This title is applicable within the city limits of the City of Vacaville. This title shall apply to all new construction, alterations, repairs, relocations, or reconstruction of any building or structure or any portion thereof, including any electrical, mechanical, gas, plumbing, or fire protection equipment installed on any property or used on or within any building.
The purpose of this chapter is to adopt by reference the 2022 Edition of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, subject to the definitions, clarifications, and amendments set forth in this title of the City of Vacaville Municipal Code. The purpose of this chapter is also to provide minimum requirements and standards for the protection of the public safety, health, property, and welfare of the City of Vacaville. The ordinance codified in this title is adopted under the authority of California Government Code Section 50022.2 and California Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
Chapter 1, Divisions I and II of the California Building Code (CBC), Volume 1, 2022 Edition, are hereby adopted in their entirety, as amended in Sections 15.20.250.030 through 15.20.250.106;
Chapter 1, Divisions I and II, of the California Residential Code (CRC), 2022 Edition, are additionally hereby adopted in their entirety, as amended in Sections 15.20.250.030 through 15.20.250.106, as further administrative provisions of this title as applicable to projects subject to the California Residential Code, as defined in Section 101.2 of the California Building Code;
Chapter 1, Divisions I and II of the California Plumbing Code (CPC), 2022 Edition, are additionally adopted in their entirety, as amended in Sections 15.20.250.030 through 15.20.250.106, as further administrative provisions of this title as applicable to projects subject to the California Plumbing Code (CPC);
Chapter 1, Divisions I and II of the California Mechanical Code (CMC), 2022 Edition, are additionally hereby adopted in their entirety, as amended in Sections 15.20.250.030 through 15.20.250.106, as further administrative provisions of this title as applicable to projects subject to the California Mechanical Code (CMC);
Article 89 of the California Electrical Code (CEC), 2022 Edition, is hereby adopted in its entirety, as amended in Sections 15.20.250.030 through 15.20.250.106, as further administrative provisions of this title as applicable to projects subject to the California Electric Code (CEC);
Chapter 8-1 of the California Historical Building Code, 2022 Edition, is hereby adopted in its entirety, as amended in Sections 15.20.250.030 through 15.20.250.106, as further administrative provisions of this title as applicable to projects subject to the California Historical Building Code;
Chapter 1, Divisions I and II of the California Existing Building Code, 2022 Edition, are hereby adopted in their entirety, as amended in Sections 15.20.250.030 through 15.20.250.106, as further administrative provisions of this title as applicable to projects subject to the California Existing Building Code;
Chapter 1 of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), 2022 Edition, is hereby adopted in its entirety, as further administrative provisions of this title as applicable to projects subject to the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen);
Chapter 1 of the 2021 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code is hereby adopted in its entirety, as amended in Sections 15.20.250.030 through 15.20.250.106, as further administrative provisions of this title as applicable to property maintenance.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
A. 
Chapter 1, Division II, CBC Section [A] 101.1 – Title. Replace Section [A] 101.1 of the CBC with the following:
These regulations form part of Title 15 of the City of Vacaville Municipal Code and shall be known as the City of Vacaville Building Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code".
B. 
Chapter 1, Division II, CRC Section R101.1 – Title. Replace Section [A] 101.1 of the CRC with the following:
These regulations form part of Title 15 of the City of Vacaville Municipal Code and shall be known as the City of Vacaville Residential Building Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, hereinafter referred to as "this code".
C. 
Chapter 1, Division II, California Existing Building Code Section [A] 101.1 – Title. Replace Section [A] 101.1 of the California Existing Building Code with the following:
These regulations form part of Title 15 of the City of Vacaville Municipal Code and shall be known as the City of Vacaville Existing Building Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
D. 
IPMC Section [A] 101.1 – Title. Replace Section [A] 101.1 of the IPMC with the following:
These regulations form part of Title 15 of the City of Vacaville Municipal Code and shall be known as the City of Vacaville Property Maintenance Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
A. 
Chapter 1, division II, CBC Section [A] 102.2 – Other Laws. Add the following to Section [A] 102.2 of the CBC:
In the event of any conflict between this code and any law, rule, or regulation of the State of California, that requirement that establishes the higher standard of safety shall govern. Failure to comply with such a standard of safety shall be a violation of this code.
B. 
Chapter 1, Division II, CRC Section R102.2 – Other Laws. Add the following to Section R102.2 of the California Residential Code:
In the event of any conflict between this code and any law, rule, or regulation of the State of California, that requirement that establishes the higher standard of safety shall govern. Failure to comply with such a standard of safety shall be a violation of this code.
C. 
Chapter 1, Division II, California Existing Building Code Section [A] 102.2 – Other Laws. Add the following to Section [A] 102.2 of the California Existing Building Code:
In the event of any conflict between this code and any law, rule, or regulation of the State of California, that requirement that establishes the higher standard of safety shall govern. Failure to comply with such a standard of safety shall be a violation of this code.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
A. 
CBC Section [A] 105.2 – Work exempt from permit, Subsection entitled "Building," items 1 and 9 are amended and item 14 is added to read as follows:
1. One-story detached accessory structures, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2), the structure meets the setback and height limitation requirements as outlined in Title 14 known as the Land Use and Development Code of the City of Vacaville. It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by Section 710A, despite exemption from permit.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18'' (457 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons, (18,925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
14. Repairs to roof covering not exceeding a total of 100 square feet within any 12-month period.
B. 
CRC Section R105.2 – Work exempt from permit, subsection entitled "Building," items 1 and 7 are amended and item 11 is added to read as follows:
1. One-story detached accessory structures, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2), the structure meets the setback and height limitation requirements as outlined in Title 14 known as the Land Use and Development Code of the City of Vacaville. It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by Section 710A, despite exemption from permit.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18" (457 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons, (18,925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
11. Repairs to roof covering not exceeding a total of 100 square feet within any 12-month period.
C. 
California Existing Building Code Section [A] 105.2 – Work exempt from permit, subsection entitled "Building," item 7 is added to read as follows:
7. Repairs to roof covering not exceeding a total of 100 square feet within any 12-month period.
D. 
CBC Section [A] 105.3.1 – Action on Application, Section 105.3.1.1 – Conditions of Issuance is added to read as follows:
Section 105.3.1.1 – Conditions of Permit Issuance – Except as provided by City Council action, or by recorded fee deferral agreement between the City and permittee, a building permit shall not be issued for any structure until:
(A) All applicable fees, including, but not limited to, purchase of water meter, water, construction water, sewer connection fees, water connection fees, park and recreation fees, greenbelt preservation fees, general facilities development impact fees, police development impact fee, fire development impact fee, traffic impact fee, drainage detention/conveyance fees, school impact fees, school development fees, school mitigation fees, Solano County facilities fee.
(B) Any contractor or subcontractor who applies for permits to do work on said structure holds a current business license to do work in the city.
(C) Where an application for a building permit includes electrical, mechanical, and or plumbing work, a single permit shall be issued for all work specified in the application, except for commercial and industrial projects, where separate electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits may be issued.
(D) No person to whom a permit has been issued shall transfer, assign, or convey such permit to another person for the purpose of completing the work for which the permit was issued. When the permittee to whom the permit has been issued no longer has a vested interest in the project or is no longer responsible for the project or work covered by the permit, the permit shall automatically become null and void. No person shall proceed with such a project or work without first obtaining a new permit.
(E) A permit to do or, to cause to be done, any work regulated by this code shall be issued only to persons holding a valid contractor's license issued by the State of California authorizing said person to undertake such work or to a person exempt from the contractor's licensing requirements of the State of California.
Where applicable, properties shall not have any permits that are regulated by this code issued until the required entitlements have been fully executed for the proposed development by the Community Development Department, Planning Division as regulated by Title 14 of the Vacaville Municipal Code.
E. 
CRC Section R105.3.1 – Action on Application, Section 105.3.1.1 – Conditions of Issuance is added to include the same language as subsection D of this section, CBC Section 105.3.1.1 – Conditions of Permit Issuance, in the California Residential Code.
F. 
CPC Section 104.4 – Permit Issuance is amended to include the same language as subsection D of this section, CBC Section 105.3.1.1 – Conditions of Permit Issuance, in the California Plumbing Code.
G. 
CMC Section 104.4 – Permit Issuance is amended to include the same language as subsection D of this section, CBC Section 105.3.1.1 – Conditions of Permit Issuance, in the California Mechanical Code.
H. 
CEC Article 89.108.4.1(a) – Permits, Fees, Applications and Inspections is amended to include the same language as subsection D of this section, CBC Section 105.3.1.1 – Conditions of Permit Issuance, in the California Electrical Code.
I. 
CBC Section [A] 105.3.2 – Time limitation of application is amended as follows:
An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that the building official is authorized to grant one extension not to exceed 180 days. An application may only be extended once unless otherwise determined by the Building Official on a case-by-case basis. A request to extend an application shall be submitted in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. Should the permit not be issued after a one-time extension has been granted, the applicant shall submit a new application, pay new plan review fees, and plans shall be designed and reviewed under the current codes and ordinances in effect at the time of the new application. Application for which no permit is issued within 180 days following the date of application shall expire on the 181st day without further action, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official.
J. 
CRC Section R105.3.2 – Time limitation of application is amended to read the same as subsection I of this section, CBC Section [A] 105.3.2 – Time Limitation of application.
K. 
CEC Article 89.108.4.1(a) – Permits, Fees, Applications and Inspections, is amended by adding subsection (d) to include the same language as subsection I of this section, CBC Section 105.3.2 – Time limitation of application, in the California Electrical Code.
L. 
California Existing Building Code Section [A] 105.3.2 – Time limitation of Application is amended to read the same as subsection I of this section, CBC Section [A] 105.3.2 – Time limitation of application.
M. 
CBC Section [A] 105.5.1 – Expiration is amended to read as follows:
Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 12 months after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 12 months after the time the work is commenced. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each and not exceeding two (2) calendar years. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
The building official may issue a permit for a lesser period when necessary to abate dangerous or sub-standard conditions.
N. 
CRC Section R105.5.1 – Expiration is amended to read the same as subsection M of this section, CBC Section [A] 105.5.1 – Expiration.
O. 
California Existing Building Code Section [A] R105.5.1 – Expiration is amended to read the same as subsection M of this section, CBC Section [A] 105.5.1 – Expiration.
P. 
CBC Section [A] 105.5.2 – Expired Permits is added to read in full as follows:
Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit, or a renewed permit as specified below, shall be first obtained.
For permits where work has not commenced within 12 months from the date of such permit, a renewed permit may be obtained provided that: (1) no changes have been made or will be required in the original plans and specifications for such work; (2) the expiration has not exceeded two (2) calendar years from the original issuance date; and (3) a new code cycle has not been adopted. Permit renewals shall pay the difference in all applicable development fees that may have escalated from the date the original permit was issued and are subject to the renewal fees in accordance with the amounts set by resolution of the City Council.
For permits where work had commenced, construction has progressed and inspections have been conducted by the city to the point whereby only a final inspection(s) is required but the project was subsequently suspended or abandoned for a period exceeding 12 months (365 days), a renewed permit may be obtained provided that: (1) No changes have been made or will be required in the original plans and specifications for such work; (2) the expiration has not exceeded two (2) calendar years from the issuance date, and (3) a new code cycle has not been adopted. Permit renewals shall pay the difference in all applicable fees that may have escalated from the date the original permit was issued. A fee shall be determined and added based on the number of estimated inspections, estimated staff time, and required meetings as determined by the Building Official in accordance with the amounts sets by resolution of the City Council.
For permits where work has commenced and was subsequently suspended or abandoned for a period exceeding 12 months beyond the issuance date, and where inspections other than a final inspection are still required a new permit is required. Additionally, the applicant shall pay new permit fees based on the valuation of the uncompleted work.
In any case where renewal or a new permit is requested and a new code cycle has been adopted post initial permit issuance, revised plans for the uncompleted work shall be submitted for plan review and approval. Plans will be reviewed under the current codes and ordinances in place at the time of the new application. The Building Official may determine that the applicable Building Codes governing the original permit may be utilized based on the remaining scope of work to be completed on a case-by-case basis.
If the owner or applicant fails to complete the construction work within the time required, the Building Official is authorized to obtain the abatement of any unsafe condition or nuisance created by such incomplete work. The City Attorney is authorized to file an action for the abatement of any such unsafe condition or nuisance at the direction of the Building Official.
Q. 
CRC Section R105.5.2 – Expired Permits is added to the California Residential Code to read the same as subsection P of this section, CBC Section [A] 105.5.2 – Expired Permits.
R. 
California Existing Building Code Section [A] R105.5.2 – Expired Permits is added to the California Existing Building Code to read the same as subsection P of this section, CBC Section [A] 105.5.2 – Expiration.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
A. 
CRC Section R106.1.1 – Information on Construction Documents. Add the following to R106.1.1 of the CRC:
Where applicable, the construction documents shall provide the information specified in Section 1603 of the California Building Code.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
A. 
Every person or entity applying for a permit pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 15.20.250 through 15.20.263 of this code shall pay all applicable fees as set by resolution of the City Council to cover the City's processing costs.
Plan review fees shall be paid upon submittal of the permit application. When submittal documents are required by other sections of the adopted codes, a plan review fee shall be paid in the amount set by resolution of the City Council. The fee shall be that in effect at the time of submittal.
When a submittal is incomplete or changed so as to require additional review or when the project or proposal involves deferred submittal items, an additional plan review fee shall be paid if required by the Building Official in the amount set by resolution of the City Council. The fee shall be that in effect at the time of submittal.
B. 
CPC Section 104.5 – Fees is amended to read to read the same as subsection A of this section.
C. 
CMC Section 104.5 – Fees is amended to read to read the same as subsection A of this section.
D. 
CBC Section [A] 109.6 – Refunds is removed and replaced to read as follows:
The Building Official is permitted to authorize the refund of fees as follows:
1. The amount of the fee that was erroneously paid or collected.
2. Not more than 80% of the fee paid, where no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with the code, and the permit is revoked, canceled or withdrawn.
3. No more than 80% of fees where government resources have not been expended.
4. No refund shall be provided to expired permits.
The Building Official shall not authorize a refund of a fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee, such application must be filed no later than 12 months after the day of fee payment.
E. 
CRC Section R108.5 – Refunds is amended to read the same as subsection D of this section, CBC Section [A] 109.6 – Refunds.
F. 
CPC Section 104.5.3 – Refunds is amended to read the same as subsection D of this section, CBC Section [A] 109.6 – Refunds.
G. 
CMC Section 104.5.3 – Refunds is amended to read the same as subsection D of this section, CBC Section [A] 109.6 – Refunds.
H. 
California Existing Building Code Section [A]108.6 – Refunds is amended to read the same as subsection D of this section, CBC Section [A] 109.6 – Refunds.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
A. 
CBC Section [A] 110.3.6 – Lath, gypsum board and gypsum panel product inspection is amended to delete the exception.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
A. 
CBC Section [A] 111.1 – Change of occupancy is amended by adding the following language:
Certificates of occupancy will not be issued without approvals of all applicable agencies, the city fire department, and/or other applicable city departments. Such a certificate shall not be issued until compliance with all city requirements has been met. Occupying or using a structure without this approval shall constitute a violation of this code and will be deemed a safety hazard and/or a public nuisance.
The final inspection of a building permit shall act as the certificate of occupancy for new single-family dwellings. For the inspection card to act as the certificate of occupancy, all required inspections shall be documented as passed, including the final inspection. Passed inspections are documented as signatures and/or initials by the building official and or his/her deputies on the official building inspection card.
A certificate of occupancy is not required for commercial development where there is no change in the following:
1. Tenant
2. Use
3. Occupancy Classification(s)
4. Originally permitted tenant space square footage
5. Occupant load
6. Construction type
B. 
CRC Section R110.1 – Use and change of occupancy is amended to add the same language as in subsection A of this section, CBC Section [A] 111.1 – Change of occupancy, to the California Residential Code.
C. 
California Existing Building Code Section [A] 110.1 – Use and change of occupancy is amended to add the same language as in subsection A of this section, CBC Section [A] 111.1 – Change of occupancy, to the California Existing Building Code.
D. 
CBC Section 111.2 – Certificate issued is amended to add the following item 13 and its exception to Section 111.2 of the CBC to read as follows:
13. The certificate of occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the chief building official.
Exception: The certificate of occupancy need not be posted in Group R-3 occupancies or their associated accessory structures
E. 
CBC Section 111.3 – Temporary Occupancy is amended to add the following language to the end of the section:
Temporary certificates of occupancy will not be issued without approvals of all applicable agencies, the city fire department, and/or other city departments; where such departments have reviewed and approved the project for permit issuance. Occupying or using a structure without this approval shall constitute a violation of this code and will be deemed a safety hazard and or a public nuisance. Requests for temporary certificate of occupancy are subject to a formal application and fees as prescribed by the adopted fee schedule.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
A. 
CBC Section 113 – Means of Appeals is amended to replace the phrase "board of appeals" with "building appeals board" and add subsection [A] 113.5 – Members to read as follows:
Five (5) members of the Napa-Solano Chapter of the International Code Council (NSICC), chosen by the Building Official on a case-by-case basis, shall serve as building appeals board members for the City of Vacaville. The NSICC, an organization of building officials, building inspectors, and construction industry personnel, was formed in 1978 to help maintain consistent and uniform code enforcement and code interpretation within the jurisdictions of Napa and Solano counties. Building Officials from jurisdictions within Napa and Solano counties and neighboring counties are members of the NSICC. Building Official members of the NSICC are well-versed in the technical and administrative provisions of construction codes. In appeals of decisions of disabled access, a minimum of two members shall be Certified Access Specialist ("CASp") certified or certified by the International Code Council in disabled access. The chief building official of the City of Vacaville or designee shall be ex-officio, non-voting member.
B. 
CRC Section 112 – Means of Appeals is amended to add subsection R112.5 to the California Residential Code to read the same as subsection A of this section, CBC Section [A] 113.5 – Members.
C. 
CPC Section 107.0 – Board of Appeals is amended to add subsection 107.3 to the California Plumbing Code to read the same as subsection A of this section, CBC Section [A] 113.5 – Members.
D. 
CMC Section 107.0 – Board of Appeals is amended to add subsection 107.3 to the California Mechanical Code to read the same as subsection A of this section, CBC Section [A] 113.5 – Members.
E. 
CEC Section 89.108.8.1 – Appeals Board is amended to add subsection 89.108.8.3 – Local Appeals Board established to the California Electrical Code to read the same as subsection A of this section, CBC Section [A] 113.5 – Members.
F. 
California Existing Building Code Section 112 – Means of Appeals. is amended to add subsection 112.5 to the California Existing Building Code to read the same as subsection A of this section, CBC Section [A] 113.5 – Members.
G. 
IPMC Section 107 – Means of Appeals is amended to replace the phrase "board of appeals" with "building appeals board" and is further amended to add subsection 107.5 to the International Property Maintenance Code to read the same as subsection A of this section, CBC Section [A] 113.5 – Members.
Where the enforcement action is initiated by the city code enforcement division, the appellant must follow the appeals procedure as established by Title 8.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
A. 
Each person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each violation and for every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this code is committed, continued, or permitted.
B. 
Violations of the provisions of this title are punishable as a misdemeanor and subject to penalties set forth in Chapter 1.16 of this code and administrative fines pursuant to Chapter 1.28 of this code, and are considered a public nuisance subject to abatement and administrative fines of Chapter 8.10 of this code. This subsection shall be in addition to and shall not supersede any enforcement provisions set forth in the codes adopted under this title.
C. 
CBC Section [A] 114.1 – Unlawful Acts is amended by adding the following language:
Each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each violation and for every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this code is committed, continued, or permitted. Unlawful acts in violation of this code may be punishable as a misdemeanor. Administrative fines shall be administered as set forth in Chapter 8.10 of Title 8 of the Vacaville Municipal Code.
D. 
CRC Section R113.1 – Unlawful Acts is amended to add the language set forth in subsection C of this section, CBC Section [A] 114.1 – Unlawful Acts, to the California Residential Code.
E. 
California Existing Building Code Section [A]113.1 – Unlawful Acts is amended to add the language set forth in subsection C of this section, CBC Section [A] 114.1 – Unlawful Acts, to the California Existing Building Code.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
The following sections are added to the CBC and the CRC respectively: Section [A] 120 and R120, both entitled "Expedited permit process for small residential rooftop solar system," to read as follows:
Section [A] 120/R120 – Expedited permit process for small residential rooftop solar systems.
A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to provide an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014, California Government Code Section 65850.5) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This section encourages the use of solar systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the City, and expanding the ability of property owners to install solar energy systems. This section allows the city to achieve these goals while protecting public health and safety.
B. Definitions. As used in this section:
"Electronic submittal" means the utilization of electronic submittal via the internet.
"Reasonable restrictions" on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.
"Restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance" means:
1. For water heater systems or solar swimming pool heating systems: an amount exceeding ten (10) percent of the cost of the system, but in no case, more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding ten (10) percent, as originally specified and proposed, provided said proposal meets code requirements.
2. For photovoltaic systems: an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding ten (10) percent as originally specified and proposed, provided said proposal meets code requirements.
"Small residential rooftop solar energy system" means all the following:
1. A solar energy system that is no larger than ten (10) kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty (30) kilowatts thermal.
2. A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable State fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the City and paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 714 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or designated from time to time.
3. A solar energy system that is installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling or residential accessory structure.
4. A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction.
"Solar energy system" has the same meaning set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 801.5 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or designated from time to time.
"Specific adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
C. Applicability.
1. This section applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems under the jurisdiction of the city.
2. Small residential rooftop solar energy systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section are not subject to the requirements of this section unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of a small rooftop energy system in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit.
D. Solar Energy System Requirements.
1. All small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state and the City.
2. Solar energy systems for heating water in single-family residences shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code.
3. Solar energy systems for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.
E. Applications and Documents.
1. All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application shall be made available on the City website.
2. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by the Internet shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.
3. The City's building division shall adopt and post on the City's website a standard plan and checklist of all requirements ("Expedited Application Requirements") with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. Said plan and checklist shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard plans contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
4. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:
a. Verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction, through the use of standard engineering evaluation techniques, that the support structure for the small residential rooftop solar energy system is stable and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building foundation; and
b. At the applicant's cost, verify to the city's reasonable satisfaction using standard electrical inspection techniques that the existing electrical system including existing line, load, ground, and bonding wiring as well as main panel and subpanel sizes are adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry all new photovoltaic electrical loads.
F. Permit Review and Inspection Requirements.
1. An application that satisfies all the expedited application requirements, as determined by the chief building official or designee shall be deemed complete.
2. Once deemed complete, the building division shall issue a building permit, the issuance of which is nondiscretionary, within one to three business days for over-the-counter applications or within one to three business days for electronic applications. The issuance of said permit does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid until inspected and authorization to do so has been granted by the chief building official or designee. The applicant is further responsible for obtaining such approval or permission to connect from the local utility provider.
3. Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the building division for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the building official and fire marshal (where applicable), and/or their designated representatives. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized, however, the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this subsection.
4. If the building official determines an application is incomplete, the chief building official or designee shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance. Said written correction notice shall be issued within five business days of the date of determination of an incomplete application.
5. The chief building official or designee may require an applicant to apply for a limited review permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. Such a decision may be appealed by the applicant to the Community Development Director subject to the provisions of subsection G.
6. If a limited review permit is required, the chief building official may deny such application if it makes written findings based upon substantive evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid, as defined, the adverse impact. "A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by the city on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit. The city shall use its best efforts to ensure the selected method, condition, or mitigation meets the conditions of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 714 of the Civil Code defining restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potentially feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact. Such a decision may be appealed by the applicant to the Community Development Director subject to the provisions of subsection G.
7. Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.
G. Appeals.
1. The applicant may appeal decisions rendered pursuant to subsection (F)(4) or (F)(5) upon payment of the appeal fee, submittal of an appeal application to the Community Development front counter within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the decision.
2. The decision of the Community Development Director on an appeal is final.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
The following sections are added to the CBC and the CRC respectively: [A] 121 and R121, both entitled "Expedited permit process for electric vehicle charging stations," to read as follows:
Section [A] 121/R121 – Expedited permit process for electric vehicle charging stations.
A. Applicability. This section applies to applications for expedited building permits for electric vehicle charging stations consistent with California Government Code Section 65850.7.
B. Definitions
1. Electric vehicle charging station or charging station means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code and delivers electricity from a source outside of an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.
2. Electronic submittal means the utilization of electronic submittal via the internet.
3. Specific, adverse impact means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date an application was deemed complete.
C. Electric vehicle charging station permit application checklist
1. The Building Official shall have a checklist of all application requirements for expedited building permits for electric vehicle charging stations. The checklist shall substantially conform to the most current version of the "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" found in the Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
2. The checklist, application form, and any other documents required for the submission of an electric vehicle charging station application shall be made available on the publicly accessible City website.
3. Anyone seeking to install an electric vehicle charging station at any site within the city may apply to the building official for an expedited nondiscretionary building permit.
4. An application for an expedited building permit for an electric vehicle charging station, and all associated documentation, may be submitted to the building official in person, by mail, or by electronic submittal. Electronic signatures may be used in lieu of wet signatures.
D. Permit application review
1. An application that, in the opinion of the building official, satisfies the information requirements of the checklist shall be deemed complete.
2. If an application is deemed incomplete, the building official shall provide a written correction notice of the deficiencies and the additional information required to complete the application.
3. If the building official determines that an application for an expedited building permit is complete, the building official shall process the application. If the building official determines that the proposed charging station meets all applicable code requirements and would not have a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety, the application shall be approved, and a building permit shall be issued.
4. If the building official finds, based on substantial evidence, that a proposed charging station could have a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety, the building official shall require the applicant to resubmit for an "electric vehicle charging station use permit" to install the proposed charging station.
5. Upon resubmission, the electric vehicle charging station use permit shall be reviewed by the building official. If the building official issues the "electric vehicle charging station use permit", the permit may include conditions designed to mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. The building official shall not deny such an application without making written findings, based upon substantial evidence in the record, that the proposed charging station would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety which could not feasibly be satisfactorily mitigated or avoided. The written findings required for the rejection of an electric vehicle charging station use permit application shall include the building official's basis for rejecting any potentially feasible alternatives that could mitigate or prevent the alleged adverse impact. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official's review shall be limited to health and safety issues. Aesthetic concerns or other items not related to public health or safety shall not be considered.
6. A decision of the building official made pursuant to paragraphs 3-5 of this subsection may be appealed to the Planning Commission within 10 calendar days from the original date of the decision. The Planning Commission's review shall be subject to the same limitations as that of the building official, and only health and safety issues may be considered.
7. Any condition imposed on an application for an expedited building permit or electric vehicle charging station use permit shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
A. 
CBC Section [A]122 Safety Assessment is added to the California Building Code to read as follows:
Section [A]122 – Safety Assessment.
This Section establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure related to the safety of occupancy. This Section further authorizes the Building Official and his or her authorized representatives to post the appropriate placard at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.
The provisions of this Section are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the City of Vacaville.
"Safety assessment" means a visual, non-destructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for safe continued occupancy.
The following are descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to designate the condition for continued safe occupancy of buildings or structures.
INSPECTED (green placard) – Occupancy is permitted. This placard will be posted on any building or structure wherein no apparent structural hazard has been found. This placard is not intended to mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.
RESTRICTED USE (yellow placard) – Occupancy is limited. This placard will be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged wherein the damage has resulted in some form of restriction to the continued occupancy. The individual who posts this placard will note in general terms, the type of damage encountered and will clearly and concisely note the restrictions on continued occupancy.
UNSAFE (red placard) – Do Not Enter or Occupy is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life safety. Buildings or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstance except as authorized in writing by the Building Official, or his or her authorized representative. This placard is not to be used or considered as a demolition order. The individual who posts this placard will note in general terms the type of damage encountered.
The name of the jurisdiction, its address, phone number, and date of posting shall be noted on each placard.
Once it has been attached to a building or structure, a placard is not to be removed, altered, or covered until done so by an authorized representative of the Building Official. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to alter, remove, cover, or deface a placard unless authorized pursuant to this Section.
B. 
CRC Section R122 – Safety Assessment is added to the California Residential Code to include the same language as subsection A of this section, CBC Section [A]122 – Safety Assessment.
C. 
IPMC Section 122 – Safety Assessment is added to the International Property Maintenance Code to include the same language as subsection A of this section, CBC Section [A]122 – Safety Assessment.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
In addition to the enforcement authority set forth in the specific codes adopted hereunder, the Building Official shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions set forth in Chapters 15.20.250 through 15.20.263 of this code.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)
Unless superseded and expressly repealed, references in City forms, documents, and regulations to provisions of former versions of any regulation referenced in the construction codes adopted and modified herein shall be construed as to apply to the corresponding sections referenced in the current construction codes.
(Ord. 1982, Repealed and Replaced, 12/13/2022)