Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Ch. 1 Building Code

* Sections 8-1.01 through 8-1.25, codified by § 2 Ordinance No. 1494-NS, effective December 27, 2007 were repealed by Ordinance No. 1546-NS, effective January 1, 2011. Sections 8-1.01 through 8-1.23, codified by § 2 Ordinance No. 1546-NS, effective January 1, 2011 were repealed by Ordinance No. 1591-NS, effective January 1, 2014. Sections 8- 1.01 through 8-1.26, codified by § 2 Ordinance No. 1591-NS, effective January 1, 2014 were repealed by Ordinance No. 1624-NS, effective January 1, 2017. Sections 8-1.01 through 8-1.25, codified by § 2 Ordinance No. 1624-NS, effective January 1, 2017 were repealed by Ordinance No. 1669-NS, effective January 10, 2019. Section 8-1.26, codified by § 3 Ordinance No. 1632-NS, effective October 27, 2017 was repealed by Ordinance No. 1669-NS, effective January 10, 2019. Sections 8-1.01 through 8-1.24, codified by § 2, Ord. 1669-NS, effective January 10, 2020, were repealed by Ordinance No. 1707-NS, effective January 1, 2023. Sections 8-1.01 through 8-1.25, 8-1.27 were repealed by § 2 Ordinance No. 1741-NS, effective January 1, 2026.

The City Council, after due consideration, finds and determines that due to the geographical location of the City and the unusual climatic, geological, and topographical conditions prevailing within the City, the public health, safety, and welfare would best be served by adopting and amending the 2025 California Building Codes.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

Those certain Codes designated as the 2025 Edition of the California Building Codes, based upon the 2024 Edition of the International Building Codes, published by the International Code Council, as amended herein are adopted and incorporated by reference, including Appendices I, J, and Q, except as herein amended. Said California Building Codes are hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as though set forth in this chapter in full, subject, however, to the amendments, additions, and deletions set forth in this chapter, and said California Building Codes, including Chapter 1, Division II, Scope and Administration as amended herein, shall be known as the Building Code of the City.

At least one (1) copy of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Codes is on file in the office of the Building Official for public record and inspection.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

The purpose of said California Building Codes is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, property, and public health, safety, and welfare, by regulation and control of the design, construction, addition, alteration, conversion, erection, installation, location, relocation, demolition, repair, maintenance, occupancy, and use of all structures and buildings located within the City and equipment regulated therein.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

The name "City of Thousand Oaks" is hereby inserted in any and all blank spaces provided in said California Building Standards Codes for the name of the jurisdiction adopting said Codes, and wherever the word "city" or "jurisdiction" appears in said Codes or is otherwise used, it shall mean and refer to the City of Thousand Oaks.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

Chapter 1, Division II of said California Building Code is hereby amended by amending Section 101.2 Scope., to read as follows:

101.2 Scope.

The provisions of this code and Title 8, Chapter 4, the City of Thousand Oaks Code Administration shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code.

101.2.1 Appendices.

Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

Section 110.3.6 “Lath and gypsum board inspection” is hereby amended by removing the Exception and is to read as follows:

110.3.6 Lath, Gypsum Board and Gypsum Panel Product Inspection

Lath, gypsum board and gypsum panel product inspections shall be made after lathing, gypsum board and gypsum panel products, interior and exterior, are in place, but before any plastering is applied or gypsum board and gypsum panel product joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

Section 1505.1 “General” is amended by removing the reference to Class B and C roof assemblies and roof coverings.

Table 1505.1 “Minimum Roof Covering classification for Types of Construction” is amended as follows:

For all types of construction, the Minimum Roof Covering Classification is Class A.

Section 1505.1.2 “Roof covering within all other areas” is amended by changing the reference from Class C to Class A.

Sections 1505.3, 1505.4, and 1505.5 of the California Building Code are deleted.

Section 1505.6 “Fire-retardant treated wood shingles and shakes” is amended by removing the reference to Class B and C roof assemblies and roof coverings. Only Class A roof are allowed.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

A new Section 1803.8 is added to read as follows:

The Building Official may require further tests where the type and class of soil is in question. The Building Official may require an engineering geotechnical or geologic report, submitted by a State certified engineering geologist, on all sites as a condition precedent to the permit issuance to construct a building or structure.

Section 1804.1 “Excavation near foundations” is hereby amended to read as follows:

Excavation for any purpose shall not reduce vertical or lateral support for any foundation or adjacent foundation without first underpinning or protecting the foundation against detrimental lateral or vertical movement, or both, in accordance with Section 1803.5.7.

Refer to Title 8 Section 8-1.24 and Title 7, Chapter 3 of the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code for grading regulations administered by the Public Works Department, and for requirements governing excavation, grading, and earthwork construction, including fills and embankments.

Section 1807.1.4 “Permanent Wood Foundation Systems” is amended to read as follows:

1807.1.4 Permanent Wood Foundation Systems.

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. Permanent wood foundation systems shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F. Permanent wood foundation systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with AWC PWF. Lumber and plywood shall be preservative treated in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Special Requirement 4.2) and shall be identified in accordance with Section 2303.1.9.1.

Section 1808.6 “Design for Expansive Soil” is amended, with adoption of subsections 1808.6.1 thru 1808.6.4 as published, to read as follows:

Foundations for buildings and structures founded on expansive soils shall be designed in accordance with Section 1808.6.1 or 1808.6.2.

Exceptions: Foundation design need not comply with Section 1808.6.1 or 1808.6.2 where one of the following conditions is satisfied:

1. The soil is removed in accordance with Section 1808.6.3.

2. The building official approves stabilization of the soil in accordance with Section 1808.6.4.

3. Foundations for buildings and structures with shallow foundations may be designed in accordance with Section 1809 as amended herein.

Section 1808.7.1 “Foundations on or adjacent to slopes” is amended to read as follows:

1808.7.1 Building Clearance From Ascending Slopes

In general, buildings below slopes shall be set a sufficient distance from the slope to provide protection from slope drainage, erosion and shallow failures. Except as provided in Section 1808.7.5 and Figure 1808.7.1, the following criteria will be assumed to provide this protection. Where the existing slope is steeper than one unit vertical in one unit horizontal (100-percent slope), the toe of the slope shall be assumed to be at the intersection of a horizontal plane drawn from the top of the foundation and a plane drawn tangent to the slope at an angle of 45 degrees (0.79 rad) to the horizontal. Where a retaining wall is constructed at the toe of the slope, the height of the slope shall be measured from the top of the wall to the top of the slope.

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

FIGURE 1808.7.1

FOUNDATION CLEARANCES FROM SLOPES

[Figure]

The footings of all structures shall be setback from the tops and toes of slopes as far as necessary for adequacy of footing/foundation support and to prevent damage as a result of water runoff or erosion of the slopes. Unless otherwise recommended in an approved soil engineering and/or engineering geology report, setbacks shall be no less than shown in Figure 1808.7.1 “Foundation Clearances from Slopes” or five (5') feet, whichever is greater. The setbacks given in that table are minimum requirements, and may be increased by the Building Official if considered necessary for safety or stability.

Exceptions:

1. Retaining walls may be used to reduce the required slope setback when approved by the Building Official.

2. Footings for freestanding garden walls may be founded on three (3') feet minimum from the face of any slope.

3. The Building Official may waive the setback requirement for any structure where it is determined because of special design or unique circumstances.

No building or structure, or portion thereof, governed by this Code shall be constructed on any slope greater than 5:1 without a finding by the Building Official that the site is safe for its intended use. The Building Official may require a geological investigation, soil engineer's report, and/or the footing/foundation to be designed by a civil or structural engineer registered as such by the State of California.

Section 1808.7.3 “Pools” is amended to read as follows:

1808.7.3 Pools

The setback between pools regulated by this code and slopes shall be equal to one-half the building footing setback distance required by this section but not less than five (5') feet. That portion of the pool wall within a horizontal distance of 7 feet (2134 mm) from the top of the slope shall be capable of supporting the water in the pool without soil support.

Section 1809.1 “General” is amended as to read as follows:

Shallow foundations shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 1809.2 through 1809.13. All footing/foundation and/or slab designs shall be predicated upon a soil analysis. Said design shall not be less than those minimum requirements set forth in Table 1809.7(1) for each soil expansion range.

Post-tensioned slab design, when recommended by the soils engineer, may be used in lieu of the requirements when approved by the Building Official.

In areas where the soil is determined to be of an expansive range index over twenty (20), the soil under the footings and slabs shall be pre-saturated in accordance with Table 1809.7(1).

Section 1809.3 “Stepped Footings” is amended to read as follows:

The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall be permitted to have a slope not exceeding 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footing or where the surface of the ground slopes more than 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Individual steps in continuous footings shall not exceed 18 inches (457 mm) in height and the slope of a series of such steps shall not exceed 1 unit vertical to 2 units horizontal (50-percent slope) unless otherwise recommended by a geotechnical report. The steps shall be detailed on the drawings. The local effects due to the discontinuity of the steps shall be considered in the design of the foundation.

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, the stepped requirement footing/foundation wall shall also apply to the top surface of grade beams, and supporting walls.

Footings shall be reinforced with four (4) one-half (1/2") inch diameter minimum deformed reinforcing bars. Two reinforcement bars shall be placed at the top and bottom of the footings in accordance with Figure 1809.1

Figure 1809.1

[Figure]

Section 1809.4 “Depth and width of footings” is amended to read as follows:

The minimum depth of footings below the undisturbed ground surface shall be 12 inches (305 mm). Where applicable, the requirements of Section 1809.5 shall be satisfied. The minimum width of footings shall be 12 inches (305 mm).

Footings for buildings and structures on expansive soils shall have a depth and width not less than the minimum requirements set forth in Table 1809.7 (1).

Section 1809.7 “Prescriptive footings for light-frame construction” is amended to read as follows:

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. When a specific design is not provided, concrete or masonry-unit footings supporting walls of light–frame construction shall be permitted to be designed in accordance with Table 1809.7(1).

Table No. 1809.7 is hereby deleted and all Code references to Table 1809.7 shall now refer to Table 1809.7(1).

A new Table No. 1809.7(1) entitled “MINIMUM FOOTING AND SLAB REQUIREMENTS” is hereby added as follows:

TABLE 1809.7 (1)

MINIMUM FOOTING AND SLAB REQUIREMENTSa

a Slabs for masonry fireplaces shall be reinforced with No. 4 deformed bars at twenty-four (24") inches on center both ways.

b Interior footings on soils in the zero (0) index to twenty (20) index range of expansiveness need not be continuous.

c All slab reinforcement shall be positioned above the center of the slab.

d All foundations on soils that fall into an expansive index in excess of one hundred-thirty (130) shall have a special design by a foundation engineer registered as a soil or civil engineer in California, and such design shall not be less than the minimum standards specified in Table 1809.7(1) for soils with an expansion index between ninety-one (91) and one hundred thirty (130).

e Exterior footing to slab L shaped dowel bars #3 bars @ 24" o.c., 12" into footings, 36" into slab required.

Section 1809.8 “Plain concrete footings” is amended, deletes exception and is to read as follows:

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. Plain concrete footings shall not be utilized in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F. The edge thickness of plain concrete footings supporting walls of other than light-frame construction shall be not less than 8 inches (203 mm) where placed on soil or rock.

Section 1809.12 “Timber footings” is amended to read as follows:

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. Timber footings shall not be utilized in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Timber footings shall be permitted for buildings of Type V construction and as otherwise approved by the building official. Such footings shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B). Treated timbers are not required where placed entirely below permanent water level, or where used as capping for wood piles that project above the water level over submerged or marsh lands. The compressive stresses perpendicular to grain in untreated timber footings supported on treated piles shall not exceed 70 percent of the allowable stresses for the species and grade of timber as specified in the ANSI/AWC NDS2024.

Sections 1809.15, 1809.16, and 1809.17 are added to read as follows:

1809.15.1 Reinforcement.

All slabs founded on soils determined to be of an expansive index of over fifty (50) shall be doweled into foundation walls with No. 3 reinforcement steel bars minimum bent twelve (12") inches into the wall and thirty-six (36") inches minimum into the slab at twenty-four (24") inches on center maximum. Interior walls with continuous footings/foundations shall have similar floor ties. Slab floors shall be reinforced as set forth in Table 1809.7 (1). All reinforcement in slab floors shall be positioned above the center of the slab.

Exception: An alternate design, such as a floating slab that eliminates the requirement for dowels, may be submitted to the Building Official for approval.

1809.15.2 Nonresidential Structures: Perimeter grade beams.

For all nonresidential structures which have isolated footings at their perimeters to carry vertical or horizontal loads, and at private garage door openings, a perimeter grade beam eight (8") inches minimum wide and conforming to the depth and reinforcement requirements in accordance with Table 1809.7(1) shall be constructed between discontinuous footing/foundation elements.

1805.15.3 Continuous Footings.

Whenever a daylight line between the cut or natural ground and the compacted fill falls within a proposed building area, continuous footings shall be reinforced with two (2) No. 4 minimum continuous deformed steel bars, one placed at the top and one placed at the bottom. Alternate designs may be submitted to the Building Official by a geotechnical engineer that include due allowances for dissimilar footing/foundation materials.

1809.15.4 Fine Grading.

Property sites shall be graded to drain to the public way or to a disposal area approved by the Building Official and/or City Engineer.

1809.15.5 Residential Accessory Buildings.

Residential accessory buildings not attached to the main structure need not have soil tests as required above; provided, however, the slab and footing/foundation standards as set forth for soil in the zero to twenty (0-20) expansive index range in Table 1809.7(1) shall be followed.

1809.15.6 Soil Tests: Alternatives.

In lieu of the required soil tests: At the discretion of the Building Official, footings/foundations for residential one-and two-family dwellings and additions to existing residences, where the expansive qualities of the soil are unknown, may use the requirements of the ninety-one to one hundred-thirty (91-130) expansive index set forth in Table 1809.7(1); provided, however, that should there be reasonable belief by the Building Official that the soil has expansive qualities exceeding the one hundred-thirty (130) index, a special engineered design shall be submitted.

1809.16.1 Roof Gutters and Downspouts.

When a building is located on expansive soil having an expansion index greater than fifty (50), gutters, downspouts, piping and/or other non-erosive devices shall be provided to collect and conduct rainwater to a street, storm drain or other approved watercourse or disposal area.

1809.16.2 Roof Waters.

Eave gutters and downspouts may be required in any location where it appears reasonably necessary to protect buildings, structures, properties, and/or slopes, or portion thereof. Concentrated roof waters from gutter downspouts may be required to be conducted by an approved non-erosive drainage device to a point five (5') feet minimum in distance from the building footings/foundations and shall connect to swale or other means of yard drainage.

1809.16.3 Planters.

The design of planters in and/or immediately adjacent to buildings shall be submitted to, and be subject to the approval of, the Building Official prior to installation. Due consideration shall be given to the means or method employed in said design to prevent intrusion of water to the soils under the footing/foundation and/or slab.

Where footings are placed at varying elevations, the effect of adjacent loads shall be included in the footing/foundation design.

Section 1810.3.2.4 is amended to read as follows:

1810.3.2.4 Timber.

[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. Timber deep foundation elements shall not be used in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F. Timber deep foundation elements shall be designed as piles or poles in accordance with ANSI/AWC NDS. Round timber elements shall conform to ASTM D25. Sawn timber elements shall conform to DOC PS-20.

1810.3.2.4.1 Preservative Treatment.

Timber deep foundation elements used to support permanent structures shall be treated in accordance with this section unless it is established that the tops of the untreated timber elements will be below the lowest ground-water level assumed to exist during the life of the structure. Preservative and minimum final retention shall be in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification E, Use Category 4C) for round timber elements and AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B) for sawn timber elements. Preservative-treated timber elements shall be subject to a quality control program administered by an approved agency. Element cutoffs shall be treated in accordance with AWPA M4.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

Section 2304.10.2 “Fastener requirements” is amended with adoption of subsections 2304.10.2.1 as published, and add footnote “h” to Table 2304.10.2; is to read as follows:

2304.10.2 Fastener Requirements.

Connectors and fasteners shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 2304.10.1 through 2304.10.8. Staple fasteners in Table 2304.10.2 shall not be used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

A new footnote h is added to Table 2304.10.2, as follows:

h. Staples shall not be used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Section 2304.12.2.8 “Wood used in retaining walls and crib walls” is amended to read as follows:

2304.12.2.8 Wood Used in Retaining Walls and Cribs

Wood installed in retaining or crib walls shall be preservative treated in accordance with AWPA U1 for soil and fresh water use. Wood shall not be used in retaining or crib walls for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, company or corporation to violate any provision or to fail to comply with any of the requirements of this Code. Any person, firm, company or corporation violating any of such provisions or failing to comply with any of the mandatory requirements of this Code shall be guilty of a violation of this Code and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable as set forth in Chapter 2 of Title 1 of the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code.

(b) Any person convicted of a misdemeanor under the provisions of this Code shall be punishable by a fine of not more than One Thousand and no/100ths ($1000.00) Dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not exceeding six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this Code, or the provisions of any code adopted by reference by this Code, is committed, continued, or permitted by such person and shall be punishable accordingly.

(c) In addition to the penalties provided by this section, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this Code, or the provisions of any code adopted by reference by this Code, shall be deemed a public nuisance and may be summarily abated by this City, and each day such condition continues shall be regarded as a new and separate offense.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

The California Building Code, 2025 Edition, Appendix J is hereby amended as follows:

Section J101.1 “Scope” is amended to read as follows:

J101.1 “Scope”

The provisions of this chapter apply to grading, excavation and earthwork construction, including fills and embankments. Where conflicts occur between the City’s Municipal Code, the Geotechnical Report, and the technical requirements of this Chapter, the governing order of precedence shall be as follows: the City’s Municipal Code followed by the Geotechnical Report and then the technical requirements of this Chapter.

Section J101 “General” is amended by adding a new subsection J101.3 to read as follows:

J101.3 Additional Provisions.

Grading related work shall comply with the requirements of this code and the requirements of Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Title 7, Chapter 3.

Section J103.1 “Permits Required” is amended to read as follows:

J103.1 Permits required.

Grading related work shall comply with the requirements of this code and the requirements of Thousand Oaks Municipal Code, Title 7, Chapter 3, Section 7.3.07 and Section 7-3.08 for permit requirements.

Section J103.2 “Exemptions” is hereby deleted.

Section J104 “Permit Application and Submittals” is amended by deleting subsections J104.1, J104.2, and J104.3 Section J104.5 “Additional provisions” is hereby added and is to read as follows:

J104.5 Additional Provisions.

Grading related work shall comply with the requirements of this code and the requirements of Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Title 7, Chapter 3.

Section J105.1 “General” is amended to read as follows:

J105.1 General.

Inspections shall be governed by Section 110, Chapter 1, Division II of this code. Grading related work shall comply with the requirements of this code and the requirements of Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Title 7, Chapter 3.

Section J106.1 “Maximum Slope” is amended to read as follows:

J106.1 Maximum slope.

The slope of cut surface shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use and shall be no steeper than two units horizontal to one unit vertical [fifty (50%) percent slope] unless the owner or authorized agent furnishes a geotechnical report justifying a steeper slope in accordance with the exceptions listed in the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Section 7-3.19 for slope requirements.

Exceptions:

1. A cut surface shall be permitted to be at a slope of 1.5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (67-percent slope) provided that all of the following are met:

• 1.1. It is not intended to support structures or surcharges.

• 1.2. It is adequately protected against erosion.

• 1.3. It is not more than 8 feet (2438 mm) in height.

• 1.4. It is approved by the City Engineer.

• 1.5. Ground water is not encountered.

2. A cut surface in bedrock shall be permitted to be at a slope of 1 unit horizontal to 1 unit vertical (100-percent slope).

Section J106 is amended by adding a new subsection J106.2 to read as follows:

J106.2 Additional Provisions.

Grading related work shall comply with the requirements of this code and the requirements of Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Section 7-3.19(b) for additional cut slope requirements.

Grading related work shall comply with the requirements of this code and the requirements of Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Section 7-3.19(c) for unstable material requirements.

Section J107.1 “General” is amended to read as follows:

J107.1 General.

Unless otherwise recommended in the geotechnical report, fills shall comply with the provisions of this section and the requirements of Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Section 7-3.20 for Fill Requirements.

Grading related work shall comply with the requirements of this code and the requirements of Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Section 7-3.22 for Buttress Fills.

Section J108.3 “Slope Protection” is to read as follows:

J108.3 Slope Protection.

Where required to protect adjacent properties at the toe of a slope from adverse effects of the grading, additional protection, approved by the City Engineer, shall be included. Examples of such protection include but are not be limited to:

• 1. Setbacks greater than those required by Figure J108.1.
• 2. Provisions for retaining walls or similar construction.
• 3. Erosion protection of the fill slopes.
• 4. Provision for the control of surface waters.

Section 109.3 “Interceptor Drain” is amended to read as follows:

J109.3 Interceptor Drains.

Interceptor drains shall be installed along the top of cut slopes receiving drainage from a tributary width greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm), measured horizontally. They shall have a minimum depth of 1 foot (305 mm) and a minimum width of 3 feet (915 mm). The slope shall be approved by the City Engineer, but shall be not less than one unit vertical in 50 units horizontal (2-percent slope). The drain shall be paved with concrete not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in thickness, or by other materials suitable to the application. Discharge from the drain shall be accomplished in a manner to prevent erosion and shall be approved by the City Engineer.

Section J110 “Erosion Control” is amended by adding a new subsection J110.3 to read as follows:

J110.3 Additional Provisions.

Grading related work shall comply with the requirements of this code and the requirements of Thousand Oaks Municipal Code Title 7, Chapter 3.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

Section 8-1.25 “Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy System Review Process.” is amended to read as follows:

(a) This section implements Section 65850.5 of the California Government Code which provides that, on or before September 30, 2015, every city, county, or city and county shall adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.

(b) The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:

(1) “Electronic submittal” means the utilization of e-mail, the internet, and/or facsimile to file an application.

(2) “Small residential rooftop solar energy system” means all of the following:

(i) A solar energy system that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal.

(ii) A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the City and paragraph (iii) of subdivision (c) of Section 714 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.

(iii) A solar energy system that is installed on a single or duplex family dwelling.

(iv) A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height within the zone in which it is located as defined by Chapter 4 of Title 9 of this Code.

(3) “Solar energy system” has the same meaning set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 801.5 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.

(c) Section 65850.5 of the California Government Code provides that in developing an expedited permitting process, the city shall adopt a checklist of all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to develop and adopt such checklist.

(d) The checklist shall be published on the City's internet website. The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the Building Division of the Community Development Department by personal, mailed, or electronic submittal together with any required permit processing and inspection fees. In the case of electronic submittal, the electronic signature of the applicant on all forms, applications and other documentation may be used in lieu of a wet signature.

(e) Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:

(1) Verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction through the use of standard engineering evaluation techniques that the support structure for the small residential rooftop solar energy system is stable and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building footing/foundation; and

(2) At the applicant's cost, verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction using standard electrical inspection techniques that the existing electrical system including existing line, load, ground and bonding wiring as well as main panel and subpanel sizes are adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry all new photovoltaic electrical loads.

(f) For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, only one inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the Building Official and fire chief. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized; however, the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this subsection.

(g) An application that satisfies the information requirements in the checklist, as determined by the Building Official, shall be deemed complete. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the Building Official shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

(h) Upon confirmation by the Building Official of the application and supporting documentation being complete and meeting the requirements of the checklist, the Building Official shall administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid. The applicant is responsible for obtaining such approval or permission from the local utility provider.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)

(a) This section implements Section 65850.7 of the California Government Code relating to a streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

(b) The following words and phrases used in this section are defined as follows:

(1) "Electronic submittal" means the utilization of e-mail, the internet and/or facsimile to file an application.

(2) "Electric vehicle charging station" means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, as it reads on the effective date of this Section, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

(3) "Specific adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified and written public health or safety standards, policies or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

(4) "A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by a city, county, or city and county on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit.

(c) An electric vehicle charging station shall meet all applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by local and State permitting authorities.

(d) An electric vehicle charging station shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited underwriters' laboratories, and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.

(e) Section 65850.7 of the California Government Code provides that EV charging stations shall be approved ministerially through a nondiscretionary building permit unless the City makes a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the EV charging station would have a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse, impact. A use permit may be required pursuant to such a finding.

(f) In accordance with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall establish a checklist of all requirements with which electrical vehicle charging stations shall comply in order to be eligible for expedited review. The City's checklist shall be published on the City's website. The Building Official shall implement an expedited administrative permit review process for electrical vehicle charging stations, in which completed applications meeting all checklist requirements shall require residential permits to be issued within one business day, and commercial permits to be issued within ten business days.

(g) The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the Building Division of the Community Development Department by personal appearance, regular mail, or electronic submittal, with required permit processing fees as adopted by City Council Resolution. In the case of electronic submittal, the electronic signature of the applicant on all forms, applications and other documentation may be used in lieu of a wet signature.

(h) Prior to submitting an application for processing, the applicant shall verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have any specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. Verification by the applicant includes but is not limited to: electrical systems capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding, and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits, and; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking.

(i) A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meet requirements of the adopted checklist and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, approve the application and issue the necessary permits. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until all necessary inspections have been completed and approved. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

(j) It is the intent of this section to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing obstacles to permitting charging stations so long as the action does not supersede the Building Official's authority to address the higher priority life-safety situations. If the Building Official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact as defined in this section, the applicant shall apply for a use permit.

(k) The decision of the Building Official pursuant to subdivision (i) above may be appealed to the Planning Commission pursuant to Article 18, Chapter 4, of Title 9 of the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code.

(l) In accordance with Government Code Section 65850.7(h), the Building Official shall not condition approval for any electrical vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such charging station by an association, as that term is defined in Section 4080 of the Civil Code.

(Part 2, Ord. 1676-NS, eff. February 28, 2020)

Section Q103.3 “Occupant Load” is amended to read as follows:

Q103.3 Occupant Load.

Except as otherwise stated in this appendix, the maximum occupant load allowed in buildings and structures used as emergency housing shall be determined by the enforcing agency, but the interior floor area shall not be less than 64 square feet (5.9 m2) for one occupant. Where more than one person occupies the building/structure, the required floor area shall be increased at the rate of 50 square feet (4.65 m2) for each occupant in excess of one.

Exceptions:

1. Tents.

2. Recreational vehicles and park trailers designed for human habitation that meet the requirements in the Health and Safety Code, Sections 18009.3 and 18010, as applicable.

3. For emergency housing, including emergency sleeping cabins, the minimum interior floor area may be reduced to 53 square feet (4.9 m2) if the enforcing agency determines that 53 square feet (4.9 m2) is adequate space for a single-occupancy sleeping unit.

Section Q104.1 “General” is amended to read as follows:

Q104.1 General.

Emergency sleeping cabins shall have an interior floor area of not less than 64 square feet (5.9 m2) for one occupant. Where more than one person occupies the cabin, the required floor area shall be increased at the rate of 50 square feet (4.65 m2) for each occupant in excess of one. The interior floor area shall not exceed 400 square feet (37 m2), excluding lofts.

(§ 2, Ord. 1741-NS, eff. January 1, 2026)