Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 16.08 Building Code

This chapter shall be known as the "Building Code" and may be cited as such. Whenever in this Code or any ordinance of the City the phrases "International Building Code" or "California Building Code" appear, such phrases shall be deemed and construed to refer to or apply to this chapter in conjunction with Chapter 16.04."

(Ord. 7357 §19, 2016; Ord. 6971 §2, 2007; Ord. 4146 §2 (part), 1974)

The California Building Code, 2025 Edition, Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, consisting of two volumes, including appendices and any related errata, and any amendments thereto by the State of California in the 2025 Edition of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, promulgated by the International Code Council, which regulates the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of buildings and other structures, is adopted and by this reference is made a part of this Code with the force and effect as though set out herein in full, with the exception of those parts expressly excepted and deleted or as amended by this chapter. One copy of the California Building Code with the amendments thereto by the State of California, which has been certified as a true copy, is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the Building Official.

(Ord. 7748, § 18, 2025; Ord. 7612 § 25, 2022; Ord. 7492 § 12, 2019; Ord. 7357 §20, 2016; Ord. 7237 §5, 2013; Ord. 7103 §5, 2010; Ord. 6971 §3, 2007; Ord. 6634 §2, 2002; Ord. 6472 §3, 1999; Ord. 6253 §2, 1995; Ord. 5996 §3, 1992; Ord. 5830 §1, 1990; Ord. 5552 §7, 1987; Ord. 5259 §17, 1985; Ord. 4853 §46, 1980; Ord. 4604 §2 (part), 1978; Ord. 4192 §2 (part), 1975; Ord. 4146 §2 (part), 1974)

The chapters, sections, paragraphs and parts of the California Building Code which are excepted, deleted and not adopted are:

1. Chapter 1, Division II Sections 105.3.2, 105.5, 109, 112, 113, 116.3, 116.4, 116.5;

2. Appendix A, B;

3. Appendix D, E, and F;

4. Appendix G; and

5. Appendix K, L, M, N, O, P and Q.

(Ord. 7748, § 19, 2025; Ord. 7612 § 26, 2022; Ord. 7492 § 13, 2019; Ord. 7357 §21, 2016; Ord. 7237 §6, 2013; Ord. 7103 §6, 2010; Ord. 6971 §4, 2007; Ord. 6634 §3, 2002; Ord. 6472 §4, 1999; Ord. 6253 §3, 1995: Ord. 6180 §1, 1994: Ord. 6121 §2, 1994; Ord. 6083 §1, 1993; Ord. 5996 §4, 1992; Ord. 5830 §2, 1990; Ord. 5552 §8, 1987; Ord. 5259 §18, 1985; Ord. 4853 §47, 1980; Ord. 4604 §2 (part), 1978; Ord. 4146 §2 (part), 1974)

Chapter 1, Division II Section 105 of the California Building Code is hereby amended by amending Section 105.1 by adding to the end of such section the following exceptions:

Exceptions:

1. A permit shall not be issued for work on property within an area which may be unsafe for such work and, because of the hazards, there is no way in which the work can be done so that it will be safe;

2. A permit may be withheld or denied if the Building Official finds there are existing on site violations of the provisions of Chapter 16.04 through 16.34 or of any other ordinance of the City, including all provisions of this Code and including without limitation the provisions of the zoning regulations.

(Ord. 7612 § 27, 2022; Ord. 7103 §7, 2010; Ord. 6971 §5, 2007; Ord. 6260 §1, 1996)

Section 107.6 of the Building Code is hereby added to read as follows:

Section 107.6 Plan Check Self-Certification Program.

The Plan Check Self-Certification Program of Section 16.04.430 of this Code shall apply to permits under this Chapter 16.08.

(Ord. 7742, § 3, 2025)

107.3.1 of the California Building Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Section 107.3.1 Approval of construction documents. When the Building Official issues a permit, the construction documents shall be approved for code compliance in writing or by stamp. One set of construction documents so reviewed shall be retained by the Building Official. The other set shall be returned to the applicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the Building Official or a duly authorized representative.

(Ord. 7748, § 20, 2025; Ord. 7357 §22, 2016; Ord. 7237 §7, 2013)

Section 109 of the California Building Code is amended by adding thereto a new subsection 109.7 to read as follows:

109.7 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Fees - Upon issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), the Building & Safety Department shall require the applicant to provide a bond in a form and amount determined by the Building Official, based on the estimated cost of labor and materials necessary to complete the outstanding work required for permanent occupancy, or ten thousand dollars ($10,000), whichever is greater, to ensure timely completion of all outstanding work required for permanent occupancy.

The purpose of the bond is to guarantee the correction or completion of any work necessary to eliminate hazardous or unsafe conditions and to bring the project into full compliance with applicable regulations.

In lieu of a surety bond, the applicant may submit a cash deposit, subject to approval by the Building Official, in an amount equivalent to that which would be required in a surety bond. For purposes of this subsection, "Principal" means the applicant who provided the bond, cash deposit, or letter of credit.

Upon satisfactory completion of all outstanding work required for permanent occupancy, as verified and approved by the Building & Safety Department, the bond, cash deposit, or other approved financial instrument shall be released.

In the case of a cash deposit, a refund shall be issued to the Principal, less any administrative fees or charges, if applicable.

Failure to complete the outstanding work required for permanent occupancy within the timeframe specified in the TCO may result in the forfeiture of the bond or deposit, and the City may use such funds to complete or remedy the outstanding work as necessary to ensure public health and safety.

(Ord. 7748, § 21, 2025)

Section 903 of the California Building Code is hereby amended by amending Section 903.2 to read as follows:

A. Where required. An automatic fire extinguishing system shall be installed and maintained in operable condition in the buildings and locations as set forth in this section. For special provisions on hazardous chemicals, magnesium and calcium carbide, see the Fire Code.

B. All New Buildings. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed and maintained in operable condition in all new buildings. All systems shall conform to the National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R and the Riverside Fire Department Standards and Policies.

1. NFPA 13D local water flow alarm shall be provided on a fire sprinkler system in homes. The water flow alarm shall be located on the exterior of the structure at an approved location by the fire department.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Buildings less than 1,000 square feet in floor area, other than Group R-1, Group R-2, Group R-3, and Group R-4 occupancies, unless specifically required by other provisions of the California Fire Code.

2. Group U occupancy buildings accessory to Group R-3 occupancies other than additional R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 occupancies.

3. Group S occupancies, less than 5,000 square feet in floor area, that are accessory to uses such as golf courses, tree nurseries, parks, farms, etc. Administrative and clerical office use area may not exceed 25 percent of the floor area of the major use. Additionally, the site must be zoned RE, RA-5 or RC.

4. Structures that have no occupant load as determined by the Building Official.

5. Swimming pools, spas, gazebos, shade structures or other open-air structures that meet California Building Code requirements for separation.

6. Structures which do not require building permits.

7. Mausoleums, crypts, and similar structures.

8. Agricultural buildings as defined in the California Building Code, Appendix C.

9. Structures and buildings designed exclusively to shelter or protect equipment such as pump houses, substations, and similar structures.

10. Aircraft hangars, pursuant to California Fire Code, Section 914.8.

11. Temporary modular construction offices.

12. Group R occupancies for which a fire station development fee as set forth in Chapter 16.52 has been paid prior to March 1, 1993 or Group R occupancies situated within a community facilities district or an assessment district formed prior to March 1, 1993 when said district has agreed to pay for a proportionate share for construction of a fire station to serve the area of the district.

C. Existing Buildings. Buildings in existence prior to March 1, 1993 or buildings for Group R, Division 3 and Group U occupancies for which plans were submitted and plan check fees paid to the City prior to March 1, 1993 shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Pursuant to California Fire Code, Section 903 in its entirety.

2. Remodels equaling 50% or greater of the existing square footage, regardless of year built, shall have an automatic sprinkler system installed.

D. Conflict. Where in any case, there are conflicting provisions between the California Fire Code as adopted by the City and this section, the more restrictive shall govern.

E. Standards. All automatic fire sprinkler systems required by this section shall comply with N.F.P.A. 13, 13D and 13R.

(Ord. 7612 § 28, 2022; Ord. 7510 § 6, 2020; Ord. 7357 §23, 2016; Ord. 7237 §8, 2013; Ord. 7103 §8, 2010; Ord. 6971 §6, 2007; Ord. 6634 §5, 2002; Ord. 6472 §6, 1999; Ord. 6260 §2, 1996: Ord. 6253 §8, 1995: Ord. 6019 §1, 1992; Ord. 5996 §10, 1992; Ord. 5964 §1, 1991; Ord. 5830 §8, 1990; Ord. 5259 §24, 1985)

A. The purpose of this section is to establish uniform minimum noise insulation performance standards to protect persons within new hotels, motels, apartment houses, and all other dwellings including detached single-family dwellings from the effects of excessive exterior noise, including but not limited to hearing loss or impairment and persistent interference with speech and sleep.

B. The following provisions of this section apply to new hotels, motels, apartment houses and all other dwellings including detached single-family dwellings:

1. Location and orientation. Consistent with land use standards, residential structures located in noise critical areas, such as proximity to the select system of County roads and City streets (as specified in Streets and Highways Code Section 2382), railroads, rapid transit lines, airports or industrial areas shall be designed to prevent the intrusion of exterior noises beyond prescribed levels with all exterior doors and windows in the closed position. Proper design shall include but shall not be limited to orientation of the residential structure, setbacks, shielding and sound insulation of the building itself.

2. Interior levels. Interior day-night average sound levels (Ldn) with windows closed, attributable to exterior sources shall not exceed an Ldn of forty-five decibels (dBA) in any habitable room.

3. Airport noise source. Residential structures to be located within an Ldn contour of 60 dBA or higher require an acoustical analysis showing that the structure has been designed to limit intruding noise to the allowable interior noise levels prescribed in this subsection. The Ldn contour shall be determined in accordance with Ldn noise levels anticipated by the Riverside general plan or by more current Ldn contour maps developed for governmental agencies and deemed acceptable by the Planning Director.

4. Vehicular and industrial noise sources. Residential buildings or structures to be located within Ldn contours of 60 dBA or higher from the select system of County roads and City streets (as specified in Section 186.4 of the State Streets and Highways Code), freeways, State highways, railroads, rapid transit lines and industrial noise sources shall require an acoustical analysis showing that the proposed building has been designed to limit intruding noise to the allowable interior noise levels prescribed in this subsection. The Ldn contour shall be determined in accordance with Ldn noise levels anticipated by the Riverside general plan or by more current Ldn contour maps developed for governmental agencies and deemed acceptable by the Planning Director. Exception: Railroads, where there are no nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) railway operations and where daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) railway operations do not exceed four per day.

5. Compliance. Evidence of compliance shall consist of submittal of an acoustical analysis report, prepared under the supervision of a person experienced in the field of acoustical engineering, with the application for building permit. The report shall show topographical relationship of noise sources and dwelling site, identification of noise sources and their characteristics, predicted noise spectra at the exterior of the proposed dwelling structure considering present and future land usage, basis for the prediction (measured or obtained from published data), noise attenuation measures to be applied, and an analysis of the noise insulation effectiveness of the proposed construction showing that the prescribed interior noise level requirements are met. If interior allowable noise levels are met by requiring that windows be inoperable or closed, the design for the structure must also specify the means that will be employed to provide ventilation, and cooling if necessary, to provide a habitable interior environment.

6. Field testing. When inspection indicates that the construction is not in accordance with the approved design, field testing may be required. Interior noise measurements shall be taken under conditions of typical maximum exterior noise levels within legal limits. A test report showing compliance or noncompliance with prescribed interior allowable levels shall be submitted to the Building Official.

Where a complaint as to noncompliance with this section requires a field test to resolve the complaint, the complainant shall post a bond or adequate funds in escrow for the cost of said testing. Such costs shall be chargeable to the complainant when such field tests show that compliance with these regulations is in fact present. If such tests show noncompliance, then such testing costs shall be borne by the owner or builder.

C. Exceptions. The following uses are exempt from the requirements of Subsection B.5 and may instead comply with a prescriptive standard established by the Building Official pursuant to the established policies and procedures:

1. Newly constructed R-3 single family dwelling units located on individual lots not part of parcel or tract map developments;

2. Newly constructed, added or converted accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) accessory to an existing primary dwellings on single-family zoned property.

Applicants seeking exemption under this subsection shall submit documentation during plan review demonstrating equivalency to the minimum standards set forth herein.

Such documentation shall be maintained in the permanent project records and reflected in the approved construction documents.

(Ord. 7748, § 22, 2025; Ord. 7612 § 29, 2022; Ord. 7357 §24, 2016; Ord. 6472 §7, 1999; Ord. 4716 §1, 1979; Ord. 4512 §1, 1978; Ord. 4318 §1, 1976; Ord. 4168 §1, 1974)

As a prerequisite to the issuance of any building permit, a complete geological investigation shall be conducted by an appropriately licensed design professional for any property identified as being subject to the potential of liquefaction or within a seismic hazard zone in accordance with this code. The geological investigation shall identify the specific liquefaction potential or other seismic hazard at the subject property and prescribe mitigating measures to eliminate or substantially reduce the possibility of structural failure. Said analysis shall be subject to approval by the Building Official and all prescribed mitigating measures shall be incorporated into building plans submitted for permits.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. The Building Official is authorized to establish a policy exempting structures deemed minor in nature from geological investigations.

(Ord. 7510 § 7, 2020; Ord. 7492 § 14, 2019; Ord. 7357 §25, 2016; Ord. 4930 §1, 1981)

This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy. The chapter further authorizes the Building Official and his or her authorized representatives to post the appropriate placard at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.

A. Application of provisions.

1. The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the City of Riverside. The City Council may extend the provisions as necessary.

B. Definitions.

1. Safety assessment is a visual, non-destructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy.

C. Placards.

1. The following are verbal descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to designate the condition for continued occupancy of buildings or structures.

a. INSPECTED - Lawful Occupancy Permitted is to be posted on any building or structure wherein no apparent structural hazard has been found. This placard is not intended to mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.

b. RESTRICTED USE is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged wherein the damage has resulted in some form of restriction to the continued occupancy. The individual who posts this placard will note in general terms the type of damage encountered and will clearly and concisely note the restrictions on continued occupancy.

c. UNSAFE - Do Not Enter or Occupy is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life safety. Buildings or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstance except as authorized in writing by the Building Official, or his or her authorized representative. Safety assessment teams shall be authorized to enter these buildings at any time. This placard is not to be used or considered as a demolition order. The individual who posts this placard will note in general terms the type of damage encountered.

2. The name of the jurisdiction shall be permanently affixed to each placard.

3. Once it has been attached to a building or structure, a placard is not to be removed, altered or covered until done so by an authorized representative of the Building Official. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to alter, remove, cover or deface a placard unless authorized pursuant to this section.

(Ord. 7612 § 30, 2022; Ord. 6971 §9, 2007)