Editor's Note: Prior ordinance history: Ords. 07-779U, 85-21, 86-101, 86-118, 87-134, 88-214, 88-215, 89-248U, 90-254, 91-281, 91-292, 92-321, 92-332, 92-345U, 95-454U, 99-547U and 641U. Prior code §§ 8100 – 8121.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26, Building Code, of the Los Angeles County Code (hereinafter referred to as the "Building Code"), as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Building Code, 2025 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), including Subsections 119.1.2 through 119.1.14 of Chapter 1; Chapters 2 through 35; Chapters 65 through 69; Chapters 94, 95, 96, 98 and 99; Appendices C, H, I, J, and P; is hereby incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of West Hollywood.
The provisions of the Building Code applying to dwellings, lodging houses, congregate residences, hotels, motels, apartment houses, convents, monasteries or other uses classified by the building code as a group occupancy and including Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 98 and 99 shall constitute and may be cited as the Housing Code of the City of West Hollywood.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Building Code contained in the West Hollywood Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of West Hollywood and shall always be maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the Building Code, each such name or terms shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section as follows:
"Board of Appeals"
shall mean the board of appeals established in Section 105 of the West Hollywood Building Code.
"Building Department"
shall mean the City of West Hollywood Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department.
"Building Official" and "Engineer"
shall mean the person designated to act as Building Official by the City Council.
"City Council" or "Board of Supervisors"
shall mean the City Council of the City of West Hollywood unless the context requires otherwise.
"County," "County of Los Angeles" or "unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles"
shall mean the City of West Hollywood.
"County Engineer"
shall mean the Building Official of the City of West Hollywood or his/her duly appointed representative.
"Electrical Code"
shall mean the Electrical Code of the City of West Hollywood as contained in Chapter 13.08 of this code.
"Existing Building Code"
shall mean the Existing Building Code of the City of West Hollywood as contained in Chapter 13.26 of this code.
"Fire Code"
shall mean the Fire Code of the City of West Hollywood as contained in Chapter 14.04 of this code.
"General fund"
shall mean the city treasury of the City of West Hollywood.
"Green Building Standards Code"
shall mean the Green Building Code of the City of West Hollywood as contained in Chapter 13.24 of this code.
"Health Code" or "Los Angeles County Health Code"
shall mean the Health Code of the City of West Hollywood as adopted by Section 7.04.010 of the West Hollywood Municipal Code.
"Health Officer"
shall mean the Health Officer of Los Angeles County.
"Historical Building Code"
shall mean the Historical Code of the City of West Hollywood as contained in Chapter 13.44 of this code.
"Jurisdiction"
shall mean the City of West Hollywood.
"Mechanical Code"
shall mean the Mechanical Code of the City of West Hollywood as contained in Chapter 13.16 of this code.
"Plumbing Code"
shall mean the Plumbing Code of the City of West Hollywood as contained in Chapter 13.12 of this code.
"Residential Code"
shall mean the Residential Code of the City of West Hollywood as contained in Chapter 13.20 of this code.
"Special inspector"
shall mean a person holding a valid certificate of registration issued by the County of Los Angeles as set forth in Section 108.6 of the Building Code, or a person otherwise determined to be qualified by the Building Official.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, subsection 105.1.1 of the Building Code is amended to read as follows:
105.1.1 General. In order to conduct the hearing provided for in this chapter and the hearings provided for in Chapter 98 and 99, the City Council shall act as the board of appeals.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 20-1118 § 2, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, the first paragraph of subsection 106.4.1.1 of the Building Code is amended to read as follows:
106.4.1.1 Expiration of Application. When no permit is issued within 18 months following the date of the application therefor, the application shall automatically expire. Plans and specifications previously submitted may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official. The Building Official may grant up to two extensions not exceeding 180 days per extension, beyond the initial 18 month limit upon written request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken and upon the payment of an extension fee as determined by the Building Official, not to exceed 25 percent of the plan check fee.
(Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, the Building Code is amended by adding subsection 106.4.3.1 to read as follows:
106.4.3.1 Construction Debris Control.
The Federal Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of any material other than storm runoff to the storm sewer system. The City streets adjacent to or serving all properties in West Hollywood are part of the storm sewer system. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of property upon which construction work, of any type, takes place to provide a plan for controlling discharges of construction debris to prevent the discharge of such debris to the storm sewer system. No construction work shall take place until such plan is approved by the Director of Public Works or his/her designee.
Where feasible, the area for containment of debris shall be located upon the same lot where the construction is to take place. Due to the topographic nature of the city, certain on-site locations may not be feasible. In such cases as determined by the Director of Public Works or his/her designee, the owner or contractor may obtain an encroachment permit to establish the area of containment in the street in front of the property, subject to all conditions imposed as part of the permit. For the purposes of this section, construction debris shall be considered to include liquid, cementitious, organic, or earth materials. The plan for controlling construction debris shall establish a work area for trades which require water to produce their work. Such area shall be dyked or excavated to prevent water borne debris from leaving the construction site.
Products of such activity shall be properly disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws prior to final approval of the building permit. These products include without limitation, brick dust, concrete spoil, stucco spoil, and similar materials.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, subsection 106.4.1 is amended by adding a new paragraph to read as follows:
9. 
Contain adequate evidence as required by the Director of Community Development Department or his/her designee that the proposed construction fully complies with all applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, Section 113.2 of the Building Code is amended to read as follows:
113.2 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply only to permits for buildings or structures on individual lots or parcels and are not intended to be supplementary to geologic investigations required to qualify divisions of land as set forth in Title 19 of the West Hollywood Municipal Code.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, the fifth paragraph of Section 113.5 of the Building Code is amended to read as follows:
The Building Official may require a more extensive investigation by a professional geologist as to the absence of a known active earthquake fault prior to the issuance of a permit for Groups A, B, E, F, H, M, R-1, R-2, and I occupancies; and S Occupancies over one story in height.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, the Building Code is amended by adding the following:
RELOCATION PERMITS
A. 
Relocation Building Permit Required. A person shall not move onto any premises, a building or structure until such person first secures a relocation building permit as hereinafter provided.
B. 
Relocation Building Permit Not Required. A permit is not required where the only relocation involved is that of moving a building temporarily to the regularly occupied business premises of a house mover, nor, for a contractor's tool house, construction building or similar structure which is moved as construction requires.
C. 
Application. Every application to the Building Official for a relocation building permit shall be in writing on a form furnished by the Building Official and shall set forth such information as the Building Official may reasonably require in order to carry out the purpose of this Chapter.
D. 
Investigation Required. Every application to the Building Official for a relocation building permit shall be accompanied by a rendering, perspective drawing or other illustration acceptable to the Building Official showing, in color, the appearance of the completed building on the proposed site. If there is to be no substantial change of the exterior of the building in its new location, and if a photograph or photographs taken at the existing site will adequately represent the appearance of the completed building on the proposed site, the Building Official may waive the requirement of a rendering or equivalent drawing.
In addition, the Building Official may require the submission in connection with a relocation building permit application, of such plan, photographs and other substantiating data, and may cause to be made any investigation which the Building Official deems necessary and helpful in determining any matters presented by the application.
E. 
Application Fees. The applicant for a relocation building permit shall pay an application and investigation fee in an amount determined by resolution of the City Council to the Building Official for inspection of building at its present location and investigation of the proposed site.
F. 
Permit Fees. Relocation building permit fees for repairs or alterations to the relocated building shall be required in an amount determined by resolution of the City Council.
G. 
Issuance of Permit. If the condition of the building or structure, in the judgment of the Building Official, admits of practicable and effective repair, the Building Official may issue a relocation building permit to the owner of the property where the building or structure is to be located upon conditions as hereinafter provided; otherwise the permit shall be denied.
H. 
Prohibited Buildings. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the Building Official shall not issue a relocation building permit for any building or structure which:
1. 
is so constructed or in such condition as to be dangerous.
2. 
is infested with pests or is unsanitary.
3. 
if it be a dwelling or habitation, is unfit for such use.
4. 
is so dilapidated, defective, unsightly or in such a condition of deterioration or disrepair that its relocation at the proposed site would cause appreciable harm to or be materially detrimental to the property or improvements in the district within a radius of 1,000 feet from the proposed site.
5. 
if the proposed use is prohibited by the City of West Hollywood Zoning Ordinance.
6. 
if the structure is of a type prohibited at the proposed location by this or any other law or ordinance.
7. 
because of age, size, design or architectural treatment, does not substantially conform to the design, plan and construction of the buildings located in the district within a radius of 1,000 feet from the proposed site so that its relocation would be detrimental to the property or improvements in said district.
I. 
Appeals. If the Board of Appeals deems it necessary or expedient to do so, it may set any such application for hearing before a member of the Board or representative thereof and cause such notice of the time, place and purpose thereof to be given as the Board may deem appropriate. Thereafter, the findings of said hearing shall be reported to the Board for its consideration along with any other information before it.
J. 
Conditions of Permit. The Building Official, in granting any relocation building permit may impose thereon such terms and conditions as he or she deems reasonable and proper. These terms and conditions shall include, but are not limited to, compliance with provisions of this Code for new buildings or structures to the extent that is reasonable and practical for the period of time required to complete all work; the requirement of changes, alterations, additions or repairs to be made to or upon the building or structures, to the end that the relocation thereof will not be materially detrimental or injurious to public safety, public welfare or to the property and improvements, or either in the district, as hereinabove limited, to which it is to be relocated.
K. 
Unfinished Relocated Buildings or Structures. Where the work required to be done pursuant to the terms and conditions of a relocation building permit has not been performed within the period of time allowed by such permit, nor within the extension of time granted thereto in writing by the Building Official, the building or structure shall be deemed and is hereby found to be substandard and the nuisance shall be abated in accordance with provisions of Chapter 99 of this Code.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, the Building Code is amended by adding the following:
FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS
FOR EXISTING GROUP R, DIVISION 1 and 2 OCCUPANCIES
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to provide a reasonable degree of fire safety for persons living and sleeping in apartment houses and hotels by requiring alterations to such existing buildings erected prior to April 10, 1933, which do not conform to the minimum existing shaft enclosure and corridor protection requirements of this Code.
B. 
Scope. The provisions of this Chapter apply to existing buildings more than two stories in height erected prior to April 10, 1933, and which contain Group R, Division 1 Occupancies.
The provisions of this Chapter shall not authorize the modification of existing buildings or portions thereof which provide a greater degree of protection against fire than the requirements established by this Chapter.
C. 
Corridor Walls and Openings. The walls of every public corridor shall be protected by one-hour fire-resistive construction provided, however, that existing walls constructed of wood lath and plaster and which are in good condition will be acceptable in lieu thereof.
Transoms and openings other than doors from public corridors to guest rooms and dwelling units shall be permanently closed and solidly covered with material which will provide the same degree of fire resistiveness as shall be provided by adjacent corridor walls.
All door openings from public corridors to guest rooms and dwelling units shall be provided the same degree of fire resistiveness as shall be provided by adjacent corridor walls or a 1 3/4 inch solid-core door or its equivalent.
D. 
Stairway Enclosures. All interior stairways shall be enclosed with walls of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction; provided, however, that existing enclosure walls constructed of wood lath and plaster which are in good condition will be accepted in lieu of one-hour fire-resistive construction.
Openings into stairway enclosures shall be protected by a self-closing fire assembly having a one-hour fire-protection rating; provided, however, that a self-closing 1 3/4 inch solid-core wood door will be accepted in lieu of a one-hour fire-rated door.
1. 
EXCEPTIONS:
Stair shaft enclosures may be omitted if all stairways, hallways, exit ways and closet or storage areas adjacent thereto are sprinklered. No basement sprinklers will be required by reason of this exception where none exist if one-hour fire-resistive partitions with 1 inch self-closing solid-core doors are provided so that a fire originating in the basement cannot spread directly to any adjoining floor or story. Portions of a building containing occupancies other than Group R, Division 1 and 2 Occupancies need not be sprinklered by reason of this exception, provided all such portions are separated from the Group R, Division 1 and 2 Occupancies by conforming occupancy separation walls and floors.
Stair shaft enclosures may be omitted if one-hour fire-resistive partitions with 1 inch self-closing solid-core doors are placed in all stairwell openings so that a fire originating on any floor or story cannot spread directly to any adjoining floor or story; and provided further that a low-voltage fire warning system acceptable to the Fire Department is installed throughout the building in connection with the installation of fire-resistive partitions.
E. 
Number of Exits. Every apartment and every other sleeping room shall have access to not less than two exits. A fire escape as specified herein may be used as one required exit.
F. 
Fire Escapes. Fire escapes may be used as one means of egress, if the pitch does not exceed 60 degrees, the width is not less than 18 inches, the treads are not less than 4 inches wide, and they extend to the ground. Access shall be by an opening having a minimum dimension of 29 inches when open. The sill shall not be more than 30 inches above the floor and landing.
G. 
Existing Conditions.
1. 
Existing means of exit, including fire escapes, are acceptable where they exist in the required number and are maintained in good condition.
2. 
No standpipes will be required where none exist.
3. 
No emergency exit way illumination will be required where none exists.
4. 
Dead-end corridors not over 20 feet in length may have access to a second exit through a stair shaft enclosure.
5. 
Fire-protection alarms, if nonexistent, shall not be required in an apartment house or hotel erected for such use prior to April 10, 1933, unless required to comply with the provisions of this Chapter.
H. 
Enclosure of Vertical Openings. Elevators, shafts, ducts and other vertical openings shall be enclosed as required for stairways in this Chapter or by wired glass set in steel frames. Doors shall be noncombustible, or as regulated in Section 9704.
I. 
Exit Signs. Exit doorways and changes in direction of a corridor shall be marked by exit signs having the letters at least 5 inches high. The exit signs shall be lighted by self-contained lights or by the exit way illumination.
J. 
Notifications. Whenever the Building Official determines by inspection that a building does not conform to the requirements of this Chapter, the Building Official shall give to the party concerned a written order that such building be repaired and modified so as to conform to such requirements.
The order shall specify in what manner the subject building fails to meet the requirements of this Chapter and shall direct that required permits shall be secured and work shall be started within 90 days and all necessary corrections shall be made within 270 days after service thereof.
K. 
Service of Order. Proper service of an order provided for in this Chapter shall be by personal service or by registered or certified mail upon every party concerned and by posting on the building a copy of the order. It shall be deemed a reasonable effort has been made to serve such order when registered or certified letters have been mailed to the address of the interested party as shown on the official record. When an address is not so listed or contact cannot be made at the listed address, the service shall be by posting on the building a copy of the notice.
The designated period within which the owner or person in charge is required to comply with such order shall begin as of the date the owner or person in charge receives such order by personal service or registered mail. If such order is by posting, the designated period shall begin 10 days following the date of posting.
Failure of any owner, party concerned or other person to receive such order shall not affect the validity of any proceedings taken hereunder.
L. 
Party Concerned. As used in this Chapter, party concerned means the person, if any, in real or apparent charge and control of the premises involved, the record owner, the holder of any mortgage, trust deed or other lien or encumbrance of record, the owner or holder of any lease of record, the record holder of any other estate or interest in or to the building or structure or the land upon which it is located. As used in this paragraph all reference to record means matters of record in the Department of Registrar-Recorder which definitely and specifically describes the premises involved.
M. 
Recordation. At the time the Building Official serves the aforementioned order, the Building Official shall file with the Department of Registrar Recorder a certificate stating that the subject building does not meet the requirements of this Chapter and that the party concerned has been so notified.
After all necessary corrective work has been performed; the Building Official shall file with the Department of Registrar-Recorder a certificate terminating the status of the subject building as nonconforming to the requirements of this Chapter.
N. 
Permits. The owner shall obtain all necessary permits within 90 days of the receipt of the notification provided for in Section 9704.
O. 
Enforcement. If the owner or other person in charge and control of the subject building fails to obtain the necessary permits and commence work within 90 days of the aforementioned order or to make all necessary corrections with 270 days of the aforementioned order, the Building Official shall order that the building be vacated and that the building remain vacated until all required corrective work has been completed.
P. 
Smoke Detectors. Smoke detectors approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal shall be installed in apartment houses and hotels when required by the local Fire Department acting as the local enforcement agency for the State Fire Marshal.
Smoke detectors shall be installed in locations acceptable to the Fire Department and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, the Building Code is amended by amending Section 9906 to read as follows:
9906. Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board. In order to hear appeals provided for in Chapter 98 and in this Chapter, the City Council shall act as the Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 20-1118 § 2, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, the Building Code is amended by amending Section 9924.1 to read:
9924.1. When the Board finds that any property is substandard property, it is hereby declared a public nuisance and based upon its findings, the Board shall order the abatement of the nuisance by such means as the Board deems most feasible. If such means includes the removal of any vehicle or any part thereof, such order shall include a description of such vehicle and the correct identification number and license number, if available at the site. The Board shall further order that a fee in an amount determined by resolution of the City Council be assessed against the property owner to reimburse the City for costs incurred in investigation, processing and administrative expenses to be collected pursuant to Sections 9928 and 9929.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
a. 
Compliance with Code. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City of West Hollywood, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Building Code.
b. 
Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Building Code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, 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 of the provisions of the Building Code is committed, continued or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation such person shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.04.010, fees for plan check, inspection and all other miscellaneous services shall be based on the fee schedule as approved by resolution of the City Council.
(Ord. 10-862U § 1, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 1, 2013; Ord. 16-994U § 1, 2016; Ord. 19-1095 § 1, 2020; Ord. 22-1202 § 1, 2022; Ord. 25-25U, 12/15/2025; Ord. 25-26, 2/2/2026)