Except as amended by this section and other sections within this title 18, the following amended model codes are hereby adopted by reference and are incorporated in this chapter as if fully set forth herein, as authorized by Government Code Section 50020 et seq. The city manager may enforce these codes in accord with the enforcement procedures and remedies set forth in Chapter 1.19 PGMC, in addition to any other provision of law.
(a)
Model Codes Adopted. The following amended model codes are hereby adopted by reference as if set forth fully herein:
(3)
2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 2.5, including Appendix BO);
(8)
2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 7);
(10)
2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 9 including appendix B, BB, C, CC, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, N, O, P, Q);
(12)
2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 11);
(13)
2025 California Referenced Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 12); and
(14)
2024 International Property Maintenance Code;
(b)
Local Amendments. The Model Codes adopted in subsection (a) of this section are amended as follows:
(1)
Residential Code — Amendments to the California Residential Code.
Section R309.2 exception 1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Topographical, Geographical 1, Climatic 1.
Section R309.2 exception 1 An automatic sprinkler system shall not be installed for additions, alterations, or repairs to existing buildings which involve the removal or replacement to fifty (50) percent or less of the linear length of walls of the building (exterior plus interior) within a five-year period shall meet the requirements of new construction or this code. To qualify as an alteration or repair, the wall must be physically added, removed, replaced or relocated; removal of wall coverings does not constitute an alteration or repair.
(2)
Fire Code- Amendments to the California Fire Code.
Section 101.1 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications are related to administrative practices, are proposed for adoption during the intervening period pursuant to Section 18942, and exclusively result in any of the following:
(A) Reductions in time for a local agency to issue a post entitlement permit.
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code for the City of Pacific Grove, hereinafter referred to as "Fire Code."
Section 202 of the CFC is amended to add the following definitions:
FINDINGS; No residential impacts, Topographic 1.
202 Definitions
ALL WEATHER SURFACE. A road surface constructed to the minimum standards approved by the jurisdiction.
BRIDGE. A structure to carry a roadway over a depression or obstacle.
IDLE PALLET. A pallet or similar product storage and/or lifting device not currently in use and empty of product.
Section 307.1.1 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Geographical 1, Climatic 1.
307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. Open burning shall be prohibited, including outdoor rubbish fires and bonfires, unless:
1. the fire is confined to an approved container as defined by the Uniform Mechanical Code and authorized by the Monterey Bay Air Pollution Control District.
2. a special condition or circumstance exists, and written authorization is granted by the Fire Chief.
Section 505.1 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Geographical 1, Climatic 1.
505.1 Address Identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with an approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible at all times from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4" high with a minimum width stroke of one-half inch for single family dwellings and duplexes. For all other occupancies each character shall be not less than a minimum of 4" high with a minimum stroke of one-half inch unless otherwise required by the Fire Code Official.
Section 605.3 of the CFC is amended to add Section 605.3.1 to read as follows:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Geographical 1, Climatic 1.
605.3.1 Spark arrestors.
605.3.1.1 An approved spark arrestor shall be installed on all chimneys, incinerators, smokestacks or similar devices using solid fuel for conveying smoke or hot gases to the outer air.
605.3.1.2 Spark arrestors shall have openings in accordance with Section 2113.9.2(3) of the California Building Code and Section 1003.9.2 of the California Residential Code with minimum openings of 3/8" and maximum openings of 1/2".
Section 901.1 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.1.1 to read as follows:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Geographical 1, Climatic 1.
901.1.1 Responsibility. The owner of the protected premises shall be responsible for all fire protection systems within the protected premises, whether existing or installed under this Code.
Section 901.2 of the CFC is amended to add Section 901.2.2 to read as follows:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications are related to administrative practices, are proposed for adoption during the intervening period pursuant to Section 18942, and exclusively result in any of the following:
(A) Reductions in time for a local agency to issue a post entitlement permit.
901.2.2 Additional documentation. Additional documentation as required by the Fire Code Official shall be provided to the Fire Code Official in an acceptable format.
Section 903.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Geographical 1, Climatic 1.
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in all new buildings and structures constructed, moved into or relocated within the jurisdiction.
Exceptions:
(1) Structures not classified as Group R occupancies and not more than five hundred (500) square feet in total floor area.
(2) Detached agricultural buildings, as defined by this code and the CBC, located at least one hundred feet (100) from any other structure or the property line, whichever is closer, and with a maximum size of 10,000 square feet.
(3) Accessory structures not classified as R occupancies associated with existing non-sprinklered R-3 occupancies (one- or two-family dwellings) and less than one thousand five hundred (1500) square feet in total fire area with a clearance from the existing R-3 occupancy of not less than twenty (20) feet.
Sections 903.2.1.1, 903.2.1.2, 903.2.1.3, 903.2.1.4, 903.2.1.5, 903.2.3, 903.2.4, 903.2.4.1, 903.7.1, 903.7.3, 903.2.9, 903.2.9.1 and 903.2.9.2 of the CFC are amended as follows:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Geographical 1, Climatic 1.
The following Sections are amended by changing requirements to five hundred (500) square feet for fire sprinkler installation, as follows (the complete text of the section is not provided):
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.1.2 Group A-2. Change five thousand (5,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.1.5 Group A-5. Change one thousand (1,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.3 Group E. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.4 Group F-1. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.4.1 Group F-1. Change two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet for woodworking operations to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.7.1 Group M. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.7.3 Group M. Change twenty-four thousand (24,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.9 Group S-1. Change twelve thousand (12,000) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.9.1 Repair Garages. Change ten thousand (10,000) square feet (2 story buildings) and twelve thousand (12,000) square feet (1 story buildings) to five hundred (500) square feet.
903.2.9.2 Bulk storage of tires. Change twenty thousand (20,000) cubic feet to five hundred (500) square feet.
Section 903.2.8 of the CFC, first paragraph is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: Exceptions remain unchanged.
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Geographical 1, Climatic 1.
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided in all buildings with a Group R fire area, including, but not limited to, one- and two-family dwellings, townhomes, and manufactured homes and mobile homes located outside of licensed mobile home parks hereafter constructed, moved into or relocated within the jurisdiction, including all additions to buildings already equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems.
(Exceptions remain per 2025 California Fire Code)
Section 903.2.22 of the CFC is added to read as follows:
FINDINGS; No residential impacts, Climatic 1, Topographical
903.2.22 Change of use. Automatic fire sprinklers shall be installed when the occupancy changes from a single occupancy to a mixed-use occupancy which would require the installation of an occupancy separation, or when the occupancy changes from any type of occupancy to an Assembly use occupancy.
Sections 903.3.1.2, 903.3.1.2.1, 903.3.1.2.3, of the CFC are deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications relate to home hardening, Climatic 1, Topographical
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies up to and including four stories in height shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R as amended in this Code.
903.3.1.2.1 Balconies and decks. Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units where the building is of Type V construction, provided there is a roof or deck above. Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch to 6 inches below the structural members and a maximum distance of fourteen (14) inches below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction.
903.3.1.2.3 Attics. Where NFPA 13R sprinkler systems are installed, all attic areas shall be provided with sprinkler protection in accordance with NFPA 13.
903.3.1.2.4 Sprinkler control valves. Where NFPA 13R sprinkler systems are installed, sprinkler system control valves shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13.
Sections 903.3.1.2, is amended to add section 903.3.1.2.4, 903.3.1.2.5, 903.3.1.2.6 and 903.3.1.2.7 to read as follows:
FINDINGS; The changes or modifications relate to home hardening, Climatic 1, Topographical
903.3.1.2.4 Sprinkler control valves. Where NFPA 13R sprinkler systems are installed, sprinkler system control valves shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13.
903.3.1.2.5 Bathrooms. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all bathrooms, regardless of square footage.
903.3.1.2.6 Accessible storage areas. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all accessible storage areas.
903.3.1.2.7 Under-stair spaces. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all under-stair spaces including all under-stair closets.
Section 5704.2.9.6.1 is amended to add Section 5704.2.9.6.1.0 to read as follows:
FINDINGS: The changes or modifications relate to home hardening, Climatic 1, Topographical
5704.2.9.6.1.0 Outdoor storage containers and portable tanks. Storage of Class 1 and Class II liquids in above ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of the jurisdiction in which storage is prohibited except as permitted by the zoning ordinance.
Exceptions:
1. For marine fueling operations, a maximum of 2000 gallons of diesel fuel may be stored and dispensed from an above ground tank as approved by the Fire Chief.
2. Storage tanks of 500-gallons maximum capacity may be used only in conjunction with emergency generators as approved by the Fire Chief.
Section 6104.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
FINDINGS: The changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Climatic 1, Topographical
6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits. For the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, storage of liquified petroleum gas shall not exceed an aggregate capacity in any one mercantile occupancy of 200 gallons (757 L) or 40 5-gallon LPG tanks within the jurisdiction unless approved by the Fire Code Official.
Exception: In all other occupancy classifications, the capacity limit shall not exceed 10 5-gallon LPG containers or as determined by the Fire Code Official.
Section D103.2 of the CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
FINDINGS: Not residential impact, Climatic 1, Topographical
D103.2 Grade. Fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent in grade with a maximum side slope of five (5) percent.
EXCEPTION: Grades steeper than fifteen (15) percent, if approved by the Fire Code Official, shall be paved with perpendicularly grooved concrete.
(Ord. 02-31, 2002; Ord. 05-019 §§ 1 – 4, 2005; Ord. 08-007 § 2, 2007; Ord. 09-005 § 23, 2009; Ord. 10-029 § 2, 2010; Ord. 13-019 § 2, 2013; Ord. 16-017 § 2, 2016; Ord. 19-012 § 2, 2019; Ord. 22-019 § 2, 2022; Ord. 25-019, 10/15/2025)