Red Bluff Municipal Code Art. II Code Adoption

The city hereby designates the fire hazard severity zones recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code Section 51178. Approved by the city, the map is hereby incorporated by reference and entitled "The City of Red Bluff Fire Hazard Severity Zones," dated January 22, 2025, identifying the city as being within a high, moderate, and urban unzoned fire hazard severity zone.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

(A) (1) Changes or modifications. Pursuant to §§ 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5 of the State of California Health and Safety Code, the city adopts and amends the 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 2) based on the 2024 International Building Code (ICC); the 2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5) based on the 2024 International Residential Code (ICC); the 2025 California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3) based on the 2020 National Electrical Code (NFPA); the 2025 California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (IAPMO); the 2025 California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO); the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) based on the International Code Council the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code (Title 24, Part 7) based on the 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code; the 2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) based on the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC); the 2025 California Administrative Code (Title 24, Part 1); the 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6); the 2025 California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8); the 2025 California Existing Building Code (Chapter 10; Title 24, Part 10); the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Cal Green, Title 24, Part 11) and the 2025 California Referenced Standards Code (Title 24, Part 12).

(2) Note. The state of California officially adopted the 2025 California Administrative, Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Historical, Fire, Existing Building, Green Building Standards and Referenced Standards Codes in July of 2025, and they become mandatory at the local level effective January 1, 2026.

(B) Findings. According to §§ 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, the town has determined and found the attached amendments, additions, and/or modifications are needed reasonably necessary because of its local climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions.

(C) Local conditions. Local conditions have an adverse effect on the potential for life and property loss, making necessary changes and modifications to the 2025 California Building Standards Code to establish and maintain an environment that will provide the community with a desirable level of protection.

(1) Climatic.

(a) Precipitation. The normal rainfall for the city is approximately 27.7 inches annually. Winter storms are responsible for the heaviest intensity of precipitation, with two-thirds of the rain coming between December and March, and 15% between April and June.

(b) Relative humidity. The average humidity for the city area is approximately 25%. It drops to well below 15% during the summer months and occasionally even lower due to the dry, hot, and windy days.

(c) Temperature. Summer sunshine is in abundance in the city area, with over 91 days a year with temperatures of 90 degrees or higher. Northern California valley sees approximately 200 days of clear skies, with May through September having temperature ranges between 95 and 115 degrees.

(d) Winds. Winds play a major role in the city climatological makeup. During the summer periods, May through September, the area receives dry zonal north winds allowing the humidity to drop to our 10% to 15% levels, which greatly adds to the potential of a conflagration hazard due to our urban wildland interface. The wind velocities are generally five to 17 mph in range. Gusts will bring the wind range up to 30 to 40 mph, particularly in the summer months.

(e) 1. Due in part to the winter and spring rains, we generally experience an extensive growth of vegetation in the spring, which dries out each summer, creating hazardous fuel conditions. This, coupled with our heavy existing fuels of Manzanita and buck brush, equates to an explosive fire potential during the summer months.

2. The city’s water supply comes from 13 ground water wells which are located throughout the city and interconnected with the gridded main system. Due to the dependency on sub-surface water supplies, recharged with winter and spring rains, the system capacity is always a concern. This fact is paramount in the amendment for fire sprinklers within the city, in that, early detection and extinguishment through automatic fire sprinklers is unsurpassed in preventing major fire operations; and consequently, the application of tens of thousands of gallons of water to control and extinguish a major conflagration, especially during dry summer months when water supply is at a shortage.

(2) Geological and topographic.

(a) 1. The fire environment of a community is primarily a combination of two factors: the area's physical geographic characteristics and historic pattern of urban/suburban development. These two factors alone and combined create a mixture of environments which ultimately determine the area's fire protection needs.

2. The City of Red Bluff is in Tehama County in northern California. It is approximately 130 miles south of the Oregon border and 131 miles north of Sacramento. The city’s population in 2020 was approximately 14,710, which makes Red Bluff the largest city in Tehama County

3. Being situated near the far north end of the Sacramento Valley, where the valley meets the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, the city is surrounded by mountains to the west, north and east. The most distinctive geological feature in the area is the Sacramento River which flows through the city in a general north/south direction. Several creeks also run through the planning area from the west and east. These creeks function as tributaries to the Sacramento River.

4. The city is approximately eight square miles and was founded in 1854 and incorporated in 1876, at the northern terminus for navigation on the Sacramento River. Much of the city’s downtown area is comprised of construction dating back to the late 1800's and early 1900's. Balloon construction, lack of accessibility and buildings built too close together greatly add to the extension problem inherent to our area.

5. The city is bisected by Interstate 5, a major north/south freeway, which connects the city with major metropolitan areas such as Portland and Sacramento. State Highways 99 and 36 also pass through the city, connecting the city with the Pacific Coast and the state of Nevada. The main north/south line of the Union Pacific Railroad runs through the community as well.

(b) Seismic location. The relatively young geological processes that have created earthquakes in California are also active still today in the city. The largest recorded earthquake occurred in 1940, at 5.7 on the Richter scale, and the last in 1998, with a Richter scale of approximately 5.2. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. Additionally, hazardous materials, particularly toxic gases, could pose a threat to the largest number in the city area.

(c) Size and population. The city covers approximately eight square miles, with an urban population of approximately 14,710. Red Bluff is the third largest city in the Shasta Cascade region located 31 miles south of Redding and 40 miles north of Chico.

(d) Topography. The city service area is a conglomeration of flat lands, hills, and valleys. The flatter areas are found in the central corridor of the city. Most of the existing commercial areas are on relatively flat land.

1. Residential development is being constructed in the hill areas on the west, northwest, and south sides of the city. Most of the hills in these areas have mild sloping percentages.

2. Elevations are varied within the city and may be 300 feet to 350 feet above sea level.

(e) Vegetation.

1. The city has a dryer, arid, Mediterranean-type climate that produces vegetation that can survive long dry summer months such as oak, brush and pine pyrophytes. The south and west facing exposures have a build-up of oak trees and Manzanita, and the north facing slopes are more heavily wooded with pine, Manzanita, and other brush vegetation.

2. Expansion of the residential community into areas of heavier vegetation has resulted in homes being near dense natural foliage. Often, such subdivisions are surrounded by the highly combustible vegetation, compounding the fire problem from a conflagration point of view.

(D) Conclusion. Local climatic, geological, and topographic conditions impact fire prevention efforts, and the frequency, spread, acceleration, intensity, and size of fire involving buildings in this community. Further, the impact of potential damage to all structures from earthquake and subsequent fire. Therefore, it is found to be reasonably necessary that the California Fire Code and the State Buildings Standards Code be changed or modified to mitigate the effects of the above conditions. Furthermore, California Health and Safety Code § 17958.7 requires the modification or change to be expressly marked and identified as to each finding to which it refers. Therefore, the city finds that the following table provides code sections that have been modified pursuant to the ordinance which are building standards as defined in the Health and Safety Code § 18909 and the associated reference conditions or modifications due to local climatic, geological, and topographical reasons:

EXHIBIT A FACTS AND FINDING CORRELATION

EXHIBIT A FACTS AND FINDING CORRELATION

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code, as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Part 2, Volumes 1 and 2, including Appendices H (Signs), I (Patio Covers), K (Administrative Provisions), O (Performance-Based Applications), and Q (Emergency Housing), known as the California Building Code, as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, including the city's amendments, deletions, and additions set forth in this chapter, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein.

(A) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 103, Enforcement, amended.

(1) The Community Development Director or designee (authorized officer, agent and/or official), shall enforce the standards adopted in this ordinance for all buildings and uses in the city not under the jurisdiction of another federal, state or local agency. Any future reference to the authority of the Building Official within this code shall be synonymous with the Community Development Director.

(B) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 109.2, Permit Fees, amended.

(1) All permit, plan check, code enforcement, and inspection fees required to be paid by applicant shall be remitted directly to the city by the applicant for the permit, certificate, plan review, inspection, or service. Fees shall be set by resolution or by executive order, to create the "City of Red Bluff Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services" as specified by ordinance or resolution. No inspection, plan review, or certificate shall be performed or issued unless the fees have been paid.

(C) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 109.4, Work commencing before permit issuance, added.

(1) When construction or physical development is started without a permit or written approval from the Community Development Director or designee, any permit application thereafter made shall expire ten city working days after the city transmits notice to the applicant stating the plans have been checked. The Community Development Director or designee (authorized officer, agent and/or official), may grant an extension to the permit application expiration if a request is submitted in writing.

(2) If a permit has expired, work on the project shall not be commenced or continued until a new permit is first obtained to do so. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay application and plan check fees and secure a new permit. The Community Development Director or designee (authorized officer, agent and/or official) can reduce the fees if no changes have been made or will be made in either the scope of the original project or plans and specifications for the project; if no additional plan review is required to determine compliance with current regulations; and if the applicant can demonstrate reduced fees will offset costs of processing the reapplication.

(D) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 109.6, Refunds, amended.

(1) If construction has not commenced, a refund of up to eighty (80) percent of the permit fee will be allowed when the permit is canceled at the request of the permittee. No permit fee will be refunded for any permit which has expired. No refund will be made of the plan check fee if the plan check has been completed.

(2) Requests for refunds must be made in writing by the owner or the owner's authorized agent and include a statement requesting that the application or permit be cancelled or withdrawn. California Building Code Section 109.6 authorizes the Building Official, or designee, known hereafter as the Community Development Director, to establish a refund policy. The Community Development Director, or designee, authorizes refunding not more than eighty (80) percent of the plan review fee paid when an application is withdrawn or cancelled before any plan review is performed. Community Development Director, or designee, authorizes refunding not more than 80 percent of the building, plumbing, electrical, and/or mechanical permit fee paid when no work has been performed under the permit.

(E) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 113.1 Means of Appeals (General), amended.

(1) When the Community Development Director disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply, or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal the decision of the Community Development Director to the City Council within 30 days from the date of the decision.

(F) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 114.4, Violation Penalties, amended.

(1) Failure to comply with this chapter and the codes adopted and amended in this chapter shall be an infraction which shall authorize the Community Development Director and designee (authorized officer, official or agent of the city) to issue citations, to deny any application, to revoke any permit, order vacation or abandonment, record notices of noncompliance or to take other appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct or abate the violations or cause a project to conform to the requirements of this chapter.

(G) Chapter 2, Section 202, Definitions, added.

(1) New Construction: For the purposes of enforcing the provisions of the California Fire Code, California Building Code, and the California Residential Building Code, any work, addition to, remodel, repair, renovation, or alteration of any building(s) or structure(s) shall be considered "New Construction" when 50 percent or more of the exterior weight bearing walls are removed or demolished.

(H) Chapter 5, Section 502, Address Identification, amended.

(1) New buildings and tenant spaces shall have approved illuminated address numbers or building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall be in contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabetical letters. Where it is impractical to install illuminated numbers due to long driveways or other circumstances, approved reflective numbers with those properties listed above may be installed at the intersection of the driveway and road fronting the parcel.

(2) Numbers for one and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole, or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure.

(3) Numbers for other than one and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of 12 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 1 inch. Suite numbers for other than one and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of 6 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches.

(4) Exception:

(a) Addressing of existing properties may continue to maintain previously approved addressing requirements until such point these means are no longer maintained or functional.

(b) These requirements may be modified with the approval of the fire code official.

(I) Chapter 9, Section 902.1, Pump and Riser Room Size, amended.

(1) An approved fire pump and automatic sprinkler riser room shall be provided in all new buildings requiring such systems, hereafter constructed. Fire pump rooms and automatic sprinkler system riser rooms shall be designed with adequate space for all equipment necessary for the installation, as defined by the manufacturer, with sufficient working space around the stationary equipment. Clearances around equipment to elements of permanent construction, including other installed equipment and appliances, shall be sufficient to allow inspection, service, repair or replacement without removing such elements of permanent construction or disabling the function of a required fire-resistance-rated assembly. Fire pump and automatic sprinkler system riser rooms shall be provided with exterior access door(s) large enough to allow removal of the largest piece of equipment, as approved by the fire code official.

(J) Chapter 9, Section 903.2.91, Repair Garages, amended.

(1) An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings and floors with a fire area containing a repair garages exceeding 5,000 square feet.

(K) Chapter 9, Section 903.3.1.1.2, Bathrooms, amended.

(1) In all group R occupancies, bathroom(s), regardless of size, shall be provided with sprinkler coverage.

(L) Chapter 9, Section 903.3.1.2.3 #3, Attics, amended.

(1) Attic spaces in Group R occupancies exceeding two stories and/or 30 feet in height shall be equipped with sprinkler protection.

(M) Chapter 9, Section 903.3.10 #2, Floor Control Valves, amended.

(1) Buildings that are three or more stories in height.

(N) Chapter 9 Section 907.1.6, Combination Alarms, added.

(1) Combination fire and burglar alarm systems are not permitted.

(2) Exceptions:

(a) Group R-3 and R-3.1.

(O) Appendix H, Section H101.1, General, amended.

(1) A sign shall not hereafter be erected, re-erected, constructed, painted, altered or maintained, except as provided by this code and the Sign Regulation of the City of Red Bluff, after a permit for the same has been issued by the Community Development Department. A separate permit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business entity, and a separate permit shall be required for each group of signs on a single supporting structure. In addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for electrical signs.

(P) Appendix Chapter H, Section H101.2 Temporary Sign Duration, added.

(1) Temporary signs may remain in place for a period not exceeding 60 days during any 365-day period.

(2) Commercial temporary signs may remain in place for a period not exceeding 60 days during any 365-day period.

(3) Temporary neighborhood signs may be erected and maintained for a period of not to exceed two days before the scheduled event, and shall be removed within 24 hours after the event has concluded. Failure to remove a temporary neighborhood sign as required herein or placement of a temporary neighborhood sign in a location other than as specified herein is a class II Civil Infraction and shall be enforced by the Community Development Director and designee (authorized officer, official or agent of the city).

(Q) Appendix Chapter H, Section H102.1, Definitions, added.

(1) TEMPORARY SIGN is any sign, banner, pendant, valance, advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without frames, displayed for not more than 60 days during any 365-day period.

(R) Appendix Chapter H, Section H102.1, Definitions, added.

(1) Temporary neighborhood sign means a temporary sign advertising a garage sale, rummage sale, estate sale, yard sale, a community event such as an organized walk, run, jog, and bicycle activity, that is not scheduled by the proponents for a duration exceeding four successive days.

(S) Appendix Chapter H, Section H103.2, Location, added.

(1) Temporary neighborhood signs may advertise off premises events, and may be located on premises only with the specific permission of the owner or occupant of the real property where such signs are placed; provided, however, that a sign advertising or announcing a garage sale, rummage sale, estate sale or yard sale may not be placed in a location that is more than six city blocks, or 2,400 feet from the location of such sale.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Residential Code, Title 24, Part 2.5 including Appendices BB, BF, BJ, BK, BL, BN, BO, CI, CJ, known as the California Residential Code, as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, including the City's amendments and additions, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth.

(A) Chapter 1 Division II, Section R103, Code Compliance Agency, amended.

(1) The Community Development Director or designee (authorized officer, agent and/or official), shall enforce the standards adopted in this ordinance for all buildings and uses in the city not under the jurisdiction of another federal, state or local agency. Any future reference to the authority of the Building Official within this code shall be synonymous with the Community Development Director.

(B) Chapter 1, Division II, Section R108.2, Schedule of Fees, amended.

(1) All permit, plan check, code enforcement, and inspection fees required to be paid by applicant shall be remitted directly to the city by the applicant for the permit, certificate, plan review, inspection, or service. Fees shall be set by resolution or by executive order, to create the "City of Red Bluff Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services" as specified by ordinance or resolution. No inspection, plan review, or certificate shall be performed or issued unless the fees have been paid.

(C) Chapter 1, Division II, Section R108.5, Refunds, amended.

(1) If construction has not commenced, a refund of up to eighty (80) percent of the permit fee will be allowed when the permit is canceled at the request of the permittee. No permit fee will be refunded for any permit which has expired. No refund will be made of the plan check fee if the plan check has been completed.

(2) Requests for refunds must be made in writing by the owner or the owner's authorized agent and include a statement requesting that the application or permit be cancelled or withdrawn. California Building Code Section 109.6 authorizes the Building Official, or designee, known hereafter as the Community Development Director, to establish a refund policy. The Community Development Director, or designee, authorizes refunding not more than eighty (80) percent of the plan review fee paid when an application is withdrawn or cancelled before any plan review is performed. Community Development Director, or designee, authorizes refunding not more than 80 percent of the building, plumbing, electrical, and/or mechanical permit fee paid when no work has been performed under the permit.

(D) Chapter 1, Division II, Section R109.1.6.3, Residential Rooftop Solar Systems, added.

(1) 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 and fire chief. 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.

(E) Chapter 2, Section 202, Definitions, added.

(1) New Construction: For the purposes of enforcing the provisions of the California Fire Code, California Building Code, and the California Residential Building Code, any work, addition to, remodel, repair, renovation, or alteration of any building(s) or structure(s) shall be considered "New Construction" when 50 percent or more of the exterior weight bearing walls are removed or demolished.

(F) Chapter 3, Section R309.1.1, Design and Installation, amended.

(1) Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems for townhouses shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13D only.

(G) Chapter 3, Section R309.2.1, Design and Installation, amended.

(1) Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems for townhouses One- and Two-Family Dwellings shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13D only.

(H) Chapter 3, Section R309.3.1, General, amended.

(1) The design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems in dwelling units shall be in accordance with NFPA 13D.

(I) Chapter 3, Section R309.2.2, Additions, added.

(1) Additions to any existing California Residential Building Code regulated buildings that increase the existing square footage by 50% or more shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building. All additions to any existing California Residential Building Code regulated building with an existing automatic sprinkler system regardless of size shall be required to extend the sprinkler system into the addition per Section R313.2.

(J) Chapter 3, Section R309.2.3, Remodels, Alterations, or Repairs, added.

(1) For remodels, alterations, or repairs to an existing California residential Building Code regulated buildings involving demolition, removal, alteration, or repair of more than 50% of the structure, the building shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building. For purposes of this section, "50%" threshold shall be applied if the project involves any of the following:

(a) The removal, demolition, or repair of more than 50% of the exterior weight bearing walls; or

(b) The removal, demolition or repair of more than 50% of the roof structure (including the framing, sheathing, and roof covering of a building but not limited to rafters, trusses, beams, purlins); or

(c) Where the fire code official deems the removal, demolition, or repair to be more than 50% of the structure.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 3, California Electrical Code, including the informative Annexes A, B, C, D, F, G, I, J, and K as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

(A) The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 4, California Mechanical Code including Appendices A, B, C, E, and F as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter.

(B) Chapter 1, Sections 104.3.2 (Plan Review Fees, 104.5 (Fees), Table 104.5 Mechanical Permit Fees, deleted.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 5, California Plumbing Code, including Appendices B and I as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter.

(A) Chapter 1, Sections 104.3.2 (Plan Review Fees, 104.5 (Fees), Table 104.5 Plumbing Permit Fees, deleted.

(B) Chapter 7, Section 717.1, Size of Building Sewers, amended.

(1) The minimum size of any building sewer shall be determined on the basis of the total number of fixture units drained by the sewer, in accordance with Table 7-8, except that the minimum sewer size of any building shall be four inches and not smaller than the building drain.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 6, California Energy Code, including Appendix A and B, as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Title 24, Part 7, including Appendix F and G, as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 8, California Historical Building Code, including Appendix A as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9, including building and non-building administrative regulations, Appendix Chapter 4, B, BB, C, CC, D, F, H, as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, including the city's amendments and additions, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth.

(A) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 103.1, Creation, amended.

(1) The California Fire Code shall be enforced by the Fire Prevention Division within the City of Red Bluff, which is hereby established, and which shall be operated under the direction of the Fire Chief of the Fire Department. The Fire Chief of the Fire Department may detail to the fire prevention division such members of the Fire Department as may from time to time be necessary. The Fire Chief of the Fire Department shall review, authorize, or require technical experts as may be necessary to ensure that life and property protection requirements have met the requirements of this and all other Title 24 codes and standards.

(2) Sections 103.2 and 103.3 are hereby deleted in their entirety.

(B) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 108.2, Schedule of Fees, amended.

(1) All permit, plan check, code enforcement, and inspection fees required to be paid by applicant shall be remitted directly to the city by the applicant for the permit, certificate, plan review, inspection, or service. Fees shall be set by resolution or by executive order, to create the "City of Red Bluff Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services" as specified by ordinance or resolution. No inspection, plan review, or certificate shall be performed or issued unless the fees have been paid.

(C) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 109.2.3, Self-Inspections, added.

(1) For the purpose of providing and maintaining functions necessary for the prevention of fire and for the protection of life and property from fire and panic, the Red Bluff Fire Department has established a self-inspection program, assuring certain occupancies within the city are inspected on a periodic basis for fire safety or at the discretion of the fire code official or their designee.

(2) Failure of the business owner, property owner, or person responsible for the property to comply with the requirement to return the self-inspection worksheet duly completed; or failure to correct the deficiencies noted within 14 days shall result in the issuance of one warning letter extending the inspection period by seven days. Failure to complete and return the self-inspection worksheet shall result in an inspection of the delinquent occupancy by Red Bluff Fire Department personnel, for which the business owner will be charged, as provided in the city schedule of fees and charges for city services.

(3) Further, failure of the business owner, property owner, or person responsible for the property to correct deficiencies found, shall be an infraction; and the city may cause to be issued a citation to the business owner or property owner for violation of the terms of this section.

(4) In addition to any other remedy the city may have, further failure to comply with the requirements of this section could result in the revoking of one's occupancy permit.

(D) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 112.1 General, amended.

(1) When the Fire Chief or his or her representative disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply, or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal the decision of the Fire Chief or his or her representative to the City Council within 30 days from the date of the decision.

(E) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 113.47, Violation Penalties, amended.

(1) In addition to any other remedy the city may have, a violation of the fire code, as adopted pursuant to § 8.5, concerning issues of fire retention or fire control; the provisions of the California Building Code concerning issues of fire prevention, fire control, or life safety; any state statute addressing fire prevention or fire control, shall be guilty of an infraction and/or misdemeanor, punished by a fine, up to and including imprisonment, as outlined in § 1.23 of this code.

(2) The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue, and all persons shall be required to correct or remedy the violations or defects within a reasonable time.

(3) When not otherwise specified, each seven days that prohibited conditions are maintained shall constitute a separate offense.

(F) Chapter 1, Division II, Section 113.4.2, Enforcement-Citation Authority, added.

(1) The Fire Chief or designee (authorized office, official or agent of the city) are authorized to issue field citations to any person whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that the person has committed a violation of the California Fire Code as adopted by § 5.31, the provisions of Chapter 5 of this code that concern issues of fire prevention or fire control, or any state statute addressing fire prevention or fire control in their presence.

(2) Designated officials are authorized to exercise the authority provided by California Penal Code.

(G) Chapter 2, Section 202, Definitions, added.

(1) NEW CONSTRUCTION: For the purposes of enforcing the provisions of the California Fire Code, California Building Code, and the California Residential Building Code, any work, addition to, remodel, repair, renovation, or alteration of any building(s) or structure(s) shall be considered "New Construction" when 50 percent or more of the exterior weight bearing walls are removed or demolished.

(H) Chapter 3, Section 307.1.1, General, amended.

(1) No person shall kindle or maintain, or cause or authorize to be kindled or maintained, any open burning in the City of Red Bluff unless conducted and approved in accordance with this Chapter.

(2) Exception: Burning conducted in a safe manner meeting the standards set for recreational, portable, or permanent outdoor fireplaces.

(I) Chapter 3, Section 307.2, Permit Required, amended.

(1) Fuel Reduction Permits: Fuel reduction permits are issued for parcels 1 acre or larger on an annual basis July 1 through June 30 by application to the City of Red Bluff Fire Department. Fuel Reduction Permits may be limited, restricted, suspended, revoked, denied, or prohibited as determined by the Fire Chief as set forth in this Chapter. Fuel reduction permits expire when the seasonal burn ban goes into effect in the late spring of each year. Person(s) burning on the property for which the permit is issued shall be responsible for following all the requirements of that permit as indicated until the permit expires or is revoked. The Fire Department may revoke the permit at any time due to unsafe burning conditions, practices, or violations of the permit. Burning wood waste from trees, vines, or bushes on existing improved property, may be disposed of by open outdoor fires, pursuant to the provisions of section 41802-41805 of the California Health and Safety Code and in compliance with the conditions of Tehama County Air Quality Management District, and authorized by the City of Red Bluff Fire Department. All burning times must be strictly adhered to otherwise it may require another method of disposal. The fuel reduction burn site must be determined and inspected prior to releasing the permit by the Red Bluff Fire Department. This site must be the only site authorized to burn once the permit is issued. Any changes in site location will require additional inspections and fees. The owner/permit holder shall be responsible for the cost of a Fire Department response resulting in an escape burn in violation of the rules of the burn permit. Garbage, rubbish, demolition, construction debris, lumber, painted or treated lumber, plywood, particle board, petroleum waste, tires, plastics, cloth or other similar smoke producing materials are strictly prohibited from being burned.

(2) Campfires/Bon Fires/Recreational Fires and Special Event Fires: Permits are required for these activities, and a permit fee will be charged in accordance with the "City of Red Bluff Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services" adopted by the City Council. A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required for the inspection. Such activities shall be in strict conformance with the requirements provided for on the permit and the requirements within Section 307 of the California Fire Code. Permits are issued on an individual event basis to coincide with the time when open, outdoor burning is permitted, and expires at the conclusion of the event, unless they are approved by the Fire Chief.

(J) Chapter 5, Section 503.2.1, Dimensions, amended.

(1) Fire apparatus access roads in residential areas, public or private, shall have an unobstructed minimum width of 40', curb-to-curb.

(2) Fire apparatus access roads within multi-family developments shall have an unobstructed minimum width of 30 feet.

(K) Chapter 5, Section 503.2.3, Surface, amended.

(1) Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support minimum imposed loads of 75,000 pounds and shall be surfaced with an AC pavement or equivalent surface to provide all-weather driving capabilities.

(L) Chapter 5, Section 503.2.4, Turning radius, amended.

(1) The inside turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall not be less than 30 feet, and an outside turning radius of 45 feet.

(2) Cul-de-sac shall be 50', or 100' 96'curb-to-curb minimum.

(M) Chapter 5, Section 503.2.7, Grade, amended.

(1) No road or driveway shall have a maximum grade in excess of ten percent (10) unless approved by the fire code official, which may require additional fire protection measures.

(N) Chapter 5, Section 503.6, Security Gates, amended.

(1) The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the Fire Code Official. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The emergency gates and emergency operations shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators are required when serving five or more residential lots, Assembly occupancies, Hazardous occupancies, Institutional occupancies, and Storage occupancies and shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F-2200. Access keypads shall be provided that are coded with the fire department emergency access code as specified. Plans and specifications shall be submitted for review and approval by the Fire Prevention Bureau prior to installation.

(O) Chapter 5, Section 505, Address Identification, amended.

(1) New buildings and tenant spaces shall have approved illuminated address numbers or building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall be in contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabetical letters. Where it is impractical to install illuminated numbers due to long driveways or other circumstances, approved reflective numbers with those properties listed above may be installed at the intersection of the driveway and road fronting the parcel.

(2) Numbers for one and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole, or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure.

(3) Numbers for other than one and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of 12 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 1 inch. Suite numbers for other than one and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of 6 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches.

(4) Exception:

(a) Addressing of existing properties may continue to maintain previously approved addressing requirements until such point these means are no longer maintained or functional.

(b) These requirements may be modified with the approval of the fire code official.

(P) Chapter 5, Section 507.5.1, Where Required, amended.

(1) Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 250 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and fire mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official.

(2) Exception:

(a) Residential (R-3) occupancies may be located up to five hundred feet from a fire hydrant if the structure is protected with an approved fire sprinkler system.

(b) Delete exception.

(Q) Chapter 9, Section 901.4.7, Access, amended.

(1) An approved fire pump and automatic sprinkler riser room shall be provided in all new buildings requiring such systems, hereafter constructed. Fire pump rooms and automatic sprinkler system riser rooms shall be designed with adequate space for all equipment necessary for the installation, as defined by the manufacturer, with sufficient working space around the stationary equipment. Clearances around equipment to elements of permanent construction, including other installed equipment and appliances, shall be sufficient to allow inspection, service, repair or replacement without removing such elements of permanent construction or disabling the function of a require9 fire-resistance-rated assembly. Fire pump and automatic sprinkler system riser rooms shall be provided with exterior access door(s) large enough to allow removal of the largest piece of equipment, as approved by the fire code official.

(R) Chapter 9, Section 903.2.9.1, Repair Garages, amended.

(1) An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings and floors with a fire area containing a repair garages exceeding 5,000 square feet.

(S) Chapter 9, Section 903.2.22, Sprinkler Installation Based on Fire Flow, added.

(1) An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings and structures requiring a fire flow of two thousand GPM and greater, as determined by Appendix B of the California Fire Code.

(2) Exceptions:

(a) Buildings separated by fire resistive construction (fire barrier/fire walls) as required by the 2025 California Building Code as to create separate fire flow/building areas.

(b) Buildings separated by a minimum of 20 feet can be considered as a separate fire flow area.

(T) Chapter 9, Section 903.3.1 .1.2, Bathrooms, amended.

(1) In all group R occupancies, bathroom(s), regardless of size, shall be provided with sprinkler coverage.

(U) Chapter 9, Section 903.3.1 .2.3, Attics, amended.

(1) Attic spaces in Group R occupancies exceeding two stories and/or 30 feet in height shall be equipped with sprinkler protection.

(V) Chapter 9, Section 903.3.10, Floor Control Valves, amended.

(1) Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in buildings three stories in height and greater.

(W) Chapter 9, Section 903.4.5, Occupant Notification, added.

(1) Fire alarm system(s) installed as a dedicated function sprinkler system monitoring alarm(s) shall also provide notification for the purpose of initiating emergency action, including those systems activated solely by the fire sprinkler systems, so that occupants of the building shall be notified audibly within each suite or building division. A minimum of one notification appliance shall be in each suite or building division in an occupied location.

(X) Chapter 9, Section 903.6, Where required in existing building and Structures, amended.

(1) In addition to the requirements of Chapter 11 , the addition of an automatic sprinkler system to existing buildings shall be retroactively required when in the opinion of the Fire Chief a change of use, occupancy, or character creating a greater hazard to life or property exists, or the required fire flow has increased.

(Y) Chapter 9, Section 906.7, Combination Alarms, added.

(1) Combination fire and burglar alarm systems are not permitted.

(2) Exception:

(a) Group R-3 and R-3.1.

(Z) Chapter 11, Section 1103.5.6, Additions, added.

(1) Additions to all existing buildings and/or structures, commercial and/or residential, regardless of use and occupancy type, that increase the total square footage by 50% or more of the existing floor area shall meet the requirements for new construction. Additions to buildings and/or structures with an existing approved automatic sprinkler system shall be required to extend the sprinkler system into the addition.

(2) Additions to buildings and/or structures, regardless of use and occupancy type, creating a required fire flow of two thousand GPM or more as determined by Appendix B of the California Fire Code.

(AA) Chapter 9, Section 1103.5.7, Remodels, Alterations, or Repairs, added.

(1) For remodels, alterations or repairs to an existing building involving demolition, removal, or repair of more than 50% of the existing structure, the building shall meet the automatic fire sprinkler requirements for a newly constructed building. For purposes of this section, the "50%" threshold shall be applied if the project involves any of the following:

(a) The removal, demolition, or repair of more than 50% of the exterior weight bearing walls; or

(b) The removal, demolition, or repair of more than 50% of the roof structure (including the framing, sheathing, and roof covering of a building but not limited to rafters, trusses, beams, purlins); or

(c) The removal, demolition, or repair of more than 50% of the interior tenant improvements on a commercial building which reduces the building to a shell condition.

(AB) Chapter 33, Section 3307.1, Required Access, amended.

(1) Approved vehicle access for firefighting shall be provided to all construction of demolition sites. Vehicle access shall be provided to within 100 feet (30480 mm) of temporary or permanent fire department connections. Vehicle access shall be provided by either temporary or permanent roads, capable of supporting imposed loads up to 75,000 lbs. under all weather conditions. Vehicle access shall be maintained until permanent fire apparatus access roads are available. Buildings under construction shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed at the entry point of each fire access road.

(AC) Chapter 56, Section 5601.1.3, Fireworks, amended.

(1) Safe and Sane fireworks, bearing the seal of approval of the State Fire Marshal's Office, are authorized to be sold, provided that a permit is first obtained from the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief may only issue five permits, permitting the sale of fireworks.

(AD) Chapter 57, Section 5704.2.9.6.1, Storage of Class I and II Liquids, amended.

(1) Storage of class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law are established as the limits of the city of Red Bluff.

(AE) Chapter 57, Section 5706.2.4.4 - New Bulk Plants, amended.

(1) New bulk plants for flammable or combustible liquids shall be permitted only in G-1 and H-1 industrial districts where such use is permitted by a use permit and meets the requirements of Section 5706.4 et seq. of the California Fire Code.

(AF) Chapter 58, Section 5806.2, Storage, amended.

(1) The outdoor storage location(s) in which flammable cryogenic fluids can be stored is limited to H-1 zones in the city of Red Bluff.

(AG) Chapter 61 , Section 6104.2, Storage, amended.

(1) The limits, in which the bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted, are established as the corporate limits of the city of Red Bluff, except for the G-1 and H-1 industrial districts, where such storage may be permitted only with a use permit. Other storage and use shall be according to the California Fire Code. Tanks dispensing liquefied petroleum gas shall be on a concrete pad.

(AH) Appendix B, Table B105.2, Required Fire Flow, amended.

(AI) Appendix D, Section D103.3, Turning Radius, amended.

(1) The minimum turning radius shall be an inner radius of 30 feet and an outer radius of 45 feet.

(AJ) Appendix D, Section D104.2, Exception, Deleted.

(AK) Appendix D, Section 0106.1, Projects Having More Than 100 Dwelling Units, amended.

(1) Multiple-family residential projects having more than 50 dwelling units shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

(AL) Appendix D, Section D106.2, Projects Having More Than 200 Dwelling Units, deleted.

(AM) Appendix D, Section 0107.1, One-or-Two-Family Dwelling Residential Developments, Exception, Deleted.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11, California Green Building Standards Code, including Appendices A4 and A5 as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11, California Green Building Standards Code, including Appendices A4 and A5 as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code, as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)

The Uniform Sign Code adopted this chapter is amended as follows:

(A) The definition of "sign" in Section 214 is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 214. SIGN is any medium, including its structure and component parts, which is used or intended to be used to attract attention to the subject matter for advertising purposes including paint or stain on the surface of a building or structure; inflatable devices (balloons); manmade devices shaped like plants or animals; and structures or devices shaped like the products sold on the premises.

(B) Section 215 is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 215. TEMPORARY SIGN is any sign, banner, pendant, valance, advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without frames, displayed for not more than 60 days during any 365-day period.

(C) Section 301 is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 301. A sign shall not hereafter be erected, re-erected, constructed, painted, altered or maintained, except as provided by this code and after a permit for same has been issued by the Community Development Department. A separate permit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business entity, and a separate permit shall be required for each group of signs on a single supporting structure. In addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for electrical signs.

(D) Section 303-3 is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 303. EXEMPTIONS.

The following signs shall not require a sign permit. These exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with the provisions of this code or any other law or regulation:

(1) The changing of the advertising copy of message on a painted or printed sign only. Except for theater marquees and similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy, electrical signs shall not be included in this exemption.

(2) Repainting or cleaning of and advertising structure or the changing of message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made.

(3) Signs, exempted in the city's sign regulations.

(E) Section 402-4 is amended to read as follows:

(d) Restrictions on combustible materials. Signs can be constructed of any material approved by both the Fire Department and the Community Development Department.

Plastic material used in the construction of electrical signs must be approved by the Community Development Department.

(F) The second paragraph in Section 1401 is amended to read as follows:

(1) Temporary signs may remain in place for a period not exceeding 60 days during any 365-day period.

(2) Commercial temporary signs may remain in place for a period not exceeding 60 days during any 365-day period.

(G) Sections 501, 601, 801, 901, 1001 and 1101 are hereby deleted.

(H) Section 1404 is amended to read as follows:

(1) As used in this section, the term temporary neighborhood sign means a temporary sign advertising a garage sale, rummage sale, estate sale, yard sale, a community event such as an organized walk, run, jog, bicycle activity, that is not scheduled by the proponents for a duration exceeding four successive days. Temporary neighborhood signs may advertise off premises events, and may be located on premises only with the specific permission of the owner or occupant of the real property where such signs are placed; provided, however, that a sign advertising or announcing a garage sale, rummage sale, estate sale or yard sale may not be placed in a location that is more than six city blocks, or 2,400 feet from the location of such sale.

Temporary neighborhood signs may be erected and maintained for a period of not to exceed two days before the scheduled event, and shall be removed within 24 hours after the event has concluded. Failure to remove a temporary neighborhood sign as required herein or placement of a temporary neighborhood sign in a location other than as specified herein is a class II Civil Infraction and shall be enforced by the Community Development Director and designee (authorized officer, official or agent of the city).

('61 Code, § 5.55) (Ord. 907, passed 12-21 -1999; Am. Ord. 939, passed 5-20-2003; Am. Ord. 1008, passed 2-1-2011 ; Am. Ord. 1018, passed 9-3-2013; Ord. 1091, passed 11-18-2025)