The City Council of the City of Dana Point hereby adopts for the purpose of prescribing regulations for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, improving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of all buildings and structures by reference the California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2.5, known and designated as the California Residential Code (CRC), 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Residential Code including Division II in Chapter 1 and with the modifications set forth below. The provisions of this code shall constitute the One- and Two-Family and Townhouse building code regulations of the City. The California Residential Code is on file for public examination in the office of the Building Official.
(Added by Ord. 16-08, 11/15/16; amended by Ord. 19-05, 12/3/19; Ord. 22-04, 12/6/22; Ord. 25-10, 9/16/2025; Ord. 26-02, 2/3/2026)
(a) 
Subsection R101.1 of Section R101 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
R101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Townhouses of the City of Dana Point, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
(b) 
Subsection R101.2 of Section R101 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to add a second paragraph that reads:
The provisions of this codes shall apply to and affect all of the territory of the City of Dana Point, except work located primarily in a public way, public utility towers and poles, mechanical equipment not specifically regulated in these codes, hydraulic flood control structures, facilities for the production, generation, storage or transmission of water or electrical energy by a local agency unless requested otherwise by the local authority/agency.
(c) 
Subsection R105.2 of Section 105 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended by deleting items 1 through 10 under "Building" and replacing them with the following:
Building:
1.
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses and structures such as portable shade cloth structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11 m2). Such structures must comply with the setback and height requirements of the City Zoning Ordinance and the Fire Code.
2.
Masonry or concrete fences not over 36 inches (914 mm) in height above lowest adjacent grade, and all other fences not over six (6) feet (1,829 mm) in height above lowest adjacent grade.
Exception: Walls and fences less than six (6) feet (1,829 mm) in height which are required as a condition of project approval, guard system or pool barrier system are required to have permits.
3.
Oil derricks.
4.
Retaining walls that are not over three (3) feet (914 mm) in height measured from the bottom of footing to the top of wall unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
5.
Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
6.
Decks, platforms or similar structures, walkways, sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
7.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work that does not involve electrical, mechanical or plumbing work and providing this work is not part of a Code Enforcement case or action.
8.
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches (457 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
9.
Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
10.
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
11.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3 and U occupancies.
12.
Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over five (5) feet nine (9) inches (1,753 mm) in height.
13.
Radio and television antenna, and flagpoles not over twelve (12) feet (3,658 mm) in height measured from grade.
Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items.
Any of the above items that are located on a Coastal Bluff, Flood Plain Overlay District, Environmentally Sensitive Area or subject to a discretionary Planning Division approval or as otherwise required by the Planning Division or any other authority/agency is not exempt from permits.
(d) 
Subsection R105.3.1 of Section R105 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to read as follows:
R105.3.1 Action on Application. The Building Official shall examine or cause to be examined applications for permits and amendments thereto within a reasonable time after filing. If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the requirements of pertinent laws, or if the building, structure, or property is not in compliance with any and all federal, state, local laws, and ordinances and all fines, levies, and abatement cost are not paid in full, the Building Official shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefor. If the Building Official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirement of this code and laws and ordinances applicable thereto, the Building Official shall issue a permit therefor as soon as possible. The Building Official shall not issue any permits to an applicant if the building, structure, or property is not in compliance with all federal, state, local laws, and ordinances and all fines, levies, and abatement cost are not paid in full.
(e) 
Subsection R105.3.2 of Section R105 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
R105.3.2 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 permit has been issued; except that the Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time in writing for additional period not exceeding 90 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan check fee.
(f) 
Subsection R105.5 of Section R105 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
R105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this Code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 12 months (365) days from the date of such permit. Work shall be considered suspended or abandoned if substantial approval of one of the required progress inspections is not accomplished for a period of 6 months (180) days as determined by the Building Official. Before such work can be re-commenced a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the fee therefor shall be a maximum of one-half the amount required for a new permit for such work; provided, however, that:
1.
No changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work; and
2.
A re-endorsement of the compliance of the plans with the applicable regulations, by the Building Official, shall be obtained.
In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may commence under that permit when the permittee is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days upon written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken.
Group R-3 Residential Remodel Permits. Permits issued for work which constitutes the construction, enlargement, alteration, erection, repair, demolition, or improvement of an existing Group R-3 residential building, or other improvement located on residential property containing a Group R-3 residential building, shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is completed and approved by the City within 18 months after its issuance. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time for an additional period not to exceed 6 months (180) days. The extension shall be requested in writing and demonstrate that:
(1)
due to circumstances beyond the owner's or permittee's control, construction could not be completed within the time frame allowed by this section;
(2)
that all means reasonably available to the permittee to complete the work within the prescribed time have been exhausted.
(3)
that the condition of the property presents no health or safety hazard; and
(4)
that the continued delay will not create any unreasonable visual or physical detriment to the neighborhood.
Time limitation for permit expiration as the result of code enforcement shall be as per notice of violation or as otherwise determined by the Building Official.
(g) 
A new Subsection R105.10 is hereby added to Section R105 of Division II of CRC to read in its entirety as follows:
R105.10 Maintenance of property during construction. During construction, all property shall be maintained in a reasonably clean and well-kept manner. All lumber and building materials shall be neatly piled or stacked in a safe manner and stored in the rear yard of the residential property or inside the building construction perimeter, except that building materials may be stored in a front yard for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. A waiver of this requirement may be obtained if approved in writing from the Building Official or his/her designated representative if the construction is screened from view from adjacent occupied or public property with fencing materials approved by city zoning and building regulations.
(h) 
A new Subsection R105.11 is hereby added to Section 105 of Division II of CRC to read in its entirety as follows:
R105.11 Requirement and Responsibility of Permittee. Permittee. Permits as required by this Chapter shall be issued only to the following individuals:
1.
Duly Licensed Contractor/Contractor Proxy. A duly licensed contractor acting in compliance with the provisions of Sections 7000 through 7199 of the California Business and Professions Code, or a contractor proxy acting for a duly licensed contractor acting in compliance with the provisions of Sections 7000 through 7199 of the California Business and Professions Code with the completed Contractor Permit Proxy form in compliance with Section 7031.5 of the California Business and Professions Code.
2.
Owner Builder/Authorized Agent of the Owner Builder. An owner of a one- or two-family dwelling and related accessory building or structure acting in compliance with the provisions of Section 7044 of the California Business and Professions Code, or an agent authorized to act on behalf of an owner acting in compliance with the provisions of Section 7044 of the California Business and Professions Code with the completed Authorization of Agent to Act on Owner's Behalf form in compliance with Section 19825 of the California Health and Safety Code; provided however, that the improvements of the property are not intended or offered for sale, the owner occupies and is their principal place of residence or intends to occupy one (1) of the units where such permit is to be obtained for the twelve (12) months prior to the completion of the work, and the owner has not performed work on more than two (2) buildings or structures during any three-year period.
3.
Workers' Compensation Insurance Verification. The Department is required by Section 3800(a) of the California Labor Code to verify workers' compensation insurance prior to issuing a permit. The permittee shall sign a declaration under penalty of perjury verifying Workers' Compensation Coverage or exemption from coverage as required by Section 19825 of the California Health and Safety Code.
4.
Responsibility. Permits shall be presumed to incorporate the provision that the permittee, the permittee's agent, employees, contractors or subcontractors shall carry out the proposed work in accordance with the approved construction documents and with all provisions of this Title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City or laws and statutes of the State applicable thereto, whether specified or not. No approval shall relieve or exonerate any person from the responsibility of complying with the provisions and intent of this Title, municipal code or other ordinances of the City or laws and statutes of the State applicable thereto.
Permits issued are the responsibility of the applicant/permittee/property owner and to be maintained in an active state until final inspection is granted or obtained. An applicant/permittee of a permit which allows said permit to expire is in violation of this code.
(i) 
Subsection R106.1 of Section R106 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to read as follows:
R106.1 Submittal Documents. Submittal documents consisting of construction documents, statement of special inspections, geotechnical report and other data shall be submitted in two or more sets with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed, these documents also include Electrical/Mechanical/Plumbing plans and load calculations for the one- and two-family or when required by the Building Official. Where special conditions exist, the Building Official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.
(j) 
A new Subsection R106.2.1 is added to Section R106 of Division II of CRC to read in its entirety as follows:
R106.2.1 Soil report. A soil report shall be submitted with all permit applications for new construction and additions. Soil reports shall be prepared by a professional engineer licensed by the State to prepare such reports. The Building Official may waive this requirement in writing if he/she finds that the scope of work applied for does not necessitate a soil report.
(k) 
Subsection R106.3 of Section R106 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to add a second paragraph that reads as follows:
When submittal documents are required by Section R106.1, a plan review fee shall be paid at the time of submitting the submittal documents for plan review. Said plan review fees are separate fees from the permit fees specified in Section R108.2 and are in addition to the permit fees. Said plan review fee shall be as set forth in the City Council Fee Resolution. The initial plan review fee covers one complete review and one re-check review. Reviews beyond the initial and the re-check shall require addition fees as set forth in the City Council Fee Resolution.
(l) 
Subsection R106.5 of Section R106 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to add a second paragraph that reads as follows:
The approved plans, permit application and inspection card and other construction documents required by the Building Official shall be imaged after the final inspection and will be a permanent record in the City. The applicant shall pay the cost of imaging at the time of permit. Said imaging fee shall be as set forth in the City Council Fee Resolution.
(m) 
Subsection R108.2 of Section R108 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended by adding a sentence at the end to read as follows:
The fee for each permit shall be as set forth in the City Council Fee Resolution unless otherwise specified by this code.
(n) 
Subsection R108.3 of Section R108 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to add a second paragraph that reads as follows:
The Building Official shall make the determination of value or valuation under any provisions of this code. The valuation shall be determined by using rational methods established by the Building Official that reasonably establish the construction value or the contract price of the actual construction cost. The value of work to be used in computing the Building Permit and Building Plan Review fees shall be the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued, as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire extinguishing systems and any other permanent equipment.
(o) 
Subsection R108.5 of Section R108 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
R108.5 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 fee paid when no work has been done 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 has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is done.
The Building Official shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of payment. No refund will be made for less than $25.00. Permit and plan check fees will be refunded in their entirety then collected in error.
(p) 
Subsection R108.6 of Section R108 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to add a second paragraph that reads as follows:
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 equal to the amount of the permit fee required by this code. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code or from any penalty prescribed by law.
(q) 
A new Subsection R109.5 is hereby added to Section R109 of Division II of CRC to read in its entirety as follows:
R109.5 Reinspections. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made.
This subsection is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection 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 reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be assessed when phased inspections for the same inspection type, the inspection record card is not posted or otherwise made 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 inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official.
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall file an application therefor in writing upon a form furnished for that purpose and pay the reinspection fee as established by the City Council Fee Resolution.
In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
(r) 
Subsection R110.1 is hereby amended to add the following to the end of the paragraph:
When a certificate of occupancy is not applicable, the Building Official has the authority to determine its equivalency.
(s) 
Subsection R110.4 of Section R110 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to add a second paragraph that reads as follows:
The application fee for such Temporary Certificate of Occupancy shall be as established by the City Council Fee Resolution. The Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be subject to such conditions as deemed necessary by the Building Official. The Temporary Certificate of Occupancy expires 30 days after issuance and may be renewed for additional 30-day periods upon providing acceptable justification, the payment of a new application fee for each 30-day period and written approval by the Building Official. The violation or failure of any such condition imposed shall be grounds for revocation of such Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
(t) 
Subsection R112.1 of Section R112 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
R112.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of the orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. The board of appeals shall be the City Council. Depending on the subject of the appeal, specialized expertise may be solicited for the purpose of providing input to the Appeals Board. The board shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the Building Official.
(u) 
Subsection R112.3 of Section R112 of Division II of CRC is hereby deleted.
(v) 
Subsection R113.4 of Section R113 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to add a second paragraph that reads as follows:
Any person, firms, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this Code is committed, continued, or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation such person shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(w) 
A new Section R115.1 is hereby added to Division II of CRC to read in its entirety as follows.
R115.1 Underground Utilities Required. The Building Official shall, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a Building Permit, require all utility services located within the exterior boundary lines of lot or parcel of property to be installed underground if:
1.
The property is to be developed with a new or relocated main building;
2.
The remodeling, alteration, or addition to an existing main building exceeds fifty (50) percent of the value and/or area of the existing building; or
3.
A residential building or use is converted to any nonresidential use or purpose.
For purposes of this section, the term "main building" shall mean a building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot or building site on which it is located.
The owner or developer of the property is responsible for complying with requirements of this section and shall provide all necessary facilities on the property to receive such service from the supplying utilities. Satisfying this requirement requires the service work order from the utility company submitted to the Building Official.
If it is determined that practical difficulties, or unreasonable hardships inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter and unique to a particular parcel of property, would result from the literal interpretation of this section, the Building Official may waive, modify, or delay the imposition of any undergrounding requirement imposed pursuant to the section upon written application of any affected property owner. The Building Official shall notify the applicant of his decision in writing by mail. If the Building Official determines to delay the installation of required underground utilities, he/she may require a recorded agreement guaranteeing the future performance of the work, together with adequate performance security enforceable by the City in the form of a cash deposit, bond, letter of credit, or other instrument satisfactory to the City Attorney or require the installation of an over/under electrical service with the underground conduit being installed out to an approved pull-box in the parkway in conformance with current utility requirements.
For purposes of this section, appurtenances and associated equipment such as, but not limited to, surface-mounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts in an underground system, may be placed above ground.
Any person dissatisfied with the decision of the Building Official may file an appeal pursuant to Sections 2.04.100 to 2.04.130 of the Dana Point Municipal Code.
(x) 
Subsection R201.4 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to replace the first paragraph to read as follows:
Where terms, phrases and words are not defined, they shall have their ordinary accepted meanings within the context with which they are used. Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged (1961 edition, through the 2002 addenda), shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meaning unless the context requires otherwise.
(y) 
Section R202 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended by adding the following definitions as follows:
FLOOR AREA, FIRE SPRINKLERS. For the purpose of calculating square footage for application of fire sprinkler requirements, the floor area shall be determined to include the entire square footage of a room or designated area where any work or modifications are being made or proposed.
HAZARDOUS FIRE AREA. Includes all areas identified within California Fire Code Section 4906.2 and other areas as determined by the fire code official as presenting a fire hazard due to the presence of combustible vegetation, or the proximity of the property to an area that contains combustible vegetation.
SPARK ARRESTER. A listed device constructed of noncombustible material specifically for the purpose of meeting one of the following conditions:
1.
Removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles/debris from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 38366.
2.
Fireplaces that burn solid fuel in accordance with California Building Code Chapter 28.
SURCHARGE. A surcharge on a retaining wall is any load in addition to level grade, within that area defined by a 45 degree angle from the bottom of the footing to level grade. Examples of a surcharge may be a building or structure, fence, vehicle, driveway, slope or similar condition above level grade, within the hatched "Surcharge Area" shown in the figure below.
SURCHARGE LOAD. A surcharge load is an additional load superimposed onto the earth pressure force to yield the total lateral force.
SWIMMING POOL(S). Any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing or wading that contains water over 18 inches deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixed-in-place wading pools.
(z) 
Table R301.2 of Section R301 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to read as follows:
TABLE R301.2 CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
Ground snow loado
WIND DESIGN
Seismic design categoryf
SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM
Ice barrier underlayment requiredh
Flood hazardsg
Air freezing indexi
Mean annual tempj
Speedd
(mph)
Topo. effectsk
Special wind regionl
Windborne debris zonem
Weather- inga
Frost line depthb
Termitec
Zero
95
No
No
No
D2 or E
Negligible
12-24"
Very Heavy
No
Yes/No
0
60
ELEVATION
LATITUDE
WINTER HEATING
SUMMER COOLING
ALTITUDE CORRECTION FACTOR
INDOOR DESIGN TEMPERATURE
DESIGN TEMPERATURE COOLING
HEAT TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE
305
34
37
91
70
75
COOLING TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE
WIND VELOCITY HEATING
WIND VELOCITY COOLING
COINCIDENT WET BULB
DAILY RANGE
WINTER HUMIDITY
SUMMER HUMIDITY
7
69
27
7 (50% RH)
For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
(aa) 
A new Subsection R301.9 is hereby added to Section R301 of Division II of CRC to read in its entirety as follows:
R301.9 Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction. All new structures and facilities adjoining land containing hazardous combustible vegetation shall be approved and in accordance using guidance from the OCFA Guideline C-05 "Vegetation Management Guideline — Technical Design for new Construction Fuel Modification Plans and Maintenance Program."
(bb) 
Subsection R309.6 Fire sprinkler attached garages, and carports with habitable space above of Section R309 Division II of CRC is hereby amended by modifying the exception to read as follows:
Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required when additions or alterations are made to existing carports and/or garages that do not have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed unless a sprinkler system is required in accordance with California Fire Code Section 903.2.8.
Subsection R313.3.6.2.2 of Section R313 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended by amending the first paragraph to read as follows:
R313.3.6.2.2 Calculation procedure. Determination of the required size for water distribution piping shall be in accordance with the following procedure and California Fire Code Section 903.3.5.3.
(cc) 
Subsection R319.1 of section R319 of Division II of CRC is hereby revised as follows:
R319.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification on the building placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (101.6 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) for R-3 occupancies, for all other occupancies the numbers shall be a minimum of 6 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 1 inch. Where access is by a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure.
(dd) 
Subsection R337.1.1 of Section R337 of CRC is hereby amended to read as follows:
R337.1.1 Scope. This chapter applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings and qualifying alterations/additions located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency as defined in Section R337.2.
(ee) 
Subsection R337.1.3 of Section R337 of the CRC is hereby amended by deleting exception number 4.
(ff) 
Subsection R405.1 of in Section R405 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended by deleting the exception.
(gg) 
Table R602.10.3(3) of Section R602 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended to read as follows:
(hh) 
Subsections R902.1.1, R902.1.2, R902.1.3 of Section R902 of Division II of CRC are hereby deleted and replaced with new Subsections R902.1.1 and R902.1.2 to read in their entirety as follows:
R902.1.1 Roof Coverings. The roof covering or roofing assembly on any new structure regulated by this code shall be Class A fire retardant roof minimum as classified in Section 1505.2 of the CBC. Non-combustible roof covering may be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements in lieu of a fire retardant roofing assembly. Wood roofing materials are prohibited unless pressure treated and approved for fire retardant of Class A minimum. For existing structure when ten percent (10%) or more of the total roof area is re-roofed within any one-year period, shall have a Class A fire retardant roof covering for entire roof area. For existing structure when less than ten percent (10%) of the total roof area is re-roofed within any one-year period, shall have a fire retardant roof covering class equal to or greater than the existing roof covering and not less than Class B.
R902.1.2 Certification. Contractors installing roof assemblies or the building owner shall, prior to final approval of installation, provide a certificate of the roof assembly classification to the building inspector upon request.
(ii) 
Subsection R902.2 first paragraph is amended by revising it to allow only Class A or B treated wood roofs as follows:
R902.2 Fire-retardant-treated shingles and shakes. Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles are wood shakes and shingles complying with UBC Standard 15-3 or 15-4 which are impregnated by full-cell vacuum-pressure process with fire-retardant chemicals, and which have been qualified by UBC Standard 15-2 for use on Class A or B roofs.
(jj) 
Subsection R903.4 of Section R903 of Division II of CRC is hereby amended by adding a second paragraph to read as follows:
Water that accumulates on a roof shall be effectively drained and conveyed from the roof to a storm drain, street gutter, or other locations approved in writing by the Building Official. Such water shall be conveyed through gutters, leaders, associated piping or other non-erodible surface drainage devices as approved in writing by the Building Official. For any minor or small roofs, the Building Official may exempt this requirement in writing.
(kk) 
A new Subsection R1001.13 is hereby added to Section R1001 of CRC to read in its entirety as follows:
(1) 
R1001.13 Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, or Similar Devices. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar exterior devices shall comply with this section.
Exception: Barbeques, grills, and other portable devices intended solely for cooking.
(2) 
A new Subsection R1001.13.1 is hereby added to Section R1001 of CRC to read as follows:
R1001.13.1 Gas-fueled devices. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and similar devices fueled by natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas are allowed when approved in writing by the Building Department and the device is designed to only burn a gas flame and not wood or other solid fuel. At R-3 occupancies, combustible construction shall not be located within three feet of an atmospheric column that extends vertically from the perimeter of the device. Where a permanent Building Department approved hood and vent is installed, combustible construction may encroach upon this column between the bottom of the hood and the vent opening. Where chimneys or vents are installed, they shall have a spark arrester in accordance with Section R1003.9.2.
(3) 
A new Subsection R1001.13.2 is hereby added to Section R1001 of CRC to read as follows:
R1001.13.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas. Fireplaces burning wood or other solid fuel shall be constructed in accordance with Section R1001. Fires in a fireplace shall be contained within a firebox with an attached chimney. The opening in the face of the firebox shall have an installed and maintained method of arresting sparks. The burning of wood or other solid fuel in a device is not allowed within 15 feet of combustible structures, unless within a permanent or portable fireplace.
(4) 
A new Subsection R1001.13.3 is hereby added to Section R1001 of CRC to read as follows:
R1001.13.3 Where prohibited. The burning of wood and other solid fuels shall not be conducted within a fuel modification zone. Wood and other solid fuel burning fires in devices other than permanent fireplaces are not allowed within Wildfire Risk Areas (WRA) and adopted Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) or in locations where conditions could cause the spread of fire to the WRA or FHSZ, unless determined by the fire code official that the location or design of the device should reasonably prevent the start of a wildfire.
(ll) 
Chapter 44 Referenced Standards is hereby adopted and revised as follows:
(1) 
NFPA 13, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems is hereby amended as follows:
(A) 
Section 6.7.3 is hereby revised as follows:
6.7.3 Fire department connections (FDC) shall be of an approved type. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public hydrant. The FDC may be located within 150 feet of a private fire hydrant when approved in writing by the fire code official. The size of piping and the number of 2 1/2" inlets shall be approved by the fire code official. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red or as approved. When the fire sprinkler density design requires more than 500 gpm (including inside hose stream demand), or a standpipe system is included, four 2 1/2" inlets shall be provided. All approvals shall be in writing.
(B) 
Section 8.3.3.1 is hereby revised as follows:
8.3.3.1 When fire sprinkler systems are installed in shell buildings of undetermined use (Spec Buildings) other than warehouses (S occupancies), fire sprinklers of the quick-response type shall be used. Use is considered undetermined if a specific tenant/occupant is not identified at the time the fire sprinkler plan is submitted. Sprinklers in light hazard occupancies shall be one of the following:
1.
Quick-response type as defined in Section 3.6.4.8
2.
Residential sprinklers in accordance with the requirements of Section 8.4.5
3.
Quick response CMSA sprinklers
4.
ESFR sprinklers
5.
Standard-response sprinklers used for modifications or additions to existing light hazard systems equipped with standard-response sprinklers
6.
Standard-response sprinklers used where individual standard-response sprinklers are replaced in existing light hazard systems.
(C) 
Section 11.1.1.1 is hereby added as follows:
11.1.1.1 When fire sprinkler systems are required in buildings of undetermined use other than warehouses, they shall be designed and installed to have a fire sprinkler density of not less than that required for an Ordinary Hazard Group 2 use, with no reduction(s) in density or design area. Warehouse fire sprinkler systems shall be designed to Figure 16.2.1.3.2(d) curve "G". Use is considered undetermined if a specific tenant/occupant is not identified at the time the sprinkler plan is submitted. Where a subsequent use or occupancy requires a system with greater capability, it shall be the responsibility of the occupant to upgrade the system to the required density for the new use or occupancy.
(D) 
Section 11.2.3.1.1.1 is hereby added as follows:
11.2.3.1.1.1 The available water supply for fire sprinkler system design shall be determined by one of the following methods, as approved by the fire code official:
1)
Subtract the project site elevation from the low water level for the appropriate pressure zone and multiply the result by 0.433;
2)
Use a maximum of 40 psi, if available;
3)
Utilize the OCFA water-flow test form/directions to document a flow test conducted by the local water agency or an approved third party licensed in the State of California.
(2) 
NFPA 13D 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes is hereby amended as follows:
Section 7.1.2 is hereby revised as follows:
7.1.2 The sprinkler system piping shall not have separate control valves installed unless supervised by a central station, proprietary, or remote station alarm service.
(Added by Ord. 16-08, 11/15/16; amended by Ord. 19-05, 12/3/19; Ord. 22-04, 12/6/22; Ord. 23-05, 7/18/2023; Ord. 25-10, 9/16/2025; Ord. 26-02, 2/3/2026)