Agenda packet — Industry City Council, December 11, 2025 (part 2 of 2)

and counties will automatically be subject to the Code 180 days after publication but may adopt amendments so long as the amendments are reasonably necessary based on specific findings because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. Since the County of Los Angeles (“County”) provides building and safety services to the City and evaluates the Code for local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions the City typically adopts or considers the County amendments. For developers, designers, and contractors, consistent standards across the County and the City can simplify the development process.

Discussion:

In January 2025, the BSC adopted the latest Code that include requirements for building, existing building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and residential construction. The Code was published on July 1, 2025 and becomes effective on January 1, 2026. On November 25, 2025, the County adopted its amendments.

Historically, the City has adopted by reference the Los Angeles County amendments for building, existing building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and residential codes. Attachment 1 of the Urgency Ordinance No. 840 U and Ordinance No. 839 provides a list of the County’s recent amendments along with the climatic, geologic, and topographic conditions that substantiates each modification.

In short, the City agrees with the County amendments as they aid building resilience in crisis situations. However, the County adopted certain amendments to the plumbing code that do not aid resilience and present increased costs to new developments. For these reasons, the County amendments related to the reuse of graywater, namely sections 206.0, 210.0-H, 304.1, and 601.2.3, have been excluded from the proposed ordinances. Exhibit 3 contains an excerpt of the County’s plumbing amendments with sections 206.0, 210.0-H, 304.1, and 601.2.3 stricken out.

Excluding these sections is consistent with the City’s code adoption in 2022.

Due to the timing of the County finishing its amendments (November 25, 2025) and the effective date of the State Code (January 1, 2026), staff recommends that the City Council adopt the County amendments as both an urgency ordinance, to take effect on January 1, 2026, and a regular ordinance, to ensure permanent codification. Otherwise, under the typical code adoption timelines, the State Code would apply to new projects submitted to the City from January 1, 2026, to when the County’s amendments become effective (approximately February 7, 2026). In other words, there would be a lag period from when the State Code would apply, then not apply after about one month.

To proceed with adopting the 2025 California Building Codes with the Los Angeles County amendments, staff recommends the City Council approve Urgency Ordinance No. 840 U and Ordinance No. 839. Urgency Ordinance No. 840 U requires a 4/5th vote to pass and will be effective January 1, 2026, for a period not greater than 45 days. If Ordinance No. 839 is introduced, it will be brought back to the City Council for public hearing and adoption on January 8, 2026, and will be effective on February 7, 2026.

The ordinances have been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines 15061(b)(3) as a project that has no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

Fiscal Impact:

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There is no fiscal impact related to the adoption of updated building standards.

Recommendation:

Staff recommends that the City Council: (1) Waive reading of Ordinance No. 839 and read by title only; and (2) introduce Ordinance No. 839 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Industry Adopting by Reference, Pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.2, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Building Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Building Code 2025 Edition; Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Plumbing Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Plumbing Code 2025 Edition; Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Electrical Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Electrical Code 2025 Edition; Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Mechanical Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Mechanical Code 2025 Edition; Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Residential Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Residential Code 2025 Edition; Title 33 of the Los Angeles County Existing Building Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Existing Building Code 2025 Edition; Adopting Local Amendments Thereto, and Making Findings for Same; and adopting a Notice of Exemption regarding same.

Exhibits:

1. Ordinance No. 839

2. Notice of Exemption

3. Excerpt of County of Los Angeles Plumbing Code Amendments 2025 with sections 206.0, 210.0-H, 304.1, and 601.2.3 stricken out

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EXHIBIT 1
Ordinance No. 839
[Attached]

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ORDINANCE NO. 839

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDUSTRY,

CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, TITLE 26 OF THE LOS

ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE, INCORPORATING BY
REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 2025 EDITION; TITLE 28 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE

INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING
CODE 2025 EDITION; TITLE 27 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY

ELECTRICAL CODE, INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE
CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE 2025 EDITION; TITLE 29 OF THE LOS

ANGELES COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE, INCORPORATING BY
REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 2025 EDITION;
TITLE 30 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CODE,

INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL
CODE 2025 EDITION; AND TITLE 33 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY

EXISTING BUILDING CODE, INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE
CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 2025 EDITION; ADOPTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND MAKING FINDINGS FOR SAME;

AND ADOPTING A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION REGARDING SAME
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDUSTRY DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

The City Council of the City of Industry (the "City") adopts this ordinance based upon the following findings and determinations:
(A) Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5, the City Council hereby makes each finding of reasonable necessity for modifications as stated separately in Attachment 1, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and as set forth in the Los Angeles County Code. These modifications to the California Building Standards Code, incorporating the model codes are reasonably necessary due to the high potential for seismic activity which make structures particularly vulnerable to structural damage, as well as local climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions in the County of Los Angeles.
(B) California State law requires localities, such as the City of Industry, to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and any modifications there to, by January 1, 2026. The City Council finds that it is essential and imperative that the City adopt this Ordinance, adopting by reference the above-listed Los Angeles County Code and modifications necessitated by local geological conditions by that date. The City Council further finds that in the absence of legislation effective by that date, technical codes adequate to meet the City's special circumstances will not be in effect and hazards will be posed which would immediately threaten the public peace, health, and safety. Accordingly,

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the City Council finds that this Ordinance is necessary, and is adopted for the immediate preservation of public peace, health and safety of the City and its residents.

SECTION 2. CEQA.

Upon independent review and consideration of the information contained in the Staff Report and the Notice of Exemption for this Ordinance, the City Council hereby finds and determines that this Ordinance does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Accordingly, the City Council finds and determines that this Ordinance is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA", Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.) pursuant to the general rule in Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines (Chapter 3, of Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations) that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and therefore the City Council approves and adopts the Notice of Exemption. The City Council further directs Staff to file the Notice of Exemption, as authorized by law.

SECTION 3. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.04.010 (Adoption of building code) of Chapter 15.04 (Building Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

A. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26 Building Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Building Code, 2025 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of lndustry.

B. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the building code, as set forth in the City of Industry Municipal Code, the provisions contained in the City of Industry Municipal Code shall control.

C. A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the city clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the city clerk for use and examination by the public.

SECTION 4. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.10.010 (Adoption of residential code) of Chapter 15.10 (Residential Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

A. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 30 Residential Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition (Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Residential Code of the City of lndustry.

B. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the residential

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code, as set forth in the City of Industry Municipal Code, the provisions contained in the City of Industry Municipal Code shall control.

C. A copy of Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the city clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the city clerk for use and examination by the public.

SECTION 5. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.16.010 (Adoption of mechanical code) of Chapter 15.16 (Mechanical Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

A. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 29 Mechanical Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition (Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Mechanical Code of the City of Industry.

B. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the mechanical code, as set forth in the City of Industry Municipal Code, the provisions contained in the City of Industry Municipal Code shall control.

C. A copy of Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the city clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the city clerk for use and examination by the public.

SECTION 6. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.20.010 (Adoption of electrical code) of Chapter 15.20 (Electrical Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

A. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 27 Electrical Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition (Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Electrical Code of the City of lndustry.

B. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the electrical code, as set forth in the City of Industry Municipal Code, the provisions contained in the City of Industry Municipal Code shall control.

C. A copy of Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the city clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the city clerk for use and examination by the public.

SECTION 7. Municipal Code Amendment.

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Section 15.24.010 (Adoption of plumbing code) of Chapter 15.24 (Plumbing Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

A. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 28 Plumbing Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Plumbing Code of the City of lndustry. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following Sections of Title 28 Plumbing Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, are not part of the Plumbing Code of the City of lndustry: Sections 206.0 (Demand Hot Water Recirculation System), 210.0-H (Hot Water Recirculation System), 304.1 (General), and 601.2.3 (Hot Water Recirculation Systems).

B. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Plumbing Code, as set forth in the City of Industry Municipal Code, the provisions contained in the City of Industry Municipal Code shall control.

C. A copy of Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the city clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the city clerk for use and examination by the public.

SECTION 8. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.30.010 (Adoption of Existing Building Code) of Chapter 15.30 (Existing Building Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

A. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 33 Existing Building Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Existing Building, 2025 Edition (Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Existing Building Code of the City of Industry.

B. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition, Title 33 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the existing building code, as set forth in the City of Industry Municipal Code, the provisions contained in the City of Industry Municipal Code shall control.

C. A copy of Title 33 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the city clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the city clerk for use and examination by the public.

SECTION 9. Clerical Errors.

The City Council directs the City Clerk to correct any clerical errors found in this Ordinance including, but not limited to, typographical errors, irregular numbering, and incorrect section references.

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SECTION 10. Severability.

If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, provisions of this ordinance are severable.

The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases be held unconstitutional, invalid or unenforceable.

SECTION 11. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission, as required by law.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Industry at a _________ meeting held on _________________, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

______________________________
Cory C. Moss, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Julie Gutierrez-Robles, City Clerk

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ATTACHMENT NO. 1 TO ORDINANCE NO. 839
Building Code Amendments
[Attached]

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BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
113.5,
113.5.1,
113.5.2
Administrative This is an administrative amendment to clarify that structures meeting the conditions specified and
affected by the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fire are
not required under the Alquist-Priolo Act to conduct
an active fault study.
701A.1
701A.2
Climatic Clarifies the application of Chapter 5 of the California Wildland Interface Code to harden additions,
alterations, and/or relocated buildings. Many areas
of the County have been designated as Fire Hazard
Severity Zones due to the increased risk of fire
caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry
vegetation. Additions, alterations, and/or relocated
buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.
701A.3
701A.5
701A.6
Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused
by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in
high fire severity zones in order to further harden
residential buildings against fire risk.
701A.7 Climatic Disallows the use of Class B wood-shingle/woodshake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and
dry vegetation in high fire severity zones in order to
further harden residential buildings against fire risk. 1031.2.1 Geological The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a densely populated area having buildings constructed
over and near a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

The proposed amendment is intended to prevent
occupants from being trapped in a building and to
allow rescue workers to easily enter after an
earthquake.

Table
1507.3.7
Geological Table amended to require proper anchorage for clay or concrete tiles from sliding or rotating due to the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County. This amendment incorporates the design

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
provisions developed based on detailed study of the
1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes.
1613.8
and
1613.8.1
Geological Observed damages to one- and two-family dwellings of light frame construction after the Northridge
Earthquake may have been partially attributed to
vertical irregularities common to this type of
occupancy and construction. In an effort to improve
quality of construction and incorporate lesson
learned from studies after the Northridge
Earthquake, the proposed modification to ASCE 7-
22, Section 12.2.3.1, Exception 3, by limiting the
number of stories and height of the structure to two
stories will significantly minimize the impact of
vertical irregularities and concentration of inelastic
behavior from mixed structural systems. This
proposed amendment is a continuation of an
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1613.8.2 Geological A joint Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC), Los Angeles County and
Los Angeles City Task Force investigated the
performance of concrete and masonry construction
with flexible wood diaphragm failures after the
Northridge earthquake. It was concluded at that time
that continuous ties are needed at specified spacing
to control cross grain tension in the interior of the
diaphragm. Additionally, there was a need to limit
subdiaphragm allowable shear loads to control
combined orthogonal stresses within the diaphragm.

Recognizing the importance and need to continue
the recommendation made by the task force while
taking into consideration the improved performances
and standards for diaphragm construction today, this
proposal increases the continuous tie spacing limit to
40 ft in lieu of 25 ft and to use 75% of the allowable
code diaphragm shear to determine the depth of the
sub-diaphragm in lieu of the 300 plf and is deemed
appropriate and acceptable. Due to the frequency of
this type of failure during the past significant

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
earthquakes, various jurisdictions within the Los
Angeles region have taken this additional step to
prevent roof or floor diaphragms from pulling away
from concrete or masonry walls. This proposed
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
1613.8.3 Geological The inclusion of the importance factor in the referenced Section equation has the unintended
consequence of reducing the minimum seismic
separation distance for important facilities such as
hospitals, schools, police, and fire stations from
adjoining structures. The proposal to omit the
importance factor from the referenced equation in
Section 12.8.6 will ensure that a safe seismic
separation distance is provided. This proposed
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
1613.9 Geological
Topographical
Section is added to improve seismic safety of
buildings constructed on or into hillsides. Due to the
local topographical and geological conditions of the
sites within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach
region and their probabilities for earthquakes, this
technical amendment is required to address and
clarify special needs for buildings constructed on
hillside locations. A SEAOSC and Los Angeles City
Joint Task Force investigated the performance of
hillside building failures after the Northridge
earthquake. Numerous hillside failures resulted in
loss of life and millions of dollars in damage. These
criteria were developed to minimize the damage to
these structures and have been in use by both the
City and County of Los Angeles for several years
with much success. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1613.10 Geological The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a densely populated area having buildings constructed
over and near a vast array of fault systems capable
of producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during the

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed
modification requiring safe design and construction
requirements for ceiling suspension systems to resist
seismic loads is intended to minimize the amount of
damage within a building and therefore needs to be
incorporated into the code to assure that new
buildings and additions to existing buildings are
designed and constructed in accordance with the
scope and objectives of the California Building Code.
1704.6 Geological
Administrative
The language in section 1704.6 of the California
Building Code permits the owner to employ any
registered design professional to perform structural
observations with minimum guidelines. However, it
is important that the registered design professional
responsible for the structural design has thorough
knowledge of the building he/she designed. By
requiring the registered design professional
responsible for the structural design, or their
designee, who was involved with the design to
observe the construction, the quality of the
observation for major structural elements and
connections that affect the vertical and lateral load
resisting systems of the structure will be greatly
increased. Additional requirements are provided to
help clarify the role and duties of the structural
observer and the method of reporting and correcting
observed deficiencies to the Building Official. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
1704.6.1 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, the language in section
1704.6.1, Item 3, of the California Building Code
would permit many low-rise buildings and structures
with complex structural elements to be constructed
without the benefit of a structural observation. By
requiring a registered design professional to observe
the construction, the quality of the observation for
major structural elements and connections that affect

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the
structure will be greatly increased. An exception is
provided to permit simple structures and buildings to
be excluded. This amendment is a continuation of
an amendment adopted during previous code
adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County.
1705.3 Geological Results from studies after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake indicated that a significant portion of the
damage was attributable to lack of quality control
during construction resulting in poor performance of
the building or structure. Therefore, the amendment
restricts the exceptions to the requirement for special inspection. This amendment is a continuation of an
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1705.13 Geological In Southern California, very few detached one- or two-family dwellings not exceeding two stories above
grade plane are built as "box-type" structures
specially for those in hillside areas and near the
oceanfront. Many with steel moment frames or
braced frames, and/or cantilevered columns, can still
be shown as "regular" structures by calculations.

With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings
and structures in this region, the language in
section 1705.13, Item 3, of the California Building
Code would permit many detached one- or twofamily dwellings not exceeding two stories above grade plane with complex structural elements to be
constructed without the benefit of special
inspections. By requiring special inspections, the
quality of major structural elements and connections
that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting
systems of the structure will be greatly increased.

The exception should only be allowed for detached
one- or two-family dwellings not exceeding two
stories above grade plane assigned to Seismic
Design Categories A, B, and C.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
1807.1.4 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that a wood foundation is effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effect of constant moisture in
the soil and wood-destroying organisms. Wood
retaining walls, when they are not properly treated
and protected against deterioration, have performed
very poorly and have led to slope failures. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or
eliminate potential problems that may result by using
wood foundations that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due
to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1807.1.6 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, it is necessary to take
precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential
problems that may result by following prescriptive
design provisions that do not take into consideration
the surrounding environment. Plain concrete
performs poorly in withstanding the cyclic forces
resulting from seismic events. In addition, no
substantiating data has been provided to show that
under-reinforced foundation walls are effective in
resisting seismic loads, and may potentially lead to a
higher risk of failure. It is important that the benefit and expertise of a registered design professional be
obtained to properly analyze the structure and take
these issues into consideration. This amendment is

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1807.2 Climatic,
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood foundation systems are effective in
supporting buildings and structures during a seismic
event while being subject to deterioration caused by
the combined detrimental effects of constant
moisture in the soil and wood-destroying organisms.

Wood foundation systems not properly treated and
protected against deterioration have performed very
poorly and have led to slope failures. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate
potential problems that may result in using wood
foundation systems that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This proposed amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1807.3.1 Climatic,
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood foundation systems are effective in
supporting buildings and structures during a seismic
event while being subject to deterioration caused by
the combined detrimental effects of constant
moisture in the soil and wood-destroying organisms.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate
potential problems that may result in using wood
foundation systems that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This proposed amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1809.3 and
Figure
1809.3
Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, it is necessary to take
precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential
problems that may result for under-reinforced
footings located on sloped surfaces. Requiring
minimum reinforcement for stepped footings is
intended to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1809.7 and
Table 1809.7
Geological No substantiating data has been provided to show that under-reinforced footings are effective in
resisting seismic loads, and therefore they may
potentially lead to a higher risk of failure. This
amendment requires minimum reinforcement in
continuous footings to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. With the higher seismic
demand placed on buildings and structures in this
region, it is necessary to take precautionary steps to
reduce or eliminate potential problems that may
result by following prescriptive design provisions for
footings that do not take into consideration the
surrounding environment. It is important that the
benefit and expertise of a registered design
professional be obtained to properly analyze the
structure and take these factors into consideration.

This amendment reflects the recommendations by
the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
Force, which investigated the performance
deficiencies observed in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of an
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles.
1809.12 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that timber footings are effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in
the soil and wood-destroying organisms. Timber
footings, when they are not properly treated and
protected against deterioration, have performed very
poorly. Most contractors are typically accustomed to
construction in dry and temperate weather in the
Southern California region and are not generally
familiar with the necessary precautions and
treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both
seismic events and wet applications. The proposed
amendment takes the necessary precautionary steps
to reduce or eliminate potential problems, which may
result by using timber footings that experience
relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region
does not experience temperatures cold enough to
destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of
wood-destroying organisms. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due
to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1810.3.2.4 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that timber footings are effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in
the soil and wood-destroying organisms. Timber
footings, when they are not properly treated and
protected against deterioration, have performed very
poorly. Most contractors are typically accustomed to
construction in dry and temperate weather in the

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Condition Explanation of Amendment
Southern California region and are not generally
familiar with the necessary precautions and
treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both
seismic events and wet applications. The proposed
amendment takes the necessary precautionary steps
to reduce or eliminate potential problems that may
result by using timber footings that experience
relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region
does not experience temperatures cold enough to
destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of
wood-destroying organisms. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due
to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1905.1 Geological This amendment is intended to carry over critical provisions for the design of concrete columns in
moment frames from the legacy 1997 Uniform
Building Code. Increased confinement is critical to
the integrity of such columns and these modifications
ensure that it is provided when certain thresholds are
exceeded. In addition, this amendment carries over
from the legacy 1997 Uniform Building Code a
critical provision for the design of concrete shear
walls. It essentially limits the use of very highly
gravity-loaded walls in being included in the seismic
load resisting system, since their failure could have
catastrophic effect on the building. Furthermore, this
amendment was incorporated in the code based on
observations from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

Rebar placed in very thin concrete topping slabs
have been observed in some instances to have
popped out of the slab due to insufficient concrete
coverage. This modification ensures that critical
boundary and collector rebars are placed in
sufficiently thick topping slab to prevent buckling of
such reinforcements. This proposed amendment is
a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due

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Condition Explanation of Amendment
to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
1905.6.2 Geological This amendment requires minimum reinforcement in continuous footings to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. This amendment reflects the
recommendations by the SEAOSC and the
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which
investigated the poor performance observed in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due
to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
1905.8
through
1905.10
Geological These amendments are intended to carry over
critical provisions for the design of concrete columns
in moment frames from the Uniform Building Code
(UBC). Increased confinement is critical to the
integrity of such columns and these modifications
ensure that it is provided when certain thresholds are
exceeded. In addition, this amendment carries over
from the UBC a critical provision for the design of
concrete shear walls. It essentially limits the use of
very highly gravity-loaded walls from being included
in the seismic load resisting system, since their
failure could have a catastrophic effect on the
building. Furthermore, this amendment was
incorporated into this Code based on observations
from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Rebar placed
in very thin concrete topping slabs has been
observed in some instances to have popped out of
the slab due to insufficient concrete coverage. This
modification ensures that critical boundary and
collector rebars are placed in sufficiently thick slabs to prevent buckling of such reinforcements. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.

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Condition Explanation of Amendment
2304.10.2
and Table
2304.10.2
Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the expected higher level of
performance on buildings and structures, this
proposed local amendment limits the use of staple
fasteners in resisting or transferring seismic forces.

In September 2007, limited cyclic testing data was
provided to the ICC, Los Angeles Chapter Structural
Code Committee, showing that stapled wood
structural shear panels do not exhibit the same
behavior as nailed wood structural shear panels.

The test results of stapled wood structural shear
panels demonstrated much lower strength and drift
than nailed wood structural shear panel test results.

Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners to resist or transfer seismic forces shall not be permitted without
being substantiated by cyclic testing. This
amendment is a continuation of a similar amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
2304.10.3.1 Geological The overdriving of nails into the structural wood panels still remains a concern when pneumatic nail
guns are used for wood structural panel shear wall
nailing. Box nails were observed to cause massive
and multiple failures of the typical 3/8-inch thick
plywood during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

The existing test results indicated that, under cyclic
loading, the wood structural panel shear walls were
less energy absorbent and less ductile. The panels
reached ultimate load capacity and failed at
substantially less lateral deflection than those using
same-size hand-driven nails. This amendment

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Condition Explanation of Amendment
reflects the recommendations by the SEAOSC and
the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which
investigated the poor performance observed in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due
to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
2304.12.2.8 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood used in retaining or crib walls is effective
in supporting buildings and structures during a
seismic event while being subject to deterioration
caused by the combined detrimental effect of
constant moisture in the soil and wood-destroying
organisms. Wood used in retaining or crib walls,
when it is not properly treated and protected against
deterioration, has performed very poorly. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or
eliminate potential problems that may result by using
wood in retaining or crib walls, which experience
relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region
does not experience temperatures cold enough to
destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of
wood-destroying organisms. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due
to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
2305.4 Geological Many of the hold-down connectors currently in use do not have any acceptance report based on
dynamic testing protocols. This amendment
continues to limit the allowable capacity to 75% of
the acceptance report value to provide an additional
factor of safety for statically tested anchorage

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Condition Explanation of Amendment
devices. Cyclic forces imparted on buildings and
structures by seismic activity cause more damage
than equivalent forces that are applied in a static
manner. Steel plate washers will reduce the
additional damage that can result when hold-down
connectors are fastened to wood framing members.

This amendment reflects the recommendations by
the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task
Force, which investigated the poor performance
observed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
2306.2
2306.3
2307.2
2308.10.5.1
2308.10.5.2
Figure
2308.10.5.1
and Figure
2308.10.5.2
Geological The SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force that investigated damage to buildings and
structures during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake
recommended reducing allowable shear values in
wood structural panel shear walls or diaphragms that
were not substantiated by cyclic testing. That
recommendation was consistent with a report to the
Governor from the Seismic Safety Commission of
the State of California recommending that code
requirements be "more thoroughly substantiated with
testing." The allowable shear values for wood
structural panel shear walls or diaphragms fastened
with staples are based on monotonic testing and do
not take into consideration that earthquake forces
load shear wall or diaphragm in a repeating and fully
reversible manner. In September 2007, limited cyclic
testing was conducted by a private engineering firm
to determine if wood structural panels fastened with
staples would exhibit the same behavior as wood
structural panels fastened with common nails. The
test result revealed that wood structural panels
fastened with staples demonstrated much lower
strength and stiffness than wood structural panels
fastened with common nails. It was recommended
that the use of staples as fasteners for wood
structural panel shear walls or diaphragms not be
permitted to resist seismic forces in structures

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Condition Explanation of Amendment
assigned to Seismic Design Categories D, E, and F
unless it can be substantiated by cyclic testing.

Furthermore, the cities and unincorporated areas
within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region
have taken extra measures to maintain the structural
integrity of the framing of shear walls and
diaphragms designed for high levels of seismic
forces by requiring wood sheathing be applied
directly over the framing members and prohibiting
the use of panels placed over gypsum sheathing.

This amendment is intended to prevent the
undesirable performance of nails when gypsum
board softens due to cyclic earthquake
displacements and the nail ultimately does not have
any engagement in a solid material within the
thickness of the gypsum board. This amendment
continues the previous amendment adopted during
the 2007 code adoption cycle.
2308.10.8.1 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, interior walls can easily be called upon to resist over half of the seismic
loading imposed on simple buildings or structures.

Without a continuous foundation to support the
braced wall line, seismic loads would be transferred
through other elements such as non-structural
concrete slab floors, wood floors, etc. The purpose
of this amendment is to limit the use of the exception
to structures assigned to Seismic Design Category
A, B, or C where lower seismic demands are
expected. Requiring interior braced walls be
supported by continuous foundations is intended to
reduce or eliminate the poor performance of
buildings or structures. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due
to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.

Table
2308.10.1
Geological This amendment specifies minimum sheathing
thickness and nail size and spacing so as to provide
a uniform standard of construction for designers and

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Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
buildings to follow. This is intended to improve the
performance level of buildings and structures that
are subject to the higher seismic demands placed on
buildings or structure in this region. This proposed
amendment reflects the recommendations by the
SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force,
which investigated the performance deficiencies
observed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
2308.10.9 Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the required higher level of
performance of buildings and structures, this
amendment limits the use of staple fasteners in
resisting or transferring seismic forces. In
September 2007, limited cyclic testing data was
provided to the ICC, Los Angeles Chapter Structural
Code Committee, showing that stapled wood
structural shear panels do not exhibit the same
behavior as nailed wood structural shear panels.

The test results of stapled wood structural shear
panels demonstrated much lower strength and drift
than nailed wood structural shear panel test results.

Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners to resist or transfer seismic forces shall not be permitted without
being substantiated by cyclic testing. This
amendment is a continuation of a similar amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
3114; Climatic,
Geologic
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is
situated over a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

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Condition Explanation of Amendment
amendment addresses structural design
requirements specific to intermodal shipping
containers, reduce environmental impact of unused
and unrecycled intermodal shipping containers, and
increase sustainability by reducing consumption of
traditional construction materials. The proposed
modification needs to be incorporated into the code
to assure that new buildings and additions to existing
buildings utilizing intermodal shipping containers are
designed and constructed in accordance with the
scope and objectives of the California Building Code
and California Green Building Standards Code
Appendix C Climatic,
Geologic,
Voluntary
appendix
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various agricultural and animal husbandry
establishments. Many areas of the County have
been designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones due
to the increased risk of fire caused by low humidity,
strong winds, and dry vegetation, particularly the
rural areas, which are often used for agricultural
purposes. Furthermore, the greater Los
Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a vast
array of earthquake fault systems capable of
producing major earthquakes, similar to or exceeding
the geologic activities occurring during the 1994
Northridge Earthquake. Due to the need for
agricultural buildings to perform appropriately in the
County due to its geology and climate, adoption of
building standards for such structures is required.

Appendix H Climatic,
Geologic,
Voluntary
appendix
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various signs used in the County. The Los Angeles
region is situated over a vast array of earthquake
fault systems capable of producing major
earthquakes, similar to or exceeding the geologic
activities occurring during the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. In addition, weather events occur
seasonally with high winds such as the Santa Ana
Winds. Due to the need for signs to perform well in

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Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
the County due to its climate and geology, adoption
of building standards for signs is required.

H103.1 Geologic,
Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various signs used in the County. The greater
Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a
vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of
producing major earthquakes, similar to or exceeding
the geologic activities occurring during the 1994
Northridge Earthquake. This provision is amended
to cross-reference to applicable legal provisions and
also to ensure that signs are located in such a way
as to avoid damage to adjacent structures and
people given the potential for earthquakes in the
County.

H103.2 Geologic,
Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various signs used in the County. The greater
Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a
vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of
producing major earthquakes, similar to or exceeding
the geologic activities occurring during the 1994
Northridge Earthquake. This provision is amended
to cross-reference to applicable legal provisions and
also to ensure that sign projections and clearances
are located in such a way as to avoid damage to
adjacent structures and people given the potential for
earthquakes in the County.

H104.1 Geologic,
Voluntary
appendix
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is
situated over a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

Due to the risk of geologic activities in the Southern
California area, buildings and structures require a
high level of performance, which is directly
proportional to the weight of a structure. By adding
the weight of a sign to the identification placard, it will

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Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
improve the ability to provide structural verification in the event of damage or future modifications.

H105.1 Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
The amendment provides a cross reference to
Chapter 24 for user convenience.

H106.1,
H106.2
Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
This change corrects a call out from the model
electrical code to the relevant local electrical code
and clarifies that a separate electrical permit is
required for user convenience.

H110.1 Climatic,
Voluntary
appendix
Due to the potential for severe local weather
conditions with torrential rain, it is necessary to
clarify that no portions of the roof sign and
supporting members may interfere with proper roof
drainage to prevent the potential for roof collapse
due to water accumulation.

H116 Climatic,
Voluntary
appendix
Due to the potential for severe local weather with
high speed winds and hot, dry conditions, it is
necessary that the most recent test standards as
specified in Chapter 35 are adopted in lieu of the
older test standards specified in Section H116. This
ensures that the risk from fires is minimized.

J101.1 to
J101.9
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to include erosion and sediment
control measures to address the complex and
diverse set of soil types and geologic conditions that
exist in the greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach
region.

J101.10 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Section revised to maintain safety and integrity of
public or private property adjacent to grading sites
due to the complex and diverse set of soil types,
climates, and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J103.1 –
J103.2 and
Figure
J103.2
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide adequate control of
grading operations typical to the greater Los Angeles
County/Long Beach region due to the complex and
diverse set of soil types, climates, and geologic

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Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
conditions that exist in the greater Los Angeles
County/Long Beach region.

J104.2.1 –
J104.4
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised or added to provide adequate
control of grading operations typical to the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region due to the
complex and diverse set of soil types, climates, and
geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J105.1-
J105.14
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised or added to provide adequate
control of grading operations typical to the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region due to the
complex and diverse set of soil types, climates, and
geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J106.1 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Section revised to require more stringent cut slope
ratios to address the complex and diverse set of soil
types and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J107.1-
J107.7
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide more stringent fill
requirements for slope stability and settlement due to
the complex and diverse set of soil types, climates,
and geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J107.8 –
J107.9
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide more stringent inspection
and testing requirements for fill slope stability due to the complex and diverse set of soil types, climates,
and geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J108.1 –
J108.4
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide more stringent slope
setback requirements to address the complex and
diverse set of soil types, climates, and geologic
conditions that exist in the greater Los Angeles
County/Long Beach region.

J109.1 –
J109.3
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide more stringent drainage
and terracing requirements to address the complex
and diverse set of soil types, climates, and geologic

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Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
conditions that exist in the greater Los Angeles
County/Long Beach region.

J109.5 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Subsection added to provide for adequate outlet of
drainage flows due to the diverse set of soil types,
climates, and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J110.1 -
J110.8.5
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised or added to provide for State
requirements of storm water pollution prevention and
more stringent slope planting, and slope stability
requirements to control erosion due to the complex
and diverse set of soil types, climates, and geologic
conditions that exist in the greater Los Angeles
County/Long Beach region.

J111 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Section revised to reference additional standards for
soils testing due to the complex and diverse set of
soil types, climates, and geologic conditions that
exist in the greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach
region.

Appendix Q
Q101.1,
Q102.1,
Q103.1,
Q103.4,
Q107.1
Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
Climatic
Geologic
Topographical
Adoption of this appendix is necessary because strict
compliance with State and local standards and laws
would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the
effects of a declared shelter crisis, local emergency
or state of emergency. The modifications to this
appendix are administrative in nature, to provide
clarification of various provisions of the language of
this voluntary Appendix.

Q106.1 Climatic Los Angeles County is subject to extreme temperatures, and many of these membrane
structures will be erected and occupied during
severe weather events. It is necessary to include
this amendment to ensure the safety, health, and
comfort of the occupants is maintained during
extreme heat and cold.

Q110.1.1,
Q110.1.2
Administrative These sections are a cross reference to the State Plumbing Code requirement for user convenience
and is not adding a new building standard nor

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Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
enacting a more restrictive requirement. To the
extent findings are requested, see prefatory
language in this Section.

Q110.3 Climatic,
Voluntary
appendix
The County may utilize mobile restroom facilities that
are physically separate from the living facilities. Due to the potential for severe local weather conditions,
with extreme temperatures or torrential rain, the
distance to the restroom facilities required for the
comfort, safety, and health of displaced people
should be reduced to 300 feet or as determined by
the Building Official.

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RESIDENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
R301.1.3.2 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. After the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake, the Wood Frame Construction Joint Task
Force recommended that the quality of woodframe
construction needed to be greatly improved. The
Task Force recommended that structural plans be
prepared by the engineer or architect so that plan
examiners, building inspectors, contractors, and
special inspectors may logically follow and construct
the seismic force-resisting systems as presented in
the construction documents. For buildings or
structures located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1,
D2, or E that are subject to a greater level of seismic forces, the requirement to have a California licensed
architect or engineer prepare the construction
documents is intended to minimize or reduce
structural deficiencies that may cause excessive
damage or injuries in woodframe buildings.

Involvement of a registered professional will minimize
the occurrence of structural deficiencies such as plan
and vertical irregularities, improper shear transfer of the seismic force-resisting system, missed details or
connections important to the structural system, and
the improper application of the prescriptive
requirements of the California Residential Code.

R301.1.5 Geological
Topographical
Due to the local topographical and geological
conditions of the sites within the greater Los Angeles
region and their susceptibility to earthquakes, this
technical amendment is required to address and
clarify special needs for buildings constructed on
hillside locations. A joint Structural Engineers
Association of Southern California (SEAOSC) and
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force investigated the
performance of hillside building failures after the
Northridge Earthquake. Numerous hillside failures

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Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
resulted in loss of life and millions of dollars in
damage. These criteria were developed to minimize
the damage to these structures and have been in use
by the City and County of Los Angeles for several
years.

R301.2.2.6 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the necessary
higher level of performance required for buildings and
structures, this local amendment limits the type of
irregular conditions as specified in the California
Residential Code. Such limitations are recommended
to reduce structural damage in the event of an
earthquake. The County of Los Angeles and cities in
this region have implemented these extra measures
to maintain the structural integrity of the framing of
the shear walls and all associated elements when
designed for high levels of seismic loads.

R301.2.2.11 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. Due to the high geologic activity in
the Southern California area and the necessary
higher level of performance required for buildings and
structures, this local amendment limits the potential
anchorage and supporting frame failure resulting from
additional weight. There is no limitation for weight of mechanical and plumbing fixtures and equipment in
the International Residential Code. Requirements
from ASCE 7 and the International Building Code
would permit equipment weighing up to 400 lbs. when
mounted at 4 feet or less above the floor or attic level without engineering design. Where equipment
exceeds this requirement, it is the intent of this
amendment that a registered design professional be
required to analyze if the floor support is adequate
and structurally sound.

Table
R302.1(2)
Climatic This amendment will not allow unprotected openings (openings that do not resist the spread of fire) to be in

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Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
the exterior wall of a residential building that is
located on a property line. This amendment is
necessary due to local climatic conditions. The hot,
dry weather conditions of late summer in combination
with the Santa Ana winds creates an extreme fire
danger. Residential buildings with unprotected
openings located on a property line may permit fires
to spread from the inside of the building to adjacent
properties and likewise from exterior properties to the interior of the building.

R337.1.1
R337.1.2
Climatic Clarifies the application of Chapter 5 of the California Wildland Interface Code to harden additions,
alterations, and/or relocated buildings. Many areas of
the County have been designated as Fire Hazard
Severity Zones due to the increased risk of fire
caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry
vegetation. Additions, alterations, and/or relocated
buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.

R337.1.3
R337.1.5
R337.1.6
Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused
by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in
high fire severity zones in order to further harden
residential buildings against fire risk.

R337.1.7 Climatic Disallows the use of Class B wood-shingle/woodshake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry
vegetation in high fire severity zones in order to
further harden residential buildings against fire risk.

R401.1 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. Wood foundations, even those that
are preservative-treated, encounter a higher risk of
deterioration when contacting the adjacent ground.

The required seismic anchorage and transfer of
lateral forces into the foundation system necessary
for 2-story structures and foundation walls could
become compromised at varying states of wood
decay. In addition, global structure overturning
moment and sliding resistance is reduced when

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Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
utilizing wood foundations as opposed to
conventional concrete or masonry systems.

However, non-occupied, single-story storage
structures pose significantly less risk to human safety and may utilize the wood foundation guidelines
specified in this Chapter.

R403.1.2
R403.1.3.6
R403.1.5
Figure
R403.1.5
Climatic
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due
to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. These amendments require
minimum reinforcement in continuous footings and
stepped footings to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. These amendments
implement the recommendations of SEAOSC and the
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force resulting from their
investigation of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

Interior walls can easily be called upon to resist over half of the seismic loading imposed on simple
buildings or structures. Without a continuous
foundation to support the braced wall line, seismic
loads would be transferred through other elements
such as non-structural concrete slab floors, wood
floors, etc. Requiring interior braced walls to be
supported by continuous foundations is intended to
reduce or eliminate the poor performance of buildings
or structures.

R404.2 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood foundations are effective in supporting
structures and buildings during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the presence
of water and other materials detrimental to wood
foundations in the soil. Wood foundations, when they
are not properly treated and protected against
deterioration, have performed very poorly and have
led to slope failures. Most contractors are typically
accustomed to construction in dry weather in the
Southern California region and are not generally
familiar with the necessary precautions and treatment
of wood that makes it suitable for both seismic events

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Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
and wet applications. With the higher seismic
demand placed on buildings and structures in this
region, coupled with the dryer weather conditions, it is the intent of this amendment to reduce or eliminate
potential problems resulting from the use of wood
footings and foundations.

R501.2 Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the necessary higher level of
performance required for buildings and structures,
this local amendment limits the potential anchorage
and supporting frame failure resulting from additional
weight. There is no limitation for weight of
mechanical and plumbing fixtures and equipment in
the International Residential Code. Requirements
from ASCE 7 and the International Building Code
would permit equipment weighing up to 400 lbs. when
mounted at 4 feet or less above the floor or attic level without engineering design. Where equipment
exceeds this requirement, it is the intent of this
amendment that a registered design professional be
required to analyze if the floor support is adequate
and structurally sound.

R503.2.4
Figure
R503.2.4
Geological Section R502.10 of the Code does not provide any prescriptive criteria to limit the maximum floor
opening size, nor does Section R503 provide any
details to address the issue of shear transfer near
larger floor openings. With the higher seismic
demand placed on buildings and structures in this
region, it is important to ensure that a complete load
path is provided to reduce or eliminate potential
damage caused by seismic forces. Requiring
blocking with metal ties around larger floor openings
and limiting opening size is consistent with the
requirements of Section R301.2.2.6.

Table
R602.3(1)
Table
R602.3(2)
Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. In September 2007, limited cyclic
testing data was provided to the ICC Los Angeles
Chapter Structural Code Committee showing that

Page 440 of 522 ends

Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
stapled wood structural shear panels do not exhibit
the same behavior as the nailed wood structural
shear panels. The test results of the stapled wood
structural shear panels demonstrated lower strength
and drift than the nailed wood structural shear panel
test results. Therefore, the use of staples as
fasteners for shear walls sheathed with other
materials shall not be permitted without being
substantiated by cyclic testing.

R602.3.2
Table
R602.3.2
Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. The County of Los Angeles and
cities in this region have taken extra measures to
maintain the structural integrity of the framing of the shear walls when designed for high levels of seismic
loads by eliminating single top plate construction.

The performance of modern day braced wall panel
construction is directly related to an adequate load
path extending from the roof diaphragm to the
foundation system.

R602.10.2.3 Geological The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures
constructed over and near a vast array of fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
including, but not limited, to the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. Plywood shear walls with high aspect
ratio experienced many failures during the Northridge
Earthquake. This proposed amendment specifies a
minimum braced wall length to meet an aspect ratio
consistent with other sections of the California
Residential Code, and to assure that new buildings
and additions to existing buildings are designed and
constructed in accordance with the scope and
objectives of the California Residential Code. This is
intended to improve the performance level of
buildings and structures that are subject to the higher seismic demands and reduce and limit potential
damage to property. This proposed amendment
reflects the recommendations by SEAOSC and the

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force that investigated
the poor performance observed during the 1994
Northridge Earthquake.

Table
R602.10.3(3
)
Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the necessary higher level of
performance of buildings and structures, this local
amendment reduces or eliminates the allowable
shear values for shear walls sheathed with lath,
plaster, or gypsum board. The poor performance of
such shear walls sheathed with other materials in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake was investigated by
SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force.

The County of Los Angeles and cities in this region
have taken extra measures to maintain the structural
integrity of the framing of the shear walls when
designed for high levels of seismic loads.

Table
R602.10.4
Geological 3/8" thick 3 ply-plywood shear walls experienced many failures during the Northridge Earthquake. This
amendment specifies minimum WSP sheathing
thickness and nail size and spacing, so as to provide
a uniform standard of construction to improve the
performance level of buildings and structures, given
the potential for higher seismic demands placed on
buildings or structure in this region. This proposed
amendment reflects the recommendations by
SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force
following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. In
September 2007, cyclic testing data was provided to
the Los Angeles Chapter Structural Code Committee
showing that stapled wood structural shear panels
underperformed nailed wood structural shear panels.

Test results of the stapled wood structural shear
panels appeared much lower in strength and drift
than the nailed wood structural shear panel test
results.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
was investigated by SEAOSC and the Los Angeles
City Joint Task Force. The County of Los Angeles
and cities in this region have taken extra measures to
maintain the structural integrity with respect to the
"maximum shear wall aspect ratios" of the framing of
the shear walls when designed for high levels of
seismic loads. This amendment is consistent with the
shear wall aspect ratio provision of Section 4.3.3 of
AWC SDPWS-2021.

Figure
R602.10.6.1
Geological 3/8" thick 3 ply-plywood shear walls experienced many failures during the Northridge Earthquake. The
poor performance of shear walls in the 1994
Northridge Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC
and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force. Box nails
were observed to cause massive and multiple failures
of the typical 3/8" thick 3 ply-plywood during the
Northridge Earthquake. The County of Los Angeles
and cities in this region have taken extra measures to
maintain the structural integrity of the framing of the shear walls when designed for high levels of seismic
loads. The performance of modern day braced wall
panel construction is directly related to an adequate
load path extending from the roof diaphragm to the
foundation system.

Figure
R602.10.6.2
Geological 3/8" thick 3 ply-plywood shear walls experienced many failures during the Northridge Earthquake. The
poor performance of such shear walls in the 1994
Northridge Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC
and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force. The
County of Los Angeles and cities in this region have
taken extra measures to maintain the structural
integrity of the framing of the shear walls when
designed for high levels of seismic loads. Box nails
were observed to cause massive and multiple failures
of typical 3/8-inch thick plywood during the Northridge Earthquake. This change to the minimum lap splice
requirement is consistent with Section 25.5 of ACI
318-19.

Figure Geological 3/8" thick 3 ply-plywood shear walls experienced

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
R602.10.6.4 many failures during the Northridge Earthquake. The poor performance of such shear walls in the 1994
Northridge Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC
and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force. The
County of Los Angeles and cities in this region have
taken extra measures to maintain the structural
integrity of the framing of the shear walls when
designed for high levels of seismic loads. The
proposal in which "washers shall be a minimum of

0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches in size" is
consistent with Section R602.11.1 of the California
Residential Code and Section 2308.7.1 of the
California Building Code.

R606.4.4 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. The addition of the word "or" will
prevent the use of unreinforced parapets in Seismic
Design Category D0, D1, or D2, or on townhouses in
Seismic Design Category C.

R606.12.2.2.
3 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. Reinforcement using longitudinal
wires for buildings and structures located in high
seismic areas is not as ductile as deformed rebar.

Having vertical reinforcement closer to the ends of
masonry walls helps to improve the seismic
performance of masonry buildings and structures.

R803.2.4 Geological Section R802 of the Code does not provide any prescriptive criteria to limit the maximum size of roof openings, nor does Section R803 provide any details
to address the issue of shear transfer near larger roof openings. With the higher seismic demand placed on
buildings and structures in this region, it is important to ensure that a complete load path is provided to
reduce or eliminate potential damage caused by
seismic forces. Requiring blocking with metal ties
around larger roof openings and limiting the size of
openings is consistent with the requirements of
Section R301.2.2.6.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
R1001.3.1 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. The performance of
fireplaces/chimneys without anchorage to the
foundation has been observed to be inadequate
during major earthquakes. The lack of anchorage to
the foundation results in overturn or displacement.

Appendix BJ
BJ106.1
Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. Due to the limited seismic
performance information on strawbale construction,
this amendment is intended to limit the higher risk
strawbale construction poses in a high seismic
region.

Appendix CJ
CJ101.1,
CJ102.1,
CJ103.1,
CJ103.4,
CJ107.1
Administrative,
Climatic,
Geologic,
Topographical
Adoption of this appendix is necessary because strict
compliance with state and local standards and laws
would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the
effects of a declared shelter crisis or other
emergency. The modifications to this appendix are
administrative in nature, to provide clarification of
various provisions of the language of this voluntary
Appendix.

CJ106.1 Climatic Los Angeles County is subject to extreme temperatures, and many of these membrane
structures will be erected and occupied during severe
weather events. It is necessary to include this
amendment to ensure the safety, health, and comfort
of the occupants is maintained during extreme heat
and cold.

CJ110.1.1,
CJ110.1.2
Administrative These sections are simply a cross reference to the State Plumbing Code requirement for user
convenience and is not adding a new building
standard nor enacting a more restrictive requirement.

To the extent findings are requested, see prefatory
language in this Section.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
distance to the restroom facilities required for the
comfort, safety, and health of displaced people
should be reduced to 300 feet or as determined by
the Building Official.

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MECHANICAL CODE AMENDMENTS

CODE SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
501.1 Climatic Additional Health
Department requirements
are necessary due to local
air quality concerns.
510.1.6 Geological High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment for bracing and
support.
603.7.1.1 Geological High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment for bracing and
support.
1114.4 Geological High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment to reduce
damage and potential for
toxic refrigerant release
during a seismic event
caused by shifting
equipment and to minimize
impacts to the sewer
system in such an event.

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PLUMBING CODE AMENDMENTS

CODE SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
Section 304.1 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
The County of Los Angeles is a densely
populated area with buildings constructed within
a region where water is scarce and domestic
water service is impacted by immoderate and
varying weather conditions, including periods of
extended drought. The proposed measures will
require buildings to be more water efficient and
allow greater conservation of domestic water
due to these local conditions.

Sections 601.2.3 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
The County of Los Angeles is a densely
populated area with buildings constructed within
a region where water is scarce and domestic
water service is impacted by immoderate and
varying weather conditions, including periods of
extended drought. The proposed measures will
require buildings to be more water efficient and
allow greater conservation of domestic water
due to these local conditions.

Section 721.3 Geological
Topographical
To allow for the proper operation of existing Los
Angeles County sewer infrastructure and
establish consistency with Title 20 – Utilities –
of the Los Angeles County Code, Division 2
(Sanitary Sewers and Industrial Waste) due to
local soil conditions and topography.

Sections 728.1 to
728.6
Geological
Topographical
To allow for the proper operation of existing
Los Angeles County sewer infrastructure and
establish consistency with Title 20 – Utilities –
of the Los Angeles County Code, Division 2
(Sanitary Sewers and Industrial Waste) due to
local soil conditions and topography.

Table H 101.8 Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for
protection of local groundwater due to local soil
conditions and to provide protections for native,
protected oak trees that are consistent with Title
22 – Zoning and Planning – of the Los Angeles
County Code, Chapter 22.174 (Oak Tree
Permits).

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Table H 201.1(1) Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for
protection of local groundwater due to local soil
conditions, sewer capacity, and sewage
treatment.

Table H 201.1(2) Geological
Topographical
To establish consistency with requirements of
the County Health Department for sewer
capacity and sewage treatment due to local soil
conditions.

Table H 201.1(3) Geological
Topographical
To establish consistency with requirements of
the County Health Department for sewer
capacity and sewage treatment due to local soil
conditions.

Table H 201.1(4) Geological
Topographical
To establish consistency with requirements of
the County Health Department for sewer
capacity and sewage treatment due to local soil
conditions.

Section H 301.1 Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for
protection of local groundwater due to local soil
conditions.

Section H 401.3 Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for
protection of local groundwater due to local soil
conditions.

Section H 601.5 Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for
protection of local groundwater due to local soil
conditions.

Section H 601.8 Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for
protection of local groundwater due to local soil
conditions.

Section H 701.2 Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for
protection of local groundwater due to local soil
conditions.

Section H 1001.1 Geological To establish more restrictive requirements to prevent earth movement based on local soil and
seismic conditions.

Section H 1101.6 Geological To establish more restrictive requirements to prevent earth movement based on local soil and
seismic conditions.

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Appendix T Climatic and
Topographical
To establish requirements for conservation and
disposal of swimming pool water to minimize
evaporation and topographical impacts.

Appendix U Climatic To establish requirements for solar thermal energy systems based on provisions in the
Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code
(USHGC), which is developed by the
International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials. The County of
Los Angeles is a densely populated area, with
elevated levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

Standards to regulate the installation of solar
thermal energy systems will facilitate safe and
efficient installations of these systems to
improve local air quality, thereby improving the
health of the County's residents, businesses
and visitors.

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EXISTING BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
302.6.1 to
302.6.3
Geologic The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a densely populated area having buildings
constructed over and near a vast array of fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
including, but not limited to, the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. The purpose of the amendments is
to prevent inadequate construction or bracing to
increase resistance to horizontal forces, thus
minimizing hazards to life or property in the event
of an earthquake.
302.7 Geologic The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a densely populated area having buildings
constructed over and near a vast array of fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
including, but not limited to, the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. The purpose of the amendment is to
minimize injuries caused by shattering glass in
the event of an earthquake.

A401.2 Geologic,
Administrative,
Voluntary
Appendix
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is
situated over a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
including, but not limited to, the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. The purpose of this amendment is to
provide voluntary building standards to
constituents that are performing seismic
retrofitting for existing structures.

A404.1 Administrative,
Geologic,
Voluntary
Appendix
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is
situated over a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
including, but not limited to, the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. The purpose of this amendment is to
provide voluntary building standards to
constituents that are performing seismic
retrofitting for existing structures. Due to these
factors, the County requires a licensed architect
or engineer stamp and approval of the
construction documents.

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EXHIBIT 2
Notice of Exemption
[Attached]

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NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
To: County Clerk
County of Los Angeles
Environmental Filings
12400 East Imperial Highway #2001
Norwalk, CA 90650
From: City of Industry
15625 Mayor Dave Way, Suite 100
City of Industry, CA 91744
Project Title: Citywide Ordinance Adopting the Los Angeles County Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, Residential, and Existing Building Codes Project Location - Specific: Citywide
Project Location-City: City of Industry Project Location-County: Los Angeles

Description of Project: The project consists of the adoption of an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Industry, California adopting by reference, pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.2, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Building Code, incorporating by reference the California Building Code 2025 Edition; Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Plumbing Code, incorporating by reference the California Plumbing Code 2025 Edition; Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Electrical Code, incorporating by reference the California Electrical Code 2025 Edition; Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Mechanical Code, incorporating by reference the California Mechanical Code 2025 Edition; Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Residential Code, incorporating by reference the California Residential Code 2025 Edition; Title 33 of the Los Angeles County Existing Building Code, incorporating by reference the California Existing Building Code 2025 Edition.

Name of Public Agency Approving Project: City Council, City of Industry Name of Person or Agency Carrying Out Project: City of Industry Exempt Status: (check one)
 Ministerial (Sec. 21080(b)(1); 15268);
 Declared Emergency (Sec. 21080(b)(3); 15269(a));
 Emergency Project (Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c));
 Categorical Exemption. State type and section number: 15061 Class (b)(3)  Statutory Exemptions. State code number:

Reasons why project is exempt: Pursuant to the general rule in Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines (Chapter 3, of Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations) that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

Adoption of the ordinance does not have any effect on the environment, as it does not approve any development, and all future development projects will undergo the requisite level of review under CEQA.

Lead Agency
Contact Person: __Bing Hyun________________ Telephone: (626) 333-2211 Signature: Date:

Title: Assistant City Manager

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EXHIBIT 3
Excerpt of County of Los Angeles Plumbing Code Amendments 2025 with sections 206.0, 210.0-H, 304.1, and 601.2.3 stricken out
[Attached]

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HOA.103795022.3 2
Except as hereinafter changed or modified, Chapters 2 through 17 and Appendices A, B, D, H, I, and J, of that certain Plumbing Code known and designated as the 20222025 California Plumbing Code as published by the California Building Standards Commission, are adopted and incorporated by reference into this Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as Chapters 2 through 17, and Appendices A, B, D, H, I, and J, of Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code.

A copy of the 20222025 California Plumbing Code shall be at all times maintained by the Chief Plumbing Inspector for use and examination by the public. ...

SECTION 3. Section 204.0 is hereby amended to read as follows:
204.0 – B –
...

Building Code. The most recent edition of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code.
...

SECTION 4. Section 206.0 is hereby amended to read as follows:
206.0 – D –
...

Demand Hot Water Recirculation System. A hot water recirculation system requiring manual activation and equipped with a thermostat that will automatically shut off the recirculation pump when the water temperature reaches a preset level at the Chapters 2 through 17 and
Appendices A, B, D, H, I, and J, of that certain Plumbing Code

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HOA.103795022.3 3
point of use.
...

SECTION 5. Section 207.0 is hereby amended to read as follows:
207.0 – E –
...

Electrical Code. The most recent edition of Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code.
...

SECTION 6. Section 210.0 is hereby amended to read as follows:
210.0 – H –
...

Hot Water Recirculation System. A hot water distribution system that reduces the time needed to deliver hot water to fixtures that are distant from the water heater, boiler, or other water heating equipment. The recirculation system is comprised of hot water supply and return piping with shutoff valves, balancing valves, and circulating pumps, and a method of controlling the circulating system. ...

SECTION 7. Section 215.0 is hereby amended to read as follows:
215.0 – M –
...

Mechanical Code. The most recent edition of Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code.

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HOA.103795022.3 4
...

SECTION 8. Section 301.2.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
301.2.2 Standards. Standards listed or referred to in this cChapter or other chapters cover materials that will conform to the requirements of this cCode, where used in accordance with the limitations imposed in this or other chapters thereof and their listing. Where a standard covers materials of various grades, weights, quality, or configurations, the portion of the listed standard that is applicable shall be used.

Design and materials for special conditions or materials not provided for herein shall be permitted to be used only by special permission of the Authority Having Jurisdiction after the Authority Having Jurisdiction has been satisfied as to their adequacy. A list of plumbing standards that appear in specific sections of this cCode is referenced in Table 1701.1. Standards referenced in Table 1701.1 shall be applied as indicated in the applicable referenced section. A list of additional approved standards, publications, practices, and guides that are not referenced in specific sections of this cCode appear in Table 1701.2. Solar thermal energy systems and material standards are referenced in Tables S 18.1 and S 18.2 of Appendix S. AnIAPMO Installation Standards isare referenced in Appendix I for the convenience of the users of this cCode. It is not considered as a part of this cCode unless formally adopted as such by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

SECTION 9. Section 301.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
301.3 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction
Equivalency and Modifications.
301.3.1 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction.

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HOA.103795022.3 5
Nothing in this cCode is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this cCode. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency prior to installation. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to approve or disapprove the system, method, or device for the intended purpose on a case-by-case basis. [HCD 1] (See Section 1.8.7).
...
301.3.1.1 Testing.
...
301.3.1.1.1 Tests.
...
301.3.1.2.1.2 Request by Authority Having Jurisdiction. ...
301.3.2 Modifications. Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this Code, the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to grant modifications on a case-by-case basis, upon application of the owner or the owner's authorized agent, provided the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of this Code impractical, that the modification is in conformity with the spirit and purpose of this Code, and that such modification does not lessen any health, fire-protection, or other life-safety-related requirements. The details of any action granting modifications shall

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HOA.103795022.3 6
be recorded and entered in the files of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Application for approval of a modification shall be in accordance with Section 103.12.2.

SECTION 10. Section 304.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
304.1 General. Plumbing fixtures, drains, appurtenances, and appliances, used to receive or discharge liquid wastes or sewage, shall be connected properly to the drainage system of the building or premises, in accordance with the requirements of this cCode.

Exception: [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings. Where conventional plumbing, in all or in part, is installed within the structure, it shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this cCode. Alternative materials and methods shall be permitted provided that the design complies with the intent of the cCode, and that such alternatives shall perform to protect health and safety for the intended purpose.

Dual waste piping shall be installed to permit the discharge from clothes washers, bathtubs, showers, and bathroom/restroom wash basins to be used for a graywater irrigation system. Partial connection of plumbing fixtures to the graywater system, based on accepted engineering practices and required volume of water for irrigation, shall be accepted. Graywater systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Chapter 15 and other parts of this Code.

Exceptions:
(1) Buildings with a graywater system, rain catchment system, or recycled water system.

Dual waste piping
/restroom

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HOA.103795022.3 7
(2) Sites with landscape areas not exceeding 500 square feet. (3) Projects where graywater systems are not permitted due to geological conditions.
(4) Additions and alterations that use the existing building drain.

SECTION 11. Section 601.2.3 is hereby added to read as follows:
601.2.3 Hot Water Recirculation Systems. A hot water
recirculation system shall be installed, as defined in Chapter 2, and shall not allow more than 0.6 gallons of water to be delivered to any fixture before hot water arrives. Hot water recirculation systems may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Timer-initiated systems.
(2) Temperature sensor-initiated systems.
(3) Occupancy sensor-initiated systems.
(4) Smart hot water recirculation systems.
(5) Demand hot water recirculation systems.
(6) Other systems acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Exception: Minor additions and alterations as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction that use the existing water distribution pipe system and which does not contain a hot water recirculation system.

SECTION 12. Section 609.7 is hereby amended to read as follows:
609.7 Abutting Lot. Nothing contained in this cCode shall be construed to prohibit the use of all or part of an abutting or adjacent lot or lots to:
...

Hot Water Recirculation Systems on Sys

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ITEM NO. 8.1

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MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joshua Nelson, City Manager
STAFF: Bing Hyun, Asst. City Manager
Kathy Tai, Dev. Services Manager
DATE: December 11, 2025
SUBJECT: Consideration of an Urgency Ordinance, Adopting by Reference the Los Angeles County Building Codes

AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

INDUSTRY, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT
TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, TITLE 26 OF THE LOS

ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE, INCORPORATING BY
REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 2025 EDITION; TITLE 28 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE,

INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING
CODE 2025 EDITION; TITLE 27 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY

ELECTRICAL CODE, INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE
CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE 2025 EDITION; TITLE 29 OF THE

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE, INCORPORATING BY
REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 2025 EDITION;
TITLE 30 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CODE,

INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL
CODE 2025 EDITION; TITLE 33 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY

EXISTING BUILDING CODE, INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE
CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 2025 EDITION; ADOPTING

LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND MAKING FINDINGS FOR

SAME, AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF
Background:

Every three years, the State of California Building Standards Commission (“BSC”) adopts the California Building Standards Code (“Code”), which sets forth construction standards that must be followed Statewide. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code sections 17958 and 17958.5, cities and counties will automatically be subject to the Code 180 days after publication but may adopt

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amendments so long as the amendments are reasonably necessary based on specific findings because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. Since the County of Los Angeles (“County”) provides building and safety services to the City and evaluates the Code for local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions the City typically adopts or considers the County’s amendments. For developers, designers, and contractors, consistent standards across the County and the City can simplify the development process.

Discussion:

In January 2025, the BSC adopted the latest Code that includes requirements for building, existing building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and residential construction. The Code was published on July 1, 2025, and becomes effective on January 1, 2026. On November 25, 2025, the County adopted its amendments.

In short, the City agrees with the County’s amendments as they aid building resilience in crisis situations. However, the County adopted certain amendments to the plumbing code that do not aid resilience and present increased costs to new developments. For these reasons, the County amendments related to the reuse of graywater, namely sections 206.0, 210.0-H, 304.1, and 601.2.3, have been excluded from the proposed ordinances. Exhibit 3 contains an excerpt of the County’s plumbing amendments with sections 206.0, 210.0-H, 304.1, and 601.2.3 stricken out.

Excluding these sections is consistent with the City’s code adoption in 2022.

Due to the timing of the County finishing its amendments (November 25, 2025) and the effective date of the State Code (January 1, 2026), Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the County amendments as both an urgency ordinance, to take effect on January 1, 2026, and a regular ordinance, to ensure permanent codification. Otherwise, under the typical code adoption timelines, the State Code would apply to new projects submitted to the City from January 1, 2026, to when the County’s amendments become effective (approximately February 7, 2026). In other words, there would be a lag period from when the State Code would apply, then not apply after about one month.

Fiscal Impact:

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There is no fiscal impact related to the adoption of updated building standards.

Recommendation:

Staff recommends that the City Council: (1) open the public hearing; (2) take public testimony; (3) close the public hearing; (4) Waive the reading and read Urgency Ordinance No. 840 U by title only; and (5) adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 840 U, An Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Industry Adopting by Reference, Pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.2, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Building Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Building Code 2025 Edition; Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Plumbing Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Plumbing Code 2025 Edition; Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Electrical Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Electrical Code 2025 Edition; Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Mechanical Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Mechanical Code 2025 Edition; Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Residential Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Residential Code 2025 Edition; Title 33 of the Los Angeles County Existing Building Code, Incorporating by Reference the California Existing Building Code 2025 Edition; and Adopting Local Amendments Thereto, and Making Findings for Same, and Declaring the Urgency Thereof.

Exhibits:

1. Urgency Ordinance No. 840 U

2. Notice of Public Hearing

3. Notice of Exemption

4. Excerpt of County of Los Angeles Plumbing Code Amendments 2025 with sections 206.0, 210.0-H, 304.1, and 601.2.3 stricken out

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EXHIBIT 1
Urgency Ordinance No. 840 U
[Attached]

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URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 840 U

AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

INDUSTRY, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, PURSUANT
TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 50022.2, TITLE 26 OF THE LOS

ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE, INCORPORATING BY
REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 2025 EDITION; TITLE 28 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY PLUMBING CODE

INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING
CODE 2025 EDITION; TITLE 27 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY

ELECTRICAL CODE, INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE
CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE 2025 EDITION; TITLE 29 OF THE

LOS ANGELES COUNTY MECHANICAL CODE, INCORPORATING BY
REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 2025 EDITION;
TITLE 30 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CODE,

INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL
CODE 2025 EDITION; AND TITLE 33 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY

EXISTING BUILDING CODE, INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE
CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 2025 EDITION; AND

ADOPTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND MAKING

FINDINGS FOR SAME, AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF,

AND ADOPTING A NOTICE OF EXEMPTION REGARDING SAME
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INDUSTRY DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

The City Council of the City of Industry (the "City") adopts this ordinance based upon the following findings and determinations:
(A) Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5, the City Council hereby makes each finding of reasonable necessity for modifications as stated separately in Attachment 1, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and as set forth in the Los Angeles County Code. These modifications to the California Building Standards Code, incorporating the model codes are reasonably necessary due to the high potential for seismic activity which make structures particularly vulnerable to structural damage, as well as local climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions in the County of Los Angeles. (B) California State law requires localities, such as the City of Industry, to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code and any modifications there to, by January 1, 2026. The City Council finds that it is essential and imperative that the City adopt this Ordinance, adopting by reference the above-listed Los Angeles County Code and modifications necessitated by local geological conditions by that date. The City Council further finds that in the absence of legislation effective by that date, technical codes adequate to meet the City's special circumstances will not be in effect and hazards will

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be posed which would immediately threaten the public peace, health, and safety.

Accordingly, the City Council finds that this Ordinance is necessary, and is adopted for the immediate preservation of public peace, health and safety of the City and its residents.

SECTION 2. CEQA.

Upon independent review and consideration of the information contained in the Staff Report and the Notice of Exemption for this Ordinance, the City Council hereby finds and determines that this Ordinance does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Accordingly, the City Council finds and determines that this Ordinance is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA", Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.) pursuant to the general rule in Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines (Chapter 3, of Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations) that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and therefore the City Council approves and adopt the Notice of Exemption. The City Council further directs Staff to file the Notice of Exemption, as authorized by law.

SECTION 3. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.04.010 (Adoption of building code) of Chapter 15.04 (Building Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

SECTION 4. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.10.010 (Adoption of residential code) of Chapter 15.10 (Residential Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

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B. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the residential code, as set forth in the City of Industry Municipal Code, the provisions contained in the City of Industry Municipal Code shall control.

SECTION 5. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.16.010 (Adoption of mechanical code) of Chapter 15.16 (Mechanical Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

SECTION 6. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.20.010 (Adoption of electrical code) of Chapter 15.20 (Electrical Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

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SECTION 7. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.24.010 (Adoption of plumbing code) of Chapter 15.24 (Plumbing Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

SECTION 8. Municipal Code Amendment.

Section 15.30.010 (Adoption of Existing Building Code) of Chapter 15.30 (Existing Building Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:

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SECTION 9. Urgency Ordinance.

Based on the findings set forth in Section 1, above, this ordinance is an urgency ordinance pursuant to Government Code Section 36937, and pursuant to the authority granted to the City in Article 11, Section 7 of the California Constitution, and is for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and welfare. In the absence of legislation effective by January 1, 2026, technical building codes adequate to meet the City's special circumstances will not be in effect and hazards will be posed which would immediately threaten the public peace, health, and safety. Accordingly, the City Council finds that this Ordinance is necessary, and is adopted for the immediate preservation of public peace, health and safety of the City and its residents. This ordinance shall take effect on January 1, 2026 by a 4/5th vote of City Council. This ordinance will terminate upon a determination by the City Council supported by substantial evidence that the threat to the public health, safety, and welfare described in Section 1 of this ordinance has been ameliorated, or by the adoption of ordinance or amendments extending or superseding this ordinance.

SECTION 9. Clerical Errors.

SECTION 10. Severability.

SECTION 11. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission, as required by law.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Industry at a regular meeting held on December 11, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

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______________________________
Cory C. Moss, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Julie Gutierrez-Robles, City Clerk

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ATTACHMENT NO. 1 TO URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 840 U
Building Code Amendments
[Attached]

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Many areas of the County have been designated as
Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to the increased
risk of fire caused by low humidity, strong winds,
and dry vegetation. Additions, alterations, and/or
relocated buildings have the same fire risk as new
buildings.
701A.3
701A.5
701A.6
Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake
roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County
caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry
vegetation in high fire severity zones in order to
further harden residential buildings against fire risk. 701A.7 Climatic Disallows the use of Class B wood-shingle/woodshake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and
dry vegetation in high fire severity zones in order to
further harden residential buildings against fire risk. 1031.2.1 Geological The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a densely populated area having buildings
constructed over and near a vast array of
earthquake fault systems capable of producing
major earthquakes, similar to or exceeding the
geologic activities occurring during the 1994
Northridge Earthquake. The proposed amendment
is intended to prevent occupants from being trapped
in a building and to allow rescue workers to easily
enter after an earthquake.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
Table
1507.3.7
Geological Table amended to require proper anchorage for clay or concrete tiles from sliding or rotating due to the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County. This amendment incorporates the design
provisions developed based on detailed study of the
1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes.
1613.8
and
1613.8.1
Geological Observed damages to one- and two-family
dwellings of light frame construction after the
Northridge Earthquake may have been partially
attributed to vertical irregularities common to this
type of occupancy and construction. In an effort to
improve quality of construction and incorporate
lesson learned from studies after the Northridge
Earthquake, the proposed modification to ASCE 7-
22, Section 12.2.3.1, Exception 3, by limiting the
number of stories and height of the structure to two
stories will significantly minimize the impact of
vertical irregularities and concentration of inelastic
behavior from mixed structural systems. This
proposed amendment is a continuation of an
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1613.8.2 Geological A joint Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC), Los Angeles County and
Los Angeles City Task Force investigated the
performance of concrete and masonry construction
with flexible wood diaphragm failures after the
Northridge earthquake. It was concluded at that
time that continuous ties are needed at specified
spacing to control cross grain tension in the interior
of the diaphragm. Additionally, there was a need to
limit subdiaphragm allowable shear loads to control
combined orthogonal stresses within the diaphragm.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
continuous tie spacing limit to 40 ft in lieu of 25 ft
and to use 75% of the allowable code diaphragm
shear to determine the depth of the sub-diaphragm
in lieu of the 300 plf and is deemed appropriate and
acceptable. Due to the frequency of this type of
failure during the past significant earthquakes,
various jurisdictions within the Los Angeles region
have taken this additional step to prevent roof or
floor diaphragms from pulling away from concrete or
masonry walls. This proposed amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1613.8.3 Geological The inclusion of the importance factor in the referenced Section equation has the unintended
consequence of reducing the minimum seismic
separation distance for important facilities such as
hospitals, schools, police, and fire stations from
adjoining structures. The proposal to omit the
importance factor from the referenced equation in
Section 12.8.6 will ensure that a safe seismic
separation distance is provided. This proposed
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
1613.9 Geological
Topographical
Section is added to improve seismic safety of
buildings constructed on or into hillsides. Due to the
local topographical and geological conditions of the
sites within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach
region and their probabilities for earthquakes, this
technical amendment is required to address and
clarify special needs for buildings constructed on
hillside locations. A SEAOSC and Los Angeles City
Joint Task Force investigated the performance of
hillside building failures after the Northridge
earthquake. Numerous hillside failures resulted in
loss of life and millions of dollars in damage. These
criteria were developed to minimize the damage to
these structures and have been in use by both the
City and County of Los Angeles for several years
with much success. This amendment is a

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1613.10 Geological The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a densely populated area having buildings
constructed over and near a vast array of fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

The proposed modification requiring safe design
and construction requirements for ceiling
suspension systems to resist seismic loads is
intended to minimize the amount of damage within a
building and therefore needs to be incorporated into
the code to assure that new buildings and additions
to existing buildings are designed and constructed
in accordance with the scope and objectives of the
California Building Code.
1704.6 Geological
Administrative
The language in section 1704.6 of the California
Building Code permits the owner to employ any
registered design professional to perform structural
observations with minimum guidelines. However, it
is important that the registered design professional
responsible for the structural design has thorough
knowledge of the building he/she designed. By
requiring the registered design professional
responsible for the structural design, or their
designee, who was involved with the design to
observe the construction, the quality of the
observation for major structural elements and
connections that affect the vertical and lateral load
resisting systems of the structure will be greatly
increased. Additional requirements are provided to
help clarify the role and duties of the structural
observer and the method of reporting and correcting
observed deficiencies to the Building Official. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
1704.6.1 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, the language in section
1704.6.1, Item 3, of the California Building Code
would permit many low-rise buildings and structures
with complex structural elements to be constructed
without the benefit of a structural observation. By
requiring a registered design professional to
observe the construction, the quality of the
observation for major structural elements and
connections that affect the vertical and lateral load
resisting systems of the structure will be greatly
increased. An exception is provided to permit
simple structures and buildings to be excluded.

This amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
1705.3 Geological Results from studies after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake indicated that a significant portion of the
damage was attributable to lack of quality control
during construction resulting in poor performance of
the building or structure. Therefore, the amendment
restricts the exceptions to the requirement for
special inspection. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
1705.13 Geological In Southern California, very few detached one- or two-family dwellings not exceeding two stories
above grade plane are built as "box-type" structures
specially for those in hillside areas and near the
oceanfront. Many with steel moment frames or
braced frames, and/or cantilevered columns, can
still be shown as "regular" structures by
calculations. With the higher seismic demand
placed on buildings and structures in this region, the
language in section 1705.13, Item 3, of the
California Building Code would permit many

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
detached one- or two-family dwellings not
exceeding two stories above grade plane with
complex structural elements to be constructed
without the benefit of special inspections. By
requiring special inspections, the quality of major
structural elements and connections that affect the
vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the
structure will be greatly increased. The exception
should only be allowed for detached one- or twofamily dwellings not exceeding two stories above grade plane assigned to Seismic Design Categories
A, B, and C.
1807.1.4 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that a wood foundation is effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event
while being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effect of constant moisture in
the soil and wood-destroying organisms. Wood
retaining walls, when they are not properly treated
and protected against deterioration, have performed
very poorly and have led to slope failures. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or
eliminate potential problems that may result by
using wood foundations that experience relatively
rapid decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
1807.1.6 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, it is necessary to take
precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential
problems that may result by following prescriptive
design provisions that do not take into consideration
the surrounding environment. Plain concrete
performs poorly in withstanding the cyclic forces
resulting from seismic events. In addition, no
substantiating data has been provided to show that
under-reinforced foundation walls are effective in
resisting seismic loads, and may potentially lead to
a higher risk of failure. It is important that the
benefit and expertise of a registered design
professional be obtained to properly analyze the
structure and take these issues into consideration.

This amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
1807.2 Climatic,
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood foundation systems are effective in
supporting buildings and structures during a seismic
event while being subject to deterioration caused by
the combined detrimental effects of constant
moisture in the soil and wood-destroying organisms.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
is a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1807.3.1 Climatic,
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood foundation systems are effective in
supporting buildings and structures during a seismic
event while being subject to deterioration caused by
the combined detrimental effects of constant
moisture in the soil and wood-destroying organisms.

Wood foundation systems not properly treated and
protected against deterioration have performed very
poorly and have led to slope failures. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate
potential problems that may result in using wood
foundation systems that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This proposed amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1809.3 and
Figure
1809.3
Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, it is necessary to take
precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential
problems that may result for under-reinforced
footings located on sloped surfaces. Requiring
minimum reinforcement for stepped footings is
intended to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
1809.7 and
Table 1809.7
Geological No substantiating data has been provided to show that under-reinforced footings are effective in
resisting seismic loads, and therefore they may
potentially lead to a higher risk of failure. This
amendment requires minimum reinforcement in
continuous footings to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. With the higher seismic
demand placed on buildings and structures in this
region, it is necessary to take precautionary steps to
reduce or eliminate potential problems that may
result by following prescriptive design provisions for
footings that do not take into consideration the
surrounding environment. It is important that the
benefit and expertise of a registered design
professional be obtained to properly analyze the
structure and take these factors into consideration.

This amendment reflects the recommendations by
the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task
Force, which investigated the performance
deficiencies observed in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of
an amendment adopted during previous code
adoption cycles.
1809.12 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that timber footings are effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event
while being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in
the soil and wood-destroying organisms. Timber
footings, when they are not properly treated and
protected against deterioration, have performed
very poorly. Most contractors are typically
accustomed to construction in dry and temperate
weather in the Southern California region and are
not generally familiar with the necessary
precautions and treatment of wood that makes it
suitable for both seismic events and wet
applications. The proposed amendment takes the
necessary precautionary steps to reduce or

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
eliminate potential problems, which may result by
using timber footings that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1810.3.2.4 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that timber footings are effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event
while being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in
the soil and wood-destroying organisms. Timber
footings, when they are not properly treated and
protected against deterioration, have performed
very poorly. Most contractors are typically
accustomed to construction in dry and temperate
weather in the Southern California region and are
not generally familiar with the necessary
precautions and treatment of wood that makes it
suitable for both seismic events and wet
applications. The proposed amendment takes the
necessary precautionary steps to reduce or
eliminate potential problems that may result by
using timber footings that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1905.1 Geological This amendment is intended to carry over critical provisions for the design of concrete columns in
moment frames from the legacy 1997 Uniform

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
Building Code. Increased confinement is critical to
the integrity of such columns and these
modifications ensure that it is provided when certain
thresholds are exceeded. In addition, this
amendment carries over from the legacy 1997
Uniform Building Code a critical provision for the
design of concrete shear walls. It essentially limits
the use of very highly gravity-loaded walls in being
included in the seismic load resisting system, since
their failure could have catastrophic effect on the
building. Furthermore, this amendment was
incorporated in the code based on observations
from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Rebar
placed in very thin concrete topping slabs have
been observed in some instances to have popped
out of the slab due to insufficient concrete coverage.

This modification ensures that critical boundary and
collector rebars are placed in sufficiently thick
topping slab to prevent buckling of such
reinforcements. This proposed amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
1905.6.2 Geological This amendment requires minimum reinforcement in continuous footings to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. This amendment reflects
the recommendations by the SEAOSC and the
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which
investigated the poor performance observed in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
1905.8
through
1905.10
Geological These amendments are intended to carry over
critical provisions for the design of concrete
columns in moment frames from the Uniform

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
Building Code (UBC). Increased confinement is
critical to the integrity of such columns and these
modifications ensure that it is provided when certain
thresholds are exceeded. In addition, this
amendment carries over from the UBC a critical
provision for the design of concrete shear walls. It
essentially limits the use of very highly gravityloaded walls from being included in the seismic load resisting system, since their failure could have a
catastrophic effect on the building. Furthermore,
this amendment was incorporated into this Code
based on observations from the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. Rebar placed in very thin concrete
topping slabs has been observed in some instances
to have popped out of the slab due to insufficient
concrete coverage. This modification ensures that
critical boundary and collector rebars are placed in
sufficiently thick slabs to prevent buckling of such
reinforcements. This amendment is a continuation
of an amendment adopted during previous code
adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County.
2304.10.2
and Table
2304.10.2
Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the expected higher level of
performance on buildings and structures, this
proposed local amendment limits the use of staple
fasteners in resisting or transferring seismic forces.

The test results of stapled wood structural shear
panels demonstrated much lower strength and drift
than nailed wood structural shear panel test results.

Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners to resist
or transfer seismic forces shall not be permitted
without being substantiated by cyclic testing. This
amendment is a continuation of a similar

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
2304.10.3.1 Geological The overdriving of nails into the structural wood panels still remains a concern when pneumatic nail
guns are used for wood structural panel shear wall
nailing. Box nails were observed to cause massive
and multiple failures of the typical 3/8-inch thick
plywood during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

The use of clipped head nails continues to be
restricted from use in wood structural panel shear
walls where the minimum nail head size must be
maintained in order to minimize nails from pulling
through sheathing materials. Clipped or
mechanically driven nails used in wood structural
panel shear wall construction were found to perform
much worse in previous wood structural panel shear
wall testing done at the University of California
Irvine. The existing test results indicated that, under cyclic loading, the wood structural panel shear walls
were less energy absorbent and less ductile. The
panels reached ultimate load capacity and failed at
substantially less lateral deflection than those using
same-size hand-driven nails. This amendment
reflects the recommendations by the SEAOSC and
the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which
investigated the poor performance observed in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
2304.12.2.8 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood used in retaining or crib walls is effective
in supporting buildings and structures during a
seismic event while being subject to deterioration
caused by the combined detrimental effect of
constant moisture in the soil and wood-destroying
organisms. Wood used in retaining or crib walls,

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
when it is not properly treated and protected against
deterioration, has performed very poorly. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or
eliminate potential problems that may result by
using wood in retaining or crib walls, which
experience relatively rapid decay due to the fact that
the region does not experience temperatures cold
enough to destroy or retard the growth and
proliferation of wood-destroying organisms. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the local climate and the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in
the County.
2305.4 Geological Many of the hold-down connectors currently in use do not have any acceptance report based on
dynamic testing protocols. This amendment
continues to limit the allowable capacity to 75% of
the acceptance report value to provide an additional
factor of safety for statically tested anchorage
devices. Cyclic forces imparted on buildings and
structures by seismic activity cause more damage
than equivalent forces that are applied in a static
manner. Steel plate washers will reduce the
additional damage that can result when hold-down
connectors are fastened to wood framing members.

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Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
2306.2
2306.3
2307.2
2308.10.5.1
2308.10.5.2
Figure
2308.10.5.1
and Figure
2308.10.5.2
Geological The SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force that investigated damage to buildings and
structures during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake
recommended reducing allowable shear values in
wood structural panel shear walls or diaphragms
that were not substantiated by cyclic testing. That
recommendation was consistent with a report to the
Governor from the Seismic Safety Commission of
the State of California recommending that code
requirements be "more thoroughly substantiated
with testing." The allowable shear values for wood
structural panel shear walls or diaphragms fastened
with staples are based on monotonic testing and do
not take into consideration that earthquake forces
load shear wall or diaphragm in a repeating and
fully reversible manner. In September 2007, limited
cyclic testing was conducted by a private
engineering firm to determine if wood structural
panels fastened with staples would exhibit the same
behavior as wood structural panels fastened with
common nails. The test result revealed that wood
structural panels fastened with staples
demonstrated much lower strength and stiffness
than wood structural panels fastened with common
nails. It was recommended that the use of staples
as fasteners for wood structural panel shear walls or
diaphragms not be permitted to resist seismic forces
in structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories
D, E, and F unless it can be substantiated by cyclic
testing. Furthermore, the cities and unincorporated
areas within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach
region have taken extra measures to maintain the
structural integrity of the framing of shear walls and
diaphragms designed for high levels of seismic
forces by requiring wood sheathing be applied
directly over the framing members and prohibiting
the use of panels placed over gypsum sheathing.

This amendment is intended to prevent the

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undesirable performance of nails when gypsum
board softens due to cyclic earthquake
displacements and the nail ultimately does not have
any engagement in a solid material within the
thickness of the gypsum board. This amendment
continues the previous amendment adopted during
the 2007 code adoption cycle.
2308.10.8.1 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, interior walls can easily be called upon to resist over half of the seismic
loading imposed on simple buildings or structures.

Without a continuous foundation to support the
braced wall line, seismic loads would be transferred
through other elements such as non-structural
concrete slab floors, wood floors, etc. The purpose
of this amendment is to limit the use of the
exception to structures assigned to Seismic Design
Category A, B, or C where lower seismic demands
are expected. Requiring interior braced walls be
supported by continuous foundations is intended to
reduce or eliminate the poor performance of
buildings or structures. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.

Table
2308.10.1
Geological This amendment specifies minimum sheathing
thickness and nail size and spacing so as to provide
a uniform standard of construction for designers and
buildings to follow. This is intended to improve the
performance level of buildings and structures that
are subject to the higher seismic demands placed
on buildings or structure in this region. This
proposed amendment reflects the recommendations
by the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint
Task Force, which investigated the performance
deficiencies observed in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of
an amendment adopted during previous code

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adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County.
2308.10.9 Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the required higher level of
performance of buildings and structures, this
amendment limits the use of staple fasteners in
resisting or transferring seismic forces. In
September 2007, limited cyclic testing data was
provided to the ICC, Los Angeles Chapter Structural
Code Committee, showing that stapled wood
structural shear panels do not exhibit the same
behavior as nailed wood structural shear panels.

The test results of stapled wood structural shear
panels demonstrated much lower strength and drift
than nailed wood structural shear panel test results.

Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners to resist
or transfer seismic forces shall not be permitted
without being substantiated by cyclic testing. This
amendment is a continuation of a similar
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles.
3114; Climatic,
Geologic
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is
situated over a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

The region is further impacted by construction of
buildings and structures utilizing traditional
construction materials that impact the amount of
energy, air quality, greenhouse gas emission and
construction waste in the area. The proposed
amendment addresses structural design
requirements specific to intermodal shipping
containers, reduce environmental impact of unused
and unrecycled intermodal shipping containers, and
increase sustainability by reducing consumption of
traditional construction materials. The proposed
modification needs to be incorporated into the code

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to assure that new buildings and additions to
existing buildings utilizing intermodal shipping
containers are designed and constructed in
accordance with the scope and objectives of the
California Building Code and California Green
Building Standards Code
Appendix C Climatic,
Geologic,
Voluntary
appendix
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various agricultural and animal husbandry
establishments. Many areas of the County have
been designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones due
to the increased risk of fire caused by low humidity,
strong winds, and dry vegetation, particularly the
rural areas, which are often used for agricultural
purposes. Furthermore, the greater Los
Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a vast
array of earthquake fault systems capable of
producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Due to the need
for agricultural buildings to perform appropriately in
the County due to its geology and climate, adoption
of building standards for such structures is required.

H103.1 Geologic,
Administrative,
Voluntary
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various signs used in the County. The greater
Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a

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appendix vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This provision is
amended to cross-reference to applicable legal
provisions and also to ensure that signs are located
in such a way as to avoid damage to adjacent
structures and people given the potential for
earthquakes in the County.

H103.2 Geologic,
Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various signs used in the County. The greater
Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a
vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of
producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This provision is
amended to cross-reference to applicable legal
provisions and also to ensure that sign projections
and clearances are located in such a way as to
avoid damage to adjacent structures and people
given the potential for earthquakes in the County.

H105.1 Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
The amendment provides a cross reference to
Chapter 24 for user convenience.

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H106.1,
H106.2
Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
This change corrects a call out from the model
electrical code to the relevant local electrical code
and clarifies that a separate electrical permit is
required for user convenience.

J103.1 –
J103.2 and
Figure
J103.2
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide adequate control of
grading operations typical to the greater Los
Angeles County/Long Beach region due to the
complex and diverse set of soil types, climates, and
geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

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geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J107.1-
J107.7
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide more stringent fill
requirements for slope stability and settlement due
to the complex and diverse set of soil types,
climates, and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J107.8 –
J107.9
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide more stringent
inspection and testing requirements for fill slope
stability due to the complex and diverse set of soil
types, climates, and geologic conditions that exist in
the greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

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J110.1 -
J110.8.5
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised or added to provide for State
requirements of storm water pollution prevention
and more stringent slope planting, and slope
stability requirements to control erosion due to the
complex and diverse set of soil types, climates, and
geologic conditions that exist in the greater Los
Angeles County/Long Beach region.

Appendix Q
Q101.1,
Q102.1,
Q103.1,
Q103.4,
Q107.1
Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
Climatic
Geologic
Topographical
Adoption of this appendix is necessary because
strict compliance with State and local standards and
laws would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation
of the effects of a declared shelter crisis, local
emergency or state of emergency. The
modifications to this appendix are administrative in
nature, to provide clarification of various provisions
of the language of this voluntary Appendix.

Q110.1.1,
Q110.1.2
Administrative These sections are a cross reference to the State Plumbing Code requirement for user convenience
and is not adding a new building standard nor
enacting a more restrictive requirement. To the
extent findings are requested, see prefatory
language in this Section.

Q110.3 Climatic,
Voluntary
The County may utilize mobile restroom facilities
that are physically separate from the living facilities.

Due to the potential for severe local weather

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appendix conditions, with extreme temperatures or torrential rain, the distance to the restroom facilities required
for the comfort, safety, and health of displaced
people should be reduced to 300 feet or as
determined by the Building Official.

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Northridge Earthquake. Numerous hillside failures
resulted in loss of life and millions of dollars in
damage. These criteria were developed to minimize
the damage to these structures and have been in use
by the City and County of Los Angeles for several
years.

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Table
R302.1(2)
Climatic This amendment will not allow unprotected openings (openings that do not resist the spread of fire) to be in the exterior wall of a residential building that is
located on a property line. This amendment is
necessary due to local climatic conditions. The hot,
dry weather conditions of late summer in combination
with the Santa Ana winds creates an extreme fire
danger. Residential buildings with unprotected
openings located on a property line may permit fires
to spread from the inside of the building to adjacent
properties and likewise from exterior properties to the interior of the building.

The required seismic anchorage and transfer of
lateral forces into the foundation system necessary
for 2-story structures and foundation walls could

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become compromised at varying states of wood
decay. In addition, global structure overturning
moment and sliding resistance is reduced when
utilizing wood foundations as opposed to
conventional concrete or masonry systems.

However, non-occupied, single-story storage
structures pose significantly less risk to human safety and may utilize the wood foundation guidelines
specified in this Chapter.

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accustomed to construction in dry weather in the
Southern California region and are not generally
familiar with the necessary precautions and treatment
of wood that makes it suitable for both seismic events
and wet applications. With the higher seismic
demand placed on buildings and structures in this
region, coupled with the dryer weather conditions, it is the intent of this amendment to reduce or eliminate
potential problems resulting from the use of wood
footings and foundations.

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Table
R602.3(1)
Table
R602.3(2)
Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. In September 2007, limited cyclic
testing data was provided to the ICC Los Angeles
Chapter Structural Code Committee showing that
stapled wood structural shear panels do not exhibit
the same behavior as the nailed wood structural
shear panels. The test results of the stapled wood
structural shear panels demonstrated lower strength
and drift than the nailed wood structural shear panel
test results. Therefore, the use of staples as
fasteners for shear walls sheathed with other
materials shall not be permitted without being
substantiated by cyclic testing.

The performance of modern day braced wall panel
construction is directly related to an adequate load
path extending from the roof diaphragm to the
foundation system.

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objectives of the California Residential Code. This is
intended to improve the performance level of
buildings and structures that are subject to the higher seismic demands and reduce and limit potential
damage to property. This proposed amendment
reflects the recommendations by SEAOSC and the
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force that investigated
the poor performance observed during the 1994
Northridge Earthquake.

The County of Los Angeles and cities in this region
have taken extra measures to maintain the structural
integrity of the framing of the shear walls when
designed for high levels of seismic loads.

Test results of the stapled wood structural shear

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panels appeared much lower in strength and drift
than the nailed wood structural shear panel test
results.

Table
R602.10.5
Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. The poor performance of such shear
walls sheathed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake
was investigated by SEAOSC and the Los Angeles
City Joint Task Force. The County of Los Angeles
and cities in this region have taken extra measures to
maintain the structural integrity with respect to the
"maximum shear wall aspect ratios" of the framing of
the shear walls when designed for high levels of
seismic loads. This amendment is consistent with the
shear wall aspect ratio provision of Section 4.3.3 of
AWC SDPWS-2021.

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integrity of the framing of the shear walls when
designed for high levels of seismic loads. Box nails
were observed to cause massive and multiple failures
of typical 3/8-inch thick plywood during the Northridge Earthquake. This change to the minimum lap splice
requirement is consistent with Section 25.5 of ACI
318-19.

Figure
R602.10.6.4
Geological 3/8" thick 3 ply-plywood shear walls experienced many failures during the Northridge Earthquake. The
poor performance of such shear walls in the 1994
Northridge Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC
and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force. The
County of Los Angeles and cities in this region have
taken extra measures to maintain the structural
integrity of the framing of the shear walls when
designed for high levels of seismic loads. The
proposal in which "washers shall be a minimum of

0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches in size" is
consistent with Section R602.11.1 of the California
Residential Code and Section 2308.7.1 of the
California Building Code.

Having vertical reinforcement closer to the ends of
masonry walls helps to improve the seismic
performance of masonry buildings and structures.

R803.2.4 Geological Section R802 of the Code does not provide any prescriptive criteria to limit the maximum size of roof openings, nor does Section R803 provide any details

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to address the issue of shear transfer near larger roof openings. With the higher seismic demand placed on
buildings and structures in this region, it is important to ensure that a complete load path is provided to
reduce or eliminate potential damage caused by
seismic forces. Requiring blocking with metal ties
around larger roof openings and limiting the size of
openings is consistent with the requirements of
Section R301.2.2.6.

R1001.3.1 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. The performance of
fireplaces/chimneys without anchorage to the
foundation has been observed to be inadequate
during major earthquakes. The lack of anchorage to
the foundation results in overturn or displacement.

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CJ110.1.1,
CJ110.1.2
Administrative These sections are simply a cross reference to the State Plumbing Code requirement for user
convenience and is not adding a new building
standard nor enacting a more restrictive requirement.

To the extent findings are requested, see prefatory
language in this Section.

CJ110.3 Climatic The County may utilize mobile restroom facilities that are physically separate from the living facilities. Due to the potential for severe local weather conditions,
with extreme temperatures or torrential rain, the
distance to the restroom facilities required for the
comfort, safety, and health of displaced people
should be reduced to 300 feet or as determined by
the Building Official.

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CODE SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
501.1 Climatic Additional Health
Department requirements
are necessary due to local
air quality concerns.
510.1.6 Geological High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment for bracing
and support.
603.7.1.1 Geological High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment for bracing
and support.
1114.4 Geological High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment to reduce
damage and potential for
toxic refrigerant release
during a seismic event
caused by shifting
equipment and to minimize
impacts to the sewer
system in such an event.

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PLUMBING CODE AMENDMENTS

CODE SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
Section 304.1 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
The County of Los Angeles is a densely
populated area with buildings constructed
within a region where water is scarce and
domestic water service is impacted by
immoderate and varying weather conditions,
including periods of extended drought. The
proposed measures will require buildings to be
more water efficient and allow greater
conservation of domestic water due to these
local conditions.

Sections 601.2.3 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
The County of Los Angeles is a densely
populated area with buildings constructed
within a region where water is scarce and
domestic water service is impacted by
immoderate and varying weather conditions,
including periods of extended drought. The
proposed measures will require buildings to be
more water efficient and allow greater
conservation of domestic water due to these
local conditions.

Section 721.3 Geological
Topographical
To allow for the proper operation of existing
Los Angeles County sewer infrastructure and
establish consistency with Title 20 – Utilities –
of the Los Angeles County Code, Division 2
(Sanitary Sewers and Industrial Waste) due to
local soil conditions and topography.

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