Chapter 1

GENERAL

Article 1.

Purpose; Administration

This chapter is enacted as a result of requirements of State law and the determination that within the Town, certain regulations for construction, maintenance, use and occupancy are required to provide the minimum standards to safeguard the life, limb and property and protect the public health, safety and general welfare and to provide regulations and control of those factors in a physical environment which exercise or may exercise a deleterious effect on his/her physical development, health and survival. The Town Council has determined that the adoption of this chapter will assure local control of the mandatory building and inspection requirements of the State of California.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

The Building Official is hereby appointed and charged with the enforcement of and given the authority to administer all provisions of such codes and Town regulations and requirements adopted under the authority provided in Government Code Sections 38601(b) and 38660. He/she shall manage and be responsible for all code compliance work required for the proper enforcement of regulations imposed by this chapter. He/she shall perform related duties as directed by the Town Council. The Building Official shall appoint such deputies and assistants as may be authorized by the Town Council.

The Building Official or his/her duly authorized representative shall act as the Secretary of the Board of Building Appeals and, notwithstanding any provisions in any Code adopted hereby to the contrary, he/she shall not be a member thereof. Upon presentation of proper credentials and pursuant to the law, the Building Official or his/her duly authorized representative may enter buildings, structures, or premises in the Town to perform any duty imposed upon him/her by these regulations.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

There is hereby established within the Community Development Department the "Building Division" which shall be under the direction, control and supervision of the Building Official. The Town Council shall budget and appropriate such funds for the department as it may deem necessary for the operation of the department. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Appeal may be made from any decision of the Building Official to the Board of Building Appeals by any applicant or owner of property contiguous to the property to be regulated. For purposes of determining contiguity, property lines shall be projected to the center of public streets or highways. Appeals must be filed with the Town

*Editor’s note— Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, adopted Dec. 3, 2025, amended Title VII, Chs. 1—7 to read as herein set out. Former Title VII, Chs. 1—7 pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 2015-294, § 1, adopted Sept. 2, 2015; Ord. No. 2017-317, § 2, adopted Nov. 1, 2017; Ord. No. 2023-380, §§ 4, 5, adopted Oct. 4, 2023; and Ord. No. 2025-395, § 2, adopted June 4, 2025.

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Clerk no more than thirty (30) days after the decision from which appeal is being made has been rendered. All applicants and appellants shall be given reasonable opportunity to be heard and present evidence. Decisions of the Board of Building Appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the appellant either in person or by mailing to the address stated on the appeal or application. Decisions of the Board of Building Appeals are final. Should no decision be rendered within twenty (20) days after the filing of the appeal, the appeal is denied unless time is extended by action of the Board of Building Appeals. The Board of Building Appeals shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this Code or the administrative provisions of the technical codes nor shall the Board be empowered to waive requirements of either this Code or the technical codes.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert or demolish any building or structure in the Town, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate building permit for each such building or structure as required by this chapter. Permits shall be issued, and fees shall be collected by the Building Division.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Permits shall not be issued by the Building Division for work which includes any of the following, unless and until the Sonoma County Department of Environmental Health Officer has given his/her written approval:

• a. The construction, alteration or modification of any on-site disposal system; any water supply system which under State law or County ordinance is required to have a permit from the Health Officer, any estab-

  • lishment selling or preparing any food or food products; any public or semipublic swimming pool.

• b. The construction, alteration or modification of any structure which will result in the structure being connected to an on-site disposal system or water system requiring a permit from the Health Officer.

• c. The alteration or modification of any existing structure which is connected to an on-site disposal system or water system requiring a permit from the health officer where the alteration or modification may impose additional burdens upon the existing system, such as, but not limited to, the addition of rooms or the modification of floor plans for potential additional occupancy. This section shall not apply to repairs, such as replacement of roofing or siding. Where the permit is for modification or alteration of an existing structure, no permit will be issued where, in the determination of the Health Officer, such modification is likely to result in exceeding the capacity of the system.

• d. The construction, alteration or modification of any structure which may result in the property being improved in excess of its capacity to absorb sewage effluent. This section is intended to cover any change in the property which might adversely affect sewage disposal such as, but not limited to, the construction of a barn or swimming pool which might infringe on the leach field.

Whenever approval of the Public Health Officer is required, it shall be based upon the requirements imposed by this chapter and any other State or local law or regulation which may be applicable, including basin plans and other standards promulgated by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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Clearing and grading permits must be cleared as to zoning considerations by the Community Development Department, and drainage and flood control clearance may be required from the Public Works Department. Building permits for projects regulated by the Fire Code and Fire Safety Standards may be subject to review and approval by appropriate fire service agencies. Where road encroachment is necessary, a permit for same shall be first secured from the Department of Public Works. A water and/or sewer clearance is first required in areas serviced by special districts and the Town before building permits can be issued. A building permit authorizing grading and excavation shall not be issued until a disposal location for excavated material has been designated. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or the Codes adopted hereby, emergency maintenance work or repair of buildings and structures requiring a permit hereunder may be commenced before obtaining a permit without violating this chapter provided the Building Division or the Public Health Officer, in the appropriate case, is notified prior to noon of the next following business day and the permit required is obtained within twenty-four (24) hours thereafter, and provided further that no work shall be covered before it has been duly inspected and approved. Compliance with the State Subdivision Map Act, the subdivision regulations, and the zoning regulations, including compliance with conditional permits issued thereunder, and compliance with all laws, is a condition precedent to the issuance of any permit required by this chapter for work to be done on any parcel of real property in the Town of Windsor.

grading and excavation shall not be issued until a disposal location for excavated material has been designated. Acquisition of a building permit does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility for acquiring any other State and local permits required for the activity.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

A relocated building shall comply with the provisions of this chapter for new buildings to the extent that is reasonable and practical as determined by the Building Official.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

The Public Health Officer or his/her duly authorized representative shall inspect all premises subject to operating regulations pursuant to this chapter at such time or times as he/she deems necessary, and if he/she determines that a violation of the regulations imposed by this chapter has occurred or is occurring, which is endangering or may endanger the public health, he/she may serve a notice of violation upon the permittee under an operating permit in such manner as provided herein or in codes adopted hereby. A copy of the notice shall be delivered to the Building Division concurrently with service upon the permittee. Should such action be initiated by the Public Health Officer, no final disposition shall be made in the matter by the Building Division or the Board of Building Appeals unless such disposition is approved in writing by the Public Health Officer. The Public Health Officer or his/her duly appointed representative may enter, during reasonable times, and in accordance with law, upon buildings, structures or premises in the Town to perform any duty imposed upon him/her by this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Within flood-prone urban areas as defined in Section 9-1-200, a building permit authorizing

Whenever a property owner requests a certificate from the Health Officer, certifying that the premises comply with all existing laws and regulations enforced by the Health Officer in respect to

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sewage disposal systems and water supply, a fee shall be charged as set by resolution of the Council. No charge shall be made for a check of premises at the request of the owner thereof where no certificate is required.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than eighty (80) percent of a permit fee when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this Code. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Notwithstanding the fees set forth in the codes adopted by this chapter, the Town Council shall by resolution set all fees to be collected. All building valuations shall be determined by the Building Official based upon the building valuation data published periodically by the International Code Council.

Where the value of the proposed work is not listed in the International Code Council publication, the valuation will be based upon the equivalent contract valuation or the cost of the inspection services, whichever is greater.

• b. Any person, firm or corporation or agency, or employee of any person, firm or corporation or agency who violates or knowingly permits violation of any regulatory provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a public offense subject to administrative enforcement as defined in Section 1-1-250. Each person, firm or corporation or agency or employee thereof shall be guilty of a separate offense for each day, or any portion thereof, during which any violation of this chapter is committed, continued, or permitted and shall be punished accordingly.

• c. Every violation of any regulatory provision of this chapter is declared to be a public nuisance, and the Building Official shall take such action as he/she may deem necessary to abate the same.

• (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Whenever any of the following names or terms are used herein or in any of the Codes adopted by reference by this chapter, unless the context directs otherwise, such names or terms so used shall have the meaning ascribed thereto by this section as follows:

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

The regulations and provisions contained in this chapter shall prevail over any inconsistent provision contained in primary or secondary codes adopted hereby; provided that in the case of inconsistent regulations, regulation shall prevail which is more stringent than the regulations established by the State of California.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

• a. The Building Official and the Official's authorized agents and/or employees are authorized to issue citations for violation of any regulatory provision of this chapter.

Board of Appeals means the Town Council.

Building Official, Chief Building Official, Code Enforcement Administrator, Fire Code Official, Administrative Authority, and similar references to a chief administrative position means the Building Official of the Town of Windsor and is the designated authority authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this Code. The Building Official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this Code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this Code.

City means the Town of Windsor.

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City Clerk means the Town Clerk and Ex Officio Clerk of the Town Council.

CHAPTER 2.

CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS

City Council or Mayor means the Town Council or Mayor of the Town of Windsor. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

One (1) copy of the codes adopted by reference in this chapter has heretofore been filed with the Building Official and shall be maintained for use and examination by the Building Division. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Article 1.

Adoption of the 2025 California Code of Regulations—Title 24

Pursuant to Section 50022.2 of the Government Code the following codes are adopted in this Article, as defined and modified herein. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Any applicant for any permit, approval or other action pursuant to this Chapter shall pay to the Town such fees as established and/or revised from time to time by the Town Council. Miscellaneous services for which fees have not been established by the Town Council may be set by the Building Official.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Construction, alteration or repair activities which are authorized by a valid Town permit may be conducted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. No construction, alteration or repair activities shall be permitted on Sunday unless expressly authorized by the Building Official; but in no event shall such construction activity be permitted on Sunday before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Except as otherwise amended by this Title, there is hereby adopted by reference by the Town of Windsor those certain model codes as adopted and amended by the State of California and defined in the Health and Safety Code and contained in Title 24, 2025 California Code of Regulations, parts 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, including tables and appendices, the 2022 California Administrative Code, Part 1, the 2025 California Building Code, Part 2, Volumes 1 and 2, based on the 2024 International Building Code, the 2025 California Residential Code, Part 2.5, based on the 2024 International Residential Code, the 2025 California Electrical Code, Part 3, based on the 2023 National Electrical Code, the 2025 California Mechanical Code, Part 4, based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code, the 2025 California Plumbing Code, Part 5, based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, the 2025 California Energy Code, Part 6, the 2025 California Historical Building Code, Part 7, the California WildlandUrban Interface Code, Part 8, the 2025 California Fire Code, Part 9, based on the 2024 International Fire Code, the 2025 California Existing Building Code, Part 10, the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Part 11, and the 2025 California Referenced Standards Code, Part 12, 2024 International Property Maintenance Code. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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Article 2.

2025 California Administrative Code—Title 24, Part 1

This article shall be known as the "California Administrative Code," and may be cited as such. For purposes of citation, the California Administrative Code, Part 1, 2025 Edition, including tables and appendices as amended by the State of California and adopted by reference and amended by the Town of Windsor, are renumbered by adding "7-2-200" et seq." before each section. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Article 3.

2025 California Building Code—Title 24, Part 2

This article shall be known as the "California Building Code," and may be cited as such. For purposes of citation, the California Building Code, Part 2, volume 1 and 2, 2025 Edition, including tables and appendices as amended by the State of California and adopted by reference and amended by the Town of Windsor, are renumbered by adding "7-2-300" et seq. before each section. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

[A] 101.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

These regulations shall be known as the California Building Code of the Town of Windsor, hereinafter referred to as "this code."

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 202 of the California Building Code is amended by the adding the following definition:

ABANDONED. Work shall be considered abandoned if an inspection has not been recorded and approved within one calendar year from the last approved progress inspection.

[F] NUISANCE ALARM. An unwarranted alarm caused by mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or lack of proper maintenance, system servicing testing, construction activities, ordinary household activities, false alarm, other cause when no such danger exists, or an alarm activated by a cause that cannot be determined.

[BG] SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition or other improvement of a building or structure that meets any of the following:

1. An existing building or structure not classified as Group R-3 occupancy, which undergoes any addition of floor area that is equal to or exceeds 10 percent of the existing gross floor area.

2. An existing Group R-3 building or structure, which undergoes any addition of floor area that is equal to or exceeds 50 percent of the existing gross floor area.

3. An existing building or structure, which undergoes any alteration of floor area that is equal to or exceeds 50 percent of the existing gross floor area.

4. A building or structure, which undergoes any combination of repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition or other improvement that is equal to or exceeds 50 percent of the existing gross floor area.

5. If in the determination of the building official the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed.

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6. The cost of which equals to or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started.

   • 6.1 Any project for improvement of a building required to correct existing health, sanitary or safety code violations identified by the building official and that are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.

   • 6.2 Any alteration of a historic structure provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure.

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE AREA (WUI). [SFM] (See California Fire Code Section 4902 and Chapter 7A, Section 702A of this code for defined term).

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 306.2 of the California Building Code, Moderate-hazard factory industrial, Group F-1 is amended by adding the following to the list:

Agricultural crop production including cultivation, drying, processing and/or storage. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 502.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

502.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved illuminated or other approved means of 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 numerals or

alphabetic letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Character size and stroke shall be in accordance with Section 505.1.1 through 505.1.2. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response in accordance with this code and Section 505.1.3. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way or when determined by the fire code official, a monument, pole, or other approved illuminated sign or other approved means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 501.1.1 of the California Building Code is amended by adding the following:

One- and two-family dwellings. Each address identification character shall be not less than four (4) inches high with a minimum stroke width of one-half (0.5) inch.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 501.1.2 of the California Building Code is amended by adding the following:

Other than one and two-family dwellings. Each address identification character shall be not less than twelve (12) inches high with a minimum stroke width of one (1) inch. Suite and unit directional numbers shall be not less than six (6) inches high with a minimum stroke width of three-quarter (0.75) inch. Numbers shall be not less than four (4) inches high with a minimum stroke width of one-half (0.5) inch. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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Section 501.1.3 of the California Building Code is amended by adding the following:

Complex directory. Where two or more buildings cannot be viewed from the public way or when determined by the fire code official, an approved illuminated complex directory, monument, pole, or other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structures at the main entrances to the property.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

7-2-308, 7-2-309 Reserved.

APPROVED BY THE Fire Code Official where the entire structure is not to exceed 5,500 sq ft (510msq.).

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group A occupancy exceeding 3,000 square feet or when required per 903.2.1.1 through 903.2.1.6.

Exception deleted.

Section 903.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.20. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in existing buildings and structures shall be provided in locations described in Section 903.6.

Exceptions:

1. Agricultural and Greenhouse buildings as approved by the Fire Code Official when not required in other sections of the California Building Code.

2. Detached accessory structures to Group R-3 not classified as a dwelling unit and not exceeding 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ) in gross floor area (See California Residential Code).

3. Detached non-combustible motor vehicle fuel dispensing canopies.

4. Detached group U occupancies not greater than 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ), OR WHEN

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.1.6 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.1.6 Assembly Occupancies on Roofs. Where an occupied roof has an assembly occupancy with an occupant load exceeding 100 for Group A-2 and 300 for other Group A Occupancies, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the building in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

Exception deleted.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.1.7 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.1.7 Multiple Fire Areas. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided where multiple fire areas of Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancies share exit or exit access components, and the combined occupant load of these fire areas is 100 or more.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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Section 903.2.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in Group B occupancies when the Fire Area exceeds 3,000 sq ft or as required in 903.2.2.1 and 903.2.2.2

Exceptions:

1. Canopied winery crush pads less than 12,000 square feet in area, if all the following conditions are met:

   • a. The canopy and supporting structure are constructed of non-combustible materials.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.2.1 is of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.2.1 Ambulatory Care Facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing an ambulatory care facility.

• b. If attached, the crush pad is separated from other portions of the building by one-hour fire-resistive walls.

• c. The crush pad is not used for storage of combustible materials.

• d. The canopy and supporting structure are incapable of trapping heat, smoke or other products of combustion.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

2. Dairy milking facilities less than 12,000 feet in area.

• (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.3 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.2 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group E occupancies. For public school state-funded construction projects or for public school campuses, Kindergarten through 12th grade, see Section 903.2.19 through 903.2.20.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.4 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.3 Group F. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group F occupancy where gross floor area exceeds 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ).

Section 903.2.5.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.5.1 Group H. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group H occupancies.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.6.1 of the California Building Code is deleted.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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Section 903.2.7 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where the gross floor area exceeds 3,000 square feet.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.8.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.8.1 Group R-3. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in Group R-3 occupancies and shall be provided throughout all one- and two-family dwellings regardless of square footage in accordance with the California Residential Code. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in all mobile homes, manufactured homes and multi-family manufactured homes with two or more dwelling units in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.9 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.9 Group S. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S occupancy where the gross floor area exceeds 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ).

Exceptions:

1. Agricultural and Greenhouse buildings as approved by the fire code official.

   2. Detached accessory structures to Group R-3 not classified as a dwelling unit and not exceeding 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ) in gross floor area.

   3. Special occupancy aircraft shade structures as approved by the fire code official, unless required in NFPA 409.

   4. Volunteer Fire Department vehicle storage barn not exceeding 3,000 sq. ft. (279m[2] ) or when approved by the Fire Code Official not exceeding 5,500 sq ft (510m[2] ).

• (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.9.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read:

903.2.9.1 Repair Garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406.8 unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.9.4 of the California Building, Exception is amended to read:

903.2.9.4 Exception: Self-service storage facilities not greater than 1 story above grade plane where all storage spaces can be accessed directly from the exterior can meet the following:

1. Fire Apparatus access is within 150 feet to all sides of the structure.

2. Fire area is less than 3,000 square feet and of non-combustible construction.

3. Is provided Fire Flows in accordance with Appendix B or NFPA 1142 for nonsprinklered buildings.

• (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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7-2-325 Section 903.2.11.

Section 903.2.11 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2.10 Specific Buildings Areas and Hazards. In all occupancies other than detached Group U occupancies not greater than 3,000 square feet (279m2), an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for building design or hazard in the locations set forth in Sections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.9.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.11.3 is deleted. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.11.7 of the California Building Code is added to read as follows:

903.2.11.7 High-Piled Storage. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing high-pile combustible storage.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.2.11.8 of the California Building Code is added to read as follows:

903.2.11.8 Undetermined Use Design. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in buildings or structures of undetermined use shall be designed and installed to have a minimum density of 0.3 gallons per minute per square foot over a minimum design area of 2,500 square feet.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section 903.3.6 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

903.6 Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 or that undergo a substantial improvement or Substantial Damage as defined by CBC/ CRC Chapter 2, or in accordance with Table 903.6.

Exception: Alterations made solely for the purpose of providing barrier removal pursuant to the requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) as contained in exception #4 of CBC Section IIB-204.2.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

7-2-330—7-2-339 Reserved.

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Table 903.6 of the California Building Code is added as follows:

TABLE 903.6 EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

(a) A 2,000 sq. ft. maximum increase is allowed.

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• (b) Maximum cumulative allowable gross floor area is 6,000 sq. ft.

• (c) Fire sprinklers are required when additions to Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings (as described in Sonoma County Code Chapter 7-A) exceed 640 sq. ft. in gross floor area.

(d) Remodels that are greater than 75% of the original gross floor area or when required by California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 2, classified as an Improvement as determined by the Building Official. (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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Section 905.3.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read:

905.3.1 Height. In other than Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies, Class III standpipe systems shall be installed throughout at each floor where any of the following occur:

1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9,144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

2. Buildings that are three or more stories in height.

3. Buildings where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9,144 mm) below the highest level of fire department access.

4. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

   5. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings where occupant-use hose lines will not be utilized by trained personnel or the fire department.

   6. In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, it shall not be required to consider either of the following:

      • 6.1. Recessed loading docks for four vehicles or less.

      • 6.2. Conditions where topography makes access from the fire department vehicle to the building impractical or impossible.

   7. When determined by the Fire Code Official a standpipe system is not warranted in three-story buildings.

• (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Exceptions:

1. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

2. Class I standpipes are allowed in Group Band E occupancies.

3. Class I standpipes are allowed in parking garages.

4. Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.

Section 912.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

912.2 Location. With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, fire department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and hose connected to supply the system will not obstruct access to the buildings for other fire apparatus. The location of the fire department connections shall be within 100 feet of a fire hydrant or approved by the fire code official.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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Section 914.12 through 914.12.2 of the California Building Code is added to read as follows:

914.12 Type 3 winery caves as defined in Section 446 of the California Building Code and Sections 914.12.1 and 914.12.2 of the California Fire Code.

914.12.1 Fire Alarm System. An approved manual fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with section 907.2 in new and existing Type 3 winery caves unless equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 903.3.1.1. The fire alarm system shall activate the occupant notification system in accordance with 907.5 when the occupant load exceeds 100 or more.

914.12.2 Automatic Sprinkler System. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with 903.3.1.1 in all new Type 3 winery caves when the occupant load exceeds 100 or more, or existing winery caves when a change of use is approved by the fire code official.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Article 4.

2025 California Residential Code—Title 24, Part 2.5

This article shall be known as the "California Residential Code," and may be cited as such. For purposes of citation, the California Residential Code, Part 2.5, 2025 Edition, including tables and appendices thereto; amended by the State of California and adopted by reference and amended by the Town of Windsor, are renumbered by adding "7-2-400" et seq. before each section.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

Section R202 of the California Residential Code is amended to add the following:

[BG] SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition or other improvement of a building or structure that meet any of the following:

1. An existing building or structure not classified as Group R-3 occupancy, which undergoes any addition of floor area that is equal to or exceeds 10 percent of the existing gross floor area.

2. An existing Group R-3 building or structure, which undergoes any addition of floor area that is equal to or exceeds 50 percent of the existing gross floor area.

3. An existing building or structure, which undergoes any alteration of floor area that is equal to or exceeds 50 percent of the existing gross floor area.

4. A building or structure, which undergoes any combination of repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition or other improvement that is equal to or exceeds 50 percent of the existing gross floor area.

5. If in the determination of the building official the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed.

6. The cost of which equals to or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started.

   • 6.1 Any project for improvement of a building required to correct existing health, sanitary or safety code viola-

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tions identified by the building official and that are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.

• 6.2 Any alteration of a historic structure provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure.

adopted by reference and amended by the Town of Windsor, are renumbered by adding "7-2-500" et seq. before each section.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)