Pursuant to Section 50022.2 of the Government Code of the state of California, there is hereby adopted by reference by the city council for the purpose of prescribing regulations for the erection, construction, improvement, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of all buildings and structures in the city of Laguna Beach, (except those buildings that are required to be constructed in compliance with the California Residential Code adopted in Section 14.52.010) that certain code known as the California Building Code including Chapter 1, Division II and Appendix Chapters G, H and J as published by the International Code Council, including the index thereto (2022 Edition) except those portions as are hereafter deleted, modified or amended, and this Code is adopted by reference and incorporated as though fully set forth herein and designated and referred to as the “Building Code” of and for the city of Laguna Beach. Should there be a conflict between the California Building Code as adopted and other municipal code requirements, the more restrictive shall govern.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019;Ord. 1681 § 1, 2023)
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
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Editor's Note: The amendments to the 2019 California Building Code are included as an attachment to his title.
Subsection 109.7 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is added to read as follows:
109.7 Reinspection fees. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made. This subsection is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection for failure to comply with the requirements of the technical codes, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the project is ready for such inspection or reinspection. Reinspection fees may be assessed when the permit card is not properly posted on the work site; the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector; for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested; or for deviating from the plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall pay the reinspection fee in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 113.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
113.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a Board of Appeals. This Board is likewise known as the Planning Commission of the City of Laguna Beach. The Planning Commission, serving as the Board of Appeals, shall render all decisions in writing to the building official with a duplicate copy to the appellant, and recommend to the City Council such new legislation as is consistent therewith.
Fees for a hearing before the Planning Commission serving as Board of Appeals are to be established by resolution of the City Council, and are payable at the time the applicant submits a request for a hearing.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 114.4 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and/or subject to an administrative citation pursuant to Chapter 1.15 of the Municipal Code, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any provisions of this code is committed, continued or allowed to be continued.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 115.3 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
115.3 Unlawful continuance. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and/or subject to an administrative citation pursuant to Chapter 1.15 of the Municipal Code, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any provisions of this code is committed, continued or allowed to be continued.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 403.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
403.1 Applicability. New high-rise buildings and new Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department access shall comply with Sections with Sections 403.2 through 403.6.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 404.3 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
404.3 Automatic sprinkler protection. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 410.6 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
410.6 Automatic sprinkler system. Stages shall be equipped with an automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Chapter 9.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 701 A.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
701A.1 Scope. This chapter applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings, additions, alterations, and repairs within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone within the City of Laguna Beach.
Exception: With the approval of the building official minor repairs or replacement of exterior materials may be done with the same materials as exists on the building.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 701A.3 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or any Wildland Interface Fire Area designated by the City of Laguna Beach shall comply with this chapter. For regulations regarding outdoor fires, including fire pits, barbeques, and portable flame producing devices, see California Fire Code Section 323
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 701A.3.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is deleted in its entirety.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 701A.4 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is deleted in its entirety.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 701A.5 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is deleted in its entirety.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 705A.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
705A.1 General. Roofs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 7A and Chapter 15. All new roof coverings and assemblies and all reroofs must be Class A. Roofs shall have roofing assembly installed in accordance with its listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Exception: With the approval of the building official small sections of a roof may be reroofed with the same material as exists on the roof.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 706A.2 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is added to read as follows:
706A.4 Vent size. Each individual ventilation opening into enclosed attics, enclosed eave soffit spaces, enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters, and underfloor spaces shall not exceed 144 square inches in area. Openings exceeding 144 square inches in area shall be protected by a minimum 1 3/8 inch thick solid core wooden door or equivalent.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 707A.3 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
707A.3 Exterior wall coverings. The exterior wall covering, or wall assembly, including insulation shall comply with one of the following requirements:
1. 
Noncombustible material.
2. 
Ignition-resistant material.
3. 
Heavy timber exterior wall assembly.
4. 
Log wall construction assembly.
5. 
Fire rated assembly approved by the Building Official.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 707A.4 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
707A.4 Exterior wall assemblies. Wall assemblies of buildings or structures shall be constructed using one or more of the following methods, unless they are covered by an exterior wall covering complying with Section 707A.3:
1. 
Assembly of sawn lumber or glue-laminated wood with the smallest minimum nominal dimension of four inches (102 mm). Sawn or glue-laminated planks splined, tongue-and-grove, or set close together and well spiked.
2. 
Log wall construction assembly.
3. 
Assembly that has been tested in accordance with the test procedures for a ten-minute direct flame contact exposure test set forth in ASTM E2707 with the conditions of acceptance shown in Section 707A.4.1.
4. 
Assembly that meets the performance criteria in accordance with the test procedures for a ten-minute direct flame contact exposure test set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-1.
5. 
Assembly suitable for exterior fire exposure with a one-hour fire-resistance rating, rated from the exterior side, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263.
6. 
Assembly suitable for exterior fire exposure containing one layer of 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum sheathing applied behind the exterior wall covering or cladding on the exterior side of the framing.
7. 
Assembly suitable for exterior fire exposure containing any of the gypsum panel and sheathing products listed in the Gypsum Association Fire Resistance Design Manual as complying with a one-hour fire-resistance rating, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263.
(Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 78A.2.1.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is added to read as follows.
708A.2.1.1 Vinyl windows. Glazing frames made of vinyl materials shall have welded corners and metal reinforcing in the interlock area.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
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Editor's Note: The amendments to Section 903 of the California Building Code are included as an attachment to this title.
Subsection 904.3.5 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
904.3.5 Monitoring. Where a building fire alarm or monitoring system is installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by the building fire alarm or monitoring system in accordance with NFPA 72.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 905.4 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
905.4 Location of Class I standpipe hose connections. Class I standpipe hose connections shall be provided in all of the following locations:
1. 
In every required stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each floor level above or below grade. Hose connections shall be located at an intermediate floor level landing between floors, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official. See Section 909.20.3.2 for additional provisions in smoke proof enclosures.
2. 
On each side of the wall adjacent to the exit opening of a horizontal exit.
Exception: Where floor areas adjacent to a horizontal exit are reachable from exit stairway hose connections by a nozzle attached to 100 feet of hose, as measured along the path of travel, a hose connection shall not be required at the horizontal exit
3. 
In every exit passageway, at the entrance from the exit passageway to other areas of a building.
Exception: Where floor areas adjacent to an exit passageway are reachable from exit stairway hose connections by a thirty-foot hose stream from a nozzle attached to 100 feet of hose, a hose connection shall not be required at the entrance from the exit passageway to other areas of the building.
4. 
In covered mall buildings, adjacent to each exterior public entrance to the mall and adjacent to each entrance from an exit passageway or exit corridor to the mall.
5. 
Where the roof has a slope less than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal, each standpipe shall be provided with a hose connection located either on the roof or at the highest landing of a stairway with stair access to the roof. An additional hose connection shall be provided at the top of the most hydraulically remote standpipe for testing purposes.
6. 
Where the most remote portion of nonsprinklered floor or story is more than 150 feet from a hose connection or the most remote portion of a sprinklered floor or story is more than 150 feet from a hose connection, the building or fire official is authorized to require that additional hose connections be provided in approved locations. The distance from a hose connection shall be measured along the path of travel.
7. 
The centerline of the 2.5 inch outlet shall be no less than 18 inches above and no more 24 inches above the finished floor.
8. 
Every new building with any horizontal dimensions greater than 300 feet shall be provided with either access doors or a 2.5 inch outlet so that all portions of the building can be reached with 150 feet of hose from an access door or hose outlet. Required access doors shall be located in the exterior of the building and shall be accessible without the use of a ladder. The door dimensions shall be not less than three feet in width, and not less than six feet eight inches in height. These doors are for fire department access only.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 907.3.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
907.3.1 Duct smoke detectors. Smoke detectors installed in ducts shall be listed for the air velocity, temperature and humidity present in the duct. Duct smoke detectors shall be connected to the building’s fire alarm control unit when a fire alarm system is installed. Activation of a smoke detector shall initiate a visible and audible supervisory signal at a constantly attended location and shall perform the intended fire safety function in accordance with this code and the California Mechanical Code. Duct smoke detectors shall not be used as a substitute for required open area detection.
Exception: In occupancies not required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, actuation of a smoke detector shall activate a visible and an audible signal in an approved location. Smoke detector trouble conditions shall activate a visible or audible signal in an approved location and shall be identified as air duct detector trouble.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 909.20.4.3 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
909.20.4.3.2 Standby power. Mechanical vestibule and stair shaft ventilation systems and automatic fire detection systems shall be powered by an approved emergency power system per section 403.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 910.3 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
910.3 Sprinklered buildings. Where installed in buildings equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall be designed to operate automatically by actuation of a heat-responsive device rated at least 100° F. above the operating temperature of the sprinkler, unless otherwise approved.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 1406.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
1406.1 General. The requirements of Chapter 7A are applicable for all buildings located in Fire Hazard Zones. Section 1406 shall apply to exterior wall coverings; balconies and similar projections; and oriel and bay windows constructed of combustible materials. The most restrictive requirements of Section 1406 and Chapter 7A shall govern.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 1406.3 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
1406.3 Balconies and similar projections. Balconies and similar projections of combustible construction other than fire-retardant-treated wood shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Table 601 for floor construction or shall be of Type IV construction in accordance with Section 602.4. The aggregate length shall not exceed 50% of the buildings perimeter on each floor.
Exceptions:
1. 
On buildings of Type I and II construction, three stories or less above grade plane, fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted for balconies, porches, decks and exterior stairways not used as required exits.
2. 
Balconies and similar projections on buildings of Type III, IV and V construction shall be permitted to be of Type V construction but must comply with the provisions of Section 707A.
3. 
Where sprinkler protection is extended to the balcony areas, the aggregate length of the balcony on each floor shall not be limited.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Section 1505 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
SECTION 1505
FIRE CLASSIFICATION
1505.1 General. Roof assemblies shall be divided into the classes defined below. Class A, B, and C roof assemblies and roof coverings required to be listed by this section shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 108 or UL 790. In addition, fire-retardant wood roof coverings shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 2898. A Class A roof assembly or roof covering is the minimum class of roofing that can be applied on any building in the City for either new roofing or reroofing. Roofing and reroofing must also comply with Section 705A.
Exceptions:
1.
Skylights and sloped glazing that comply with Chapter 24.
2.
With the approval of the building official, reroofing of small portions of a roof may done with the same material as exists on the roof.
1505.1.1 Roof coverings when 50% or more of roof covering is replaced. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50% of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period shall be at least Class A.
1505.2 Class A roof assemblies. Class A roof assemblies are those that are effective against severe fire test exposure. Class A roof assemblies and roof coverings shall be listed and identified as Class A by an approved testing agency. Class A roof assemblies shall be permitted for use in buildings or structures of all types of construction.
Exceptions:
1.
Class A roof assemblies include those with coverings of brick, masonry or an exposed concrete roof deck.
2.
Class A roof assemblies also include ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal sheets and shingles, clay or concrete roof tile or slate installed on noncombustible decks or ferrous, copper or metal sheets installed without a roof deck on noncombustible framing.
(Balance of Section remains unchanged.)
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 1604.11 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is added to read as follows:
104.8.2 Design and construction of retaining walls that support public improvements. Retaining walls that provide lateral support for public improvements such as streets, storm drains and sanitary sewers shall be constructed entirely of concrete with a maximum water-cement ratio of 0.40. Such walls shall be damp proofed or waterproofed as required for walls enclosing interior habitable spaces per Section 1805.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
Subsection 3109.2 is amended to read as follows:
3109.2 Construction permit; safety features required. New or remodel pools or spas, at a private single-family home, shall have an enclosure complying with the amended California Residential Code Appendix V.
(Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023)
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Editor's Note: The amendments to Section 3307 of the California Building Code are included as an attachment to this title.