Note: Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025 also repealed Ord. 962; and Ord. 991.
Except as provided in this chapter, the California Building Code 2025 Edition, as adopted and published by the California Building Standards Commission, including Chapter 1, Division II, and Appendices B, F, G, H, I, J, N, and Q, is hereby adopted by reference, as though fully set forth at length herein.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Division II of Chapter 1, entitled "Scope and Administration" of the California Building Code 2025 Edition, shall be applicable in the city of Moreno Valley, subject to the following:
A. 
The administrative provisions of Division II of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition shall apply to Chapters 8.22, 8.23, 8.24, 8.26, 8.28, 8.30, 8.32, 8.34, 8.38, 8.44, 8.84, and 8.86, unless the respective chapter includes its own administrative provisions.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 101.1 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition is amended as follows:
These regulations shall be known as the City of Moreno Valley Building Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 101.4 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition is amended with the addition of the following sections:
101.4.9 Residential. The provision of the California Residential Code 2025 Edition shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal, and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height.
101.4.10 Electrical. The provisions of the California Electrical Code 2025 Edition shall apply to the installation, arrangement, alteration, repair, use and other operation of electrical wiring, connections, fixtures, and other electrical appliances.
101.4.11 Historical. The provisions of the California Historical Building Code 2025 Edition shall apply to preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, relocation, and reconstruction of all qualified buildings or properties designated as historical.
101.4.12 Green. The provision of the California Green Building Standards Code 2025 Edition shall apply to encourage sustainable construction practices in the planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, and environmental quality of all newly constructed buildings.
101.4.13 Referenced Standards. The provisions of the California Referenced Standards Code 2025 Edition shall apply to determine the minimum test and referenced standards required.
101.4.14 Property Maintenance. The provisions of the International Property Maintenance Code 2024 Edition shall apply to regulate the maintenance of buildings and structures. In the event of any conflict between the International Property Maintenance Code and the California Building Standards Code (as adopted and amended by the City) with respect to building standards, the provisions of the California Building Standards Code control. In all other respects, including administrative, procedural, and enforcement provisions, the International Property Maintenance Code as adopted herein shall apply. The provisions of these Construction Codes as amended by this chapter shall constitute the Building Regulations of the City of Moreno Valley.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 102.7 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition is added as follows:
Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards which are required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings and structures. To determine compliance with this subsection, the building official shall have the authority to require a building or structure to be re-inspected. The requirements of this chapter shall not provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures. California Building Code Sections 105.1.1 and 105.1.2 are deleted. Chapter 1, Division II, Sections 105.1.1 and 105.1.2 are deleted.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 105.2 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition is amended as follows:
Fences not over six (6) feet high, masonry concrete block walls under three (3) feet measured from top of footing, or combination masonry concrete block walls under three (3) feet measured from top of footing, with any approved building material wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain link not exceeding six (6) feet in total height.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 105.3.2 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition is amended as follows:
Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit had been issued; except that the building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. Plans and other data submitted for review shall be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the City.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 105.3.2.1 is added to the California Building Code 2025 Edition as follows:
Once the application and plan check exceeds the number of days allocated by the California Building Standards, the application and plan check will be deemed expired. If an applicant desires to renew an application and plan check, they must submit a written request or submit a form, if one is provided, to the Building Official. The Building Official will review the request and provide the applicant an answer in writing. If denied, the applicant must submit a new application and plans, at the current fee rate. The plans must meet the current code cycle at the time that they are submitted.
If a renewal is approved by the building official, the applicant must pay a reinstatement fee:
A. 
If less than a year from the original application date — 50% of the original plan check fee.
B. 
If more than a year from the original application date — 75% of the original plan check fee.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 105.5.2 is added to the California Building Code 2025 Edition as follows:
Permit renewal is added to provide as follows:
Once the permit exceeds the number of days allocated by the California Building Standards, the permit will be deemed expired. If an applicant desires to renew a permit, they must submit a written request or submit a form, if one is provided, to the Building Official. The Building Official will review the request and provide the applicant an answer in writing. If denied, the applicant must submit a new application and plans for a new permit, at the current fee rate. The plans must meet the current code cycle at the time that they are submitted.
If a renewal is approved by the building official, the applicant must pay a reinstatement fee:
A. 
If less than a year from the original permit issuance date — 50% of the original inspection fees.
B. 
If more than a year from the original permit issuance date — 100% of the original inspection fees.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 109.4 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition is amended as follows:
Any work requiring a permit under this code that is commenced prior to obtaining the necessary permit shall be subject to a special investigation fee, as determined by the Building Official. This fee shall be in addition to the standard permit fees.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 109.6.1 is added to the California Building Code 2025 Edition as follows:
The Building Official may authorize the refund of not more than 50 percent of the inspection fee paid. Request for refunds must be submitted in writing or submitted on a form, if one is required, to the Building Official. The Building Official will review the request and provide the applicant with an answer in writing. If a building project has already started construction or inspections were requested, then no refund of a permit fee will be granted. The Building Official shall not authorize the refund of any fees paid unless a written application is submitted by the original permit holder prior to the permit's expiration date.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 110.3.1.1 is added to the California Building Code 2025 Edition as follows:
Line and grade certification will be required for all new structures. The owner, agent, contractor, and/or applicant shall submit a Foundation Line and Grade Certification for each structure to the Building Inspector. The line and grade shall be performed by a California Licensed surveyor or California Registered Professional Engineer.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 110.7 is added to the California Building Code 2025 Edition as follows:
A reinspection fee shall be permitted to be assessed for each inspection or reinspection where such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or where required corrections have not been made.
This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to be in accordance with the requirements of this code, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for inspection or reinspection. Reinspection fees shall be permitted to be assessed where the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid. Reinspection fees shall be established by the Building Official.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 113.3 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition is amended as follows:
The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training on matters pertaining to the provisions of this code.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 117 is added to the California Building Code 2025 Edition as follows:
Section 117 - HABITABILITY
117.1 General. In accordance with emergency management guidelines, the Green Tag, Yellow Tag, and Red Tag are adopted to identify the habitability of a structure. The different tags will indicate the level of habitability and any restrictions or occupancy limitations. The tags may be used after a natural or man-made emergency or event. The tags may also be used to identify any violations of the Health and Safety Code, the International Property Maintenance Code, or the Moreno Valley Municipal Code that affect habitability.
117.2 Placard. Any placard sign (tag) posted upon a premises shall be substantially similar to the following:
117.2.1 Green Tag. Occupancy permitted. Entry and occupancy of this structure is authorized by City Officials or their deputies.
117.2.2 Yellow Tag. Limited occupancy. Entry and occupancy of this structure are limited by City Officials or their deputies.
117.2.3 Red Tag. Do not enter or occupy. Entry and occupancy of this structure are prohibited by City Officials or their deputies.
117.3 Authority to Tag. The following officials have the authority to tag a building: Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Division Chief, Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, Building Official, and Code Enforcement Manager. These officials can also deputize staff to tag a building under the supervision of these officials. During emergencies, these officials can deputize volunteers who have demonstrated the training, education, and qualifications to identify habitability.
117.4 Legal Standard for Vacating. When, in the opinion of an appropriate official, there is imminent danger to the health and safety of the occupants of a building or structure, the official is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the premises forthwith.
117.5 Disconnected Utilities. If any utilities to a building are disconnected, the building may be deemed as substandard housing and non-habitable per the Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3. Under these conditions, the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Division Chief, Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, and Building Official, have the authority to limit entry to a portion or all of the building.
117.6 Volunteers. The City is authorized to solicit volunteers at any time to serve as evaluators as part of their emergency preparedness plan. Volunteers must complete California's Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program (DSWVP) in order to be registered and qualified as a volunteer. Volunteers must also sign a Volunteer Status and Waiver of Liability.
117.7 Unauthorized Tag Disturbance. It shall be unlawful and a violation of this code for any person to remove, deface, or destroy a placard (tag) posted pursuant to this code without the prior written permission of the City. No person shall remove or deface any such placard (tag) placed by the City without the prior written permission of the City. Any person violating this subsection shall be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
117.8 Unauthorized Entry. It is unlawful and a misdemeanor to occupy any structure ordered vacated and tagged in accordance with this Section 117. Any person violating the posted placard (tag) and found entering or occupying a structure that was limited or restricted in use, entry, or occupancy is subject to arrest.
117.9 Authority to Change or Remove Tag. The Building Official may remove or may alter the notice (tag) limiting entry whenever the defect or defects have been eliminated or reduced. Any person who defaces or removes the notice (tag) without the approval of the Building Official shall be subject to a misdemeanor.
117.10 Special Investigation. A special investigation shall be made before a permit is issued for such work.
117.11 Permit Required. Correcting the defect or defects upon which the notice (tag) action was issued will require a permit to perform the work to remove the life, health, or safety issue, and shall comply with this code.
117.12 Boarding Up. Whenever the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Division Chief, Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, Building Official, and Code Enforcement Manager determines that a dangerous building constitutes an immediate threat to the public health or safety, these officials may order to board up a structure. These officials can also deputize staff to board up a structure under the supervision of these officials. No person shall remove or deface any such boards placed by these Officials without the prior written permission of these Officials.
117.13 Vacant Structures. Vacant structures that are not secured may be ordered to be boarded up to protect the public and property.
117.14 Unauthorized Board up Disturbance. It shall be unlawful and a violation of this code for any person to remove, deface, or destroy a board up pursuant to this code without the prior written permission of the City. No person shall remove or deface any such board order to be placed by the City without the prior written permission of the City. Any person violating this subsection shall be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
117.15 Unauthorized Entry. Any person found entering or occupying a structure that was boarded up is subject to arrest. Any person violating this subsection shall be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
117.16 Reimbursement. An administrative citation shall be issued at least equal to the amount of the cost for boarding up the structure to protect the public. Failure to pay the administrative citation shall result in a lien. The cost for boarding up shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and there shall be a lien upon such real estate and or shall be collected by any other legal source.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 304.1 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition is amended to include the following additions:
A. 
Motor Vehicle Showrooms.
B. 
Police and Fire Stations.
C. 
Post Office.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 903.2 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition is amended as follows:
A. 
New Buildings. In all new buildings and structures which are 3,600 square feet or greater, an approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided regardless of occupancy classification. Where the California Building Code is requiring more restrictive requirements in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21, the more restrictive requirement shall take precedence.
B. 
Existing Buildings. Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and when one of the following conditions exists:
1. 
When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, and the resulting building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (465 m2) as defined in Section 202; or
2. 
When an addition exceeds 1,500 square feet (186 m2) and the resulting building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (465 m2) as defined in Section 202.
Exception: Unless required elsewhere in this code or the California Building Code, automatic fire sprinkler systems shall not be required for the following:
a. 
Detached Group U occupancies used for agricultural purposes constructed in accordance with the California Building Code.
b. 
Detached non-combustible equestrian arena shade canopies that are open on all sides and used for riding only - no commercial, assembly or storage uses.
c. 
Detached fabric or non-combustible shade structures that are open on all sides and used to shade playground equipment, temporary storage of vehicles, and dining areas with no cooking.
d. 
Where determined by the Fire Chief that no major life safety hazard exists, and the fuel load does not pose a significant threat to firefighter safety or to other structures or property, automatic fire sprinklers may be exempted.
One- and two-family dwellings shall have an automatic fire sprinkler system regardless of square footage in accordance with the California Residential Code. Fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in mobile homes, manufactured homes, and multifamily manufactured homes with two dwelling units in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.
The following exceptions in the California Fire Code 2025 Edition shall not be allowed:
i. 
Exception in Section 903.2.3.
ii. 
Exception in Section 903.2.11.3.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)
Section 903.3.5.3 is added to the California Building Code 2025 Edition as follows:
903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.
(Ord. 1033, 11/4/2025)