Except as provided in this chapter, those certain building codes known and designated as the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, and only Appendices I and J based on the 2024 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, shall become the building code of the city for regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of all buildings and/or structures in the city. The California Building Code and its appendices will be on file for public examination in the office of the building official.
(Ord. 2629, 11/12/2025)
Chapter 2 Definitions is adopted in its entirety as amended by the State Fire Marshall with the following amendments:
Sections 202 Definitions is hereby revised by adding "OCFA" and "Spark Arrester" as follows:
202 Definitions
OCFA:
Orange County Fire Authority, authority having jurisdiction.
SPARK ARRESTER.
A listed device constructed of noncombustible material specifically for the purpose of meeting one of the following conditions:
A. 
Removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles/debris from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 38366.
B. 
Fireplaces that burn solid fuel in accordance with California Building Code Chapter 28.
(Ord. 2629, 11/12/2025)
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems is adopted in its entirety as amended by the State Fire Marshall with the following amendments:
Section 903.2 Where required is hereby revised as follows:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be provided when one of the following conditions exists:
1.
New buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21, an automatic sprinkler system shall also be installed in all occupancies when the total building area exceeds 5,000 square feet as defined in Section 202, regardless of fire areas or allowable area, or is more than two stories in height.
Exception: Subject to approval by the Fire Code Official, open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code that are smaller than the area specified in section 903.2.10(3) or 903.2.10.1 of the California Fire Code.
2.
Existing Buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and one of the following conditions exists:
a.
When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, and the resulting building area exceeds 5,000 square feet.
b.
When an addition exceeds 2,000 square feet and the resulting building area exceeds 5,000 square feet.
c.
An additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area.
Exception: Additions to Group R-3 occupancies shall comply with Section 903.2.8(2).
Section 903.2.8 Group R is hereby revised to read as follows:
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows:
1.
New Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings.
2.
Existing R-3 Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when one of the following conditions exists:
a.
When the floor area of alterations and/or additions within a 2 year period exceeds 50% of gross area of the existing structure and the building gross floor areas meets or exceeds 5500 square feet; or:
b.
An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or,
c.
When an existing Group R Occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building.
Section 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems is hereby added as follows:
903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.
Exception: When static pressure exceeds 100 psi, and when required by the fire code official, the sprinkler system shall not exceed the water supply capacity specified by Table 903.3.5.3.
TABLE 903.3.5.3
Hydraulically Calculated Systems
(Ord. 2629, 11/12/2025)
A. 
Table 1505.1 is amended, by the deletion of Table 1505.1 and the addition of a new Table 1505.1 thereto, to read as follows:
TABLE 1505.1a
MINIMUM ROOF COVERING CLASSIFICATIONS FOR TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
IA
IB
IIA
IIB
IIIA
IIIB
IV
VA
VB
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
a.
Unless otherwise required in accordance with Chapter 7A.
B. 
Section 1505.1.2 is amended, by the deletion of the entire section and the addition of a new section thereto, to read as follows:
1505.1.2 Roof coverings within all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class B.
C. 
Section 1505.5 is amended, by the deletion of the entire section.
D. 
Section 1505.7 is amended, by the deletion of the entire section.
(Ord. 2629, 11/12/2025)
Section 3109.2 California swimming pool safety act (statewide) is adopted in its entirety with the following amendment:
115922 (a) is adopted in its entirely with following amendment:
115922 (a) Except as provided in Section 115925, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with item #1 below AND at least one additional following seven drowning prevention features:
(1)
An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool and spa from the private single-family home. Any walls of the residential structure or accessory structures used to complete the isolation enclosure must have door openings equipped with protection as required in Section 115922(a)(4) or (5). Any such door protection device provided for this purpose may not be used to comply with the second drowning prevention feature requirement.
(Ord. 2629, 11/12/2025)
Chapter 35 Referenced Standards is adopted in its entirety as amended by the State Fire Marshall with the following amendments:
NFPA 13, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems is hereby amended as follows:
Section 9.2.1.7 is hereby revised as follows:
9.2.1.7 Concealed spaces filled with noncombustible insulation shall not require sprinkler protection when approved by the fire code official.
Section 9.4.3.1 is hereby revised as follows:
9.4.3.1 When fire sprinkler systems are installed in shell buildings of undetermined use (Spec Buildings) other than warehouses (S occupancies), fire sprinklers of the quick-response type shall be used. Use is considered undetermined if a specific tenant/occupant is not identified at the time the fire sprinkler plan is submitted. Sprinklers in light hazard occupancies shall be one of the following:
(1)
Quick-response type as defined in 3.3.223.4.16
(2)
Residential sprinklers in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 12
(3)
Quick-response CMSA sprinklers
(4)
ESFR sprinklers
(5)
Standard-response sprinklers used for modifications or additions to existing light hazard systems equipped with standard-response sprinklers.
(6)
Standard-response sprinklers used where individual standard-response sprinklers are replaced in existing light hazard systems.
Section 16.12.3.3 is hereby revised as follows:
16.12.3.3 Fire department connections (FDC) shall be of an approved type. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public hydrant. The FDC may be located within 150 feet of a private fire hydrant when approved by the fire code official. The size of piping and the number of 2 1/2" inlets shall be approved by the fire code official. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red or as approved. When the fire sprinkler density design requires more than 500 gpm (including inside hose stream demand), or a standpipe system is included, four 2 1/2" inlets shall be provided.
NFPA 13D 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One-and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes is hereby amended as follows:
Section 7.1.2 is hereby revised as follows:
7.1.2 The sprinkler system piping shall not have separate control valves installed unless supervised by a central station, proprietary, or remote station alarm service.
NFPA 24, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances is hereby amended as follows:
Section 6.2.8.1 is hereby added as follows:
6.2.8.1 All indicating valves controlling fire suppression water supplies shall be painted OSHA red.
Exceptions:
1.
Brass or bronze valves on sprinkler risers mounted to the exterior of the building may be left unpainted.
2.
Where OS&Y valves on the detector check assembly are the only control valves, at least one OS&Y valve shall be painted red.
Section 6.2.9 is hereby revised as follows:
All connections to private fire service mains for fire protection systems shall be arranged in accordance with one of the following so that they can be isolated:
(1)
A post indicator valve installed not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building
a.
For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a post indicator valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the post indicator valve.
b.
Post indicating valves shall be allowed to be closer than 40 ft (12 m) to the building when a property line or other physical barriers make it impossible to have a post indicating valve 40 ft (12 m) away.
c.
Post indicating valves shall be allowed to be closer than 40 ft (12 m) to the building when building driveway or fire access roadways or other building traffic make it impractical to be 40 ft (12 m).
(2)
A wall post indicator valve on risers located within the building, either a nonrising stem gate valve with a wall post indicator or a listed butterfly valve with an indicating handle extending out through the building wall.
(3)
A backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building.
(a)
For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the backflow preventer.
(b)
Backflow preventer valves shall be allowed to be closer than 40 ft (12 m) to the building when a property line or other physical barriers make it impossible to have a backflow preventer valve 40 ft (12 m) away.
(c)
Backflow preventer valves shall be allowed to be closer than 40 ft (12 m) to the building when building driveway or fire access roadways or other building traffic make it impractical to be 40 ft (12 m).
(4)
Indicating control valves installed in a fire-rated room accessible from the exterior.
(5)
Indicating control valves in a fire-rated stair enclosure accessible from the exterior as permitted by the AHJ.
(6)
Any other valve type or location as permitted by the AHJ.
Section 10.1.5 is hereby added as follows:
10.1.5 All ferrous pipe and joints shall be polyethylene encased per AWWA C150, Method A, B, or C. All fittings shall be protected with a loose 8-mil polyethylene tube or sheet. The ends of the tube or sheet shall extend past the joint by a minimum of 12 inches and be sealed with 2-inch-wide tape approved for underground use. Galvanizing does not meet the requirements of this section.
Exception: 304 or 316 Stainless Steel pipe and fittings
Section 10.4.1.1 is hereby revised as follows:
10.4.1.1 All bolted joint accessories shall be cleaned and thoroughly coated with asphalt, bituminous, or other corrosion-retarding material after installation.
Exception: Bolted joint accessories made from 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Section 10.4.1.1.1 is hereby added as follows:
10.4.1.1.1 All bolts used in pipe-joint assembly shall be 316 stainless steel.
Section 10.4.3.2 is hereby deleted and replaced as follows:
10.4.3.2 Where fire service mains enter the building adjacent to the foundation, the pipe may run under a building to a maximum of 24 inches, as measured from the interior face of the exterior wall to the center of the vertical pipe. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall be 304 or 316 stainless steel and shall not contain mechanical joints or it shall comply with 10.4.3.2.1 through 10.4.3.2.4.
Appendix J is hereby amended as follows:
Sections J103.1 and J103.2 are hereby deleted and replaced as follows:
J103.1 Permits and Exceptions.
1.
Grading permits. No person shall conduct any grading, clearing, brushing, or grubbing on natural or existing grade that is preparatory to grading, without first having obtained a grading permit. Exception to this requirement are as follows or as otherwise determined by the City Engineer:
a.
An excavation below finished grade for basement and footing of a building, mobile home, retaining wall, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit or construction permit. This shall not exempt any fill made with the material from such excavation nor exempt any excavation have an unsupported height greater than five (5) feet after the completion of such structure. This shall not prohibit a minimum fee grading permit or soil or geologic report from being required for foundation design and inspection purposes when, in the opinion of the City Engineer, soil stability or flooding considerations warrant such inspection.
b.
Cemetery graves.
c.
Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
d.
Earthwork construction regulated by the Federal, State, County, or City Governments, or by any local agency as defined by Government Code Sections 53090 through 53095 (special districts), pipeline or conduit excavation and backfill conducted by local agencies or public utilities, earthwork construction performed by railway companies or their operating property, dedicated rights-of-way, or easements of the above agencies.
e.
Excavation and backfill for installation of underground utilities by public utilities or companies operating under the authority of a franchise or public property encroachment permit.
f.
Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing, stockpiling of rock, sand, aggregate, or clay where established and provided for by law, under other agency permit(s), provided such operation does not affect the lateral support or increase the stresses in or pressures upon any adjacent or contiguous property.
g.
Exploratory excavations under the direction of soil engineers or engineering geologists, provided all excavations are properly backfilled as required by the City Engineer. All such excavations and trenches are subject to the applicable section of Title 8 of the State Orders, Division of Industrial Safety.
h.
An excavation which does not exceed twenty-five (25) cubic yards on any one site and which is less than one (1) foot in vertical depth.
i.
A fill less than one foot in depth placed on natural grade with a slope flatter than five horizontal to one vertical (5:1), which does not exceed twenty-five (25) cubic yards on any one site and does not obstruct a drainage course.
j.
A fill less than three (3) feet in depth, not intended to support structures or mobile homes which does not exceed twenty-five (25) cubic yards on any one site and does not obstruct a drainage course.
2.
Grading permit, paving. No person shall construct pavement surfacing in excess of three thousand (3,000) square feet, on natural or existing grade without a valid grading permit unless waived by the City Engineer, or unless a separate improvement plan for such paving is approved by the City Engineer. Resurfacing or maintenance of paved surface shall be exempt from this requirement.
3.
Grading permit, construction. No person shall construct without a valid grading permit any new building/substantial remodel, or building addition that increases the existing footprint by 1,000 SF or more, for which a building permit from the City is required, unless waived by the City Engineer. Exception to this requirement are as follows:
a.
Room addition and/or Accessory Dwelling Unit being added to one single-family dwelling in a residential zoning district where the one single-family dwelling unit in the ONLY dwelling unit of the land parcel.
(Ord. 2629, 11/12/2025)