Rialto Municipal Code Ch. 15.08 Building Codes

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 1702, § 2, adopted Sept. 9, 2025, repealed the former Ch. 15.08, §§ 15.08.010—15.08.140, and enacted a new Ch. 15.08 as set out herein. The former Ch. 15.08 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Prior Ords. 1071, 1168, 1171, 1229, 1234, 1250; Ord. 1295, § 1 (part), adopted in 1999; Ord. 1337, § 1 (part), adopted in 2002; Ord. 1414, § 2 (part), adopted in 2008; Ord. No. 1481, §§ 1,, 2 adopted Feb. 22, 2011; Ord. No. 1539, adopted Feb. 11, 2014; Ord. No. 1546, § 2, adopted July 22, 2014; Ord. No. 1579, adopted Dec. 13, 2016; Ord. No. 1672, § 2, adopted Dec. 13, 2022; and Ord. No. 1626, §§ 2—4, adopted Dec. 12, 2019.

As used in this chapter or in any of the uniform codes made a part of it, unless otherwise apparent from the context:

"Building official" means the building official of the City of Rialto.

"City" means the City of Rialto when it refers to a political entity.

"City council" means the city council of the City of Rialto.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. The city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the 2025 California Administrative Code, as adopted and published by the California Building Standards Commission, including any appendices and amendments thereto.

B. The 2025 California Administrative Code is hereby adopted with no amendments.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the City hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the California Building Code 2025 Edition, as adopted and published by the California Building Standards Commission, including Chapter 1, Division II and Appendix B, F, G, H and J.

B. The 2025 California Building Code (CBC) is hereby amended as follows:

[A] CBC Administrative Provisions. Division II of Chapter 1, entitled "Scope and Administration", is applicable in the City of Rialto. CBC Division II of Chapter 1 is the administrative provisions for Sections 15.08.040, 15.08.050, 15.08.060, 15.08.070, 15.08.080, 15.08.090, 15.08.100, 15.08.110, and 15.08.120. Where Sections 15.08.040, 15.08.050, 15.08.060, 15.08.070, 15.08.080, 15.08.090, 15.08.100, 15.08.110, and 15.08.120 have their own administrative provisions, those provisions are still adopted and in effect, except when conflicts occur, the administrative provisions of the CBC Division II of Chapter 1 shall apply.

[A] CBC Section 101.1 is amended, by inserting City of Rialto into the text as the name of the jurisdiction.

[A] CBC Section 101.4 is amended by adding the following:

[A] 101.4.9 Residential. The provision of the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height.

[A] 101.4.10 Electrical. The provisions of the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition shall apply to the installation, arrangement, alteration, repair, use and other operation of electrical wiring, connections, fixtures and other electrical appliances.

[A] 101.4.11 Historical. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code, 2025 Edition shall apply to preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, relocation and reconstruction of all qualified buildings or properties designated as historical.

[A] 101.4.12 Green. The provision of the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition shall apply to encourage sustainable construction practices in the planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, and environmental quality of all newly constructed buildings.

[A] 101.4.13 Referenced Standards. The provisions of the California Referenced Standards Code, 2025 Edition shall apply to determine minimum test and referenced standards required.

[A] 101.4.14 Property Maintenance. The provision of the International Property Maintenance Code, 2024 Edition shall apply to regulate the maintenance of buildings and structures. In the event of any conflict between the International Property Maintenance Code and the California Building Standards Code (as adopted and amended by the City) with respect to building standards, the provisions of the California Building Standards Code control. In all other respects, including administrative, procedural, and enforcement provisions, the International Property Maintenance Code as adopted herein shall apply.

The provisions of these Construction Codes as amended by this chapter shall constitute the Building Regulations of the City of Rialto.

[A] CBC Section 102.7 Maintenance is added to read as follows:

Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards which are required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings and structures. To determine compliance with this subsection, the building official shall have the authority to require a building or structure to be re-inspected. The requirements of this chapter shall not provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures.

[A] CBC Section 105.1 Required is amended to read as follows:

No person may erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, connect, convert, demolish, or equip any building, structure, or portion thereof, perform any grading, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a permit for each such building, structure, grading, or landscaping from the building official.

[A] CBC Section 105.1.3 Unpermitted Structures is added to read as follows:

No person shall own, use, occupy or maintain any "Unpermitted Structure." For the purposes of this code, "Unpermitted Structure" is defined as any structure, or portion thereof, that was erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, connected, converted, demolished, or equipped, at any point in time, without the required permit(s) having first been obtained from the building official, pursuant to Section 105.1, or any unfinished work for which a permit has expired.

[L1, L2, L3, L4] CBC Section 105.2 is revised by deleting exception 2 from the Building list of exceptions. This amendment is made to require a permit for fences not over 7 feet high due to local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions. This amendment is necessary to ensure fences meet the structural design requirements due to the seismic activity and high wind speeds. It's also necessary to ensure the fencing material is not combustible to ensure the spread of flying embers do not spread the fire and become a pathway to buildings and structures.

[A] CBC Section 105.3.2.1 Application and Plan Check Renewal is added to provide as follows: Once the application and plan check exceeds the number of days allocated by the California Building Standards, the application and plan check will be deemed expired. If an applicant desires to renew an application and plan check, they must submit a written request or submit a form if one is provided, to the Building Official. The Building Official will review the request and provide the applicant an answer in writing. If denied, the applicant must submit a new application and plans. The plans must meet the current code cycle at the time that they are submitted. If approved, the applicant must pay a reinstatement fee:

• If less than a year — 25% of the original plan check fee.

• If more than a year — 50% of the original plan check fee.

[A] CBC Section 105.5.2 Permit Renewal is added to provide as follows:

Once the permit exceeds the number of days allocated by the California Building Standards, the permit will be deemed expired. If an applicant desires to renew a permit, they must submit a written request or submit a form if one is provided, to the Building Official. The Building Official will review the request and provide the applicant an answer in writing. If denied, the applicant must submit a new application and plans for a new permit. The plans must meet the current code cycle at the time that they are submitted. If approved, the applicant must pay a reinstatement fee:

• If less than a year — 25% of the original plan check fee.

• If more than a year — 50% of the original plan check fee.

[A] CBC Section 105.8 Ownership of Permit is added to provide as follows:

Ownership of any active building permit is vested with the property owner. When a property changes ownership, the existing building permits may remain valid when transferred to the new record owner. The new owner must inform the Building Official of a change of ownership. The new owner of the title must provide a copy of the deed to the Building Official to update all outstanding permits and will be required to sign a new Owner-Builder Declaration Form and provide photo identification to the Building Official. The new owner on title will now be responsible for ensuring permitted work complies with all current codes and regulations.

[A] CBC Section 109.6.1 Refund Policy is added to provide as follows:

The Building Official may authorize the refund of not more than 50 percent of the permit fee paid. Request for refunds must be submitted in writing or submitted on a form if one is required, to the Building Official. The Building Official will review the request and provide the applicant with an answer in writing. If a building project has already started construction, then no refund of a permit fee will be granted. The building official shall not authorize the refund of any fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.

[A] CBC Section 110.3.1.1 Line and Grade Certification is added to provide as follows:

Line and grade certification will be required for all new structures. The owner, agent, contractor, and/or applicant shall submit a City of Rialto Foundation Line and Grade Certification for each structure to the Building Inspector. Line and grade certification will be required on the provided form. The line and grade shall be performed by a California Licensed surveyor or California Registered Professional Engineer.

[A] CBC Section 110.3.8.1 Firestop Mockup is added to provide as follows:

Fire rated assemblies to include but not limited to the wall and ceiling shall require a mockup to identify and verify the firestopping material, means, and method. The material, means, and method shall be approved by the architect of record and the Building Official.

[A] CBC Section 110.7 Reinspection is added to provide as follows:

A reinspection fee shall be permitted to be assessed for each inspection or reinspection where such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or where required corrections have not been made.

This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to be in accordance with the requirements of this code, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for inspection or reinspection. Reinspection fees shall be permitted to be assessed where the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid. Reinspection fee shall be established by the Building Official.

[A] CBC Section 111.5 Occupancy Prohibited is added to provide as follows:

The building or structure shall not be occupied prior to the building official issuing a permit, conducting associated inspections indicating the applicable provisions of this code have been met, and issuing a certificate of occupancy.

[A] CBC Section 112.3.1 Others Authorized to Disconnect is added to provide as follows:

The Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Fire Division Chief, Fire Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, and Code Enforcement Manager shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to a building, structure or system regulated by this code and the referenced codes and standards in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or where such utility connection has been made without the approval required by Section 112.1 or 112.2. The Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Fire Division Chief, Fire Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, and Code Enforcement Manager shall notify the serving utility and Building Official, and wherever possible the owner or the owner's authorized agent and occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect. If not notified prior to disconnecting, the owner or the owner's authorized agent or occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in writing, as soon as practical thereafter.

[A] CBC Section 114.5 Work Commencing Before Permit is added to provide as follows:

Where work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit is issued for such work.

[A] CBC Section 117 Habitability. Section 117 is added to read as follows:

[A] CBC 117.1 General. In accordance with emergency management guidelines, the Green Tag, Yellow Tag, and Red Tag are adopted to identify the habitability of a structure. The different Tags will indicate the level of habitability and any restrictions or occupancy limitations. The Tags may be used after a natural or man-made emergency or event. The Tags may also be used to identify any violations of the Health and Safety Code, the International Property Maintenance Code, or the Rialto Municipal Code that affect habitability.

[A] CBC 117.2 Placard. Any placard sign posted upon a premises shall be substantially similar to the following:

[A] CBC 117.2.1 Green Tag. Occupancy permitted. Entry and occupancy of this structure is authorized by City Officials or their deputies.

[A] CBC 117.2.2 Yellow Tag. Limited occupancy. Entry and occupancy of this structure are limited by City Officials or their deputies.

[A] CBC 117.2.3 Red Tag. Do not enter or occupy. Entry and occupancy of this structure are prohibited by City Officials or their deputies.

[A] CBC 117.3 Authority to Tag. The following officials have the authority to Tag a Building: Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Division Chief, Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, Building Official, and Code Enforcement Manager. These officials can also deputize staff to tag a building under the supervision of these officials. During emergencies, these officials can deputize volunteers who have demonstrated the training, education, and qualifications to identify habitability.

[A] CBC 117.3.1 Legal Standard for Vacating. When, in the opinion of an appropriate official, there is imminent danger to the health and safety of the occupants of a building or structure, the official is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the premises forthwith.

[A] CBC 117.3.2 Disconnected Utilities. If any utilities to a building are disconnected, the building may be deemed as substandard housing and non-habitable per the Health and Safety Code section 17920.3. Under these conditions the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Division Chief, Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, Building Official, and Code Enforcement Manager have the authority to limit entry to a portion or all of the building.

[A] CBC 117.3.3 Volunteers. The City is authorized to solicit volunteers at any time to serve as evaluators as part of their emergency preparedness plan. Volunteers must complete California's Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program (DSWVP) in order to be registered and qualified as a volunteer. Volunteers must also sign a Volunteer Status and Waiver of Liability.

[A] CBC 117.4 Unauthorized Tag Disturbance. It shall be unlawful and a violation of this code for any person to remove, deface, or destroy a placard posted pursuant to this code without the prior written permission of the City. No person shall remove or deface any such placard placed by the City without the prior written permission of the City. Any person violating this subsection shall be charged with a misdemeanor offense.

[A] CBC 117.4.1 Unauthorized Entry. It is unlawful and a misdemeanor to occupy any structure ordered vacated and tagged in accordance with Section 117. Any person violating the posted placard and found entering or occupying a structure that was limited or restricted in use, entry, or occupancy is subject to arrest.

[A] CBC 117.5 Authority to Change or Remove Tag. The Building Official may remove or may alter the notice limiting entry whenever the defect or defects have been eliminated or reduced. Any person who defaces or removes the notice without the approval of the Building Official shall be subject to a misdemeanor.

[A] CBC 117.5.1 Special Investigation. A special investigation shall be made before a permit is issued for such work.

[A] CBC 117.5.2 Permit Required. Correcting the defect or defects upon which the notice action was issued will require a permit to perform the work to remove the life, health, or safety issue, and shall comply with this code.

[A] CBC 117.6 Boarding Up. Whenever the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Division Chief, Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, Building Official, and Code Enforcement Manager determines that a dangerous building constitutes an immediate threat to the public health or safety, these officials may order to board up a structure. These officials can also deputize staff to board up a structure under the supervision of these officials. No person shall remove or deface any such boards placed by these Officials without the prior written permission of these Officials.

[A] CBC 117.6.1 Vacant Structures. Vacant structures that are not secured may be ordered to be boarded up to protect the public and property.

[A] CBC 117.7 Unauthorized Board up Disturbance. It shall be unlawful and a violation of this code for any person to remove, deface, or destroy a board up pursuant to this code without the prior written permission of the City. No person shall remove or deface any such board order to be placed by the City without the prior written permission of the City. Any person violating this subsection shall be charged with a misdemeanor offense.

[A] CBC 117.7.1 Unauthorized Entry. Any person found entering or occupying a structure that was boarded up is subject to arrest. Any person violating this subsection shall be charged with a misdemeanor offense.

[A] CBC 117.8 Reimbursement. An administrative citation shall be issued at least equal to the amount of the cost for boarding up the structure to protect the public. Failure to pay the administrative citation shall result in a lien. The cost for boarding up shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and there shall be a lien upon such real estate and or shall be collected by any other legal source.

[L2, L3, L4] CBC 1505.1 is amended to require Class A roofing north of the 210 freeway. This amendment is made due to local climatic and topographical conditions. This amendment is necessary to prevent and reduce fire spread during a fire event. Due to the proximity to fire prone areas and the risk of spreading embers from high winds, roofs are susceptible to fire spread if not protected with a higher fire rated roof material. Requiring a higher fire rated roof material will limit the spread of fire. This amendment reads as follows:

Fire classification of roof assemblies shall be in accordance with Section 1505. The minimum fire classification of roof assemblies installed on buildings North of the 210 freeway shall be a Class A roof assembly and roof covering for all types of construction. The minimum fire classification of roof assemblies installed on buildings South of the 210 freeway shall comply with Table 1505.1 based on type of construction of the building. Class A, B and C roof assemblies and roof coverings required to be listed by this section shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E108 or UL 790. In addition, fire-retardant-treated woodroof coverings shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D2898; fire-retardant-treated shingles and shakes shall comply with Section 1505.6.

[A, L2] CBC Section 1609.3 is amended to add the following paragraph and table as follows: The basic wind speed, V, in mph, for the City of Rialto shall be as listed in Table 1609.3

[A, L2] TABLE 1609.3

Rialto Basic Wind Speed

[A, L2, L3, L4] CBC 1705.18 is amended to read as follows:

In high-rise buildings, in buildings assigned to Risk Category III or IV, or in fire areas containing Group R occupancies with an occupant load greater than 10, special inspections for through-penetrations, membrane penetration firestops, fire-resistant joint systems and perimeter fire containment systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 714.4.1.2, 714.5.1.2, 715.3.1 and 715.4 shall be in accordance with Section 1705.18.1 or 1705.18.2.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the California Residential Code (CRC) 2025 Edition, including Appendix AA, BF, BG, BO, and CI, including any amendments thereto.

B. The 2025 California Residential Code (CRC) is hereby amended as follows:

[L1, L2, L3, L4] CRC Section R105.2 is revised by deleting exception 2 from the Building list of exceptions. This amendment is made to require permits for fences not over 7 feet high due to local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions. This amendment is necessary to ensure fences meet the structural design requirements due to the seismic activity and high wind speeds. It's also necessary to ensure the fencing material is not combustible to ensure the spread of flying embers do not spread the fire and become a pathway to buildings and structures.

[A, L1, L2] CRC Table R301.2 is amended to read as follows:

[A, L1, L2] TABLE R301.2

CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA

[L2, L3, L4] CRC Section R902.1 is amended to require Class A roofing north of the 210 freeway. This amendment is made due to local climatic and topographical conditions. This amendment is necessary to prevent and reduce fire spread during a fire event. Due to the proximity to fire prone areas and the risk of spreading embers from high winds, roofs are susceptible to fire spread if not protected with a higher fire rated roof material. Requiring a higher fire rated roof material will limit the spread of fire. This amendment reads as follows:

Roof decks shall be covered with materials as set forth in Section R904 or with roof coverings as set forth in Section R905. A minimum Class A roofing shall be installed North of the 210 freeway. A minimum Class A, B or C roofing shall be installed South of the 210 freeway or where the edge of the roof deck is less than 3 feet (914 mm) from a lot line. Where Class A, B or C roof assemblies are required, they shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E1 08 or UL 790. Where required, the roof assembly shall be listed and identified as to class by an approved testing agency.

[A, L3] CRC Appendix CI 100.1 Renovations and Additions is added to read as follows:

For properties that have an existing pool without a fence and gate, or drowning prevention features that fail to meet current building code, but renovate the pool, add an ADU, JADU, new primary dwelling unit, addition to the property, major alteration or any combination thereof to the property, the fence and gate, and drowning prevention features shall be required to install a fence and gate and drowning prevention features that meet the requirements in Appendix CI. These most provisions may be required at any time during the review of the application, plan check, or inspection.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition.

B. The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code is adopted with no local amendments.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition.

B. The 2025 Edition of the California Mechanical Code is adopted with no local amendments.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, shall be and become the Plumbing Code of the city.

B. The 2025 California Plumbing Code (CBC) is hereby amended as follows:

[L1] CPC Section 1211.8 is adopted and amended to read follows:

Earthquake-actuated gas shutoff valves designed to automatically shutoff the gas at the location of the valve in the event of a seismic disturbance and certified by the Sate Architect as conforming to California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 12, Chapter 12-16-1, shall be provided for all new structures, to include residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the California Energy Code, 2025 Edition.

B. The 2025 Edition of the California Energy Code is adopted with no local amendments.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, those certain building codes known and designated as the California Wildland Urban Interface Code, 2025 Edition.

B. The 2025 Edition of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code is adopted with no local amendments.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the California Historical Building Code, 2025 Edition.

B. The 2025 Edition of the California Historical Building Code is adopted with no local amendments.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition.

B. The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code is adopted with no local amendments.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition.

B. The 2025 Edition of the California Green Building Standards Code is adopted with no local amendments.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the California Referenced Standards Code, 2025 Edition.

B. The 2025 Edition of the California Referenced Standards Code is adopted with no local amendments.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

A. Except as provided in this chapter, the city hereby adopts by reference, as if fully set forth herein, the International Property Maintenance Code, 2024 Edition.

B. The International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), 2024 Edition, hereby is adopted with the following amendments.

1. Where the term International Building Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Building Code.

2. Where the term International Residential Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Residential Code.

3. Where the term NFPA 70 is used it shall be replaced with the term California Electrical Code.

4. Where the term International Mechanical Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Mechanical Code.

5. Where the term International Plumbing Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Plumbing Code.

6. Where the term International Energy Conservation Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Energy Code.

7. Where the term International Fire Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Fire Code.

8. Where the term International Fuel Gas Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Plumbing Code.

9. Any appeal provisions, including without limitation Section 107, are repealed. Any appeal under the IPMC shall be substantially in accordance with Chapter 9.42 of the Rialto Municipal Code.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)

If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this title is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this title. The city council declares that it would have passed this title and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.

(Ord. No. 1702, § 2, 9-9-25)