§ 12.200

For purposes of this Chapter:

Deleted language from the base code has been stricken through.

Added language to the base code has been underlined.

(Ord. No. 1974, div. 1, 11-18-2019; Ord. No. 2052, div. 1, 9-15-2025)

Amend Section 202 to read as follows:

The definition of "Kitchen" is deleted and added to read as follows:

KITCHEN. An area in which the preparation of food for eating occurs (that has provisions for cooking or heating of food; washing and storing of dishware and utensils; and refrigeration or storing of food).

The definition of "Substantial Remodel" is added to read as follows:

SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL. Substantial remodel shall mean the alteration of any structure which, combined with any additions to the structure, performed within any three (3) year period, affects a floor area which exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the existing floor area of the structure. When any changes are made in the building, such as walls, columns, beams or girders, floor or ceiling joists and coverings, roof rafters, roof diaphragms, foundations, piles or retaining walls or similar components, the floor area of all rooms affected by such changes shall be included in computing floor areas for purposes of applying this definition. This definition does not apply to the replacement and upgrading of residential roof coverings or exterior wall finishes.

Amend Section 903.2 is amended to read as follows:

903.2 Where Required. Approved automatic fire sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12 and 903.2.14 through 903.2.21 and in all of the following:

1. Newly constructed buildings or facilities, except detached Group U occupancies not more than one thousand (1,000) square feet in floor area and provided with exterior wall and opening protection as per Table 602 of the California Building Code.

2. Newly created, attached, second dwelling units which meet the definition of a substantial remodel.

3. All other existing buildings, fire sprinkler systems may be required by the fire chief in accordance with the following:

3.1. All buildings where improvements occur during any three (3) year period that cumulatively meet the definition of a substantial remodel.

3.2. All buildings, except R-3 occupancies, in excess of three thousand (3,000) square feet that have more than ten percent (10%) floor area added within any three (3) year period. Exceptions may be granted by the fire chief when alternate means of protection are installed as approved by the fire code official.

3.3. A change in the use of a building that results in a higher fire or life safety hazard when the square footage of the area changing use is more than 50% of the square footage of the existing building.

3.4. Where fire sprinklers are required by provisions of this code, they shall be extended throughout the building.

4. All public storage facilities. Exceptions may be granted by the fire chief when alternate means of protection are installed as approved by the fire code official

5. All tunnels used for the transportation of people or any type of vehicle.

The requirements for fire sprinkler systems in this code section are not meant to disallow the provisions for area increase, height increase, or fire-resistive-rated substitution if otherwise allowed by this code.

Exception [Unchanged.]

Section 903.2.1 through 903.2.17. [Unchanged.]

Amend Section 903.2.18 by deleting the exception.

Section 903.2.19. [Unchanged.]

Amend Section 909.2. by adding the following sentence at the end of the paragraph:

Replacement of an existing smoke alarm that is hardwired and/or interconnected shall be made with an alarm of the same functionality.

Amend Section 1011.6 to read as follows:

1011.6 Stairway Landings. There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway. The width of landings, measured perpendicularly to the direction of travel, shall be not less than the width of stairways served. Every landing shall have a minimum depth, measured parallel to the direction of travel, equal to the width of the stairway or 48 inches (1219 mm), whichever is less. Every landing with a fire riser or other fire system apparatus shall increase the minimum required depth, measured parallel to the direction of travel, by an additional 8 inches (203 mm). Doors opening onto a landing shall not reduce the landing to less than one-half the required width. When fully open, the door shall not project more than 7 inches (178 mm) into the required width of a landing. Where wheelchair spaces are required on the stairway landing in accordance with Section 1009.6.3, the wheelchair space shall not be located in the required width of the landing and doors shall not swing over the wheelchair spaces. Exceptions [Unchanged.]

Amend Section 1015.2 by adding the following concluding sentence:

Guards are also required at waterfront bulkheads, fixed piers, and gangways.

Add Section 1015.8.2 & 1015.8.3 to read as follows:

1015.8.2 Existing Hotels. The provisions of sections 1015.8 shall apply retroactively to all existing hotels.

1015.8.3 Clear area adjacent to hotel window opening. There shall be no furniture, fixed or movable, placed within thirty-six inches (36") of any openable portion of a window. Hotels shall also provide notice to prospective guests of this requirement.

Amend Section 1505.1 by deleting the last sentence and the referenced Table 1505.1.

Exception [Unchanged]

Amend Section 1505.1.1 to read as follows:

1505.1.1 Roofing requirements within Fire Hazard Severity Zone or in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). Roofing requirements for structures located within Fire Hazard Severity Zones or in the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire (WUI) shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A and shall also comply with Section 705A.

Amend Section 1505.1.2 to read as follows:

1505.1.2 Roof coverings within all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure, where more than 50% of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class C A fire classification.

All roof coverings that are not at least Class A shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A by May 31, 2027.

Add Section 1807.4 to read as follows:

1807.4 Wooden retaining walls. Wooden retaining walls may not be used to support any building surcharge or vehicular way. In addition, wooden retaining walls shall not be employed to retain soils above or below a building where failure of the wall may subject the building to damage.

(Ord. No. 1974, div. 1, 11-18-2019; Ord. No. 2002, div. 3, 12-6-2021; Ord. No. 2009, § 2, 5-16-2022; Ord. No. 2021, § 1, 11-21-2022; Ord. No. 2052, div. 1, 9-15-2025)

Chapter 12.210 - CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE AMENDMENTS

12.210.010 - No amendment.

The 2025 California Electrical Code is not amended or modified.

(Ord. No. 1974, div. 1, 11-18-2019; Ord. No. 2021, § 1, 11-21-2022; Ord. No. 2052, div. 1, 9-15-2025)

Chapter 12.220 - CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE AMENDMENTS[[2]]

Footnotes:

--- ( 2 ) ---

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2052, div. 1, adopted Sept. 15, 2025, repealed the former Ch. 12.220, §§ 12.220.010, 12.220.020, and enacted a new Ch. 220 as set out herein. The former Ch. 12.220 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 2036, div. 1, § 2, adopted June 3, 2024.