The provisions of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, including Appendices C, F, G, H, I, and J, as published by the International Code Council, and subsequent Editions which incorporate by reference the 2024 Edition of the International Building Code with necessary California amendments as adopted by the State of California, Building Standards Commission or successor agency, are adopted by reference subject to the additions and amendments set forth in this Chapter. Unless repealed, references in City forms, documents, and regulations, to former provisions of Title 9, Chapter 9-1, Articles 1 and 2, of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code shall be construed to apply to the corresponding provisions of current Title 9, Chapters 9-04 through 9-64 of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Subsection 105.1 of Section 105 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by adding one (1) sentence to the end to read as follows:
"Building permits shall be required for all paving, repaving, resurfacing or slurry, striping, re-striping and signage or re-signage of parking spaces in parking lots and structures in both publicly and privately funded public, commercial, or common use facilities."
Subsection 105.2 of Section 105 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by replacing Building: items 1, 2, & 4 to read as follows:
(1) 
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, and constructed on a parcel approved for the construction of one detached single-family dwelling provided:
(A) 
The floor area does not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet.
(B) 
The maximum height above adjacent grade shall not exceed eight feet (8').
(C) 
The maximum ceiling height shall not exceed seven feet (7').
(D) 
The maximum length-to-width ratio of the building shall not exceed two to one (2:1).
(E) 
The building shall not be located closer than five feet (5') from any other building on the site.
(F) 
Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical installations are prohibited.
(G) 
Accessory buildings must be located behind the front wall of the dwelling unit and screened by a six-foot (6') fence or wall.
(H) 
The number of exempt accessory buildings shall be limited to two (2).
(2) 
Wood, chain link, or similar fences not over 6 feet high, except those fences which include masonry or similar pilasters.
(3) 
Retaining or garden walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Section 105.4 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended in its entirety as follows.
105.4 Expiration. Every permit issued shall remain valid for a period of 365 days after issuance. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Subsection 109.2 of Section 109 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by adding subsection 109.2.1 through 109.2.3 to read as follows:
109.2.1 Fees.
(1) 
General. Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of this Section or shall be as set forth in the current City of Santa Maria Schedule of Fees and Charges.
(2) 
Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (SMIP) Fees. In addition to all other permit fees a fee equal to .013% of the valuation for residential structures and .028% of the valuation for non-residential structures, or current fees set by the State of California, shall be paid to the Building Official as required by the State of California Resources Code for the strong motion instrumentation and seismic hazard mapping programs.
(3) 
Scanning Fees provided for in the current City of Santa Maria Schedule of Fees and Charges within the Santa Maria Municipal Code shall be paid to the Building Official at the time of issuance of the building permit.
(4) 
Certificate of Occupancy and Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Fee. A fee provided for in the current City of Santa Maria Schedule of Fees and Charges, will be paid to the Building Official for the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for any occupancy classification or for the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy when no building permit has been issued.
(5) 
Appeal Hearing Fee as noted in Section 9-04.080 of this Code.
(6) 
Fee for the installation of a mobile home for commercial or industrial use is the same as the maximum permitted for residential mobile homes in Section 1020 of Title 25 pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 18613(f).
(7) 
Inspections of buildings to determine their compliance with applicable Codes or regulations will be conducted upon receipt by the Building Official a written request for such inspection from the property owner or authorized representative and upon payment of a fee for such inspection and investigation based upon the current City of Santa Maria Schedule of Fees and Charges, for each hour or fraction thereof of inspection or investigation time. The minimum fee shall be for one hour of inspection.
(8) 
Reduction of permit fees for duplicate residential buildings: In dwelling construction only, where a master set of plans, including a master plot plan is submitted in application for one (1) or more building permits for duplicate buildings, an initial plan check fee for each different building design shall be charged as specified in this Section. Fees to be charged are as set forth in the current City of Santa Maria schedule of Fees and Charges:
(A) 
Model home plan check fees are subject to "Custom Dwelling" fees.
(B) 
Duplicate home permit fees are subject to "Production Tract Dwellings" fees.
(9) 
"Express" Plan Review Fee: shall be charged for expedited phasing of the plan review in accordance with the City's Express Plan Review Policy and the additional fee shall be equal to the full plan review fee.
109.2.2 Special Investigation Fees: 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, may be imposed subject to the discretion of the Building Official whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall not exceed the amount of all permit fees required by this Code for the unpermitted work. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this Code nor from any penalty prescribed by law.
109.2.3 Fee adjustments by resolution. Authorized. The fees provided for in Section 109 shall be established and amended by City Council resolution.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Subsection 109.6 of Section 109 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
109.6 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 application fee when an application for a permit is withdrawn or canceled before any plan review is done. The Building Official shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original applicant not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Section 113 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
113.0 Board of Appeals.
113.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Official relative to the application and interpretations of this Code, there shall be and is hereby created a Board of Appeals consisting of members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction and who are not employees of the jurisdiction. The Building Official shall be an ex officio member and shall act as secretary to said Boards but shall have no vote upon any matter before the Board. The Board of Appeals shall be appointed by the City Council and shall hold office at its pleasure. The Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the Building Official.
113.2 Limitations of Authority. The Board of Appeals shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this Code, nor shall the Board be empowered to waive requirements of this Code.
113.3 Appeal hearing fee. A fee, as provided in the current City of Santa Maria Schedule of Fees and Charges, shall accompany an application for a hearing before the Board of Appeals.
113.4 Special purposes members. For the purpose of appeals to the standards of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations affecting accommodations for persons with disabilities, two (2) members shall be added who shall have a disability as defined by Section 202 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Subsection 114.4 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
114.4 Violation and penalties.
114.4.1 Violations. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure in the City, or cause or permit the same to be done in violation of this Code.
114.4.2 Violation penalties. Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this Code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment as set forth in Title 1, Chapter 6 of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code. Furthermore, each separate day or any portion thereof, during which any violation of this Code occurs or continues, shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Section 116 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by adding new subsection 116.6 to read as follows:
116.6 Safety Assessment Placards.
116.6.1 Intent. This Section establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy. The Section further authorizes the Building Official or designee to post the appropriate placard at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.
116.6.2 Placards. The Building Official shall develop and maintain building safety assessment placard forms.
116.6.2.1 Descriptions. The following are verbal descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to designate the condition for continued occupancy of buildings or structures.
INSPECTED - Lawful Occupancy Permitted is to 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 is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged wherein the damage has resulted in some form of restriction to the continued use or 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 use or occupancy.
UNSAFE - Do Not Enter or Occupy is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged such that continued use or 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 designee. Safety assessment teams shall be authorized to enter these buildings at any time. 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.
116.6.2.2 Additional information on placards. This ordinance number, right of appeal, the name of the jurisdiction, its address, and phone number shall be permanently affixed to each placard.
116.6.2.3 Removal. 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.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Section 901 of Chapter 9 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by adding a new subsection 901.8 to read as follows:
901.8 Application. Where there is conflict between any requirement of this Chapter and any requirement of the Fire Prevention Chapter of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code, the most restrictive shall govern.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Chapter 15 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by replacing Section 1511 in its entirety with Sections 1511.1 through 1511.7 and Table A-15-A, to read as follows:
Section 1511 — REROOFING
Section 1511.1 — GENERAL
All reroofing shall conform to the applicable provisions of Chapter 15 of this Code and as otherwise required in this chapter. Roofing materials and methods of application shall comply with the approved standards or shall follow manufacturer's installation requirements when approved by the Building Official.
Section 1511.2 — INSPECTION AND WRITTEN APPROVAL
1511.2.1 Written Approval Required. New roofing shall not be applied without first obtaining written approval from the Building Official. The Building Official may allow existing roof coverings to remain when an inspection or other evidence reveals all of the following:
1.
The roof structure is sufficient to sustain the weight of the additional dead load of the new roofing.
2.
The roof deck is structurally sound.
3.
Roof drains and drainage are sufficient to prevent extensive accumulation of water.
4.
The existing roofing is securely attached to the deck.
5.
Existing insulation is not water soaked.
6.
Fire-retardant requirements are maintained.
1511.2.2 Required Inspections. New roof coverings shall not be applied without first conducting a pre-roofing inspection verifying that the existing roofing meets all the conditions in Section 1511.2.1. The pre-roofing inspection shall pay particular attention to evidence of accumulation of water. Where extensive ponding of water is apparent, an analysis of the roof structure for proper drainage shall be made and corrective measures, such as relocation of roof drains or scuppers, re-sloping of the roof or structural changes shall be made. Extensive ponding shall be considered areas that retain water for more than forty-eight (48) hours after the rain has stopped or as per roofing manufacturer's recommendation. An inspection report attesting to the adequacy of the roof structure, as reasonably determined from a visual inspection by a special inspector or licensed roofing contractor, prepared and signed by the same, may be required by the Building Official. Additionally, after the pre-roofing inspection and prior to applying a new roof covering, a building permit shall be obtained from the Building Official. A final inspection and approval shall be obtained from the Building Official when the reroofing is complete.
1511.2.3 - Repairs. A building permit shall not be required for roofing repairs that do not exceed ten percent (10%) of the building's roof area. This Section shall not include the roof sheathing or structural supporting elements.
Section 1511.3 — REROOFING OVERLAYS ALLOWED
1511.3.1 General. No roof shall have in any combination more than that allowed in Table A-15-A. Roofing conforming to Section 1503 overlaid on existing roofing shall comply with the provisions of this Section and manufacturer's installation requirements as an overlay when approved by the Building Official.
1511.3.2 Overlay on Existing Built-up Roofs. The Building Official may allow reroofing over existing built-up roofing when the conditions specified in Section 1515.1 have been met. When an existing built-up roof has been removed and prior to application of new roofing on a nailable deck that has residual bitumen, rosin-sized or other dry sheet shall be installed. Prior to the application of any reroofing, the existing surface shall be prepared as follows:
1.
Gravel-surfaced roofing. Not more than one overlay shall be approved over an existing built-up roof. The existing built-up roof shall be cleaned of all loose gravel and debris. All blisters, buckles, and other irregularities shall be cut and made smooth and secure. On nonnailable decks, minimum 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) insulation board shall be securely cemented to the existing roofing with hot bitumen after the existing surface has been adequately primed. On nailable decks, a rosin-sized or other dry sheet shall be installed, and a base sheet shall be mechanically fastened in place.
2.
Smooth or cap-sheet surface. Not more than one overlay shall be applied over an existing built-up roof. All blisters, buckles, and other irregularities of existing built-up roof shall be cut and made smooth and secure. On non-nailable decks, a base sheet shall be spot cemented to the existing roof. On nailable decks, a base sheet shall be mechanically fastened in place and where residual materials on the existing surface may cause the new base sheet to adhere to the old roof, a rosin-sized or other dry sheet shall be installed under the new base sheet.
3.
Intersecting walls. All concrete and masonry walls shall be completely cleaned and primed to receive new flashing. All other walls shall have the surface finish material removed to a minimum height of six inches (152 mm) above the new roof deck surface to receive new roofing and flashing. All rotted wood shall be replaced with new material. Surface finish material shall be replaced or reinstalled.
4.
Parapets. Parapets of area separation walls shall have noncombustible faces, including counterflashing and coping materials.
EXCEPTION: Combustible roofing may extend 7 inches (178 mm) above the roof surface.
5.
Cant strips. Where space permits, cant strips shall be installed at all angles. All angles shall be flashed with at least two more layers than in the new roof with an exposed finish layer of inorganic felt or mineral surfaced cap sheet.
6.
Asphalt and wood shingle application. Not more than one overlay of asphalt shingles shall be applied over one existing built-up roof on structures with a slope of 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (16.7% slope) or greater. Not more than one overlay of wood shingles shall be applied over one existing built-up roof on structures with a slope of 3 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (25% slope) or greater. The existing built-up roof shall have all surfaces cleaned of gravel and debris, all blisters and irregularities cut and made smooth and secure, and an underlayment of not less than Type 30 nonperforated felt shall be installed prior to reroofing.
7.
Spray-applied polyurethane foam application. Spray-applied polyurethane foam may be applied directly to existing built-up roofing systems when the completed assembly is a Class A, B, or C fire-retardant roofing assembly and complies with Section 2603.6. When applied on a fire-resistive roof-ceiling assembly, the completed assembly shall also comply with Section 711. Base sheets or dry sheets are not required over existing surfaces when applying spray polyurethane foam roofing systems. Miscellaneous materials such as adhesives, elastomeric caulking compounds, metal, vents, and drains shall be a composite part of the roof system.
1511.3.3 Overlay on Existing Wood Roofs or Asphalt Shingle Roofs. The Building Official may allow reroofing over existing wood shingle roofing or asphalt shingle roofing. Only fire-retardant roofing assemblies or noncombustible roof covering may be applied over existing wood shake roofs in accordance with the listing or manufacturer's installation requirements when approved by the Building Official. When the application of new roofing over existing wood shingle or wood shake roofs creates a combustible concealed space, the entire existing surface shall be covered with gypsum board, mineral fiber, glass fiber or other approved materials securely fastened in place. Hip and ridge cover on an existing shake or shingle roofing shall be removed prior to reroofing application. Roofing overlays may be installed in accordance with the following:
1.
Asphalt shingles. Not more than two overlays of asphalt shingles shall be applied over an existing asphalt or wood shingle roof. Asphalt shingles applied over wood shingles shall not have less than Type 30 nonperforated felt underlayment installed prior to reroofing.
2.
Wood shakes. Not more than one overlay of wood shakes shall be applied over an existing asphalt shingle or wood shingle roofing on structures with a slope of 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33% slope) or greater. One layer of 18-inch (457 mm), Type 30 nonperforated felt shall be shingled between each course in such a manner that no felt is exposed to the weather below the shake butts.
3.
Wood shingles. Not more than one overlay of wood shingles shall be applied over existing wood or asphalt shingles. Wood shingles applied over asphalt shingles shall not have less than Type 30 nonperforated felt underlayment installed prior to reroofing.
Section 1511.4 – TILE
Tile may be applied to roofs with a slope of 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33% slope) or greater over existing roof coverings in accordance with Table A-15-A. Such installations shall be substantiated by a report prepared by an engineer or architect licensed by the state to practice as such, indicating that the existing or modified framing system is adequate to support the covering. Tile shall be applied in accordance with the original manufacturer's specifications or when the original manufacturer's specifications are no longer available, in accordance with Section 1507.3. Tile may be repaired to match the prior installation except for clay and terra-cotta hips and ridge tile shall be reinstalled with Portland cement mortar.
Section 1511.5 – METAL ROOF COVERING
Metal roof covering may be applied over existing roofing in accordance with Table A-15-A. Reroofing with metal roof covering shall be in accordance with the original manufacturer's specifications or when the original manufacturer's specifications are no longer available as required by Section 1507.4.
Section 1511.6 – OTHER ROOFING
Reroofing with systems not covered elsewhere in this Code, such as, but not limited to, those that are fluid applied or applied as non asphaltic sheets shall be done with materials and procedures approved by the Building Official.
Section 1511.7 – FLASHING AND EDGING
Missing, rusted or damaged flashing and counterflashing, vent caps, and metal edging shall be installed or replaced with new materials. When existing built-up roofs remain, vent flashing, metal edging, drain outlets, metal counterflashing and collars shall be removed and cleaned. All metal allowed to be reinstalled shall be primed prior to reroofing installation. Collars and flanges shall be flashed per the roofing manufacturer's instructions.
TABLE A-15-A—ALLOWABLE REROOFS OVER EXISTING ROOFING
(Inspection and Written Approval Required Prior to Application)
EXISTING ROOFING
NEW OVERLAY ROOFING
Built Up
Wood Shake
Wood Shingle
Asphalt Shingle
Tile Roof
Metal Roof
Modified Bitumen
Spray Poly-urethane Foam
Built Up
Yes
NP
Yes (3:12)
Yes (2:12)
Yes (2.5:12)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Wood Shakel
NP
NP
NP
NP
Yes2
Yes2
NP
NP
Wood Shingle1
NP
Yes3 (4:12)
Yes4
Yes4
Yes2
Yes2
NP
NP
Asphalt Shingle1
NP
Yes3 (4:12)
Yes4 (3:12)
Yes
Yes (2.5:12)
Yes
Yes
NP
Asphalt over Wood
NP
NP
NP
Yes
Yes2
Yes2
Yes
NP
Asphalt over Asphalt
NP
NP
NP
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
NP
Tile Roof
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Metal Roof
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
Yes
NP
NP
Modified Bitumen
Yes
NP
Yes (3:12)
Yes
Yes (2.5:12)
Yes
Yes
NP
NP = Not Permitted.
Note: (Minimum Roof Slope)
1
See Section 1507.8 for specific requirements.
2
Board and batten leveling system must be fire stopped in accordance with Section 718.2.6.
3
One layer 18-inch (457 mm) Type 30 nonperforated felt interlaced between shake courses required.
4
Type 30 nonperforated felt underlayment required for reroofing.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Subsection 1704.1 of Chapter 17 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by adding one (1) sentence to the end of the Section to read as follows:
City of Santa Maria approved Special Inspection and Observation Certificates, or equivalent, as provided for in the City of Santa Maria's "Special Inspection and Observation Manual" are to be completed by the owner or the registered design professional in responsible charge for inclusion with the construction permit and City records.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Subsection 1808.7 of Section 1808 of Chapter 18 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by adding new subsections 1808.7.4 to read as follows:
1808.7.4. Foundation Elevation. The top of any exterior foundation shall extend above the elevation of the street gutter at point of discharge or the inlet of an approved drainage device a minimum of 12 inches plus 1 percent. Alternate elevations are permitted subject to the approval of the Building Official, provided it can be demonstrated that required drainage to the point of discharge and away from the structure is provided at all locations on the site.
1808.7.4.1 Finish floor elevation and lot drainage. Every residential building shall be constructed so as to have the elevation of the lowest finished floor, excepting for basements, at least sixteen inches (16") above the top of City street curb where the lot drainage discharges except where a designed drainage plan may otherwise be approved by the Building Official. All lots shall be graded and maintained so that they drain to the street or public way on which they abut or shall be provided with approved drainage devices.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
The following Sections of Appendix H of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, are hereby deleted in their entirety: Sections H101.2 Signs Exempt from permits, H108 Animated Devices, and H110 Roof Signs.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Appendix H of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by adding the following Section H116 to read as follows:
H116 Removal of Unlawful Signs. If after thirty (30) days' notice to remove an unlawful sign to the owner or occupant of the property on which any unlawful sign is situated, the said unlawful sign is neither removed nor made to confirm to this Code, the City shall be entitled to cause the unlawful sign to be removed from said owner or occupant and to recover from said owner or occupant the reasonable cost of removing such unlawful sign. Said notice may be given by mail to the owner or occupant of the property.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Section I103.1 of Appendix I of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
I103.1 Exterior Walls and Openings. Enclosure walls shall be permitted to be of any configuration, provided the open or glazed area of the longer wall and one additional wall is equal to not less than fifty percent (50%) of the area below a minimum of six feet eight inches (6' 8") of each wall, measured from the floor. Openings shall be permitted to be enclosed with insect screening, tempered or safety glazing. XO type sliding windows glazed with safety or non-safety materials of approved thickness may be installed in non-hazardous areas as defined by the California Building Code. Fifty percent (50%) of all the above opening covers shall be readily removable without the use of any special knowledge or tools.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Subsection J103.2 of Appendix J of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by adding items 8 & 9 as follows:
(8) 
An excavation that (1) is less than 2 feet in depth or (2) does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet in height and steeper than 1 unit vertical in 1 ½ units horizontal (66.7% slope).
(9) 
A fill less than 1 foot in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 1 unit vertical in 5 units horizontal (20% slope), or less than 3 feet in depth, not intended to support structures, that does not exceed 50 cubic yards on any one lot and does not obstruct a drainage course.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)
Appendix J of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, is amended by adding a new Subsection J105.3 to read as follows:
J105.3 Grading Work Progress Verifications. On all construction projects on private property where an approved grading plan designed by a civil engineer is evident, the designer or authorized delegate shall certify in writing to the Building Official the accuracy of the progress of the grading work as follows:
(1) 
At the time the building pads have been graded in preparation for building foundations and prior to any approval by the Building Official for the commencement of any building foundation work on the pads, the grading design engineer or authorized delegate shall certify to the Building Official that the lot boundaries have been clearly identified on the site; the graded pad elevations are as shown on the approved grading plan; the buildings are located in conformance with the approved site plan.
(2) 
Prior to the approval of the Grading Plans, the licensed civil engineer, land surveyor or architect shall complete and sign the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) certificate and certify that the information in the certificate represents the best efforts to interpret the data available. If the project is not in an A-Zone and not subject to Base Flood Elevation requirements, the applicable zone shall be noted. The licensed professional filling out the FEMA/FIRM Certificate shall also sign as part of the certificate an affidavit stating that he understands that any false statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment under 18 U.S. Code Section 1001.
(3) 
At the conclusion of the final grading work on the site and prior to approval by the Building Official of any final inspection or occupancy of any building on the site, the grading design engineer shall either certify to the Building Official that he has inspected the site finished grading work and has found it to have been completed in conformance with the approved grading plan, or the grading design engineer or authorized delegate shall furnish to the Building Official an as-built grading plan design for approval indicating that the grading work as completed will meet all applicable regulations. In addition, the grading design engineer shall certify that the finished grading is in compliance with the City of Santa Maria Flood Plain Management Ordinance and the National Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20; Ord. 2022-06, eff. 1/1/23; Ord. 2025-05, eff. 1/1/2026)