On January 1, 2026, there was filed in the office of the City Clerk, one copy of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition including Appendices F, G, H, I, J, K, P and Q, as published by the California Building Standards Commission and which incorporates by adoption the 2024 Edition of the International Building Code adopted by the International Code Council. Said code is hereby incorporated in this code by reference.
(Prior code § 14-100; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 9; Ord. 001-11 C.S. § 2, eff. 2-24-11; Ord. 2014-03-04-1201-01 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2016-11-15-1204-01 § II; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2020-05-12-1402 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)
The provisions of this chapter are supplementary to the provisions of the California Building Code 2025 Edition as adopted in Section 15.08.010.
(Prior code § 14-101; Ord. 001-11 C.S. § 2, eff. 2-24-11; Ord. 2014-03-04-1201-01 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2016-11-15-1204-01 § II; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)
It is unlawful for any person, building contractor or subcontractor engaged in the repair, construction or demolition of any building or structure, or part thereof, to fail to remove from any street, alley, gutter, park, sidewalk, curbing, space between sidewalk and curbing, or any public way, building materials, wasted matter or rubbish deposited therein in connection with that portion of the repair, construction or demolition work under his or her special or general supervision. The person, building contractor or subcontractor must remove such building materials or waste matter within seven days of his or her final cessation of work on said building or structure, or part thereof.
(Prior code § 14-103)
A. 
Foundation. In all occupancies, bearing foundations shall be reinforced with a minimum of two continuous one-half inch deformed reinforcing bars, one bar placed in the top of the foundation two inches from the top and one bar placed three inches clear above the other at the bottom of the foundation and in conformance with the requirements of Chapters 18 and 19 of the California Building Code.
B. 
Slabs-On-Grade. Concrete floor slabs in all buildings shall have a minimum of four inches of sand or gravel placed under the slab and shall be reinforced with a minimum of 6 x 6 - w1.4 x w1.4 welded wire reinforcing or equivalent.
(Prior code § 14-104; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 9)
Whenever proposed work will involve the use of public streets, sidewalks or other public property, during construction, as permitted by Chapter 33 of the California Building Code, or will result in a part of the building, structure, sign or appendage thereto, projecting beyond the property line and other public streets, sidewalks or other public property, the owner or contractor shall be required to execute a hold harmless agreement before a permit is issued.
(Prior code § 14-105)
Material, equipment, or required walkways necessary for construction work under a building permit may be placed or stored in public property at the following locations:
A. 
In Front of the Building Site. In the parking area of the roadway of the street that is adjacent to the curb in front of the building site under the following restrictions:
1. 
Where parallel parking is permitted, the space used may be maximum of eight feet in width adjacent to the curb.
2. 
Where diagonal parking is permitted, the space used may be a maximum of 16 feet in width adjacent to the curb.
3. 
Where "no parking" restrictions apply, the sidewalk area alone may be used.
B. 
In Front of the Adjoining Site. In the roadway of the street adjoining the building site for which a permit has been issued to the same extent and under the same restrictions as specified in subsection A of this section.
A due waiver of claims against the City of damages on account of such placement or storage must be obtained from the owner of such property and filed in the office of the Director before such materials or equipment may be placed or stored.
C. 
In the Alley. In the alley adjoining the building site for which a permit has been issued, provided that a clear and unobstructed roadway not less than 10 feet in width is maintained through such alley along the building site.
D. 
Public Sidewalk in Front of Building Site. On any portion of the public sidewalk in front of the building site for which a permit has been issued, except on the walkway required to be maintained.
Exception. Where there are unusual conditions not anticipated in this code, an application for an encroachment permit may be made to the proper department having jurisdiction for a variance of the conditions mentioned above.
(Prior code § 14-106)
Section 901.1.1 of the 2025 California Building Code is hereby added and shall read as follows.
Section 901.1.1 of the 2025 California Building Code.
A. 
Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all new construction, regardless of occupancy classification, where the total floor area is 6,000 square feet or more. Exception. Mini-storage facilities of any size shall be protected with an automatic sprinkler system designed per extra hazard and conforming to National Fire Protection Standard 13. This does not include occupancy classes of A-2/H, I, F-1 (Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Manufacturing and/or Wood Working Operations) and S-1 (Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Storage, Storage of Commercial Motor Vehicles, Repair Garages for Commercial Motor Vehicles). These occupancies shall be protected as per the California Building and Fire Codes.
B. 
Basements. A fire protection system shall be required in basements, regardless of square footage, of all commercial buildings when the basement is used for any purpose other than service to the building. Service to the building includes utilities such as electricity, gas, telephone, cable TV, elevator equipment, HVAC equipment, and water heaters. In lieu of the requirements for basement sprinklers, alternative fire protection may be provided in existing buildings if approved by the Chief.
C. 
NFPA 13R Sprinkler Systems. Wherever in the code an NFPA 13R sprinkler system is allowed, an NFPA 13 sprinkler system shall be used.
D. 
NFPA 13D Sprinkler Systems. Automatic fire sprinkler systems installed in one- and two-family dwellings; Group R3; and townhouses shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D, as amended in Chapter 80.
1. 
Pre-manufactured homes shall not apply.
2. 
Fire damage repair or other naturally caused damage to R3 occupancies shall not require an automatic fire sprinkler system unless the structure is to be demolished and rebuilt.
3. 
Residential additions that exceeds 50 percent (except additions specifically for the creation of an ADU) of the overall area of the existing structure shall require an automatic fire sprinkler system be installed throughout the building per NFPA 13D.
4. 
Attic spaces in Group R3 occupancies shall have pilot heads installed in each roof pitch of a compartmentalized attic in addition to the forced air unit (FAU).
5. 
Passive purge connection required in lieu of a backflow prevention device. CPVC piping shall be brought down to the toilet stub out.
6. 
Spare sprinkler head box shall be required with minimum three (3) spare sprinkler heads, and/or one (1) each per type of sprinkler head provided and a wrench.
7. 
An electric bell shall be installed on the exterior of the building and have a dedicated circuit with lockout on breaker.
8. 
Fire sprinkler heads shall be required under any stairwell where a compartment, room, and/or closet is located.
9. 
Newly constructed single-family homes: Covered and enclosed patios, California rooms and/or similar outdoor rooms or living spaces where a natural gas line for a fuel-fired appliance is permanently installed shall have fire sprinkler protection.
E. 
Quick-Response and Residential Sprinklers. Where automatic sprinkler systems are required by this code, quick-response or residential automatic sprinklers shall be installed in the following areas in accordance with Section 903.3.2 of the California Fire Code (2025 Edition) and their listings:
1. 
Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing patient sleeping units in Group 1-2 in accordance with the California Building Code.
2. 
Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing treatment rooms in ambulatory care facilities.
3. 
Dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R occupancies.
4. 
Light-hazard occupancies as defined in NFPA 13.
F. 
Existing Group R1 and R2 Buildings.
1. 
Upon an improvement requiring a building permit and the valuation exceeds 50 percent of the assessed property value, an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with the most currently adopted edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems."
G. 
Commercial/Industrial Building Additions.
1. 
Any new addition to an existing building that places the building's total square footage above 6,000 square feet shall require an automatic fire sprinkler system. This does not include the occupancy classes of A-2, H, I, F-1 (Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Manufacturing and/or Wood Working Operations) and S-1 (Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Storage, Storage of Commercial Motor Vehicles, Repair Garages for Commercial Motor Vehicles). Fire sprinklers will not be required for the existing building or the addition if a fire wall (generally four (4) hours) without openings is installed.
2. 
Change of Use. In an existing building where a change of use occurs and the new use is more restrictive than the previous use or the original intended use of the building changes, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed.
3. 
Valuation of Project. In existing buildings where the valuation of improvement is more than 50 percent of the assessed valuation of the property, an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed.
H. 
Fire Alarm Systems.
1. 
Where Required—New and Existing Buildings and Structures. An approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new and existing buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.29 of the California Fire Code (2025 Edition) and provide occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.5, unless other requirements are provided by another section of this code.
a. 
All fire alarm and detection systems required by subsection H.1 above, shall require central station service monitoring as defined by and in accordance with the 2025 Edition of NFPA 72, Chapter 26. An Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Certificate or Factory Mutual (FM) Placard, in accordance with 2025 Edition of NFPA 72, Chapter 26, shall be issued by the UL Listed or FM Approved prime contractor for all newly installed fire alarm systems in commercial occupancies. This regulation shall apply to all fire alarm systems that are newly installed in commercial occupancies for which permits are required by the Stockton Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division, on or after, January 1, 2026.
b. 
Any existing fire alarm system in a commercial occupancy wherein the fire alarm control panel and alarm system components require replacement, shall be considered newly installed for the purposes of this section and shall require central station service in accordance with the 2025 Edition of NFPA 72, Chapter 26.
c. 
Any existing fire alarm system where four (4) or more "faulty" false alarms, determined to be from a system malfunction, occur in a one (1) month period shall be subject to the same certification requirement as a new fire alarm system or replacement of an existing alarm system—Central station service in accordance with the 2025 Edition of NFPA 72, Chapter 26.
d. 
Central Station service in full compliance with the 2025 Edition of NFPA 72, Chapter 26, shall be maintained at the protected property, so long as the requirement for the fire alarm system exists.
e. 
Exception. Supervisory service is not required for:
i. 
Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by California Fire Code Section 907.2.11.
ii. 
Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies.
iii. 
Automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.
f. 
Definitions.
i. 
A faulty false alarm is an alarm caused by a malfunction of a system or accidental setoff and such an alarm will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Fire Marshal or designee.
ii. 
Commercial occupancies are defined as those occupancies in use groups A (Assembly); B (Business); E (Educational); F (Factory); H (High Hazard); I (Institutional); R-1, R-2, R-4 (Residential).
iii. 
R-3 (Residential) is defined as one- and two-family dwellings.
2. 
In new and existing buildings, manual pull stations are required at every public-accessible door and every employee service door within a building to initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or fire sprinkler water-flow detection devices.
3. 
Groups A, B, E, F, M, and R occupancy exceptions that indicate omissions of manual fire alarm boxes shall not apply.
4. 
Alarms. One exterior approved audible/visual device, located on the exterior of each building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system. Visible alarm notification appliances shall be required.
I. 
Remote Test Switches. Where in-duct smoke detectors are installed in concealed locations more than 10 feet (3 m) above the finished floor or in arrangements where the detector's alarm indicator is not visible to responding personnel, the detectors shall be provided with remote alarm indicators and test switch plates. Remote alarm indicators and test switch plates shall be installed in an accessible location and shall be clearly labeled to indicate both their functions and the air-handling unit(s) associated with each detector and test switch plate (for example, In-duct Smoke Detector Alarm and test switch plate for In-duct Smoke Detector).
J. 
Private Fire Hydrants. All private fire hydrants shall be annually inspected, maintained, and tested in accordance with NFPA 25 and the 2025 California Fire Code Sections 507.5.2 and 507.5.3. Additionally, all private hydrants shall receive a five-year inspection and flow test. The inspection, maintenance, testing, and repair of all private fire hydrants shall be the sole responsibility of the owner of the property where the private fire hydrants are located.
(Prior code §§ 14-125.1, 14-135.1; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 9; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)
Plain concrete construction shall not be utilized as a structural building component within the City.
(Prior code § 14-136; Ord. 026-07 C.S. § 9; Ord. 2019-11-19-1102-01 § 2; Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2)
Section 502.1 of the 2025 California Building Code is hereby amended and shall read as follows:
New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Numbers shall be a minimum of four (4) inches high for single-family residential properties. Commercial and Industrial properties shall be a minimum of twelve (12) inches high on the building and six (6) inches high on the suite. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations and/or required to be larger than 12 inches to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.
(Ord. 2022-11-15-1203 C.S. § 2; Ord. 2025-11-18-1206, 11/18/2025)