San Rafael Municipal Code Ch. 12.255 California Residential Code Amendments

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)

The 2025 California Residential Code is amended or modified as follows:

Amend Section R202 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 that 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.

Delete exception to Section R309.1 and amend Section R309.1 to read as follows:

R309.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in all newly constructed townhouses and in existing townhouses where alterations and/or additions to the existing structure, performed over any 3-year period, qualify as a "Substantial Remodel" as defined in this code. Any addition to a building with an existing fire sprinkler system shall have that system extended to the new portions of the building, irrespective of the size of the addition.

R309.1.1 [Unchanged]

Amend Section R309.2 to read as follows:

R309.2 One-and two-family dwellings automatic fire systems. An Automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in all newly constructed one-and two-family dwellings and in existing one-and two-family dwellings where alterations and/or additions to the existing structure, performed over any 3-year period, qualify as a "Substantial Remodel" as defined in this code. Any addition to a building with an existing fire sprinkler system shall have that system extended to the new portions of the building, irrespective of the size of the addition.

R309.2.1. [Unchanged]

Amend Section R309.3.1.2 by deleting exception #4.

Amend Section R310.7.2 by adding the following:

Smoke alarms shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke alarms that no longer function shall be replaced. Replacement of an existing smoke alarm that is hardwired and/or interconnected shall be made with an alarm of the same functionality.

Amend Section R902.1.1 to read as follows:

R902.1.3 Roofing requirements with Fire Hazard Severity Zones or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area. Roofing requirements for structures located within Fire Hazard Severity Zones or in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A and shall also comply with Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

Amend Section R902.1.2 to read as follows:

R902.1.2 Roof coverings in all other areas other than the Fire Hazard Severity Zones or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area. 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 and shall also comply with Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

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.

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