Windsor Municipal Code Art. 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.

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)

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)

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 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.

(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)

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

(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.

(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 ).

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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 non-sprinklered buildings.

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

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)

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.

(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)

_____

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.

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.

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)

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)

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)