For the purpose of prescribing regulations for erecting, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, improving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment use, height, and area of buildings and structures, the following construction codes subject to the Orange Municipal Code and modifications set forth in this chapter, including errata and supplements hereafter, are hereby adopted: the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, including Chapter 1, Division II and Appendices C, F through J, P, and Q; the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Residential Code, including Appendices BB, BF, CI, and CJ; the California Green Building Standards Code, including Appendices A4, A5, A5.1, A5.2, A5.3, A5.4, A5.5, and A5.6, 2025 Edition; the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, including Appendices A, B, D, H, I, J, and R; the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, including Appendices B and C; the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2023 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association, including Annexes A through D; the International Property Maintenance Code, 2024 Edition, as published by the International Code Council; the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition, as published by the International Code Council.
The provisions of these Construction Codes as amended by this chapter shall constitute the Building Regulations of the City of Orange. Where the California Code of Regulations and State Building Standards Code of Regulations differ from any sections of the Construction Codes, state regulations shall prevail over the Construction Codes.
One copy of all the above codes and standards therefor are on file in the office of the Building Official pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(e)(1) and are made available for public inspection.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the above-referenced construction codes, all fees for services provided pursuant to the construction codes shall not take effect until a resolution for such fees is adopted by the City Council pursuant to California Government Code Section 66016.
(Ord. 21-07; Ord. 12-10, 2010; Ord. No. 15-13, 2013; Ord. 09-16, 2016; Ord. 10-19, 2019; Ord. 06-22, 2022; Ord. 16-25, 11/12/2025)
103.1 Creation of Enforcement Agency. The Building and Safety Services Division 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 the code.
Section 3109.2 is revised to read as follows, with all definitions remaining unchanged:
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 CI. Pool barriers which are already in the Code are scoped so as to apply on all private swimming pools.
(Ord. 09-16, 2016; Ord. 10-19, 2019; Ord. 06-22, 2022; Ord. 06-23, 2023; Ord. 16-25, 11/12/2025)
Section 105.2 of the California Building Code is revised to add the following:
14. 
TV dishes and flagpoles in connection with a group R. Division 3 occupancy and not exceeding 15 feet in height.
(Ord. 21-07; Ord. 12-10, 2010; Ord. 06-22, 2022)
For the purpose of this chapter, the Fire Code Official shall be responsible for plan review, and inspection of fire protection systems such as fire sprinklers, fixed systems installed in grease hoods and halon systems and detection systems which sense smoke, fire, heat or products of combustion.
(Ord. 13-99; Ord. 12-10, 2010)
The City Council adopts by reference the following appendices of the CBC Appendix, 2025 Edition and said appendices are adopted in total as the law of the City except as provided for this chapter:
Appendix C (Group U - Agricultural Buildings), Appendix F (Rodent Proofing), Appendix G (Flood-Resistant Construction), Appendix H (Signs), Appendix I (Patio Covers), Appendix J (Grading), Appendix P (Sleeping Lofts), and Appendix Q (Emergency Housing).
(Ord. 21-07; Ord. 12-10, 2010; Ord. 06-22, 2022; Ord. 16-25, 11/12/2025)
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert or demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure in the City, or cause the same to be done or to perform or maintain any grading work or cause the same to be done contrary to, or in violation of, any of the provisions of this chapter.
B. 
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter, shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is committed, or permitted, and each such offense shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both such fine and imprisonment.
C. 
In addition to criminal penalties, this code may be enforced by injunction or other appropriate civil remedy.
(Ord. 21-07)