This chapter shall be known as the "Building Code," may be cited as such and will be referred to in this chapter as "this code."
(Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
The International Building Code, 2024 Edition, as amended and set forth in the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, published by the International Code Council is hereby adopted, together with Chapter 1 Division II, Scope and Administration, and Appendices Chapters C and J, except as set forth in this chapter.
(Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2121 § 2, 2021; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
The International Building Code (IBC) adopted in this chapter by reference is amended by the following additions, deletions and amendments thereto as set forth in this chapter. Reference numbers herein are taken from the 2025 California Building Code.
(Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
CBC Chapter 1, Division II, Section 101 is amended to read:
SECTION 101
GENERAL
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Livermore Building Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
Exception: Detached one-and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwelling (townhouses) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than 3 stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code.
101.2.1 Appendices.
Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
101.3 Purpose.
The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation, energy conservation, and for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
101.4 Referenced codes.
The other codes listed in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.8 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.
101.4.1 Gas.
The provisions of the Livermore Plumbing Code and/or the Livermore Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.
101.4.2 Mechanical.
The provisions of the Livermore Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems.
101.4.3 Plumbing.
The provisions of the Livermore Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system. The provisions of the Livermore Plumbing Code shall apply to private sewage disposal systems.
101.4.4 Property maintenance.
The provisions of the Livermore Property Maintenance and Building Codes shall apply to existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety hazards; responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants; and occupancy of existing premises and structures.
101.4.5 Fire prevention.
The provisions of the Livermore Fire Code shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression, automatic sprinkler systems and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.
101.4.6 Energy.
The provisions of the Livermore Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6 shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.
101.4.7 Existing buildings.
The provisions of the Livermore Existing Building Code shall apply to all matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.
101.4.8 Wildland-urban interface.
The provisions of Part 7, the Livermore Wildland-Urban Interface code shall apply to buildings and structures built in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) or a Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
(Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
CBC Chapter 1, Division II, Section 103 is amended to read:
SECTION 103
BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION
103.1 Creation of enforcement agency.
The Building and Safety 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 this code.
103.2 Appointment.
The building official shall be appointed by the city manager.
103.3 Deputies.
In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official shall have the authority to appoint related technical officers, inspectors, plan examiners and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the building official.
(Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2065 § 1(A), 2018; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
CBC Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105.2 is amended to read:
Delete all reference to Electrical, Gas, Mechanical, and Plumbing repairs, appliances and fixtures. These items are addressed in the Livermore Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes.
(Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
CBC Chapter 1, Division II, Section 109 is amended to read:
Fees are to be set by resolution of the Livermore City Council.
All permit fees, development fees and other city fees, including, but not limited to, the tax on construction and traffic impact fees, may be waived for any permit issued for the repair of any structure as required by Chapter 15.24 (Unreinforced Masonry Building Hazard Reduction Program). Fees may be waived for reconstruction of any building removed in accordance with Chapter 15.24 when such building is replaced to replicate the structure to be removed.
(Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2065 § 1(A), 2018; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
CBC Chapter 1, Division II, Section 110.3.9 is amended to read:
110.3.9 Energy efficiency inspections.
Inspections shall be made to determine compliance with Title 24, Part 6 and shall include, but not be limited to, inspections for: envelope insulation R and U values, fenestration U value, duct system R value, and HVAC and water-heating equipment efficiency.
(Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
Section 1705.3, exception 1 is amended to read:
1. Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock, where the structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, f'c, no greater than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2Mpa).
(Formerly 15.02.150; Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
Section 1905.6.2 is amended to read:
1905.6.2 Seismic Design Categories C, D, E and F. Structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F shall not have elements of structural plain concrete, except as follows:
1. Isolated footings of plain concrete supporting pedestals or columns are permitted, provided that the projection of the footing beyond the face of the supported member does not exceed the footing thickness. Exception: In detached one- and two-family dwellings three stories or less in height, the projection of the footing beyond the face of the supported member is permitted to exceed the footing thickness.
2. Plain concrete footings supporting walls are permitted, provided that the footings have not fewer than two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars. Bars shall not be smaller than No. 4 and shall have a total area of not less than 0.002 times the gross cross-sectional area of the footing. For footings that exceed 8 inches (203mm) in thickness, not fewer than one bar shall be provided at the top and bottom of the footing. Continuity of reinforcement shall be provided at corners and intersections.
(Formerly 15.02.160; Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
The following language is inserted in accordance with the provisions of a voter-approved initiative ordinance, dated April 11, 1972:
A. 
The people of the city find and declare that it is in the best interest of the city, in order to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the city, to control residential building permits in the said city. Residential building permits include single-family residential, multiple residential, and trailer court building permits within the meaning of this code. Additionally, it is the purpose of this initiative measure to contribute to the solution of air pollution in the city.
B. 
The specific reasons for the proposed petition are that the undersigned believe that the resulting impact from issuing residential building permits at the current rate results in the following problems mentioned below. Therefore, no further residential building permits are to be issued by the said city until satisfactory solutions, as determined in the standards set forth, exist to all the following problems:
1. 
Educational facilities. No double sessions in the schools or overcrowded classrooms as determined by the California Education Code.
2. 
Sewage. The sewage treatment facilities and capacities meet the standards set by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
3. 
Water supply. No rationing of water with respect to human consumption or irrigation and adequate water reserves for fire protection are existing.
(Formerly 15.02.170; Ord. 1985 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 2065 § 1(A), 2018; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)