San Bernardino Municipal Code Ch. 15.11 Building Safety Enhancement Area Building Standards

The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of injury, death, or property damage that may result from urban conflagrations spread by high winds. The building standards contained in this chapter are intended to prevent the ignition of, or otherwise reduce the spread of urban fire by controlling the use of materials and methods of construction.

(Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

The building safety enhancement area building standards shall apply to all newly constructed buildings, structures, or appurtenances outside the foothill fire zones (as defined in Chapter 19.15) and located in any of the following areas:

(A) Those areas of the city designated by Council resolution after a noticed public hearing as being located within a building safety enhancement area as follows:

(1) Four or more abutting (as defined in Chapter 19.02 of the Development Code) parcels with at least four dwellings with each dwelling damaged over 60% by fire or other catastrophe.

(2) All dwellings and commercial structures damaged over 60% by fire or other catastrophe that are located within a block (as defined in Chapter 19.02 of the Development Code) in which 50% or more of the dwellings and commercial structures have each incurred damage over 60% by fire or other catastrophe.

(B) Those new residential housing tracts comprised of four or more dwelling units for which building permit applications are submitted after the effective date of this chapter.

(C) Those new commercial structures that are 5,000 square feet or larger, for which building permit applications are submitted after the effective date of this chapter.

(Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)

(A) Exterior walls. Exterior walls shall be constructed of non-combustible materials or shall provide the equivalent to a minimum of one-hour fire resistance rated construction on the exterior side.

(B) Eaves. Eaves shall be enclosed with a minimum seven-eighths-inch stucco equivalent protection.

(C) Exterior glazing. Exterior glazing shall comply with the provisions of the California Building Code and with the following additional requirements:

(1) Exterior windows, window walls and glazed doors, and windows within exterior doors, shall be tempered glass, or multi-layered glass panels (dual- or triple-paned), or other assemblies approved by the Building Official.

(2) Vinyl window frame assemblies shall be prohibited, except when they have the following characteristics:

(a) Frame and sash are comprised of vinyl material with welded corners;

(b) Metal reinforcement in the interlock area;

(c) Glazed with insulated glass or tempered;

(d) Frame and sash profiles are certified in AAMA Lineal Certification Program (verified with either an AAMA product label or Certified Products Directory);

(e) Certified and labeled to ANSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97 for structural requirements; and

(f) Except when needed to meet the requirements of the California Energy Code at Title 24, Part 6 of the Cal. Code of Regulations.

(D) Garage doors. Garage doors shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or fire-retardant treated wood.

(E) Vents.

(1) All vents shall be covered with one-eighths-inch mesh corrosion-resistant metal screen or other approved material that offers equivalent protection.

(2) Roof-mounted turbine vents shall not be permitted.

(F) Insulation. Paper-faced insulation shall be prohibited in attics or ventilated spaces.

(G) Roof covering. All roof covering shall be of non-wood materials with at least a Class A or B fire-retardant rating. The open ends of high-profile tile roofs shall be capped with non-ignitable material to prevent birds’ nests or other combustible material from accumulating. Gutters and downspouts shall be constructed of non-combustible material.

(H) Fences. Where wood or vinyl fencing is used, there shall be a minimum of five feet separation between the wood or vinyl fencing and the wall of the nearest structure except on those properties where previous construction occurred pursuant to a previous code. Fencing within the five feet separation area shall be of non-combustible material or one-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

(Ord. MC-1162, passed 1-6-2004; Ord. MC-1163, passed 1-23-2004; Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026)