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, I and J as published by the International Code Council, including the index thereto (2025 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. 1725, 12/18/2025)
SECTION 101
GENERAL
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Laguna Beach Building Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the California Residential Code.
101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
101.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
Section 103 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
SECTION 103
CODE COMPLIANCE AGENCY [A] 103.1
Creation of enforcement agency. The Laguna Beach Building Department is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
(Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
Subsection 105.2 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:
Building:
1.
Walls and fences not over 72 inches high, unless located within three feet of a property line or public right-of-way.
2.
Retaining walls not over 48 inches high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge, impounding flammable liquids, or located within three feet of a property line or public right-of-way.
3.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
4.
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
5.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a Group R-3 or a Group U occupancy that do not project into a restricted fire setback or project more than 30 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
6.
Temporary on-grade removable accessory storage structures to detached one- and two-family dwellings or play sets, swing sets and other similar unenclosed recreational playground equipment provided that the ground area of the structure does not exceed 120 square feet; and the structure is less than 12 feet above grade plane.
7.
Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.
Electrical:
Repairs and Maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions but do apply to equipment and wiring for a power supply and installations of towers and antennas.
Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
Gas:
1.
Portable heating appliance.
2.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Mechanical
1.
Portable heating appliance.
2.
Portable ventilation equipment.
3.
Portable cooling unit.
4.
Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5.
Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
6.
Portable evaporative cooler.
7.
Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (5 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
Plumbing:
1.
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent piping, provided however that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent piping becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets. Provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
(Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
Subsection 105.5 is amended to read as follows:
105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within one year after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the date of the last recorded inspection. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. The building official is authorized to establish restrictive time limitations for building permits that are issued as the result of any violation of this code or other applicable regulations. The Building Official shall determine the time limitation and completion date prior to permit issuance and inform the applicant in writing of such determination.
(Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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.
(Balance of Subsection to remain unchanged.)
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
SECTION 903
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section.
903.1.1 Alternative protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted in lieu of automatic sprinkler protection where recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the building code official.
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 903.2.12. When automatic fire sprinkler systems are required or installed in any part of a building or structure, the entire building or structure must be provided with an automatic fire sprinkler system. Fire walls, fire partitions, and fire barriers are not allowed to be utilized to separate a building or structure into fire areas that would allow a building or structure to be partially sprinklered.
903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section. Any building over two stories in height or 5,000 square feet in total area containing a Group A occupancy must be sprinklered throughout and must also comply with the applicable provisions of Subsections 903.2.1.1 through 903.2.1.5.
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group A-1 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1.
The Group A-1 occupancy has an occupant load of 300 or more;
2.
The Group A-1 is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge;
3.
The building contains a multitheater complex.
903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group A-2 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1.
The Group A-2 occupancy has an occupant load of 100 or more;
2.
The Group A-2 occupancy is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group A-3 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1.
The Group A-3 occupancy has an occupant load of 300 or more;
2.
The Group A-3 occupancy is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group A-4 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1.
The Group A-4 area has an occupant load of 300 or more;
2.
The Group A-4 area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group A-5 occupancies when the aggregate area of concession stands, retail areas, press boxes and other accessory areas exceed 1000 square feet in area.
903.2.1.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group B occupancies as provided in this section. Any building over two stories in height or 5,000 square feet in total area containing a Group B occupancy must be sprinklered throughout and must also comply with Subsection 903.2.1.2.
903.2.2.1 Ambulatory health care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all buildings containing an ambulatory health care facility occupancy when any of the following conditions exists at any time:
1.
Four or more patients are incapable of self-preservation.
2.
One or more care recipients who are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such an occupancy.
3.
The building contains rooms or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, vocational shops and other areas where hazardous materials in exempt amounts are used or stored.
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group E occupancies as provided in this section. Any building over two stories in height or 5,000 square feet in total area containing a Group E occupancy must be sprinklered throughout and must also comply with Subsection 903.2.3.1.
903.2.3.1 Special Group E requirements. An automatic sprinklers system shall be provided throughout Group E occupancies when one or more of the following exists:
1.
Portions of the building are below the lowest level of exit discharge.
2.
The building contains room or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, vocational shops and other areas where hazardous materials in exempt amounts are used or stored.
903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group F-1 occupancies as provided in this section. Any building over two stories in height or 5,000 square feet in total area containing a Group F-1 occupancy must be sprinklered throughout and must also comply with Subsection 904.2.4.1.
903.2.4.1 Woodworking operations. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout any building containing woodworking operations in excess of 2,500 square feet in area which generate finely divided combustible waste or use finely divided combustible materials.
(Sections 903.2.5 through 903.2.6.2 remain unchanged.)
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group M occupancies as provided in this section. Any building over two stories in height or 5,000 square feet in total area containing a Group M occupancy must be sprinklered throughout. In addition, any building of any height or area containing a Group M occupancy that is used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture must be sprinklered throughout.
903.2.7.1 High-piled storage. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with the California Fire Code in all buildings of Group M occupancy where storage of merchandise is in high-piled or rack storage arrays.
903.2.8 Group R and Group U. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group R occupancy. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout a Group U occupancy attached to a Group R occupancy or within ten feet of a Group R occupancy.
(Exceptions to Section 903.2.8 remain unchanged.)
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group S-1 occupancies as provided in this section. Any building over two stories in height or 5,000 square feet in total area containing a Group S-1 occupancy must be sprinklered throughout.
903.2.9.1 Repair Garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406 when the repair garage is in a basement.
903.2.10 Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group S-2 occupancies as provided in this section. Any building over two stories in height or 5,000 square feet in total area containing a Group S-2 occupancy must be sprinklered throughout.
903.2.10.1 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing an enclosed parking garage in accordance with Section 406.4 when the enclosed parking garage is located beneath other groups.
(Sections 903.2.11 through 903.3.8 remain unchanged.)
903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and water flow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electronically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.
Exceptions:
1.
Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
2.
Limited area systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers.
3.
Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
4.
Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
5.
Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.
(Sections 903.4.1 through 903.5 remain unchanged.)
903.6 Additions, alterations or repairs. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout a building when:
1.
Additions, alterations or repairs are done to a Group R occupancy if the additions, alterations or repairs have a valuation of 50% or more of the building's valuation prior to the additions, alterations or repairs.
2.
Additions, alterations or repairs are done to other than a Group R or Group U occupancy if the building would be required to be sprinklered after the additions, alterations or repairs are completed and the additions, alterations or repairs have a valuation of 50% or more of the building's valuation prior to the additions, alterations or repairs.
3.
Additions are made to a building equipped with an automatic sprinkler system whether or not the building was required to have a sprinkler system.
4.
When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area as defined in Section 202, and greater than 1,000 square feet within a two-year period.
5.
When an existing Group R occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building.
For the purposes of this section, firewalls, fire barriers or fire partitions shall not define separate buildings.
The cumulative value of additions, alterations, and repairs done within any three-year period is the valuation used to determine the 50% threshold compliance with this section. The valuation used for the existing building and for the additions, alterations and repairs is the valuation established in the City's resolution for computation of building permit fees.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
Subsection 705.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
705.1 General. The requirements of Chapter 5 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code are applicable for all buildings located in Fire Hazard Zones. Section 705 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 705 and Chapter 5 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall govern.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
Subsection 705.2.3.1 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
705.2.3.1 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 percent 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 504 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
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 504.2 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
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.
(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; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)
Section 3307 of the California Building Code adopted in Section 14.50.010 is amended to read as follows:
SECTION 3307
PROTECTION OF ADJOINING PROPERTY
3307.1 Protection required. Adjoining public and private property shall be protected from damage during construction, remodeling and demolition work. Protection must be provided for footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys, skylights and roofs. Provisions shall be made to control water runoff and erosion during construction or demolition activities.
For excavations, adjacent property shall be protected as set forth in Section 832 of the California Civil Code.
Prior to the issuance of any permit that authorizes an excavation where the excavation is to be of a greater depth than are the walls or foundation of any adjoining building or structure and located closer to the property line than the depth of the excavation, the owner of the site shall provide the Building Division with satisfactory evidence that the adjacent property owner or owners have been given 30-days advance written notice of the intent to excavate. This notice shall state the depth to which the excavation is intended to be made and when the excavation will commence. This notice shall be by certified mail, return receipt requested.
3307.2 Excavation retention systems.
Where a retention system is used to provide support of an excavation for protection of adjacent property or structures, the system shall conform to the requirements in Sections 3307.2.1 through 3307.2.5.
3307.2.1 Excavation retention system design. Excavation retention systems shall be designed by a registered design professional to provide vertical and lateral support.
3307.2.2 Excavation retention system monitoring. The retention system design shall include requirements for monitoring of the system and adjacent property or structures for horizontal and vertical movement.
3307.2.3 Retention system removal. Elements of the system shall only be removed or decommissioned where adequate replacement support is provided by backfill or by the new structure. Removal or decommissioning shall be performed in such a manner that protects the adjacent property.
3307.2.4 Plans required. The Building Official may require plans prepared by a licensed engineer showing how protection of adjoining properties or public rights-of-way is to be accomplished during construction on the site. The engineer may be required to evaluate the potential hazard of the construction to adjoining properties during the construction process, including the long-term hazard if the project is abandoned during the grading and foundation excavation processes.
3307.2.5 Performance bond. If the evaluation of potential hazard required in Section 3307.2.4 indicates that a high hazard exists during the grading or foundation excavation processes, the City may require that a cash bond or other approved security in the amount estimated to abate the hazard be provided prior to the issuance of a permit authorizing the grading and excavation. Should the project be abandoned or interrupted during the construction process and permittee is unable to abate the hazard in a timely manner, the City may in its sole discretion utilize the bond or security amount to abate the hazard in accordance with the procedures stated in Section 3307.3.
3307.3 Abatement of hazardous conditions.
3307.3.1 General. For the purposes of this section, the procedures for abatement set forth in the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, as adopted and amended in Chapter 14.74 of the Municipal Code, may be used to abate hazardous conditions related to protection of adjoining public rights-of-way and private properties.
3307.3.2 Imminent hazards. The Building Official shall comply with the following emergency abatement procedures:
1.
In determining the existence of an imminent hazard, the Building Official shall conduct a personal inspection of the project site.
2.
The Building Official shall cause the City's consulting engineering geologist to conduct an inspection of the project site and issue a report identifying the nature and scope of the hazard and recommended corrective measures.
3.
If, after review of the engineering geologist's report, the Building Official finds that a hazard to adjoining public rights-of-way or private properties exists, he/she shall give written notice to the owner or other responsible person or authorized representative of the owner of the site upon which the hazardous condition exists. Such notice shall include a description of the hazardous condition, the necessary corrective action or abatement, and the time within which such corrective action or abatement must be undertaken and completed.
4.
If the Building Official determines that notice cannot be given or that notice would be impractical under the circumstances because of determination that the hazard is imminent and that immediate abatement or corrective action is necessary to avoid substantial damage to persons and/or property, the Building Official may cause the commencement of the required corrective action or abatement of the hazardous condition. The Building Official shall use his or her best efforts to provide notice of such determination, and the opportunity to challenge the determination, as soon as reasonably practicable. The costs of the necessary corrective action or abatement shall be the responsibility of the owner of the site upon which the hazardous condition exists.
5.
The nature and extent of corrective action or abatement of the hazard shall be determined by the Building Official in his or her professional judgment and discretion.
6.
The remedies provided in this Section 3307 are cumulative and not exclusive. The Building Official may also pursue any other administrative or judicial remedy available to abate the hazard.
(Ord. 1536 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1581 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1620 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1641 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1681, § 1, 2023; Ord. 1725, 12/18/2025)