Earlier editions: 2026-07
Title 9 — Building Regulations
Redondo Beach Municipal Code Ch. 22 Residential Code
Redondo Beach Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Redondo Beach
Cite as: Redondo Beach Municipal Code Chapter 22 · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 9-22.01. Adoption of 2025 California Residential Code.¶
Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 50022.1 to 50022.10, inclusive, of the Government Code of the State and subject to the particular additions, deletions and amendments set forth in this chapter, the rules, regulations, provisions and conditions set forth in that certain Code entitled "2025 California Residential Code," including Chapter 1, Division 2 and Appendices BB, BF, BH, BM, CI, and CJ therein contained, promulgated and published by the International Code Council and the California Building Standards Commission, one full printed copy of which, printed as a code in book form were by the Council ordered filed and which have been filed in the office of the City Clerk, expressly incorporated herein and made a part hereof as fully and for all intents and purposes as set forth herein at length, are hereby established and adopted as the rules, regulations, and provisions and conditions to be observed and followed in the construction, enlargement, alteration, movement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition, conversion, use, height, area and maintenance of buildings, structures and improvements of every detached one- and two-family dwelling, townhouse not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and structures accessory thereto in the city and related subjects, items and matters as set forth in said Code, within the City. Subject to the additions, deletions and amendments set forth in this chapter, said Code, with its said Chapter 1, Division 2 and Appendices BB, BF, BH, BM, CI, and CJ, is hereby established and adopted by reference, and the same shall be designated, known and referred to as the "Residential Code" of and for the City.
(§ 27, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011, as amended by § 42, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 32, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017, and § 15, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)
§ 9-22.02. Intentionally left blank.¶
(§ 27, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011)
§ 9-22.03. Permit required.¶
Section R105.1, Chapter 1 Division II is hereby amended and shall read as follows:
R105.1 Permits Required. Refer to RBMC Section 9-1.02, Section [A] 105.1 Permits Required.
Section R105.2 is amended and shall read as follows:
R105.2 Work Exempt from Permit. Refer to RBMC Section 9-1.02, Section [A] 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit.
(§ 27, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011, as amended by § 1, Ord. 3102 c.s., eff. February 8, 2013, § 43, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 33, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017, § 16, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)
§ 9-22.04. Intentionally left blank.¶
(§ 27, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011)
§ 9-22.05. Fees.¶
Section R108.2 is amended as follows:
R108.2 Schedule of Permit Fees. Refer to RBMC Section 9-1.03 Section [A] 109.2 Schedule of Permit Fees.
Section R108.3 is amended as follows:
R108.3 Building Permit Valuations. Refer to RBMC Section 9-1.03 Section [A] 109.3 Building Permit Valuations.
Section R108.5 is amended as follows:
R108.5 Refunds. Refer to RBMC Section 9-1.03 Section [A] 109.6 Refunds.
Section R108.6 is amended as follows:
R108.6 Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance. Refer to Section RBMC 9-1.03 Section [A] 109.4 Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance.
(§ 27, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011, as amended by § 1, Ord. 3102 c.s., eff. February 8, 2013, § 44, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 34, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017, § 17, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)
§ 9-22.05.1. Permit expiration.¶
Section R105.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R105.5 Expiration. Refer to RBMC Section 9-1.06 Section [A] 105.5 Expiration.
Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit, or a renewed permit as specified below, shall be first obtained.
(§ 45, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, as amended by § 35, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017, § 18, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)
§ 9-22.05.2. Construction documents.¶
Section R106.1 is amended to read as follows:
R106.1 General. Refer to RBMC Section 9-1.06.1 Section [A] 107.1 General.
Section R106.1.1.1 is added to read as follows:
R106.1.1.1 Plan Review Fees. Refer to RBMC Section 9-1.06.1 Section [A] 107.1.1 Plan Review Fees.
(§ 46, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, as amended by § 36, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017, § 19, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)
§ 9-22.05.3. Expiration of plan review.¶
Section R105.3.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R105.3.2 Time Limitation of Application. Refer to RBMC Section 9-1.06.1.1 Section [A] 105.3.2 Time limitation of application.
(§ 47, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, as amended by § 37, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017, § 20, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)
§ 9-22.05.4. Expiration.¶
Section R105.5 of the California Residential Code, Chapter 1, Division II is hereby amended as follows:
R105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the work is commenced. A valid permit one that is has a required inspection signed off within 180 days of last inspection. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days and not exceeding two years for the first date of permit issuance. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated Notwithstanding any provisions of this Code to the contrary, every permit issued by the Chief Building Official under the provisions of this Code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit is not completed, in accordance with the provisions of this Code, within two years from the date of such permit. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the fee therefor shall be the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided (a) no changes have been made and/or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work; (b) such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year; and (c) the building or work authorized by the new permit shall comply with the current code provisions in effect on the date of issuance of such permit.
(§ 48, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, as amended by § 38, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017)
§ 9-22.06. Certificate of occupancy.¶
Section R110.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R110.3 Certificate Issued. Refer to RBMC Section 9-1.06.2 Section [A] Use and Occupancy.
(§ 27, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011, as amended by § 49, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 39, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017, § 21, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)
§ 9-22.07. Violations and penalties.¶
Section R113.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R113.4 Violation Penalties. Refer to RBM Section 9-1.04 Section [A] 114.4 Violation Penalties.
(§ 27, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011, as amended by § 50, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 40, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017, § 22, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)
§ 9-22.08. Fire extinguishing systems.¶
Section R309 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R309.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler shall be installed in townhouses.
Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be required when additions of more than 1,200 square feet or an additional story is added to the existing townhouses that do not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed.
R309.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system must be provided throughout every existing R-3 occupancy when a 1,200 square foot or greater addition occurs established by the Building Code Official. Reference RBMC Section 3-4.108, Section 903.2.8.1.1.
(§ 27, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011, as amended by § 51, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 41, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017, § 12, Ord. 3200 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, § 23, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)
§ 9-22.09. General structural design provisions.¶
Section R301.1.3.2 is amended to read as follows:
R301.1.3.2 Woodframe structures. The building official shall require construction documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for all dwellings of woodframe construction more than two stories and basement in height located in Seismic Design Category A, B or C. Notwithstanding other sections of law; the law establishing these provisions is found in Business and Professions Code Sections 5537 and 6737.1.
The building official shall require construction documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for all dwellings of woodframe construction more than one story in height or with a basement located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2.
Section R301.1.5 is added to read as follows:
R301.1.5 Seismic design provisions for buildings constructed on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3 percent slope). The design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when constructed on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3 percent slope) shall comply with Section 1613.6 of the California Building Code.
Section R301.2.2.6 Items 1, 3 and 5 are amended to read as follows:
| 1. | Shear wall or braced wall offsets out of plane. Conditions where exterior shear wall lines or braced wall panels are not in one plane vertically from the foundation to the uppermost story in which they are required. |
|---|---|
| 3. | Shear wall or braced wall offsets in plane. Conditions where the end of a braced wall panel occurs over an opening in the wall below. |
| 5. | Floor level offset. Conditions where portions of a floor level are vertically offset. |
Section R301.2.2.11 is added to read as follows:
R301.2.2.11 Anchorage of mechanical, electrical, or plumbing components and equipment. Mechanical, electrical, or plumbing components and equipment shall be anchored to the structure. Anchorage of the components and equipment shall be designed to resist loads in accordance with the California Building Code and ASCE 7, except where the component is positively attached to the structure and flexible connections are provided between the component and associated ductwork, piping, and conduit; and either:
| 1. | The component weighs 400 lb (1,780 N) or less and has a center of mass located 4 ft (1.22 m) or less above the supporting structure; or |
|---|---|
| 2. | The component weighs 20 lb (89 N) or less or, in the case of a distributed system, 5 lb/ |
Section R401.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R401.1 Application. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for buildings. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in flood hazard areas as established by Table R301.2 shall meet the provisions of Section R322. Wood foundations shall be designed and installed in accordance with AWC PWF.
Exception: The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be used for wood foundations only in the following situations:
| 1. | In buildings that have no more than two floors and a roof. |
|---|---|
| 2. | When interior basement and foundation walls are constructed at intervals not exceeding 50 feet (15,240 mm). |
Wood foundations in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2 shall not be permitted.
Exception: In non-occupied, single-story, detached storage sheds and similar uses other than carport or garage, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 200 square feet, the plate height does not exceed 12 feet in height above the grade plane at any point, and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches.
Sections R403.1.2, R403.1.3.6 and R403.1.5 are hereby amended to read as follows:
R403.1.2 Continuous footing in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2. Exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2 shall be supported by continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings. Required interior braced wall panels in buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2 shall be supported on continuous foundations.
R403.1.3.6 Isolated concrete footings. In detached one- and two-family dwellings located in Seismic Design Category A, B, or C, that are three stories or less in height, and constructed with stud bearing walls, isolated plain concrete footings supporting columns or pedestals are permitted.
R403.1.5 Slope. The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall not have a slope exceeding one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footings or where the slope of the bottom surface of the footings will exceed one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, or D2, stepped footings shall be reinforced with four No. 4 rebar. Two bars shall be place at the top and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure R403.1.5.
| FIGURE R403.1.5 STEPPED FOOTING |
|---|
Section R404.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R404.2 Wood foundation walls. Wood foundation walls shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of Sections R404.2.1 through R404.2.6 and with the details shown in Figures R403.1(2) and R403.1(3). Wood foundation walls shall not be used for structures located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2.
Section R501.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R501.2 Requirements. Floor construction shall be capable of accommodating all loads in accordance with Section R301 and of transmitting the resulting loads to the supporting structural elements. Mechanical or plumbing fixtures and equipment shall be attached or anchored to the structure in accordance with Section R301.2.2.11.
Section R503.2.4 is hereby added to read as follows:
R503.2.4 Openings in horizontal diaphragms. Openings in horizontal diaphragms with a dimension perpendicular to the joist that is greater than 4 feet (1.2 m) shall be constructed in accordance with Figure R503.2.4.
| a. | Blockings shall be provided beyond headers. |
|---|---|
| b. | Metal ties not less than 0.058 inch [1.47 mm (16 galvanized gage)] by 1.5 inches (38 mm) wide with eight 16d common nails on each side of the header-joist intersection. The metal ties shall have a minimum yield of 33,000 psi (227 MPa). |
| c. | Openings in diaphragms shall be further limited in accordance with Section R301.2.2.6. |
FIGURE R503.2.4 OPENINGS IN HORIZONTAL DIAPHRAGMS
Lines 20, 21, 24, and 34— 37 of Table R602.3(1) of the 2022 Edition of the California Residential Code are amended to read as follows:
Footnote "b" of Table R602.3(2) of the 2022 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
| b. | Staples shall have a minimum crown width of 7/16-inch on diameter except as noted. Use of staples in roof, floor, subfloor, and braced wall panels shall be prohibited in Seismic Design Category D 0 , D 1 , or D 2 . |
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Section R602.3.2 Exception and Table R602.3.2 is amended to read as follows:
Exception: In other than Seismic Design Category D 0 , D 1 , or D 2 , a single top plate used as an alternative to a double top plate shall comply with the following:
| 1. | The single top plate shall be tied at corners, intersecting walls, and at in-line splices in straight wall lines in accordance with Table R602.3.2. |
|---|---|
| 2. | The rafters or joists shall be centered over the studs with a tolerance of not more than 1 inch (25 mm). |
| 3. | Omission of the top plate is permitted over headers where the headers are adequately tied to adjacent wall sections in accordance with Table R602.3.2. |
Section R602.10.2.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R602.10.2.3 Minimum number of braced wall panels. Braced wall lines with a length of 16 feet (4,877 mm) or less shall have not less than two braced wall panels of any length or one braced wall panel equal to 48 inches (1,219 mm) or more. Braced wall lines greater than 16 feet (4,877 mm) shall have not less than two braced wall panels. In Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2, no braced wall panel shall have a contributing length less than 48 inches in length or as required in Section R602.10.3, whichever is greater.
Table R602.10.3(3) is amended to read as follows:
| a. | Linear interpolation shall be permitted. |
|---|---|
| b. | Interpolation of bracing length between the S ds values associated with the seismic design categories shall be permitted when a site-specific S ds value is determined in accordance with Section 1613.2 of the California Building Code. |
| c. | Where the braced wall line length is greater than 50 feet, braced wall lines shall be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of 50 feet or less, and the amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this table. |
| d. | Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches. |
| e. | Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories D 0 , D 1 , and D 2 . |
| f. | Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories. |
| g. | Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1. |
| h. | Oneand two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D 2 exceeding two stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. |
| i. | Methods GB and PCP braced wall panel h/ |
Table R602.10.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
| a. | Adhesive attachment of wall sheathing, including Method GB, shall not be permitted in Seismic Design Categories C, D 0 , D 1 , and D 2 . |
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| b. | Applies to panels next to garage door opening where supporting gable end wall or roof load only. Shall only be used on one wall of the garage. In Seismic Design Categories D 0 , D 1 , and D 2 , roof covering dead load shall not exceed 3 psf. |
| c. | Garage openings adjacent to a Method CS-G panel shall be provided with a header in accordance with Table R602.7(1). A full-height clear opening shall not be permitted adjacent to a Method CS-G panel. |
| d. | Method CS-SFB does not apply in Seismic Design Categories D 0 , D 1 , and D 2 . |
| e. | Method applies to detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories D 0 through D 2 only. |
| f. | Methods GB and PCP braced wall panel h/ |
| g. | Use of stapes in braced wall panels shall be prohibited in SDC D 0 , D 1 , and D 2 . |
Table R602.10.5 is amended to read as follows:
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s. NP = Not Permitted.
| a. | Linear interpolation shall be permitted. |
|---|---|
| b. | Use the actual length where it is greater than or equal to the minimum length. |
| c. | Maximum header height for PFH is 10 feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.2, but wall height shall be permitted to be increased to 12 feet with pony wall. |
| d. | Maximum header height for PFG is 10 feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.3, but wall height shall be permitted to be increased to 12 feet with pony wall. |
| e. | Maximum header height for CS-PF is 10 feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.4, but wall height shall be permitted to be increased to 12 feet with pony wall. |
Figure R602.10.6.1 is amended to read as follows:
Figure R602.10.6.2 is amended to read as follows:
Figure R602.10.6.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section R606.4.4 is amended to read as follows:
R606.4.4 Parapet walls. Unreinforced solid masonry parapet walls shall not be less than 8 inches (203 mm) thick and their height shall not exceed four times their thickness. Unreinforced hollow unit masonry parapet walls shall be not less than 8 inches (203 mm) thick, and their height shall not exceed three times their thickness. Masonry parapet walls in areas subject to wind loads of 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa) or located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2, or on townhouses in Seismic Design Category C shall be reinforced in accordance with Section R606.12.
Section R606.12.2.2.3 is amended to read as follows:
R606.12.2.2.3 Reinforcement requirements for masonry elements. Masonry elements listed in Section R606.12.2.2.2 shall be reinforced in either the horizontal or vertical direction as shown in Figure R606.11(2) and in accordance with the following:
| 1. | Horizontal reinforcement. Horizontal joint reinforcement shall consist of not less than one No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1,219 mm). Horizontal reinforcement shall be provided within 16 inches (406 mm) of the top and bottom of these masonry elements. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Vertical reinforcement. Vertical reinforcement shall consist of not less than one No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1,219 mm). Vertical reinforcement shall be within 8 inches (203 mm) of the ends of masonry walls. |
Section R803.2.4 is added to read as follows:
R803.2.4 Openings in horizontal diaphragms. Openings in horizontal diaphragms shall conform with Section R503.2.4.
Section R1001.3.1 is amended to read as follows:
R1001.3.1 Vertical reinforcing. For chimneys up to 40 inches (1,016 mm) wide, four No. 4 continuous vertical bars adequately anchored into the concrete foundation shall be placed between wythes of solid masonry or within the cells of hollow unit masonry and grouted in accordance with Section R606. Grout shall be prevented from bonding with the flue liner so that the flue liner is free to move with thermal expansion. For chimneys more than 40 inches (1,016 mm) wide, two additional No. 4 vertical bars adequately anchored into the concrete foundation shall be provided for each additional flue incorporated into the chimney or for each additional 40 inches (1,016 mm) in width or fraction thereof.
(§ 27, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011, as amended by § 1, Ord. 3102 c.s., eff. February 8, 2013, § 52, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 42, Ord. 3169 c.s., eff. May 4, 2017, § 13, Ord. 3200 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, and § 2459, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023)
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