Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Ch. 15.18 Administrative Code

Footnotes:

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Prior ordinance history—Ordinance Nos. 249U, 280, 311U, 312, 349U, 352U, 353 and 381.

Except as hereinafter provided, division II of chapter 1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition (part 2 of title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), based on the 2024 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference as the Administrative Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. A copy of the Administrative Code shall be maintained in the office of the city clerk and shall be made available for public inspection while the code is in force.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.010; Ord. No. 469U, § 6(part), 2007; Ord. No. 468, § 6(part), 2008; Ord. No. 516, § 6, 12-7-2010; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, section 104.8 is amended to read:

104.8 Liability. The building official, or his or her authorized representative charged with the enforcement of this Code and the technical codes, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of his or her duties, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable, nor shall the City be vicariously liable, for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act or omission or by reason of any act or omission in the discharge of his or her duties.

Any suit brought against the building official or other employee of the City because of such act or omission performed in the enforcement of any provision of such Codes or other pertinent laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this Code or enforced by the City shall be defended by the City until final termination of such proceedings, and any judgment resulting therefrom, other than punitive damages, shall be assumed by the City. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply only if the building official, or his or her authorized representative, is an employee of the City.

Such codes shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating or controlling any building, structure or building service equipment therein for any damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the City or any of the City's agents or employees be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this Code or any permits or certificates issued under this Code.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.020; Ord. No. 469U, § 6(part), 2007; Ord. No. 468, § 6(part), 2008; Ord. No. 516, § 6, 12-7-2010; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, section 112 is amended to read:

SECTION 112 APPEALS

112.1 General.

In the event that an appeal from a decision of the building official regarding interpretation of the technical codes is requested, the building official shall seek a code interpretation by the appropriate code writing organization. The Building Code shall be interpreted by the International Code Council. The Mechanical Code shall be interpreted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. The Plumbing Code shall be interpreted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials or its designated agent. The Electrical Code shall be interpreted by the National Fire Protection Association. The interpretation of the code writing organization shall govern. The cost of obtaining the interpretation shall be paid by the applicant.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.030; Ord. No. 469U, § 6(part), 2007; Ord. No. 468, § 6(part), 2008; Ord. No. 516, § 6, 12-7-2010; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 672, § 2(15.18.030), 8-1-2023; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, sections 113.1 and 113.4 are amended to read and section 113.5 is added to read:

113.1 Violations.

No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building, structure or building service equipment or perform any grading in the City or cause or permit the same to be done contrary to, or in violation of, any of the provisions of this code or any of the technical codes.

113.4 Penalties.

Any person who violates any provision of this code or any of the technical codes shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation continued or was permitted, and upon conviction is punishable as set forth in Section 1.08.010 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code.

113.5 Penalty fees.

The permit fees and charges made pursuant to Title 15 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code shall be tripled (not including fees for nonstructural fixture) when work requiring a permit has been started or continued or finished prior to obtaining permit. The triple fee shall be based on the structural permit fee, or square footage of remodel area, or a minimum fee as established pursuant to city council resolution.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.040; Ord. No. 469U, § 6(part), 2007; Ord. No. 468, § 6(part), 2008; Ord. No. 516, § 6, 12-7-2010; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 672, § 2(15.18.040), 8-1-2023; Ord. No. 685, § 3, 7-16-2024; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, sections 105.3.2 and 105.5 are amended to read:

105.3.2 Time limitation of application.

An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or 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 90 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated.

Plan checks for development projects where permits have expired for a period of less than one year shall be assessed a fee equal to ½ of the amount of the applicable plan check fee, as set forth in the resolution establishing said fee, if the plans that are being resubmitted are identical to the prior plans. Said fee shall be paid when the plans are resubmitted for review by the building official.

105.5 Expiration.

Every permit issued by the building official under the provisions of the technical codes shall expire by limitation and become null and void, if the building or work authorized by such permit is not completed through final inspection within the allowed time from the date of issuance of such permit, which time shall be as follows: up to 5,000 square feet, 18 months; 5,000 to 10,000 square feet, 24 months; over 10,000 square feet, 30 months. For good cause, upon initial application for a permit, the building official may establish a different expiration date when it is anticipated such date will be necessary to complete construction due to extenuating circumstances. Upon expiration, before work under the permit can be recommenced, a new permit shall be obtained. Such new permit shall be valid for 24 months, and the fee therefor shall be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, if no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for the work and not more than one year has passed since the expiration of the permit; otherwise, such new permit shall be subject to all terms and conditions applicable to new permits.

Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which the permittee may complete work under that permit when the permittee is unable to complete the work within the time required by this section although proceeding with due diligence. Application for extension shall be filed on resolution. The building official may extend the time for completion of work under the permit by the permittee for a period of time not exceeding 180 days upon finding the permittee has been proceeding with due diligence and that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being completed. No permit shall be so extended more than once.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any property where construction has been performed pursuant to one or more unexpired permits for a period of at least four years and is adversely affecting adjacent properties or the owners or occupants thereof, as documented in written complaints submitted to the Building Official or Director of Community Development, the Building Official shall not issue a new building permit for any new work or an extension of an existing unexpired permit until all work being performed pursuant to any unexpired building permit has been completed and the City has issued a final approval or a certificate of occupancy therefor. This provision shall not apply to: 1. emergency work; 2. work that is necessary to preserve the integrity of the structure; or 3. work that, in the opinion of the Building Official, will mitigate impacts to an adjacent property. Application for extension shall be filed on forms prescribed by the building official and be accompanied by payment of the fee as established by city council resolution. The building official may extend the time for completion of work under the permit by the permittee for a period of time not exceeding 180 days upon finding the permittee has been proceeding with due diligence and that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being completed. No permit shall be so extended more than once.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.050; Ord. No. 469U, § 6(part), 2007; Ord. No. 468, § 6(part), 2008; Ord. No. 516, § 6, 12-7-2010; Ord. No. 548U, § 1, 10-1-2013; Ord. No. 549, § 1, 10-15-2013; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 562U, § 2, 11-18-2014; Ord. No. 563, § 2, 12-2-2014; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, section 109.2 is amended by adding the following sentences to the end of the paragraph:

A site investigation will be conducted, and a fee will be charged for the investigation, for permits that have expired two times, or have expired for more than two years, or any other expired permit as required by the building official. The minimum fee shall be as established pursuant to city council resolution.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.060; Ord. No. 469U, § 6(part), 2007; Ord. No. 468, § 6(part), 2008; Ord. No. 516, § 6, 12-7-2010; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, section 110.1 is amended to read:

110.1 Approval required.

Work shall not be done on any part of the building or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official. Such approval shall be given only after an inspection has been made on each successive step in the construction as indicated in subsection 110.3.

There shall be a final inspection and approval on all buildings, when completed and ready for occupancy, provided however that no such approval shall be given to any new dwelling unit, new commercial building, or new industrial building until there has been full compliance with all requirements of this Code and of Chapter 3.20 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, including payment of the environmental excise tax provided for therein. Upon such compliance, the final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy shall be issued concurrently by the building official.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.070; Ord. No. 469U, § 6(part), 2007; Ord. No. 468, § 6(part), 2008; Ord. No. 516, § 6, 12-7-2010; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, section 111.1 is amended to read:

111.1 Use and occupancy.

Buildings or structures shall not be used or occupied nor shall a change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefore as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.080; Ord. No. 469U, § 6(part), 2007; Ord. No. 468, § 6(part), 2008; Ord. No. 516, § 6, 12-7-2010; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, section 107A is added to read:

SECTION 107A GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS

107A.1 Offsite geotechnical and geological hazards.

No certificate of occupancy or permit under this title shall be issued under the provisions of this chapter when the building official finds that the proposed work on, or change in use of, the site for which the permit is requested could activate or accelerate a geological or geotechnical hazard that could damage other property.

107A.2 Geological and geotechnical hazards.

Work requiring a certificate of occupancy or permit under this title is not permitted in an area determined by the building official to be subject to hazard from any variety of land sliding or settlement or slippage except as allowed by Sections 111A.1 through 111A.6. These hazards include, but are not limited to, loose debris, slope wash, and potential mudflows from natural or graded slopes.

107A.3 Geological and geotechnical reports.

The building official may require a geological or geotechnical report, or both, where, in the building official's opinion, such reports are essential for the proper evaluation of the proposed work or use of the site. As part of this evaluation, the building official may require a site visit in order to evaluate the need for such reports. A fee for this site visit shall be collected at this time. A geological report shall be prepared by a Certified Engineering Geologist licensed by the State of California. A geotechnical report shall be prepared by a registered Civil Engineer qualified to perform this work. Every report shall contain a finding regarding the safety of the site, for the proposed structure or use against hazard from any variety of land sliding or settlement or slippage and a finding regarding the effect the proposed building, grading, and/or construction and use of the site will have on the geological stability of the site and/or property outside the site. When both a geological and a geotechnical report are required for the evaluation of the safety of a building site, the two reports shall be coordinated before submission to the building official.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.090; Ord. No. 469U, § 6(part), 2007; Ord. No. 468, § 6(part), 2008; Ord. No. 516, § 6, 12-7-2010; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, sections 111A, 111B and 111C are added to read:

SECTION 111A USE AND OCCUPANCY

111A.1 Safe Site.

Subject to the conditions of subsection 111A.1, a certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued in the following cases:

1. When the applicant has submitted a report(s) required by Section 107A.3 that contains sufficient information to satisfy the building official that all geological or geotechnical hazards will be eliminated prior to use or occupancy of the land or structure by modifications of topography, reduction of subsurface water, buttresses, or by other means or combination of means and that the proposed work on or use of the site will not adversely affect the subject property or neighboring properties.

2. When the applicant has submitted a report(s) required by Section 107A.3 that contains sufficient information to satisfy the building official that the site is not subject to geological or geotechnical hazard.

3. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Subsection, the building official may, at his or her discretion, deny a permit for any building, structure or grading subject to a hazard of a geological nature which cannot be mitigated and may endanger the health or safety of the occupants, adjoining property, or the public.

111A.2 Hazard Eliminated.

A certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued only if the reports required by Section 107A.3 contain sufficient information to satisfy the building official that all geological or geotechnical hazards will be eliminated, prior to use or occupancy of the land or structure, by modification of topography, reduction of subsurface water, buttresses, or by other means or combination of means sufficient to provide a factor of safety of not less than 1.5.

111A.3 Pools and Spas.

Subject to the provision of Section 111A.2, a certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued for pools, spas or fishponds with a capacity less than 2,000 gallons of water provided:

1. The applicant signs and records with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder a statement in a form approved by the City Attorney that he or she is the owner of the real property and that he or she is aware that the records of the building official indicate the property is subject to a physical hazard of a geological nature; and

2. The applicant signs and records an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney releasing the City and all officers, employees, consultants and agents thereof from any liability for any damage or loss which may result from issuance of such permit.

111A.4 Outdoor Improvements.

Subject to the provisions of Section 111A.2, a certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued for outdoor improvements including, but not limited to, patios, decks or gazebos covering not more than 400 square feet (37.16 m2).

111A.5 Repairs and Alterations in Areas of Potential Geological Hazard.

Subject to the provisions of Section 111A.2, a certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued in the following cases when the applicant seeks only to alter, repair, or replace existing facilities with no change in grade:

1. Minor alterations or repairs which are not due to geological conditions but which may be due to geotechnical conditions: A certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued when the application is for alteration or repair or both not exceeding 25 percent of the value of the existing structure, where there is no increased water use or enlargement, expansion, or extension of the structure and the alterations or repairs are not required due to damage from a geological hazard

2. Major alterations or repairs of conditions which are not due to geological conditions but which may be due to geotechnical conditions: Subject to the conditions set forth in section 111A.2, a certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued when the application is for alteration or repair work exceeding 25 percent of the value of the existing structure, where there is no increased water use or enlargement, expansion, or extension of the structure and the alterations or repairs are not required due to damage from a geological condition: Subject to the conditions set forth in section 111A.2, a certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued when the application is for repair work not exceeding 25 percent of the value of the existing structure, where there is no increased water use or enlargement, expansion, or extension of the structure and repairs are required due to damage from a geological hazard.

111A.6 Expert Advice.

In carrying out his or her duties pursuant to this chapter, the building official may consult with and rely upon the advice of a certified engineering geologist, geotechnical engineer, or other person with relevant expertise.

SECTION 111B FILLS CONTAINING DECOMPOSABLE MATERIAL

111B.1 Building or grading permits shall not be issued for buildings or structures regulated by this code located within 1,000 feet (304 800 mm) of fills containing rubbish or other decomposable material unless the fill is isolated by approved natural or man-made protective systems or unless designed according to the recommendation contained in a report prepared by a licensed civil engineer. Such report shall contain a description of the investigation, study and recommendation to minimize the possible intrusion, and to prevent the accumulation, of explosive concentrations of decomposition gases within or under enclosed portions of such buildings or structures.

At the time of the final inspection, a licensed civil engineer shall furnish a signed statement attesting that the building or structure has been constructed in accordance with his or her recommendations as to decomposition gases.

111B.2 Buildings or structures regulated by this code shall not be constructed on fills containing rubbish or other decomposable material unless provision is made to prevent damage to structures, floors, underground piping, and utilities due to uneven settlement of the fill.

SECTION 111C FLOOD HAZARDS

111C.1 Buildings are not permitted in an area determined to be subject to flood hazard by reason of inundation, overflow, or erosion.

111C.2 Buildings and other structures shall be placed on a site so that water or mud flow will not be a hazard to the building or structure or to adjacent property.

111C.3 Minor structures that do not require a permit and are not intended for human habitation such as fences, trellises, patios, decks and sheds may be placed in flood hazard areas provided:

1. Such placement will not increase the hazard to adjacent property from inundation, erosion, or related causes.

2. Prior to issuance of a permit for such minor structure the owner shall sign and record with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder a statement in a form approved by the City Attorney that the applicant is the owner of the property and is aware that the records of the Building Official indicate that the property is subject to flood hazard by reason of inundation, overflow, or erosion; and,

3. The applicant signs and records an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney releasing the City and all officers, employees, and agents thereof from any liability for damage or loss which may result from issuance of such permit including damage to the minor structure authorized by the permit.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.100; Ord. No. 469U, § 6(part), 2007; Ord. No. 468, § 6(part), 2008; Ord. No. 516, § 6, 12-7-2010; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

• Administrative code amended—Conduct of construction and landscaping activities.

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, all construction projects in the city shall adhere to the regulations for dust control, hours of operation, temporary construction fencing, construction site maintenance, construction related cargo containers and construction vehicle staging set forth in section 17.56.020 of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code.

(Code 1981, § 15.18.110; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15.18.010 of this chapter, paragraph no. 2 under the heading "Building" in section 105.2 is amended to read:

1. Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high, provided the fences meet the requirements of Section 17.76.030(B) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code.

Code 1981, § 15.18.120; Ord. No. 551, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 554U, § 6, 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 589, § 5, 11-1-2016; Ord. No. 630, § 5, 11-6-2019; Ord. No. 669, § 7, 11-15-2022; Ord. No. 694, § 7, 11-18-2025)