Staff Report, 2025 Colma Building Code Adoption
STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Farhad Mortazavi, City Planner
Chai Lor, Building Official
VIA: Dan Barros, City Manager
MEETING DATE: January 14, 2026
SUBJECT: Colma Building Codes
RE
COMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the following:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SUBCHAPTER 5.04 OF THE TOWN OF COLMA MUNICIPAL CODE, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24), CONSISTING OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, AND THE 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE; THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM HOUSING CODE; AND THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE; TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS, AMENDMENTS, AND
DELETIONS
COUNCIL ADOPTED VALUES
Acting to protect the health and safety of building occupants is the principal indicator of responsible action by City Council. Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards C ode (“Code”), with the proposed local amendments, will make buildings safer, more efficient, and will help to preserve the Town of Colma’s (“Town”) resources.
BACKGROUND
AGENDA ITEM #8
Staff Report, 2025 Colma Building Code Adoption
Every three years, the California Building Standards Commission (“Commission”) updates the California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) . This Code sets the minimum design and construction standards for buildings and structures statewide. The new 2025 Code will become effective on January 1, 2026. Local governments may adopt more restrictive standards (known as “local amendments”) when justified by local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. The Town of Colma has adopted such amendments in the previous cycles, most recently in 2022. If the Town does not adopt its own amendments, the statewide standards as written will automatically apply.
The 2025 California Building Standards Code consists of a comprehensive series of Codes:
2025 California Building Code
2025 California Electrical Code
2025 California Mechanical Code
2025 California Plumbing Code
2025 California Energy Code
2025 California Residential Code
2025 California Green Building Standards Code
2025 California Fire Code
2025 California Referenced Standards Code
2025 California Existing Building Code
2025 California Historical Building Code
2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
In addition to the California Building Standards Code, cities and towns can adopt other model codes not included within the California Building Standards Code to assist in its implementation.
For example, staff recommends that the Town adopt the 1997 Editi on of the Uniform Housing Code and the 2024 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code.
The Town is adopting the 2025 California Fire Code with the same amendments adopted by the Colma Fire Protection District. The amendments include requirements that all premises must have identification numbers that meet specified size requirements, and all new buildings that meet certain specified criteria must be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems.
The Town may adopt amendments to the Code. However, any changes to the Code must be more restrictive than the State Code, must be filed with and approved by the Commission, and must be necessary because of local climatic, geographic, or topographical conditions.
On December 10, 2025, the City Council introduced the ordinance and set a public hearing for January 14, 2026, so it may consider the ordinance for adoption.
Staff Report, 2025 Colma Building Code Adoption
ANALYSIS
The new 2025 California Building Standards Code will make buildings and structures safer, more efficient and sustainable. The proposed Ordinance will adopt the Code with amendments based on local conditions.
As in previous years, the Planning Department, in collaboration with the Colma Fire Protection District, is recommending the adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards Code by reference, along with local amendments designed to further safeguard life and property in the Town of Colma. These actions are included in the draft Ordinance (Attachment A). The necessary findings supporting the determination that the local amendments are necessary based on local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions, or administrative needs are provided in the draft Ordinance. Upon adoption, the referenced Codes, together with the Town’s local amendments, will be codified in Title 4 of the Colma Municipal Code.
Special Procedure
Government Code Section 50022.3 establishes the following procedure for adopting another code by reference, which is different from the usual procedure in adopting ordinances. At the first meeting to consider the ordinance, the Council should introduce the ordinance, waive further reading, and schedule a public hearing to be conducted. The City Council conducted those proceedings on December 10, 2025. Notice of the public hearing was published twice in a local newspaper at least 14 days before the public he aring. The Ordinance may be adopted at the conclusion of the public hearing and Staff is recommending that the City Council adopt the ordinance at the conclusion of the public hearing. .
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT
Acting to protect the health and safety of building occupants is the best indicator of a responsible action by the Council. Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code as the Colma Building Codes, with the proposed local amendments, will make buildings safer, more efficient , and will help to preserve the Town’s resources.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of this ordinance has no fiscal impact on the Town’s finances.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines, the adoption of the subject Ordinance would not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and therefore is not subject to CEQA.
Additionally, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) the activity is not a “project” as defined in Section 15378 because the Ordinance has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
Staff Report, 2025 Colma Building Code Adoption
ALTERNATIVES
An alternative would be to not adopt the ordinance. In that case, the codes adopted by the California Building Standards Commission would become applicable to all construction in the Town without local amendments. This alternative is not recommended because the Ordinances are necessary to more fully safeguard life and property in the Town of Colma.
CONCLUSION
The Council should conduct a public hearing on, waive a second reading of, and adopt the attached ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Ordinance No. ____
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ORDINANCE NO. ______
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF COLMA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SUBCHAPTER 5.04 OF THE TOWN OF COLMA MUNICIPAL CODE, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITION OF THE
CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24), CONSISTING OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, AND THE 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE; THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM HOUSING CODE; AND THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE;
TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS, AMENDMENTS, AND DELETIONS The City Council of the Town of Colma does ordain as follows:
ARTICLE 1. FINDINGS, PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
The City Council of the Town of Colma finds:
(a) Pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.1 et seq., the Town of Colma (“Town”) may adopt by reference the California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, as provided in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and other codes, including, without limitation, the 1997 Uniform Housing Code and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code.
(b) The California Building Standards Commission (“Commission”) recently adopted the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code which will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
(c) California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.7 and 18941.5 authorize cities to modify the California Building Standards Code if such standards and modifications are accompanied by express findings that they are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions.
(d) No
twithstanding the above, California Health & Safety Code Section 17958.5(c) prohibits cities and counties from making any change or modification to the building standards in the California Building Standards Code that would affect residential units, unless a specified exception applies.
(e) Tit
le 25, section 52 of the California Code of Regulations empowers the Town to use its own abatement procedures so long as these procedures are equivalent to the procedures
ATTACHMENT A
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contained in Title 25 sections 48 through 70 of the California Code of Regulations, and provided such procedures provide an efficient and effective procedure for the abatement of substandard conditions with fairness to both owners and residents. (f) The 1997 Uniform Housing Code and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code provide efficient and effective procedures for the abatement of substandard buildings, structures and nuisances that are fair and equitable to both owners and residents and are equivalent to the procedures contained in Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations to serve the purpose intended therein.
(g) The City Council desires to adopt the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations , consisting of the 2025 Californi a
B
uilding Code (incorporating and amending the 2024 International Building Code), the 2025 California Residential Code (incorporating and amending the 2024 International Residential Code), the 2025 California Electrical Code (incorporating and amending the 2 023 National Electrical Code), the 2025 California Mechanical Code (incorporating and amending the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code), the 2025 California Plumbing Code (incorporating and amending the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code), the 2025 California Fire Code (incorporating and amending the 2024 International Fire Code), the 2025 California E
nergy Code, the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, the 2025 California H
istorical Building Code, the 2025 California Existing Building Code, the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and the 2025 California Referenced Standards Code; the 1997 E
dition of the Uniform Housing Code ; and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code for safety, health and welfare relating to property maintenance within the Town of Colma, (collectively, the “Codes”); together with the necessary amendments to assure the Codes are tailored to the particular safety needs of the Town as required by its unique climatic, geological and topographical conditions. (h) The following local climatic, geographic or topographical conditions make it necessary to amend the Codes
:
(
1) Topography. A large portion of the Town’s residential community is built on hills, with roadways less than the required width which tend to slow response times for fire apparatus, and this same terrain complicates firefighter access to those buildings. Numerous areas are heavily treed with thick vegetative undergrowth, creating increased fuel loading during the summer months. (2)
Geography. Colma is located in Seismic Zone D and within two ( 2) miles of the San Andreas fault. There are two large underground tunnels that run the full length of the Town for the Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART) a s well as two underground sixty (60) inch diameter forced water mains that run parallel to the Bart tunnels. These two features are separated by a regional state thoroughfare, El Camino Real. Failure of either underground system will disrupt traffic flo w t
hrough the town and further hamper First Responder efforts. (3) Climate. Colma is subject to frequent periods of heavy fog, limiting visibility. This s
ame fog contains salt which has a deleterious effect on metals including exterior electrical service cabinets and conduits.
(
4) Amendments.
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Table below provides the express findings and determinations (where necessary pursuant to California Health & Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.7 and/or 18941.5) justifying the Town of Colma’s amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards Code as reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geologic or topographic conditions.
Section Caption Finding
California Building Code Section 105.5 Expiration Administrative California Building Code Section 109.2 Schedule of Permit Fees Administrative California Building Code Section 109.4 Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance
Administrative
California Building Code Section 110.1 General Administrative California Building Code Section 1008.3 Illumination Required by an Emergency Electrical System
Topography and Geography
California Building Code Appendix C Group U – Agricultural Buildings Topography and Geography California Building Code Appendix H Signs Topography and Geography California Building Code Appendix I Patio Covers Topography and Geography California Residential Code Section R103 Code Compliance Agency Administrative California Residential Code Section R103.2 Appointment Administrative California Residential Code Section R105.5 Expiration Administrative California Residential Code Section R108.2 Schedule of Permit Fees Administrative California Residential Code Section R108.6 Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance
Administrative
California Residential Code Section R309.2 One- and Two -Family Dwellings Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
Topography and Geography
California Residential Code Section
R309.3.1
General Topography and Geography
California Residential Code Section
R309.3.1.2
Sprinklers
Topography and Geography
California Residential Code Appendix BF Patio Covers Topography and Geography California Residential Code Appendix BO Existing Buildings and Structures Topography and Geography California Residential Code Appendix CI Swimming Pool Safety Act Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 103.2 Appointment Administrative 25977.00100\44438440.1
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California Fire Code Section 103.3 Deputies Administrative California Fire Code Section 105.3.3 Occupancy Prohibited Before Approval
Administrative
California Fire Code Section 106.1 Submittals Administrative California Fire Code Section 113.4 Violation Penalties Administrative California Fire Code Section 505.1 Address Identification Topography and Climate California Fire Code Section 505.5.7 Fire Hydrant Standards Topography California Fire Code Section 505.7.8 Identification of Fire Hydrants Topography and Climate California Fire Code Section 903.2 Where Required Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.1 Group A Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.2 Group B Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.3 Group E Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.4 Group F-1 Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.5 Group H Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.6 Group I Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.7 Group M Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.8 Group R Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.9 Group S-1 Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.10 Group S-2 Parking Garages Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.10.1 Commercial Parking Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.2.10.2 Mechanical-Access Enclosed Parking Garages
Topography and Geography
California Fire Code Section 903.2.11.7 Area Separation Walls Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.1.3.1 Installation Requirements Administrative California Fire Code Section 903.3.10 Floor Control Valves Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 903.4.3 Alarms Topography and Geography California Fire Code Section 907.2 Where Required —New Buildings and Structures
Topography and Geography
California Fire Code Section 907.2.9 Groups R-2, R-2.1 and R-2.2 Topography and Geography 25977.00100\44438440.1
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California Fire Code Section 907.9 Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures
Topography and Geography
California Fire Code Section 1008.3.3 Illumination Required by an Emergency Electrical System
Topography and Geography
California Fire Code Appendix C Section
C102.1, T102.1
Required Number and Spacing of
Fire Hydrants
Topography and Geography
California Green Building Standards Code
Section 4.408.1
Construction Waste Reduction,
Disposal and Recycling
Administrative
California Green Building Standards Code
Section 4.408.2
Construction Waste Management
Plan
Administrative
California Green Building Standards Code
Section 4.408.3
Waste Management Company Administrative
California Green Building Standards Code
Section 4.408.4
Waste Stream Reduction
Alternative
Administrative
California Green Building Standards Code
Section 4.408.5
Documentation Administrative
California Green Building Standards Code
Section 5.408.1
Construction Waste Reduction,
Disposal and Recycling
Administrative
California Green Building Standards Code
Section 5.408.1.1
Construction Waste Management
Plan
Administrative
California Green Building Standards Code
Section 5.408.1.2
Waste Management Company Administrative
California Green Building Standards Code
Section 5.408.1.3
Waste Stream Reduction
Alternative
Administrative
California Green Building Standards Code
Section 5.408.1.4
Documentation Administrative
California Mechanical Code Appendix F Sizing of Venting Systems and Outdoor Combustion and
Ventilation Opening Design
Topography and Geography
California Plumbing Code Appendix A Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System
Topography and Geography
California Plumbing Code Appendix B Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems
Topography and Geography
California Plumbing Code Appendix C Alternate Plumbing Systems Topography and Geography 25977.00100\44438440.1
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California Plumbing Code Appendix D Sizing Storm Water Drainage Systems
Topography and Geography
California Plumbing Code Appendix F Firefighter Breathing Air Replenishment Systems
Topography and Geography
California Plumbing Code Appendix G Sizing of Venting Systems Topography and Geography California Plumbing Code Appendix H Private Sewage Disposal Systems Topography and Geography California Plumbing Code Appendix I Installation Standards Topography and Geography California Plumbing Code Appendix J Combination of Indoor and Outdoor Combustion and
Ventilation Opening Design
Topography and Geography
California Plumbing Code Appendix K Potable Rainwater Catchment System
Topography and Geography
(i) T h
e changes and modifications made to the Codes not listed in the table are necessary for administrative clarification and to establish administrative standards for the effective enforcement of the building standards of the Town of Colma and do not modify a building standard pursuant to California Health & Safety Code Section 17958, 17958.7, and/or 18941.5.
(j) The Town published notice of a public hearing pursuant to California Government Code Section 6066 on December 29, 2025.
(k) T
he Town held a public hearing on January 14, 2026, at which time all interested persons had the opportunity to appear and be heard on the matter of adopting the Codes as amended herein.
(l) At least one copy of each of the Codes adopted by reference by this ordinance were available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk fifteen (15) days preceding the public hearing pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.6. (m) Any and all other legal prerequisites relating to the adoption of this ordinance have occurred.
ARTICLE 2. SUBCHAPTER 5.04 AMENDED
Sections 5.04.010 to 5.04.250 of subchapter 5.04 of the Colma Municipal Code are hereby repealed and restated in its entirety to read as provided herein. Sections 5.04.260 to 5.04.350 remain unchanged.
ARTICLE 3. SUBCHAPTER 5.04, DIVISION 1 - GENERAL
The following sections are added to subchapter 5.04, Building and Construction Regulations, of the Colma Municipal Code as “Division 1 – General.”
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Subchapter 5.04 - Building and Construction Regulations Division 1: General
5.04.010 A pplication .
(a) The provisions of this subchapter shall hereafter apply to the construction, alteration, moving, repair and use or maintenance of any building or structure, site, and the equipment therein, within the Town of Colma, and shall be known as the “Colma Building Codes.”
(
b) The Colma Building Codes shall be the primary source of regulations for the construction, addition to, alteration, repairs, relocations, or reconstruction of any building or any portion thereof including any electrical, mechanical, gas, plumbing, or fire protection equipment installed on any property or used on or within any building, and for the maintenance o f e
xisting buildings. It shall be unlawful for any person to perform any of the above in conflict with the provisions of this subchapter and the codes referred to in herein.
5.04.020 Conflicts with Other Laws, Rules, etc.
In the event of any conflict between the Colma Building Codes and any law, rule or regulation of the State of California, that requirement which establishes the higher standard of safety shall govern.
5.04.030 Titles.
The term “Colma Building Codes” means the collection of laws and regulations described in this subchapter, while the term, “Colma Building Code,” refers to the particular code adopted by section 5.04.050 of this subchapter.
5.04.040 [Reserved].
ARTICLE 4. SUBCHAPTER 5.04, DIVISION 2 – COLMA BUILDING CODES The following sections are added to subchapter 5.04 of the Colma Municipal Code as “Division 2 – Colma Building Codes.”
Division 2: Colma Building Codes
5.04.050 Colma Building Code Adopted.
The 2025 Edition of the California Building Code, contained in Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2024 Edition of the International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, together with Chapter 1, and with the changes, additions, and deletions set forth in the following section , is hereby adopted by reference as the Colma Building Code.
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5.04.060 Administration of Colma Building Code.
The following provisions of the California Building Code are hereby amended as follows:
(
a) S ection 1 .11.2.1 Amended.
It
em 1 of Section 1.11.2.1 of Chapter 1, Division I is amended to state as follows: “The T
own of Colma specifically delegates the enforcement of building standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal, and published in the Building Standards Code relating to fire and panic safety and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal, as they relate to Group R-3 Occupancies (one and two family dwellings) to the Building Official of Town of Colma.” (b) S ection 101.1 Amended.
S
ection 101.1 of Chapter 1, Division II is amended to state as follows: “These regulations shall be known as the Colma Building Code, hereinafter referred as ‘this code’.” (c) S ection 103 Amended.
The term “Code Compliance Agency ” in Section 103 of Chapter 1, Division II, of the Cal
ifornia Building Code, as well as all other codes adopted in this subchapter where the term appears, refers to the Building Department of the Town of Colma. (d) S ection 103.2 Amended.
Section 103.2 is amended to state as follows: “The Building Official shall be appointed by the City Manager.”
(e) S ection 105.5 Amended.
Section 105.5, “Expiration,” is amended to state as follows:
“105.5 Expiration.
(a) Every permit issued by the Building Official , or his or her designee, under the provisions of his Code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if:
(1) the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within twelve (12) months from the date o f
s
uch permit;
(2) the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of twelve (12) months.
(b) For permits where work has not commenced, a renewed permit may be obtained provided that: (1) no changes have been made or will be required in the original plans and specifications for such work; (2) the expiration has not exceeded two (2) years from the original issuance date; (3) the project would not be impacted by a 25977.00100\44438440.1
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change in the current adopted codes, and; (4) the applicant pays a reactivation fee equal to one half the amount of the original permit fee.
(c) For permits where work had commenced and was subsequently suspended or abandoned, a renewed permit may be obtained provided that: (1) No changes have been made or will be required in the original plans and specifications for such work; (2) the expiration has not exceeded two (2) years from the original issuance date; and (3) a fee equal to one half the amount required for a new permit is paid, except that where construction has progressed and has been approved to the point whereby only a final inspection is required, a fee equal to one quarter the amount required for a new permit shall be paid.”
(f)
S ection 109.2 Amended.
Se ction 109.2, “Schedule of Permit Fees,” is amended to state as follows:
“For any work on buildings or structures which requires a permit and/or plan review, fees shall be paid in accordance with Resolutions and Ordinances that are established by action of the City Council of the Town of Colma.”
(g)
S ection 109.4 Amended.
Se ction 109.4, “Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance,” is amended by adding thereto the following:
“That fee, for commencing work prior to permit issuance, may be equal to up to ten times the permit fee to a maximum amount of $5,000.00 as determined by the Building Official. This fee is in addition to the permit costs and any additional investigative fees.”
(h) S ection 110.1 Amended.
Section 110.1, “General,” is amended by adding thereto the following :
“W hen required, S urvey Stakes shall be provided prior to first inspection and maintained so they are clearly visible until after the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.”
(i) Section 1008.3 Amended.
Section 1008.3, “Illumination Required by an Emergency Electrical System,” is amended by adding thereto the following:
“All restrooms, and paths of egress from those restrooms to an exit discharge.”
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(j) Appendix B Adopted.
Appendix B, “Board of Appeals,” is adopted as part of the Colma Building Code. (k) Appendix C Adopted.
Appendix C, “Group U—Agricultural Buildings,” is adopted as part of the Colma Building Code.
(l) Appendix H Adopted.
Appendix H, “Signs,” is adopted as part of the Colma Building Code. (m) Appendix I Adopted.
Appendix I, “Patio Covers,” is adopted as part of the Colma Building Code.
5.04.070 Colma Residential Code Adopted
The 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code , contained in Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2024 Edition of the International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council, together with Chapter 1, with the following changes, additions, and deletions set forth in the following section, is adopted by reference as the Colma Residential Code.
5.04.080 Administration of Colma Residential Code
The following provisions of the California Residential Code are hereby amended as follows:
(a) Section R103 Amended.
Section R103, “Code Compliance Agency,” is amended by adding there to the following:
“The term ‘Code Compliance Agency” in Section R103 of the California Residential Code, as well as all other codes adopted in this subchapter where the term appears, refers to the Building Department of the Town of Colma.’
(b) Section R103.2 Amended.
Section R103.2, “Appointment,” is amended to state as follows: “The Building Official shall be appointed by the City Manager.”
(c) Section R105.5 Amended.
Section R105.5, “Expiration,” is amended to state as follows:
“105.5 Expiration.
(a) Every permit issued by the Building Official , or his or her designee, under the provisions of this Code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if:
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(1) the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within twelve (12) months from the issuance date of such permit; (2) the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of twelve ( 12) months.
(b) For permits where work has not commenced, a renewed permit may be obtained provided that: (1) no changes have been made or will be required in the original plans and specifications for such work; (2) the expiration has not exceeded two (2) years from the original issuance date; and (3) the project would not be impacted by a change in the current adopted codes, and; (4) the applicant pays a reactivation fee equal to one half the amount of the original permit fee. (c) For permits where work had commenced and was subsequently suspended or abandoned, a renewed permit may be obtained provided that: (1) No changes have been made or will be required in the original plans and specifications for such work; (2) the expiration has not exceeded two (2) years from the original issuance date; and (3) a fee equal to one half the amount required for a new permit is paid, except that where construction has progressed and has been approved to the point whereby only a final inspection is required, a feel equal to one quarter the amount required for a new permit shall be paid.”
(d)
Section R108. 2 Amended.
Section R108.2, “Schedule of Permit Fees,” is amended to state as follows:
“For any work on buildings or structures which requires a permit and/or plan review, fees shall be paid in accordance with Resolutions and Ordinances that are established by action of the City Council of the Town of Colma.”
(e) Section R108 .6 Amended.
Section R1 08.6, “Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance,” is amended by adding thereto the following:
“That fee, for commencing work prior to permit issuance, may be equal to up to ten times the permit fee to a maximum amount of $5,000.00 as determined by the Building Official. This fee is in addition to the permit costs and any additional investigative fees.”
(f) Section R30 9.2 Amended.
Section R309.2, “One- and Two-Family Dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems,” Item 1 is amended to state as follows: “An automatic residential fire sprinkler system is not required where an addition and/or alteration to an existing residential structure does not exceed 50% of the existing floor area.”
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(g) Section R30 9.3.1 Amended.
The second sentence in Section R309.3.1 “General” is amended to state as follows:
“Partial Fire Sprinkler Systems are not allowed; all areas of the structure shall be protected in accordance with this chapter.”
(h) Section R30 9.3.1.2 Amended.
Se
ction R309.3.1.2 “Sprinklers” Exception 4 is amended to state as follows: “Detached garages; carports with no habitable space above; open attached porches, unless they are located at the only egress door from the dwelling; and patio covers open on 3 sides or more.”
(i) Appendix B F Adopted.
Appendix BF, “Patio Covers,” is adopted as part of the Colma Residential Code. (j) Appendix BO Adopted.
Appendix BO, “Existing Buildings and Structures,” is adopted as part of the Colma Residential Code.
(k) Appendix CI Adopted.
Appendix CI, “Swimming Pool Safety Act,” is adopted as part of the Colma Residential Code.
5.04.090 Colma Electrical Code
The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code, contained in Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 20 23 Edition of the National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association, together with Article 89, is adopted by reference as the Colma Electrical Code.
5.04.100 Colma Mechanical Code
The 2025 Edition of the California Mechanical Code, contained in Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2024 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, together with Chapter 1, with the following changes, additions, and deletions set forth, is adopted by reference as the Colma Mechanical Code.
(a) Appendix F, “Sizing of Venting Systems and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation Opening Design,” is adopted as part of the Colma Mechanical Code.
5.04.110 Colma Plumbing Code
The 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code, contained in Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2024 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Plumbing Officials, together 25977.00100\44438440.1
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with Chapter 1, with the following changes, additions, and deletions, is adopted by reference as the Colma Plumbing Code.
(a) Appendix A, “Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System,” is adopted as part of the Colma Plumbing Code.
(b) Appendix B, “Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems,” is adopted as part of the Colma Plumbing Code.
(c) Appendix C, “Alternate Plumbing Systems,” is adopted as part of the Colma Plumbing Code.
(d) Appendix D, “Sizing Storm Water Drainage Systems,” is adopted as part of the Colma Plumbing Code.
(e) Appendix F, “Firefighter Breathing Air Replenishment Sysytems,” is adopted as part of the Colma Plumbing Code.
(f) Appendix G, “Sizing of Vents,” is adopted as part of the Colma Plumbing Code. (g) Appendix H, “Private Sewage Disposal Systems,” is adopted as part of the Colma Plumbing Code.
(h) Appendix I, “Installation Standards,” is adopted as part of the Colma Plumbing Code. (i) Appendix J, “Combination of Indoor and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation Opening Design,” is adopted as part of the Colma Plumbing Code. (j) Appendix K, “Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems,” is adopted as part of the Colma Plumbing Code.
5.04.120 Colma Energy Code
The 2025 Edition of the California Energy Code , contained in Part 6 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations as published by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as the Colma Energy Code.
5.04.125 Colma Wildland-Urban Interface Code
The 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, contained in Part 7 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations as published by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as the Colma Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
5.04.130 Colma Historical Building Code
The 2025 Edition of the California Historical Building Code, contained in Part 8 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations as published by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as the Colma Historical Building Code.
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5.04.140 Colma Fire Prevention Code
The 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, contained in Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates and amends the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code as published by the International Code Council, together with Chapter 1, with the following changes, additions, and deletions, is adopted by reference as the Colma Fire Prevention Code. (b) Chapter 1 Division II, Administration, is adopted, in its entirety, for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Colma Fire Prevention Code, excepting amendments as provided herein:
(1)
Section 103.2 Amended.
S
ection 103.2, “Appointment,” is amended to state as follows:
“Section 103.3 Fire Code Official.
The Fire Chief of the Colma Fire Protection District shall also be known as the Fire Code Official, or the Fire Marshal, and may delegate certain responsibilities to a deputy Fire Code Official, and or sworn personnel.”
(2) Section 103.3 Amended.
Section 103.3, “Deputies,” is amended to state as follows:
“Section 103.3 Fire Code Official.
The Fire Chief of the Colma Fire Protection District shall also be known as the Fire Code Official, or the Fire Marshal, and may delegate certain responsibilities to a deputy Fire Code Official, and or sworn personnel.”
(3)
Section 105.3.3 Amended.
Section 105.3.3, “Occupancy Prohibited Before Approval ,” i s ame
nded to state as follows:
“
Section 105.3.3 Occupancy Prohibited Before Approval. No fi
nal inspection by the Building Official shall be made for occupancy of new or altered construction, as to all or any portion of a building or structure shall be deemed complete , and no certificate of occupancy issued, occupancy or temporary occupancy granted until the installation of the prescribed fire protection features and access ways have been completed and approved by the Fire Code Official, excluding R-3 Single Family Dwellings in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13146.”
(4) Section 106.1 Amended.
Se
ction 106.12, “Submittals,” to state as follows:
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“Section 106.2 Submittals. Construction documents shall be in accordance with this section. When required by the Fire Code Official, plans submitted to the Colma Building Department or Building Official for a permit shall also be reviewed by the Fire Code Official to determine compliance with the Colma Fire Prevention Code. Upon review, a written report shall be returned to the local building official listing deficiencies or compliance with the Code.” (5) Section 113.4 Amended.
Section 113.4, “Violation Penalties,” is amended to state as follows:
“Section 113 .4 Violation Penalties. Persons who violate a provision of this Code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the Fire Code Official, or falsification of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 or by imprisonment not exceeding 6 month, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.”
(6) Chapter 4 Adopted.
Chap
ter 4, “Emergency Planning and Preparedness,” is adopted in its entirety. (7) Section 505.1 Amended.
Amend the seventh (7th) sentence of Section 505.1, “Address Identification,” is amended to state as follows:
“Numbers typically shall be a minimum of 4 inches in height with a minimum stroke of 1/2 inch for individual residential structures, and a minimum of 6 inches in height for commercial structures with a minimum stroke of 1 inch, or other approved sizes based on distances from roadways. In multi -tenant buildings, with rear doors, addresses shall also be posted upon those tenant space doors at the rear of the building. The numerals on the rear doors shall be 3 inches in height and 1/2 inch in stroke.”
(8)
Section 507.5.7 Added.
Section 507.5.7, “Fire Hydrant Standards,” is added to state as follows:
“Section 507.5.7 Fire Hydrant Standards. All fire hydrants to be installed, or replaced, shall be new, UL listed, or equivalent, wet- barrel type having a minimum of two 2-1/2 inch and one 4-1/2 inch outlets equipped with National Standard Threads.”
(9) Section 507.5.7 Added.
Section 507.5.8, “Identification of Fire Hydrants,” to state as follows:
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“Section 507.5.8 I dentification Of F ire Hydrants. With respect to fire hydrants located on public streets in commercial, residential and on private access roadways, the space in front of the fire hydrant shall be painted red or otherwise appropriately marked for a distance of fifteen feet (15') in either direction from any hydrant and not less than three feet (3') on any one side. The fifteen feet (15’) may be reduced to six (6’) feet – when approved by the Fire Code Official. The Colma Fire Protection District shall have the authority to require any fire hydrant location be identified by installing a blue reflector on the street or access road adjacent to the fire hydrant, with the specific location of the fire hydrant to be determined by the Fire Code Official.”
(10) Section 903.2 Amended.
Section 903.2, “Where Required,” is amended state as follows:
“
Section 903.2 Where R equired. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Code or the provisions of any other codes applicable within the Colma Fire Protection District , an approved automatic fire extinguishing system shall be installed in the following:
A. All new non-residential buildings having a total floor area of one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet or more, or;
B. All new residential buildings, or;
C. All new buildings or structures thirty feet (30') or more in height as defined in the California Building Code, or;
D. Buildings or structures which are three (3) stories or more, irrespective of height, or;
E. All G roup H occupancies, or;
F. All new habitable basements, regardless of floor area, or; G. Existing residential structures which undergo any alteration or addition, or combination thereof, within a five (5) year period, wherein the area of alteration and/or addition, or combination thereof, exceeds fifty percent ( 50%) of the existing floor area, or;
H. Existing non- residential structures which undergo any addition or alteration, or combination thereof, within a five (5)
year period, wherein the area of alteration and/or
addition, or combination thereof, exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the existing floor area, or;
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I. Non-residential buildings which undergo a change of use which results in a more hazardous occupancy classification as determined by the fire code official.
The 50% Rule Explained:
The renovation of any structure and/or when combined with any additions to the structure, affects a gross floor area which exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the existing floor area of the structure. For the purpose of this section, when determining the affected gross floor area of an existing structure, whenever more than fifty percent (50%) of the wall or ceiling coverings (e.g., wallboard, plaster, etc.) have been removed from within a room or space bounded by three or more walls within the structure, the entire gross floor area of the room or space shall be counted towards the total affected gross floor area of the existing structure.
Automatic Sprinkler System Exceptions:
1. Mausoleum and columbarium structures as defined in the Cemetery Act, State of California; and
2. Where this Code or the California Building Code, Californi a
C
ode Of Regulations Title 24, Part 2 is more restrictive.” (11) Section 903.2.1 Deleted.
S ection 903.2.1, “Group A,” is deleted.
(12) Section 903.2.2 Deleted.
Se ction 903.2.2, “Group B,” is deleted.
(13) Section 903.2.3 Deleted.
Se ction 903.2.3, “Group F-1,” is deleted.
(14) Section 903.2.4 Deleted.
Se ction 903.2.4, “Group F-1,” is deleted.
(15) Section 903.2.5 Deleted.
Se ction 903.2.5, “Group B,” is deleted.
(16) Section 903.2.6 Deleted.
Se ction 903.2.6, “Group I,” is deleted.
(17) Section 903.2.7 Deleted.
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Se ction 903.2.7, “Group M,” is deleted.
(18) Section 903.2.8 Deleted.
Se ction 903.2.8, “Group R,” is deleted.
(19) Section 903.2.9 Deleted.
Se ction 903.2.9, “Group S-1,” is deleted.
(20) Section 903.2.10 Deleted.
Se ction 903.2.10, “Group S-2 Parking Garages,” is deleted. (21) Section 903.2.10.1 Deleted.
Se ction 903.2.10.1, “Commercial Parking Garages,” is deleted. (22) Section 903.2.11.7 Added.
Section 903.2.11.7, “Area Separation Walls,” to state the following:
“Section 903.2.11.7 Area Separation Walls. The use of area s
eparation walls may be used for area increases in accordance with the California Building Code, but shall not be used to negate the requirements for an automatic fire extinguishing system as required by this section.”
(23) Section 903.3.1.3.1 Added.
Section 903.3.1.3.1, “Installation Requirements,” is added to state the following:
“
Section 903.3.1.3.1 Installation Requirements. In addition to the requirements of NFPA 13D the following policy shall be followed:
PLAN REVIEW –
1. Applicant shall provide a copy of a recent (within past 6 months) water flow test report. The test report shall be supplied by the water purveyor and printed on the water purveyor’s letterhead.
2. A two -head calculation is required for occupancies up to 3600 sq ft. When a single family residence cannot meet California minimum water flow or access requirements,
additional water flow and/or sprinkler head calculations may be required.
INSTALLATION –
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1. Approved back flow assemblies shall be installed in
accordance with water department requirements.
2. Water meter size shall be not less than 1 inch, with equal size service unless the Colma Fire Protection District makes exceptions.
3. When a hanger is being supported by a composite wood truss, pipe hangers shall have backing nuts on all threaded rods.
4. Approved annunciation devices shall be provided at
locations designated by the Colma Fire Protection District , both exterior and interior. Approved interior mini horn devices and approved exterior audible and visual devices shall activate upon fire sprinkler water flow alarm. All notification appliances shall receive primary power from the kitchen refrigerator circuit.
5. The inspector’s test valve shall be provided at the far remote-side of the system away from the riser and be
clearly identified.
6. The location of the riser shall be in accordance with the Colma Fire Protection District requirements.
7. A
ttic (pilot) heads, for fire detection, shall be installed at attic access points with greater than 30 inches of vertical space. If the attic has room for storage, or if mechanic al equipment is in the attic , fire s prinkler heads shall be installed throughout the entire attic space.
8. Fire sprinkler system main drains and Inspector’s Test drains, shall be clearly identified, and shall either discharge into a Sanitary Sewer or a landscape area large enough to contain the system contents, in accordance with provisions of Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit.
INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS -
Inspections by the Colma Fire Protection District shall consist of not less than:
1. A rough installation inspection and hydrostatic test, prior to concealing any components.
2. The hydro static test shall be performed at 200 psi for a period of not less than 2 hours.
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3. Underground piping system shall be flushed prior to
connecting to the sprinkler riser.
4. Where concealed sprinkler heads are used a pre -final inspection shall be performed prior to the installation of the concealing plates to verify no presence of contaminants on the heads.
5. A final inspection.”
(25) Section 903.3.10 Amended.
Replace Section 903.3.10, “Floor Control Valves,” with the following:
“Section 903.3.10 Floor Control Valves. Approved supervised indicating control valves and water-flow switches shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in multi -level buildings.
EXCEPTION: Within individual dwelling units.”
(26) Section 903.4.3 Amended.
Section 903.4.3, “Alarms,” is amended to state as follows:
“Section 903.4.3 A larms. An approved audible and visual sprinkler flow alarm shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location. An audible and visual sprinkler flow alarm shall be provided in the interior of the building in a normally occupied location. Multi-tenant buildings shall be provided with an audible and visual sprinkler flow alarm and a manual pull station within each separate tenant space, at an approved location. Multi- story buildings, regardless of tenancy, shall be provided with an audible and visual sprinkler flow alarm at each floor level, in an approved location. All bathrooms and walk-in coolers/freezers shall be provided with visual notification appliances where a fire alar m
s
ystem is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall activate the building fire alarm system.”
(27) Section 907.2 Amended.
Sections 907.2, “Where Required—New Buildings and Structures,” is amended to state as follows:
“Section 907.2 WHERE REQUIRED—NEW BUILDINGS AND
EXISTING STRUCTURES. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed including manual fire alarm boxes at each exit in each tenant space of a multi-tenant building and at each exit stairway on every floor of a multi-story building regardless of tenancy.” (28) Section 907.2.9 Amended.
Section 907.2.9, “Groups R-2, R-2.1 and R-2.2,” to state as follows:
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“Section 907.2.9 Group R-2, R-2.1 and R-2.2. Fire alarm systems with manual fire alarm boxes shall be located at each ground floor exit and on each floor’s exit stairways. Automatic smoke detection systems and smoke alarms shall be installed in Group R-2, R-2.1 and R-2.2 Occupancies as required in Sections 907.2.8.2, 907.2.9.1 and 907.2.10.2.”
(29) Section 907.9 Amended.
Sections 907.2, “Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures,” is amended to state as follows:
“Section 907.9 Where Required in Existing Buildings and S
tructures. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed including manual fire alarm boxes at each exit in each tenant space of a multi-tenant building and at each exit stairway on every floor of a multi-story building regardless of tenancy.”
(3
0) Section 1008.3.3 Amended.
Section 1008.3.3, “Illumination Required by an Emergency Electrical System,” Item 3.5 with the following:
“All public restrooms, and paths of egress from those restrooms to an
exit discharge.”
(c) The following Appendix Chapters are adopted;
(1) Appendix A, “Board of Appeals,” is adopted as part of the Colma Fire Code.
(2) Appendix B, “Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings,” is adopted as part of the Colma Fire Code.
(3) Appendix BB, “Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings (Schools),” is adopted as part of the Colma Fire Code.
(4) Appendix C, “Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution,” is adopted as part of the Colma Fire Code with the following amendments:
(a) Table C102.1 Amended.
Section C102.1, “Minimum Number of Fire Hydrants for a
Building,” Table C102.1, “Required Number and Spacing of Fire Hydrants,” Footnote C, is amended to state the following:
“Where water mains are extended along streets where fire hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided with spacing determined by the Fire Code Official, to provide for transportation hazards.”
(5) Appendix CC, “Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution (Schools), ”
i
s adopted as part of the Colma Fire Code.
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(6) Appendix D, “Fire Apparatus Access Roads,” is adopted as part of t
he Colma Fire Code.
(7) Appendix F, “Hazard Ranking,” is adopted as part of the Colma Fire Code.
(8) Appendix I, “Fire Protection Systems – Noncompliant Conditions,” i
s adopted as part of the Colma Fire Code.
5 .04.150 Colma Existing Building Code
The 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code, contained in Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations as published by the International Code Council , is adopted by reference as the Colma Existing Building Code.
5.04.160 Colma Green Building Standards Code
The 2025 Edition of the California Green Building Standards Code , contained in Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, with the following changes, additions, and deletions, is adopted by reference as the Colma Green Building Standards Code. (a) Section 4.408.1 Amended.
Section 4.408.1, “Construction Waste Management,” is amended to state as follows:
“A
ll construction and demolition work within the Town of Colma shall be in compliance with sections 5.04.260 through 5.04.350 of the Colma Municipal Code.”
(b)
Section 4.408.2 Deleted.
Section 4.408.2, “Construction Waste Management Plan,” is deleted. (c) Section 4.408.3 Deleted.
Section 4.408.3, “Waste Management Company,” is deleted. (d) Section 4.408.4 Deleted.
Section 4.408.4, “Waste Stream Reduction Alternative,” is deleted. (e) Section 4.408.5 Deleted.
Section 4.408.5, “Documentation,” is deleted.
(f) Section 5.408.1 Amended.
Section 5.408.1, “Construction Waste Reduction, Disposal and Recycling,” is amended to state as follows:
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Section 5.408.1, “Construction Waste Reduction, Disposal and Recycling,” is amended to state as follows:“All construction and demolition work within the Town of Colma shall be in compliance with sections 5.04.260 through 5.04.350 of the Colma Municipal Code.” (g) Section 5.408.1.1 Deleted.
Section 5.408.1.1, “Construction Waste Management Plan ,” is deleted. (h) Section 5.408.1.2 Deleted.
Section 5.408.1.2, “Waste Management Company,” is deleted. (i) Section 5.408.1.3 Deleted.
Section 5.408.1.3, “Waste Stream Reduction Alternative,” is deleted. (j) Section 5.408.1.4 Deleted.
Section 5.408.1.4, “Documentation,” is deleted.
(k) S
ection 5.04.290 of the Colma Municipal Code, “Diversion Requirements,” is amended in its entirety to state as follows:
“5.04.290 Diversion Requirements
The Builder shall follow the diversion requirements in the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, as adopted by reference and amended by the Town in subdivision A of this Section 5.04.160.”
5.04.170 Colma Referenced Standards Code
The 2025 Edition of the California Referenced Standards Code, contained in Part 12 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations as published by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as the Colma Referenced Standards Code.
5.04.180 Colma Housing Code
The 1997 Edition of the Uniform Housing Code as published by the International Conference of Building Officials, with the following changes, additions, and dele tions, is adopted by reference as the Colma Housing Code.
(a) Section 203.1.Deleted.
Section 203.1 is deleted.
(b) Section 302 Amended.
Section 302, “Fees,” is amended to state as follows:
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“Whenever work is required to be done under the provisions of this code, a building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit may be required by the Building Official prior to commencement of the work. Fees may be assessed pursuant to permit fee resolutions adopted by the City Council from time to time. If abatement proceedings are initiated against a property to gain compliance with the provisions of this code, all costs associated with the abatement shall be paid by the property owner pursuant to the provisions of subchapter 2.01 of the Colma Municipal Code.”
(c) Section 1001.2 Amended.
Section 1001.2, “Inadequate Sanitation,” is amended by adding the following:
“16. Lack of an approved potable water supply.”
5.04.190 Colma Property Maintenance Code
The 2024 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code as published by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as the Colma Property Maintenance Code.
5.04.200 Interpretation
The provisions of these Codes are enacted for the public health, safety, and welfare and are to be liberally construed for those purposes thereof.
5.04.210 Codes Available to the Public
A complete set of the above referenced codes adopted in this subchapter shall be maintained in the Building Department and shall be made available for review by the public.
ARTICLE 5. SUBCHAPTER 5.04, DIVISION 3 – HOURS OF CONSTRUCTION The following sections are added to subchapter 5.04, Building and Construction, of the Colma Municipal Code as “Division 3 – Hours of Construction.” Division 3: Hours of Construction
5.04.220 Standard Hours of Construction
(a) The City Council finds that regulation of construction noise is necessary to protect the public health and safety, and that construction noise at early or late times of the day is a nuisance to neighboring properties.
(b) As used in this subchapter, “noise generating construction activity” means the use of any noise generating equipment or tool, including but not limited to: excavators, backhoes, post diggers, pile drivers, saws, electric screw drivers, grinders, nail guns, compressors, generators, hammers, jack hammers, power washers, paint guns, scaffolding erection, or 25977.00100\44438440.1
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similar noise generating equipment. “Noise generating construction activity” also includes construction material delivery, demolition activities and the servicing of tools and equipment. “Noise generating construction activity” does not include activities such as drywall finishing, painting, tile laying, carpet installation or the use of small hand tools in a fully enclosed structure with windows and doors closed. (c) Within a radius of 500 feet from any residential unit within the Town boundaries, noise generating construction activity shall only be permitted between the following hours/days:
Monday Through Friday 8:00 AM through 7:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM through 5:00 PM
Noise generating construction activity is prohibited on all of the following federal holidays:
New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Building Official, or his or her designee, may grant an exception for special conditions when requested in writing and approved by the Building Official , or his or her designee, prior to the start of noise generating activity. The above requirements do not apply to emergency repair work, work for public utility and street repair, street sweeping, garbage collection and emergency response warning systems.
(d) For projects more than 500 feet from a residential unit in the Town of Colma, construction hours shall be assigned on a project-by-project basis by the Building Official, or his or her designee, or as established within a project’s Conditions of Approval, based on evaluation of potential noise-related impacts on surrounding uses.
5.04.230 Accessibility and Pedestrian Access During Construction No person shall conduct any construction or repair work that interferes with or encroaches upon the public right -of-way unless that person establishes and maintains an accessible path of travel during construction for use by persons, including those with disabilities, and posts adequate approved signage directing users to that path.
ARTICLE 6. SUBCHAPTER 5.04, DIVISION 4 – ENFORCEMENT
The following sections are added to subchapter 5.04, Building and Construction, of the Colma Municipal Code as “Division 4 – Enforcement.”
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Division 4: Enforcement
5.04.240 Enforcement Responsibilities
(a) The Building Official of the Town of Colma, or his or her designee, shall enforce the provisions of this Code, acting for and on behalf of the Town of Colma. (b) Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13146, the responsibility for the enforcement of Building Standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal and contained within these codes, relating to fire and panic safety and other regulations of the Office of the State Fire Marshal as they apply to Group R, Division 3 One and Two Family Dwellings, shall be delegated to the Building Official of the Town of Colma.
5.04.250 Violation and Penalties
(a) A willful violation of a lawful order of the Building Official issued pursuant to the Colma Building Codes is a misdemeanor, punishable as set forth in subchapter 1.05.010 of the Colma Municipal Code.
(b) A violation of any other provision of this subchapter is an infraction, punishable as set forth in subchapter 1.05 of the Colma Municipal Code, including paragr aph (c)(4) of section 1.05.020.
(c) A violation of this subchapter shall also be deemed to be a public nuisance under section
2.01.060 of the Colma Municipal Code, and may be abated pursuant to the procedures set forth in subchapter 2.01 of the Code. The costs of abatement shall become a lien upon the property involved. Notwithstanding any other provision in subchapter 2.01, the authority granted the Code Enforcement Officer, in subchapter 2.01 may also be exercised by a Colma Building Official , or his or her designee . Specifically, but without limitation, the Colma Enforcement Officer or the Colma Building Official may issue Administrative Citations in accordance with the procedures set forth in subchapter 2.01 of the Colma Municipal Code.
ARTICLE 6. FILING OF ORDINANCE
The City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission of the State of California.
ARTICLE 7. LIABILITY
The provisions of the Colma Building Codes shall not be construed as imposing upon the Town of Colma any liability or responsibility for damage to persons or property resulting from defective work, nor shall the Town of Colma, or any official, employee or agent thereof, be held as assuming 25977.00100\44438440.1
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any such liability or responsibility by reason of the review or inspection authorized by the provisions of the Colma Building Codes of any permits or certificates issued under the Codes.
ARTICLE 8. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase added by this ordinance, or any part thereof, is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases are declared unconstitutional, invalid or ineffective.
ARTICLE 9. CEQA COMPLIANCE
Pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines, the City Council finds that this Ordinance will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and therefore is not subject to the CEQA. Additionally, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3), the activity is not a “project” as defined in Section 15378 because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the envir onment, directly or indirectly. The City Planner is directed to file a notice of exemption within five (5) days of the adoption of this ordinance.
ARTICLE 10. PUBLICATION
This ordinance including the vote for and against the same shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk and on the three (3) official bulletin boards of the Town of Colma within fifteen (15) days of its passage and shall take force and effect thirty (30) days after its passage.
ARTICLE 11. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance and all codes referenced shall take effect the later of thirty (30) days following its adoption by the City Council or January 1, 2026. Projects for which a building permit application and building plans have been submitted prior to the effective date of this Ordinance, and for which building permits have been obtained within 365 days from the effective date of this Ordinance, shall be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance. Projects for which a building permit application and building plans have been submitted prior to the effective date of this Ordinance, and building permits have not been obtained within 365 days from the effective date of this Ordinance, shall be subject to all provisions of this Ordinance and the codes referenced.
Certification of Adoption
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I certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. ____ was duly introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the Town of Colma held on, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the Town of Colma held on, by the following vote:
Name Vo
ting Present, Not Voting Absent
Aye No A bstain Not Participating
Carrie Slaughter, Mayor
Joanne F. del Rosario
Helen Fisicaro
Thamas Walsh
Ken Gonzalez
Voting Tally
Da
ted: ____________________ _____________________________________ Carrie Slaughter, Mayor
Att
est: ______________________________
Michelle Estabillo, City Clerk