A. 
This title regulates building standards, safety, and related matters. It adopts by reference and as amended or added to by the city of Benicia various codes developed by the state of California and other entities, including but not limited to the California Building, Residential, Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Historical Building, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, International Maintenance Code, Fire, Existing Building, and Green Building Standards Codes. The purpose of the chapters codified in this Division I is to make certain amendments, deletions, and additions as allowed under state law to align with the newest cycle of regulatory codes by incorporating the latest version of applicable codes listed herein.
B. 
The purpose of the chapters codified in Divisions II, III, IV and V is to establish uniform regulations for construction within the city to protect life, safety, property, and the public welfare. To that end, the divisions pertaining to flood damage prevention, seismic hazards, storm water management, grading and erosion control, and public improvement standards are hereby incorporated into this title under the construction codes.
C. 
This title shall be known as the Benicia Building and Safety Construction Code regulating the erection, construction, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, occupancy, use, height, area, and maintenance of all buildings and structures and certain equipment therein specifically regulated. The provisions of said code shall provide for the issuance of permits and certificates of occupancy, the collection of fees thereof, and penalties for violation of such code.
(Ord. 25-11 § 1)
A. 
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5, the city council finds that the requirements set forth in this title are reasonable and necessary modifications because of climatic, geological, and topographical conditions within the city of Benicia. The "express findings of need" contained herein address each of these conditions and present the local situations which cause the established amendments, deletions, and additions to be adopted.
1. 
The region is within a climate zone that requires compliance with energy efficiency standards for building construction. The amendment adds design flexibility that will add to energy efficiency in construction while maintaining nationally recognized health and safety standards. This reason is herein referred to as "Climatic I."
2. 
The community is in an air quality nonattainment region. Research conducted by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and reflected in the 2019 amendment to Regulation 6 Rule 3 extends the air district's authority to ban wood burning or combustion in wood-burning devices year-round. Emissions and pollutants may be greatly reduced with the use of gas-fired type fireplaces. This reason is herein referred to as "Climatic II."
3. 
The city is subject to frequent periods of strong, gusty winds from the southwest and north. During this period, the temperatures can reach from 80 to 100 degrees in the summer months and the relative humidity can fall below 20 percent. The hot, dry, and windy climatic conditions create a hazardous situation that has led to extensive grass and brush fires. Future development with heat driven wind have the potential for high fire consequences. Minor fires can rapidly spread because of the climate and vegetation. The configuration and type of existing development require additional review. Wood construction, including wood shingle and wood shake roofing, presents extreme adverse fire conditions as does the proximity of some buildings. The reason is hereinafter referred to as "Climatic III."
4. 
The region is in an area of high seismic activities as indicated by the United States Geological Survey and California Division of Mines and Geology. Recent earthquake activities have indicated that lack of adequate design and detailing as a contributing factor to damages that reduced the protection of the life-safety of building occupants and increase the cost of rehabilitation of structures. This reason is hereinafter referred to as "Geological I."
The council has reviewed the local amendments set forth herein and finds that they are consistent with and equivalent to changes or modifications previously filed by the city of Benicia with the State Building Standards Commission in 2022. Amending the 2022 Building Standards in effect in the city of Benicia as of September 30, 2025.
A copy of these findings, together with the amendments or additions are expressly marked and identified to which each finding refers, shall be filed by the building official or their representative with the California Building Standards Commission.
(Ord. 25-11 § 1)