budget of the Proposed Building Design would be less than or equal to the Energy Budget of the building under the project if it included any set of measures that would achieve compliance under this Section 150.0(w).

Exception 14 to Section 150.0(w): Single-family homes built after December 31, 1991.

(4) Add new Section 150(x) to read as follows:

150.0(x) Electric vehicle (EV) Charging for additions and alterations. Parking additions or electrical panel upgrades must have reserved breaker spaces and electrical capacity to accommodate one Level 2 EV Charging Receptacle in one parking space as defined in the California Green Building Standards Code Section 202. If a second parking space is provided, it shall be provided with a Level 1 EV Charging Receptacle as defined in the California Green Building Standards Code Section 202.

Exception to 150.0(x): Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) without additional parking facilities and without electrical panel upgrade or new panel installation. Detached ADUs, attached ADUs, and JADUs without additional parking but with electrical panel upgrades or new panels must have reserved breakers and electrical capacity according to the requirements of Section 4.106.4.1 in the California Green Building Standards Code.

(5) Add new Table 150.0-I to read as follows:

Table 150.0-I: Measure Menu

Climate Zone 9
Measures	Table 150.0-J ID	Points
Water Heating Package	E1	2
Induction Cooktop	E2	1
Heat Pump Clothes Dryer	E3	1
Air Sealing	E4	1
Duct Sealing	E5	3
R-49 Attic Insulation	E6	5
Windows	E7	5
R-15 Wall Insulation	E8	3
New Ducts + Duct Sealing	E9	7
R-19 Floor Insulation	E10	1
R-30 Floor Insulation	E11	2
Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) replacing gas	E12	12
Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) replacing electric	E13	5
Solar PV + Electric Ready Pre-Wire	E14	17
Heat Pump Space Heater	E15	7
Utility Room, Kitchen & Laundry-Related Electric Ready Pre-Wire	M1	Mandatory
Panel-Related Electric Ready Pre-Wire	M2	Mandatory
Lighting Measures	M3	Mandatory

Notes:

1:	The measures in the Measure Menu table shall conform to the specifications in Table 150.0-J.	The measures in the Measure Menu table shall conform to the specifications in Table 150.0-J.
2:		In addition to energy efficiency, these strategies provide direct fire hardening benefits.

(6) Add new Table 150.0-J to read as follows:

Table 150.0-J: Measure Specifications

ID	Measure Specification
General Measures	General Measures
E1	Water Heating Package: Insulate all accessible hot water pipes with pipe insulation a minimum of 3/4 inch thick. This includes insulating the supply pipe leaving the water heater, piping to faucets underneath sinks, and accessible pipes in attic spaces or crawlspaces. Upgrade fittings in sinks and showers to meet current California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) Section 4.303 water efficiency requirements. Exception: Upgraded fixtures are not required if existing fixtures have rated or measured flow rates of no more than ten percent greater than 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11) Section 4.303 water efficiency requirements.
E2	Induction Cooktop: Replace existing gas and electric resistance stove top with inductive stove top and cap the gas line.
E3	Heat Pump Clothes Dryer: Replace all existing gas and electric clothes dryers with heat pump clothes dryers.
E4	Air Sealing: Seal all accessible cracks, holes, and gaps in the building envelope at walls, floors, and ceilings. Pay special attention to penetrations including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical vents, recessed can light luminaires, and windows. Weather-strip doors if not already present. Verification shall be conducted by a certified ECC Rater that either: a) shows at least a 30 percent reduction from pre-retrofit conditions; or b) shows that the number of air changes per hour at 50 Pascals pressure difference (ACH50) does not exceed ten for Pre-1978 vintage buildings, seven for 1978 to 1991 vintage buildings and five for 1992-2010 vintage buildings. Compliance can also be demonstrated with blower door testing conducted by a certified ECC Rater no more than three years prior to the permit application date showing compliance with condition (a) or (b). If combustion appliances are located within the pressure boundary of the building, conduct a combustion safety test by a professional certified by the Building Performance Institute in accordance with the ANSI/BPI-1200-S-2017 Standard Practice for Basic Analysis of Buildings, the Whole House Combustion Appliance Safety Test Procedure for the Comfortable Home Rebates Program 2020 or the California Community Services and Development Combustion Appliance Safety Testing Protocol. Reducing the air leakage of a building can reduce the building's drying potential. When improving the air sealing of a building, consider if there is a need to add continuous ventilation to the building (if not already present).
E5	Duct Sealing: Air seal all space conditioning ductwork to meet the requirements of the 2025 Title 24 Section 150.2(b)1E. The duct system must be tested by a ECC Rater no more than three years prior to the alteration or addition permit application date to verify the duct sealing and confirm that the requirements have been met. This measure may not be combined with the New Ducts and Duct Sealing measure in this Table. Buildings without ductwork or where the ducts are in conditioned space may not take credit for this measure.
E6	R-49 Attic Insulation: Attic insulation shall be installed to achieve a weighted assembly U-factor of 0.020 or insulation installed at the ceiling level shall have a thermal resistance of R-49 or greater for the insulation alone. Recessed downlight luminaires in the ceiling shall be covered with insulation to the same depth as the rest of the ceiling. Luminaires not rated for insulation contact must be replaced or fitted with a fire-proof cover that allows for insulation to be installed directly over the cover. Exception: In buildings where existing R-30 is present and existing recessed downlight luminaires are not rated for insulation contact, insulation is not required to be installed over the luminaires.
E7	Windows: Replace at least 50% of existing windows with high performance windows with an area-weighted average U-factor no greater than 0.27.
E8	R-15 Wall Insulation: Install wall insulation in all exterior walls to achieve a weighted U-factor of 0.095 or install wall insulation in all exterior wall cavities that shall result in an installed thermal resistance of R-15 or greater for the insulation alone.
E9	New Ducts + Duct Sealing: Replace existing space conditioning ductwork with new R-8 ducts that meet the requirements of 2025 Title 24 Section 150.0(m)11. This measure may not be combined with the Duct Sealing measure in this Table. To qualify, a preexisting measure must have been installed no more than three years before the alteration or addition permit application date.
E10	R-19 Floor Insulation: Raised-floors shall be insulated such that the floor assembly has an assembly U-factor equal to or less than U-0.037, or shall be insulated between wood framing with insulation having an R-value equal to or greater than R-19. This measure cannot be combined with measure R-30 Floor insulation.
E11	R-30 Floor Insulation: Raised-floors shall be insulated such that the floor assembly has an assembly U-factor equal to or less than U-0.028, or shall be insulated between wood framing with insulation having an R-value equal to or greater than R-30. This measure cannot be combined with measure R-19 Floor insulation.
E12	Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) replacing gas: Replace existing natural gas storage water heater with a heat pump water heater that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2(b)1.H.iii.b.
E13	Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) replacing electric: Replace existing electric resistance storage water heater with a heat pump water heater that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3 and 150.2(b)1.H.iii.b.
E14	PV and Electric Ready Pre-Wire: Install a solar PV system that meets the requirements of 2025 Title 24 Section 150.1(c)14. In addition to the solar PV system, comply with the electric readiness components per Section 150.0(n)1 and 150.0(t) and one of: Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Ready, as specified in Section 150.0(s), or EV Charger Ready as specified in the California Green Building Code, Title 24, Part 11, Section A4.106.8.1, which otherwise applies to new construction. Exception 1: In buildings where the designated space requirement specified in Section 150.0(n)1 can be demonstrated to the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, as infeasible, the electric readiness components per Section 150.0(n)1 are not required.
E15	Heat Pump Space Heater: Replace all existing gas and electric resistance primary space heating systems with a heat pump system that meets the requirements of Sections 110.3, 150.2(b)1.C, 150.2(b)1.E, 150.2(b)1.F, 150.2(b)1.G.
Mandatory Measures	Mandatory Measures
M1	Utility Room, Kitchen & Laundry-Related Electric Ready Pre-Wire: If the project includes a kitchen remodel, comply with the Electric Cooktop Ready requirement, as specified in Section 150.0(u). If the project includes a laundry room remodel, comply with the Electric Clothes Dryer Ready requirement, as specified in Section 150.0(v). If the project includes a utility room remodel, comply with the electric readiness components per Section 150.0(n)1 and 150.0(t): Exception 1: If an electrical permit is not otherwise required for the project other than compliance with this measure. Exception 2: If a utility service upgrade is not otherwise required for the project other than compliance with this measure. Exception 3: In buildings where the designated space requirement specified in Section 150.0(n)1 can be demonstrated to the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, as infeasible, the electric readiness components per Section 150.0(n)1 are not required.
M2	Panel-Related Electric Ready Pre-Wire: If the project includes a new electrical panel and electrical service upgrade to 200A or more, comply with the Water Heating Ready requirements, as specified in Section 150.0(n)1 and the Space Heating Ready Requirement 150.0(t).
	Exception 1: In buildings where the designated space requirement specified in Section 150.0(n)1 can be demonstrated to the chief building official, in consultation with the Director of Community Development, as infeasible, the electric readiness components per Section 150.0(n)1 are not required.
M3	Lighting Measures: Install lighting with an efficiency of 45 lumens per watt or greater in all interior and exterior screw-in fixtures. Install photocell, occupancy sensor or energy management system controls that meet the requirements of 150.0(k)3 in all outdoor lighting permanently mounted to a residential building or to other buildings on the same lot.

(7) Modify Section 150.2(a) Energy Efficiency Standards for Additions and Alterations to Existing Single-Family Residential Buildings to read as follows:

Additions. Additions to existing single-family residential buildings shall meet the requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9, Sections 150.0(a) through (n), (p), (q), (w) and either Section 150.2(a)1 or 2.

(8) Modify Section 150.2(b) Energy Efficiency Standards for Additions and Alterations to Existing Single-Family Residential Buildings to read as follows:

Alterations. Alterations to existing single-family residential buildings or alterations in conjunction with a change in building occupancy to a single-family residential occupancy shall meet either Item 1 or 2 below.

Prescriptive approach. The altered component and any newly installed equipment serving the alteration shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9 and all applicable requirements of Sections 150.0(a) through (l), 150.0(m)1 through 150.0(m)10, 150.0(p) through (q), and 150.0(w); and

i. Performance approach. The altered component(s) and any newly installed equipment serving the alteration shall meet the applicable requirements of Subsections A, B, and C below.

A. The altered components shall meet the applicable requirements of Sections 110.0 through 110.9, Sections 150.0(a) through (l), Sections 150.0(m)1 through 150.0(m)10, Sections 150.0(p) through (q), and Section 150.0(w). Entirely new or complete replacement mechanical ventilation systems as these terms are used in Section 150.2(b)1L, shall comply with the requirements in Section 150.2(b)1L. Altered mechanical ventilation systems shall comply with the requirements of Section 150.2(b)1M. Entirely new or complete replacement space-conditioning systems, and entirely new or complete replacement duct systems, as these terms are used in Sections 150.2(b)1C and 150.2(b)1Diia, shall comply with the requirements of Sections 150.0(m)12 and 150.0(m)13.

(§ 1, Ord. 627, eff. April 11, 1985, as amended and renumbered by § 15, Ord. 718, eff. April 25, 1997, § 15, Ord. 891, eff. March 25, 2019, § 9, Ord. 904, eff. January 1, 2020, and § 9, Ord. 935, eff. January 1, 2023; Ord. 968, 8/26/2025, eff. 9/25/2025; Ord. 969, 12/9/2025, eff. 1/8/2026)

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