Sierra Madre Municipal Code Ch. 15.04 Building Code and Permits

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 1487, § 2, adopted October 28, 2025, repealed the former Ch. 15.04, §§ 15.04.010—15.04.130, and enacted a new Ch. 15.04 as set out herein. The former Ch. 15.04 pertained to similar subject matter. See Code Comparative Table for full derivation.

California Building Codes adopted. California code of Regulation Title 24 Parts 1 through 12 consisting of the 2025 California Administrative Code; 2025 California Building Code Volume 1 and 2 with all Appendix Chapters based on the 2024 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council; 2025 California Residential Code with all Appendix Chapters based on the 2024 International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council; 2025 California Electrical Code based on the 2023 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association; 2025 California Mechanical Code based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; 2025 California Plumbing Code based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; 2025 California Green Building Standards Code; 2025 California Historical Building Code; 2025 California Existing Building Code based on the 2024 International Existing Building Code as published by the International Code Council; 2025 California Referenced Standards Code; 2025 California Fire Code; 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code based on the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The provisions of these construction codes as amended by this chapter shall constitute the building regulations of the city of Sierra Madre.

One copy of all the above codes and standards therefore are on file in the office of the city clerk pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d) and are made available for public inspection.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

The council shall by resolution adopt a schedule of fees for the permits issued pursuant hereto.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

The following provisions shall apply:

A. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, put in place or maintain in place, within any portion of the city, any tent, tent-house, canvas-house or structure constructed of canvas, cloth, or other fabric; any canopy or canopy structure constructed of canvas, cloth or other fabric or material within a distance of one hundred feet from the front property line of any lot or subdivision of land within the city, or within twenty feet of any dwelling, house, building or other structure.

B. Exceptions. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply as follows:

1. Decorative canopies and awnings constructed as a component or feature of an overall architectural design pursuant to the provisions of Section 17.36.040.

2. Picnic umbrellas not in excess of ten feet in diameter.

3. Temporary Tents and Canopies. Temporary tents and canopies, of any size, may be erected in any location on a parcel or lot for a period that is not in excess of three days. Such tent and/or canopy may not be re-erected until a minimum ninety-day period has elapsed.

4. Temporary tents and canopies as permitted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 5.16 (temporary use permits).

5. Tents and canopies may be permitted for eligible restaurants with patio space under the outdoor dining program.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

No building permit shall be issued with respect to the construction of any building or structure on any parcels of land which have been subdivided, split or otherwise separated in ownership since January 1, 1956, unless such subdivision, division, split or other such separation in ownership has complied in full with all of the regulations and requirements concerning subdivision in this code.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

A. New development, after January 1, 2010, must incorporate design elements for:

1. Prevention of stormwater runoff onto pavements and other non-permeable areas;

2. Stormwater retention and reuse for irrigation of landscaped areas; and

3. Rooftop designs, rain gutters, and other stormwater retention designs that can be directed towards landscaped areas and thereby reuse the stormwater.

B. The building department is authorized to withhold, deny or grant conditional approval to any application for a building permit which involves:

1. Construction upon, destruction of or curtailment in the capacity of storm drain facilities installed under and by virtue of Title 17 of this code;

2. Construction, excavation or fill which changes the grade of the natural slope of the surface of any lot or lots so that the water drainage thereon is changed to run onto a different location or in greater quantity or at an accelerated rate, or in a way that creates a hazard to the public health, safety or property. The decision of the building inspector shall be based upon the recommendation of the city engineer concerning the continued necessity of such drainage installations or of reasonable substitutes therefor.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

Temporary structure permits involving the construction of a residential structure upon an R-1 lot, upon which there is then located an existing dwelling unit or involving the relocation of a residential structure upon a residential lot upon which there is then located an existing dwelling unit, shall be issued by the building inspector only upon the condition that the applicant file a surety bond in the amount recommended by the city engineer guaranteeing the removal of such existing house within thirty days after occupancy of the dwelling unit to be so constructed or relocated. In the event that any applicant feels that the imposition of such condition is an unnecessary hardship, or if it is intended to use the existing dwelling unit as an accessory building to the new dwelling unit, then such applicant may appeal the imposition of such condition to the city council, and the decision of the city council shall be final.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

The 2025 California Building Code Section is amended to add the following to Section 1505:

A. Any building alteration, replacement, or repair, which does not exceed twenty-five percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, may use existing like materials on said roof.

B

Any building alteration, replacement, or repair, which exceeds fifty percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, shall be made with fire retardant covering as specified in the California Building Code.

C. Any building alteration, replacement, or repair, which exceeds fifty percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, shall be made with fire retardant covering as specified in the 2025 California Building Code.

D. Any building addition, which does not exceed twenty-five percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, may use existing like material on the roof addition, and any alteration, replacement, or repairs to the existing roof, required by such addition may also use existing like materials.

E. Any building addition, which exceeds twenty-five percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, shall be made with fire retardant covering as specified in the 2025 California Building Code, and any alterations, replacements, or repairs to the existing roof, required by such addition, shall also be made with such fire retardant roof covering.

F. Wood roofs shall not be considered a Class A covering regardless of the rating of an assembly.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

A. The following is added to the end of Section 202 of the 2025 California Building Code:

The phrase "additions, alterations, and repairs" as used in this section, and all subsections thereof, shall not be construed to apply to the remodeling of an existing building to provide new facades or other aesthetic embellishments or accouterments which do not modify the structural support or members of such building.

Buildings or structures to which additions, alterations, or repairs are made shall comply with all requirements of this code for new facilities except as specifically provided in this section. See section 907 of the Building Code for provisions requiring installation of smoke detectors in existing Group R, Division 3 Occupancies.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

Whenever a building permit is issued to construct, add or alter a building or site, the installation of perimeter temporary fencing shall be required.

The installation of temporary fencing shall be required for the following projects:

1. A project involving grading, trenching or excavation activities.

2. The construction area is visible from the public right-of-way with the exception of roof replacement and window change-outs with no framing work.

3. There is outside storage of building materials, equipment, construction materials or equipment stored at the front of the property.

4. The property is vacant during the duration of the construction.

5. As determined by the building official.

The building official shall require the site to be temporarily fenced and screened on all sides for the duration of the construction project. The height of the fence shall be seventy-two inches high with gates to access the site. The screening material shall be tightly secured to the fencing, free of holes and without advertising. The perimeter fencing may be removed when there are no remaining exterior construction activities visible from the public right-of-way and there is no longer visible outside storage of building materials, equipment or fixtures, or as determined by the building official. An address sign shall be installed and be visible from the public right-of-way at all perimeter points to include the street name and number of the site using minimum six-inch high letters and numbers, and shall be posted at the top of the perimeter fence or at least five feet from the ground. A "No Trespassing" sign, conforming to the requirements of California Penal Code, Section 602, shall be installed at all perimeter access points, posted at the top of the perimeter fence or at least five feet from the ground.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

The following is added to Section 105 of the 2025 California Building Code.

Section 105.7 Demolition Permits.

A. No permit for the demolition of all or any substantial portion of any building in the city shall be issued for a period of thirty days after such application is made. For the purposes of this chapter, demolition shall be considered the alteration, reconstruction, or elimination of 50% or more, of the floor area or monetary value. Projects that involve less than 50% of the alteration, reconstruction, or elimination of the floor area or monetary value may still be subject to requirements of Chapter 8.13 and/or 12.20 of this code.

B. Within 10 days of the application, the applicant should submit a mitigation plan for vermin, noise, dust, asbestos, salvage, trash removal, air pollution, historic preservation, and neighborhood peace and enjoyment. Failure to submit such mitigation report may be grounds for denying such permit.

C. Prior to the release of the demolition permit, the applicant shall demonstrate that notification of, and compliance with, requirements established by the following:

1. South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD);

2. Electricity provider;

3. Natural gas provider; and

4. City Department of Public Works.

D. Prior to the issuance of a demolition permit, the applicant shall file (in general terms) his/her intended reuse of the property with planning and community preservation department. Such plan shall indicate the intended use and condition of the property after the demolition of structures requested within the demolition permit is concluded.

E. The filing of any notice or report, as called for herein, is not intended to vest any discretion (under CEQA or otherwise) in the building official to deny such application. Instead, such permit shall be issued unless such issuance is contrary to any law or regulation applicable at that date.

F. To the extent, if any, that this Section 115 differs from the 2025 California Building Code (CBC), the city council finds that there are conditions unique to this city that justify such change, including high fire danger, steep hillsides, vermin infestation, wildlife and asbestos levels. The issuance of a demolition permit shall be considered a ministerial duty under the provisions of CEQA Section 15268 except for historical and unique archeological resources as outlined in CEQA Section 15064.5. If the demolition permit is for a historic structure, a cultural resources report shall be prepared at the property owner's expense.

G. Demolitions of Historic Structure.

1. If (i) a building or structure deemed eligible for landmark status, (ii) a building or structure listed or deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or (iii) a building or structure listed or deemed eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or if any cultural resource determined to have historic significance, is demolished without a permit:

a) The violator shall within one year completely rebuild the demolished structure to pre-existing condition and shall submit a surety bond that shall be in amount equal to the replacement value as calculated by the department of planning and community preservation;

b) The city may rebuild it within said one-year period placing the costs thereof as a lien on the property which shall indemnify the city against all costs so incurred and all liabilities arising therefrom; or

c) No building or construction related permits shall be issued, and no permits or use of the property shall be allowed, from the date of demolition for a specified time period, as follows: for five years, if the structure was listed or deemed eligible for listing on the local, state, or Federal Registry of Historic Resources. In addition, for a historic structure, a cultural resources report shall be prepared at the property owner's expense For the purposes of this section, the demolition shall be presumed to have occurred on the date the city has actual knowledge of the demolition. The owner shall have the burden of proving a different date if one is claimed. Such waiting period shall be for the purpose of consideration of rebuilding, relocation, grants, etc., for replacement.

2. The director of planning and community preservation shall cause notice to be served by mail on the person shown as the owner on the rolls of the tax assessor and on any other person known to have an interest in the property, as soon as practicable after having knowledge that the provisions of this section are applicable to property. The date the city first had actual knowledge of the demolition shall be stated in the notice.

3. A determination made under this section may be appealed by the property owner in accordance with Section 17.60.115.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

A permit may be required for items exempted from building permit requirements under Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105.2, and Section R105.2. Exempted work shall not violate any provisions of this code, federal, state, local laws, or regulations.

All walls, retaining walls, and fences regardless of type or height shall require a building permit.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

The following sections within Section 903 of the 2025 California Building Code, entitled, "Automatic Sprinkler Systems" are revised to provide as follows:

903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-1 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-3 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120

903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-5 occupancies in the following areas: concession stands, retail areas, press boxes, and other accessory use areas in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group B occupancy in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group E occupancy in accordance with Code section 15.24.120 (exception: For public school state-funded construction projects see Section 903.2.19).

903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.5 Group H. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.5.1 through 903.2.5.3.

903.2.5.1 General. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area and in accordance with Code section 15.24.110.

903.2.9 Group S-1, An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

903.2.9.2 Bulk storage of tires. Buildings and structures with an area for the storage of tires shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

903.2.10 Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed parking garages in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code or where located beneath other groups.

903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial motor vehicles in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)

A. A written permit shall be obtained from the department of public works prior to development of landscapes as specified in Section 15.60.030.

B. The director of public works shall issue a permit if the applicant has submitted the landscape documentation package as required by Section 15.60.040 and the landscape project satisfies the requirements set out in Chapter 15.60 of this title.

C. The permit fee for landscape project shall be established by resolution of the city council, and shall be based on the estimated cost of reviewing the landscape documentation package and issuing the permit.

(Ord. No. 1487, § 2, 10-28-25)