Item No. 1.
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY:ANTHONY HILDEBRAND, FIRE CHIEF
IRMA HUITRON, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DATE:JANUARY 27, 2026
SUBJECT:
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA
BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO BASED UPON
CLIMATIC, TOPOGRAPHICAL, AND GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will adopt five (5) Ordinances that would adopt the entirety of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code (as contained in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), as well as the local amendments to the California Building Code, Residential Code, and Fire Code that are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, topographic, or geologic conditions and are substantially equivalent to modifications previously approved by this Council. No amendments are being proposed to other parts of the California Building Standards Code.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council adopt the following Ordinances:
1. Adopt Ordinance No. 26-1535, Repealing and Recasting Chapter 1 (Downey Building Code) of Article VIII (Building Regulations) of the Downey Municipal Code; Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Incorporating and Amending the 2024 International Building Code) – Including Appendix H; and Making Certain Local Additions and Amendments Thereto;
2. Adopt Ordinance No. 26-1536, Repealing and Recasting Section 8730 (Grading Regulations) of Chapter 8 (Floodplain Management, Grading and Paving) of the Downey Municipal Code and Adding a New Section 8730 (Downey Grading Regulations) to Chapter 8 (Floodplain Management, Grading and Paving) of the Downey Municipal Code by Adopting by Reference Appendix J of the 2025 California Building Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2); and Making Certain Local Amendments Thereto;
3. Adopt Ordinance No. 26-1537, Repealing and Recasting Chapter 13 (Downey Residential Code) of Article VIII (Building Regulations) of the Downey Municipal Code; Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Residential Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2.5) and Appendices BB, BF, BG, And C1; and Making Certain Local Additions and Amendments Thereto;
4. Adopt Ordinance No. 26-1538, Amending Chapters 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Article III of the Downey Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Fire Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9), Including Appendices A Through O, Together with Certain Additions, Insertions, Deletions and Changes Thereto, for the Purpose of Prescribing Regulations Governing Conditions Hazardous to Life and Property from Fire or Explosion; and Adopting Chapter 6.95 of Division 20 of the California Health and Safety Code for
the Purpose of Prescribing Regulations Governing Conditions Hazardous to Life and Property from the Handling, Use, Storage or Release of Hazardous Materials or Hazardous Waste; and,
5. Adopt Ordinance No. 26-1539, Adopting the 2025 Editions of the California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Historical Building Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Energy Code, California Existing Building Code, and California Referenced Standards Code (as Set Forth in California Code of Regulations Title 24); and Amending Downey Municipal Code Article VIII (“Building Regulations”), Chapters 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 15, and 16 Accordingly.
BACKGROUND
The California Building Standards Commission (hereinafter the "Building Standards Commission") is an independent commission within the State Consumer Services Agency responsible for reviewing, adopting, and publishing building standards for the State of California to set minimum standards for building design and construction throughout California, covering such issues as structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. The Building Standards Commission adopts and publishes a compilation of updated building regulations every three years, and they become effective throughout the State six (6) months after publication.
The entirety of these regulations are contained within Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and although commonly referred to collectively as the "Building Standards Code”, are composed of the following thirteen (13) parts:
California Administrative Code;
California Building Code;
California Residential Code;
California Electrical Code;
California Mechanical Code;
California Plumbing Code;
California Energy Code;
California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
California Historical Building Code;
California Fire Code
California Existing Building Code;
California Green Building Standards Code; and,
California Referenced Standards Code.
The 2025 Edition of the Building Standards Code became effective on January 1, 2026, throughout the State – including the City of Downey, without the need for any action by the local governments, and the regulations therein apply to any project submitted for plan check thereafter. Notwithstanding Downey City Council’s adoption of local amendments to the prior edition of the Building Standards Code, the City Council must enact any desired amendments to the 2025 edition for them to be effective.
Pursuant to California Government Code § 50022.3, these building and fire codes were brought before the City Council for a first reading on January 13, 2026. At this meeting, the ordinances referenced above were introduced, and a public hearing was scheduled for the January 27, 2026, City Council meeting. The January 27, 2026, public hearing constitutes the second reading. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the code adoption procedure is complete after the City Council adopts the attached ordinances.
DISCUSSION
The State of California enacts building standards every three (3) years that are applicable throughout the State – however, local jurisdictions are explicitly authorized pursuant to California Health & Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 to make amendments to the State standards. Although no justification is needed to amend “administrative standards”, any amendments to “building standards” must be reasonably necessary and expressly justified based upon local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions with each cycle of the State’s Building Standards Code.
On June 30, 2025, the Governor approved California Assembly Bill 130 (“AB 130”), which, amongst other actions, amended the Health & Safety Code to prohibit local jurisdictions from making any modifications to the California Building Standards between October 1, 2025 and June 1, 2031, that affect residential units unless at least one of several specified conditions exist – including a finding that the local amendments are “substantially equivalent” to prior modifications that were filed by the governing body of the local jurisdiction and that were in effect as of September 30, 2025.
In addition to adopting the 2025 Building Standards Code, Staff is also proposing local amendments to certain administrative standards of the Building Standards Code, as well as amendments to building and fire standards set forth in the Building Code (including the grading regulations contained in Appendix J), Residential Code, and Fire Code that are reasonably necessary due to the climatic, geological, and topographical conditions present in the City of Downey and County of Los Angeles. These amendments continue Downey’s well-established goal of safeguarding the public health, safety, and welfare by amending the Building Standards Code to enact administrative and other regulatory standards to address local climatic conditions (including high temperatures, low precipitation, extreme winds, and insufficient water supply), topographical conditions, and seismic conditions. The enactment of the recommended amendments to the 2025 Building Standards Code – which are substantially equivalent to those amendments previously adopted by the City Council in connection with the 2022 Building Standards Code, further provides clear and consistent direction to designers, contractors, and property owners, as well as ensuring continuity for the enforcement of all portions of the building and fire standards in the City.
Staff recommends the adoption of Ordinance Nos. 26-_____ through 26-____________ as such action is necessary in order to fully adopt the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code (including the Building Code, Residential Code, and Fire Code) with the local amendments that establish the Downey Municipal Code.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Economic Vibrancy
Quality of Life, Safety, & Infrastructure
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no immediate fiscal impact.
Attachments
Attachment A_Ordinance No. 26-1535 - 2025 CA Building Code.pdf Attachment B_Ordinance No. 26-1536 - DMC 8730 - 2025 CA Building Code Appendix J.pdf Attachment C_Ordinance No. 26-1537 - 2025 CA Residential Code.pdf Attachment D_Ordinance No. 26-1538 - 2025 CA Fire Code.pdf Attachment E_Ordinance No. 26-1539 - 2025 CA Building Standards-No Amendments.pdf
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REPEALING AND RECASTING CHAPTER I (DOWNEY BUILDING CODE) OF
ARTICLE VIII (BUILDING REGULATIONS) OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE; ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, INCORPORATING AND AMENDING THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE) – INCLUDING APPENDIX H; AND MAKING CERTAIN LOCAL
ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS THERETO
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.1 et seq., the City of Downey (the "City") may adopt by reference the California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, as provided in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations; and, WHEREAS, Sections 17922, 17958, and 18941.5 of the California Health and Safety Code provide that the governing body of every city or county shall adopt ordinances or regulations imposing the same requirements as those contained in the most recently adopted version of the California Building Standards Code; and,
WHEREAS, the appendices to the California Building Code (inclusive of Appendix H) provide optional guidelines for specific topics – including Signs, however, the adoption of these appendices by local jurisdictions is not mandatory by their own terms; WHEREAS, Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 of the California Health & Safety Code provide that a city or county may make such changes or modifications to the requirements contained in the California Building Standards Code which are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and, WHEREAS, Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 of the California Health & Safety Code provide that prior to making any change or modification to the California Building Standards Code authorized by the Health & Safety Code, the City Council of the City of Downey is required to make an express finding that such modifications or changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and, WHEREAS, as approved by the Governor on June 30, 2025, California Assembly Bill 130 (“AB 130”), amongst other actions, amended Health & Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 by prohibiting local jurisdictions from making any modifications to the building standards between October 1 , 2025 and June 1, 2031, that affect residential units unless at least one of several specified conditions exist, including a finding that the local amendments are “substantially equivalent” to prior modifications that were filed by the governing body of the local jurisdiction and that were in effect as of September 30, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the local amendments incorporated into this Ordinance are substantially equivalent to amendments previously enacted by the City Council of the City of Downey as a result of local climatic, geological, and/or topographical conditions and which were filed with the California Building Standards Commission and in effect as of September 30, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Downey is not required to make an express finding for amendments necessary to carry out the application of the Building Standards Code and/or that do not otherwise modify a Building Standard; and, WHEREAS, because the City of Downey is in a liquefaction zone, the flood hazard section of this code has been amended: and,
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 2
WHEREAS, the City of Downey is in Climate Zone 8 and, therefore, is required to have more stringent energy efficiency requirements; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Downey is subject to ground tremors from large seismic events along, but not limited to, the San Andreas Fault; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Downey desires to adopt the 2025 California Building Code (Incorporating and Amending the 2024 International Building Code) as set forth in California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2 – including Appendix H (Signs); together with the necessary amendments to assure the Code is tailored to the particular safety needs of the City as required by its unique climatic, geological, and/or topographical conditions; and, WHEREAS, the Building Official has recommended that changes and modifications be made to the Code, and has advised that certain changes and modifications to the Code are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, and/or topographical conditions within the City of Downey – each of which is substantially equivalent to previous modifications enacted by the City Council of the City of Downey that were filed with the California Building Standards Commission and were in effect as of September 30, 2025, and has further advised that the remainder of said changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature, or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the Code, or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City of Downey; WHEREAS, the City Council introduced this Ordinance and conducted a first reading on January 13, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing on this Ordinance was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, on January 1, 2026; and, WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly-noticed public meeting on January 13, 2026, as required by law, at which time the Council determined that the adoption of the Code is in the best interest of the City and is based upon the express findings required by law; and, WHEREAS, at least one copy of the Code adopted by reference in this Ordinance was 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: Findings. The City Council hereby finds that the proposed amendments to the 2025 California Building Code are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geologic, or topographic conditions, and adopts the findings provided below to support the modifications to the 2025 California Building Code. The City Council also finds that the proposed amendments affecting residential units are substantially equivalent to previous modifications enacted by the City Council of the City of Downey that were filed with the California Building Standards Commission and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. The City Council further finds that some changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature, or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the code, or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City. The City Council hereby adopts the following (Climatic, geological, and topographical, where applicable} findings to support the proposed amendments to the 2025 Californip Building Code made in this Ordinance:
I. Climatic conditions
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 3
A.The jurisdiction of the City of Downey (or, "City") is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. For example, during July, August and September, temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During the same months humidity is usually less than 40%, and humidity measurements less than 10% are not uncommon. These conditions contribute to an increased likelihood of fire. Moreover, minor fires have a greater tendency of spreading rapidly due to such conditions. The City, being in the Southern California area, is also subject to "Sundowner" or "Santa Ana" winds that, should a fire occur, cause the fire to spread rapidly over wood shake roofs which are common in the residential areas. These hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagration). In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the City. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles, and the requirement to climb 75 feet vertically up flights of stairs will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind force at 60 feet above the ground. Use of aerial type fire-fighting apparatus above this height would place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury,
B Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the already- taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall, future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features. It would also leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of available water to floors in a fire.
C.These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features will supplement normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as 50 to 75 percent.
11 Topographical conditions
A Development has occurred in the City and continues to occur in the City and such development has resulted in severe traffic congestion during peak business hours, weekends and holidays, thus decreasing the response time of fire and emergency service vehicles, particularly on the following streets and highways: Florence Avenue, Firestone Boulevard, Imperial Highway Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood Boulevard, Brookshire Avenue, Bellflower Boulevard
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
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B.These topographical conditions combine to create a situation which places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk, and makes it necessary to provide automatic on-site fire-extinguishing systems and other protection measures to protect occupants and property. Due to these topographical conditions and the expected infrastructure damage inherent in seismic zones described below, it is prudent to rely on automatic fire sprinkler systems to mitigate extended fire department response time and keep fires manageable with reduced fire flow (water) requirements for a given structure. Numerous fires have occurred within the City in residential structures (houses, apartments, hotels, motels, and dormitories) over the past several years that have automatic fire protection systems, and in all of these fires, the automatic fire protection systems have successfully controlled and/or suppressed the fire before the emergency response personnel have been able to arrive at the structure.
Additional fire protection is also justified to match the current resources of firefighting equipment and personnel within the fire department. 111 Geological Conditions
A The City of Downey is located in Southern California, in an extremely active seismic region, with high levels of historic earthquake shaking in the recent past (earthquakes measuring larger than a magnitude 5 on the Richter Scale) and can be expected to experience significant strong ground shaking within the foreseeable future. The City is a densely populated area that has buildings constructed over and near a vast and complex network of faults that increase the likelihood of catastrophic damage when a seismic event occurs and which are believed to be capable of producing future earthquakes similar or greater in size to the 1994 Northridge, the 1987 Whittier Narrows Earthquake, the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes and 1933 Long Beach Earthquake
B.The seisrnotectonic setting of the City is dominated by the Norwalk fault, which traverses the northern portion of the City. The City is also in close proximity to the San Andreas Fault, which is located 40 miles to the northeast, the Whittier fault, located 10 miles to the northeast and the Newport-Inglewood fault, located 10 miles to the southwest. In the event of a severe earthquake, these faults present the potential for catastrophic damage, including fire, damage to roadways and other impairments of emergency apparatus. Existing and planned developments are at risk from structural damage from earthquake faults. Improved standards are necessary to ensure that maximum safety is provided to persons and property.
C.Previous earthquakes have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. This situation creates the need for both additional fire protection and automatic on-site fire protection for building occupants.
\Continued on Next Page\
IV. The findings above are applicable to the Amendments to the 2025 California Building Code as follows
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 5
2025 CBC Section
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ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 6
SECTION 2: Chapter 1 ("Downey Building Code") of Article VIII ("Building Regulations") of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety and amended to read as follows:
" CHAPTER I
DOWNEY BUILDING CODE
§ 8000 - Adoption by Reference of California Building Code. Except as provided herein, the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code, (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2), based upon the 2024 International Building Code, including Appendix H (Signs) is hereby adopted by reference as though fully set forth herein, and shall constitute and is hereby established as the ''Downey Building Code." A copy of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is on file in the Building and Safety Division and the Office of the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
§ 8001 - Sections 1613.8 and 1613.8.1 are added to Chapter 16 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:
1613.5 Amendments to ASCE 7. The provisions of Section 1613.5 shall be permitted as an amendment to the relevant provisions of ASCE 7.
1613.5.1 Values for vertical combinations. Modify ASCE 7 Section 12.2.3.1 Exception 3 as follows:
3. Detached one- and two-family dwellings up to two stories in height of light frame construction.
§ 8002 - Section 1613.8.2 is added to Chapter 16 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:
1613.8.2 Wood diaphragms. Modify ASCE 7 Section 12.11.2.2.3 as follows
12.11.2.3 Wood diaphragms. The anchorage of concrete or masonry structural walls to wood diaphragms shall be in accordance with AWC SDPWS 4.1.5.1 and this section. Continuous ties required by this section shall be in addition to the diaphragm sheathing. Anchorage shall not be accomplished by use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal, nor shall wood ledgers or framing be used in cross-grain bending or cross- grain tension. The diaphragm sheathing shall not be considered effective for providing the ties or struts required by this section
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, wood diaphragms supporting concrete or masonry walls shall comply with the following:
1. The spacing of continuous ties shall not exceed 40 feet Added chords of diaphragms may be used to form subdiaphragms to transmit the anchorage forces to the main continuous crossties
2. The maximum diaphragm shear used to determine the depth of the suk)diaphragm shall not exceed 75% of the maximum diaphragm shear. § 8003 - Section 1613.8.3 is added to Chapter 16 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:
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PAGE 7
1613.8.3 Structural separation. Modify ASCE 7 Section 12.12.3 Equation 12.12-1 as follows:
8M = +
(12.12-1 )
§ 8004 - Section 1613.9 is added to Chapter 16 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:
1613.9 Seismic design provisions for hillside buildings. 1613.9.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum regulations for the design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when constructing such buildings on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3%). These regulations establish minimum standards for seismic force resistance to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of earthquakes 1613.9.2 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to the design of the lateral-force- resisting system for hillside buildings at and below the base level diaphragm. The design of the lateral-force-resisting system above the base level diaphragm shall be in accordance with the provisions for seismic and wind design as required elsewhere in this division.
Exception: Non-habitable accessory buildings and decks not supporting or supported from the main building are exempt from these regulations. 1613.9.3 Definitions. For the purposes of this section certain terms are defined as follows:
BASE LEVEL DIAPHRAGM is the floor at, or closest to, the top of the highest level of the foundation.
DIAPHRAGM ANCHORS are assemblies that connect a diaphragm to the adjacent foundation at the uphill diaphragm edge.
DOWNHILL DIRECTION is the descending direction of the slope approximately perpendicular to the slope contours
FOUNDATION is concrete or masonry which supports a building, including footings, stem walls, retaining walls, and grade beams.
FOUNDATION EXTENDING IN THE DOWNHILL DIRECTION is a foundation running downhill and approximately perpendicular to the uphill foundation.
HILLSIDE BUILDING is any building or portion thereof constructed on or into a slope steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3%). If only a portion of the building is supported on or into the slope, these regulations apply to the entire building PRIMARY ANCHORS are diaphragm anchors designed for and providing a direct connection as described in Sections 1613.6.5 and 1613.6.7.3 between the diaphragm and the uphill foundation.
SECONDARY ANCHORS are diaphragm anchors designed for and providing a
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PAGE 8
redundant diaphragm to foundation connection, as described in Sections 1613.6.6 and 1613.6.7.4
UPHILL DIAPHRAGM EDGE is the edge of the diaphragm adjacent and closest to the highest ground level at the perimeter of the diaphragm.
UPHILL FOUNDATION is the foundation parallel and closest to the uphill diaphragm edge
1613.9.4 Analysis and design.
1613.9.4.1 General. Every hillside building within the scope of this section shall be analyzed, designed, and constructed in accordance with the provisions of this division When the code- prescribed wind design produces greater effects, the wind design shall govern, but detailing requirements and limitations prescribed in this and referenced sections shall be followed.
1613.9.4.2 Base level diaphragm-downhill direction. The following provisions shall apply to the seismic analysis and design of the connections for the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction.
1613.9.4.2.1 Base for lateral force design defined. For seismic forces acting in the downhill direction, the base of the building shall be the floor at or closest to the top of the highest level of the foundation.
1613.9.4.2.2 Base shear. In developing the base shear for seismic design, the response modification coefficient (R) shall not exceed 5 for bearing wall and building frame systems.
The total base shear shall include the forces tributary to the base level diaphragm including forces from the base level diaphragm.
1613.9.5 Base shear resistance-primary anchors.
1613.9.5.1 General. The base shear in the downhill direction shall be resisted through primary anchors from diaphragm struts provided in the base level diaphragm to the foundation .
1613.9.5.2 location of primary anchors. A primary anchor and diaphragm strut shall be provided in line with each foundation extending in the downhill direction. Primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall also be provided where interior vertical lateral-force-resisting elements occur above and in contact with the base level diaphragm. The spacing of primary anchors and diaphragm struts or collectors shall in no case exceed 30 feet (9144 mm). 1613.9.5.3 Design of primary anchors and diaphragm struts. Primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of Section 1613.6.8
1613.9.5.4 limitations. The following lateral-force-resisting elements shall not be designed to resist seismic forces below the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction:
1. Wood structural panel wall sheathing,
2. Cement plaster and lath,
3. Gypsum wallboard, and
4. Tension only braced frames.
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Braced frames designed in accordance with the requirements of Section 2205.2.1.2 may be used to transfer forces from the primary anchors and diaphragm struts to the foundation provided lateral forces do not induce flexural stresses in any member of the frame or in the diaphragm struts. Deflections of frames shall account for the variation in slope of diagonal members when the frame is not rectangular.
1613.9.6 Base shear resistance-secondary anchors.
1613.9.6.1 General. In addition to the primary anchors required by Section 1613.6.5, the base shear in the downhill direction shall be resisted through secondary anchors in the uphill foundation connected to diaphragm struts in the base level diaphragm.
Exception: Secondary anchors are not required where foundations extending in the downhill direction spaced at not more than 30 feet (9144 mm) on center extend up to and are directly connected to the base level diaphragm for at least 70% of the diaphragm depth. 1613.9.6.2 Secondary anchor capacity and spacing. Secondary anchors at the base level diaphragm shall be designed for a minimum force equal to the base shear, including forces tributary to the base level diaphragm, but not less than 600 pounds per lineal foot (8,76 kN/m) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels. The secondary anchors shall be uniformly distributed along the uphill diaphragm edge and shall be spaced a rnaxirnurn of 4 feet (1219 mm) on center.
1613.9.6.3 Design. Secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with Section 1613.6.8.
1613.9.7 Diaphragms below the base level-downhill direction. The following provisions shall apply to the lateral analysis and design of the connections for all diaphragrns below the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction
1613.9.7.1 Diaphragm defined. Every floor level below the base level diaphragm shall be designed as a diaphragm.
1613.9.7.2 Design force. Each diaphragm below the base level diaphragm shall be designed for all tributary loads at that level using a minimum seismic force factor not less than the base shear coefficient.
1613.9.7.3 Design force resistance-primary anchors. The design force described in Section 1613.6.7.2 shall be resisted through primary anchors from diaphragm struts provided in each diaphragm to the foundation. Primary anchors shall be provided and designed in accordance with the requirements and limitations of Section 1613.6.5. 1613.9.7.4 Design force resistance-secondary anchors.
1613.9.7.4.1 General. In addition to the primary anchors required in Section 1613.6.7.3, the design force in the downhill direction shall be resisted through secondary anchors in the uphill foundation connected to diaphragm struts in each diaphragm below the base level.
Exception: Secondary anchors are not required where foundations extending in the downhill direction, spaced at not more than 30 feet (9144 mm) on center, extend up to and are directly connected to each diaphragm below the base level for at least 70% of the diaphragm depth.
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1613.9.7.4.2 Secondary anchor capacity. Secondary anchors at each diaphragm below the base level diaphragm shall be designed for a minimum force equal to the design force but not less than 300 pounds per lineal foot (4.38 kN/m) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels. The secondary anchors shall be uniformly distributed along the uphill diaphragm edge and shall be spaced a maximum of 4 feet (1219 mm) on center. 1613.9.7.4.3 Design. Secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with Section 1613.6.8.
1613.9.8 Primary and secondary anchorage and diaphragm strut design. Primary and secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with the following provisions:
1.Fasteners. All bolted fasteners used to develop connections to wood members shall be provided with square plate washers at all bolt heads and nuts. Washers shall be rnlnlrrlurri
0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.82 mm by 76 mm by 76 mm) in size. Nuts shall be tightened to finger tight plus one half (1/2) wrench tum prior to covering the framing.
2. Fastening. The diaphragm to foundation anchorage shall not be accomplished by the use of toenailing, nails subject to withdrawal, or wood in cross-grain bending or cross- grain tension.
3. Size of Wood Members. Wood diaphragm struts collectors, and other wood members connected to primary anchors shall not be less than 3 inch (76 mm) nominal width. The effects of eccentricity on wood members shall be evaluated as required per Item 9.
4. Design. Primary and secondary anchorage, including diaphragm struts, splices, and collectors shall be designed for 125% of the tributary force.
5. Allowable Stress Increase. The one-third allowable stress increase permitted under Section 1605.3.2 shall not be taken when the working (allowable) stress design method is used
6. Steel Element of Structural Wall Anchorage System. The strength design forces for steel elements of the structural wall anchorage system, with the exception of anchor bolts and reinforcing steel, shall be increased by 1.4 times the forces otherwise required
7. Primary Anchors. The load path for primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be fully developed into the diaphragm and into the foundation. The foundation must be shown to be adequate to resist the concentrated loads from the primary anchors.
8. Secondary Anchors. The load path for secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be fully developed in the diaphragm but need not be developed beyond the connection to the foundation.
9. Symmetry. All lateral force foundation anchorage and diaphragm strut connections shall be symmetrical. Eccentric connections may be permitted when demonstrated by calculation or tests that all components of force have been provided for in the structural analysis or tests.
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10. Wood Ledgers. Wood ledgers shall not be used to resist cross-grain bending or cross- grain tension.
1613.9.9 Lateral-force-resisting elements normal to the downhill direction. 1613.9.9.1 General. In the direction normal to the downhill direction, lateral-force-resisting elements shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of this section. 1613.9.9.2 Base shear. In developing the base shear for seismic design, the response modification coefficient (R) shall not exceed 5 for bearing wall and building frame systems. 1613.9.9.3 Vertical distribution of seismic forces. For seismic forces acting normal to the downhill direction the distribution of seismic forces over the height of the building using Section
12.8.3 of ASCE 7 shall be determined using the height measured from the top of the lowest level of the building foundation.
1613.9.9.4 Drift limitations. The story drift below the base level diaphragm shall not exceed
0.007 times the story height at strength design force level. The total drift from the base level diaphragm to the top of the foundation shall not exceed 3/4 inch (19 mm). Where the story height or the height from the base level diaphragm to the top of the foundation varies because of a stepped footing or story offset, the height shall be measured from the average height of the top of the foundation. The story drift shall not be reduced by the effect of horizontal diaphragm stiffness.
1613.9.9.5 Distribution of lateral forces.
1613.9.9.5.1 General. The design lateral force shall be distributed to lateral-force-resisting elements of varying heights in accordance with the stiffness of each individual element. 1613.9.9.5.2 Wood structural panel sheathed walls. The stiffness of a stepped wood structural panel shear wall may be determined by dividing the wall into adjacent rectangular elements, subject to the same top of wall deflection. Deflections of shear walls may be estimated by AWC SDPWS Section 4.3.2. Sheathing and fastening requirements for the stiffest section shall be used for the entire wall. Each section of wall shall be anchored for shear and uplift at each step. The minimum horizontal length of a step shall be 8 feet (2438 mm) and the maximum vertical height of a step shall be 2 feet 8 inches (813 mm). 1613.9.9.5.3 Reinforced concrete or masonry shear walls. Reinforced concrete or masonry shear walls shall have forces distributed in proportion to the rigidity of each section of the wall.
1613.9.9.6 limitations. The following lateral force-resisting-elements shall not be designed to resist lateral forces below the base level diaphragm in the direction normal to the downhill direction:
1. Cement plaster and lath,
2. Gypsum wallboard, and
3. Tension-only braced frames
Braced frames designed in accordance with the requirements of Section 2205.2.1.2 of this Code may be designed as lateral-force-resisting elements in the direction normal to the
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downhill direction, provided lateral forces do not induce flexural stresses in any member of the frame. Deflections of frames shall account for the variation in slope of diagonal members when the frame is not rectangular.
1613.9.10 Specific design provisions.
1613.9.10.1 Footings and grade beams. All footings and grade beams shall comply with the following:
1. Grade beams shall extend at least 12 inches (305 mm) below the lowest adjacent grade and provide a minimum 24 inch (610 mm) distance horizontally from the bottom outside face of the grade beam to the face of the descending slope.
2. Continuous footings shall be reinforced with at least two No. 4 reinforcing bars at the top and two No. 4 reinforcing bars at the bottom.
3. All main footing and grade beam reinforcement steel shall be bent into the intersecting footing and fully developed around each corner and intersection
4. All concrete stem walls shall extend from the foundation and reinforced as required for concrete or masonry walls
1613.9.10.2 Protection against decay and termites. All wood to earth separation shall comply with the following
1. Where a footing or grade beam extends across a descending slope, the stem wall, grade beam, or footing shall extend up to a minimum 18 inches (457 mm) above the highest adjacent grade
Exception: At paved garage and doorway entrances to the building, the stem wall need only extend to the finished concrete slab, provided the wood framing is protected with a moisture proof barrier.
2 Wood ledgers supporting a vertical load of more than 100 pounds per lineal foot (1.46 kN/m) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels and located within 48 inches (1219 mm) of adjacent grade are prohibited. Galvanized steel ledgers and anchor bolts, with or without wood nailers, or treated or decay resistant sill plates supported on a concrete or masonry seat, may be used
1613.9.10.3 Sill plates. All sill plates and anchorage shall comply with the following:
1. All wood framed walls, including nonbearing walls, when resting on a footing, foundation, or grade beam stem wall, shall be supported on wood sill plates bearing on a level surface.
2. Power-driven fasteners shall not be used to anchor sill plates except at interior nonbearing walls not designed as shear walls.
1613.9.10.4 Column base plate anchorage. The base of isolated wood posts (not framed into a stud wall) supporting a vertical load of 4,000 pounds (17.8 kN) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels or more and the base plate for a steel column shall comply with the following :
1 When the post or column is supported on a pedestal extending above the top of a
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footing or grade beam, the pedestal shall be designed and reinforced as required for concrete or masonry columns. The pedestal shall be reinforced with a minimum of four No. 4 bars extending to the bottom of the footing or grade beam. The top of exterior pedestals shall be sloped for positive drainage.
2.The base plate anchor bolts or the embedded portion of the post base, and the vertical reinforcing bars for the pedestal, shall be confined with two No. 4 or three No. 3 ties within the top 5 inches (127 mm) of the concrete or masonry pedestal. The base plate anchor bolts shall be embedded a minimum of 20 bolt diameters into the concrete or masonry pedestal. The base plate anchor bolts and post bases shall be galvanized and each anchor bolt shall have at least 2 galvanized nuts above the base plate. 1613.9.10.5 Steel beam to column supports. All steel beam to column supports shall be positively braced in each direction. Steel beams shall have stiffener plates installed on each side of the beam web at the column. The stiffener plates shall be welded to each beam flange and the beam web. Each brace connection or structural member shall consist of at least two 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) diameter machine bolts. § 8005 - Section 1613.10is added to Chapter 16 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:
1613.10 Suspended ceilings. Minimum design and installation standards for suspended ceilings shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of Section 2506.2.1 of this Code and this section.
1613.10.1 Scope. This part contains special requirements for suspended ceilings and lighting systems. Provisions of Section 13.5.6 of ASCE 7 shall apply except as modified herein
1613.10.2 General. The suspended ceilings and lighting systems shall be limited to 6 feet (1828 mm) below the structural deck unless the lateral bracing is designed by a licensed engineer or architect.
1613.10.3 Sprinkler heads. All sprinkler heads (drops) except fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies, shall be designed to allow for free movement of the sprinkler pipes with oversize rings, sleeves or adaptors through the ceiling tile. Sprinkler heads and other penetrations shall have a 2 inch (5C)mm) oversize ring, sleeve, or adapter through the ceiling tile to allow for free movement of at least 1 inch (25mm) in all horizontal directions. Alternatively, a swing joint that can accommodate 1 inch (25 mm) of ceiling movement in all horizontal directions is permitted to be provided at the top of the sprinkler head extension.
Sprinkler heads penetrating fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies shall comply with Section 714 of this Code.
1613.10.4 Special requirements for means of egress. Suspended ceiling assemblies located along means of egress serving an occupant load of 30 or more and at lobbies accessory to Group A Occupancies shall comply with the following provisions. 1613.10.4.1 General. Ceiling suspension systems shall be connected and braced with vertical hangers attached directly to the structural deck along the means of egress serving an occupant load of 30 or more and at lobbies’ accessory to Group A Occupancies.
Spacing of vertical hangers shall not exceed 2 feet (610 mm) on center along the entire
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length of the suspended ceiling assembly located along the means of egress or at the lobby
1613.10.4.2 Assembly device. All lay-in panels shall be secured to the suspension ceiling assembly with two hold-down clips minimum for each tile within a 4-foot (1219 mm) radius of the exit lights and exit signs.
1613.10.4.3 Emergency systems. Independent supports and braces shall be provided for light fixtures required for exit illumination. Power supply for exit illumination shall comply with the requirements of Section 1008.3 of this Code.
1613.10.4.4 Supports for appendage. Separate support from the structural deck shall be provided for all appendages such as light fixtures, air diffusers, exit signs, and similar elements
§ 8006 - Section 1704.6 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1704.6 Structural observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall employ a structural observer to perform structural observations. The structural observer shall visually observe representative locations of structural systems, details and load paths for general conformance to the approved construction documents. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the inspections in Section 110 or the special inspections in Section 1705 or other sections of this code. The structural observer shall be one of the following individuals:
1 The registered design professional responsible for the structural design, or
2. A registered design professional designated by the registered design professional responsible for the structural design.
Prior to the commencement of observations. the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of structural observations
The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall coordinate and call a preconstruction meeting between the structural observer, contractors, affected subcontractors and special inspectors. The structural observer shall preside over the meeting. The purpose of the meeting shall be to identify the major structural elements and connections that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the structure and to review scheduling of the required observations. A record of the meeting shall be included in the report submitted to the building official
Observed deficiencies shall be reported in writing to the owner or owner's authorized agent, special inspector, contractor and the building official. Upon the form prescribed by the building official, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement at each significant construction stage stating that the site visits have been made and identifying any reported deficiencies which, to the best of the structural observer's knowledge, have not been resolved. A final report by the structural observer which states that all observed deficiencies have been resolved is required before acceptance of the work by the building official
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§ 8007- Section 1704.6.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1704.6.1 Structural observations for seismic resistance. Structural observations shall be provided for those structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F where one or more of the following conditions exist:
1. The structure is classified as Risk Category III or IV
2. The structure is a high-rise building.
3. A lateral design is required for the structure or portion thereof.
Exception: One-story wood framed Group R-3 and Group U Occupancies less than 2,000 square feet in area, provided the adjacent grade is not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10% sloped), assigned to Seismic Design Category D.
4. Such observation is required by the registered design professional responsible for the structural design.
5.Such observation is specifically required by the building official. § 8008 - Section 1705.3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1705.3 Concrete construction. Special inspections and tests of concrete construction shall be performed in accordance with this section and Table 1705.3.
Exceptions: Special inspections and tests shall not be required for:
1 Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock where the structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength (f'c) not more than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 Mpa) regardless of the compressive strength specified in the construction documents or used in the footing construction.
2.Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock where:
2.1. 2.2.
The footings support walls of light-frame construction; The footings are designed in accordance with Table 1809.7; or
2.3.The structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, fc, not more than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 MPa), regardless of the compressive strength specified in the construction documents or used in the footing construction.
3.Nonstructural concrete slabs supported directly on the ground, including prestressed slabs on grade, where the effective prestress in the concrete is less than 150 psi (1.03 MPa)
4.Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade
§ 8009 - Section 1705.13 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to
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read as follows:
1705.13 Special inspections for seismic resistance. Special inspections for seismic resistance shall be required as specified in Sections 1705.13.1 through 1705.13.9, unless exempted by the exceptions of Section 1704.2.
Exception: The special inspections specified in Sections 1705.13.1 through 1705.13.9 are not required for structures designed and constructed in accordance with one of the following :
1. The structure consists of light-frame construction; the design spectral response acceleration at short periods, Sos, as determined in Section 1613.2.4, does not exceed
0.5; and the building height of the structure does not exceed 35 feet (10 668 mm).
2. The seismic force-resisting system of the structure consists of reinforced masonry or reinforced concrete; the design spectral response acceleration at short periods, Sos, as determined in Section 1613.2.4, does not exceed 0.5; and the building height of the structure does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm)
3. The structure is a detached one- or two-family dwelling not exceeding two stories above grade plane, is not assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, and does not have any of the following horizontal or vertical irregularities in accordance with Section 12.3 of ASCE 7
3.1 Torsional or extreme torsional irregularity.
3.2 Nonparallel systems irregularity.
3.3 Stiffness-soft story or stiffness-extreme soft story irregularity.
3.4 Discontinuity in lateral strength-weak story irregularity. § 8010 - Section 1807.1.4 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1807.1.4 Permanent wood foundation systems. Permanent wood foundation systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with AWC PWF. Lumber and plywood shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Special Requirement
4.2) and shall be identified in accordance with Section 2303.1.9.1. Permanent wood foundation systems shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D E or F
§ 8011 - Section 1807.1.6 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1807.1.6 Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation walls. Concrete and masonry foundation walls that are laterally supported at the top and bottom shall be permitted to be designed and constructed in accordance with this section. Prescriptive design of foundation walls shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
§ 8012 - Section 1807.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
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1807.2 Retaining walls. Retaining walls shall be designed in accordance with Section 1807.2.1 through 1807.2.3. Retaining walls assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F shall not be partially or wholly constructed of wood. § 8013 – Section 1807.3.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1807.J.1 limitations. The design procedures outlined in this section are subject to the following limitations:
1. The frictional resistance for structural walls and slabs on silts and clays shall be limited to one-half of the normal force imposed on the soils by the weight of the fooling or slab.
2. Posts embedded in earth shall not be used to provide lateral support for structural or nonstructural materials such as plaster, masonry or concrete unless bracing is provided that develops the limited deflection required.
Wood poles shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 for sawn timber posts (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 48) and for round timber posts (Commodity Specification B, Use Category 48). Wood poles and posts embedded in direct contact with soil shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
Exception: Wood poles and posts embedded in direct contact with soil may be used to support non-habitable, non-occupiable structures, such as fences, when approved by the building official
§ 8014 - Section 1809.3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1809.3 Stepped footings. The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall be permitted to have a slope not exceeding 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footing or where the surface of the ground slopes more than 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, the stepping requirement shall also apply to the top surface of continuous footings supporting walls. Footings shall be reinforced with four No. 4 deformed reinforcing bars. Two bars shall be placed at the top and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure 1809.3.
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MIN. 2-HRERAR {TOP & WIIW)
BOTTOM PLaTE CHP)
griPPED FOUNDATIONS
FIGURE 1809.3
STEPPED FOOTING
§ 8015 - Section 1809.7 and Table 1809.7 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code are amended to read as follows:
1809.7 Prescriptive footings for light-frame construction. Where a specific design is not provided, concrete or masonry-unit footings supporting walls of light-frame construction shall be permitted to be designed in accordance with Table 1809.7. Light-frame construction using prescriptive footings in Table 1809.7 shall not exceed one story above grade plane for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
TABLE 1809.7
PRESCRIPTIVE FOOTINGS
SUPPORTING WALLS OF LIGHT-
FRAME CONSTRUCTION a, b, ' d, =
NUMBER OF FLOORS SUPPORTED
BY THE FOOTINGI
WIDTH OF FOOTING
:inches
THICKNESS OF
FOOTING
6 For Sl: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot= 304.8 mm
a. Depth offootings shall be in accordance with Section 1809.4. b. The ground under the floor shall be permitted to be excavated to the elevation of the Iop of the footing c. See Section 1905 for additional requirements for concrete footings of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.
d. For thickness of foundation walls, see Section 1807.1.6 e. Footings shall be permitted to support a roof addition to the stipulated number of floors, Footings supporting roof only shall be as required for supporting one floor. § 8016 - Section 1809.12 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1809.12 Timber footings. Timber footings shall be permitted for buildings of Type V construction and as otherwise approved by the Building Official. Such footings shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B) Treated timbers are not required where placed entirely below permanent water level, or where used as capping for wood piles that project above the water level over submerged or marsh lands. The compressive stresses perpendicular to grain in untreated timber footings supported on treated piles shall not exceed 70 percent of the allowable stresses for
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the species and grade of timber as specified in the ANSI/AWC NOS. Timber footings shall not be used in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F. § 8017 - Section 1810.3.2.4 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1810.3.2.4 Timber. Timber deep foundation elements shall be designed as piles or poles in accordance with ANSI/AWC NOS. Round timber elements shall conform to ASTM D 25.
Sawn timber elements shall conform to DOC PS-20. Timber deep foundation elements shall not be used in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F. § 8018- RESERVED
§ 8019 - RESERVED
§ 8020 - Section 2304.10.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
2304.10.2 Fastener requirements. Connections for wood members shall be designed in accordance with the appropriate methodology in Section 2302.1. The number and size of fasteners connecting wood members shall not be less than that set forth in Table 2304.10.2. Staple fasteners in Table 2304.10.2 shall not be used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F Exception: Staples may be used to resist or transfer seismic forces when the allowable shear values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official. § 8021 - Section 2304.10.3.1 is added to Chapter 23 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:
2304.10.3.1 Quality of nails. In Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, mechanically driven nails used in wood structural panel shear walls shall meet the same dimensions as that required for hand-driven nails, including diameter, minimum length and minimum head diameter. Clipped head or box nails are not permitted in new construction. The allowable design value for clipped head nails in existing construction may be taken at no more than the nail-head-area ratio of that of the same size hand-driven nails. § 8022 - Section 2304.12.2.8 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
2304.12.2.8 Wood used in retaining walls and cribs. Wood installed in retaining or crib walls shall be preservative treated in accordance with AWPA U1 for soil and fresh water use. Wood shall not be used in retaining or crib walls for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
§ 8023 - Section 2305.4 is added to Chapter 23 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows
2305.4 Hold-down connectors. In Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, hold-down connectors shall be designed to resist shear wall overturning moments using approved cyclic load values or 75 percent of the allowable seismic load values that do not consider cyclic loading of the product. Connector bolts into wood framing shall require steel plate washers on the post on the opposite side of the anchorage device. Plate size shall be a
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minimum of 0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.82 mm by 76 mm by 76 mm) in size.
Hold-down connectors shall be tightened to finger tight plus one half (1/2) wrench turn just prior to covering the wall framing.
§ 8024 - Section 2306.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
2306.2 Wood-frame diaphragms. Wood-frame diaphragms shall be designed and constructed in accordance with AWC SDPWS. Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples, requirements and limitations of AWC SDPWS shall be met and the allowable shear values set forth in Table 2306.2(1) or 2306.2(2) shall only be permitted for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.
Exception: Allowable shear values where panels are fastened to framing members with staples may be used if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.
The allowable shear values in Tables 2306.2(1) and 2306.2(2) are permitted to be increased 40 percent for wind design
Wood structural panel diaphragms used to resist seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F shall be applied directly to the framing members.
Exception: Wood structural panel diaphragms are permitted to be fastened over solid lumber planking or laminated decking, provided the panel joints and lumber planking or laminated decking joints do not coincide.
§ 8025 - Section 2306.3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
2306.3 Wood-frame shear walls. Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance with AWC SDPWS. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, application of Tables 4.3A and 4.38 of ANSI/AWC SDPWS shall include the following:
1. Wood structural panel thickness for shear walls shall not be less than 3/8 inch thick and studs shall not be spaced at more than 16 inches on center.
2. The maximum nominal unit shear capacities for 3/8 inch wood structural panels resisting seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or Fis 400 pounds per linear foot (plf).
Exception: Other nominal unit shear capacities may be permitted if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.
3.Nails shall be placed not less than 1/2 inch in from the panel edges and not less than 3/8 inch from the edge of the connecting members for shear greater than 350 plf using ASD or 500 plf using LRFD. Nails shall be placed not less than 3/8 inch from panel edges and not less than 1/4 inch from the edge of the connecting members for shears of 350 plf or less using ASD or 500 plf or less using LRFD.
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, application of Table 4.38 of ANSI/AWC SDPWS shall not be allowed,
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For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, application of Table 4.3C of ANSI/AWC SDPWS shall not be used below the top level in a multi-level building.
Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples, requirements and limitations of AWC SDPWS shall be met and the allowable shear values set forth in Table 2306.3(1), 2306.3(2) or 2306.3(3) shall only be permitted for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.
Exception: Allowable shear values where panels are fastened to framing members with staples may be used if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.
The allowable shear values in Tables 2306.3(1) and 2306.3(2) are permitted to be increased 40 percent for wind design. Panels complying with ANSI/APA PRP-210 shall be permitted to use design values for Plywood Siding in the ANSI/AWC SDPWS. § 8026 - Section 2307.2 is added to the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:
2307.2 Wood-frame shear walls. Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section 2306.3 as applicable. \Continued on Next Page]
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Table 2308.6.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
TABLE 2308.6.1'
WALL BRACING REQUIREMENTS
SEISMIC
DESIGN
CATEGORY
STORY
CONDITION (SEE
SECTION 2308.2)
MAXIMUM
SPACING OF
BRACED
WALL LINES
BRACED PANEL LOCATION,
SPACING (0.C.) AND MINIMUM PERCEMAGE (F)
MAXIMUM DISTANCE
OF BRACED WALL
PANELS FROM EACH
END OF BRACED
WALL LINEBradng methodb
DLIB
3 5 / = a/ : \$F :P = T E 3 c h e n d a n d $ 2 5 / n a/ o n c H nch end and g 25 croRe b 12’- 6"
iA and B
3 5 /= W/ : a2? :P = T E a c h e n d a n d $ 2 5a H a/ o H c p Each end and su LUncH 12’- 6" 35’- 0"NP Each end and $ 25’- a' o.c. I Each end and g 25’- 0" o.c.12’- 6" ALI
i
35’- O"NP Each end and $ 25’- (F o.c. I Each end and g 25’- cr o.c.12’- 6" C
35’- a’NP
Each end and $ 25’- CY o ,c. I Each end and $ 25’- 0" o .c (minimum 25% of wall I (minimum 25% of \vaII
lengthy I length)‘
12’- 6"
sDS 1,00: Each end and s ISm > 1 .00: Each end and $
25’- CY o.c. (nanirnurn48% 1 25’- 0" o.c. (minimum
of wall length)= 1 100% of wall length)=
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm
NP = Not Permitted
a. This table specifies minimum requirements for braced wall panels along interior or exterior braced wall lines. b. See Section 2308.6.3 for full description of bracing methods, c. For Method GB, gypsum wallboard applied to framing supports that are spaced at 16 inches on center. d. The raluRed lengths shall be doubled for gypsum board applied to only one face of a braced wall panel. e. Percentage shown represents the minimum amount of bracing required along the building length (or wall length if the structure has an irregular shape). f. DWB, SFB, PBS, and HPS \vaII braces are not pamitted in Seismic Design Catergories D or E. g. Minimum length of panel bracing of one face of the wall for WSP sheathing shall be at least 4'-O“ long or both faces of the wall for GB or PCP sheathing shall be at least 8'-O“ long: h/w ratio shall not exceed 2:1. Wall framing to which sheathing used for bracing is aoDlied shall be nominal 2 inch wide Factual 1 1/2 inch (38 mm) or larger mernbers and spaced a maximum of 16 inches on cadw. Braced wall panel construction types shall not be mixed within a braced wall line, h. WSP sheathing shall be a minimum of 15/32“ thick nailed with 8d common placed 3/8 inches from panel edges and spaced not more than 6 inches on center and 12 inches on center along intermediate framing members.
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 23
§ 8027 - Sections 2308.10.5.1 and 2308.10.5.2 and Figures 2308.10.5.1 and 2308.10.5.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code are amended to read as follows:
2308.10.5.1 Alternate braced wall (ABW). An ABW shall be constructed in accordance with this section and Figure 2308.6.5.1. 1n one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 2 feet 8 inches (813 mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 3/8-inch (3.2 mm) minimum-thickness wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance with Table 2304.10.1 and blocked at wood structural panel edges. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E, each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch- minimum-thickness (1 1.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common nails spaced 3 inches on panel edges, 3 inches at intermediate supports. Two anchor bolts installed in accordance with Section 2308.3.1 shall be provided in each panel. Anchor bolts shall be placed at each panel outside quarter points. Each panel end stud shall have a hold- down device fastened to the foundation, capable of providing an approved uplift capacity of not less than 1,800 pounds (8006 N). The hold-down device shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The ABW shall be supported directly on a foundation or on floor framing supported directly on a foundation that is continuous across the entire length of the braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous footing is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This continuous footing shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be tapped 24 inches (610 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation located directly under the braced wall line.
Where the ABW is installed at the first story of two-story buildings, the wood structural panel sheathing shall be provided on both faces, three anchor bolts shall be placed at one-quarter points and tie-down device uplift capacity shall be not less than 3,000 pounds (13,344 N).
2'-8” MIN PANEL PANEL SPLICE (IF NEEDED) ADJOINING PANEL
EDGES SHALL MEET OVER AND BE FASTENED TO
COMMON FRAMING
hI MIN. 3/,„ THICK WOOD
El STRUCTURAL PANEL a
HI SHEATHING ON ONE F
I
II MIN. 2x4 FRAMING. MIN, DOUB
$ 1 STUDS REQUIRED
b
bI STUDS UNDER HEADER AS J
PI REQUIRED
NAILS AT 6' O.C. AT PANEL EDGES FOR
SINGLE STORY AND AT4“ 0,C. AT PANEL EDGES FOR
THE FIRST OF 2 STORIES
BOLTS PER SECTION 2308.6.5.1
HOLD-DOWN PER SECTION-R
2308.6.5.1
REINFORCING OF FOUNDATION, ONE #4
BAR TOP AND Bol–roM OF FOOTING. REINFORCING
SHALL BE LAPPED 24 INCHES MIN
For Sl: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm
a. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Categuy D or E. sheathed on me face with 15/3bhrch-minimum-thickness fl19 mmI wnod structural p aneldleathtl$ 2308.10.5.2 Portal frame with hold-downs (PFH). A PFH shall be constructed in accordance with this section and Figure 2308.6.5.2. The adjacent door or window
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 24
opening shall have a full-length header
In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 16 inches (406 mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on one face with a single layer of 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) minimum-thickness wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance with Figure 2308.6.5.2. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E, each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch-minimum-thickness (11.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common nails spaced 3 inches on panel edges, 3 inches at intermediate supports and in accordance with Figure 2308.6.5.2. The wood structural panel sheathing shall extend up over the solid sawn or glued-laminated header and shall be nailed in accordance with Figure 2308.6.5.2. A built-up header consisting of at least two 2-inch by 12-inch (51 mm by 305 mm) boards, fastened in accordance with Item 24 of Table 2304.10.1 shall be permitted to be used. A spacer, if used, shall be placed on the side of the built-up beam opposite the wood structural panel sheathing. The header shall extend between the inside faces of the first full-length outer studs of each panel. The clear span of the header between the inner studs of each panel shall be not less than 6 feet (1,829 mm) and not more than 18 feet (5,486 mm) in length. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4,400 N) shall fasten the header to the inner studs opposite the sheathing. One anchor bolt not less than 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) diameter and installed in accordance with Section 2308.3.1 shall be provided in the center of each sill plate. The studs at each end of the panel shall have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 3,500 pounds (15,570 N).
Where a panel is located on one side of the opening, the header shall extend between the inside face of the first full-length stud of the panel and the bearing studs at the other end of the opening. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4,400 N) shall fasten the header to the bearing studs. The bearing studs shall also have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4,400 N). The hold-down devices shall be an embedded strap type, installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The PFH panels shall be supported directly on a foundation that is continuous across the entire length of the braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous footing is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This continuous footing shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped not less than 24 inches (610 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation located directly under the braced wall line.
Where a PFH is installed at the first story of two-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 24 inches (610 mm).
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 25
EXrENT OF HEADER
DOUBLE PORTAL FRAME (TWO BRACED WALL PANELS)
EXTEbrr OF HEADER
SINGLE PORTAL FRAME (ONE BRACED WALL PANEL)MIN, 1000 LB TIE-Day DEVICE
MIN. 3"xII.25" NET HEADER
6’ TO 18 WPICAL PORTAL FRAME
CONSTRUCTION
000 lb STRAP OPPOSITE SHEATHING
FASTEN TOP PLATE TO HEADER WITH TWO
ROWS OF 16d SINKER NAILS AT 3“ O.C, WP.
FOR PANEL SPLI
PANEL
BLOCKED AND
OCCUR WITHIN MIDDLE
24 IN, OF PORTAL HEIGHT,
ONE ROW OF n’PI CAL
SHEATHING-TO-FRAMING
NAiLING IS REQUIRED
AT EACH PANEL EDGE.
IF 2x4 DOUBLE BLOCKING
FASTEN SHEATHING TO HEADER WITH Bd COMMON
OR GALVANIZED BOX NAILS IN 3" GRID PATrERN AS
SHOWN AND 3" 0,C. IN ALL FRAMING (STUDS,
BLOCKING AND SILLS) WP.
IIN. WIDTH = 16" FOR ONE-STORY STRUCTURES
M IN. WIDTH = 24" FOR USE IN FIRST OF TWO STO
STRUCTURES
MIN. a4 FRAMING
3/8“ MIN , THICKNESS WOOD a
STRUCTURAL PANEL SHEATH IN G
MIN, 3500 LB TIE.
CONCRETE AND
ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURER'S
RECOMMENDATiONS)
r–MiN. DOUBLE 2x4 POST
J +Ir yI ENG 11 &o O L B T 1 E = D (IHHA1W N
SEE SECTION 2308.6,5.2
For Sl: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 4.448 N. a. For structures assigned to Seismic Desigr Category D or E. sheathed an are face with 15/32-Inctr-minimurnttrickness (119 mm) wood structural panel sheathing.
FIGURE 2308.10.5.2
PORTAL FRAME WITH HOLD-DOWNS (PFH)
§ 8028 - Section 2308.10.8.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
2308.10.8.1 Foundation requirements. Braced wall lines shall be supported by continuous foundations.
Exception: For structures with a maximum plan dimension not more than 50 feet (15,240 mm), continuous foundations are required at exterior walls only for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.
For structures in Seismic Design Categories D and E, exterior braced wall panels shall be in the same plane vertically with the foundation or the portion of the structure containing the offset shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice and Section 2308.1 . 1
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 26
§ 8029 - Section 2308.10.9 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
2308.10.9 Attachment of sheathing. Fastening of braced wall panel sheathing shall not be less than that prescribed in Tables 2308.6.1 or 2304.10.2. Wall sheathing shall not be attached to framing members by adhesives. Staple fasteners in Table 2304.10.2 shall not be used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
Exception: Staples may be used to resist or transfer seismic forces when the allowable shear values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.
All braced wall panels shall extend to the roof sheathing and shall be attached to parallel roof rafters or blocking above with framing clips (18 gauge minimum) spaced at maximum 24 inches (6,096 mm) on center with four 8d nails per leg (total eight 8d nails per clip).
Braced wall panels shall be laterally braced at each top corner and at maximum 24 inches (6,096 mm) intervals along the top plate of discontinuous vertical framing § 8030 - Section 3114 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
“SECTION 3114
INTERMODAL SHIPPING CONTAINERS
3114.1 General. The provisions of Section 3114 and other applicable sections of this code shall apply to intermodal shipping containers that are repurposed for use as buildings or structures, or as a part of buildings or structures.
Exceptions:
1. Intermodal shipping containers previously approved as existing relocatable buildings complying with Chapter 14 of the California Existing Building Code.
Stationary battery storage arrays located in intermodal shipping containers complying with Chapter 12 of the California Fire Code.
Intermodal shipping containers that are listed as equipment complying with the standard for equipment, such as air chillers, engine generators, modular data centers, and other similar equipment.
Intermodal shipping containers housing or supporting experimental equipment are exempt from the requirements of Section 3114, provided they comply with all of the following :
4.1. Such units will be single stand-alone units supported at grade level and used only for occupancies as specified under Risk Category I in Table 2 3
1604.5
4. 4.2.
4.3. Such units are located a minimum of 8 feet (2,438 mm) from adjacent structures, and are not connected to a fuel gas system or fuel gas utility.
In hurricane-prone regions and flood hazard areas, such units are designed in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 16.
5. [HCD] Shipping containers constructed or converted off-site that meet the definition of Factory-built Housing in Health and Safety Code Section 19971 or Commercial Modular(s) as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18001.8 shall be approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 27
6 Single-unit stand-alone intermodal shipping containers used as temporary storage or construction trailer on active construction sites. Construction support facilities for uses and activities not directly associated with the actual processes of construction, including but not limited to, offices, meeting rooms, plan rooms, other administrative or support functions shall not be exempt from Section 31 14 3114.2 Construction documents. The construction documents shall contain information to verify the dimensions and establish the physical properties of the steel components and wood floor components of the intermodal shipping container, in addition to the information required by Sections 107 and 1603.
3114.3 Intermodal shipping container information. Intermodal shipping containers shall bear an existing data plate containing the following information as required by ISO 6346 and verified by an approved agency. A report of the verification process and findings shall be provided to the building owner.
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8.
Manufacturer's name or identification number
Date manufactured
Safety approval number.
Identification number
Maximum operating gross mass or weight (kg) (Ibs),
Allowable stacking load for 1 .8G (kg) (Ibs).
Transverse racking test force (Newtons).
Valid maintenance examination date
Where approved by the building official, the markings and existing data plate are permitted to be removed from the intermodal shipping containers before they are repurposed for use as buildings or structures or as part of buildings or structures. 3114.4 Protection against decay and termites. Wood structural floors of intermodal shipping containers shall be protected from decay and termites in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 2304. 12.1.1 .
3114.5 Under-floor ventilation. The space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any intermodal shipping container, except spaces occupied by basements and cellars, shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Section 1202.4. 3114.6 Roof assemblies. Intermodal shipping container roof assemblies shall comply with the applicable requirements of Chapter 15.
Exception: Single-unit, stand-alone intermodal shipping containers not attached to, or stacked vertically over, other intermodal shipping containers, buildings or structures. 3114.7 Joints and voids. Joints and voids that create concealed spaces between intermodal shipping containers, that are connected or stacked, at fire-resistance-rated walls, floor or floor/ceiling assemblies and roofs or roof/ceiling assemblies shall be protected by an approved fire-resistant joint system in accordance with Section 715. 3114.8 Structural. Intermodal shipping containers that conform to ISO 1496-1 and are repurposed for use as buildings or structures, or as a part of buildings or structures, shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 16 and this section. 3114.8.1 Foundations and supports. Intermodal shipping containers repurposed for use
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 28
as a permanent building or structure shall be supported on foundations or other supporting structures designed and constructed in accordance with Chapters 16 through 23. 3114.8.1.1 Anchorage. Intermodal shipping containers shall be anchored to foundations or other supporting structures as necessary to provide a continuous load path for all applicable design and environmental loads in accordance with Chapter 16. 3114.8.1.2 Stacking. Intermodal shipping containers used to support stacked units shall comply with Section 3115.8.4.
3114.8.2 Welds. The strength of new welds and connections shall be no less than the strength provided by the original connections. All new welds and connections shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Chapters 16, 17 and 22. 3115.8.3 Structural design. The structural design of the intermodal shipping containers repurposed for use as a building or structure, or as part of a building or structure, shall comply with Section 3115.8.4 or 3115.8.5
3114.8.4 Detailed structural design procedure. A structural analysis meeting the requirements of this section shall be provided to the building official to demonstrate the structural adequacy of the intermodal shipping containers.
Exception: Structures using an intermodal shipping containers designed in accordance with Section 3115.8.5.
3114.8.4.1 Material properties. Structural material properties for ekisting intermodal shipping container steel components shall be established by Section 2202. 3114.8.4.2 Seismic design parameters. The seismic force-resisting system shall be designed and detailed in accordance with ASCE 7 and one of the following:
1 Where all or portions of the profiled steel panel elements are considered to be the seismic force-resisting system, design and detailing shall be in accordance with AISI S100 and ASCE 7, Table 12.2-1 requirements for steel systems not specifically detailed for seismic resistance, excluding cantilevered column systems
2. Where all or portions of the profiled steel panel elements are not considered to be part of the seismic force-resisting system, an independent seismic force- resisting system shall be selected and detailed in accordance with ASCE 7, Table 12.2-1, or
3.Where all or portions of the profiled steel panel elements are retained and integrated into a seismic force-resisting system other than as permitted by Section 3114.8.4.2_ltem 1 , seismic design parameters shall be developed from testing and analysis in accordance with Section 104:11 and ASCE 7, Section
12.2.1.1 or 12.2.1.2.
3114.8.4.3 Allowable shear value. The allowable shear values for the profiled steel panel side walls and end walls shall be determined in accordance with the design approach selected in Section 3114.8.4.2. Where penetrations are made in the side walls or end walls designated as part of the lateral force-resisting system, the penetrations shall be substantiated by rational analysis.
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 29
3114.8.5 Simplified structural design procedure of single-unit containers. Single-unit intermodal shipping containers conforming to the limitations of Section 3114.8.5.1 shall be permitted to be designed in accordance with Sections 3114.8.5.2 and 3114.8.5.3. 3114.8.5.1 limitations. Use of Section 3114.8.5 is subject to all the following limitations
1. The intermodal shipping container shall be a single-unit, stand-alone unit supported on a foundation and shall not be in contact with or supporting any other shipping container or other structure.
2. The intermodal shipping container's top and bottom rails, corner castings, and columns or any portion thereof shall not be notched, cut, or removed in any rrlanner.
3. The intermodal shipping container shall be erected in a level and horizonta position with the floor located at the bottom
4. The intermodal shipping container shall be located in Seismic Design Category A, B, C, and D.
3115.8.5.2 Simplified structural design assumptions. Where permitted by Section 3115.8.5.1, single-unit stand-alone, intermodal shipping containers shall be designed using the following assumptions for the profiled steel panel side walls and end walls:
1. The appropriate detailing requirements contained in Chapters 16 through 23
2. Response modification coefficient, R= 2.
3. Over strength factor, no= 2.5
4. Deflection amplification factor, cd = 2.
5.Limits on structural height, h. = 9.5 feet (2,900 mm) 3114.8.5.3 Allowable shear value. The allowable shear values for the profiled steel panel side walls (longitudinal) and end walls (transverse) for wind design and seismic design using the coefficients of Section 3114.8.5.2 shall be in accordance with Table 31 14.8.5.3, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
1. The total linear length of all openings in any individual side walls or end walls shall be limited to not more than 50 percent of the length of that side walls or end walls, as shown in Figure 3114.8.5.3(1).
2. Any full height wall length, or portion thereof, less than 4 feet (305 mm) long shall not be considered as a portion of the lateral force-resisting system, as shown in Figure 3114.8.5.3(2).
3 All side walls or end walls used as part of the lateral force-resisting system shall have an existing or new boundary element on all sides to form a continuous load path, or paths, with adequate strength and stiffness to transfer all forces from the point of application to the final point of resistance, as shown in Figure 3114.8.5.3(3). The existing door interlocking mechanism shall not be considered
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 30
as a component of the required load path.
4. Where openings are made in container walls, floors or roofs, for doors, windows and other openings:
4.1 The opening shall be framed with steel elements that are designed in accordance with Chapters 16 and 22.
4.2 The cross section and material grade of any new steel element shall be equal to or greater than the steel element removed.
5.A maximum of one penetration not greater than a 6-inch (152 mm) diameter hole for conduits, pipes, tubes or vents, or not greater than16 square inches (10 322mm2) for electrical boxes, is permitted for each individual 8 feet (2438 mm) length of lateral force-resisting wall. Penetrations located in walls that are not part of the wall lateral force resisting system shall not be limited in size or quantity. Existing intermodal shipping container's vents shall not be considered a penetration, as shown in Figure 31 14.8.5.3(4)
6. End wall door or doors designated as part of the lateral force-resisting system shall be intermittently welded closed around the full perimeters of the door panels
TABLE 3114.8.5.3
ALLOWABLE SHEAR VALUES FOR PROFILED
STEEL PANEL SIDE WALLS AND END WALLS
FOR WIND OR SEISMIC LOADING
CONTAINER
DESIGNATION 2
CONTAINER
DIMENSION
(Nominal Length)
CONTAINER
DIMENSION
(Nominal Height)
ALLOWABLE SHEAR VALUES
(PLF) 1.3
IEEE 9.5 feet (2896 mm)
Side Wall End Wall
1 EE 45 feet (13.7 M)
IAAA
8.6 feet (2591 mm)
9.5 feet (2896 mm)
8.5 feet (2592 mm)
8. 0 feet (2438 mm)40 feet (12.2 M)
IAX
IBBB
<8.0 feet (2483 mm:
9.5 feet (2896 mm)
8.5 feet (2591 mm)
843
30 feet (9.1 M)8.0 feet (2438 mm)112
<8.0 feet (2438 mm1 BX
ICC 8.5 feet (2591 mm)
8.0 feet (2438 mm)
m@n–mm<20 feet (9.1 M)
The allowable strength for the side walls and end walls of the intermodal shipping containers are derived from ISO 1496-1 and reduced by a factor of safety of 5
Container designation type is derived from ISO 668,
Limitations of Sections 3114.8.5.1 and 3114.8.5.3 shall apply 2 3
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 31
max ’1 /2 L
existing
top railing
existing hole in
coFneF castIng
ope i'll ng
exIstIng coFner
column
existinG fork+' 1llift pocket
exIsting
bottom railing
L = length of wa
FIGURE 3114.8.5.3(1)
BRACING UNIT DISTRIBUTION – MAXIMUM LINEAR LENGTH
k > 4 ft_ min d
existing
top Failing
existing hole in
corneF casting
open lllg
exIstIng corner
column
existing fork
lift pocket
fr
exIstIng
bottom railing[
FIGURE 3114.8.5.3(2)
BRACING UNIT DISTRIBUTION – MINIMUM LINEAR LENGTH
L = length of wa
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 32
boundary elements
existing
top Failing
existing hole in
cornef casting
ope:lIFlg
exIstIng corner
column
existing fork
lift pocket
existing
bottom railing[l
FIGURE 3114.8.5.3(3)
BRACING UNIT DISTRIBUTION – BOUNDARY ELEMENTS
k Z 8 ft. min l max 6 in. diam , penetration
existing
top railing
existing hole in
corner casting
existIng vent
open I IIg
exIstIng coFner
column
existing fork
lift pocket
existing
bottom railing
r
b L +1
L = length of wall
FIGURE 3114.8.5.3(4)
BRACING UNIT DISTRIBUTION – PENETRATING LIMITATIONS
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 33
SECTION 3: CEQA. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. The City Council hereby directs City staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the Clerk of Los Angeles County within five (5) days of the adoption of this Ordinance.
SECTION 4: SAVINGS CLAUSE. Neither the adoption of this Ordinance nor the repeal of any other Ordinance or provision of the Downey Municipal Code referenced in this Ordinance shall affect in any manner any offense or act committed or done or any penalty or forfeiture incurred, or any right established or accruing before the effective date of this Ordinance; nor shall it affect any prosecution, suit, or proceeding pending or any judgment rendered prior to the effective date of this Ordinance. The provisions of this Ordinance, insofar as they are substantially the same as ordinance provisions previously adopted by the City relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations, and not as new enactments. The provisions of this Ordinance shall have priority over substantially similar provisions previously adopted by the City relating to the same subject matter.
SECTION 5: SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, paragraphs, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 6: The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
SECTION 7: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption pursuant to California Government Code section 36937.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27th day of January 2026.
CLAUDIA M. FROMETA, Mayor
ATTEST:
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1535
PAGE 34
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
a tVM
JOb
City Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss:
CITY OF DOWNEY )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-1535 was introduced at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the 13a' day of January, 2026, and adopted at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the 27 a' day of January, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:NOES: Council Member:
ABSENT: Council Member:
ABSTAIN: Council Member:
I FURTHER CERTIFY that a Summary of the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-1535, was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Downey, on January 15, 2026, (before introduction), and on January 29, 2026, (after adoption, including the vote thereon). It was also posted in the regular posting places in the City of Downey on the same dates
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1536
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REPEALING AND RECASTING SECTION 8730 (GRADING REGULATIONS) OF CHAPTER 8 (FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT, GRADING AND PAVING) OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 8730 (DOWNEY GRADING REGULATIONS) TO CHAPTER 8 (FLOODPLAIN
MANAGEMENT, GRADING AND PAVING) OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADOPTING BY REFERENCE APPENDIX J OF THE 2025
CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 2); AND MAKING CERTAIN LOCAL ADDITIONS AND
AMENDMENTS THERETO
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.1 et seq., the City of Downey may adopt by reference the California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, as provided in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including its Appendices; and, WHEREAS, Appendix J (Grading) of the California Building Code provides optional standards related to the erection and maintenance of signs, and local jurisdictions are not obligated to adopt Appendix J; and
WHEREAS, Sections 17958, 17958.7, and 18941.5 of the California Health & Safety Code provide that prior to making any change or modification to the California Building Standards Code authorized by the Health & Safety Code, the City Council of the City of Downey is required to make an express finding that such modifications or changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and, WHEREAS, as approved by the Governor on June 30, 2025, California Assembly Bill 130 (“AB 130), amongst other actions, amended Health & Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 by prohibiting local jurisdictions from making any modifications to the building standards between October 1, 2025 and June 1, 2031, that affect residential units unless at least one of several specified conditions exist, including a finding that the local amendments are “substantially equivalent” to prior modifications that were filed by the governing body of the local jurisdiction and that were in effect as of September 30, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the City of Downey desires to adopt by reference Appendix J of the California Building Code (California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2); together with the necessary amendments to assure the Code is tailored to the particular safety needs of the City as required by its unique climatic, geological, and/ortopographical conditions; and; and, WHEREAS, the Building Official has recommended that changes and modifications be made to Appendix J, and has advised that that certain changes and modifications to the Code are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, and/or topographical conditions within the City of Downey – each of which is substantially equivalent to previous modifications enacted by the City Council of the City of Downey that were filed with the California Building Standards Commission and were in effect as of September 30, 2025, and has further advised that the remainder of said changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature, or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the Code, or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City of Downey; and, WHEREAS, the Building Official has also recommended that changes and modifications be made to Appendix J, which are necessary for administrative clarification and to establish administrative standards for the efficient enforcement of the building standards of the City of Downey and which do not modify a building standard pursuant to California Health and Safety
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1536
PAGE 2
Code Sections 17958, 17958.7, 18941.5; and,
WHEREAS, the local amendments incorporated into this Ordinance are substantially equivalent to amendments previously enacted by the City Council of the City of Downey as a result of local climatic, geological, and/or topographical conditions and which were filed with the California Building Standards Commission and in effect as of September 30, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the City Council introduced this Ordinance and conducted a first reading on January 13, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing on this Ordinance was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, on January 1, 2026; and, WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly-noticed public meeting on January 13, 2026, as required by law, at which time the Council determined that the adoption of the Code is in the best interest of the City and is based upon the express findings required by law; and, WHEREAS, at least one copy of Appendix J of the 2025 California Building Code that is being adopted by reference in this Ordinance was 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1 : Findings. The City Council hereby finds that the proposed amendments to the 2025 California Building Code are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geologic, of topographic conditions, and adopts the findings provided below to support the modifications to the 2025 California Building Code. The City Council further finds that some changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature, or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the code, or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City. The City Council hereby adopts the following (Climatic, geological, and topographical, where applicable) findings to support the proposed amendments to the 2025 California Building Code made in this Ordinance:
I. Climatic Conditions
A The jurisdiction of the City of Downey (or, "City") is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. For example, during July, August and September, temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During the same months humidity is usually less than 40%, and humidity measurements less than 10% are not uncommon. These conditions contribute to an increased likelihood of fire. Moreover, minor fires have a greater tendency of spreading rapidly due to such conditions. The City, being in the Southern California area, is also subject to ’'Sundowner" or "Santa Ana" winds that, should a fire occur, cause the fire to spread rapidly over wood shake roofs which are common in the residential areas. These hot, dry (Santa Ana} winds may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagration). In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the City. Obstacles
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1 536
PAGE 3
generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles, and the requirement to climb 75 feet vertically up flights of stairs will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind force at 60 feet above the ground. Use of aerial type fire-fighting apparatus above this height would place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury
B.Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the already- taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall, future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features. It would also leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of available water to floors in a fire.
C.These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features will supplement normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as 50 to 75 percent.
11 Topographical conditions
A Development has occurred in the City and continues to occur in the City and such development has resulted in severe traffic congestion during peak business hours, weekends and holidays, thus decreasing the response time of fire and emergency service vehicles, particularly on the following streets and highways: Florence Avenue, Firestone Boulevard, Imperial Highway, Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood Boulevard, Brookshire Avenue, Bellflower Boulevard .
B These topographical conditions combine to create a situation which places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk, and makes it necessary to provide automatic on-site fire-extinguishing systems and other protection measures to protect occupants and property. Due to these topographical conditions and the expected infrastructure damage inherent in seismic zones described below, it is prudent to rely on automatic fire sprinkler systems to mitigate extended fire department response time and keep fires manageable with reduced fire flow (water) requirements for a given structure. Numerous fires have occurred within the City in residential structures (houses, apartments, hotels, motels, and dormitories) over the past several years that have automatic fire protection systems, and in all of these fires, the automatic fire protection systems have successfully controlled and/or suppressed the fire before the emergency response personnel have been able to arrive at the structure.
Additional fire protection is also justified to match the current resources of firefighting equipment and personnel within the fire department
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1536
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III. Geological Conditions
A The City of Downey is located in Southern California, in an extremely active seismic region, with high levels of historic earthquake shaking in the recent past (earthquakes measuring larger than a magnitude 5 on the Richter Scale) and can be expected to experience significant strong ground shaking within the foreseeable future. The City is a densely populated area that has buildings constructed over and near a vast and complex network of faults that increase the likelihood of catastrophic damage when a seismic event occurs and which are believed to be capable of producing future earthquakes similar or greater in size to the 1994 Northridge, the 1987 Whittier Narrows Earthquake, the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes and 1933 Long Beach Earthquake.
B.The seismotectonic setting of the City is dominated by the Norwalk fault, which traverses the northern portion of the City. The City is also in close proximity to the San Andreas Fault, which is located 40 miles to the northeast, the Whittier fault, located 10 miles to the northeast and the Newport-Inglewood fault, located 10 miles to the southwest. In the event of a severe earthquake, these faults present the potential for catastrophic damage, including fire, damage to roadways and other impairments of emergency apparatus. Existing and planned developments are at risk from structural damage from earthquake faults. Improved standards are necessary to ensure that maximum safety is provided to persons and property.
C.Previous earthquakes have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. This situation creates the need for both additional fire protection and automatic on-site fire protection for building occupants.
IV The findings above are applicable to the Amendments to Appendix J of the 2025 California Residential Code as follows:
2025 CBC, Appendix J,
Section Amended or Added
TITLE/DESCRIPTION FINDINGS
(Administrative,
LII, Ill
AdministrativeJ1 03.1
J1 03.2
Amend Appendix J Section
J103.1, "Permits Required'‘
Amend Appendix J Section
J 103.2, "Exemptions," Item 8
Administrative
J 104.1 Amend Appendix J Section
J104. 1, "Submittal
Requirernents'’
Administrative
J 105.1
J112
Amend Appendix J Section
J105.1, ''Inspections"
Administrative
Add Appendix J Section J1 12,
'’Fees'’
Administrative
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1536
PAGE 5
Add Appendix J Section J1 13
Refunds
Add Appendix J Section J1 14
Subsurface Drainage
SECTION 2: Section 8730 ("Grading Regulations") of Chapter 8 ("Floodplain Management, Grading And Paving'’) of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 8.
DOWNEY GRADING REGULATIONS
§ 8730 - Adoption by reference of California Building Code, Appendix J. Except as provided herein, Appendix J of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2), based upon the 2024 International Building Code, is hereby adopted by reference as fully set forth herein, and shall constitute and is hereby established as the "Downey Grading Regulations." A copy of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code, including Appendix J, is on file in the Building and Safety Division and the Office of the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
§ 8731 - SECTION J103.1 of Appendix J of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
J103.1 - Permits required. Except as exempted in Section J103.2, grading shall not be performed without first having obtained a permit therefor from the Building Official.
A grading permit does not include the construction of retaining walls or other structures. A separate permit shall be required for each site; each permit may cover both excavations and fills at the same time.
§ 8732 - SECTION J103.2, Item 8, of Appendix J of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is added under '’Exemptions" to read as follows:
8. Cut and fill less than fifty (50) cubic yards and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than five (5) horizontal to one (1) vertical, or less than three (3) feet in depth, not intended to support structures, which do not exceed fifty (50) cubic yards on any one lot and does not obstruct a drainage course
§ 8733- SECTION J104.1 of Appendix J of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
J104.1 - Submittal requirements. In addition to the provisions of Section 8999.28.3, the applicant shall state the estimated quantities of excavation and fill. § 8734 - SECTION J105.1 of Appendix J of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows
J105.1 - Inspections. Inspections shall be governed by section 8999.38 of Downey Municipal Code.
§ 8735 - Section J112 is added to Appendix J of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1536
PAGE 6
J112 Fees.
J112.1 Payment of Fees. A permit shall not be valid until the fees prescribed as set forth in the City of Downey Schedule of Fees have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, if any, has been paid.
Jl12.2 Schedule of Fees. On excavation and/or fill requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as required, in accordance with the Schedule of Fees established by resolution of the City Council.
J112.3 Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance. Any person who commences any work on grading before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to an investigation fee to be made before any permit may be issued for such work. An investigation fee in addition to the permit fee shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued for the illegal work. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of a permit fee required by this chapter for the commenced or completed work as set forth in the City adopted fee schedule. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this title or Downey Municipal Article VIII Chapter 5-33, nor from any penalty prescribed by law. § 8736 - Section J113 is added to Appendix J of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:
Jl12 Refunds.
J113. 1 The Building Official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.
J113.2 The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than eighty (80%) percent of the grading permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this title. The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than eighty (80%) percent of the plan review fee paid when an application is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing has been started.
J 113.3 The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee not later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of fee payment
§ 8737 - Section J114 is added to Appendix J of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:
J114 - Subsurface Drainage. Cut and fill slopes shall be provided with subsurface drainage as necessary for stability."
SECTION 3: CEQA. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. The City Council hereby directs City staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the Clerk of Los Angeles County within five (5) days of the adoption of this Ordinance SECTION 4: SAVINGS CLAUSE. Neither the adoption of this Ordinance nor the repeal of any other Ordinance or provision of the Downey Municipal Code referenced in this
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1536
PAGE 7
Ordinance shall affect in any manner any offense or act committed or done or any penalty or forfeiture incurred, or any right established or accruing before the effective date of this Ordinance; nor shall it affect any prosecution, suit, or proceeding pending or any judgment rendered prior to the effective date of this Ordinance. The provisions of this Ordinance, insofar as they are substantially the same as ordinance provisions previously adopted by the City relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations, and not as new enactments. The provisions of this Ordinance shall have priority over substantially similar provisions previously adopted by the City relating to the same subject matter
SECTION 5: SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, paragraphs, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 6: The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
SECTION 7: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption pursuant to California Government Code section 36937 APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27th day of January 2026.
CLAUDIA M. FROMETA, Mayor
ATTEST:
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
FuNKJO
Cit}/Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1536
PAGE 8
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss:
CITY OF DOWNEY )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-1536 was introduced at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the 13th day of January, 2026, and adopted at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the 27th day of January, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN
Council Members:
Council Member:
Council Member:
Council Member:
I FURTHER CERTIFY that a Summary of the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-1536, was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Downey, on January 15, 2026, (before introduction), and on January 29, 2026, (after adoption, including the vote thereon). It was also posted in the regular posting places in the City of Downey on the same dates
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REPEALING AND RECASTING CHAPTER 13 (DOWNEY RESIDENTIAL
CODE) OF ARTICLE VIII (BUILDING REGULATIONS) OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE; ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 2.5) AND APPENDICES BB, BF, BG, AND Cl; AND MAKING CERTAIN
LOCAL ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS THERETO
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Section 50022.1 et seq., the City of Downey may adopt by reference the California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, as provided in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including the Residential Code; and, WHEREAS, Sections 17922, 17958, and 18941.5 of the California Health and Safety Code provide that the governing body of every city or county shall adopt ordinances or regulations imposing the same requirements as those contained in the most recently adopted version of the California Building Standards Code; and,
WHEREAS, the appendices to the California Building Code (inclusive of Appendices BB, BF, BG, and C1) provide optional guidelines for specific topics – including Tiny Houses, Patio Covers, and Sound Transmission, however, the adoption of these appendices by local jurisdictions is not mandatory by their own terms;
WHEREAS, Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 of the California Health & Safety Code provide that a city or county may make such changes or modifications to the requirements contained in the California Building Standards Code which are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and, WHEREAS, Sections 17958, 17958.7, and 18941.5 of the California Health & Safety Code provide that prior to making any change or modification to the California Building Standards Code authorized by the Health & Safety Code, the City Council of Downey is required to make an express finding that such modifications or changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and, WHEREAS, as approved by the Governor on June 30, 2025, California Assembly Bill 130 (“AB 130), amongst other actions, amended Health & Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 by prohibiting local jurisdictions from making any modifications to the building standards between October 1 , 2025 and June 1 , 2031, that affect residential units unless at least one of several specified conditions exist, including a finding that the local amendments are “substantially equivalent” to prior modifications that were filed by the governing body of the local jurisdiction and that were in effect as of September 30, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the local amendments incorporated into this Ordinance are substantially equivalent to amendments previously enacted by the City Council of the City of Downey as a result of local climatic, geological, and/or topographical conditions and which were filed with the California Building Standards Commission and in effect as of September 30, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the City Council of Downey is not required to make an express finding for amendments necessary to carry out the application of the Building Standards code and/or that do not otherwise modify a Building Standard; and,
WHEREAS, because the City of Downey is in a liquefaction zone, the flood hazard section of this code has been amended; and,
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 2
WHEREAS, the City of Downey is in Climate Zone 8 and, therefore, is required to have more stringent energy efficiency requirements; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Downey is subject to ground tremors from large seismic events along, but not limited to, the San Andreas Fault; and,
WHEREAS, Southern California is a densely populated area, with a warmer climate than average. A high percentage of the population in Downey has a swimming pool. The fencing section has been amended considering the additional safety aspects to be considered; and, WHEREAS, the City of Downey has a low rainfall average which contributes to dust and debris being scattered by winds. This has been addressed by way of amendments to this code; and
WHEREAS, the City of Downey desires to adopt the 2025 California Residential Code as set forth in California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2.5, including Appendices BB, BF, BG, and C1 ; together with the necessary amendments to assure the Code is tailored to the particular safety needs of the City as required by its unique climatic, geological, and topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the Building Official has recommended that changes and modifications be made to the Code, and has advised that certain changes and modifications to the Code are reasonably necessary due to local conditions within the City of Downey, and has further advised that the remainder of said changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature, or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the Code, or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City of Downey; and, WHEREAS, the City Council introduced this Ordinance and conducted a first reading on January 13, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing on this Ordinance was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, on January 1, 2026; and, WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly-noticed public meeting on January 13, 2026, as required by law, at which time the Council determined that the adoption of the Code is in the best interest of the City and is based upon the express findings required by law; and, WHEREAS, at least one copy of the Code adopted by reference in this Ordinance was 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1, Findings. The City Council hereby finds that the proposed amendments to the 2025 California Residential Code are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geologic, of topographic conditions, and adopts the findings provided below to support the modifications to the 2025 California Residential Code. The City Council also finds that the proposed amendments affecting residential units are substantially equivalent to previous modifications enacted by the City Council of the City of Downey that were filed with the California Building Standards Commission and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. The City Council further finds that some changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature, or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the code, or are reasonably necessary to
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 3
safeguard life and property within the City. The City Council hereby adopts the following (Climatic, geological, and topographical, where applicable) findings to support the proposed amendments to the 2025 California Residential Code made in this Ordinance:
I. Climatic Conditions
A The jurisdiction of the City of Downey (or, "City") is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. For example, during July, August and September, temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit During the same months humidity is usually less than 40%, and humidity measurements less than 10% are not uncommon. These conditions contribute to an increased likelihood of fire. Moreover, minor fires have a greater tendency of spreading rapidly due to such conditions. The City, being in the Southern California area, is also subject to '’Sundowner" or "Santa Ana'’ winds that, should a fire occur, cause the fire to spread rapidly over wood shake roofs which are common in the residential areas. These hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagration) In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the City. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles, and the requirement to climb 75 feet vertically up flights of stairs will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind force at 60 feet above the ground.
Use of aerial type fire-fighting apparatus above this height would place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury.
B.Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the already- taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall, future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features. It would also leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of available water to floors in a fire
C These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features will supplement normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as 50 to 75 percent
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 4
11.Topographical conditions
A.Development has occurred in the City and continues to occur in the City and such development has resulted in severe traffic congestion during peak business hours, weekends and holidays, thus decreasing the response time of fire and emergency service vehicles, particularly on the following streets and highways: Florence Avenue, Firestone Boulevard, Imperial Highway, Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood Boulevard, Brookshire Avenue, Bellflower Boulevard .
B These topographical conditions combine to create a situation which places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk, and makes it necessary to provide automatic on-site fire-extinguishing systems and other protection measures to protect occupants and property. Due to these topographical conditions and the expected infrastructure damage inherent in seismic zones described below, it is prudent to rely on automatic fire sprinkler systems to mitigate extended fire department response time and keep fires manageable with reduced fire flow (water) requirements for a given structure. Numerous fires have occurred within the City in residential structures (houses, apartments, hotels, motels, and dormitories) over the past several years that have automatic fire protection systems, and in all of these fires, the automatic fire protection systems have successfully controlled and/or suppressed the fire before the emergency response personnel have been able to arrive at the structure. Additional fire protection is also justified to match the current resources of firefighting equipment and personnel within the fire department.
111 Geological Conditions
A The City of Downey is located in Southern California, in an extremely active seismic region, with high levels of historic earthquake shaking in the recent past (earthquakes measuring larger than a magnitude 5 on the Richter Scale) and can be expected to experience significant strong ground shaking within the foreseeable future. The City is a densely populated area that has buildings constructed over and near a vast and complex network of faults that increase the likelihood of catastrophic damage when a seismic event occurs and which are believed to be capable of producing future earthquakes similar or greater in size to the 1994 Northridge, the 1987 Whittier Narrows Earthquake, the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes and 1933 long Beach Earthquake. The seismotectonic setting of the City is dominated by the Norwalk fault, which traverses the northern portion of the City. The City is also in close proximity to the San Andreas Fault, which is located 40 miles to the northeast, the Whittier fault, located 10 miles to the northeast and the Newport-Inglewood fault, located 10 miles to the southwest. In the event of a severe earthquake, these faults present the potential for catastrophic damage, including fire, damage to roadways and other impairments of emergency apparatus. Existing and planned developments are at risk from structural damage from earthquake faults. Improved standards are necessary to ensure that maximum safety is provided to persons and property.
B. Previous earthquakes have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 5
rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. This situation creates the need for both additional fire protection and automatic on-site fire protection for building occupants.
IV.The findings above are applicable to the Amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code as follows:
2025
CRC Section
Amended or
Added
3 R301 .1.5
Findings
(Administrative,
1, II, III)
TITLE/DESCRIPTION
o
Add CRC Section R301.1.5, "Seismic Design Provisions for Buildings on Slopes Steeper than 33%"
Amend CRC Section R301 .2.2.6, "Irregular Buildings," Items 1 , 3 and 5
Add CRC Section R301.2.2.11, "Anchorage of Mechanical,
Electrical, or Plumbing Components and Equipment"
Amend CRC Section R401.1, "Application"
Amend CRC Section R403.1.2, "Continuous Footing in
Seismic DesiGn Categories Do. D1 and D2"
s
R403.1.5 "Slope"
Amend CRC Section R404.2, "Wood Foundation Walls"
Amend CRC Section R501.2, ’'Application'‘
Add CRC Section R503.2.4, "Openings in Horizontal
Diaphragms’‘
Amend CRC Table R602.3(1), "Fastening Schedule"
TI
111
R301 .2.2.6 111
111
111
111
R301 .2.2.11
R401 . 1
R403. 1 .2,
4 R403. 1 .5
R404.2
mo
R503.2.4
111
nI
HI
111
111
111
I
11 111
111
111
111
111
111
111
Table
R602.3(1
R602.3.2 and
Table R602.3.2
Table
R602. 3(2)
R602.10.2.3
Amend Exception to CRC Section R602.3.2 and Table
R602.3.2, "Top-Plate Splice Connection Details"
Amend Footnote "b’' of CRC Table R602.3(2), "Alternate
Attachments to Table R602.3(1)"
Amend CRC Section R602.10.2.3, "Minimum Number of
Braced Wall Panels"
Amend CRC Table R602.10.3(3), "Bracing Requirements
Based on Seismic Design Category"
Amend CRC Table R602.10.4, "Bracing Methods"
Table
R602.10.3(3)
Table
R602.10.4
Table
R602.10.5
Figure
R602.10.6.1
Figure
R602.10.6.2
Figure
R602. 10.6.4
R606.4.4
Amend CRC Table R602.10.5, "Minimum Length of Braced
Wall Panels"
Amend CRC Figure R602.10.6.1, "Method ABW - Alternate
Braced Wall Panel"
Amend CRC Figure R602.10.6.2, "Method PFH - Porta
with Hold-downs at Detached Garage Door Openings"
Amend CRC Figure R602.10.6.4, "Method
Continuously Sheathed Portal Framed Construction"
Amend CRC Section R606.4.4, "Parapet Walls"
Frame
CS-PF.
r
"Reinforcement Requirements for Masonry Elements"
111
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 6
R803.2.4
R1 001.3.1
Add CRC Section R803.2.4, "Openings in Horizontal
DiaDhraqms"
111
111
SECTION 2: That Chapter 13 ("Downey Residential Code") of Article VIII ("Building Regulations") of the Downey Municipal Code set forth below hereby replaces the existing Chapter 13 to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 13
DOWNEY RESIDENTIAL CODE
§ 8993 - Adoption by Reference of California Residential Code. Except as provided herein, the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2.5), based upon the 2024 International Residential Code, including Appendix BB, (Tiny Houses), BF (Patio Covers), BG (Sound Transmission), and C1 (Swimming Pool Safety Act), is hereby adopted by reference as though fully set forth herein, and shall constitute and is hereby established as the "Downey Building Code." A copy of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is on file in the Building and Safety Division and the Office of the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
§ 8994 - Section R301.1.3.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R301.1.3.2 Woodframe structures. The building official shall require construction documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for all dwellings of woodframe construction more than two stories and basement in height located in Seismic Design Category A, B or C. Notwithstanding other sections of law; the law establishing these provisions is found in Business and Professions Code Sections 5537 and 6737.1.
The building official shall require construction documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for all dwellings ofwoodframe construction more than one story in height or with a basement located in Seismic Design Category Do D1 or D2
§ 8995 - Section R301.1.5 is added to Chapter 3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code to read as follows:
R301.1.5 Seismic design provisions for buildings constructed on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3 percent slope). The design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when constructed on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3 percent slope) shall comply with Section 1613.6 of the California Building Code. § 8996 - Items 1, 3, and 5 of Section R301.2.2.6 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code are amended to read as follows:
1. Shear wall or braced wall offsets out of plane. Conditions where exterior shear wall lines or braced wall panels are not in one plane vertically from the foundation to the uppermost story in which they are required
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 7
3. Shear wall or braced wall offsets in plane. Conditions where the end of a braced wall panel occurs over an opening in the wall below.
5.Floor level offset. Conditions where portions of a floor level are vertically offset § 8997 - Section R301.2.2.11 is added to Chapter 3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code to read as follows:
R301.2.2.11 Anchorage of mechanical, electrical, or plumbing components and equipment. Mechanical, electrical, or plumbing components and equipment shall be anchored to the structure. Anchorage of the components and equipment shall be designed to resist loads in accordance with the California Building Code and ASCE 7, except where the component is positively attached to the structure and flexible connections are provided between the component and associated ductwork, piping, and conduit; and either
1. The component weighs 400 lb (1,780 N) or less and has a center of mass located 4 ft (1.22 m) or less above the supporting structure; or
2. The component weighs 20 lb (89N) or less or, in the case of a distributed system ,
5 lb/ft (73 N/m) or less.
§ 8998 - Section F:401.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R401.1 Application. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for buildings. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in flood hazard areas as established by Table R301.2 shall meet the provisions of Section R322. Wood foundations shall be designed and installed in accordance with AWC PWF.
Exception: The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be used for wood foundations only in the following situations:
1. In buildings that have no more than two floors and a root
2. When interior basement and foundation walls are constructed at intervals not exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm).
Wood foundations in Seismic Design Category Do, D1, or D, shall not be permitted.
Exception: in non-occupied, single-story, detached storage sheds and similar uses other than carport or garage, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 200 square feet, the plate height does not exceed 12 feet in height above the grade plane at any point, and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches. § 8999 - Sections R403.1.2, R403.1.3.6, and R403.1.5 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code are amended to read as follows R403.1.2 Continuous footing in Seismic Design Categories Do, D1, or D2. Exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories Do, D1, or D2 shall be supported
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 8
by continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings. All required interior braced wall panels in buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D,, D, , or D, shall be supported on continuous foundations.
Ft403.1.3.6 Isolated concrete footings. In detached one- and two-family dwellings located in Seismic Design Category A, B, or C, that are three stories or less in height, and constructed with stud bearing walls, isolated plain concrete footings supporting columns or pedestals are permitted.
R403.1.5 Slope. The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall not have a slope exceeding one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10- percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footings or where the slope of the bottom surface of the footings will exceed one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories D,, D1, or D2, stepped footings shall be reinforced with four No. 4 rebar. Two bars shall be place at the top and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure R403.1.5.
RECOMMEND a > b
b $ 2' O"
/– MIN. 2 - #4 REINFORCtNG BARS
(TOP & BOTTOM)
BOTTOM PLATE (rrp.)
GRADE
t
1111 n
FI(;I TRE R403+ 1 ,5
S'rEPPED FOOI-ING
§ 8999.1 - Section FR404.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R404.2 Wood foundation walls. Wood foundation walls shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of Sections R404.2.1 through FR404.2.6 and with the details shown in Figures Fi403.1 (2) and Fq403.1 (3). Wood foundation walls shall not be used for structures located in Seismic Design Category Do, D1, or D2. § 8999.2 - Section R501.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R501.1 Application. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the floors for buildings, including the floors of attic spaces used to house mechanical or plumbing fixtures and equipment. Mechanical or plumbing fixtures and equipment shall be attached or anchored to the structure in accordance with Section
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 9
R301 .2.2.11 .
§ 8999.3 - Section R503.2.4 is added to Chapter 5 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code to read as follows:
R503.2.4 Openings in horizontal diaphragms. Openings in horizontal diaphragms with a dimension perpendicular to the joist that is greater than 4 feet (1.2 m) shall be constructed in accordance with Figure R503.2.4.
DIAPHRAGM OPENING
kWTAL
W/ IB.1
METAL TIE 16eA x 1 l&' x {QP£NIHI WIDTH + 4#) MIN"
P TOTAII W/2+16d GOWdDN NAILS
Fur St; I iwtIH 25,'i tarn, I r{xRH3tK.8 iiirn
FIGURE R503.2.4
OPENINGS IN HORIZONTAL DIAPHRAGMS
Notes :
a
b.
Blackings shall be provided beyond headers
Metal ties not less than 0,058 inch [1.47 mm (16 galvanized gage)] by 1 .5 inches (38 mm) wide with eight 16d common nails on each side of the header-joist intersection. The metal ties shall have a minimum yield of 33,000 psi (227 Openings in diaphragms shall be further limited in accordance with Section R301.2.2.6 MPa)
C.
$ 8999.4 - 1tems 20, 21, 24, and 34 through 37, inclusive, of Table R602.3(1) of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code are amended to read as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE IO
TABLE R602.3(1 )
FASTENING SCHEDULE
TEM DESCRIPTION OF
BUILDING ELEMENTS
NUMBER AND TYPE OF
FASTENER a, b, c
Roof
3-8d box (2 %" x 0.113”);
or 2-8d common (2 %” x
0.131 ’); or 2-10d box (3"
x 0.128”); or
2 staples, 1 ” crown, 16 ga., 13/4" long
3-8d box (21/2"x 0.113”); or
3-8d common (2 %” x
0.131 ’); or 3-10d box (3" x
0.128”); or
3 staples, 1 ” crown, 16 ga., 1 %” long
c
4-8d box (2 %” x 0.113”); or
3-8d common (2 %” x
0.131 “); or 3-10d box (3"
x 0.128”); or
4 staples, 1 ” crown, 16 ga., 1 %” long
Floor
3-8d box (2 %” x 0.113”); or
2-8d common (2 %” x
0.131 “); or 3-10d box (3" x
0.128”); or
2 staples, 1 " crown, 16 ga., 1 %” long
I SPACING AND
LOCATION
20k 1 ” x 6" sheathing to each
bearing
Face nail
21k 1 ” x 8“ and wider sheathing to
each bearing
Face nail
24k 1 „ x 6„ subfloor or less to each
joist
Face nail
Other wall sheathingg
34k 1/2' structural
cellulosic fiberboard
sheathing
1 %” galvanized roofing nail, 7/15"
head diameter, or 1 %” long 16 ga.
staple with Z/16" or 1 " crown
3 1 6
35k 25/32” structural
cellulosic ftberboard
sheathing
1 %” galvanized roofing nail, 7/16"
head diameter, or 1 %” long 16 ga.
staple with 7/16" or 1"crown
b)6
7 7
36k 1 %” galvanized roofing nail; staple
galvanized, 1 %” long; 1 %” screws,
Type W or S
1 %” galvanized roofing nail; staple
galvanized, 1 5/8” long; 1 5/8” screws,
Type W or S
For Sl: 1 inch= 25.4 mm, 1 foot= 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour= 0.447 mis; 1 ksi = 6.895 MPa 1/2" gypsum sheathingd 7
37k 5/8" gypsum sheathingd 7
k. Use of staples in braced wall panels shall be prohibited in Seismic Design Category D., D1 or D2
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 11
§ 8999.5 - Footnote '’b" of Table R602.3(2) of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
b. Staples shall have a minimum crown width of 7/16-inch on diameter except as noted Use of staples in braced wall panels shall be prohibited in Seismic Design Category Do D1 or D2
§ 8999.6 - Exception to Section R602.3.2 and Table R602.3.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code are amended to read as follows:
Exception: in other than Seismic Design Category D., D1, or D2, a single top plate used as an alternative to a double top plate shall comply with the following:
1. The single top plate shall be tied at corners, intersecting walls, and at in-line splices in straight wall lines in accordance with Table R602.3.2.
2. The rafters or joists shall be centered over the studs with a tolerance of not more than 1 inch (25 mm)
3. Omission of the top plate is permitted over headers where the headers are adequately tied to adjacent wall sections in accordance with Table R602.3.2.
TABLE R602.3.2
SINGLE TOP-PLATE SPLICE CONNECTION DETAILS
CONDITION corn8rs and IrXers9cIIng walls Buttjolnts in straIght wdls SpIIce plate gz8 MInImum nails
each gcb of joint SpIIce plan SIze MInIi=m
enh side of joint
Structures in SDC A-C; &nd4lt8BG
DFDt'*dD2 w4kb,
3“ x 6" x 0.036"
galvanIzed steel plate
or equivalent
(6) 8d box
C216 x 0.113’l naIls
3' x 12" x 0.036"
galvanIzed steel plate
or equivalent
(12) gd Ix)x
(21/2" x 0.113’) naiLs
Deof „tdOp w+th &xr 4Mxro WW
o
§ 8999.7 - Section R602.10.2.3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows
R602.10.2.3 Minimum number of braced wall panels. Braced wall lines with a length of 16 feet (4,877 mm) or less shall have not less than two braced wall panels of any length or one braced wall panel equal to 48 inches (1,219 mm) or more. Braced wall lines greater than 16 feet (4,877 mm) shall have not less than two braced wall panels In Seismic Design Category D,, D1, or D2 .0 braced wall panel shall a contributing length less than 48 inches in length or as required in Section R602.10.3, whichever is greater. § 8999.8 - Table R602.10.3(3) of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 12
TABLE lt60z IO.3(3)
BRACING REQUIREMENTS BASED ON SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY
• WALL HEIGHT B tO FEn
, IO RSF FLOOR OCAD LOAD
• IS PSF ROOFICEIUNG DEAD LOAD
• BRACED WALL UNE SPA£;Hyt3 $ 25 FEET
bacH Wall
Story Lncaum I LIne Len#1(bar
1 0
M
SO
BURN TOTAL LENGTH {FEn) OF BRACED WALL PANELS
REQLIRED ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LiRr I
Sasmtc
CbsIgnCUUrB+
HahQdLB.HeeledGB I
WINe &
DWB. SFB. PBS,
PCP. ms. CbSFP
aT
\Icu -C'. VA- P.
A8W’. PF#
nd PFG' 1
1.6 Uc thc' I=
CSWSP. CSC.
CSPF
1.4IIi20
To
2„S
S.0T
no
2.S
5-.li
T;
10.0 S.Q
7.3 10.0
1 3.2 1 2.7 :I .T
5.4A6.4
4.8 12.3 12.5 12.5 B.a 6-8
i 10 NP a 3.0 2.6
C
{nurMrs£s onjy)a 20
To
To
NP
NP
NP
1 9.0 1 9.0 1 6.0 1 5. 1 1
T:3.s
1 8.0
IF i )
1 3.5
6.a
9.0 1I.I
7.7 10.2
NP 22.5
n8
22.5 120
I I ;iI
IS.0 12.8
I n 1 NP 1 1 2.0 1 12.L} 1 9.0 1
30 NP
NP
G.D 6.0 4.3 3.8
NP 1 18.0 1 180 1 135 1 1 1.3
IZ.o
180
12.0 9,a
135
7.7 11.3
NP
NP
Z.t .':)
30.0 2.t o
30.0 180
ats
15.3 19.1
II a)
30 NP
NP
NP
5.6 5.6 1.8
16.6 11.0
22.0 1.6
11.0 40 NP
1 6.6
3.6 T:i
3.1 4.6
22.0 6.1
g)
TI–TTr–1 27.6 27.6 9.0 7
R
10 20
NP
NP 1 NP 1 NP 1 7.3 1 b.I I
NP
1 NP 1 NP 1
NP
NP
NP
T 4 :1
3.8 3.2
NP61)
40 XP
Fp NP
113
Ii.4
1)1
liD-
9.6 12.8
g)NP
a
NP
=
NP 188 16.0
a)
1 10 1 NP 1 &p 1XP
NP
XI,
NP
NP 5.3
-iD ;'
i.b
9.0rT–r–NP
4{}
HP
NP
N P
NI,
NP
NP
158
21.0 ] 3..1
17.9 g)NP NP NP 26.3 22.3
frDnlhnfd
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 13
TABLE R&02.80.3{3)–corWnwd
BRACING REQuiREMEKrs BASED ON SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY
• WALL HEictfr . tO FEEI
• tO PSF FLOOR DEAD LOAD
• 15 PSP ROOFPCEJLING DEAD LOAD
+ BRACED WALL tHE SPACIH; $ 25 FEET
grace J 71 :11
Stnty Locann I tRU LanBh
[baOt
10 laHiM.: TOTAL LENGTH (FEET) OF BRACED WALL PANELS
REQUR£D ALONG EACH BRACED WALL LWt' !
SaBrnlc
Do%Ign C+Hary1
IhthodtIal m\
GB
MeL*l =d..
OW& srB. PBS.
PCP. HPS. CSSFB.
i
A8W'. PF# 1 c£wsp. csandHP’ I CbPF
7-r-"----""T–Ta20
Fp
NP
6.0 12.0
6.0 30
12.0 18 o
24.0 4,O 3.4
40 NP
NP 18.0
24.0 6.0
80 Ti
C8
50 NP 30.0 30.0 10.0 8.5
a
10 NP NP
NP
NP
NP
i.F 3.8
20 9 o
1 3.5
7.7 -l l- b
153
30T
XI:
XP
NP
NP
NP
NP
M
NP
NP
18.0 SO NP 22.5 19. 1
10 20
NP
NP
NP
FP
NP
FP
GO
12.0 S. I
la 2
30 40
Fp m NP 18.0 li-:i
SO NP
NP NP
M
NP
NP
24 .Cl
30.0 204
25.3 A 10
20 30
40 5 ()
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
8.0 16.0
24.0 32.0
8.0 16.0
24.0 32.0
25 3-0
:i S
10.0 12.3
21 .t.3
6.4 8:
III 1,
4.7 9.4
It .
18.7 10
20 aJ
40 SO
10 20
30 1 40 1 NP 1 NP 1
I SO I NP 1 NP 1
1 ID 1 NP 1 Nl' I
20 30
40 30
NP
NP
NP
NP
40.0 NP
NP
Xi:
NP
NP
.1 0.0
NP
NP
\ i :
NP
NPa 11.0
! ! I I
22.0 1),b
NP
NP
NP
XI:
XP
NP
\ ::
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
XP
NP
XP
NP
nF-–I
NP
NP
NP
NP
XP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NPa
NP
27. 3
NP 1
NPIBF=–I–
NP
TNTp
TnTT
15.0 22..3
X).O
37.5 23 {
NP
NP
Hurt gory duvl ling F XP
NP
NP
6.4 128
19 1
23 S
31 9
C-riFplc wall tnlau
Dlr- or two star\'
durUing
{coatiautdl
a
b.
C.
d
Linear interpolation shall be permitted
Interpolation of bracing length between the sd, values associated with the seismic design categories shall be permitted when a site-specific sd, value is determined in accordance with Section 1613.2 of the California Building Code Where the braced wall line length is greater than 50 feet, braced wall lines shall be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of 50 feet or less, and the amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this table Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to not less than one side with nails or screws in accordance with Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for interior gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 14
e,
f
g.
h.
1. Methods PFG and CS-SFB do not apply in Seismic Design Categories Do, D1, or D2
Methods PFH, PFG and ABW are only permitted on a single story or a first of two stories
Where more than one bracing method is used, mixing methods shall be in accordance with Section R602.10.4.1 .
One- and two- family dwellings in Seismic Design Category D2 exceeding two stories shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.
Methods GB and PCP braced wall panel h/w ratio shall not exceed 1:1 in SDC Do, D1, or D2. Methods DWB, SFB, PBS, HPS, and CS-SFB are not permitted in Do, D1 or D2
$ 8999.9 - Table R602.10.4 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
TABLE R602.10.4
BRACING METHODS I
UETHODs, UATERtAL I HNIUUU nBGKN€ ss 1 nGBRE
CONNECTION c8frERIA'
Fasteners
lx 4 uu\J tH
Blpprrl\ cd nletdl \tmp\
,it IS Ill fII dnFlc\ 1{II
nr„\tllrurlr ] hH
stud \pJ,'InF
Spacing
\\'\hhI' : q'! , ..111'=== 11.. i :\
1 +r
3.HaI:' I; tIIIIF X 1} 113 dId I n,III) I I
[
==M=InI
$m,mb' ll.! .::. I
Ftop IInd t\WtwTn pI,IIesLIB
I .ct. In.hrJ,'rn}:
Ntctbrl \tldp. pcI llttrnufdttulcr
htcl,II
pct rIbalUfa, ruler
II\\ H
DldgL'It.II
u 4 ILXl brI,IId\
' II nI ' ill rI III 11 '‘
tIll\llllUlll :+ +
stud \pxlnF
: \Lt 1 : / 1 q .nJ / 11 1 Ii , I1,1 1 Il,Itl '\
or
: - I '/," it)nx \ldplc\
\,I . I m
IN" tIlllr dI\liII,c tII rt=rltl aire
Pcr )tuI
\\ SI,
\youd
\tru,-tUI,II pincl
I See St•tIIL.n RaiN I
IS/3:
b- edge\ !! Ircld
b,I ,t„nln1.111 1 : 1 ': \I1 1 Xt I n.III\
;A" edge dI\I,in,c tIl pinrl aIs’r I b-edge\ l:-llcld I B\'.\\ sr
\\ toll strut tUI ,II
palluIs u ItIl guIle
fIr IIL.tuIrIFT \cnccr
I See SectIon
Rcd):.III 6 S)
I+' at p,Incl cd£c\
1 : 81 IntellllCdrdtc
buptxln\ 4 - dI brat-cd
+ Jll pIne I end po\t\+
He
tJ.
=
TI
E
U
LP
I ,, " lsu hFurc Rfi): I1>.6 S Sd LonIJr t+In 1 : /." x II. 1 3] 1 naIl\ \FIt
StruttI11 41
lllvrhl+dId
\h\'dlhuIF
'/ ' or '-/ - ' for
Ill.t\llrlurlr Ih-'
Hud \bx InF
I'/." long x I J l: " d1.1, lllK '/. - 1l11 ch
\h,'dtllrrIF > 1 '! ! II,III: x 11 1 : ' dId
( kv -'/ , " thIck \hr;aIrIng I
FIt\ ,in 1/cd 11111l-Ing a,III\
\.11l~ 1,1 mT:..„ I.,Ill; F©' ’ :1 I ; 1,.1
CllClll,I l\\,llrorl\
1 3-tdgc\b'l1,'ld I
I'll .,I { I
Ip&nct lobdtlan\ 7"
cd ttc\ I inc]uIIng hIP
dId I\1414)rn plate'b } 7
fIeld
C;II
( i} p\unI tv,ud
'/
XIII\ rIr \,'tcw\ FrI Table 1(7(i,1 \ $ 11vr
litter it.I it.L .tIli,D\
liE::m
I',ullclctIL-,aLl
\hcdthurF
I See Set-IIlya RtHIS I
'I, - tH bI ,- fIg
ni,rsl mum Ih -
stud spa InF
}£'r „ . :„1\..-!’r'.I, I-'
l:" long x I1 1 li- dId. t u BIll\
I'IIt '/.-. Hd ct lrllllrltrr
l:' I,- if'ng x 11 131 ' dI;1 ) null\
I \',dg, q6 h,Id I
P('P
1\,ltl3rkl
tcnlcnl pI,r\ICr
tIPS
lIJrdtxl&IIi
l1,UrCl xldtng
S fC S ,J , 1II .:: it ";T:T
lli..l\llrlurli Ih
stud \pa InF
1 1 A 1 p !=1n n J : ? n J jJ I i: In = = ntj p i : :1: 1 : # 1: didnT ’ '',n- lu,,B , IU +=p: braN+n
6- o , . ru all 11 amInE
IIteIIrtx't \
'/ ,- tuI rn.nIllruin 16-
stud tpX InF
1 . lanHIMl1 ]
length to d,tonrltN'qjdtc I /."
]xlrcUattlur lrlto btULIb
1 4'cdg(sH'tlcld I
\n\\
Alternate
hI ,Iced u-,Ill
')Sfc Sc,III)n RMI: 111 hI I w
SeLl It?a Rhti! if I fI I
trI lnlinrrfd )
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 15
TABLE R602.10.4-contInued
BRACING MFrHODS f
METHODS. MATERIAL MINIUUH THICKNESS I FIGURE
CONNECTION CRITERIA'
Fa6toner6 Spacing
-j£a
re
HIC
i
an
EU
LI
E
PFH
Port,II franrc \\itIl
hold-downs
See SectIon R602 10.6 1 1 See SectIon ka12.10.6.3
PFI;
Purtul fruruc ut garage vI.'’See SectIon R601 111.6.3 1 Sec SectIon kfi12.III.6.3 C'S. tTSP
C{rnlinu(rustY she,tItled
\VIkKi qlructurdl panel
1 S/31"{--IIli
mlhj!'r11c111 : 1 1/.'''\::'. III I II;I II
13/B"edgc dIstance to panel cdgcl 6" cdBcs 12’' field
Q
IFa
E
HJE
=
B
CC
i
3 E
E
C
HarI>mmor1 { 21/:"xl >. 131 ) naIl]
I+F 'cdgc dIstance to panel cdgcl 6" cd8cs IZ ' field
M
C'oIItinuou:sly xhcathcd
wrlod structural p;Incl
adJacent to gnnlge
ol}cnllIgN
-
J5/32"Scc NIc tIltxI CS-WSP Scc McI}lod CS .\TSP
t'S.PF
C'olrtinuou:.-ly Nhcdthcd
ptirtul frunlc
IS/32"See Section Rb(I= ] f 1 6 +Set Scc tilIII Rail. III.(1.4 {:S-SFBI r
Crtntlnueluslv 'the,lthcd
xtlut.'turnJ fibcrhnLLrd
1/," or ’'/,,’' fill
maximum 16
stud spacing m I \!." It-Ing x II. 1 : " dIa.
I npr '/," t}licl sheathing )
I Y," long x Ii. 1 2 " di,I.
( for :'t ,:' thICk sheathing I
gu] \ uni/cd rr>nang nails
3" c(lga b'’ tlc KI
For Sl: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 degree ; 0.0175 rad, 1 pound per square foot =
47.8 N/m 2
1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s
a. Adhesive attachment of wall sheathing, including Method GB, shall not be permitted in Seismic Design Categories C, Do, D1, or D2
b.Applies to panels next to garage door opening where supporting gable end wall or roof load only. Shall only be used on one wall of the garage. In Seismic Design Categories Do, D1, or D2, roof covering dead load shall not exceed 3 psf. c. Garage openings adjacent to a Method CS-G panel shall be provided with a header in accordance with Table R602.5(1). A full-height clear opening shall not be permitted adjacent to a Method CS-G panel.
d
e
Method CS-SFB does not apply in Seismic Design Categories Do, D1, or D2.
Method applies to detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design Categories Do through D2 only
f Methods GB and PCP braced wall panel h/w ration shall not exceed 1:1 in SDC Do, D1 or D2. Methods LIB, DWB, SFB, PBS, HPS, and PFG are not permitted in SDC Do, D1 or D2
g Use of staples in braced wall panels shall be prohibited in SDC Do, D1, or D2.
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 16
§ 8999.10 - Table R602.10.5 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
TABLE R602.10.5
MINIMUM LENGTH OF BRACED WALL PANELS
MINIMUM LENGT}I'
lincbe6}url Hair
(See Table RU)2.104)Wall Height
£{)MrN18ullWG t E Nor tI
linchegl
8 feet } 8teet ; 10 feet 11 Net
I)\\'13. B'SP. SI:B. bBS. P{ P. IIPS. B\'-USP ' 48 T .IN I .IS } $3 12 feet
58 SS
NI'
/\t III ajl
13l}trlllr \iIIrd At ll£il I
>,iltJ tlr \irlcd II q ' At luill
'\tlulrl'
iiI+48 1 4H : aH 1 53
I IIt
HbC ' A. i+ iII itI t '. ultinldtc
dc--lg11
\\ iilt! \pLVL1 1 -1{ 1 111ph
SI)( ’ I1,. 1) III\II I}.. IIIIIIIIIIIC
tIts i£lr
u i111} \pr,'ll I .If I IItpIl
t'b-t i
Sq
:B
jl
It
(fl
;1
1 .1
\{J
NI'
IN
NP
31 .tl
N II
lb
A 1 { \\IR
/\r llrillt
,'\djncclll ,:Ical tI}II:IllIIF llc! gIlt
1 iT?: tICS I
f) IIW1
fIX
T
:6
aT
IT
17 30
30 j(I
30 33
3 P\
33 33
3 X
j.I
jJ
35 3(1
JS
'It I
43 .'15
a8
52 SrI
hI
bel
tfl
\{S
\{\
Th
bIt
HI
XX
D :
Vfl
1 01 1
It it
liIS
11:
IIn
IJll
13.i
I ?H
31)
32 3 S
38 • 13
as
39 30
33 3 S
37 at
44 .1{.)
54 It\
31)
.\{\
.\{\33
IS
jH
40 I 1 3
a{\
5()
55 C)o
{ \;-\\ hI'. ( 'S-SI }{IX
Iq
II
.t j
Iq
4 K
51 qI
SS
fl)
tIl\
aHl
At III III =
lin
1 .III
t :i.I
hI1l 1 1 II II J
{Src I attIc Hh(>= II} JJ
i"l i
8 feet
:4
9 feet
24 2't
B& I
IK
14 paa£l tii£68r hetiht
10 fed 1 11 feet q2 feeltFTrF%
la ! \1-IIt: ti - Niltr ti
t
r
1'1' 1 1 JR
SI 3( ' A. I+ arId +
SI it' II,„ it ard 13
For Sl: 1 inch= 25.4 mm, 1 foot= 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour= 0.447 m/s
3.1 ]6
24 I.q , '\,tlulll’
I. S • Atluilll’
Acl ual =
t '\- }'I
NP = Not
Permitted
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 17
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted
b. Use the actual length where it is greater than or equal to the minimum length Maximum header height for PFH is 10 feet in accordance with Figure R602,10.6.2, but height shall be permitted to be increased to 12 feet with pony wall Maximum header height for PFG is 10 feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.3, but wall height shall be permitted to be increased to 12 feet with pony wall C
d
e. Maximum header height for CS-PF is 1 0 feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.4, but wall height shall be permitted to be increased to 12 feet with pony wall. § 8999.11 - Figure R602.10.6.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
PANEL LENGTH PER
TiE LE s:tajl/}i las TOP PLATE SHALL BE CONTINUOUS
OVER BRACED WALL PANEL
b1(3
:J
tIPiJa
BaInQ
EaD
MIN 15/32" WOOD
$TRuaruR4i. PAyJEL
SHEATWt4G ON ONE FACE
F OR PAUL SPLICE (IF NEFn€D)
ADJOIHNC PAt-l€L€DG£ S SHALL MEET
OVER AND BE FASTENED TO caNNON
FRAMING
hIirl ]x4 FP 8,IN.} MIll
DOUBLE STU06 REQUIRED 80 COMMON NAILS e B'O C AT PANEL EDGES FOR SINGLE STORY AND e f 0.C. PANEL ECGES
FOR ThE FIRST OF 2 STORIES
(2) HOLD-DOWN OR (2) STRAP.TYPE
ANCHORS PER TABLE R6Q2 IO 6 1
OF EACH SHOWN FOR CL4RRYX
STRAP-TYPE AtCHOFB SHALL BE
PERMITTED TO BE ATTACHED OVER
THE \\DOD SrRUCTURAL PANEL
$TUCB UFIDER HEADER AS REQUIRED
PANEL UU ST gE XTTACUED
TO CONaRETE FOOTING OR
CONaRETE FOUNDATION
V/ALL cohn INUOUS OVER
BRACED TALL UNE
80 COMMON NAILS @ 17
0 C. AT IFfrERICR SUPPO Hrs
HIM. REeIF ORCI NG Of FOUNDATION.
OFa gt BAR tOP AnD BOTTOM W
aA m 24" uINlrrurr
.-JL'' '
qa
12) 1/7 DiAmETER ANCHOR
BOLTS LOCATED BrrwEE N
B' AND IZ OF EACH Era OF
THE SEGMENT
UIFlILIUld FOOTING SIZE UNDER
OPENING IS 17 X 1r
FIGURE R602.10.6.1
METHOD ABW-ALTERNATE BRACED WALL PANEL
SECTION 8999.12 - Figure R602.10.6.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 18
LI TEll I OF HEADER WITH DOUBL£ FtPI -AI Kt4UL5 { T\\U BFA£1D VbXLL atFL31 n 2 ' la FINq+F nwo1'-FOR CCUbLL
:11{
\
r r
td UH nNt: tact -–\..
T\VICk PORTAL
FRAUe CONSTR I.EltON
FBI tH IDP
PLATE10
H£Ae£R WITH
TWO
RaINS OF ISO
SIFJKLH lINLS A 1sac rrp
_UN ISIF WOOD
SrFweTURALPHI
SHt AT HNC
L’,I:TI1'411113
QQE- )la+_
'– bIN ( llb a DIME IUt AICHt}RHXT INSTALlla PEN
S(ICT (ARia ) IB WITH Y8Tv0 iN' PLATt WISp{R
FRONT ELEVATION SECTION
Fur bl. I IIII. h = 23.4 null. I luul = JIN.b ullll
METHOD PFH-PORTAL FRAME WITH HOLD-DOWNS AT
FIGURE R602.10.6.2
DETACHED GARAGE DOOR OPENINGS
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 19
§ 8999.13 - Figure R602.10.6.4 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
': fINTlIJJl;a} IjI V SbF,4THCJ FiR Al:FrJ
’/fALL PAIsLL PCE:It+1:- 1.tIF41Uh1LENGTH f{SOL- RENE PItS CP TAB; F Ft81: +1] S
FXT€t€T I>F HEA':IFP v.'IT.I DOUBIE PORTAI FP.'\\1FS ihT{} RnA,SEa '} IN\. L PA loft E RTE 14 :FRAME
+ +F+attICtd
fr)1+IN
t 1 ' b' IIFT : iF#{i T& e ejiii; ie :hljbl
IF ' ;' S.\\r.ER R ’.)
R IV lb ;fI
nIALLS IN .] l:JRl[I
Allellen Rtll TS
H:+II Hqf' J I a q\tI
'E R
\tIN LENGTH DF ;N\NEL PER TABLE Reca la 5
11AFE
OVER CONCRETE OR MASONRY BLOCK FOUNDATION \\ -,„„lW£;+q:#t Wtf $ KGHSfC I :aI+ KIll + 1 B 21 FR'\\tIll.] AeJnP<)HI
;P(pqi:HI!Ir v1 1 )F+; ! I
P E R
[? a-II
'/.'ODD 'niL?,HN€1 $HE&Tt,JN'3 oven APr ntl '/tU aAb+c ::R OVER RAISED WOOD FLOOR . FRAMING OPTION
IT+HERE FOR TB\, F,dEAr?ItfsI:i I;C:E= \aT LA= t-J\ ER BAI\n f/ft tAL 30L F
rB
F;a:' 31 1 1
SEC TI Old
FIGURE R602.10.6.4
METHOD CS-PF - CONTINUOUSLY SHEATHED PORTAL FRAME PANEL CONSTRUCTION § 8999.14 - Section R606.4.4 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R606.4.4 Parapet walls. Unreinforced solid masonry parapet walls shall not be less than 8 inches (203 mm) thick and their height shall not exceed four times their thickness
Unreinforced hollow unit masonry parapet walls shall be not less than 8 inches (203 mm) thick, and their height shall not exceed three times their thickness. Masonry parapet walls in areas subject to wind loads of 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa) or located in Seismic Design Category Do, D1, or D2., or on townhouses in Seismic
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 20
Design Category C shall be reinforced in accordance with Section R606.12. § 8999.15- Section R606. 12.2.2.3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R606.12.2.2.3 Reinforcement requirements for masonry elements. Masonry elements listed in Section R606.12.2.2.2 shall be reinforced in either the horizontal or vertical direction as shown in Figure R606.11 (2) and in accordance with the following:
1. Horizontal reinforcement. Horizontal joint reinforcement shall consist of at least one No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1,219 mm). Horizontal reinforcement shall be provided within 16 inches (406 mm) of the top and bottom of these masonry elements.
2. Vertical reinforcement. Vertical reinforcement shall consist of at least one No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1,219 mm). Vertical reinforcement shall be within 8 inches (203 mm) of the ends of masonry walls.
§ 8999.16 - Section R803.2.4 is added to Chapter 8 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code to read as follows:
R803.2.4 Openings in horizontal diaphragms. Openings in horizontal diaphragms shall conform with Section R503.2.4.
§ 8999.17 - Section R1001.3.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R1001.3.1 Vertical reinforcing. For chimneys up to 40 inches (1,016 mm) wide, four No. 4 continuous vertical bars adequately anchored into the concrete foundation shall be placed between wythes of solid masonry or within the cells of hollow unit masonry and grouted in accordance with Section R606. Grout shall be prevented from bonding with the flue liner so that the flue liner is free to move with thermal expansion. For chimneys more than 40 inches (1,016 mm) wide, two additional No. 4 vertical bars adequately anchored into the concrete foundation shall be provided for each additional flue incorporated into the chimney or for each additional 40 inches (1 ,016 mm) in width or fraction thereof."
SECTION 3: CEQA. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. The City Council hereby directs City staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the Clerk of Los Angeles County within five (5) days of the adoption of this Ordinance.
SECTION 4: SAVINGS CLAUSE. Neither the adoption of this Ordinance nor the repeal of any other Ordinance or provision of the Downey Municipal Code referenced in this Ordinance shall affect in any manner any offense or act committed or done or any penalty or forfeiture incurred, or any right established or accruing before the effective date of this Ordinance; nor shall it affect any prosecution, suit, or proceeding pending or any judgment rendered prior to the effective date of this Ordinance. The provisions of this Ordinance, insofar as they are substantially the same as ordinance provisions previously
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 21
adopted by the City relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations, and not as new enactments. The provisions of this Ordinance shall have priority over substantially similar provisions previously adopted by the City relating to the same subject matter.
SECTION 5: SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, paragraphs, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional .
SECTION 6: The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
SECTION 7: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption pursuant to California Government Code section 36937.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27th day of January 2026.
CLAUDIA M. FROMETA, Mayor
ATTEST:
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1537
PAGE 22
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss
CITY OF DOWNEY )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-1537 was introduced at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the 13tF1 day of January, 2026, and adopted at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the 27a' day of January, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Member:
ABSENT: Council Member:
ABSTAIN: Council Member
I FURTHER CERTIFY that a Summary of the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-1537, was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Downey, on January 15, 2026, (before introduction), and on January 29, 2026, (after adoption, including the vote thereon). It was also posted in the regular posting places in the City of Downey on the same dates
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING CHAPTERS 3. 4, 5, AND 6 OF ARTICLE III OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 9), INCLUDING APPENDICES A THROUGH 0, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS. INSERTIONS, DELETIONS AND CHANGES THERETO, FOR THE
PURPOSE OF PRESCRIBING REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDITIONS HAZARDOUS TO THE LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM FIRE OR EXPLOSION; AND ADOPTING CHAPTER 6.95 OF DIVISION 20 OF THE CALIFORNIA
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRESCRIBING
REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDITIONS HAZARDOUS TO LIFE AND
PROPERTY FROM THE HANDLING, USE, STORAGE OR RELEASE OF
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OR HAZARDOUS WASTE
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Section 50022.1 et seq . the City of Downey ("City") may adopt by reference the 2025 California Fire Code (based on the International Fire Code, 2024 Edition, with errata, published by International Code Council (ICC)), as adopted by the State of California pursuant to Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations; and WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 authorize cities to adopt the codes contained in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations with changes and modifications determined to be reasonably necessary because of local climatic, topographic, or geologic conditions; and
WHEREAS, as approved by the Governor on June 30, 2025, California Assembly Bill 130 (“AB 130”), amongst other actions, amended Health & Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 by prohibiting local jurisdictions from making any modifications to the building standards between October 1, 2025 and June 1, 2031, that affect residential units unless at least one of several specified conditions exist, including a finding that the local amendments are “substantially equivalent” to prior modifications that were filed by the governing body of the local jurisdiction and that were in effect as of September 30, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the City desires to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code, as adopted by Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations ("Fire Code") with necessary amendments to assure the Fire Code is tailored to the particular fire protection needs of the City as required by local climatic, topographic, and geologic conditions and assure that a maximum level of fire protection is provided to residents, businesses, and other occupants; and WHEREAS, the Fire Chief and Building Official have each recommended that changes and modifications be made to the Fire Code, and have advised that certain changes and modifications to said Code are reasonably necessary due to local conditions within the City of Downey, and has further advised that the remainder of the said changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature, or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the Code, or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City of Downey; and WHEREAS, the City also desires to adopt certain changes and modifications to the 2025 Fire Code, which are necessary for administrative clarification and to establish administrative standards for the effective enforcement of the building standards of the City of Downey, or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City of Downey and do not modify a building standard pursuant to California Health & Safety Code Section 17958.5, 17958.7, and/or 18941.5: and,
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
PAGE 2
WHEREAS, the local amendments incorporated into this Ordinance are substantially equivalent to amendments previously enacted by the City Council of the City of Downey as a result of local climatic, geological, and/or topographical conditions and which were filed with the California Building Standards Commission and in effect as of September 30, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the City Council introduced this Ordinance and conducted a first reading on January 13, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, summary and notice of a public hearing on this Ordinance was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, on January 1, 2026; and, WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly-noticed public meeting on January 13, 2026, as required by law, at which time the Council determined that the adoption of the Code is in the best interest of the City and is based upon the express findings required by law; and, WHEREAS, any and all other legal prerequisites relating to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred; and
WHEREAS, at least one copy of the Code adopted by reference by this Ordinance was 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: Findings. The City Council hereby finds that the proposed amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geologic or topographic conditions, and adopts the findings provided below to support the modifications to the 2025 California Fire Code. The City Council also finds that the proposed amendments affecting residential units are substantially equivalent to previous modifications enacted by the City Council of the City of Downey that were filed with the California Building Standards Commission and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. The City Council further finds that some changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature, or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the Code, or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City. The City Council hereby adopts the following (climatic, geological, and topographical, where applicable) findings to support the proposed amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code made in this Ordinance:
I Climatic Conditions
A The jurisdiction of the City of Downey (or, '’City") is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. For example, during July, August and September, temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During the same months humidity is usually less than 40%, and humidity measurements less than 10% are not uncommon. These conditions contribute to an increased likelihood of fire. Moreover, minor fires have a greater tendency of spreading rapidly due to such conditions. The City, being in the Southern California area, is also subject to ''Sundowner" or "Santa Ana" winds that, should a fire occur, cause the fire to spread rapidly over wood shake roofs which are common in the residential areas. These hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
PAGE 3
periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagration). In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the City. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles, and the requirement to climb 75 feet vertically up flights of stairs will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind force at 60 feet above the ground. Use of aerial type fire-fighting apparatus above this height would place rescue personnel at increased risk of Injury
B Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the already- taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall, future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features. It would also leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of available water to floors in a fire.
C These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features will supplement normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as 50 to 75 percent. 11 Topographical conditions
A Development has occurred in the City and continues to occur in the City and such development has resulted in severe traffic congestion during peak business hours, weekends and holidays, thus increasing the response time of fire and emergency service vehicles, particularly on the following streets and highways: Florence Avenue, Firestone Boulevard, Imperial Highway, Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood Boulevard, Brookshire Avenue, Bellflower Boulevard .
B These topographical conditions combine to create a situation which places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk, and makes it necessary to provide automatic on-site fire-extinguishing systems and other protection measures to protect occupants and property. Due to these topographical conditions and the expected infrastructure damage inherent in seismic zones described below, it is prudent to rely on automatic fire sprinkler systems to mitigate extended fire department response time and keep fires manageable with reduced fire flow (water) requirements for a given structure. Numerous fires have occurred within the City in residential structures (houses, apartments, hotels, motels, and dormitories) over the past several years that have automatic fire protection systems, and in all of these fires, the automatic fire protection systems have successfully controlled and/or suppressed the fire
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
PAGE 4
before the emergency response personnel have been able to arrive at the structure. Additional fire protection is also justified to match the current resources of firefighting equipment and personnel within the fire department. 111 Geological Conditions
A The City of Downey is located in Southern California, in an extremely active seismic region, with high levels of historic earthquake shaking in the recent past (earthquakes measuring larger than a magnitude 5 on the Richter Scale) and can be expected to experience significant strong ground shaking within the foreseeable future. The City is a densely populated area that has buildings constructed over and near a vast and complex network of faults that increase the likelihood of catastrophic damage when a seismic event occurs and which are believed to be capable of producing future earthquakes similar or greater in size to the 1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes in Southern California.
B The seismotectonic setting of the City is dominated by the Norwalk fault, which traverses the northern portion of the City. The City is also in close proximity to the San Andreas fault, which is located 40 miles to the northeast. the Whittier fault, located 10 miles to the northeast and the Newport-Inglewood fault, located 10 miles to the southwest. In the event of a severe earthquake, these faults present the potential for catastrophic damage, including fire, damage to roadways and other impairments of emergency apparatus. Existing and planned developments are at risk from structural damage from earthquake faults. Improved standards are necessary to ensure that maximum safety is provided to persons and property.
C.Previous earthquakes have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. This situation creates the need for both additional fire protection and automatic on-site fire protection for building occupants.
IV.The findings above are applicable to the Amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code as follows:
2025 CFC
Section
Amended or
Added
103.1
Title/Description
Findings
(Administrative,
1, II, III)
Amend CFC Section 103.1. "General
Amend CFC Section 105.2, "Permit Application" to
reference Permit Investigation Fee and Construction
Plan submittal
Amend CFC Section 105.3 confirming fire code official’s authority to impose conditions on a permit
Amend CFC Section 105.5.36 (“Required Operational
Permits: Open Burning”) to include recreational fires
Amend CFC Section 166.1 (“Construction Documents:
Submittals”) to reference electronic plan submittal
Administrative
105.2 Administrative
105.3
105.5
106. 1
Administrative
Administrative
Administrative
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
PAGE 5
106.1
108
Add CFC Section 106.1.1 (“Requirement for Submission
of Electronic Plans”) to require electronic plan submittal Add CFC Section 108.5.1 (“Related Fees”) to reference
field inspection fees
Administrative
Administrative
202
307
307
Amend CFC 202 (“Definitions”)
Administrative
1, II, Ill
Add CFC Section 307.6 (“Recreational Fires: Approved
Times”
Add CFC Section 307.7 (“Additional Requirements for
Recreational Fires’
Administrative
Administrative
Add CFC Section 324 (“Vehicles Creating Hazard”)
regarding fire officer determination that vehicle parked or stopped creates an immediate danger or fire hazard,
authority to request police department removal of
vehicle at expense of registered owner and providing
notice thereto
Administrative.
1, II, Ill
324
503.4 Amend CFC Section 503.4, ''Obstruction of Fire
Apparatus Access Roads"
Administrative,
I, II, Ill
51 1 Add CFC Section 511, "Requirement for in Building
Communication System"
Add Section 903.6.1 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems:
Existing Non-Residential Occupancies”)
Add Section 903.6.1 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems:
Existing Residential Occupancies”)
Amend 907.9 (“Fire Alarm and Detection Systems:
Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”)
Administrative
1, II, Ill
903.6
903.6
907.9
Administrative
1, II, Ill
Administrative
1, II, Ill
Administrative
1, II, Ill
Administrative.
1, II, Ill
Administrative.
I, II, Ill
2411 Add CFC Section 2411 ("Flammable and Combustible
Coatings'’i
3313
4801.2.1
4803
Add CFC Section 3313 ("Requirements for Fire Safety
During Construction of Certain Wood Frame Buildings"
e
Add CFC 4803.4 (“Motion Picture and Television
Production Studio Sound Stages: Permit Required”'
Add CFC Section 4807.2 (''Sumn of Temporary
Fire/Life Safety Services for Commercial Activities")
Administrative
Administrative
4807.2 Administrative
Administrative
Chapter 50 Add DMC Title 3, Chapter 4 (“Hazardous Materials Code”
507 Add DMC Title 3, Chapter 6, Sections 3600 (“Water
Mains: Fire Hydrants”) and 3610 (“Hydrant Placement”
Administrative
I, II, Ill
)
Section D101 .1.1
Appendix D,
Section D103.4
Appendix D,
Section D103.6
Appendix D,
Section D103.7
Add Section D101.1.1 ("Identification of Fire Lanes")I, II, Ill Administrative.
1, II, Ill
Administrative,
I, II, Ill
Administrative ,
1, II, Ill
Amend Section D103.4 ("Dead Ends")
Amend Section D103.6 ('’Signs'’)
Add Section D103.7 ("Red Curbs'’)
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
PAGE 6
Appendix D,
Section D103.8 Add Section D103.8 ("Roadway Striping")
Administrative
I, II, Ill
SECTION 2: Attachments "A", "B", and "C'’ attached hereto are adopted by reference herein in Section 3324 of Section 3 of this Ordinance, providing for fire apparatus turnaround specifications for fire access roads greater than 150 feet in length.
SECTION 3: Chapter 3 (“Fire Code”) of Article III (“Public Safety”) of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety and amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 3
FIRE CODE
§ 3300
§ 3301
§ 3302
§ 3303
§ 3304
§ 3305
§ 3306
§ 3307
§ 3308
§ 3309
§ 3310
§ 3311
§ 3312
§ 3313
§ 3314
§ 3315
CODE ADOPTION
ADOPTED APPENDICES
ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES OF BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY
PERMIT APPLICATION AND FEES
CONDITIONS OF A PERMIT
RECREATIONAL FIRE PERMITS
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
REQUIREMENT FOR SUBMISSION OF ELECTRONIC PLANS
FEES
DEFINITIONS
RECREATIONAL FIRES
VEHICLE CREATING HAZARD
ALLEY MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENT FOR IN BUILDING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
AUTOMATIC SPRINKER SYSTEM – REQUIRED INSTALLATION IN EXISTING
NON-RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES
AUTOMATIC SPRINKER SYSTEM – REQUIRED INSTALLATION IN EXISTING
RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES
FIRE ALARMS – REQUIRED INSTALLATIONS
FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE COATINGS
§ 3316
§ 3317
§ 3318
§ 3319
§ 3320
ELEVATOR SIZING FOR EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
WOOD FRAME BUILDINGS
MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION. GENERAL AUTHORITY MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION – PERMIT REQUIRED
SUBSTITUTION OF TEMPORARY FIRE/LIFE SAFETY SERVICES FOR
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES
DESIGNATION OF FIRE LANES AND TURN AROUND SPECIFICATIONS § 3321
§ 3322
§ 3323
§ 3324
§ 3300.CODE ADOPTION.
There is hereby adopted by the City Council of the City of Downey for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, hazardous conditions, or explosion, the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9), as modified and amended by this chapter, and hereby collectively declared to be the Downey Fire Code.
One copy of all the above is on file in the Office of the City Clerk for public inspection and is adopted with the same force and effect as through set out herein in full
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§3301. ADOPTED APPENDICES.
The following appendices of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code are adopted as though fully set forth herein, together with certain modifications and amendments as set forth in this chapter:
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10.
Appendix A - Board of Appeals;
Appendix B - Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings;
Appendix BB – Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings;
Appendix C - Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution;
Appendix CC – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution;
Appendix D - Fire Apparatus Access Roads;
Appendix E - Hazard Categories;
Appendix F - Hazard Ranking;
Appendix G - Cryogenic Fluids-Weight and Volume Equivalents; Appendix H - Hazardous Materials Management Plans and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements;
Appendix 1 - Fire Protection Systems-Noncompliant Conditions; Appendix J - Building Information Sign;
Appendix K - Construction Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities; Appendix I - Requirements for Fire Fighter Replenishment Systems; Appendix M - High-Rise Buildings - Retroactive Automatic Sprinkler Requirement;
Appendix N - Indoor Trade Shows and Exhibitions;
Appendix O - Temporary Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Similar Amusements
11 12
13 14
15. 16
17. § 3302.ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES OF BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION.
The 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, as adopted and amended herein, shall be enforced by the Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Fire Department of the City of Downey which is hereby established, and which shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire Department. The Fire Chief shall appoint the Fire Marshal in charge of the Bureau of Fire Prevention
§ 3303. ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
Section 103.1 (“Creation of Agency”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
103.1 General
The Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Fire Department of the City of Downey is hereby established within the jurisdiction and shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire Department. The function of the Department shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of the code. §3304. PERMIT APPLICATION AND FEES.
Section 105.2 (“Permits: Application”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
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105.2 Application and Fees.
Any application for plan check and/or a permit required by this code shall be made to the fire code official in such form and detail described by the fire code official. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by the following:
A. Fees. All plan check fees, permit fees, and other fees set forth in Section 108, as established by Resolution of the City Council;
B. Permit Investigation Fee. When work has begun prior to the issuance of a valid permit and staff time is necessary for Code compliance, a Permit Investigation Fee, as established by Resolution of the City Council, for the administrative time required to research the project and appropriately permit the work.
C. Construction Plans and Supporting Documents. Such construction plans, reports, and other supporting documents as set forth in Section 106 (“Construction Documents”) or as otherwise described by the fire code official § 3305. CONDITIONS OF A PERMIT.
Section 105.3 (“Conditions of a Permit”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding the following language:
The fire code official is authorized to impose reasonable conditions upon any permit issued pursuant to this Code consistent with the intent of this Code and reasonably necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare from hazardous conditions that could result from the activities or conditions authorized by the permit. § 3306. RECREATIONAL FIRE PERMITS.
Section 105.5.36 (“Required Operational Permits: Open Burning”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows 105.5.36 Open burning and Recreational Fire.
An operational permit is required for any kindling or maintaining of an open burning or recreational fire on any public sidewalk, street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Open burnings and recreational fires shall be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Section 307, as well as any other instructions, stipulations, and conditions of the permit. No permit shall be issued for an open burning or recreational fire on private property without proof that the applicant has provided notification to the owners of the properties adjoining where the open burning or recreational fire will be kindled or maintained.
§ 3307. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS.
Section 106.1 (“Construction Documents: Submittals”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Construction plan documents shall be submitted for all work performed for which a permit is required under Section 105 of the 2025 California Fire Code. Construction documents and supporting data shall be submitted in accordance with Sections 106.1 and 106.1.1 of this code. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed .
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Exception: The fire code official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and supporting data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.
§ 3308.REQUIREMENT FOR SUBMISSION OF ELECTRONIC PLANS.
Section 106.1 (“Construction Documents: Submittals”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 106.1.1 to read as follows:
106.1.1 Requirement for submission of electronic plans.
All applicants for commercial and public building projects in the City of Downey will be required to submit to the Downey Fire Department an accurate electronic copy of the following '’layers"
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Site Plan
Floor Plan with service rooms identified, and exits clearly identified Utility shut off locations
Roof detail
Fire alarm system
Fire extinguishing system
Fixed extinguishing system
High Piled Storage
NOTES:
1. The submittal will be in the approved file format as agreed upon with the Fire Prevention Bureau
2. The submittal will through the Citizen Access portal – or other City-approved method.
3. The submittal will be a condition prior to issuing an Occupancy Certificate
4. The "City" will provide a confidentiality agreement to the architect agreeing to use the provided electronic plans for public safety use only. § 3309. FEES.
Section 108 (“Fees”) of Chapter 1 , Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 108.5.1 to read as follows:
108.5.1 FIELD INSPECTION FEES
In addition to all other applicable fees, all field inspection requests must be accompanied by a field inspection fee as established by Resolution of the City Council. § 3310. DEFINITIONS.
Section 202 (“Definitions”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding or amending the following terms:
AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION. The organization, office or individual responsible for approving equipment, installation or procedure.
FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. The Chief of the Downey Fire Department or authorized designee
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
PAGE IO
thereof
HIGH RISE BUILDING. All buildings having floors used for human occupancy located more than fifty-five feet (55') above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access are considered HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS. Campus Facilities and "Special Structures" as addressed in NFPA 101, facilities which include open structures, towers, water- surrounded structures, piers, underground and windowless structures, high rise buildings, membrane structures, tents, covered maII buildings or traditional occupancies that are located in special or unusual structures, shall conform to the requirements of this Section in addition to other recognized codes and standards.
JURISDICTION shall mean the City of Downey.
RECREATIONAL FIRE. An outdoor fire for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes, where the fuel being burned is not contained in an adequate or approved barbecue grill. Recreational fire shall include, but shall not be limited to, barbecue pits, bonfires, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and portable outdoor fireplaces. § 3311. RECREATIONAL FIRES
Section 307 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Sections 307.6 and 307.7 to read as follows:
307.6 Recreational Fires; Approved Times
No recreational fire shall be kindled or maintained during the following prohibited times:
A
B
Prior to 7:00 a.m. on any day of the week;
After 10:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; or,
C.After 12:00 a.m. (midnight), Friday and Saturday.
307.7 Additional Requirements for Recreational Fires
No person shall kindle or maintain a recreational fire unless in compliance with the following:
A Combustibles and Flammables. No oils, combustible and flammable liquids, rubber, plastics, chemically treated materials, construction materials, hazardous waste, and rubbish/trash shall be burned or used as starting materials. No flammable or combustible liquids shall be used to kindle or rekindle a fire.
B. Total Fuel Load. The total fuel load of the recreational fire shall not exceed three feet (3’) in diameter or two feet (2’) in height.
C. Liability. The owner of the property on which a recreational fire is kindled or maintained shall be responsible and liable for damages or injuries that directly or indirectly result from the recreational fire.
D. Permanent Outdoor Fireplaces and Barbecues. No person shall install, erect, place, maintain, or use any ay permanent outdoor fireplace or permanent outdoor barbecue in the City unless all requisite permits have been issued and finalized for the fireplace or barbecue.
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§ 3312. VEHICLE CREATING HAZARD.
Section 324 is hereby added to Chapter 3 (“General Requirements”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
324 VEHICLE CREATING HAZARD
Whenever it is determined by a Fire Officer, that an unattended or attended vehicle parked or stopped upon any public street, road, alley, right of way, or upon private property creates an immediate danger or fire hazard to itself, other vehicles, persons or surrounding property; such Fire Officer shall request the Police Department to cause the removal of the vehicle to a safe location and the Police Department shall cause the removal at the expense of the Registered Owner of the vehicle and Notice of the removal shall be given to the Registered Owner as soon as feasible. § 3313. ALLEY MAINTENANCE.
Section 503.4 (“Obstruction of Fire Apparatus Access Roads”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto language to read as follows:
No person owning or occupying or having the possession or control of any property bordering on any public alley in the City shall fail, refuse, or neglect to keep the portion of such alley between the center line thereof and the property line of such property free from garbage, rubbish, and combustible materials or compounds and flammable liquids and other obstructions.
§ 3314.REQUIREMENT FOR IN BUILDING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM.
Section 511 is hereby added to Chapter 5 (“Fire Service Features”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
SECTION 511
REQUIREMENT FOR IN BUILDING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
511.1 General. Except as otherwise provided, no person shall erect, construct, change the use of or provide an addition of more than 20 percent to any building or structure or any part thereof, or cause the same to be done which fails to support adequate radio coverage for the City of Downey radio communications system, including but not limited to firefighters and police officers. In-building communications will be provided for ALL subterranean structures constructed after passage of this ordinance. For purposes of this section, adequate radio coverage shall include all of the following:
A. A minimum signal strength of -95 dbm available in 90 percent of the area of each floor of the building when transmitted from the closest City of Downey radio communications system site;
B. A minimum signal strength of -95 dbm received at the closest City of Downey radio communications system site when transmitted from 90 percent of the area of each floor of the building;
C. The frequency range which must be supported shall be the current band of frequencies used by the City of Downey; and
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
PAGE 12
D. A 100 Percent Reliability Factor. When measuring the performance of a bi- directional amplifier, signal strength measurements are based on one input signal adequate to obtain a maximum continuous operating output level. 511.2 Amplification Systems Allowed. Buildings and structures which cannot support the required level of radio coverage shall be equipped with any of the following in order to achieve the required adequate radio coverage: a radiating cable system or an internal multiple antenna system with or without FCC type accepted bi-directional 800 MHz amplifiers as needed. If any part of the installed system or systems contains an electrically powered component, the system shall be capable of operating on an independent battery and/or generator system for a period of at least 12 hours without external power input. The battery system shall automatically charge in the presence of an external power input. If used, bi-directional amplifiers shall include filters to reduce adjacent frequency interference. These filters shall be tuned so that they will be 35 dbm below the City of Downey frequencies
511.3 Testing Procedures.
A. Acceptance Test Procedure. When an in-building radio system is required, and upon completion of installation, it will be the building owner's responsibility to have, the radio system tested to ensure that two-way coverage on each floor of the building is a minimum of 90 percent. Each floor of the building shall be divided into a grid of approximately 20 equal areas. A maximum of two nonadjacent areas will be allowed to fail the test. In the event that three of the areas fail the test, in order to be more statistically accurate, the floor may be divided into 40 equal areas. A maximum of four nonadjacent areas will be allowed to fail the test. After the 40-area test, if the system continues to fail, it will be the building owner's responsibility to have the system altered to meet the 90 percent coverage requirement. The test shall be conducted using a UHF and VHF portable radio, talking through the City of Downey radio communications system as specified by the authority having jurisdiction. A spot located approximately in the center of a grid area will be selected for the test, then the radio will be keyed to verify two-way communications to and from the outside of the building through the City of Downey Radio Communications System. Once the spot has been selected, prospecting for a better spot within the grid area will not be permitted
The gain values of all amplifiers shall be measured and the test measurement results shall be kept on file with the building owner so that the measurements can be verified each year during the annual tests. In the event that the measurement results become lost, the building owner will be required to rerun the acceptance test to reestablish the gain values.
As part of the installation, a spectrum analyzer or other suitable test equipment shall be utilized to ensure that spurious oscillations are not being generated by the subject bi- directional amplifier (BOA) due to coupling (lack of sufficient isolation) between the input and output systems. This test will be conducted at time of installation and subsequent annual inspections.
B. Annual Tests. When an in-building radio system is required, it shall be the building owner's responsibility to have all active components of the system, such as amplifiers and power supplies and backup batteries tested to a minimum of once every 12 months. Amplifiers shall be tested to ensure that the gain is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance. Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load of a period of one hour to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the one hour test period, and in the opinion of the testing technician, the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional one hour
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
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periods until the integrity of the battery can be determined. All other active components shall be checked to determine that they are operating within the manufacturer’s specifications for the intended purpose.
C. Five Year Tests. In addition to the annual test, it shall be the building owner's responsibility to perform a radio coverage test a minimum of once every five (5) years to ensure that the radio system continues to meet the requirements of the original acceptance test.
D. Qualifications of Testing Personnel. Personnel conducting radio system tests shall be qualified to perform the work. All tests shall be conducted, documented and signed by a person in possession of a current FCC license, or a current technician certification issued by the Associated Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) or the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA). All test records shall be retained on the inspected premises by the building owner and a copy submitted to the fire department officials.
511.4 Field Testing. Police and fire personnel, after providing reasonable notice to the owner or his representative, shall have the right to enter onto the property to conduct field testing to be certain that the required level of radio coverage is present. 511.5 Exemptions. This section shall not apply to: buildings less than 5000 square feet or any R- 3 occupancy.
§ 3315. AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS – REQUIRED INSTALLATION IN EXISTING NON-RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES.
Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) of the 2025 California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 903.6.1 to read as follows:
903.6.1 Existing non-residential occupancies
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) and Chapter 11 (“Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings”) of this code, existing buildings and structures with non-residential occupancies shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and NFPA 13 throughout if:
A. Such building(s) and/or structure(s) would require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 2025 California Fire Code if determined to be a "new building or structure"; AND,
B. During any period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months, the building(s) or structure(s), or any portion thereof – including the appurtenant electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system, has been enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced, to the extent that exceeded fifty percent (50%) of the value of said building(s) or structure(s), as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief,
For the purpose of this section, an existing building or structure shall be deemed to be valued as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief as per the most current edition of the ICBO Building Standards - Building Valuation Data
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PAGE 14
Exception: Signs, landscape, and parking lot improvements shall be exempt from such valuation.
§ 3316. AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS – REQUIRED INSTALLATION IN EXISTING RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES.
Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) of the 2025 California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 903.6.2 to read as follows:
903.6.2 Existing residential occupancies.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) and Chapter 11 (“Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings”) of this code, existing buildings and structures with residential occupancies shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and NFPA 13D throughout if
A. Any existing building or structure with less than five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area is enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced to an extent that would exceed five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area; OR, B. During any period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months, an existing building(s) or structure(s) exceeding five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area, or any portion thereof – including the appurtenant electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system, has been enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced, to the extent that exceeded fifty percent (50%) of the value of said building(s) or structure(s), as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief.
For the purpose of this section, an existing building or structure shall be deemed to be valued as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief as per the most current edition of the ICBO Building Standards - Building Valuation Data.
Exception: Signs, landscape, and parking lot improvements shall be exempt from such valuation.
§ 3317.FIRE ALARMS – REQUIRED INSTALLATIONS
Section 907.9 (“Fire Alarm and Detection Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code are hereby amended to read as follows
907.9 Where required in existing buildings and structures.
An approved fire alarm and detection system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 (“Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings”) .
Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 11, existing buildings and structures shall be equipped with an approved Automatic Fire Alarm and Detection System in accordance with the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and NFPA 72 throughout if:
A. Such building(s) and/or structure(s) would require the installation of a fire alarm and detection system in accordance with 2025 California Fire Code if determined to
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
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be a "new building or structure"; and,
B. During any period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months, the building(s) or structure(s), or any portion thereof – including the appurtenant electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system, has been enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced, to the extent that exceeded fifty percent (50%) of the value of said building(s) or structure(s), as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief.
For the purpose of this section, an existing building or structure shall be deemed to be valued as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief as per the most current edition of the ICBO Building Standards - Building Valuation Data.
Exception: Signs, landscape, and parking lot improvements shall be exempt from such valuation.
§ 3318.FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE COATINGS.
Section 2411 is hereby added to Chapter 24 (“Flammable Finishes”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
SECTION 241 1. FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE COATINGS
2411.1 Roof Coatings. No person shall apply by any means, a flammable or combustible liquid material or any product as a roof coating, upon any structure, unless such material has been approved for such use by a recognized testing agency. 2411.2 Driveway Coatings. No person shall apply by any means, a flammable or combustible liquid material or any product as a driveway coating, upon any structure, unless such material has been approved for such use by a recognized testing agency. § 3319.ELEVATOR SIZING FOR EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT.
Elevators installed in building(s) as required by the Building Department shall be appropriately sized to accommodate both emergency medical staff (minimum of three (3) persons plus patient) and associated local emergency equipment such as gurneys and medical supplies, as described in Section 3002.4 (“Elevator Car to Accommodate Ambulance Stretcher”) of Chapter 30 (“Elevators and Conveying Systems”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code
§ 3320. REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN WOOD FRAME BUILDINGS.
Section 3313 is hereby added to Chapter 33 of the 2025 California Fire Code to read as follows:
“SECTION 3313
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SAFETY DURING
CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN WOOD FRAME
BUILDINGS
3313.1 General
The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply only to activities occurring during the construction of certain wood frame buildings as specified herein. Nothing contained in this
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PAGE 16
Ordinance shall be construed to alter such building occupancy standards or fire protection measures for wood frame or other construction methods as may otherwise be set forth in this code.
A. No person shall engage in any aspect of construction on a large or major wood frame building project, or permit or authorize any such construction to occur, except in full compliance with this Ordinance
B. The property owner, as identified on the application for a building permit for a large or major wood frame building project, shall be liable for full compliance with this Ordinance.
The Fire Chief or responsible fire code official and the Chief Building Official are authorized to, from time to time, as necessary to implement this Ordinance, issue, review and revise administrative regulations to implement the provisions of this Ordinance, including but not limited to regulations concerning the required content of construction fire protection plans and the manner in which fire safety officer duties are to be performed. 3313.2 Definitions
The definitions contained in this part shall govern the interpretation of this Ordinance Where terms are not specifically defined in this Ordinance, the definitions contained in Ordinances and Title 24 of this code shall control
Building height. “Building Height” for the purpose of this Ordinance only, shall mean the vertical distance above a reference datum, measured to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof, or to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the average height of the highest gable of a pitched or hipped roof. The reference datum shall be selected by either of the following, whichever yields the greatest height of building: (1) The elevation of the highest natural ground surface within a five-foot horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the building when the highest such natural ground surface is not more than ten feet above the lowest grade; or (2) An elevation ten feet higher than the lowest grade when the natural ground surface described in (1) is more than ten feet above the lowest grade.
Construction fire protection plan. “Construction fire protection plan" means a document which specifies measures and practices to be incorporated into the construction process to minimize the potential for the occurrence and spread of fires, and to facilitate firefighting efforts during building construction.
Exposed wood framing. “Exposed wood framing" means the area of a large or major wood frame building project that is enclosed, in whole or in part, by wood stud framing and decking of the floor or roof above. Attics not designated for occupancy, balconies open to the sky and other similar open space are not included in this square footage calculation. For the purpose of measuring total square footage of wood framing, any adjacent ongoing wood frame construction is considered to be within the project when adjacent structures are separated by less than sixty feet of open air.
Fire safety officer. “Fire safety officer" means an individual employed on a construction job site whose job function is to minimize the potential for the occurrence and spread of fires in accordance with the requirements of this Ordinance and the approved construction fire protection plan. The duties of a fire safety officer shall be in addition to, and do not supersede, the duties of any contractor or individual engaging in activities which have the potential to cause the occurrence or spread of fire, including but not limited to the duties specified in Chapter 33 of the 2025 California Fire Code,
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as adopted in this code.
Hot work. “Hot work" means construction activities including, but not limited to, cutting, welding, use of open torch, brazing, and glass blowing, which are regulated by Chapter 35 of the 2016 California Fire Code, as adopted in this code.
Large wood frame building project. “Large wood frame building project" means a building project utilizing exposed wood framing in the construction of fifteen or more attached dwelling units, or construction exceeding a total of fifty thousand square feet.
Major wood frame building project. Major wood frame building project" is large wood frame building project which will either:
A Exceed two hundred fifty thousand square feet; or
B. Exceed two hundred thousand square feet if the project exceeds fifty feet in height
Maximum allowable exposed wood framing limit. "Maximum allowable exposed wood framing limit" means:
A Two hundred fifty thousand square feet; or
B. Two hundred thousand square feet for a large wood frame building project which exceeds fifty feet in height.
Mitigating fire protection barrier. “Mitigating fire protection barrier" means at least one layer of 5/8-inch gypsum board or other fire resistive blocking located at the end of a fire resistive area or separation wall or party wall, and installed such that the mitigating fire protection barrier(s) and fire resistive walks) enclose area(s) of not less than ten thousand square feet and not more than fifty thousand square feet
3313.3 Specific requirements.
A. No building permit shall be issued which allows the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless the Fire Chief or responsible fire code official has provided written approval of a construction fire protection plan for the project.
B. Construction fire protection plans for a large or major wood frame building project shall state how the requirements of this ordinance and all other fire safety requirements shall be met during construction of the project. Construction fire protection plans for major wood frame building projects shall, in addition, state how off-hours security will be addressed, and how construction sequencing, including the installation of mitigating fire protection barriers, will be utilized to minimize the potential for the occurrence and spread of fire.
C. No person shall engage in, permit, authorize or allow any aspect of construction on any project for which a construction fire protection plan has been approved unless the Fire Chief or responsible fire code official has provided written approval of a fire protection plan for the project
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D. No person shall engage in, permit, authorize or allow any aspect of construction on any project for which a construction fire protection plan has been approved except in full compliance with the approved construction fire protection plan for the project.
E. The approved construction fire protection plan shall be a condition of the building permit and a copy of the plan shall be maintained on site at all times during construction of the project.
3313.4 Fire Safety Officer Requirements.
A. No person shall perform, permit, authorize or allow any hot work on any large or major wood frame building project, after wood framing has commenced, unless a fire safety officer is present on the project site at all times while hot work is being performed.
B A fire safety officer shall monitor, confirm and document the following:
1. That a fire watch as required by Chapter 33 of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, as adopted in this code.
2. That storage, use and handling of flammable liquids conforms to all federal, state and local, legal and administrative requirements; 3 That construction debris is promptly removed from the project site;
4. That fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, standpipes, and other fire service connections, are in place and operational, as required by law or specified in the approved construction fire protection plan;
5. That mitigating fire protection barriers are in place on any major wood frame building project, in accordance with this ordinance and the construction sequencing requirements of the approved construction fire protection plan;
6. That such other requirements relating to fire safety have been met, as may be specified in this code, in the regulations adopted pursuant to this Ordinance, or in the approved construction fire protection plan.
3313.5 Basic Fire Protection Facilities
A. No person shall commence, permit, authorize or allow wood framing or engage in any construction activity after the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless an all-weather access road is in place, meeting the requirements of Section 3310 of the 2025 California Fire Code, or such other fire apparatus access requirements as may be specified in the construction fire protection plan for the project, or in any development or building permit for the project, are in place and functional.
B. No person shall commence, permit, authorize or allow wood framing or engage in, permit, authorize or allow any construction activity after the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless all fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, standpipes and other fire service connections, are in place and operational, as required by law or specified in the approved construction fire protection plan.
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3319.6 Mitigating Fire Protection Barriers.
No person shall continue, permit, authorize, or allow any construction activity on any major wood frame building project, unless mitigating fire protection barriers are in place and operational, in accordance with the approved construction fire protection plan, to maintain the project at or below the applicable maximum allowable exposed wood framing limit. § 3321.MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION, GENERAL AUTHORITY.
Section 4801.2 (“Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages: General”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 4801.2.1 to read as follows:
4801.2.1. General Authority. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to approve ALL fire/life safety activities associated with the motion picture and television industry within the City upon either public or private property. This shall include the design, construction, operation and maintenance of soundstages and approved production facilities used in the motion picture and television industry productions. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to require the appropriate level of fire/life safety during motion picture and television production activities to protect life and property. This may include the scheduling of Fire Safety Officers (FSO) and fire suppression resources at the expense of the motion picture/television production industry.
§ 3322.MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION – PERMIT REQUIRED.
Section 4803 (“Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages: Required Permits”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 4803.4 to read as follows:
4803.4 Permit Required. Prior to commencement of any film and/or production activities, an operations permit for these activities shall be first obtained from the City of Downey. §3323. SUBSTITUTION OF TEMPORARY FIRE/LIFE SAFETY SERVICES FOR COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES.
Section 4807 (“Fire Safety Officers”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 4807.2 to read as follows:
4807.2 Substitution of temporary fire/life safety services for commercial activities.
The Fire Chief shall have the authority to approve temporary fire/safety services provided for filming activities. The approval process is covered in Downey Municipal Code Article VI, Chapter 1 1, starting with Section 6955.
§ 3324. DESIGNATION OF FIRE LANES AND TURN AROUND SPECIFICATIONS.
A. Section D101.1 (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads: General: Scope”) of Appendix D of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section D101.1.1 to read as follows:
D101.1.1 Identification of fire lanes. Fire Department access or fire lanes shall be identified on private streets or drives by use of the phrase "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1 " and shall be designated by the use of one or more of the following:
a. Approved SIGNS
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b. Approved RED CURBS
c. Approved ROADWAY STRIPING
d. Any combination of the above
B. Section D1 03.4 (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads: Minimum Specifications”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
D1 03.4 Dead ends. Access roads greater than 150 feet in length shall have an approved means for turning around fire apparatus in accordance with the figures shown in Attachment "A", Attachment "B", and Attachment ''C.", unless otherwise dictated by the Fire Chief
C. Section D103,6 (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads: Signs”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
DI03.6 Signs. Where required by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be marked with permanent "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1" signs complying with this section. Signs shall be posted on one or both sides of the fire apparatus road as required by Section D103.6.1 or D103.6.2.
a. Shall be eighteen (18) inches in height by twelve (12) inches in width. b. Lettering shall be red on a white background and no less than three (3) inches in height. The perimeter of the sign shall have a red border no more than one (1) inch in width.
Sign shall read as follows:
NO
FIRE
Located in top half of sign
Located in lower half of sign
Located below FIRE LANE
Red border – 1 ” width
CVC 22500.t&
C.
d
e.
Signs shall be installed so that there is not less than seven (7) feet clear from the bottom of the sign to finish grade. Temporary signs must be approved by the fire department prior to placement and use.
The distance between the signs shall no exceed fifty (50) feet and there shall be a sign within five (5) feet of the beginning and end of the FIRE LANE Installation and maintenance of the signs located on private streets and drives shall be the responsibility of the property owner.
D. Section D103.7 is hereby added to Appendix D (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads”) to read as follows:
D103.7 Red curbs
a. Curbing which is used in designating FIRE LANES shall be painted "FIRE SAFETY
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RED" OR EQUIVALENT
White lettering, no less than three (3) inches in height shall be placed on top of the red curbing and shall read "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1 " Such lettering shall be located a maximum of thirty-five (35) feet apart and within five
(5) feet from the beginning and end of the designated FIRE LANE.
Installation and maintenance of red curbing located on private streets and drives shall be the responsibility of the property owner.
b
C.
d
E. Section D103.8 is hereby added to Appendix D (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads”) to read as follows:
D103.8 Roadway striping
a. Areas designated to be FIRE LANE where no curbs exist shall be striped. b. Striping shall consist of three (3) inch wide red stripes on a diagonal basis for the full width and length of the FIRE LANE.
c. White lettering a minimum dimension of two (2) inches in width by twelve (12) inches in height, per letter, shall read "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1 " and shall be painted within the striping.
d. Such lettering shall be located a maximum of thirty-five (35) feet apart and within five
(5) feet of the beginning and end of the FIRE LANE.
e. Installation and maintenance of the roadway striping located on private streets and drives shall be the responsibility of the property owner.
SECTION 4: Chapter 4 (“Hazardous Materials Code”) of Article III of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Chapter 4- HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CODE
§ 3400 -
§ 3401 -
CODE
§ 3402 -
§ 3403 -
§ 3404 -
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CODE: ADOPTION
RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
ADMINISTERING AGENCY
DISCLOSURE OF A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INFORMATION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND RECORD
RELEASE
FEES AND PENALTIES§ 3405 -
§ 3400. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CODE: ADOPTION
There hereby is adopted by reference for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life, property, and the environment from the handling, use, or storage of hazardous materials or from the release or threatened release of hazardous materials or hazardous waste, California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Article 1 , Sections 25500 et seq.; California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4, Sections 2620-2734; California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.11, Sections 25404 et seq.; California Code of Regulations, Title 27, Division 2, Chapter 4.5, Sections 15160(b)(1), 15100(g)(1), 15100(b)(2), 15100(g)(3), 15330(a); California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 2 Chapter 4.5, Sections 2735-2785. Three (3) copies of the applicable codes and regulations which are on file in the Office of the City Clerk and said Code shall be known as ’'The Hazardous Materials Code of the City of Downey."
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§ 3401 RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CODE
The City of Downey hereby assumes responsibility for implementing California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Article 1, commencing with Section 25500; California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4, commencing with Section 2620; California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.11, commencing with Section 25404; California Code of Regulations, Title 27, Division 2, Chapter 4.5, commencing with Section 15160(b)(1); and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4.5, commencing with Section 2735; and adopts the requirements contained therein as the Standards of the City of Downey relating to Hazardous Materials handling, use, reporting, and Business and Area Response Plans; provided, however, that whenever a conflict exists between the requirements set forth in the applicable California Codes and Regulations and the requirements set forth in the remainder of this chapter, the most restrictive requirements shall apply. This code does not relate to the entire area of Hazardous Materials reporting, storage, handling, and/or disposal.
Therefore, this code does not preempt any other local ordinances, codes and/or regulations which impose additional or more stringent requirements on businesses which handle hazardous materials.
§ 3402 ADMINISTERING AGENCY
The City of Downey Fire Department shall be designated the City's administering agency, responsible for administering and enforcing provisions of this code. § 3403 DISCLOSURE OF A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INFORMATION
Any business, which is permitted under a Los Angeles County Certified Unified Program Facility Permit (also referred to as a "Consolidated Permit"), to handle hazardous materials, must annually by March 1st, electronically certify, or submit updated hazardous materials inventory and contingency plan information via the statewide information management system (also known as California Environmental Reporting System(CERS)). §3404 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND RECORD
RELEASES
(a) Hazardous Materials Business Plan information shall be electronically maintained on the web-based California Environmental Reporting System (CERS). The management and maintenance of CERS is the responsibility of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA). It will be the responsibility of the Downey Fire Department to maintain access to CERS for mandated regulatory activities.
(b) Under the Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) [42 U.S.C. Sec. 11001 et seq.] the citizens of Downey, and the public at-large, have the right to know the chemical hazardous present in their community. Downey Fire Department is authorized to release information to help local communities protect public health, safety, and the environment from chemical hazards. Downey Fire's information release shall comply with the requirements set forth in the California Public Records Act [Government Code Section 6250 et seq]; Chapter 6.95 of the California Health and Safety Code Section 25512 et seq; and Title 27 of the California Code of Regulations.
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(c) The Fire Department shall assess an administrative fee for processing and reprographic services related to the records request.
(d) The Fire Department shall maintain a record of all persons requesting access to the hazardous materials disclosure forms. The record shall include:
(1) The person's name, address and telephone number, as determined by appropriate photo identification;
(2) The name and address of the business or governmental agency such person represents;
(3) Identification of the specific file(s) examined or requested to be copied. § 3405 FEES AND PENALTIES
The City Council shall by Resolution, pursuant to the Fire Chiefs recommendation, establish a schedule of fees and penalties which shall include the following:
(a) A schedule of fees sufficient to cover the actual costs to the City of Downey administering this chapter, to be paid annually by persons using or handling hazardous materials;
(b) A schedule of fees sufficient to cover the actual costs, including duplication and administration costs, to the City of Downey, of responding to a request from the public for access to Hazardous Materials Business Plans, to be paid by persons requesting access;
(c) A schedule of penalties to be assessed for the late filing of any disclosure form. (d)In order to protect public health, safety, and welfare from chemical hazards; and to ensure compliance with sections contained herein this code, Downey Fire may impose additional penalties by way of a non-judicial administrative citation for offenses of this code. These administrative citations shall be in accordance with Article 1, Chapter 4 of the Downey Municipal Code
SECTION 5. Chapter 5 (“Fireworks”) of Article III of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows Chapter 5 – FIREWORKS
§ 3500 -
§ 3501 -
§ 3502 -
§ 3503 -
§ 3504 -
§ 3505 -
§ 3506 -
§ 3507 -
§ 3508 -
§ 3509 -
§ 3510 -
ADOPTION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
DEFINITIONS
TYPE AND TIME
USE
MISUSE
PROHIBITIONS ON DISCHARGE: PUBLIC PARKS AND RIGHT-OF-WAY
STORAGE AND SALE
RESERVED
APPLICATIONS FOR AND AWARD OF SALES PERMITS
PREQRUISITES TO ISSUANCE OF SALES PERMITS
ISSUANCE OF SALES PERMITS
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PAGE 24
§ 3511 -
§ 3512 -
§ 3513 -
§ 3514 -
APPROVAL OF LOCATION OF SALES STANDS
OPERATION OF SALES STANDS
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREWORKS STANDS
ESTABLISHMENT OF LIMITS OF DISTRICTS IN WHICH STORAGE OF
EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING AGENTS IS TO BE PROHIBITED
§ 3500.ADOPTION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE.
With exceptions where the Downey Municipal Code regulations are more stringent, the California Health and Safety Code Sections 12500-12726 is adopted as a reference for fireworks regulations.
§3501. DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this chapter, the most current adopted California Health and Safety Code (Sections 12500-12534) will define the terms used unless otherwise noted. §3502. TYPE AND TIME.
Fireworks shall only be discharged within the City boundaries between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on July Fourth. Only fireworks approved as '’Safe and Sane’' by the State Fire Marshal will be allowed to be discharged without a permit issued by the Fire Chief. It shall be unlawful to discharge fireworks at any other time or date of the year.
EXCEPTION: Displays presented by licenses pyrotechnic operators with appropriate permits issued by the Fire Department.
§3503. USE.
The discharge of ’'Safe and Sane'' fireworks shall be in the presence of a responsible adult (minimum age of eighteen (18)). Possession of any fireworks by anyone under the age of eighteen (18) is a violation of this Code. The transfer or sale of fireworks from unlicensed individuals is strictly prohibited.
§3504. MISUSE.
(a) Anyone found in possession or to be discharging fireworks deemed dangerous as defined in Section 12505 of the California Health and Safety Code shall be in violation of this Code.
(b) Anyone found is possession or discharging altered "Safe and Sane" fireworks, as defined in Section 12529 of the California Health and Safety Code, in a manner contrary to their intended use within the City shall be in violation of this Code. (c) Any fireworks found in either (a) or (b) above will be confiscated and properly disposed of by the Fire Department with the appropriate charges being borne by the violator. § 3505.PROHIBITIONS ON DISCHARGE: PUBLIC PARKS AND RIGHT-OF-WAY.
No person shall discharge any fireworks upon any City property or public right-of-way without the approval of the Fire Chief.
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§3506. STORAGE ANDSALE.
Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful for any person to store any fireworks or to offer for sale, display for sale, or sell at retail any fireworks within the City without a valid permit.
§ 3507. (RESERVED)
§ 3508.APPLICATIONS FOR AND AWARD OF SALES PERMITS.
Applications for sales permits and award of such permits shall be governed by the provisions of a resolution for such purpose to be adopted by the City Council and shall further be subject to other provisions of the Fire Code as amended. § 3509.PREREQUISITES TO ISSUANCE OF SALES PERMITS.
The following qualifications shall be met each year by each applicant for a sales permit for fireworks:
(a)Permits may be issued to any nonprofit association or corporation organized primarily for veteran, patriotic, welfare, religious, civic betterment, or charitable purposes which has been issued a tax-exempt certificate as required under the Revenue and Taxation Code of the State or a group which is an integral part of a recognized national organization having such a tax-exempt status. (b) Each such organization shall have its principal and permanent meeting place in the City, shall have been organized and established in the City for a minimum of two (2) years continuously preceding the filing of the application for the permit, and shall have a bona fide membership of at least twenty-five (25) members. (c) No City employee organization may be granted such permit (d) Completed applications for fireworks sales will be submitted to the Fire Department no later than October 1 st of the year preceding the July 4th holiday to which the sales are to occur.
(e)A financial statement signed by the treasurer or financial officer of the applicant setting forth the total gross receipts from each stand from which fireworks were sold, all expenses incurred and paid in connection with the purchase of fireworks and the sale thereof, and to whom and for what purpose the net proceeds were disbursed, along with the most recent report filed by the applicant to the State Board of Equalization, shall be filed with the Fire Department as part of the fireworks sale stand permit application package by no later than October 151 of the year preceding the July 4th holiday to which the sales are to occur. Such statements shall be made on forms furnished by the Director of Finance.
(D The filing of such financial statement shall be a condition precedent to the granting of any subsequent permit to any such permittee
(g) Organizations licensed to sell fireworks shall obtain a temporary sales permit for the City from the regional office of the State Board of Equalization.
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§3510. ISSUANCE OF SALES PERMITS.
(a)No one organization may receive more than one permit for fireworks sales during any one calendar year. This limitation shall not apply to groups which have separate charters from parent organizations. The maximum number of permits which may be issued pursuant to this chapter during any one calendar year shall not exceed eighteen (18)
(b)Each year a lottery drawing will be performed on the first Wednesday of November to select the fireworks stand permittees from the group of permit applications.
Permit applicants must be present at the time and place of the lottery drawing. All qualified groups will have an equal opportunity. Failure of applicant(s) to attend the lottery meeting will result in the denial of their sales permit application (c) Previous applicants found in violation of the Downey Fire Code or any fireworks related code provisions will not be eligible for a firework sales permit the following year
§ 3511.APPROVAL OF LOCATION OF SALES STANDS.
Prior to the installation of any stand for which a permit has been requested, the Chief of Police shall have the authority to disapprove the location if, in his opinion, a traffic hazard will be created; the Fire Chief shall have the authority to disapprove the location if, in his opinion, a fire hazard will be created; and the City Planner shall have the authority to disapprove the location if it is in conflict with the zoning provisions of this Code (a) A minimum distance of five hundred feet (500') shall be required between stands.
No more than two (2) stands shall be permitted on any single parcel of property, with a separation of five hundred feet (500'). Such distance requirements may be waived if the stands are located on opposite sides of major arterial highways. § 3512. OPERATION OFSALES STANDS.
It shall be unlawful for any person or group to operate a fireworks stand without complying with all of the following:
(a) No person other than the permittee organization shall operate the stand for which the permit is issued or share or otherwise participate in the profits of the operation of such stand.
(b)No person other than the individuals who are adult members of the permittee organization, or the spouses or adult children of such members, shall sell or otherwise participate in the sale of fireworks at such stands. In the event a permit is issued to an organization whose members are physically incapable of carrying on the sales activities, such activities may be performed by volunteers approved by the Fire Chief.
(c) No person shall be paid any consideration for selling or otherwise participating in the sale of fireworks at such stands, except the hiring of a night watchman. (d) Fireworks may be sold at approved stands only.
(e)No person shall be allowed in the interior of the stands, except those directly
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employed in the sales of fireworks or those conducting bona fide business within. (D All persons engaged in the selling of fireworks shall be age eighteen (18) years or older
(g) Each stand shall have an adult watchman in attendance and in charge thereof when the stand is not being used for the sale and dispensing of fireworks. No person shall be permitted within the stand from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., except on July 4 when the stand may be occupied until 12:00 midnight (h)The sale of fireworks shall only be allowed between the hours of 1 0:00 noon and 10:00 p.m. on July 1st and July 2nd, 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on July 3rd, and 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on July 4th-
(1)All unsold stock and accompanying litter shall be removed from the location by 5:00 p.m. on July 5th.
i)No fireworks shall be sold to any person under the age of eighteen (18) years. (k)No unsold stock may be relocated to, stored, or otherwise kept at a place of habitation. § 3513.GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREWORKS STANDS.
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise distribute fireworks without complying with all of the following provisions:
(a) All stands will be inspected by the Fire Department and/or the Building Department and found to meet the adopted Codes of the City of Downey before any sales transactions may occur.
(b) All stands shall be erected according to the provisions of all applicable City Codes and laws, except for fire resistive structural requirements which may be waived by the Building Official.
(c) if, in the judgment of the Fire Chief or the Building Official, the construction of the stands or the conduct of the operations therein do not conform to the provisions of this chapter or there exists an immediate hazard to the public health and safety, such officers, or either of them, may order the stands immediately closed. (d)The front of the fireworks stands shall be completely enclosed from the counter to the roof with hardware wire cloth, the openings of which shall not exceed one- fourth inch (1/4") in size, except for openings to permit the delivery of merchandise to the prospective customer, which openings shall not be larger than twelve inches (12") by eighteen inches (18") in size.
(e) All merchandise shall be stored or displayed at a distance of not less than one foot (1 ') from the front and side walls of the stands.
(D Approval shall be obtained from the Department of Building and Safety for each stand prior to its construction. Portable electrical supply will require special approvals
(g)No stand shall be constructed which has a depth of more than twelve feet (12').
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(h) Each stand up to thirty feet (30’) in length shall have at least two (2) exits, and each stand in excess of thirty feet (30') in length shall have at least three (3) exits spaced approximately equidistant apart; provided, however, in no case shall the distance between exits exceed twenty-four feet (24').
(1)
i)
Exit doors shall swing in the direction of egress.
Exits shall be so arranged that there will be egress available in at least two (2) directions from any place within the stands, and exits shall be located at opposite ends of the stands
(k) All stands shall be equipped with two (2) water pressure type fire extinguishers, underwriter approved, in good working order and easily accessible for use in case of fire
(1) No stand shall be placed closer than ten feet (10') to a public way, unless permission is first obtained from the Public Works Department.
(m) No stand shall be placed closer than twenty feet (20') to a side or rear property line, nor closer than thirty feet (30') to any other building or structure, nor closer than one hundred feet (100') to a gasoline service station or other occupancy which stores or uses flammable liquids.
(n)
(0)
All weeds and combustible material shall be cleared from the location of the stand for a distance of at least twenty feet (20') surrounding the stand.
Fireworks stands shall not be erected prior to June 24a' and shall be removed from the location by 12:00 noon on July 1 jth, and all accompanying litter shall be cleared from such location by such time and date.
(P)
(q)
"No smoking" signs shall be prominently displayed on the exterior or each stand, and no smoking shall be permitted within ten feet (10') of any stand. licenses to sell fireworks and temporary sales tax permits shall be displayed in a prominent place in the fireworks stand
(r) Approved rubbish containers in accordance with City standards shall be provided at each stand location.
§ 3514. ESTABLISHMENT OF LIMITS OF DISTRICTS IN WHICH STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING AGENTS IS TO BE PROHIBITED.
Storage of explosive materials is prohibited within the limits established in this Section, as the limits of districts in which such storage is prohibited. In districts where the storage of explosive materials is permitted the quantities of explosives and distances shall be in accordance with 2021 International Fire Code Sections 5601.8.1 and 5601.8.1.1.
The storage of explosives and blasting agents is prohibited in the following areas:
In zones as shown on City of Downey house numbering maps as C-1, C-2, C-3, CP, HM, R- 1, R- 2 and R-3
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SECTION 6. Chapter 6 (“Water Mains: Fire Hydrants”) of Article III of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
CHAPTER 6- WATER MAINS: FIRE HYDRANTS
§ 3600 WATER MAINS: FIRE HYDRANTS
§ 3610 HYDRANTPLACEMENT
§3600. WATER MAINS: FIRE HYDRANTS.
Any water main installed within the City after the effective date of this Section shall be of a kind, type, and design approved by the City Engineer, the Chief of the Fire Department, and the Water Superintendent and shall be at least six-inch (6") mains, unless, in the opinion of said City officers, a four-inch (4") main or line will be sufficient by reason of special or peculiar circumstances, particularly applicable to the area to be serviced by such main and not generally applicable. In the event any fire hydrants are installed as a part of the installation of such main, a shut-off valve shall be installed between any such fire hydrant and the main supplying water thereto.
Necessary details of the proposed construction as required by the City Engineer and the Water Superintendent shall be submitted to the City Engineer and the Water Superintendent prior to any work done on the installation of such main § 361 O. HYDRANT PLACEMENT.
The City of Downey requires that a fire hydrant be placed within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a Fire Department Connection (FDC). When there are existing hydrants near the placement of the FDC, the Fire Chief or his designated fire code official will have the discretion to approve or deny the proposed configuration. 1 Hydrant Spacing will be:
a. 300 feet for industrial, commercial, high density or multi-unit residential areas. 150 feet is the maximum distance from any point on street or frontage to a hydrant.
b. 500 feet for single family, duplex, triplex residential units. 250 feet is the maximum distance from any point on street or frontage to a hydrant.
Hydrants located on the opposite side of streets over 80 feet in width shall not be used to satisfy the requirements for hydrant spacing.
Additional public hydrants may be required depending upon required fire flows, street width, tactical considerations as determined by the Fire Chief, center dividers or other physical barriers, existing or anticipated traffic volume.
Private fire mains and hydrants shall be reviewed by the Downey Fire Department and shall require a Downey Fire Permit for installation. Private mains and hydrants shall be in accordance with public standards and NFPA 24.
Double Detector Check Valve Assembly as required by the City of Downey Public Works Department shall be placed in an area approved by the Fire chief and shielded from view by landscaping approved by the Downey Fire Department. It shall be painted a neutral color.
Double Detector Check Valve Assembly to be protected by a minimum of (2) 4 inch concrete filled steel tubes set in compacted soil 4 feet deep x 12 inch round rising 36 inches to 48 inches above finish grade.
2 3.
4 5.
6. SECTION 7: Prior Ordinances Repealed. Upon the effective date of this Ordinance, all former Ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this
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Ordinance or the codes herein adopted by reference including, but not limited to, Ordinance Nos. 1460, 1585, 1586, 04-1907, and 05-1921 and any other Ordinance in conflict herewith are hereby repealed and declared to be of no further force and effect.
SECTION 8: CEQA. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. The City Council hereby directs City staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the Clerk of Los Angeles County within five (5) days of the adoption of this Ordinance.
SECTION 9: SAVINGS CLAUSE. Neither the adoption of this Ordinance nor the repeal of any other Ordinance or provision of the Downey Municipal Code referenced in this Ordinance shall affect in any manner any offense or act committed or done or any penalty or forfeiture incurred, or any right established or accruing before the effective date of this Ordinance; nor shall it affect any prosecution, suit, or proceeding pending or any judgment rendered prior to the effective date of this Ordinance. The provisions of this Ordinance, insofar as they are substantially the same as ordinance provisions previously adopted by the City relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations, and not as new enactments. The provisions of this Ordinance shall have priority over substantially similar provisions previously adopted by the City relating to the same subject matter
SECTION 10: SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, paragraphs, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 11: The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
SECTION 12: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27th day of January 2026.
CLAUDIA M. FROMETA, Mayor
ATTEST
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
PAGE 31
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
L£q
FUNK
’Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss:
CITY OF DOWNEY )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-1538 was introduced at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the 13th day of January, 2026, and adopted at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the 27tF' day of January, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Member:
ABSENT: Council Member:
ABSTAIN: Council Member:
I FURTHER CERTIFY that a Summary of the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-1538, was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Downey, on January 15, 2026, (before introduction), and on January 29, 2026, (after adoption, including the vote thereon). It was also posted in the regular posting places in the City of Downey on the same dates
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE. CMC
City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1538
PAGE 32
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ORDINANCE NO. 26-1539
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE,
CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE,
CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE. CALIFORNIA GREEN
BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE. AND CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE (AS SET FORTH IN CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24); AND AMENDING DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE ARTICLE VIII (“BUILDING REGULATIONS”), CHAPTERS 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 15, AND 16 ACCORINGLY WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 50022.1 et seq., the City Council of the City of Downey may adopt by reference the California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, as provided in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, including the Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Historical Building Code, Green Building Standards Code, Energy Code, Existing Building Code, and Referenced Standards Code; and, WHEREAS, Sections 17922, 17958, and 18941.5 of the California Health and Safety Code provide that the governing body of every city or county shall adopt ordinances or regulations imposing the same requirements as those contained in the most recently adopted version of the California Building Standards Code; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Section 50022.9, the City Council of the City of Downey desires to adopt by reference the entirety of each of the following Codes, without modification, as if set forth in full herein:
1. California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, as published in Title 24, Part 3 of the California Code of Regulations;
2. California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, as published in Title 24, Part 4 of the California Code of Regulations;
3. California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, as published in Title 24, Part 5 of the California Code of Regulations;
4. California Historical Building Code, 2025 Edition, as published in Title 24, Part 8 of the California Code of Regulations;
5. California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, as published in Title 24, Part 1 1 of the California Code of Regulations;
6. California Energy Code, 2025 Edition, as published in Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations;
7. California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition, as published in Title 24, Part 10 of the California Code of Regulations; and,
8. California Referenced Standards Code, 2025 Edition, as published in Title 24, Part 12 of the California Code of Regulations;
WHEREAS, the City Council introduced this Ordinance and conducted a first reading on January 13, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing on this Ordinance was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, on January 1, 2026; and,
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1539
PAGE 2
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly-noticed public meeting on January 13, 2026, as required by law, at which time the Council determined that the adoption of each of these Codes is in the best interest of the City; and,
WHEREAS, at least one copy of each Code adopted by reference in this Ordinance was 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: That Chapter 2 ("Downey Electrical Code") of Section VIII ("Building Regulations") of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety and amended to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 2
DOWNEY ELECTRICAL CODE
§ 8101. Uniform Code Adopted. Those portions of that certain document, one copy of which is on file in the Building and Safety Division and the Office of the City Clerk, entitled "California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition," published by the California Building Standards Commission, and identified as NFPA 70-2020, published by the National Fire Protection Association contained in Chapters 1 to 9 as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, and Annex B and C, are hereby adopted, by reference, as a part of this Chapter as though fully set forth herein."
SECTION 2: That Chapter 3 ("Downey Mechanical Code") of Article VIII ("Building Regulations") of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety and amended to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 3
DOWNEY MECHANICAL CODE
§ 8201: Uniform Code Adopted. That certain document, one copy of which is on file in Building and Safety Division and the Office of the City Clerk, entitled California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, published by the California Building Standards Commission (California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 4) is hereby adopted, by reference, as part of this Chapter as though fully set forth herein."
SECTION 3: That Chapter 4 ("Downey Plumbing Code") of Article VIII ("Building Regulations") of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety and amendedto read as follows:
"CHAPTER 4
DOWNEY PLUMBING CODE
§ 8301: Uniform Plumbing Code Adopted. That certain document, one copy of which is on file in the Building and Safety Division and the Office of the City Clerk, entitled California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, published by the California Building Standards Commission (California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 5) and appendices B, C, D, and K of that same Code, are hereby adopted, by reference, as part of this Chapter as though
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1539
PAGE 3
fully set forth herein."
SECTION 4: That Chapter 9 ("Downey Historical Building Code") of Article VIII ("Building Regulations") of the Downey Municipal Code as set forth below hereby amends and replaces the existing Chapter 9 (Downey Historical Building Code) in its entirety to read as follows
"CHAPTER 9
DOWNEY HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
§ 8807. Uniform Code Adopted. That certain document, one copy of which is on file in the Building and Safety Division and the Office of the City Clerk, entitled California Historical Building Code, 2025 Edition, published by the California Building Standards Commission (California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 8), is hereby adopted, by reference, as a part of this Chapter as though fully set forth herein." SECTION 5: That Chapter 11 ("Downey Green Building Standards Code") of Article VIII ("Building Regulations") of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 11
DOWNEY GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
§ 8985. Uniform Code Adopted. That certain document, one copy of which is on file in the Building and Safety Division and the Office of the City Clerk, entitled California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, published by the California Building Standards Commission (California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 11), is hereby adopted by reference, as a part of this Chapter as though fully set forth herein." SECTION 6: That Chapter 15 ("Downey Existing Building Code'') of Article VIII ("Building Regulations") of the Downey Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 15
DOWNEY EXISTING BUILDING CODE
§ 8999.50. Uniform Code Adopted. That certain document, one copy of which is on file in the Building and Safety Division and the Office of the City Clerk, entitled California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition, published by the California Building Standards Commission (California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 10), is hereby adopted, by reference, as a part of this Chapter as though fully set forth herein." SECTION 7: That Chapter 16 ("Downey Referenced Standards Code") of Article VIII ("Building Regulations") the Downey Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 16
DOWNEY REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE
§ 8999.60. Uniform Code Adopted. That certain document, one copy of which is on file in the Building and Safety Division and the Office of the City Clerk entitled California Referenced Standards Code, 2025 Edition, published by the California Building Standards Commission (California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 12) is hereby adopted, by
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1539
PAGE 4
reference, as though fully set forth herein.‘
SECTION 8: CEQA. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. The City Council hereby directs City staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the Clerk of Los Angeles County within five (5) days of the adoption of this Ordinance.
SECTION 9: SAVINGS CLAUSE. Neither the adoption of this Ordinance nor the repeal of any other Ordinance or provision of the Downey Municipal Code referenced in this Ordinance shall affect in any manner any offense or act committed or done or any penalty or forfeiture incurred, or any right established or accruing before the effective date of this Ordinance; nor shall it affect any prosecution, suit, or proceeding pending or any judgment rendered prior to the effective date of this Ordinance. The provisions of this Ordinance, insofar as they are substantially the same as ordinance provisions previously adopted by the City relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations, and not as new enactments. The provisions of this Ordinance shall have priority over substantially similar provisions previously adopted by the City relating to the same subject matter.
SECTION 10: SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, paragraphs, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional SECTION 11 : The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
SECTION 12: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption pursuant to California Government Code section 36937.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27th day of January 2026.
CLAUDIA M. FROMETA, Mayor
ATTEST:
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 26-1539
PAGE 5
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
9,/
#nFtliiF<
Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss:
CITY OF DOWNEY )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-1539 was introduced at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the 13th day of January, 2026, and adopted at a Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the 27th day of January, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Member:
ABSENT: Council Member:
ABSTAIN: Council Member:
I FURTHER CERTIFY that a Summary of the foregoing Ordinance No. 26-1539, was published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Downey, on January 15, 2026, (before introduction), and on January 29, 2026, (after adoption, including the vote thereon). It was also posted in the regular posting places in the City of Downey on the same dates
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk