Santa Barbara County Municipal Code Art. I Adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code and Portions of the 2024…

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 5269, §§ 1, 2, adopted November 18, 2025, repealed and reenacted article I in its entirety to read as herein set out. Formerly, article I pertained to the adoption of the 2022 California Fire Code and portions of the 2021 International Fire Code, and derived from Ord. No. 5170, §§ 1, 2, adopted December 6, 2022.

The board of supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, hazardous materials or explosion, adopts the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code (hereinafter 2025 California Fire Code or "CFC") and the following provisions of the 2024 edition of the International Fire Code, including Chapters 1—80 and Appendix Chapters 4, A, B, BB, C, CC, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P and Q as published by the International Code Council, that are added and/or amended by section 15-3 of this chapter. A copy of the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code is on file with the clerk of the board of supervisors and is incorporated by reference.

Amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code and portions of the 2024 International Fire Code are set forth below in section 15-3. An amendment, including an addition or a deletion, only amends the referenced section and does not, by omission of reference, delete any other section.

This article shall be controlling in all areas within the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District and all other unincorporated areas of the county, except the areas within the Carpinteria/Summerland Fire Protection District, Montecito Fire Protection District, Vandenberg Air Force Base, and Bureau of Indian Affairs Lands, unless otherwise specified by this chapter.

(Ord. No. 5269, §§ 1, 2, 11-18-2025)

(a) Wherever the word "jurisdiction" is used in the CFC it shall mean all areas within the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District and all other unincorporated areas of the county, except the areas within the Carpinteria/Summerland Fire Protection District, Montecito Fire Protection District, Vandenberg Air Force Base, and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands, unless otherwise specified by this chapter.

(b) Whenever the words "chief" and/or "fire chief" of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department are used they shall be held to mean the Santa Barbara County Fire Chief, also known as the "fire warden, or his or her designee."

(c) Whenever the words "building department" are used they shall be held to mean the building and safety division of the Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Department.

(d) Whenever the words "police department" and "police" are used they shall be held to include the Santa Barbara County Sheriff Department or the law enforcement agency that has legal jurisdiction.

(e) Whenever the words "California Building Code" and "building code" are used they shall be held to include the building code as adopted under chapter 10 of the Santa Barbara County Code.

(f) Whenever the words "California Electrical Code" are used it shall be held to include the electrical code as adopted under chapter 10 of the Santa Barbara County Code.

(g) Whenever the words "California Residential Code" and "residential code" are used they shall be held to include the residential code as adopted under chapter 10 of the Santa Barbara County Code.

(h) Whenever the words "County Land Use and Development Code" are used it shall be held to include the County Land Use and Development Code adopted under Chapter 35 of the Santa Barbara County Code.

(i) Whenever the words "fire protection certificate" (FPC) are used, it shall refer to the application for review of construction permits.

(k) The "Fire protection certificate" (FPC) process is divided into the following two distinct levels of review based on the scope and complexity:

Minor Fire Protection Certificate (FPC-Minor)

1. All new R-3 Occupancies three thousand six hundred (3,600) square feet or less, inside the Urban Limit line.

2. All new detached ADUs located inside of the Urban Limit line.

3. All new U Occupancies, requiring a building permit, three thousand six hundred (3,600) square feet or less, inside the Urban Limit line.

4. Any R-3 Occupancies three thousand six hundred (3,600) square feet or less, inside the Urban Limit line, where the aggregate interior alterations or modifications change or rearrange 70% or more of the original planned configuration of walls or full height partitions within the existing enclosed building area

5. Any R-3 Occupancies inside of the Urban Limit line, that adds an accumulation of one thousand square feet or more to the existing enclosed building area and the subsequent gross floor area is less than or equals three thousand six hundred square feet.

6. Tenant Improvements to any occupancies, where a fire protection system has been installed (Fire Sprinklers, Fire Alarm, Hood System, etc.).

7. Change of occupancy classification if it has been deemed equal to or less hazardous based on life safety risk.

8. A change from one group to another group within an occupancy classification.

9. The review of any changes to a fire protection system.

10. Any building project that does not fall under the conditions described for review, but in the opinion of the building code official or the fire code official should be reviewed by the Fire Department.

Major Fire Protection Certificate (FPC-Major)

1. All new R-3 Occupancies greater than three thousand six hundred (3,600) square feet inside the Urban Limit line or any size, outside the Urban Limit line.

2. All new U Occupancies, requiring a building permit, outside the Urban Limit line, or greater than three thousand six hundred (3,600) square feet inside the Urban Limit line.

3. All new detached ADUs located outside of the Urban Limit line.

4. All new Occupancies other than R-3 or U Occupancies.

5. Any occupancy other than R-3 or U Occupancies that adds an accumulation of five hundred square feet or more to the existing gross floor area or the subsequent enclosed building area equals or exceeds three thousand six hundred square feet.

6. Any occupancy with an existing square footage of three thousand six hundred square feet or greater where aggregate interior alterations or modifications change or rearrange 70% or more of the original planned configuration of walls or full height partitions within the existing enclosed building area.

7. Any R-3 or U Occupancies that adds an accumulation of one thousand square feet or more to the existing enclosed building area, outside of the Urban Limit line, or causes the subsequent gross floor area to exceed three thousand six hundred (3,600) square feet.

8. Change of occupancy classification if it has been deemed to be more hazardous based on life safety risk.

(l) Whenever the words "high fire hazard severity zone " and "local responsibility area" (LRA) are used it means the maps adopted by ordinance by the board of supervisors and on file with the office of the state fire marshal and the board of forestry.

(m) Whenever the words "very high fire hazard severity zone" and "local responsibility area" (LRA) are used it means the maps adopted by ordinance by the board of supervisors and on file with the office of the state fire marshal and the board of forestry.

(n) Whenever the words "high fire hazard severity zone" and "state responsibility area" (SRA) are used it means the areas identified as moderate, high and very high by the office of the state fire marshal.

(o) Whenever the words "Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards" are used it means those standards researched and developed by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, on file with the fire code official and available for review and reference at www.sbcfire.com.

(Ord. No. 5269, §§ 1, 2, 11-18-2025)

The 2025 California Fire Code and portions of the 2024 International Fire Code are amended as follows in order to properly safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the people, property and environment of Santa Barbara County:

(a) CHAPTER 1 — SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION II - ADMINISTRATION

PART 1-GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 101 SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

101.1 Title is amended to read as follows:

These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of Santa Barbara County, hereinafter referred to as "this code."

SECTION 102 APPLICABILITY

102.1 Construction and design provisions is amended by adding the following:

Exception: This section shall not apply to any agricultural buildings, specifically exempted in Santa Barbara County Code Chapter 10, Building Regulations, which reads as follows:

Agricultural buildings not exceeding 3,000 square feet in floor area constructed and used to house farm implements, equipment, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or horticultural products. Such buildings shall not be a place of human habitation nor a place of employment, nor shall such buildings be used by the public, be used to store hazardous materials in violation of the Fire Code, nor contain plumbing, mechanical, electrical, structural or architectural features that may reclassify the occupancy or the character of the occupancy of said building as determined by the Building Official. See Section 10-1.6 of the Santa Barbara County Code.

And provided that, whenever there is any change in the use or occupancy of such building so that it no longer meets the above-listed specification for exemption of agricultural buildings, the building must comply with the requirements of this code prior to making such change of use or occupancy.

PART 2-ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

SECTION 103 CODE COMPLIANCE AGENCY is adopted in its entirety with the following amendment:

103.1 Creation of Agency is amended to read as follows:

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

SECTION 104 DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE FIRE CODE OFFICIAL is adopted in its entirety with the following amendment:

104.7 Official Records is amended to read as follows:

The fire code official shall retain official records for not less than five years unless otherwise provided by other regulations.

SECTION 105 PERMITS is amended by adopting and amending the following:

105.3.1 Expiration is adopted and amended to read as follows:

An operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed or revoked, or for such a period of time as specified in the permit. Permits are not transferable and any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy or ownership shall require that a new permit be issued.

105.5.3 Amusement areas is amended by adding the following:

1. 50 - 100 occupants

2. 101 - 300 occupants

3. Over 300 occupants

105.5.5 Carnivals and fairs is amended by adding the following:

1. 50 - 100 occupants

2. 101 - 300 occupants

3. Over 300 occupants

105.5.13 Dry cleaning is adopted in its entirety

105.5.18 Flammable and combustible liquids is amended by adding the following:

12. A permit is required to maintain non-operational Petroleum Facilities.

105.5.19 Floor finishing is adopted in its entirety

105.5.20 Fruit and crop ripening is adopted in its entirety

105.5.22 Hazardous materials Is adopted in its entirety

105.5.26 Indoor plant cultivation is adopted in its entirety

105.5.30 LP-gas is adopted in its entirety

105.5.32 Magnesium is adopted in its entirety

105.5.33 Miscellaneous combustible storage is adopted in its entirety

105.5.35 Motor fuel-dispensing facilities is adopted in its entirety:

105.5.36 Open burning is adopted and amended as follows:

1. Tier I Agricultural

2. Tier II Agricultural

3. Backyard

4. Fire Hazard Reduction

5. LE 5 (General Burn)

6. LE 7 (Broadcast Burn)

105.5.37 Open flames and torches is adopted in its entirety and amended to read as follows:

An operational permit is required to remove paint with a torch; or to use a torch or open-flame device in the State Responsibility Area, Very High Fire Hazard Local Responsibility Area or a wildfire risk area.

105.5.38 Open flames and candles is adopted in its entirety

105.5.39 Organic coatings is adopted in its entirety

105.5.40 Outdoor assembly event is amended to read as follows:

An operational permit is required to conduct any outdoor assembly event with a planned attendance exceeding 300 people, or when other activities regulated by the Fire Code are involved.

105.5.41 Places of assembly is adopted and amended as follows:

1. 50 - 100 occupants

2. 101 - 300 occupants

3. Over 300 occupants

105.5.45 Pyroxylin plastics is adopted in its entirety

105.5.46 Refrigeration equipment is adopted in its entirety

105.5.47 Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities is adopted in its entirety

105.5.49 Spraying or dipping is adopted in its entirety

105.5.50 Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts is adopted in its entirety

105.5.51 Temporary membrane structures, special event structures and tents is adopted and amended to read as follows:

1. Between 401 - 1600 square feet

2. Between 1601 - 3200 square feet

3. Over 3200 square feet

105.5.52 Tire-rebuilding plants is adopted in its entirety

105.5.54 Wood products is adopted in its entirety

105.5.56 Temporary heating or cooking in wildfire risk areas is adopted in its entirety

105.6 Required construction permits is amended by adopting the following:

105.6.2 Automatic sprinkler systems is adopted in its entirely.

SECTION 106 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS is adopted in its entirety.

SECTION 107 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES, USES, EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS is adopted in its entirety

SECTION 108 FEES is adopted in its entirety and amended to read as follows:

108.2 Schedule of permit fees is amended to read as follows:

Where a permit is required, a fee for each permit shall be paid as required, in accordance with the schedule as established by the applicable governing authority (see Santa Barbara County Code, Chapter 15, Article V Fees).

SECTION 109 INSPECTIONS is adopted in its entirety.

SECTION 110 MAINTENANCE is adopted in its entirety.

SECTION 111 SERVICE UTILITIES is adopted in its entirety.

SECTION 113 VIOLATIONS is adopted in its entirety and amended as follows:

113.4 Violation Penalties is amended to read as follows:

Violation penalties are covered under Santa Barbara County Code, Chapter 15, Article VI, Violations-Legal Actions and Chapter 24A-Administrative Fines.

SECTION 114 STOP WORK ORDER is adopted in its entirety and amended as follows:

114.4 Failure to Comply is amended to read as follows:

Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed by the fire chief or designee to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, is guilty of an infraction as described in Santa Barbara County Code, Chapter 15, Article VI, Violations-Legal Actions.

SECTION 115 UNSAFE STRUCTURES OR EQUIPMENT is adopted in its entirety

(b) CHAPTER 2 — DEFINITIONS

SECTION 202 GENERAL DEFINITIONS is amended by adding the following definitions:

ENCLOSED. Areas of a building provided with at least three or more surrounding walls that are less than sixty-five (65) percent open on each wall.

ENCLOSED BUILDING AREA. The area included within surrounding exterior walls (or exterior walls and fire walls) exclusive of vent shafts and courts. Areas of the building provided that can be considered enclosed shall be included in the building area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above.

FIRE AND LIFE HAZARD. "Fire and life hazard" means any condition, arrangement, or act which will increase, or may cause an increase of, the hazard or menace of fire or a hazardous material release (spill, leak, etc.) to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service of preventing, suppressing or extinguishing fire and responding to hazardous material releases; or which may obstruct, delay, or hinder egress from a facility or building, or may become the cause of obstruction, delay or hindrance to the prevention, suppression, or extinguishment of a fire or hazardous material release. When a Fire and Life Hazard has been determined to exist by the fire chief it shall be considered a public nuisance.

FIRE PROTECTION CERTIFICATE (FPC). Is the application for review of construction permits and /or documents by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department when required by Chapter 15 of the Santa Barbara County Code.

PETROLEUM FACILITIES. Shall, for the purpose of this code, be designated by the fire chief and include, but not be limited to, tanks, compressors, pumps, vessels, and other large equipment or structures pertinent to oil field operations sited at a single location.

(c) CHAPTER 3 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 304 — COMBUSTIBLE WASTE MATERIAL

304.1.2 Waste material is amended to read as follows:

When determined to be a fire hazard, accumulations of wastepaper, wood, hay, straw, weeds, litter, or combustible or flammable waste or rubbish of any type shall not be permitted to remain on a roof or in any court, yard, vacant lot, alley, parking lot, open space, or beneath a grandstand, bleacher, pier, wharf, manufactured home, recreational vehicle or other similar structure.

304.1.3 Vegetation is amended to read as follows:

When determined to be a fire hazard, weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Vegetation clearance requirements in urban-wildland interface areas shall be in accordance with Chapter 49.

SECTION 305 — IGNITION SOURCES is adopted in its entirety.

SECTION 306 — MOTION PICTURE PROJECTION ROOMS AND FILM is adopted in its entirety.

SECTION 307 — OPEN BURNING, RECREATIONAL FIRES AND PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES is adopted in its entirety.

SECTION 308 — OPEN FLAMES is adopted in its entirety.

SECTION 309 — POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS AND EQUIPMENT is adopted in its entirety.

SECTION 310 — SMOKING is adopted in its entirety.

SECTION 311 — VACANT PREMISES is adopted in its entirety.

(d) CHAPTER 4 — EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

SECTION 404 FIRE SAFETY, EVACUATION AND LOCKDOWN PLAN is adopted in its entirety and amended to read as follows:

404.1 General is amended to read as follows:

Where required by Section 403 or other sections of this code, or the fire code official, fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall comply with Sections 404.2 through 404.4.1.

404.2.2 Fire safety plans is amended to read as follows:

Fire safety plans shall include the following:

1. The procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.

2. The life safety strategy including the following:

2.1. Procedures for notifying occupants, including areas with a private mode alarm system.

2.2. Procedures for occupants under a defend-in-place response.

2.3. Procedures for evacuating occupants, including those who need evacuation assistance.

3. Site plans indicating the following:

3.1. The occupancy assembly point.

3.2. The locations of fire hydrants.

3.3. The normal routes of fire department vehicle access.

4. Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:

4.1. Exits.

4.2. Primary evacuation routes.

4.3. Secondary evacuation routes.

4.4. Accessible egress routes.

4.4.1. Areas of refuge.

4.4.2. Exterior areas for assisted rescue.

4.5. Refuge areas associated with smoke barriers and horizontal exits.

4.6. Manual fire alarm boxes.

4.7. Portable fire extinguishers.

4.8. Occupant-use hose stations.

4.9. Fire alarm annunciators and controls.

5. A list of major fire and life safety hazards associated with the normal use and occupancy of the premises, including maintenance, housekeeping, recommended initial actions, containment and control plans, and long-term mitigation procedures.

6. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance of systems and equipment installed to prevent or control fires.

7. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance, housekeeping and controlling fuel hazard sources.

(e) CHAPTER 5 - FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

SECTION 501 GENERAL

501.1 Scope is amended to read as follows:

Fire service features for buildings, structures, and premises shall comply with this chapter, California Code of Regulations Title 14, and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards.

SECTION 503 FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

503.1 Where required is amended to read as follows:

Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3, California Code of Regulations Title 14, and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards.

503.2 Specifications is amended to read as follows:

Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Section 503.2.1 through 503.2., California Code of Regulations Title 14, and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards.

503.2.1 Dimensions is amended to read as follows:

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 14 and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm).

503.2.5 Dead ends is amended to read as follows:

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm) in length or when deemed needed, by the fire code official, for fire apparatus safety shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus.

503.6 Security gates is amended to read as follows:

The installation of security gates across a fire access road shall be approved by the fire code official. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate openers, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road or driveway shall be in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 14 and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards.

SECTION 504 ACCESS TO BUILDING OPENINGS AND ROOFS

504.3 Stairway Access to Roof is amended to read as follows:

New buildings four or more stories above grade plane, or when provisions of section D105 are required, except those with a roof slope greater than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), shall be provided with a stairway to the roof. Stairway access to the roof shall be in accordance with Section 1011.12. Such stairway shall be marked at street and floor levels with a sign indicating that the stairway continues to the roof. Where the roof is a vegetative roof, includes a landscaped room area, or is used for other purposes, stairways shall be provided as required for such occupancy classification.

SECTION 505 PREMISES IDENTIFICATION

505.1 Address identification is amended to read as follows:

New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of ½ inch (12.7 mm) unless the fire code official determines the need for taller and/or wider characters for identification and public safety. Addresses for residential buildings shall be reflectorized. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

505.1.1 Mixed-use Building is added to read as follows:

A notification system shall be installed in a manner and location approved by the fire chief, which indicates the presence of residential dwelling units.

505.1.2 Addresses for Buildings is added to read as follows:

All buildings shall be issued an address by the local jurisdiction which conforms to the local jurisdiction's addressing system. Utility and miscellaneous Group U buildings are not required to have a separate address; however, each residential unit within a building shall be separately identified.

505.1.3 Address Modifications is added to read as follows:

When deemed necessary by the fire chief, to provide for fire and life safety, an address assignment shall be modified.

505.2 Street or road signs is amended to read as follows:

Streets and roads shall be identified with approved signs. Temporary signs shall be installed at each street intersection when construction of new roadways allows passage by vehicles. Signs shall be of an approved size, weather resistant, reflectorized and be maintained until replaced by permanent signs.

505.3 Road Naming is added to read as follows:

All public and private access roads shall be named in accordance with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards and the County Land Use and Development Code.

(f) CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

SECTION 901 GENERAL

901.4 Fire protection and life safety systems is amended to read as follows:

Fire protection and life safety systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this code, the California Building Code, and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards.

901.4.1 Required fire protection and life safety systems is amended to read as follows:

Fire protection and life safety systems required by this code, the California Building Code or the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards shall be installed, repaired, operated, tested, and maintained in accordance with this code and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards. A fire protection or life safety system for which a design option, exception or reduction to the provisions of this code, the California Building Code or the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.

901.4.2 Nonrequired fire protection and life safety systems is amended to read as follows:

Fire protection and life safety systems or portion thereof not required by this code, or the California Building Code, shall be allowed to be furnished for partial or complete protection provided that such installed systems meet the applicable requirements of this code, the California Building Code, and the Santa Barbara County Development Standards.

901.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance is amended to read as follows:

Fire protection and life safety systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Nonrequired fire protection and life safety systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or removed in accordance with Section 901.8. Nonrequired fire protection systems shall only be removed after obtaining written permission from the fire code official.

SECTION 902 DEFINITIONS

902.1 Definitions is amended by adding the following:

ENCLOSED BUILDING AREA

SECTION 903 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

903.1 General is amended to read as follows:

Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards.

903.2 Where required is amended to read as follows:

Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12, Sections 903.2.14 through 903.2.21 and Section 903.7.

Exception: Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries not required to have an automatic sprinkler system by Section 1207 for energy storage systems and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.

903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler system is amended to read as follows:

Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R as amended in Chapter 80 where the Group R occupancy meets all of the following conditions:

1. Four stories or less above grade plane.

2. For other than Group R-2 occupancies, the floor level of the highest story is 30 feet (9144 mm) or less above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

For Group R-2 occupancies, the roof assembly is less than 45 feet (13 716 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. The height of the roof assembly shall be determined by measuring the distance from the lowest required fire vehicle access road surface adjacent to the building to the eave of the highest pitched roof, the intersection of the highest roof to the exterior wall, or the top of the highest parapet, whichever yields the greatest distance.

3. The floor level of the lowest story is 30 feet (9144 mm) or less below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with section 510.2 and 510.4 of the California Building Code shall be measured from grade plane.

Exception: Any building or structure that meets the requirements of section D105 will be required to follow Section 903.3.1.1.

903.4.3.1 Alarms in one- and two-family dwellings is added to read as follows:

For one-and two-family dwellings, an approved audible sprinkler waterflow alarm device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system.

903.7 Santa Barbara County automatic sprinkler systems is added to read as follows:

The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all areas within the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District and all other unincorporated areas of the County, except the areas within the Carpinteria/Summerland Fire Protection District, Montecito Fire Protection District, Vandenberg Air Force Base, and Bureau of Indian Affairs Lands, unless otherwise specified by this Chapter. If any part of this article is in conflict with any other part, the more restrictive provisions shall be controlling.

903.7.1 Locations required is added to read as follows:

Concurrent with provisions in the California Fire Code, California Building Code, California Residential Code, and in the Santa Barbara County Code, automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be installed and maintained in the locations specified as follows:

1. All new one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses (R-3 Occupancies). (2025 California Residential Code, Chapter 3, Section R-313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems / 2025 California Building Code Chapter 9, Section 903.2.8 Group R)

2. New non-residential buildings and structures with a final enclosed building area of 3,600 square feet or more.

New non-residential buildings or new structures (including prefabricated or relocated structures) for which application for building permits are officially filed or required to be filed with the Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Department, Building and Safety Division, which have an enclosed building area of 3,600 square feet or more; and

3. New buildings and structures located outside the Urban Limit Boundary.

New buildings or new structures (including prefabricated or relocated structures) for which application for building permits are officially filed or required to be filed with the Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Department, Building and Safety Division, that are constructed (regardless of square footage) outside of the "Urban Limit Boundary" (as defined in the land use element, definition section of the Santa Barbara County General Plan).

4. Modification to existing buildings and structures, other than Group R.

Existing buildings or structures with an enclosed building area of 3,600 square feet or more for which applications for modification, alterations or additions are officially filed or required to be filed with the Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Department, Building and Safety Division, or any local jurisdiction within the County serviced by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, where:

(a) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 70% or more of the existing exterior walls of the building or structure; or

(b) Aggregate alterations or modifications change or rearrange the original planned configuration of walls or full height partitions and involves 70% or more of the existing enclosed building area of the building or structure; or

(c) Subsequent to any addition of square footage, the total enclosed building area of the building or structure is 3,600 square feet or more.

5. Modification to existing Group R buildings or structures.

Existing Group R buildings or structures for which applications for modification, alterations, or additions are officially filed or required to be filed with the Santa Barbara County or any City within the County serviced by Santa Barbara County Fire Department, where:

(a) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 70% or more of the existing exterior walls of the building or structure; or

(b) Aggregate alterations or modifications change or rearrange the original planned configuration of walls or full height partitions and involves 70% or more of the existing enclosed building area of the building or structure; or

(c) Subsequent to any addition of square footage, the total enclosed building area of the building or structure is 3,600 square feet or more.

6. Modification to existing buildings and structures located outside the Urban Limit Boundary.

Existing buildings or structures for which applications for modification, alterations, or additions are officially filed or required to be filed with the Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Department, Building and Safety Division, or any local jurisdiction within the County serviced by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, that are located outside of the "Urban Limit Boundary" (as defined in the land use element, definition section of the Santa Barbara County General Plan), where:

(a) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 70% or more of the existing exterior walls of the building or structure; or

(b) Aggregate alterations or modifications change or rearrange the original planned configuration of walls or full height partitions and involves 70% or more of the existing enclosed building area of the building or structure; or

(c) The addition of square footage is five hundred square feet or more to the enclosed building area for non-residential or one thousand square feet or more to the enclosed building area for residential; or

(d) Subsequent to any addition of square footage, the total enclosed building area of the building or structure is 3,600 square feet or more.

7. Any change of occupancy where the new occupancy would be required to have fire sprinklers.

8. When fire sprinklers are installed in buildings or structures, they shall be installed throughout the entire building or structure.

NOTE: Any additional square footage added after January 1st, 2017 shall be accumulative towards the total enclosed building area listed in Section 903.7.1 #6 above.

Exceptions:

1. Section 903.7.1 shall not apply to any agricultural buildings, including greenhouses, as defined in the California Building Code, which would otherwise be included within the requirements of this section, provided that:

Whenever there is any change in the use or occupancy of such building so that it no longer meets the above-listed definition of agricultural building, the building must have a sprinkler system installed prior to making such change of use or occupancy in all areas of the building which would have been required to have sprinklers but for the existence of the exception set out in this subsection;

2. Other detached Group U buildings, as defined by the California Building Code, may be exempted from Section 903.7.1 on a case-by-case basis in writing by the fire chief and the Building Official (subject to the same occupancy change conditions as noted in "Exception 1" above).

3. Buildings classified as Group S-2, as defined by the California Building Code, may be exempted from Section 903.7.1 on a case-by-case basis in writing by the fire chief (subject to the same occupancy change conditions as noted in "Exception 1" above).

SECTION 905 STANDPIPE SYSTEMS

905.3 Required installations is amended to read as follows:

Standpipe systems shall be installed where required by Sections 905.3.1 through 905.3.10 or when required by the fire code official. Standpipe systems are allowed to be combined with automatic sprinkler system installation.

Exception:

1. Standpipe systems are not required in Group R-2 townhouses.

2. Standpipe systems are not required in Group R-3 occupancies.

SECTION 907 FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS is amended by adding the following:

907.2.30 Mixed-use buildings is added to read as follows:

Where residential occupancies are combined with commercial occupancies, a monitored fire alarm system shall be installed which notifies all occupants in the event of a fire. The system shall include automatic smoke detection throughout the commercial and common areas.

(g) CHAPTER 11 - CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

SECTION 1104 MEANS OF EGRESS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

1104.3 Exit sign illumination is adopted in its entirety.

1104.4 Power source is adopted in its entirety.

1104.5 Illumination emergency power is adopted in its entirety.

1104.5.1 Emergency power duration and installation is adopted in its entirety.

(h) CHAPTER 12 - ENERGY SYSTEMS

SECTION 1205 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS

1205.5 Ground-mounted photovoltaic panel systems is amended to read as follows:

Ground-mounted photovoltaic panel systems shall be installed in accordance with this section and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards. Setback requirements shall not apply to ground-mounted, free-standing photovoltaic arrays.

(i) CHAPTER 33 - FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION

3307.2 Water supply for fire protection is amended to read as follows:

An approved water supply for fire protection, either temporary or permanent, shall be made available as soon as combustible building materials arrive on the site, on commencement of vertical combustible construction and on installation of a standpipe system in buildings under construction, in accordance with Sections 3307.2.1 through 3307.4. A temporary water supply system shall only be allowed upon written approval of the fire code official.

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to reduce the fire-flow requirements for isolated buildings or a group of buildings in rural areas or small communities where the development of full fire-flow requirements is impractical.

(j) APPENDIX A — BOARD OF APPEALS is adopted and amended by deleting the existing language and inserting the following:

SECTION A101 GENERAL

A101.1 Scope. To determine the suitability of alternate materials and types of construction and to provide reasonable interpretations of the provisions of this code, there shall be and hereby is created a board of appeals.

A101.2 Membership and Appointment. The board of appeals shall consist of five members who are qualified by experience and training to pass judgment upon pertinent matters. The members shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors and shall hold office at their pleasure. Each member of the executive body has the right to appoint a member that resides in or out of their supervisor district.

A101.3 Quorum. Three members shall constitute a quorum for a hearing.

A101.4 Clerk of the Board. The County Executive Office shall serve as the clerk of the board of appeals.

A101.5 Rules and Regulations. The Board of Supervisors shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting board of appeals hearings and investigations. The board of appeals may adopt guidelines for the conduct of their hearings and investigations, as they deem appropriate.

A101.6 Decisions. The board of appeals shall render decisions and findings in writing to the fire chief, with a duplicate copy to the appellant. The decisions of the board of appeals may be appealed de novo to the board of supervisors, at the option of the appellant or fire chief, provided that, a request is made in writing to the clerk of the board of supervisors within 20 days after the decision of the board of appeals was served on the parties. If the decision of the board of appeals is not appealed to the board of supervisors, it shall be final and only subject to review by writ of mandate to the superior court. If the decision of the board of appeals is appealed to the board of supervisors, the decision of the board of supervisors shall be final and only subject to review by writ of mandate to the superior court.

NOTE: If a majority of the board of supervisors determines that its prior involvement with an appellant, prevents it from serving as a reasonably, impartial, non-involved decision maker, it shall decline to hear the appeal. If the board of supervisors declines to hear an appeal, the decision of the board of appeals shall be deemed final and only subject to review by writ of mandate to the superior court.

A101.7 Terms of office. The term of office of a member of the board of appeals shall coincide with the term of office of the County Supervisor that appointed the member.

A101.8 Stay of enforcement. The filing of an appeal application shall not stay an enforcement order. However, the fire chief may modify, in his or her sole discretion, an enforcement order during the pendency of an appeal.

A101.9 Subpoena powers. The subpoena powers of the Board of Supervisors set forth in Article 9, Section 25170 et seq. of the Government Code are delegated to the board of appeals and shall apply to all hearings and investigations under the board of appeals' jurisdiction.

A101.10 Fees. A fee of two hundred dollars shall be paid by the appellant to the clerk of the board of appeals at the time of application for a hearing before the board of appeals. If the decision of the board of appeals is appealed to the board of supervisors, an additional fee of four hundred and forty-three dollars shall be paid by the appealing party, to the clerk of the board of supervisors, at the time of application for a hearing before the board of supervisors.

A101.11 Jurisdiction. This appeal process shall apply to disputes within the unincorporated area of the fire district, within incorporated areas of the fire district and within incorporated areas outside of the fire district where the fire department provides service by contract. However, a city council of an impacted city, may adopt an alternative procedure for reviewing decisions of the board of appeals.

(k) APPENDIX B - FIRE FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS is amended to read as follows:

SECTION B106 REFERENCED STANDARDS

TABLE B106.1 - REFERENCED STANDARDS

STANDARD ACRONYM is amended to reference NFPA 1142-17

(l) APPENDIX C - FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION

C101.1 Scope is amended to read as follows:

In addition to the requirements of Section 507.5.1, fire hydrants shall be provided in accordance with this appendix and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards for the protection of buildings, or portions of buildings, hereafter constructed or moved into the jurisdiction.

Exception: SFM Group B, S-2 and U occupancies having an enclosed floor area not exceeding 1,000 square feet, primarily constructed of noncombustible exterior walls with wood or steel roof framing, having a Class A roof assembly, with uses limited to the following or similar uses:

1. California State Parks buildings of an accessory nature (restrooms).

2. Safety roadside rest area, (SRRA), public restrooms.

3. Truck inspection facilities, TIF, California Highway Patrol (CHP) office space and vehicle inspection bays.

4. Sand/salt storage buildings, storage of sand and salt.

(m) APPENDIX D - FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS is adopted in its entirety is amended to read as follows:

SECTION D101 GENERAL

D101.1 Scope is amended to read as follows:

Fire department access roads shall be in accordance with this appendix and all other applicable requirements of the 2025 California Fire Code and Santa Barbara County Fire Department Development Standards.

SECTION D106 MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

D106.1 Projects having more than 100 dwelling units is amended to read as follows:

Multiple-family residential projects having more than 100 dwelling units shall be equipped throughout with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Exception: Projects having up to 200 dwelling units not located in a Very High or High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in the SRA or LRA may have a single approved fire apparatus access road when all buildings, including nonresidential occupancies, are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

SECTION D107 ONE- OR TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments is amended to read as follows:

Developments of one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Exceptions:

1. Where there are more than 30 dwelling units accessed from a single public or private fire apparatus access road and all dwelling units are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3, access from two directions shall not be required when the development is not located in a Very High or High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in the SRA or LRA.

2. The number of dwelling units accessed from a single fire apparatus access road shall not be increased unless fire apparatus access roads will connect with future development, as determined by the fire code official.

(n) APPENDIX P - TEMPORARY HAUNTED HOUSES, GHOST WALKS AND SIMILAR AMUSEMENT USES is adopted in its entirety.

(o) APPENDIX Q - COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZARD EVALUATION FRAMEWORK is adopted in its entirety.

(Ord. No. 5269, §§ 1, 2, 11-18-2025)

The Board hereby finds that all amendments, including additions and deletions, to the CFC are based upon the following geological, topographical and climatic conditions in the area protected by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. Those conditions include:

(a) That Santa Barbara County is prone to extreme weather conditions, from hot, dry winds from the north and the east (Sundowner and Santa Ana winds), to strong westerly (coastal) winds, which greatly enhance the ability for fire to spread as reflected in devasting recent fires. In addition, the topographical layout and features of the county make the area subject to isolation should a flood or earthquake occur, which would prevent or severely limit and delay the north and south entities from giving or receiving mutual aid and emergency assistance;

(b) The present firefighting resources of this county are constrained in their efforts to control fires in large unsprinklered buildings within the urban limit boundary and all buildings outside of the urban limit boundary as designated in the county comprehensive plan;

(c) Geologic and topographic conditions in the county result in extended response times for firefighting resources, which may contribute to greater life and property loss in large unsprinklered buildings within the urban limit boundary and in all structures outside of the urban limit boundary; and

(d) Climatic conditions and flammable vegetation contribute to the extreme high fire hazard severity in the county, resulting in numerous wildland fires, which draw existing fire department resources from their structure protection areas for extended periods of time. This in turn extends response times, which may contribute to greater life and property loss in large unsprinklered buildings within the urban limit boundary and in all structures outside of the urban limit boundary.

(Ord. No. 5269, §§ 1, 2, 11-18-2025)