Placer County Municipal Code Part I Administration

Note: Former Art. 15.04, derived from Ord. 6171-B; Ord. 6255-B; and Ord. 6317-B, was repealed by Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025.

These regulations of Article 15.04 shall be known as the Placer County Building and Construction Code, hereinafter referenced as "this code."

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 102.2 - Other laws. Add the following subsection to Section 102.2 of the CBC:

Section 102.2.1 Conflicts with other laws or rules.

In the event of any conflict between this code and any law, rule or regulation of the state of California, that requirement which establishes the higher standard of safety shall govern. Failure to comply with such standard of safety shall be a violation of this code.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 103 - Code Compliance Agency. Replace Sections 103.1 of the CBC, R103.1 of the CRC and 103.1 of the CEBC:

Section 103.1/R103.1 - Creation of Agency. The Placer County Building Services Division is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the chief building official. The term "building official" shall mean a designee of the chief building official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the provisions of the code.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 105.1 - Required. Add the following subsection to Section 105.1 of the CBC, CRC, and CEBC:

Unless otherwise authorized, every permit issued by the chief building official under the provisions of this code shall expire and become null and void two years from the date of issuance. The chief building official may issue a permit for a lesser time period when necessary to abate dangerous or substandard conditions. This lesser time period may be appealed by the owner. The chief building official, or designee, may grant up to a maximum of two one-year extensions of an unexpired permit to any permittee who submits a request in writing demonstrating justifiable cause for granting the extension. For a permit that has expired and has not previously been granted a one-year extension, an extension may be granted by the chief building official for a one-year period which applies retroactively to the original expiration date, provided the application has not been expired for longer than one year. Additional extensions may be granted upon approval of the chief building official, based on a demonstrated hardship or extenuating circumstance. The fee for a permit extension shall be as prescribed in the building services division fee schedule.

Before any work can be recommenced on an expired permit, a new permit shall be obtained and any associated fees paid. All work done under a new permit shall comply with the most current edition of the codes in effect at the time of permit application and shall apply to that permit through the point of completion or expiration, whichever occurs first. Expired permits may be granted a one-time administrative ninety (90) day extension without fees upon approval of the chief building official or designee.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section R106.1.1 - information on construction documents. Add the following to Section R106.1.1 of the CRC:

Where applicable, the construction documents shall provide the information specified in Section 1603 of the California Building Code.

Section R106.1.1 - Information on construction documents. Add the following subsection to Section R106.1.1 of the CRC:

Section R106.1.1.1 - Residential standard plans. Subsequent standard plans applied for off a previously approved master plan require another application and master plan when the standard plan differs from the prior set of master plans that were submitted; including but not limited to: design review changes, different snow load, different topography, different soil conditions, and/or the building is different in any respect. Master plans and associated standard plans shall comply with the building standards in effect at the time of permit application unless explicitly exempted under State Law. The standard plan approval shall be reviewed one year from date of application to verify compliance with any newly enacted requirements, which may be subject to additional plan review and associated fees.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 109 - Fees. Add the following subsection to Section 109.2 of the CBC and R108.2 to the CRC:

Sections 109.2.1 and R108.2.1 - Permit fee exemption/or deed-restricted accessory and junior accessory dwelling units. To qualify for fee exemption under this section, an accessory or junior accessory dwelling unit must be restricted for affordability as verified by the county housing specialist and in accordance with current State Department of Housing and Community Development requirements, as provided under Placer County Code, Chapter 17, Article 17.56, Section 17.56.200. Verification of deed restriction must be rendered in writing from the planning division to the building services division prior to the issuance of any permits. Deed restriction under this section exempts the unit from processing, plan check, inspection, and building permit fees.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 110.1 - General. Add the following to Section 110.1 of the CBC:

Except where special inspection is specified in Chapter 17 of the CBC, the chief building official may authorize alternative inspection procedures requiring declarations from duly licensed professionals.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 111.1 - Change of Occupancy. Add the following to Section 111.1 of the CBC:

Certificates of occupancy will not be issued without approvals of all applicable agencies, county departments, and either the fire district, Placer County fire or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Such a certificate shall not be issued until compliance with all county requirements has been met. Occupying or using a structure without this approval shall constitute a violation of this code and will be deemed a public nuisance.

Section 111.2 - Certificate issued. Add the following to Section 111.2 of the CBC:

Certificates of occupancy will not be issued without approvals of all applicable agencies, county departments, and either the fire district, Placer County fire or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Such a certificate shall not be issued until compliance with all county requirements has been met. Occupying or using a structure without this approval shall constitute a violation of this code and will be deemed a public nuisance.

The certificate of occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the chief building official.

Exception: The certificate of occupancy need not be posted in Group U and Group R-3 occupancies.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 113/R112 - Means of appeals. Replace the phrase "means of appeals" in CBC Section 113, CEBC Section 113, and CRC Section 112, with "building board of appeals."

Section 113.1/R112.1 - General. Replace the phrase "board of appeals" with "building board of appeals."

Section 113.2/R112.2 - Limitations on authority. Add the following to Section 113.2 of the CBC/CEBC, and Section 112.2 of the CRC:

Appeals of decisions of the chief building official shall be submitted to the building services division on forms provided by the division and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as required by the building services division fee schedule. All appeals shall be filed within 30 days of the date of the decision of the chief building official, except as otherwise noted herein.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 113.3 - Qualifications. Replace Section 113.3 of the CBC with the following section:

The building board of appeals shall consist of nine members, not officials of the county, appointed by the board of supervisors. The members shall be qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction. Two members shall be physically disabled persons; two members shall be fire officials or fire marshals in the unincorporated county; and the remaining five members shall be appointed based on residency — one from each of the five supervisorial districts. With the exception of the fire official/marshal members, all members shall reside in the unincorporated county.

Section 113 - Board of appeals. Add the following subsections to Section 113 of the CBC/CEBC and Section R112 of the CRC:

Section 113.5/R112.5 - Terms of Office — Removal of members — Vacancies. For non-disabled members, the term of office shall be four years and until the first appointment and qualification of his or her successor. The first members of the board shall classify themselves by lot so that the term of office of two members is two years and of three members four years. For disabled and fire official members, the term of office shall be four years and until the first appointment and qualification of his or her successor. The first members representing each group shall classify themselves by lot so that the term of office of one member is two years and of the other member four years. Any member, even though he or she serves for a term, may be removed by the appointing authority without cause. A vacancy is filled only for the unexpired term.

Section 113.6/R113.6 - Compensation of members — Traveling expenses. All members of the building board of appeals shall serve without compensation. The members of the board shall receive their actual and necessary travel expenses to and from the place of meeting of the board and while traveling in connection with the business of the board.

Section 113.7/R113.7 - Powers and duties. The building board of appeals shall:

1 Hear and determine appeals from code interpretations of the chief building official or designee. Determination of appeal by building board of appeals is final.

2 Act as an advisory body to the board of supervisors on all matters pertaining to the construction industry.

3 Promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its hearings and meetings.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 114.1 - Unlawful acts. Add the following to Section 114.1 of the CBC/CEBC and Section R113.1 of the CRC:

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, although the first offense may be handled as an infraction pursuant to Placer County Code, Chapter 1, Article 1.24, Section 1.24.010. 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. Upon conviction of any such violations, such person shall be punished by a fine of not more than the maximum amount permissible under state law or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Any penalties under this or other codes do not waive any requirements for code compliance.

Section 114.4 - Violation penalties. Add the following to Section 114.4 of the CBC/CEBC and Section R113.4 of the CRC:

These include, but are not limited to, the penalty provisions outlined in Placer County Code, Chapter 1, Article 1.24, Section 1.24.010 and Chapter 17, Article 17.62.

Section 114.4 - Violation penalties. Add the following subsection to Section 114.4 of the CBC/CEBC and Section R113.4 of the CRC:

Add the following section to the CBC and CRC:

Sections 120 and R120 - Expedited permit process for small residential rooftop solar systems.

A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to provide an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014, California Government Code Section 65850.5) in order to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This section encourages the use of solar systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the county, and expanding the ability of property owners to install solar energy systems. This section allows the county to achieve these goals while protecting the public's health and safety.

B. Definitions. As used in this section:

"Electronic submittal"

means the utilization of electronic e-mail or submittal via the internet.

"Reasonable restrictions"

on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.

"Restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance"

means:

For water heater systems or solar swimming pool heating systems: an amount exceeding 10% of the cost of the system, but in no case more than $1,000.00, or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding 10%, as originally specified and proposed.

For photovoltaic systems: an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding 10% as originally specified and proposed.

"Small residential rooftop solar energy system"

means all of the following:

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

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

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

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

"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 designated from time to time.

"Specific adverse impact"

means a significant, quantifiable, direct, unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

C. Applicability.

1. This section applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems under the jurisdiction of the county.

2. Small residential rooftop solar energy systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section are not subject to the requirements of this section unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of a small rooftop energy system in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit.

D. Solar Energy System Requirements.

1. All small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state and the county.

2. Solar energy systems for heating water in single-family residences shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code.

3. Solar energy systems for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.

E. Applications and Documents.

1. All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application shall be made available on the county website.

2. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by email or the Internet shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.

3. The county's building services division shall adopt and post on the county's website a standard plan and checklist of all requirements ("Expedited Application Requirements") with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. Said plan and checklist shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard plans contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.

4. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:

a. Verify, to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction and 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

b. At the applicant's expense, verify, to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction and 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. Permit Review and Inspection Requirements.

1. An application that satisfies all the requirements of the expedited application requirements, as determined by the chief building official or designee shall be deemed complete.

2. Once deemed complete, the building services division shall issue a building permit, the issuance of which is nondiscretionary, on the same day for over-the-counter applications or within one to three business days for electronic applications. The issuance of said permit does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid until inspected and authorization to do so is demonstrated by the chief building official or designee. The applicant is further responsible for obtaining such approval or permission to connect from the local utility provider.

3. Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the building services division for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the building official and fire chief, and/or their designated representatives. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized, however the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this subsection.

4. If the building official determines an application is incomplete, the chief building official or designee shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance. Said written correction notice shall be issued within five business days of the date of determination of an incomplete application.

5. The chief building official or designee may require an applicant to apply for a limited review permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon public health and safety. Such decision may be appealed by the applicant to the CDRA director subject to the provisions of subsection G.

6. If a limited review permit is required, the chief building official may deny such application if it makes written findings based upon substantive evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid, as defined, the adverse impact. "A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" includes, but is not limited to, any cost- effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by the county on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit. The county shall use its best efforts to ensure the selected method, condition, or mitigation meets the conditions of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 714 of the Civil Code defining restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact. Such decision may be appealed by the applicant to the CDRA director subject to the provisions of subsection G.

7. Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.

G. Appeals.

1. The applicant may appeal decisions rendered pursuant to subsection F.4 or F.5 upon payment of the appeal fee, submittal of an appeal application to the CDRA front counter within 10 calendar days of the date of the decision.

2. The decision of the CDRA director on an appeal is final.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Add the following section to the CBC and CRC:

Sections 130 and R130 - Expedited permit process for electric vehicle charging stations.

A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process that complies with Section 65850.7 of the California Government Code in order to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of electric vehicle charging stations. This section encourages the use of electric vehicle charging stations by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the county, and expanding the ability of property owners and agricultural and business concerns to install electric vehicle charging stations. This section allows the county to achieve these goals while protecting the public's health and safety.

B. Definitions. As used in this section:

"Association"

means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development as set forth in California Civil Code, Section 4080.

"Electric vehicle charging station" or "charging station"

means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, as it reads on the effective date of this chapter, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

"Electronic submittal"

means the utilization of one or more of the following mechanisms to submit documents required for a building permit:

Electronic mail or email.

The internet.

Facsimile.

"Specific, adverse impact"

means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

C. Expedited Review Process. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall implement an expedited administrative permit review process for electric vehicle charging stations, and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with in order to be eligible for expedited review. The expedited, streamlined permit review process and checklist may refer to the recommendations in the checklist prescribed by the most current version of the "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The county's adopted checklist shall be published on the county's website and may be modified by the building official as needed without additional authorization from the board of supervisors.

D. Electronic Submittals. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this section and associated supporting documentations. In accepting such permit applications, the building official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.

E. Association Approval. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, unless the county makes a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety.

F. Permit Application Processing.

1. Application completion. A permit application submitted to the building official shall be deemed complete if, after the applicable time period described in paragraph (2) has elapsed, both of the following are true:

a. The building official has not deemed the application complete, consistent with the county's adopted checklist.

b. The building official has not issued a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and identifying any additional information explicitly necessary for the building official to complete a review limited to whether the electric vehicle charging station meets all health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law.

2. For purposes of paragraph (1), "applicable time period means" either of the following:

a. Five business days after submission, if the application is for at least one, but not more than 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site.

b. Ten business days after submission, if the application is for more than 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site.

3. Application approval. A permit application shall be deemed approved, and all necessary permits shall be issued if the applicable time period described in Subsection F.4 has elapsed and all of the following are true:

a. The building official has not administratively approved the application.

b. The building official has not made a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety or require the applicant to apply for a use permit.

c. The building official has not denied the permit for a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact.

d. An appeal of the building official's decision has not been made to the planning commission.

4. For purposes of subsection F.3, "applicable time period means" either of the following:

a. Twenty business days after the application was deemed complete, if the application is for at least 1, but not more than 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site.

b. Forty business days after the application was deemed complete, if the application is for more than 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site.

c. approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the county.

G. Technical Review. It is the intent of this section to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing obstacles to permitting for charging stations so long as the expedited process does not supersede the building official's authority to address higher priority life-safety situations. If the building official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, as defined in this section, the county may require the applicant to apply for a use permit.

H. Appeals. A building official's decision on a permit application covered by this section may be appealed to the Building Board of Appeals. All appeals shall be filed within 30 days of the date of the decision of the building official.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

§ 15.04.170. through § 15.04.200. (Reserved)