This chapter shall be cited as the "administrative provisions to Title 15 of the Norco Municipal Code" and shall apply to all of the referenced and adopted codes in this title, unless otherwise provided.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 972 Sec. 1, 2014; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017)
A. 
Subject to the particular additions, amendments and deletions set forth in this chapter, all the rules, regulations, provisions and conditions set forth in that certain document being marked and designated as the 2022 California Building Code, Chapter 1, Division II, are hereby adopted. The changes set forth herein are made to the 2022 Edition of the California Building Code, and the 2021 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code.
B. 
One certified copy of the 2022 California Building Code, Chapter 1, Division II, shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1), as may be stored and maintained in the office of the Building Official, and is made available for public inspection. Any and all references thereto are adopted as the administrative provisions to the codes adopted in this title for the City of Norco, unless otherwise provided, and subject to the changes contained in this chapter.
C. 
Each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions, and terms thereof are referred to, adopted, and made a part of this chapter as though fully set forth at length.
D. 
Where the California Code of Regulations and State Building Standards Code of Regulations differ from any sections of the construction codes, except as stated herein, state regulations shall prevail over the construction codes.
E. 
Notwithstanding the provisions of the above-referenced construction codes, existing fees shall apply and any new fees for services provided pursuant to the construction codes shall not take effect until a resolution for such new fees is adopted by the City Council pursuant to California Government Code Sections 66016 and 66020.
F. 
Except as provided in this chapter, those certain building codes known and designated as the 2022 California Building Code (CBC), including Appendix Chapters C—Group U Agricultural Buildings, G—Flood-Resistant Construction, and I—Patio Covers, as adopted by the State of California, based on the 2021 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council. The provisions of these construction codes as amended by this chapter shall constitute the building regulations of the City of Norco. The requirements found in Appendix C for agricultural buildings shall not supersede the accessory building requirements which are found in Chapters 18.12 and 18.13 and the Norco Hills Specific Plan and the Norco Ridge Ranch Specific Plan. Chapter 29 (Plumbing Systems) is hereby excluded from the City of Norco's adoption for being redundant and contradictory to the California Plumbing Code.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 972 Sec. 1, 2014; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1054 Sec. 1, 2019; Ord. 1089 Sec. 1, 2022; Ord. 1101 Sec. 1, 2023)
Designated sections of the 2022 California Building Code, Chapter 1, Division II, are amended to read as set forth in Sections 15.01.040 through 15.01.180.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1054 Sec. 1, 2019; Ord. 1089 Sec. 1, 2022)
Section 101.4 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
101.4 Referenced Codes. The other codes listed in section 101.4.1 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) through 101.4.9 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code.
101.4.1 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) The 2022 California Building Code as adopted and amended by NMC Chapter 15.02.
101.4.2 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) The 2022 California Green Building Code as adopted and amended by NMC Chapter 15.08.
101.4.3 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) The Housing Code as adopted and amended by NMC Chapter 15.06.
101.4.4 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) The 2022 California Residential Code as adopted and amended by NMC Chapter 15.07.
101.4.5 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) The 2022 California Mechanical Code as adopted and amended by NMC Chapter 15.04.
101.4.7 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) The 2022 California Plumbing Code as adopted and amended by NMC Chapter 15.05.
101.4.8 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) The 2022 California Electrical Code as adopted and amended by NMC Chapter 15.03.
101.4.9 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) The 2022 California Energy Code as adopted by the State of California.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 972 Sec. 1, 2014; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1054 Sec. 1, 2019; Ord. 1089 Sec. 1, 2022)
Section 105.1.1 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
105.1.1 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) Permits Required. No person, firm or corporation shall erect, re-erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or other structure in the city, without obtaining a valid building permit prior to commencement of any work.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017)
Section 105.1 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended by adding Section 105.1.3 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) thereto as follows:
105.1.3 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) Storm Drainage Fee. Storm Drainage Facility Fund Fees. When a building permit is issued for the construction of a new building or for the alteration or enlargement of an existing building that results in additional roof area, a fee of $0.02 per square foot (or the rate established by the most recent fee study) of new or additional roof area shall be collected for the purpose of construction or improvement of storm drain facilities. Said fees shall be deposited in the Storm Drainage Fee Facility Fund and shall be used solely for the improvement of the storm drainage system of the City of Norco.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017)
Section 105.2 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
Work Exempt from Permit. Exemptions from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. A building permit shall not be required for the following:
Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
2. Chain link, wrought iron, wood, vinyl, glass and corral fences not over six (6) feet high. Masonry fences not over three (3) feet high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls that are not over two (2) feet in height measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or any superimposed load other than the natural fill of level earth or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
6. Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 Occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
10. A 12 foot x 24 foot large animal-keeping roofed and side covered corral which is self-supporting and per the following:
a. These corrals must be independently supported in increments no larger than 12 feet x 24 feet and an area of 288 square feet.
b. One 12-foot x 24-foot corral is allowed for each animal unit (i.e. a horse, cow, sheep etc.) per the requirements/allowances of the underlying zone.
c. The corral may be enclosed on up to three (3) sides to create a "loafing" or "run-in" type of shelter for animals, provided a minimum 1-foot opening is kept at the top of the enclosure wall (between the wall and the roof) along the entire length of the enclosure wall with the longest dimension. This one foot "open-air" clearance is required to allow wind to pass through the corral and prevent overturning.
d. These corrals cannot exceed 14 feet in height at the roof peak, and 8 feet in height to the top of the corral walls.
e. These corrals are exempt from requiring a 10-foot separation between these corrals. Multiple corrals that meet the requirements of this section can be next to each other on the same parcel but must have a minimum 1-inch air-gap clearance between the roof of the corrals. Furthermore, these corrals cannot be permanently (rigidly) joined together to make a permanent corral larger than 288 square feet, but can have a temporary connection (i.e. clamps, bolts etc.) on the sides.
f. This exemption does not negate the required 5-foot setback from property lines, nor other requirements of maintaining animals as noted in the Zoning Code of the Norco Municipal Code.
g. Covered corrals must be secured to the ground by the means of a concrete "fence post" style footing minimum 18 inches deep x 6 inches in diameter, a 1-foot x 1-foot x 1-foot deep square concrete footing with anchor, or other type of soil anchor attachment to the ground that will prevent this corral from overturning in a wind event, and to prevent a hazard to the animal(s) itself. These footings must be easily removable or abandoned if this corral is moved or removed off the property.
h. These corrals must be constructed of weather resistant materials including steel (pipe, iron, sheet metal etc.) or wood (pressure treated, painted wood, plywood, etc.), and be maintained in accordance with the Norco Municipal Code property maintenance standards.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two- family dwellings.
12. In Group R-3 and U occupancies, window awnings that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall, when supported by an exterior wall and do not require additional support.
13. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.
14. Residential decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, with a walking surface that is not more than 30" above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling and does not serve as a required path of egress or required path of accessibility. Decks located in a front yard setback will require approval from the Planning Division of the City of Norco.
Electrical:
1. Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
2. Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for a power supply and the installations of towers and antennas.
3. Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
4. The requirements and exemptions in California Article 89 of the 2022 California Electrical Code, including those set forth in sections 89.101.3.3 and 89.108.4.1, shall also apply.
5. Repair or replacement of branch circuit over-current devices, listed for the use, of the required capacity in the same location.
Gas:
1. Portable heating appliances.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.
Plumbing:
1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
Grading:
1. Grading requirements and permits shall be as required by Chapter 15.90 of the Norco Municipal Code.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 972 Sec. 1, 2014; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1054 Sec. 1, 2019; Ord. 1089 Sec. 1, 2022; Ord. 1120 Sec. 1, 2024)
Section 105.3.2 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended as to read as follows:
105.3.2 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) Time Limitation of Application. 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 of time, for a period not more than 180 days. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1054 Sec. 1, 2019; Ord. 1089 Sec. 1, 2022)
Section 105.5 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended to read as follows:
105.5 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) Expiration and Renewal. 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 extension of time, for a period not more than 180 days. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
Renewal: Extensions will only be granted prior to the expiration of a permit. When a permit has expired, work cannot be recommenced prior to obtaining a new permit. Requests to renew an expired permit shall be submitted to the Building Official, in writing, demonstrating justifiable cause and subject to the approval of the Building Official. If approved by the Building Official the fee shall be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work and provided further that the suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. To renew a permit after more than a year of suspension or abandonment the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee. Exception: if the Building Official determines that the cost to perform the remaining inspections is less than the cost of a full new permit fee, the Building Official may approve the lesser fee.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1054 Sec. 1, 2019; Ord. 1089 Sec. 1, 2022)
Section 105.6 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended by adding thereto as follows:
The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code if construction noise is generated before 6:30 AM or continues beyond 7:00 PM on weekdays (Monday through Friday). The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this code if construction noise is generated before 8:00 AM or continues beyond 7:00 PM on Saturday, Sunday and Federal Holidays. Construction noise is defined as noise which is disturbing, excessive, or offensive and constitutes a nuisance involving discomfort or annoyance to persons of normal sensitivity residing in the area, which is generated by the use of any tools, machinery or equipment used in connection with construction operations.
The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code if dust is generated in excess of local, state or federal standards or conditions of project approval, or if the permit was issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017)
Section 105.7 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended by adding thereto as follows:
The required permits and approved plans shall be maintained in good condition and be posted or otherwise made available such as to allow the building official to conveniently make the required entries regarding the inspection of work.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017)
Section 105 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended by adding the following new subsection thereto as follows:
105.8 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) Transferability. No permit issued pursuant to Title 15 of the Norco Municipal Code shall be transferable to any other person or apply to any location other than that stated in the permit.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017)
Section 109.4 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended by adding thereto as follows:
Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work.
An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be determined by the currently adopted fee schedule and shall not be less than the actual costs as determined by the Building Official.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017)
Section 109.6 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended to read as follows:
109.6 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) Refunds. The Building Official may authorize refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.
The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit inspection fee paid when no work has been started under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee is paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is started.
The Building Official shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on a written request for refund submitted by the original applicant or original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of the fee payment.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017)
Section 110.3.9 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended by adding the following new subsections thereto as follows:
110.3.9.1 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1). Roof Sheathing and Shear Inspection. Roof sheathing and shear inspections shall be performed after roof sheathing and all structural shear panels or walls are in place and secured by nailing or other approved methods.
110.3.9.2 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1). Plaster Inspection. Plaster inspections shall be performed after the application of the scratch coat.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1054 Sec. 1, 2019; Ord. 1089 Sec. 1, 2022)
Section 110 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended by adding new subsection 110.7 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) thereto as follows:
110.7 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) Re-Inspections. A re-inspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or re-inspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections previously called for are not made. The amount of the fee shall be the minimum building inspection fee as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the City Council.
This section is not to be interpreted as requiring re-inspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or re-inspection.
Re-inspection fees may be assessed when the inspection record permit card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested, or for deviating from the plans requiring the approval of the building official.
To obtain a re-inspection, the applicant shall pay the re-inspection fee as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the City Council.
In instances where re-inspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017)
Section 111.2 (CBC Part 2 Volume 1) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
111.2 (CBC, Part 2 Volume 1) Certificate Issued. A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued until all applicable fees have been paid to the City of Norco. After the building official inspects the building or structure and finds no violation of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the City of Norco, the building official shall issue a "Certificate of Occupancy" that contains the following:
1.
The building permit number.
2.
The address of the structure.
3.
The name and address of the owner.
4.
A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5.
A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
6.
The name of the building official.
7.
The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8.
The use, occupancy group and division, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3 of the Building Code.
9.
The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6 of the Building Code.
10.
The design occupant load.
11.
If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.
12.
Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017)
The City of Norco hereby establishes a process to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions and determinations made by the enforcing agency relative to building standards published in the California Building Standards Code, or any other applicable rule or regulation adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development, or any lawfully enacted ordinance by the City relating to the same, including Title 15. The City Planning Commission shall serve as the City's Local Appeals Board for this purpose. Members of the Appeals Board(s) shall not be employees of the enforcing agency and shall be knowledgeable in the applicable building codes, regulations and ordinances as determined by the governing body of the City.
Except as otherwise provided in law, any person, firm or corporation adversely affected by a decision, order or determination by the City relating to the application of building standards published in the California Building Standards Code, or any other applicable rule or regulation adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development, or any lawfully enacted ordinance by the City relating to the same, including Title 15, may appeal the issue for resolution to the Local Appeals Board as appropriate.
A decision of the Local Appeals Board may be appealed by following the procedures for appealing a decision of the Planning Commission contained in the Norco Municipal Code.
(Ord. 1130 Sec. 1, 2025)
A. 
No person, firm, partnership, association or corporation shall violate any provisions of this chapter and any provisions of the codes, rules or regulations adopted in this title.
B. 
Any person, firm, partnership, association or corporation violating any of the provisions adopted in this title by reference, shall be guilty of an infraction, except where otherwise provided in this title. Any person violating a stop work order issued pursuant to the 2022 California Building Code, Chapter 1, Division II, Section 115.3, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person who continues to occupy or any person who enters a structure which has been posted "unsafe" by the Building Official pursuant to the 2022 California Building Code, Chapter 1, Division II, Section 116, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person who maintains or fails to remove a structure which has been posted "unsafe" by the Building Official pursuant to the 2022 California Building Code, Chapter 1, Division II, Section 116, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
C. 
Every person, firm, association or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter or provisions of the codes, rules or regulations adopted in this chapter by reference is guilty of a separate offense for each day or portion thereof during which the violation continues and shall be punishable therefor as provided in Title 1 (General Provisions), which includes administrative citations up to $500.00 per day per Section 1.05.030.
D. 
It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association or joint venture, either as owner, architect, contractor, artisan or otherwise, to do or to cause or permit to be done any work as described in the California Building Standards Code as adopted by reference in this title in such a manner that such work does not conform to all the provisions of this title and the provisions of said California Building Standards Code, as so adopted by reference.
(Ord. 937 Sec. 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 972 Sec. 1, 2014; Ord. 1012 Sec. 1, 2017; Ord. 1054 Sec. 1, 2019; Ord. 1089 Sec. 1, 2022)