Fountain Valley City Council
November 4, 2025

viii. doors and gates to other areas identified by the fire department.

Knox boxes orswitchesshall be located adjacent to and clearly visible from the gate or door served. They shall be securely mounted to a wall or fence at a height of four to six feet above grade in a location that is easily accessible to firefighters. Boxes and switches are not required to be electronically monitored; if they are, they shall not initiate an alarm signal that requires a response by the fire department.
b) Key box Contents - The key used to unlock the gate or door shall be kept in the key box. When the key unlocks more than the individual adjacent gate or door, a label or tag shall be attached to the key identifying the gates or doors it operates. Where multiple gates or doors are served by a single box, two or more copies of the key(s) are recommended so that a copy will be available to each engine company responding to the site.
c) Electric Locks – Electromagnetically or electromechanically locked pedestrian gates and doors shall be equipped either with a Knox box containing a key to open the lock or, if the door lock cannot be operated with a key from the exterior, a Knox key switch shall be provided adjacent to the door. Where key switches are provided, the door or gate lock shall remain disengaged until the key switch is returned to the “normal” closed or locked position.
d) Vehicle gates - See sections 5.E through 5.G for more information on requirements for Knox boxes and key switches serving vehicle gates across fire lanes.

10. Access during construction
Access and water supply during construction shall comply with CFC Chapter 33 and the provisions listed in this section and, where applicable, elsewhere in this guideline.

Construction activities at job sites not complying with these requirements may suspended at the discretion of the Fountain Valley inspector until a reasonable level of compliance is achieved.

At no time shall construction projects impair or obstruct existing fire access roadways or access to and operation of existing fire hydrants serving other structures. Should existing roadways or hydrants need to be moved or otherwise altered during the course of construction, the developer shall provide alternative access routes and other mitigation features to ensure adequate fire and life-safety protection. Such alternatives and features shall be submitted to the Fountain Valley for review and approval prior to alteration of existing conditions.

A. Lumber drop inspection – an inspection shall be scheduled with a Fountain Valley inspector to verify that access roadways and operable hydrants have been provided for buildings under construction.
1) For buildings of Type IV and V construction (and non-combustible structures that may have a portion of the exterior walls, façade, or other building elements comprised of wood or other combustible material), a lumber drop inspection shall occur prior to bringing combustible building materials on site. 2) For other construction types (Type I, II, III) with exterior walls built of noncombustible materials, an inspection shall occur prior to commencing interior construction involving combustible materials (e.g., wooden mezzanines or partition walls, carpet, cabinetry or other woodwork, furniture, etc.). In concrete tilt-up and masonry buildings, wooden panelized roofing systems are exempt from this requirement.
3) An inspection shall occur prior to construction reaching 40 feet in height for buildings of any construction type that will have four or more floors when complete.
4) The street address of the site shall be prominently posted at each entrance.

For projects on streets that do not have a name or street signs posted yet, the sign shall include the project name and tract/lot number. 5) Gates through construction fencing shall be equipped with a Knox padlock or frangible lock/chain.

6) When required by the Fountain Valley inspector, fire lanesshall be posted with “Fire Lane—No Parking” signs or no parking areasshall be otherwise identified to maintain them free of obstructions during construction. 7) Provisions shall be made to ensure that hydrants are not blocked by vehicles or obstructed by construction material or debris. A three-foot clearspace shall be provided around the perimeter of the hydrant and no parking or similar obstructions shall be allowed along the adjacent road within 15 feet of the hydrant. Inoperable hydrants shall be bagged.

B. Temporary Fire Access Roads - Temporary access roads (construction roads that do not match the final location and configuration of permanent roads as approved on a Fire Master Plan) and temporary hydrants may be permitted for single family residential model construction or a single detached custom home less than 5,500 square feet in area with the following conditions:
1) Plans for temporary access shall be submitted to the, City of Fountain Valley.

Plans shall be drawn to scale and show permanent (existing) roadways, proposed temporary roadway locations, location of models, space dedicated to storage of construction materials, and parking for work crews and construction vehicles. The plans shall clearly state that they have been submitted for temporary access and hydrants.
2) Plans shall be stamped and signed by a licensed civil engineer stating that the temporary access road can support 68,000 pounds of vehicle weight in allweather conditions. The road base material shall be over soil compacted to at least 90% and be mixed or topped with a suitable binding material to provide all-weather characteristics; road base alone does not satisfy this requirement. 3) Provide a parking plan for the construction site detailing how the fire lane no parking regulations will be enforced. Include a clause in the letter stating that “the job-site superintendent is responsible for informing the work crews of parking requirements and that the entire job-site is subject to shut-down by the Fountain Valley inspector if parking is in violation of fire lane posting.” The letter shall be written on company letterhead and scanned onto the plan.

4) All other access and water requirements shall apply (e.g., width, approach clearance, premises identification, locks, gates, barriers, etc.). 5) The approved plan for temporary access and water supply shall be available at the construction site prior to bringing combustible building materials on- site. 6) An inspection by Fountain Valley inspector is required to verify adherence to the approved plan prior to bringing combustible materials on-site.

C. Phased access - Incremental installation of permanent access roadways as shown on a fire master plan may be permissible for commercial and residential developments.

If phased installation is anticipated, the site superintendent or designee shall review the installation process with a Fountain Valley inspector during the lumber drop inspection or pre-construction meeting. Depending on the complexity of the installation, size of the project, and other project-specific factors, the inspector may allow phased installation to proceed immediately or may first require that all or some of the following items are satisfied:
1) Plans for phased access shall be submitted to the City of Fountain Valley either as part of the original access plan submittal or as a revision to an approved fire access plan. Plans shall be drawn to scale and demonstrate that all access and water requirements are met during all phases of construction and that approval of one phase does not compromise or complicate completion of the subsequent phases. Plans shall show for each phase of construction:
a) The extent of building construction
b) Location of operable hydrants serving all buildings under construction
c) The location of construction fencing, barriers, and vehicle access gates

d) The location of all temporary or permanent “Fire Lane—No Parking” signs
e) Equipment/materielstaging locations
f) Worker parking areas (see item “4” below)
2) Phasing plansshall be stamped and signed by a licensed civil engineerstating that the access road can support 75,000 pounds of vehicle weight in allweather conditions. The road base material shall be over soil compacted to at least 90% and be mixed or topped with a suitable binding material to provide all-weather characteristics; road base alone does not satisfy this requirement. The final road section less the final lift of asphalt topping may be acceptable if certified by the engineer.
3) The phasing plan shall identify any anticipated areas where fire department access roadways may be temporarily inaccessible due to trenching, slurry coating, striping, or other construction activities after they have been installed and inspected. The plan shall indicate the anticipated period of impairment and include provisions for providing plating over trenches and alternative access routes, notification to the fire department, and/or other forms of mitigation when such roadways are impaired.
4) Provide a parking plan for the construction site detailing how the fire lane no parking regulations will be enforced. Include a clause stating that “the job-site superintendent is responsible for informing the work crews of parking requirements and that the entire job-site is subject to shutdown by the Fountain Valley inspector if parking is in violation of fire lane posting.” 5) The approved phasing plan shall be available at the construction site prior to bringing combustible building materials on-site. A lumber drop inspection by a Fountain Valley inspector will be required prior to the commencement of each phase.
6) All other access and water requirements shall apply (e.g., width, approach clearance, premises identification, locks, gates, barriers, etc.).

INDEX OF ATTACHMENTS
NUMBER: SUBJECT ......................................................................................................... PAGE 1: Standard Fire Master Plan Notes .............................................................................. .......27 2: Fire Master Plan Submittal Checklist ...............................................................................29 3: Minimum Road Widths ......................................................................................................30 4: Clearance for Typical Gated Community Guard House .................................................31 5: Fire Apparatus Access Roadway Clearance .....................................................................32 6: “S” Curves ...........................................................................................................................33 7: Minimum Turnaround and Hammerhead Dimensions ...................................................34 8: Fire Lane Parking Violations .............................................................................................36 9: Red Curb Specifications......................................................................................................37 10: Fire Lane Entrance Sign Specifications.............................................................................38 11: Alternative Location for Towing Company Information ................................................39 12: Fire Lane No Parking Sign Specifications .........................................................................40 12a: Cul-de-Sac Fire Lane No Parking Sign Specifications .....................................................41 12b: Alternative Fire Lane No Parking Sign Specifications ....................................................42 13: Fire Lane No Parking Sign Locations ...............................................................................43 13a: Fire Lane No Parking Sign Locations for Cul-de-sacs .....................................................44 14: Sign Mounting Specifications .............................................................................................45 15: Minimum Gate Setbacks ....................................................................................................46 16: Fire Lane No Parking Signs for Gates and Barriers ........................................................47 17: Cul-de-sacs and Dead-end Roadways ................................................................................48 18: Cul-de-sacs up to 150’ with Islands ...................................................................................50 19: Short Cul-de-sacs and Dead-end Roads ............................................................................51 20: Eyebrows ..............................................................................................................................52 21: Sample Parking Enforcement Letter .................................................................................53 22: Fire Flow Table ....................................................................................................................54 23: Hydrant Quantity and Spacing Table ...............................................................................55 24: Protection of Hydrants, Detector Checks, FDCs, and other Appurtenances .................56 25: Blue Dot Hydrant Marker Location ..................................................................................57 26: Hose Pull...............................................................................................................................58 27: Hose Pull vs. Hose lay .........................................................................................................59

ATTACHMENT 1
Fountain Valley Fire Department Access & Water Plan Notes All of the notes listed in the INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS and GENERAL REQUIREMENTS sections shall be placed, verbatim, on the plan under the heading “FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS & WATER NOTES.”

INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

1. Fountain Valley site inspections are required for this project. Please schedule all field inspections at least 48 hours in advance

2. A lumber drop inspection shall be performed prior to bringing combustible materials (or combustible fixtures and finishes for structures of non-combustible construction). Allweather access roads capable of supporting 75,000 topped with asphalt, concrete, or equivalent shall be in place and hydrants operational at time of lumber drop inspection.

3. For projects with fuel modification, a vegetation clearance inspection is required prior to a lumber drop inspection. Use the fuel modification plan service request number to schedule the vegetation clearance inspection.

4. An original approved, signed, wet-stamped Fountain Valley fire access & water plan shall be available on-site at time of inspection.

5. Access roads and hydrants shall be maintained and remain clear of obstructions at all times during and after construction. Areas where parking is not permitted shall be clearly identified at all times. Obstruction of fire lanes and hydrants may result in cancellation or suspension of inspections.

6. Temporary fuel tanks of 60 or more gallons shall be reviewed, inspected, and permitted by the, City of Fountain Valley prior to use.

7. The project address shall be clearly posted and visible from the public road during construction.

8. All gates in construction fencing shall be equipped with either a Knox or breakaway padlock.

9. Buildings of four or more storiesshall be provided with stairs and a standpipe before reaching 40 feet in height.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Fire lane widths shall be measured from top face of the curb to top face of the curb for fire lanes with standard curbs and gutters and from flow-line to flow-line for fire lanes with modified curb designs (e.g., rolled, ramped, etc.). The developer is responsible to verify that all approved public works or grading departmentstreet improvement plans or precise grading plans conform to the minimum street width measurements per the approved Fountain Valley fire department access & water plan and standards identified in Fountain Valley Fire Department Access & Water Guideline for all portions of the fire access roads.

2. Permanent, temporary, and phased emergency access roads shall be designed and maintained to support an imposed load of 75,000 lbs. and surfaced to provide all-weather driving capabilities.

3. Fire lane signs and red curbs shall meet Fountain Valley Fire Department Access & Water Guideline and shall be installed as described therein. Additional fire lane markings may be required at the time of inspection depending on field conditions.

4. All fire hydrants shall have a “Blue Reflective Pavement Marker” indicating their location per the Fountain Valley standard. On private property markers are to be maintained in good condition by the property owner.

5. Address numbers shall be located and be of a color and size so as to be plainly visible and legible from the roadway from which the building is addressed in accordance with Fountain Valley Fire Department Access & Water Guideline.

6. Access gates shall be approved prior to installation and shall be in compliance with Chapter 5 of the CFC and Fountain Valley Fire Department Access & Water Guideline.

7. Approved access walkwaysshall be provided to allrequired openings and all rescue windows.

8. Vegetation shall be selected and maintained in such a manner as to allow immediate access to all hydrants, valves, fire department connections, pull stations, extinguishers, sprinkler risers, alarm control panels, rescue windows, and other devices or areas used for firefighting purposes. Vegetation or building features shall not obstruct address numbers or inhibit the functioning of alarm bells, horns, or strobes.

9. Dumpsters and trash containers larger than 1.5 cubic yards shall not be stored in buildings or placed within 5 feet of combustible walls, openings or combustible roof eave lines unless protected by an approved sprinkler system.

10. Any future modification to the approved Fire Department Access & Water Plan or approved site plan, including but not limited to road width, grade, speed humps, turning radii, gates or other obstructions, shall require review, inspection, and approval by the, City of Fountain Valley.

11. Approval of this plan shall not be construed as approval of any information or project conditions other than those items and requirements identified in Fountain Valley Fire Department Access & Water Guideline and related portions of the CFC and CBC. This project may be subject to additional requirements not stated herein upon examination of actual site and project conditions or disclosure of additional information.

ATTACHMENT 2
Fire Department Access & Water Plan Submittal Checklist

PROJECT INFORMATION
Scope of project is clearly defined on the plan?
Conditional Use Permit conditions included with submittal? Tract/Tentative Tract/Parcel Map Number has been provided? Standard Fountain Valley fire master plan notes are included? Building area, construction, occupancy, sprinklers noted on plan? Allowable area calculation provided on plan?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A (CUP was not required by city)
N/A (Building lessthan 6000 sq.ft.)
AM&M request letter scanned onto plan?
Sheets not relevant to fire master plan removed from plan set? Access/hydrant phasing plan provided?
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A (No alternate methods proposed)
N/A (No phasing of access/hydrant installation)

WATER AND HYDRANTS
Water availability form completed and provided?
All hydrants within 400’ of the site are shown on plan? Are hydrants provided/spaced per CFC Appendix C?
Yes
Yes
Yes
No

ACCESS AND ROADWAYS
Extent of the access roadway is clearly shown on the plan? Turning radii and width (incl. road sections) shown on the plan? Exterior of all structures within 150’ hose pull distance? Yes
Yes
Yes No (Mitigation proposed via AM&M)
Engineer’s certification provided for new paving?
Walkable surface provided to required openings?
Road and walkway grades >10% (7% in Irvine) shown on plan? Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A (No new paving)
N/A (Grade <10%, <7% in Irvine)

FIRE LANE IDENTIFICATION
Red curbs are identified with bold or dashed lines? Yes N/A (Signs provided) Location of each “Fire Lane—No Parking” sign shown?
Fire lane entrance sign provided at each vehicle entrance? Detail drawings of red curbs/“No Parking”/entrance signs shown? Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A (Red curbs provided)

GATES AND OBSTRUCTIONS
Are all gates, fences, and plantersshown?
Are vehicle gatesidentified as manual or electric?
Yes
Yes N/A (No gates)
Manual vehicle gates have “No Parking” sign noted? Yes N/A (No manual gates) Knox boxes/locks/switches are noted on plans? Yes N/A (No gates) Fountain Valley gate notes/specifications included on plan? Yes N/A (No gates) Knox form completed? Yes N/A (No gates)

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Premises ID/address monument location shown on plan? Yes N/A (Single family homes) Trash enclosures are located at least 5’ from buildings? Yes No (Enclosures are sprinklered) Two entry points provided for 150 or more residences? Yes N/A (Non-residential project) Parking enforcement letter provided? Yes N/A (Public streets only) NOTE: This is only a listing of basic fire master plan submittal requirements. Other information or requirements may be necessary depending on conditionsspecific to each project.

ATTACHMENT 3

PARKING
8’ minimum

FIRE LANE
24’ minimum

PARKING
8’ minimum
Minimum Road Widths
Measured from top face of curb to top face of curb for standard vertical curbs or flow line to flow line for rolled, ramped, or other curb types.

FIRE LANE
24’ minimum
ROADWAY LESS THAN 32’
Parking prohibited.

Roadway is required to be posted as a fire lane.

FIRE LANE PARKING
ROADWAY AT LEAST 32’ BUT LESS THAN 40’
Parking permitted on one side only.

Roadway is required to be posted as a fire lane.

ROADWAY 40’ OR WIDER
Parking permitted on both sides
P P
P
24’ minimum 8’ minimum

ATTACHMENT 4
Fire Apparatus Access Roadway Clearance
For Typical Gated Community Guard House
Fire lane width reductions detailed below are applicable only to the area immediately adjacent to the guard house or gate. Roads leading up to and beyond the guard house or gate shall meet standard fire lane width requirements prescribed in Section 2.A.5 of this guideline. 13’ minimum
width for
gated entries

PROPER CLEARANCE PROVIDED
Eaves and vegetation do not encroach upon the 13’-wide by 13’-6” high minimum dimensions allowed for the fire access roadway next to the guard house.
13’ minimum
width for
gated entries

INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE
While a 13’-wide access roadway is provided next to the guard house, eaves and vegetation encroach upon the minimum clear height of the fire lane.

ATTACHMENT 5
Fire Apparatus Access
Roadway Clearance
24’ minimum width
13’-6” minimum height

PROPER CLEARANCE PROVIDED
Eaves, balconies, and other obstructions do not encroach upon the 24’ wide by 13’-6” high fire access roadway envelope.

ATTACHMENT 6
“S” Curves
24’

NOT PERMITTED
Fountain Valley fire apparatus are
unable to negotiate tight “S” curves,
such as the one shown to the left.

PERMITTED
A 60’ straight leg is required
between the turns in a compound
curve to provide sufficient recovery
distance for the apparatus.

Alternatively, the length of the
straight leg may be reduced if
the road width and/or turning radii
are increased to allow for a wider
turn.
40’
20’

ATTACHMENT 7
Minimum Turnaround and Hammerhead Dimensions
NOTE: Parking is not permitted in these turnarounds at the dimensions shown.

Standard
turnaround 24’
24’ Offset
turnaround
40’
varies (28’ min.)
17’ 42’
40’

45’*
20’
55’* 24’ 55’*
70’ 26’
24’
NOTE: Parking is not permitted in any ofthese hammerheads at the dimensionsshown. * Wherever possible, increase this dimension by five feet. 50’*
24’ 28’
50’*
50’* 28’* 50’*
28’*
28’*
50’*
24’*

ATTACHMENT 8
Fire Lane Parking Violations
The California Fire Code (CFC) and California Vehicle Code (CVC) specify rules of the road for stopping, standing, and parking in fire lanes or near fire hydrants.

A. Section 22500.1 statesthat no person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle whether attended or unattended, in any location designated as a fire lane by the , City of Fountain Valley except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the direction of a peace officer or official traffic control device. Vehicles illegally parked in a fire lane may be towed per CVC 22953(b).

B. There shall be no parking of any vehicles other than fire department vehicles within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant in accordance with CVC 22514(c). Such vehicles may be towed per CVC 22651(e).

C. CVC 22658(a) permits the owner or person in lawful possession of any private property, subsequent to notifying local law enforcement, to cause the removal of a vehicle parked on such property to the nearest public garage, if:
1) A sign is displayed in plain view at all entrances to the property specifying:
a) The ordinance prohibiting public parking, and
b) A notation indicating that vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense, and
c) The telephone number of the local traffic law enforcement agency, or 2) The lot or parcel upon which the vehicle is parked has a single-family dwelling.

D. CFC 503.4 states that the required width of a fire apparatus access road shall not be obstructed in any manner, including parking of vehicles. Minimum required widths and clearances shall be maintained at all times.

E. CFC 507.5.4 states that vehicles and other obstructions shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants, fire department inlet connections or fire-protection system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or fire hydrants from being immediately discernible. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire-protection equipment or hydrants.

ATTACHMENT 9
Fire Lane Identification – Red Curbs

1. Fire lane entrance sign(s) shall also be provided per Attachment 10 or 11.

2. Curbs shall be painted OSHA safety red.

3. “FIRE LANE – NO PARKING” shall be painted on top of curb in 3” white lettering at a spacing of 30’ on center or portion thereof.

ATTACHMENT 10
Specifications for
Fire Lane Entrance Signs
To be used only at vehicle entry points
to areas that contain “Fire Lane—No Parking” signs or red curbs 1-3/8” bold red
lettering on white
reflective
30”
2-3/4” bold white
reflective lettering
on red
background
1-3/8” bold red
lettering on white
reflective
1” red lettering on
white reflective
background
18”
Allsign and lettering dimensionsshown are minimums. “Arial Narrow” font used is used in sample above though other legible sans-serif fonts may be acceptable.

This sign shall be posted at all vehicle entrances to areas marked with either red curbs or fire lane “No Parking” signs. Signs shall be securely mounted facing the direction of travel and clearly visible to oncoming traffic entering the designated area.

Towing company contact information is required for all properties with a standing written agreement for services with a towing company per the California Vehicle Code.

NOTICE

NO PARKING IN

AREAS MARKED AS

VIOLATING VEHICLES

WILL BE CITED

OR TOWED AT
OWNER’S EXPENSE
FOUNTAIN VALLEY POLICE (Phone
#) TOWING COMPANY NAME &
PHONE # CVC 22658(a) CVC 22500.1

ATTACHMENT 11
Specifications for
Alternate Location of
Towing Company Information
NOTICE

NO PARKING IN

AREAS MARKED

VIOLATING VEHICLES

WILL BE CITED

OR TOWED AT
OWNER’S EXPENSE
LAW AGENCY NAME & PHONE #
CVC 22658(a) CVC 22500.1
Fire lane entrance
sign shall meet all
Fountain Valley
standards detailed
in this guideline

TOWING COMPANY NAME
TOWING COMPANY PHONE #
Minimum 1” red
lettering on white
reflective
background
Towing company contact information is required for all properties with a standing written agreement for services with a towing company per the California Vehicle Code.

To facilitate periodic changes in towing company contracts, the towing company contact information may be posted on a separate sign mounted directly below the fire lane entrance sign instead of on the entrance sign itself. The method of attachment to the post shall not obscure the wording on either sign.

ATTACHMENT 12
18”
Specifications for
Fire Lane No Parking Signs
2” bold, condensed
white reflective
lettering on red
background
2” bold, condensed
red lettering on
white reflective
background
1” red lettering on
white reflective
background
12”
All sign and lettering dimensions shown are minimums. “Arial Narrow” font used is used in sample above though other legible sans-serif fonts may be acceptable.

Signs shall be securely mounted facing the direction of travel and clearly visible to oncoming traffic entering the designated area.

FIRE LANE

NO PARKING

VIOLATINGVEHICLES

WILL BE CITED

OR TOWED AT
CVC22500.1

ATTACHMENT 12a
Specifications for Cul-de-Sac
Fire Lane No Parking Signs
12”
18”

FIRE LANE
NO

PARKING

INCUL-DE-SAC

VIOLATINGVEHICLES

WILL BE CITED

OR TOWED AT
BEGIN
2” bold, condensed
white reflective
lettering on red
background
2” bold, condensed
red lettering on
white reflective
background
1-3/8” bold,
condensed red
lettering on white
reflective background
1” red lettering on
white reflective
background
Minimum 2” red lettering
on white reflective
background; provide
“BEGIN” sign at entry into
cul-de-sac and “END” sign
when leaving cul-de-sac.
“BEGIN” or “END” sign
may be omitted where culde-sac is the continuation
of a no parking zone on
streets <36’ wide.

All sign and lettering dimensions shown are minimums. “Arial Narrow” font used is used in sample above though other legible sans-serif fonts may be acceptable.

Signs shall be securely mounted facing the direction of travel and clearly visible to oncoming traffic entering the designated area.

ATTACHMENT 12b
Specifications for Alternative
Fire Lane No Parking Signs
12”
Additional verbiage
shall be 1” bold,
condensed red lettering
on white reflective
background. Where
parking stalls are not
present, sign may omit
“except in designated
stalls “and sign height
may be reduced to 18”.

Specificationsforthe
rest of the sign shall
match those of
standard fire lane no
parking signs.

All sign and lettering dimensions shown are minimums. “Arial Narrow” font used is used in sample above though other legible sans-serif fonts may be acceptable.

Signs shall be securely mounted facing the direction of travel and clearly visible to oncoming traffic entering the designated area.

FIRE LANE
NO

PARKING

BEYONDTHISPOINT

EXCEPT IN
STALLS

VIOLATINGVEHICLES

WILL BE CITED

OR TOWED AT

ATTACHMENT 13
Fire Lane No Parking Sign Locations
Signs are required within 3’ of the end of each designated fire lane and spaced a maximum of 50’ along the entire designated lane. One sign is required for each island adjacent to the fire lane.

Signs shall be securely mounted facing the direction of travel and clearly visible to oncoming traffic entering the designated area.

ATTACHMENT 13a
40’
Offset 40’ radius cul-de-sac: “no-parking
entire cul-de-sac begin” and “end” signs
shall be located at the point where the
street beginsto widen into the bulb and
at a point 40’ from where the cul-de-sac
and street are tangent (see Attachment
12a)
20’
min.

Where size and placement of driveways
ensure sufficient space is available to
execute a three-pointturn, no-parking sign
are unnecessary.

Fire Lane No Parking Sign Locations for Cul-de-sacs
Standard 40’ radius cul-de-sac
“no-parking entire cul-de-sac begin”
and “end” signs shall be located at
the point where the street begins to
widen into the bulb (see Attachment
12a)

ATTACHMENT 14
Mounting Specifications for
Fire Lane Entrance and No Parking Signs
Pedestrian areas: 7’
All other areas: 5’
Pedestrian areas: 7’
All other areas: 5’
18” 24”
24” 24”

STANDARD CURB
Signs shall be mounted facing the direction of vehicular travel.

ROLLED CURB
Signs may be mounted on existing posts or buildings where the centerline of the sign is no more than 24” from the edge of the roadway.

Depth of bury shall be a minimum of 24” and rebar, a concrete footing, or another method to prevent removal of the sign is recommended. Footings for signs located in the public right-ofway shall be per the local jurisdiction’s requirements.

ATTACHMENT 15
Minimum Gate Setbacks
Turning Radii (typical):
20’ inside
40’ outside
30’ min.
13’
min.

Key switch
60’ min.

ATTACHMENT 16
Specifications for
“Fire Lane - No Parking” Signs for
Manually Operated Gates and Barriers
18”
2” bold, condensed
red lettering on white
reflective background
Curb(s) shall be marked
as fire lane if road < 36’
wide.

Mount one sign on
each face of gate.

All sign and lettering dimensions shown are minimums. “Arial Narrow” font used is used in sample above though other legible sans-serif fonts may be acceptable. “Fire Lane—No Parking” sign shown in Attachment 12 may be used as an alternative. Signs shall be securely mounted on the front and back face of the gate clearly visible to traffic entering the designated area. Signs shall be made of a durable material. 12”
FIRE
LANE
NO

PARKING

ATTACHMENT 17
Cul-de-sacs and Dead-end Roadways
1) Cul-de-sac streets greater than 150 feet in length that are required fire lanes shall be provided with a 38-foot minimum turning radius in the bulb.
2) Where a spur road or private driveway that is a required fire lane is accessed via the cul-de-sac road, the driveway or spur shall be no more than 150’ in length unless an approved turnaround has been provided within 150’ of the end of the spur or driveway.

ATTACHMENT 18
Cul-de-sacs up to 150’ with Islands
Access to the homes will be measured along an approved route around the island and any other obstructions in the path of travel from the point where the island begins to impede fire apparatus. If hose-pull to the main entry of a sprinklered home exceeds 300’ (or 150’ to the most remote point around the perimeter for unsprinklered homes), the portion of the bulb beyond the island shall be designed as a fire lane or other mitigating features shall be provided. If all homes are in access from the area preceding the island, the portion of the bulb beyond the island is not required to comply with Fountain Valley fire access roadway requirements. The neck and portion of the bulb preceding the island shall meet all other fire lane requirements prescribed in this guideline if it is a required fire lane.

ATTACHMENT 19
Short Cul-de-sacs and Dead-end Roads
If hose-pull distance can be satisfied without fire apparatus entering the cul-de-sac or dead-end road, and the road is not otherwise required to be a fire lane as determined by the fire code official, the street is not required to have a bulb or hammerhead with minimum Fountain Valley turning radii or meet other standard fire lane requirements.

ATTACHMENT 20
Eyebrows
If the eyebrow does not meet Fountain Valley’s minimum turning radius and width requirements, fire department access will be measured from the nearest available fire lane around the island and any other obstructions. If hose-pull to the main entry of a sprinklered home exceeds 300’ (or 150’ to the most remote point around the perimeter for unsprinklered homes), the eyebrow shall be designed as a fire lane or other mitigating features shall be provided.

ATTACHMENT 21
Sample Parking Enforcement Letter
Date
City of Fountain
Valley 1635 Faraday
Fountain Valley, CA. 92008
Re: (Project Name, Location, and Permit Number)
Parking Enforcement Plan
The fire lane parking enforcement plan for the above referenced project isstated as follows:

All fire lanes within (list development address or tract information) shall be maintained and in no event shall parking be permitted along any portion of a street or drive that required fire lanes or any area designated as a fire lane for turn-around purposes either during construction or after occupancy.
(Association name) shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations regarding the parking of vehicles along the streets, roads and or drives within the project that are not in conflict with applicable law.

In furtherance thereof, (Association name), through its officers, committees and agents, will establish the “parking” and “no parking” areas within the property in accordance with Section 22658.2 of the California Vehicle Code and Fountain Valley Fire Department Access & Water Guideline. The law shall be enforced through such rules and regulations by all lawful means, including, written warnings, citing, levying fines and towing vehicles in violation. (Association name) will contract with a certified patrol and towing company to remove vehicles that violate no parking restrictions. First time violators will receive a written warning and with subsequent violations, the vehicle shall be subject to towing. The vehicle owner shall be responsible for all costs incurred in remedying such violation, including without limitation towing cost, citations and legal fees.

Company Name
Authorized Agent Signature
Cc:

ATTACHMENT 22
CFC TABLE B105.1:

Minimum Required Fire Flow and Flow Duration for Buildings as adopted by the City of Fountain Valley
FIRE FLOW CALCULATION AREA (square feet) FIRE FLOW (gallons/min) Flow
Duration Type IA and IB Type IIA and IIIA Type IV and VA Type IIB and IIIB Type VB unsprinklered commercial/SFR
sprinklered
commercial/SFR
0-22700 0-12700 0-8200 0-5900 0-3600 1500/1000 1500/1000 2 22701-30200 12701-17000 8201-10900 5901-7900 3601-4800 1750 1500/1000 30201-38700 17001-21800 10901-12900 7901-9800 4801-6200 2000 1500/1000 38701-48300 21801-24200 12901-17400 9801-12600 6201-7700 2250 1500/1125 48301-59000 24201-33200 17401-21300 12601-15400 7701-9400 2500 1500/1250 59001-70900 33201-39700 21301-25500 15401-18400 9401-11300 2750 1500/1375 70901-83700 39701-47100 25501-30100 18401-21800 11301-13400 3000 1500 3 83701-97700 47101-54900 30101-35200 21801-25900 13401-15600 3250 1625 97701-112700 54901-63400 35201-40600 25901-29300 15601-18000 3500 1750 112701-128700 63401-72400 40601-46400 29301-33500 18001-20600 3750 1875 128701-145900 72401-82100 46401-52500 33501-37900 20601-23300 4000 2000 4 145901-164200 82101-92400 52501-59100 37901-42700 23301-26300 4250 2125 164201-183400 92401-103100 59101-66000 42701-47700 26301-29300 4500 2250 183401-203700 103101-114600 66001-73300 47701-53000 29301-32600 4750 2375 203701-225200 114601-126700 73301-81100 53001-58600 32601-36000 5000 2500 225201-247700 126701-139400 81101-89200 58601-65400 36001-39600 5250 2625 247701-271200 139401-152600 89201-97700 65401-70600 39601-43400 5500 2750 271201-295900 152601-166500 97701-106500 70601-77000 43401-47400 5750 2875 295901+ 166501+ 106501-115800 77001-83700 47401-51500 6000 3000 115801-125500 83701-90600 51501-55700 6250 3125
125501-135500 90601-97900 55701-60200 6500 3250
135501-145800 97901-106800 60201-64800 6750 3375
145801-156700 106801-113200 64801-69600 7000 3500
156701-167900 113201-121300 69601-74600 7250 3625
167901-179400 121301-129600 74601-79800 7500 3750
179401-191400 129601-138300 79801-85100 7750 3875
191401+ 138301+ 85101+ 8000 4000
Minimum fire flow for a detached, unsprinklered single-family residence/duplex up to 3600 sq.ft. is 1000 gpm.

Construction Types shall be based upon actual construction without applying 1-hour equivalency allowed by CBC Table 601 footnote ‘e’.

Fire flow measured at 20 psi.

ATTACHMENT 23
CFC TABLE C105.1:

Hydrant Quantity and Spacing
as adopted by the City of Fountain
Valley

FLOW REQUIREMENT
from Table B105.1
Minimum #
of Hydrants
Average Hydrant
Spacing (feet) 1, 2, 3
Maximum Distance to
Hydrant (feet) 4, 6
up to 1750 1 500 250
1751-2250 2 450 225
2251-2500 3 450 225
2501-3000 3 400 225
3001-4000 4 350 210
4001-5000 5 300 180
5001-5500 6 300 180
5501-6000 6 250 150
6001-7000 7 250 150
7001+ 8 or more 5 200 120
1 Reduce by 100 feet for dead-end streets or roads. 2 Where streets are provided with median dividers which can be crossed by fire fighters pulling hose lines, or where arterials streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes and have a traffic count of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, hydrant spacing shall average 500 feet on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis up to a fire-flow requirement of 7,000 gallons per minute and 400 feet for higher fire-flow requirements. 3 Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards. 4 Reduce by 50 feet for dead-end streets or roads. 5 One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof. 6 Distance to a hydrant within a single-family residential tract shall not exceed 300; it may be up to 600 feet if the homes are protected by an NFPA 13-D sprinkler system and a fire flow of 2000 gpm is provided.

ATTACHMENT 24
3’
minimum
Protection of Hydrants, Detector Checks,
Fire Department Connections, and other Appurtenances
4” diameter
concrete-filled pipe
embedded in
concrete; top of
bollard a minimum
3’ above grade
15” diameter
footing; bollard shall
be embedded a
minimum 3’ in
footing

ATTACHMENT 25
The developer may contact the local water company to arrange the installation of the blue dots. If the water agency does not participate in the blue dot program, the developer is still responsible to install the dots in an approved manner.

ATTACHMENT 26
In the example above, assume that the parking lot is not accessible to fire apparatus due to turning radii and fire lane widths less than the required minimums.

A. All portions of building “A” are within 150’ feet of the public road as measured along the path of firefighter travel. This building is in access.

B. Building “B” is also in access despite the obstruction presented by the planter and hedges.

C. Building “C” is out of access; the presence of a chain-link fence forces firefighters to backtrack once they pass through the gate, increasing their travel distance beyond 150’. On-site fire access roadways or a change in the location of the gate and would be necessary to provide access to Building “C”.

ATTACHMENT 27
Hose Pull vs. Hose Lay
A: Hose Pull (Distance from Engine to Building): Represents the amount of fire hose that firefighters must pull from the engine to reach the structure. Hose pull may not exceed 150’. In the diagram below, firefighters would be able to reach the entire perimeter of the building by pulling no more than 150’ of hose from one or more fire engines staged in the shaded portion of the fire lane. For hydrant evaluation purposes, this part of the fire lane is considered to serve the building and must meet hose lay requirements. See Attachment 27 for further information on hose pull measurement and access to structures.

B: Hose Lay (Distance from Engine to a Hydrant): Represents the amount of supply hose that must be laid out of the back of the engine to bring water from the hydrant to the engine. No point along the portion of the fire lane serving the structure (the shaded road) may be farther from a hydrant than the distance specified under “Maximum Distance” in CFC Table C105.1 (see Attachment 24). The hydrant may be located along portions of the fire lane that exceed the hose pull distance provided that it is 1) on the same property, 2) on an adjacent property where an emergency access easement has been obtained, or 3) on a public road leading to the fire lane serving the property. Hose lay is measured along the vehicle path of travel in the fire lane, not “as the crow flies.” C: Hydrant Spacing (Distance between Hydrants)—the distance between hydrants serving the building shall not exceed twice the “Maximum Distance” listed in CFC Table C105.1, as measured along the fire lane. Hydrants located on portions of the fire lane that do not serve the building do not need to be evaluated for spacing relative to each other, only with respect to hydrants that do serve the structure. For example, when evaluating hydrant placement for the building shown in the diagram below, C1 may exceed the hydrant spacing requirements, while C2 and C3 cannot. The “Average Spacing” from Table C105.1 shall be maintained to prevent multiple hydrants from being concentrated in only one portion of the fire lane.

2025
California Fire Code
Amendment Package

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley
Chapter 1
Scope and Administration
Chapter 1 General Requirements. Adopt Chapter 1 in its entirety, with the exception of Section 112, and with the following amendments:

Section 112 Board of appeals established: is hereby revised as follows:

The Board of Appeals shall be the City Manager. The City Manager determines if an outside board is needed, and shall designate an outside hearing officer to hear the appeal.

Chapter 2
Definitions
Chapter 2 Definitions is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 3
General Requirements
Chapter 3 General Requirements. Adopt Chapter 3 in its entirety, with the exception of Sections 308.1.7 with the following amendments:

Section 308.1.7 Sky lanterns is hereby revised as follows:
308.1.7 Sky lanterns. A person shall not ignite, release, or cause to be released a sky lantern.

Chapter 4
Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Chapter 4: Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Adopt Chapter 4 in its entirety, with the exception of Sections 407.5 with the following amendments:

Section 407.5 is revised as follows:
407.5 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement. Where required by the fire code official, each application for a permit shall in accordance with Section 5001.5.2.

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley
Chapter 5
Fire Service Features
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features Adopt Chapter 5 in its entirety, with the exception of Sections 501.0, 510.1 with the following amendments:

SECTION 501.1 Scope is revised as Follows;
501.1 Scope. Fire services features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this chapter and, where required by the fire code official with FVFD Guideline, Fire Master Plan and Commercial Residential Development 510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage in
new buildings.
(a) All new buildings shall have approved radio
coverage for emergency responders within the
building based upon the existing coverage levels of
the public safety communication systems utilized by
the jurisdiction, measured at the exterior of the
building. This section shall not require improvement
of the existing public safety communication
systems. The Emergency Responder Radio
Coverage System shall comply with the Orange
County Sheriff’s Department, Communications and
Technology Division guidelines and specifications
and, where the functionality or performance
requirements in the California Fire Code are more
stringent, this code.
(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply when it is determined by the fire code official that a radio coverage system
is not needed for a building or structure, including but not limited to the following circumstances:

1. Existing buildings or structures, unless
required by the Building Official and Fire
Official for buildings and structures
undergoing extensive remodel and/or
expansion.

2. Elevators.

3. Structures that meet all of the following:
i. Three stories or less;

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley
ii. Do not have subterranean storage or
parking; and
iii. Do not exceed 50,000 square feet on
any single story.

4. Structures that meet all of the following:
i. Residential structures four stories or
less;
ii. Constructed of wood;
ii. Do not have subterranean storage or
parking; and
iv. Are not built integral to an above
ground multi-story parking structure.
(c) If a structure is three stories or less, 50,000 square feet or smaller on any single story, and includes
subterranean storage or parking, then subsection (a)
shall apply only to the subterranean areas.
(d) In facilities where emergency responder radio
coverage is required and such systems,
components or equipment required could have a
negative impact on the normal operations of the
facility, the fire code official shall have the authority to accept an automatically activated emergency
radio coverage system.

Chapter 6
Building Services and Systems
Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley
Chapter 7
Fire and Smoke Protection Features
Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 8
Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 9
Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Adopt Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

Section 903.2 Where required is hereby revised as follows:
903.2 Where Required. Automatic Fire Sprinklers shall
be provided for the following:
(a) Notwithstanding any provision in Section
903.2 of the CFC and Section 903.2 of the
CBC, approved automatic fire sprinklers shall
be installed and maintained in accordance
with N.F.P.A., Standard 13, when total square
footage equals 3,500 square feet or more
throughout all buildings as set forth.
(b) Any existing building shall retrofit with
automatic fire sprinklers when a structure
exceeds 3,500 square feet and additions or
tenant improvements are made which exceed
thirty (30) percent of the original building
square footage.

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley
Chapter 10
Means of Egress
Chapter 10 Means of Egress is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 11
Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 12
Energy Systems
Chapter 12 Energy Systems is adopted in its entirety without amendments with the following amendments.

Chapter 20
Aviation Facilities
Chapter 20 Aviation Facilities is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 21
Dry Cleaning
Chapter 21 Dry Cleaning is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 22
Combustible Dust-Producing Operations
Chapter 22 Combustible Dust-Producing Operations is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 23
Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
Chapter 23 Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 24
Flammable Finishes
Chapter 24 Flammable Finishes is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley
Chapter 27
Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities
Chapter 27 Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities is adopted in its entirety without amendments
Chapter 28
Lumber Yards and Agro-Industrial, Solid Biomass and Woodworking Facilities is adopted in its entirety without amendments
Chapter 29
Manufacture of Organic Coatings
Chapter 29 Manufacture of Organic Coatings is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 30
Industrial Ovens
Chapter 30 Industrial Ovens is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 31
Tents, Temporary Special Event Structures and Other Membrane Structures Chapter 31 Temporary Special Event Structures and Other Membrane Structures is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 32
High-Piled Combustible Storage
Chapter 32 High-Piled Combustible Storage is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 33
Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition
Chapter 33 Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 34
Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage
Chapter 34 Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley
Chapter 35
Welding and Other Hot Work
Chapter 35 Welding and Other Hot Work is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 37
Combustible Fibers
Chapter 37 Combustible Fibers is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 39
Processing and Extraction Facilities
Chapter 39 Processing and Extraction Facilities is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 48
Chapter 48 Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and Production Locations is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 50
Hazardous Materials – General Provisions
Chapter 50 Hazardous Materials – General Provisions is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments.

Section 5003.1.1.1 Extremely Hazardous Substances is hereby added as follows:
5003.1.1.1 Extremely Hazardous Substances. No person shall use or store any amount of extremely hazardous substances (EHS) in excess of the disclosable amounts (see Health and Safety Code Section 25500 et al) in a residential zoned or any residentially developed property.

Chapter 51
Aerosols

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley
Chapter 51 Aerosols is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 53
Compressed Gases
Chapter 53 Compressed Gases is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 54
Corrosive Materials
Chapter 54 Corrosive materials is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 55
Cryogenic Fluids
Chapter 55 Cryogenic Fluids is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 56
Explosives and Fireworks
Chapter 56 Explosives and Fireworks is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

17.5601.2 Fireworks prohibited.

The storage, sale, offer for sale or handling
of fireworks is prohibited. The provisions of this
section do not apply to fireworks displays conducted
in accordance with the provisions of any permit
issued pursuant to this chapter and Title 19 of the
California Code of Regulations, Chapter 6 –
Fireworks.

Chapter 57
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Chapter 57 Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Adopt Chapter 57 entirely, with the amendments:

Section 5707 On Demand fueling Operations prohibited.

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley

Chapter 58
Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids
Chapter 58 Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids. Adopt Chapter 58, entirely, with the amendments:

Section 5809 Mobile gaseous fueling of hydrogen fuel vehicles prohibited Chapter 59
Flammable Solids
Chapter 59 Flammable Solids is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 60
Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials
Chapter 60 Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 61
Liquefied Petroleum Gases
Chapter 61 Liquefied Petroleum Gases is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 62
Organic Peroxides
Chapter 62 Organic Peroxides is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 63
Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases, and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids Chapter 63 Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases, and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 64
Pyrophoric Materials
Chapter 64 Pyrophoric Materials is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley
Chapter 65
Pyroxylin (Cellulose Nitrate) Plastics
Chapter 65 Pyroxylin (Cellulose Nitrate) Plastics is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 66
Unstable (Reactive) Materials
Chapter 66 Unstable (Reactive) Materials is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 67
Water-Reactive Solids and Liquids
Chapter 67 Water-Reactive Solids and Liquids is adopted in its entirety without amendments.

Chapter 80
Referenced Standards
Chapter 80 Referenced Standards is adopted in its entirety with the amendments.

September 2025
2025 CFC
Code Amendments City of Fountain Valley

CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY

CITY COUNCIL

COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
To: Honorable Mayor and Agenda Date: November 4, 2025
Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fountain Valley Repealing and Reenacting Portions of Title 18 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code (FVMC) and Consideration of a Resolution Setting Forth findings for Required Amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes Related to Local Climatic, Topographic and Geologic Conditions
Three-Year Strategic Goals
☐ Enhance the culture and environment of “A Nice Place to Live” ☐ Attract and retain revenue producing businesses
☐ Achieve fiscal stability in accordance with the 20-Year Financial Plan ☐ Attract and retain quality staff
☒ Not applicable

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the October 23, 2025, Regular City Council meeting, the City Council approved the introduction and First Reading of the attached ordinance. The adoption of the Building Code requires two public hearings for the ordinance to be adopted. This Public hearing is the second public hearing to present for adoption, the 2025 California Building Codes Related to Local Climatic, Topographic and Geologic Conditions.

The Health and Safety Code (Section 17958) mandates that the California Building Standards Commission adopt and publish the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 California Code of Regulations) every three (3) years. The current building codes were last updated in 2022.

The 2025 California Building Code standards will take effect January 1, 2026, and local agencies are required to enforce the updated codes regardless of whether they have yet passed an ordinance adopting the update. Local jurisdictions wishing to include local amendments in their revised California Building Code standards ordinance must also adopt a resolution setting forth findings for required local amendments to the 2025 California Codes relative to local climatic, topographic, and geologic conditions.

Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing, and adopt an ordinance

Adopt an ordinance repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of FVMC and amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes
October 23, 2025

repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of FVMC, and approve a resolution setting forth findings for required amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes related to local climatic, topographic, and geologic conditions.

DISCUSSION
The Health and Safety Code (Section 17958) mandates that the California Building Standards Commission adopt and publish the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 California Code of Regulations) every three (3) years. The current building codes were last updated in 2022. The 2025 California Building Code standards will take effect January 1, 2026, and local agencies are required to enforce the updated codes regardless of whether they have yet passed an ordinance adopting the update.
2025 California Building Code Updates
If approved, the attached Ordinance (Attachment #1) would amend Title 18 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code by repealing the prior editions of the California Building Codes and replacing them with the new building standards. The list below identifies those parts of the model codes upon which the 2025 California Codes are based:

California Building Code Reference Model Code
2025 California Building Code 2024 International Building Code (ICC) 1 2025 California Residential Code 2024 International Residential Code (ICC) 2025 California Plumbing Code 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO ) 2 2025 California Mechanical Code 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (IAPMO) 2025 California Electrical Code 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA ) 3 2025 California Energy Code California Energy Commission 2025 California Existing Building Code 2024 International Existing Building Code (ICC)
1 ICC-International Code Council
2 IAPMO –International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials 3 NFPA- National Fire Protection Association
4 CBSC- California Building Standards Commission

Adopt an ordinance repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of FVMC and amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes
October 23, 2025

2025 California Green Building Standards
Code
California Building Standards Commission
(CBSC)
2024 International Property Maintenance
Code
International Code Council (ICC)
2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa
Code
International Code Council (ICC)

Local Amendments:

The California Building Standards code allows each city to adopt local amendments that are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, topographic, or geologic conditions (Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 189421.5). These amendments modify certain provisions of the State code to better address specific hazards and environmental factors found within the City of Fountain Valley.

The proposed local amendments are substantially consistent with the City’s current code provisions adopted under the 2022 California Building Standards Code cycle. They primarily continue existing requirements and exemptions that have proven effective for the City’s conditions, with only minor updates for consistency and clarity.

Purpose of Local Amendments
Local amendments allow the city to:
 Address seismic safety due to proximity to regional faults such as the NewportInglewood fault.  Mitigate flood hazards arising from Fountain Valley’s low elevation, flat topography, and proximity to the Santa Ana River and stormwater channels.  Improve wind resistance and roof construction standards in response to seasonal Santa Ana wind conditions.
 Enhance fire safety, egress, and emergency access for urban residential and mixed - use development.
 Reflect local administrative practices such as departmental organization, permit issuance, and enforcement authority specific to the City’s Building Division.

Relationship to Existing Code Provisions
Most of these local amendments are continuations of current city standards adopted during previous code cycles (2019 and 2022). They are not new “exemptions” but rather reaffirmations of locally justified modifications that ensure the City’s codes remain aligned with both State requirements and local safety priorities.

In short, the amendments are consistent with Fountain Valley’s long-standing approach of maintaining local authority for administration, ensuring structures are designed for seismic and wind resilience, and preserving flood safety in low-lying areas of the city.

Adopt an ordinance repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of FVMC and amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes
October 23, 2025

Summary Highlights:

Highlights and prominent changes in the 2025 California Building Standards Codes (Title 24, California Building Standards Code, Parts 1-12). These changes are intended to take effect January 1, 2026.

Energy & Sustainability
 Stronger requirements for energy
efficiency in new residential and
commercial construction.
 Greater emphasis on electric
appliances, solar energy and battery
storage readiness.
 Updated CALGreen provisions to
support water conservation and
sustainable design.

Fire & Life Safety
 Enhanced egress, smoke control, and
emergency power/ lighting standards.
 Expanded requirements for fire
protection in lithium-ion battery
storage and other high-risk
occupancies.

Structural & Seismic
 Updates to align with latest national
structural and seismic standards.
 Expanded use provisions for mass
timber and innovative building
materials.

Plumbing, Mechanical & Electrical
Systems
 Modernized standards for water
reuse, efficiency, and recycled water
systems.
 Updated electrical provisions to
address renewable energy, PV
systems, and energy storage.

Local Authority & AB 130
 Assembly Bill 130 (2025) limits new
local amendments to residential
building standards until 2031, unless
justified by specific health, safety, or
climate conditions.
 This creates a “code freeze” period to
promote statewide consistency.

FISCAL REVIEW
There is no fiscal impact with the adoption of the attached Ordinance or resolution.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

Adopt an ordinance repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of FVMC and amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes
October 23, 2025

Public notice was published in the Orange County Register a minimum of 10 days prior to the public hearing. Public notice was also posted at City Hall, the Recreation Center, and the Fountain Valley Library.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REVIEW
This Ordinance is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3) (there is no possibility the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment).

ATTORNEY REVIEW
The Attorney(s) for the City of Fountain Valley have reviewed and approved the Ordinance and Resolution as to form.

ALTERNATIVES
Alternative No. 1:

Alternative No. 2:

Alternative No. 3:

Approve for Second-Read / Adoption an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fountain Valley repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code (FVMC) and adopt a Resolution setting forth findings for required amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes related to local climatic, topographic, and geologic conditions.

Do not Approve for Second-Read / Adoption an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fountain Valley repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code (FVMC) and adopt a Resolution setting forth findings for required amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes related to local climatic, topographic, and geologic conditions.

This alternative would require the City to implement state building codes without any amendments.

Continue the item for further consideration.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council Approve for the Second-Read/Adoption an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fountain Valley repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code (FVMC) and adopt a Resolution setting forth findings for required amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes related to local climatic, topographic, and geologic conditions.

Adopt an ordinance repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of FVMC and amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes
October 23, 2025

Staff is requesting City Council approval of Alternative No. 1 to Approve for the Second-Read/ Adoption the Ordinance and adopt the Resolution setting forth findings for required amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes.

Prepared by: Darik Doggett, Building Official
Reviewed by: Omar Dadabhoy, Community Development Director Fiscal review by: Ryan Smith, Finance Director
Approved by: Maggie Le, City Manager
Attachments:

1. Draft Ordinance repealing and reenacting portions of Title 18 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code (FVMC)

2. Draft Resolution setting forth findings for required amendments to the 2025 California Building Codes related to local climatic, topographic and geologic conditions.

Exhibits: 1. Summary of California Code Changes

2. What’s New for Single-Family Residential

1 ORDINANCE NO.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA REPEALING AND REENACTING CHAPTER 18

OF THE FOUNTAIN VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING THE

STATE BUILDING STANDARDS CODES AS MODIFIED
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958 provides that the City of Fountain Valley shall adopt ordinances and regulations imposing the same or modified or changed requirements as are contained in the regulations adopted by the State pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922; and
WHEREAS, the State of California is mandated by Health and Safety Code Section 17922 to impose the same requirements as are contained in the most recent edition of the California Building Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Residential Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Mechanical Code, and the California Electrical Code (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Codes”); and WHEREAS, cities are allowed to modify said Codes pursuant to Health and Safety Code 17958.5 provided express findings are made pursuant to Health and Safety Code 17958.7 that the modifications or changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, topographical, or geological conditions; and
WHEREAS, contemporaneously herewith the City Council has made such findings and directed that they be submitted to the State forthwith.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Fountain Valley does hereby ORDAIN as follows:

Section 1. That Title 18 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

Section 2. That Title 18 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code is hereby reenacted to read:

Title 18 - BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS
Chapter 18.02 - Administrative Provisions

18.02.010 Administrative Provisions.

The provisions of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code 2025 Edition and the 2025 California Administrative Code are hereby adopted as the administrative provisions for all of the state building standards adopted in this Title 18 and shall be the administrative, organizational and enforcement rules and regulations for the technical codes set forth in Title 18. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

18.02.020 Building Official.

2 The Building Official is appointed by the City Manager, or by the City Council, if an independent contractor. The Building Official and his/her authorized representatives that enforce the technical codes set forth in this title may be employees of the City or an independent contractor.
1802.030 Penalties.

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Building Codes as set forth in this Title is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each separate day or any portion thereof during which any violation of the Building Codes occurs or continues shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as herein provided.

Chapter 18.04 - Building Code

18.04.010 California Building Code Adopted.

The 2025 Edition of the California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2, California Building Standards Code, known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, incorporating the International Building Code, 2024 Edition, including Appendices I and J published by the International Code Council, with the amendments set forth in Section

18.04 is hereby adopted. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

18.04.020 Work Exempt from Permit.

Section 105.2 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code is amended in the following categories of work that are exempt from building permit:

1. One story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than120 square feet and the ceiling height is not over 7 feet.

2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over six feet high and block walls not over three feet high.

4. Retaining walls which are not over four feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.

18.04.025 Section 105.8 Added.

Section 105.8 Reconstruction is added to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

3 105.8. Reconstruction. If the value of the reconstruction (or renovation) of a building is equal to or exceeds 75 percent of the value of the building, the entire building shall comply with the code provisions for new construction. The value of the reconstruction (or renovation) for a property shall include the value of all construction stemming from construction-related permits issued within the last two years.

18.04.030 Work Commencing Before Permit Issuance.

Section 109.4 Work commencing before Permit Issuance is amended to read; Any person who commences work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a penalty equal to double the permit fees. In addition, when required by the Building Official, a special investigation shall be performed at a cost established by separate resolution.

18.04.040 Refunds.

Section 109.6 Refund is deleted and amended to read:

The Building Official may authorize refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.

The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80% of the permit fee when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.

The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80% of the plan review fee when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before the plan is reviewed.

The Building Official shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.

18.04.045 Section 202 Definitions Amended.

Section 202 Definitions of the California Building Code is amended by adding and /or amending the following definitions
a) ENCLOSED STRUCTURE. is a structure with a roof and two or more sides. b) UNENCLOSED STRUCTURES. includes structures with a roof and no more than one side and structures having no roof or other covering. Unenclosed structures include patio covers, decks, and balconies.

18.04.050 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.

California Building Code Section 903.2 is amended to read as follows:
903.2 Where Required. Automatic Fire Sprinklers shall be provided for the following:

4 (a) Notwithstanding any provision in Section 903.2 of the CFC and Section 903.2 of the CBC, approved automatic fire sprinklers shall be installed and maintained in accordance with N.F.P.A., Standard 13, when total square footage equals 3,500 square feet or more throughout all buildings as set forth. (b) Any existing building shall retrofit with automatic fire sprinklers when a structure exceeds 3,500 square feet and additions/tenant improvements are made which exceed thirty (30) percent of the original building square footage.

Exception: The Fire Official may approve alternative methods and materials when an equivalent or greater level of fire protection is achieved.

18.04.060 Minimum Roof Covering.
a) Table 1505.1 is amended to read as follows:

TABLE 1505.1a

MINIMUM ROOF COVERING CLASSIFICATIONS

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

IA IB IIA IIB IIIA IIIB IV VA VB

B B B B B B B B B
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
a. Unless otherwise required in accordance with Chapter 7A. b) Section 1505.1.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1505.1.2 Roof coverings within all other areas.
a) The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class B.
b) Section 1505.5 is amended, by the deletion of the entire section. c) Section 1505.7 is amended, by the deletion of the entire section.’

18.04.070 Preliminary Soils Reports.

As required by Chapter 18 California Building Code Section 1803.1.1, California Building Code Section 1803.1.1.1 is amended to read as follows:

The Building Official may require a geologic or geotechnical report or both, in accordance with the 2025 California Building Code; a geologic report shall be prepared by a Certified Engineering Geologist licensed by the State of California. A geotechnical report shall be

5 prepared by a registered Civil Engineer versed in soils engineering and qualified to perform this work. When both a geotechnical and geologic report are required, the two reports shall be coordinated before submission to the Building Official. The Building Official, at his/her discretion shall obtain any technical support necessary to approve the report. Submitted reports shall contain a finding regarding the safety of the site from any variety of geologic hazard and a finding regarding the effect the proposed improvements, grading and/or construction and use of the site will have on the stability of the site and/or property outside the site. Any recommendation or action presented in the approved reports along with any conditions of approval shall be incorporated into the construction of site improvements. A fee shall be collected for the cost of review of the reports and any required addendums.’

18.04.080 Swimming pool enclosures and safety devices.

CBC Sections 202, Barrier is added to the CBC and Swimming Pools is amended to read as follows:

Barrier. Barrier is a fence, wall, building wall, or any combination of these that completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.

Swimming Pools. Any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing or wading that contains water over 18 inches deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground and onground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixed-in-place wading pools.

18.04.090 Residential Swimming Pools.

Sections 3109.3 is added to the CBC to read as follows:
3109.3 Residential swimming pools. Residential swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a barrier complying with Sections 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.3.

18.04.095 Barrier height and clearances.

Sections 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.3 are added to read as follows:
3109.3.1 Barrier Height and Clearances. The top of the barrier must be at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool.

The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier must be two inches measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool.

Where the top of the pool structure is above grade, the barrier is authorized to be at ground level or mounted on top of the pool structure, and the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier must be four inches. 3109.3.1.1 Openings. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inchdiameter sphere. 3109.3.1.2 Solid barrier surfaces. Solid barrier surfaces which do not have openings shall not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction

6 tolerances and tooled masonry joints.
3109.3.1.3 Closely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not be greater than 1 ¾ inches in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing with the cutouts shall not be greater than 1 ¾ inches in width. 3109.3.1.4 Widely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, spacing between vertical members must not be greater than 4 inches.

Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing must not be greater than 1 ¾ inches in width.
3109.3.1.5 Chain link dimensions. Mesh size for chain link fences must not be greater than 1 ¾ inches in width, unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or bottom that reduce the openings to not more than 1 ¾ in width. 3109.3.1.6 Diagonal members. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members shall not be greater than 1 ¾ inches.
3109.3.1.7 Gates. Access gates must comply with the requirements of Sections 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.1.6 and must be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool and must be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Doors or gates other than pedestrian access gates must have a self-latching device and must be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and must remain locked at all times when not in use. Release mechanisms must comply with Sections 1010.1.9 and 1109.13. Where release mechanisms of the selflatching device are located less than 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool, the release mechanism must be located on the pool side of the gate at least three inches below the top of the gate and the gate barrier may have no opening greater than one-half inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.
3109.3.1.8 Dwelling wall as a barrier. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, two safety devices must be provided in accordance with Section 115922 of the California Health and Safety Code.
3109.3.1.9 Pool structure as barrier. Where an above-ground pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then the ladder or steps either shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of Sections 3109.3.1.1 through 3109.3.1.8. Where the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.
3109.3.2 Indoor swimming pools. Wall surrounding indoor swimming pools shall not be

7 required to comply with Section 3109.3.1.8. through 3109.3.3 3109.3.3 Prohibited Locations. Barriers shall be located as to prohibit permanent structures, equipment or similar objects from being used to climb the barriers. There shall be a clear zone of not less than 36” between the exterior of the enclosure and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters and heaters that can be used to climb the enclosure.

Chapter 18.06 - Grading

18.06.010 Purpose.

This Chapter imposes grading requirements in accordance with the California Construction Codes and also addresses the requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act (33 USC 1251 et seq.) in enacting these regulations to comply with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (hereinafter “NPDES”) permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. This code sets forth rules and regulations to control excavation, grading and earthwork construction, including fills and embankments, and establishes administrative requirements for issuance of permits and approval of plans and inspection of grading construction in accordance with the requirements for grading and excavation as contained in the California Building Code then in effect as adopted and modified by city ordinance as well as water quality requirements relevant to activities subject to this Chapter.

18.06.020 Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply in interpreting this Chapter:

Approval. A written engineering or geological opinion by the responsible engineer, geologist of record or responsible principal of the engineering company concerning the progress and completion of the work unless it specifically refers to the building official.

Approved Plans. The current grading plans, which bear the stamp of approval of the building official.

As-graded. The extent of surface conditions on completion of rough or precise grading.

Bedrock. Means in-place solid rock.

Bench. A relatively level step excavated into earth materials on which fill is to be placed.

Borrow. Means earth material acquired from an off-site location for use in grading on a site.

Building Official. For purposes of this Chapter only, or any reference to building official in the California Building Code or state equivalent, shall mean the City of Fountain Valley Building Official.

Civil engineer. Means a professional engineer registered in the state of California to practice in the field of civil engineering.

8 Civil Engineering. Means the application of the knowledge of the forces of nature, principles of mechanics and the properties of materials to the evaluation, design and construction of civil works.

Compaction. The densification of a fill by mechanical means.

Earth Material. Any rock, natural soil or fill or any combination thereof.

Engineering Geologist. A geologist certified in the state of California to practice engineering geology.

Engineering Geology. The application of geologic knowledge and principles in the investigation and evaluation of naturally occurring rock and soil for use in the design of civil works.

Erosion. The wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement of wind, water, and/or ice.

Erosion Control System. A combination of desilting facilities, and erosion protection, including effective planting, to protect adjacent private property, watercourses, public facilities, and receiving waters from an abnormal deposition of sediment or dust.

Excavation. The mechanical removal of earth material.

Existing Grade. The ground surface prior to grading.

Fill. A deposit of earth material placed by artificial means.

Finished Grade. The final grade of the site, which conforms to the approved precise grading plan.

Geotechnical Engineer. See “Soils engineer.”
Grade. The vertical location of the ground surface.

Grading. Any excavating or filling or combination thereof and movement or redistribution of material to achieve the desired rough grade or finished grade.

Grading Contractor. A contractor licensed and regulated by the state of California who specializes in grading work or is otherwise licensed to do grading work.

Grading Permit. An official document or certificate issued by the building official authorizing grading activity as specified by approved plans and specifications.

Key. A designed compacted fill placed in a trench excavated in earth material beneath the toe of a proposed fill slope.

Natural Grade. The ground surface unaltered by artificial means.

Owner. Any person, agency, firm, or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in a given real property.

Permanent Erosion Control Devices. Improvements, which remain throughout the life of the development, include: terrace drains, slope landscaping, storm drains, etc.

9 Precise Grading Permit. A permit that is issued on the basis of approved precise grading plans, which shows the precise structure location, finish elevations, and related on-site improvements.

Preliminary Grading Permit. A permit that is issued on the basis of approved rough grading plans which need not show a structure location but must show interim building pad drainage to the degree required by the building official.

Professional Inspection. The inspection required by this code to be performed by the civil engineer soils engineer or engineering geologist. Such inspections include that performed by persons supervised by such engineers or geologists and shall be sufficient to form an opinion relating to the conduct of the work.

Rough Grade. The stage at which the grade approximately conforms to the approved rough grading plan.

Semi-Permanent Erosion Control Devices. Devices that are used primarily during construction, including earthen berms, concrete spillways, desilting basins, etc.

Site. Any lot or parcel of land or contiguous combination thereof, under the same ownership, where grading is performed or permitted.

Slope. An inclined ground surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.

Soil. Naturally occurring superficial deposits overlying bedrock.

Soil Engineer. A civil engineer duly registered in the state of California whose field of expertise is soil mechanics.

Soils Engineer (Geotechnical Engineer). An engineer duly registered in the state of California experienced and knowledgeable in the practice of soils engineering (geotechnical engineering).

Soils Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering). The application of the principals of soils mechanics in the investigation, evaluation, and design of civil works involving the use of earth materials and the inspection or testing of the construction thereof.

Storm Water Permits. Any permits issued by a local, state, or federal regulatory agency regulating storm water flow over and from any project subject to this Chapter including but not limited to NPDES permits and state general permits.

Temporary Erosion Control Devices. Devices that are removable, including: sandbags, gravel bags, plastic sheeting, silt fencing, straw bales, and similar items.

Terrace. A relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope surface for drainage and maintenance purposes.

Water Quality Requirements. The requirements relevant to activities that are subject to this Chapter found in the water quality ordinance, the DAMP, and guidance documents included in the DAMP, as well as requirements relevant to the activities that are subject to this Chapter found in storm water permits

18.06.030 Standards.

10 The City does hereby adopt those standards set forth in Appendix Chapter J of the 2025 California Building Code.

18.06.040 Application.

To obtain a grading permit, the applicant must first file an application in writing on a form furnished by the building official. The permit application shall be accompanied by information required by the building official. Each application for a grading permit shall be accompanied by a plan prepared by a licensed engineer in sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work. The plans shall give the location of the work, the name of the owner, and the name of the person who prepared the plan. The plan shall include the following information:
(a) General vicinity of the proposed site;
(b) Limiting dimensions and depth of cut and fill; and
(c) Location of any buildings or structures where work is to be performed and, the location of any buildings or structures within fifteen feet (four thousand five hundred seventy-two mm) of the proposed grading.

Prior to the approval of any building or grading plans and specifications, the Building Official, or his/her authorized representative, may inspect the site to determine that the plans and specifications are current and reflect existing conditions. Applications for which no permit is issued within one hundred eighty days following the date of application shall expire and plans submitted for checking may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty days upon written request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. In order to renew action for an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan check fee.

18.06.050 Denial of Permit.
(a) The building official shall not issue a permit where the work as proposed by the applicant will be in violation of this Chapter or is likely to constitute a hazard to property or result in the deposit of debris on any public way or interfere with any existing drainage course. If it can be shown to the satisfaction of the building official that the hazard can be essentially eliminated by the construction of retaining structures, drainage devices or by other means, the building official may issue the permit with the condition that such work be performed.
(b) If, in the opinion of the building official, the land area for which grading is proposed is subject to geological or flood hazard to the extent that no reasonable amount of corrective work can eliminate or sufficiently reduce the hazard to human life or property, the grading permit and the building permits for habitable structures shall be denied.
(c) The building official may require plans and specifications to be modified in order to mitigate anticipated adverse environmental effects of proposed grading projects and may, under circumstances where the significant adverse environmental effects of a proposed project cannot be mitigated, deny the issuance of a grading permit.

11 (d) The building official may require plans and specifications to be modified in order to make them consistent with the general plan, any specific plan zoning code water quality requirements, or other rules regulations or conditions applicable to the project. The grading permit may be denied if the proposed project cannot be designed in accordance with these rules, regulations or conditions.

18.06.60 Engineered Grading Requirements.

Application for a grading permit shall be accompanied by two sets of plans and specifications, and supporting data consisting of a soils engineering report and engineering geology report. The plans and specifications shall be prepared and signed by an individual licensed by the state to prepare such plans and specifications when required by the Building Official. Specifications shall contain information conveying construction and material requirements. Plans shall be drawn to scale in ACAD last edition format upon twenty-four by thirty-six-inch substantial paper or cloth and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that they will conform to the provisions of this code and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. The first sheet of each set of plans shall give location of the work, the name and address of the owner, and the person by whom they were prepared. The plans shall include the following information:
(a) General vicinity of the proposed site;
(b) Property limits and accurate contours of existing ground and details of terrain and area drainage;
(c) Limiting dimensions, elevations, or finish contours to be achieved by the grading, and proposed drainage channels and related construction; (d) Detailed plans and elevations of all surface and subsurface drainage devices, walls, cribbing, dams, and other protective devices to be constructed with, or as part of, the proposed work, together with a map showing the drainage area and the estimated runoff of the area served by any drains;
(e) Location of any buildings or structures on the property where the work is to be performed and the location of any buildings or structures on land of adjacent owners that are within fifteen feet (four thousand five hundred seventy-two mm) of the property, or that may be affected by the proposed grading operations;
(f) Recommendations included in the soils engineering report and the engineering geology report shall be incorporated in the grading plans or specifications. When approved by the building official, specific recommendations contained in the soils engineering report and the engineering geology reports, which are applicable to grading, may be included by reference; and
(g) The dates of the soils, engineering, and engineering geology reports together with the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the firms or individuals who prepared the reports.

18.06.70 Soils Engineering Report.

12 The soils engineering report required by Section 18.06.130 of this Chapter shall include data regarding the nature, distribution and strength of existing soils, conclusions, and recommendations for grading procedures and design criteria for corrective measures, including buttress fills, when necessary, and opinion on adequacy for the intended use of sites to be developed by the proposed grading as affected by soils engineering factors, including the stability of slopes.

18.06.80 Engineering Geology Reports.

The engineering geology report required by Section 18.06.130 of this Chapter shall include an adequate description of the geology of the site conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development, and opinion on the adequacy for the intended use of sites to be developed by the proposed grading, as affected by geologic factors.

18.06.90 Liquefaction Study.

The Building Official may require a geotechnical investigation when, during the course of an investigation, any of the following conditions are discovered, the report shall address the potential for liquefaction:
(a) Shallow ground water, fifty feet (fifteen thousand two hundred forty mm) or less;
(b) Unconsolidated sandy alluvium;
(c) Seismic Zones D and E; or
(d) The property is located within the City’s seismic hazard overlay zone. (Section 21.14.050 of this code).

18.06.100 Erosion Control and Water Quality Requirements Systems.

The City adopts the erosion control provisions imposed by the NPDES permit, including the following:
(a) The project site shall be prepared and maintained to control against erosion in accordance with this Chapter. Where cut slopes are not subject to erosion due to the erosion-resistant character of the materials, such protection may be omitted upon approval by the Building Official and/or Director of Public Works.
(b) Where necessary, temporary, and/or permanent erosion control devices such as desilting basins, check dams, riprap, or other devices, as approved by the Building Official and/or Director of Public Works, shall be employed to control erosion and provide safety.
(c) Paved streets, sidewalks, and other improvements shall be maintained in a neat and clean condition free of loose soil, construction debris, and trash.

Street sweeping using a vacuum sweeper or other equally effective means

13 shall be used on a regular basis to prevent storm flows from carrying sediment and debris outside the project boundaries.
(d) Unless otherwise approved by the Building Official and/or Director of Public Works, the owner shall be required to retain a civil engineer who will be responsible for the design of all erosion control improvements and initial approval of the installation of permanent and semi-permanent erosion control devices during each rainy season until the work authorized by the permit is given final approval. The owner shall retain the civil engineer to periodically review the field condition and modify, as needed, the design of the permanent and semi-permanent erosion control devices during the rainy season. Installation and maintenance of all erosion control devices shall be the responsibility of the owner.
(e) Desilting facilities shall be provided at drainage outlets from the graded site where necessary.
(f) Desilting basins constructed of compacted earth shall be compacted to a relative compaction of ninety percent of maximum density. A soil engineering report, prepared by the soil engineer, which includes the type of field-testing performed, location, and results of testing shall be submitted to the Building Official and/or Director of Public Works for approval upon completion of the desilting basins.
(g) Equipment and workers for emergency work shall be made available at all times. Necessary materials shall be available on-site and stockpiled at convenient locations to facilitate rapid construction of temporary devices when rain is imminent.
(h) Erosion protection shall consist of effective planting of all slopes in excess of five feet high unless otherwise approved by the Building Official and/or Director of Public Works. Protection for the slopes shall be installed as soon as practicable which may be prior to rough grade approval. Effective planting shall be installed, fully germinated, and effectively cover the required slopes prior to final approval unless otherwise approved by the Building Official and/or Director of Public Works.
(i) The erosion-control provisions shall take into account drainage patterns during the current and future phases of grading.
(j) All removable protective devices shown shall be in place at the end of each working day when the five-day rain probability forecast exceeds forty percent.
(k) Graded areas around the tract perimeter must drain away from the face of slopes at the conclusion of each working day.
(l) Any violation of an applicable federal or state-issued stormwater permit, or

14 failure to conform to the City’s water quality ordinance, including but not limited to the stormwater regulations set forth in Chapter 14.40 of this code, or failure to comply with stormwater related provisions of a grading permit or of a grading plan prepared to secure such a permit, is a violation of this Chapter.

18.06.110 Erosion Control and Water Quality Requirement System Maintenance. (a) After each rainstorm, silt and debris shall be removed from check berms and desilting basins and the basins pumped dry.
(b) After each rainstorm, the performance of the erosion control system shall be evaluated, revised, and repaired as necessary.
(c) Devices shall not be moved or modified without the approval of the Building Official and/or Director of Public Works.
(d) The contractor shall be responsible and shall take necessary precautions to prevent public trespass onto areas where impounded water creates a hazardous condition.
(e) The contractor, permittee, or project owner shall be responsible for continual maintenance of the devices. In the event of failure or refusal by the contractor, permittee, or project owner to properly maintain the devices, the Building Official may cause emergency maintenance work to be done to protect adjacent private and public property and environmental resources. The cost shall be charged to the owner and shall include an initial mobilization cost plus the cost of doing the work, including salaries, equipment, and materials.
(f) In the event the Building Official must cause emergency maintenance work to be done, he/she may revoke the grading permit in writing. The permit shall not be renewed until an erosion control system and/or other systems necessary to comply with water quality requirements approved by the director are installed.
(g) If any grading subject to Section 18.06.040 of this Chapter has commenced on private property without a valid grading permit, the property owner may be required to prepare and implement an erosion control plan which has been approved by the Building Official. In the event of failure by the property owner to install an approved erosion control system and/or other systems necessary to comply with the City’s water requirements, the Building Official may cause emergency work to be done to protect adjacent private and public property. The procedures of Section 18.06.220 of this Chapter shall apply for emergency erosion control work and emergency work necessary to protect environmental resources. The cost shall be charged to the owner.

15 18.06.120 Inspections—Responsibilities.
(a) Grading operations for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspections by the Building Official. Professional inspection of grading operations shall be provided by the professional listed hereafter. (b) It shall be the responsibility of the permittee to be knowledgeable of the conditions and/or restrictions of the grading permit as outlined in this code and as contained on the approved grading plans. The permittee shall also maintain in an accessible location on the site, a copy of the approved grading plan.
(c) All permits, waivers, or exemptions issued hereunder shall be deemed to include the provisions that the permittee, his/her agents, contractors, and employees shall carry out the proposed work in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and in accordance with any applicable water quality requirements prepared and maintained pursuant to federal, state, or City regulation, and in compliance with all requirements of the permit and this Chapter. Failure to carry out the work in accordance with approved plans and specifications, the applicable water quality requirements, and in compliance with all requirements of the permit and this chapter shall be a violation of this chapter.
(d) The engineering geologist’s area of responsibility shall include, but need not be limited to professional inspection and written approval of the adequacy of natural ground for receiving fills, the stability of cut slopes with respect to geological matters, and the need for sub drains or other groundwater drainage devices. The engineering geologist shall report his/her finding to the soil engineer and the civil engineer for engineering analysis. (e) The soil engineer’s area of responsibility shall include, but need not be limited to the professional inspection and approval concerning this preparation of ground to receive fills, testing for required compaction, stability of all finish slopes, and design of buttress fills, subdrain installation, and incorporation of data supplied by the engineering geologist. The soils engineer shall also provide professional inspection within such engineer’s area of technical specialty, which shall include observation during grading and testing for required compaction. The soils engineer shall provide sufficient observation during the preparation of the natural ground and placement and compaction of the fill to verify that such work is being performed in accordance with the conditions of the approved plan and the appropriate requirements of this Chapter. Reapproved recommendations relating to conditions, differing from the approved soils engineering and engineering geology reports shall be submitted to the permittee, the building official, and the civil engineer.
(f) It shall be the responsibility of the civil engineer, architect, or other qualified individual who prepares the grading plan approved by the building official or the building official’s designee to incorporate all recommendations from the soils engineering and engineering geology reports into the grading plan.

He/she shall also be responsible for the professional inspection and approval of the grading within his/her area of technical specialty. This responsibility shall include but need not be limited to inspection and approval as to the establishment of line grade and drainage of the

16 development area. The project civil engineer and/or general contractor shall act as the coordinating agent in the event the need arises for liaison between the project professional, grading contractor and the director. The civil engineer or other qualified person who prepares and signs the grading plan shall control plans and the submission of as-graded grading plans when required by the building official upon completion of the work. (g) The permittee shall notify the Building Official prior to any clearing, brushing, or grubbing and when the grading operations are ready for inspection. (h) If the Building Official finds that the soil or other conditions are not as stated in the approved plans and soil or geology reports, he/she may, using reasonable judgment, refuse to allow further work until approval is obtained for a revised grading plan which will conform to the conditions. (i) No person shall conduct any grading, clearing, brushing, or grubbing on natural or existing grade that is preparatory to grading without first having obtained a grading permit from the City. Exemptions to this requirement are as provided in this Chapter or as otherwise determined by the Building Official.

18.06.130 Final Reports.

Upon completion of the rough grading work and at the final completion of the work, the following reports and drawings and supplements thereto are required for engineered grading or when professional inspection is performed for regular grading, as applicable. (a) An as-built grading plan prepared by the civil engineer showing original ground surface elevations, as-graded ground surface elevations, lot drainage patterns, and the locations and elevations of surface drainage facilities and of the outlets of subsurface drains. As-constructed locations elevations and details of subsurface drains shall be shown as reported by the soils engineer. Civil engineers shall state that to the best of their knowledge the work within their area of responsibility was done in substantial conformance with the final approved grading plan.
(b) A report prepared by the soils engineer retained to provide such services, including locations and elevations of field density tests, summaries of field and laboratory tests, other substantiating data, and comments on any changes made during grading and their effect on the recommendations made in the approved soils engineering investigation report. Soils engineers shall submit a statement that to the best of their knowledge, the work within their area of responsibilities is in accordance with the approved soils engineering report and applicable provisions of this Chapter. (c) A report prepared by the engineering geologist retained to provide such services including a final description of the geology of the site and any new information disclosed during the grading and the effect of same on recommendations incorporated in the approved grading plan. Engineering geologists shall submit a statement that, to the best of their knowledge, the work within their area of responsibility is in accordance with the approved engineering geologist report and applicable provisions of this Chapter. (d) The grading contractor shall submit in a form prescribed by the building official a statement of conformance to said as-built plan and specifications.

17 18.06.140- Notification of Completion.

The permittee shall notify the Building Official when the grading operation is ready for final inspection. Final approval shall not be given until all work including installation of all drainage facilities and their protective devices and all erosion-control measures have been completed in accordance with the final approved grading plan, and the required reports have been submitted. (Ord. 1392 § 14, 2007: Ord. 1348 § 1 (part), 2003)

18.06.150- Hazards.

Whenever the Building Official determines that any existing excavation or embankment or fill on private property has become a hazard to life and limb, or endangers property, or adversely affects the safety, use, or stability of a public way or drainage channel, the owner of the property upon which the excavation or fill is located, or other person or agent in control of said property, upon receipt of notice in writing from the building official, shall within the period specified therein repair or eliminate such excavation or embankment to eliminate the hazard and to be in conformance with the requirements of this code.

18.06.160 Fees.

The City Council shall establish, by resolution, fees for the administration of this chapter.

18.06.170 Nuisance.

Any condition in violation of the prohibitions of this Chapter, including but not limited to the maintenance or use of any illicit connection or the occurrence of any prohibited discharge shall constitute a threat to the public health safety and welfare, and is declared and deemed a nuisance pursuant to Government Code Section 38771. At the request of the Director of Public Works, the enforcing attorney may seek a court order to enjoin and/or abate the nuisance.

18.06.180 Violations.

Any person who negligently or knowingly violates any provision of this Chapter, undertakes to conceal any violation of this Chapter, continues any violation of this Chapter after notice thereof, or violates the terms, conditions, and requirements of any permit issued pursuant to this Chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for a period of not more than six months, or both. Each day in which a violation occurs and each separate failure to comply with either a separate provision of this Chapter, a notice of noncompliance, an administrative compliance order, a cease-and-desist order, or a permit issued pursuant to this Chapter, shall constitute a separate violation of this Chapter punishable by fines or sentences issued in accordance herewith.

Chapter 18.08 - RELOCATION OF BUILDINGS

18.08.010 Permit—Required.

It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to move or cause to be moved any building or structure or any section of any building or structure into the City of Fountain Valley for permanent establishment in the City or from one location to another in the City, without first obtaining a relocation permit from the Community Development Department of the City.

18 18.08.020 Permit—Building Inspection Required.

All applications for relocation permits shall first be filed with the Community Development Department for initial inspection of the building to be moved. The Community Development Department shall complete their inspection within a reasonable time after filing. The building and safety director or his authorized representative, shall then forward his report to the Planning Commission with his correction list, improvement bond estimate and recommendations as the Community Development Department is presently required to do under existing ordinances.

Inspection fees required by the building code and/or City Council shall be required.

18.08.030 Permit—Application Contents.

All applicants desirous of relocating a building or structure within the City after initial inspection by the Community Development Department shall, then make an application to the planning commission of the City, which application shall contain the following:
(1) Name of owner;
(2) Complete description of the building or structure to be moved, designating its type, construction material, age, size, and any other pertinent information that may be required by the City Engineer, Planning Department, or Community Development Department.
(3) A description of the route over, along, across, and upon which such building or structure, section, or portion thereof, is to be moved within the city and the time within which the work of moving will be commenced and completed; (4) A complete description of any proposed addition, alteration, or repair or improvement to be made to said building or structure either before or after it is moved and a statement of the approximate commencement and completion of such proposed addition, alteration, repair or improvement; (5) Four eight and one-half inch by eleven inch photographs, showing front, rear, left, and right side elevations;
(6) A statement supported by relevant evidence indicating that all necessary authorizations and permits have been obtained from the operator of any public utility which might be affected by such moving operations; (7) The proposed use to which such relocated building and structure will be put; (8) A termite inspection report by a reliable termite exterminator company, licensed by the state of California; and
(9) The name of the mover.

19 18.08.040 Hearing—Application Fee.

All such relocations shall require a hearing before the Planning Commission. The application set out in the previous section shall be accompanied by a filing fee as established by resolution of the City Council, to cover the cost of making maps, mailing notices, and other administrative expenses involved. Such fee shall not be refundable, whether a permit is issued or not.

18.08.050 Hearing—Department Recommendations.

Prior to the hearing held by the Planning Commission, the Community Development Director shall advise all affected City departments of such application. These departments shall submit recommendations to the Planning Commission for consideration prior to the time of the public hearing.

18.08.060 Hearing—Notices.

At least ten days before the hearing before the Planning Commission, notices of the time and place of such hearing and the purpose thereof shall be given by the mailing of notices, to all property owners, within a distance of five hundred feet from the exterior limits of the property to which any such building or structure is to be moved. A notice of such hearing shall also be mailed to the applicant at the address listed in the applicant’s application.

18.08.070 Restricted Buildings.

No permit shall be issued for the relocation of any building or structure from one location to another location within the City if said building or structure, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, is so old, dilapidated, and in such a state of disrepair as to be unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation, occupancy, or use, or would by reason of its exterior appearance be detrimental to the property value and residential character of other properties within one thousand feet from its new location, (vacant area shall be considered developed to highest and best use permitted by the existing zone), or the proposed use of said building or structure is prohibited by the zoning ordinance of said City; or if the building or structure is of a type prohibited in the proposed location by the building code, or any other law or ordinance, or if the cost to repair such building is such that it would be prohibitive under the present laws and ordinances of the City.

18.08.080 Plans and Bond Required.

No permit shall be issued, nor shall the Planning Commission make any decision concerning any application for the movement of any building or structure until; (1) A set of architectural plans of the completed structure is submitted; (2) A faithful performance bond, executed by a responsible surety company authorized to do business in the state of California, or by two responsible private individuals, in an amount as recommended by the Planning and Building Department as being necessary to bring such structure or building

20 up to existing building codes and other applicable laws or ordinances is submitted. Said bond and corrections shall be limited to ninety days from the date of issuance of building permits. One thirty-day extension may be granted by the building and safety director when extenuating circumstances are evident; and
(3) A bond on file with the City Clerk which shall be a good and sufficient surety bond issued by a company acceptable to the Attorney for the City, or a cash deposit in the principal sum of two thousand dollars in favor of the City for the benefit of any person, firm, or corporation who may be damaged directly or indirectly by the moving of said building or structure, provided that any person, firm, or corporation engaged regularly in the business of moving buildings may deposit with the City Clerk a surety bond approved by the Attorney for the City, or a cash deposit in the sum of ten thousand dollars indemnifying the City for like purposes and in that event such person, firm, or corporation need not file the said two thousand dollar bond or cash deposit hereinabove required for any single moving operation.

18.08.090 Terms or Conditions Imposed by Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission, in authorizing the issuance of a relocating permit, may impose thereon such terms and conditions as it may deem reasonable and proper in the interest of public safety, welfare, morals, and well-being, including but not limited to the requirements of changes, alterations, additions, or repairs to be made to or upon the building or structure, or removal of any nonconforming uses or structures. Further terms or conditions may be imposed by the Planning Commission in accordance with the building code, zoning, and fire code regulations. The terms and conditions upon which any permit is granted, either by the Planning Commission or by the City Engineer shall be written upon the permit or appended thereto. Upon authorization of the relocation permit, the applicant shall in addition comply with other City ordinances as they pertain to oversize and overweight loads and shall obtain the necessary additional permits and pay the additional fees. Drainage, sewerage, and other charges as required by the laws, rules, and regulations of the City shall be required.

18.08.100 Damage of Public Property.

In case of any damage to any street, or other public property, or public utility owned by the City, the City shall do or cause to be done such work as may be necessary to restore the street or other public property, or public utility, to as good a condition as the same was in prior to such damages and shall charge the cost thereof to the person, firm or corporation to whom the permit was issued for the moving of such building or structure, or section or portion thereof. A final inspection will not be made or passed on the condition or repair of any building or structure until all charges, costs and fees to the City incidental to said relocation have been paid.

18.08.110 Chapter Application—Waiver.

21 The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all persons, firms, associations, or other corporations moving buildings or structures through or within said City, or to be located within said City, providing that upon a proper showing the Planning Commission may waive one or more of the requirements of this Chapter or may reduce or waive filing or permit fees where the building or structure to be moved is known by or is to be used or occupied by another public agency or where the distance which such building or structure is to be moved is so small as to warrant a modification of the fees or other requirements hereof.

18.08.120 Hearing Decision—Appeal.

Within fifteen days after completion of said hearing by the Planning Commission, the Planning Commission shall render its decision on the matter. The decision of the Planning Commission and any provision or restriction imposed shall be final unless an appeal in writing to the City Council is filed with the City Clerk in accordance with the appeal provisions of Title 21. If the application is approved and no appeal filed within the twentyday stay period, the Planning Commission shall return the application to the Planning and Building Department for the issuance of a permit noting the restrictions and the requirements imposed by the planning commission, and a certification that all necessary charges and fees have been paid.

18.08.130 Inspection and Code Provisions.

The permit or permits herein authorized shall be in addition to all permits required under any other ordinance of the City and all such relocated buildings or structures shall be subject to the inspection of the Planning and Building Department, planning department, and City Engineer and must conform to all requirements of the building code and other codes or ordinances relating to building, construction, relocation, and necessary installations incident thereto.

18.08.140 Violation—Penalty.

Every person, as principal, agent, or otherwise, violating or failing or neglecting or refusing to comply with any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not exceeding six months or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each such person as principal, agent, or otherwise, shall be guilty of a separate offense for each day during any portion of which the violation of or the failure, neglect, or refusal to comply with any of the provisions of this Chapter is committed, continued, or permitted by such person.

Chapter 18.12- Residential Code

18.12.010 Residential Code Adopted.

The 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, California Building Standards Code, known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2.5 incorporating the International Residential Code, 2024 Edition, including Appendix BF published by the

22 International Code Council, with the amendments set forth in Section 18.12 is hereby adopted. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public. This shall be the City’s residential building code for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area, and maintenance of all residential buildings in the City, except as modified herein.

18.12.020 Work Exempt from Permit.

Section R105.2 is amended in the following categories of building work that are exempt from permit:

1. One story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided the floor area is greater than120 square feet and the ceiling height is not over 7 feet

2. Fences not over six feet high and block walls not over three feet high.

3. Retaining walls which are not over four feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.

11. Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than thirty inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below.

18.12.030 Section R105.10 Added.

Section R105.10 Reconstruction is added to Chapter 1 of the California Building Code to read as follows:

R105.10. Reconstruction. If the value of the reconstruction (or renovation) of a building is equal to or exceeds 75 percent of the v of the building, the entire building shall comply with the code provisions for new construction. The value of the reconstruction (or renovation) for a property shall include the value of all construction stemming from construction-related permits issued within the last two years.

18.12.040 Refunds.

Section R108.5 Refunds is deleted and amended to read;
The Building Official may authorize refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected. The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80% of the permit fee when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code. The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80% of the plan review fee when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before the plan is reviewed. The Building Official shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.

18.12.050 Penalties.

23 Section R108.6 Work Commencing before Permit Issuance is amended to read:

Any person who commences work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to double the permit fees as a penalty. In addition, when required by the Building Official, a special investigation shall be performed at a cost established by separate ordnance.

18.12.060 Climatic and Geographic Design.

Table R301.2 (1) is revised to read:

TABLE R301.2 (1)

CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA

WIND DESIGN SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM GROUN
D
SNOW
LOAD o
Speed d
(mph)
Topographic
effects k
Specia
l wind
region l
Windbor
ne
debris
zone m

SEISMIC
DESIGN
CATEGORY f Weathering a
Frost
line
Depth b Termite c
WINTER
DESIGN
TEMP e

ICE BARRIER

UNDERLAYMENT
REQUIRED h
FLOOD
HAZARDS g
AIR

FREEZING
INDEX i
MEAN
ANNUAL
TEMP j
Zero 95 No No No D2 or E Negligible 12-24” Very Heavy 50 No FVMC

21.14.040 0 64
MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIA n

ELEVATION LATITUDE WINTER HEATING SUMMER

COOLING

ALTITUDE

CORRECTION
FACTOR

INDOOR DESIGN

TEMPERATURE
DESIGN

TEMPURATURE

COOLING
HEAT

TEMPERATURE

DIFFERENCE
39 34 41 85 70 75

COOLING

TEMURATURE

DIFFERENCE

WIND VELOCITY

HEATING

WIND VELOCITY

COOLING

COINCIDENT WET

BULB DAILY RANGE WINTER HUMIDITY SUMMER HUMIDITY
7 68 22 11 (50% RH)
For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s. a. Where weathering may require a higher strength concrete or grade of masonry than necessary to satisfy the structural requirements of this code, the frost line depth strength required for weathering shall govern.

The weathering column shall be filled in with the weathering index (i.e., "negligible," "moderate" or "severe") for concrete as determined from Figure R301.2(1). The grade of masonry units shall be determined from ASTM C 34, ASTM C 55, ASTM C 62, ASTM C 73, ASTM C 90, ASTM C 129, ASTM C 145, ASTM C 216 or ASTM C 652.
b. Where the frost line depth may require deeper footings than indicated in Figure R403.1(1), the frost line depth strength required for weathering shall govern. The jurisdiction shall fill in the frost line depth column with the minimum depth of footing below finish grade.
c. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table to indicate the need for protection depending on whether there has been a history of local subterranean termite damage. d. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the wind speed from the basic wind speed map [Figure R30l.2(2)]. Wind exposure category shall be determined on a site-specific basis in accordance with Section R301.2.1.4.
e. The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the table to establish the design criteria using Table 10A from ACCA Manual J or established criteria determined by the jurisdiction. f. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the seismic design category determined from Section R301.2.2.1.
g. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with (a) the date of the jurisdiction's entry into the National Flood Insurance Program (date of adoption of the first code or ordinance for management of flood hazard areas), and the title and date of the currently effective Flood Insurance Study or other flood hazard study and maps adopted by the authority having jurisdiction, as amended. h. In accordance with Sections R905.1.2, R905.4.3.1, R905.5.3.1, R905.6.3.1, R905.7.3.1, and R905.8.3.1, where there has been a history of local damage from the effects of ice damming, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with "YES." Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with "NO."

24 i. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the 100-year return period air freezing index (BFdays) from Figure R403.3 (2) or from the l00-year (99 percent) value on the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing Index- USA Method (Base 32°)." j. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the mean annual temperature from the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°F)." k. In accordance with Section R301.2.1.5, where there is local historical data documenting structural damage to buildings due to topographic wind speed-up effects, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with "YES." Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate "NO" in this part of the table. l. In accordance with Figure R301.2(2), where there is local historical data documenting unusual wind conditions, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES” and identify any specific requirements.

Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table. m. In accordance with Section R301.2.1.2, the jurisdiction shall indicate the wind-borne debris wind zone(s).

Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table. n. The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the table to establish the design criteria using Table 1a or 1b from ACCA Manual J or established criteria determined by the jurisdiction. o. The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the table using the Ground Snow Loads in Figures R301.2(3) and R301.2(4).

18.12.070 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.

Section R313.1 exception and R313.2 exceptions are deleted. The following will be added to R313.1 and R313.2:

Exception: Any addition or alteration to an existing residential building shall retrofit with automatic fire sprinkler system when a structure exceeds 3,500 square feet and the addition or alteration that is made exceeds thirty (30) percent of the original building square footage.

18.12.080 Preliminary Soils Report.

As required by Chapter 4 California Residential Code Section R401.4. is added to Chapter 4:

The Building Official may require a geologic or geotechnical report or both, in accordance with the 2025 California Residential Code Section R401. This section shall include any new residential construction or additions to existing structures. As part of this evaluation the Building Official shall require a site visit to determine the need for a geologic or geotechnical report or both. A fee shall be collected for each site visit.

A geologic report shall be prepared by a Certified Engineering Geologist licensed by the State of California. A geotechnical report shall be prepared by a registered Civil Engineer versed in soils engineering and qualified to perform this work. When both a geotechnical and geologic report are required, the two reports shall be coordinated before submission to the Building Official. The Building Official, at his/her discretion shall obtain any technical support necessary to approve the report. Submitted reports shall contain a finding regarding the safety of the site from any variety of geologic hazard and a finding regarding the effect the proposed improvements, grading, and/or construction and use of the site will have on the stability of the site and/or property outside the site. Any recommendation or action presented in the approved reports along with any conditions of approval shall be incorporated into the construction of site improvements. A fee shall be collected for the cost of review of the reports and any required addendums.

25 18.12.100 Roofing Covering Materials.

Section R902.1 is amended by revising it to allow only class A or B roofs as follows:

R902.1 Roofing covering materials.

Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. A minimum Class A or B roofing shall be installed in areas designated by this section or where the edge of the roof I less than 3 feet (914 mm) from a lot line. Class A and B roofing required by this section to be listed shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E 108.

Exceptions:

1. Class A roof assemblies include those with coverings of brick, masonry and exposed concrete roof deck.

2. Class A roof assemblies also include ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal sheets and shingles, clay or concrete roof tile, or slate installed on noncombustible decks.

18.12.110 Roof Coverings Within All Other Areas.

Section R902.1.2 is amended by revising it to require a minimum Class B roof as follows:

R902.1.2 Roof coverings within all other areas.

The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair, or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class B.

18.12.120 Fire-Retardant-Treated Shingles and Shakes.

Section R902.2, first paragraph is amended by revising it to allow only Class A or B treated wood roofs as follows:

R902.2 Fire-retardant-treated shingles and shakes.

Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles are wood shakes and shingles complying with UBC Standard 15-3 or 15-4 which are impregnated by the full-cell vacuum-pressure process with fire-retardant chemicals, and which have been qualified by UBC Standard 15-2 for use on Class A or B roofs.

18.12.130 Chimney Spark Arresters.

Section R1001.14 Chimney spark arresters of the California Residential Code is hereby added as follows:

26 R1001.14 Chimney spark arresters. All chimneys attached to any appliance or fireplace that burns solid fuel shall be equipped with an approved spark arrester. Chimneys serving outdoor appliances or fireplaces shall be equipped with a spark arrester. The spark arrester shall meet the requirements of Section 2113.9.2 of the California Building Code.

Chapter 18.16 - Plumbing Code

18.16.010 Plumbing Code Adopted.

The 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code, California Building Standards Code, known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 5, incorporating the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2024 Edition, including Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix D, and Appendix I published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, with the amendments set forth in Section 18.16 is hereby adopted. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

Chapter 18.20 - California Electrical Code

18.20.010 Electrical Code Adopted.

The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code, California Building Standards Code, known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 3, incorporating the National Electrical Code, 2023Edition including Annex A, Annex B, Annex C, Annex D, Annex E and Annex I, published by the National Fire Protection Association with the amendments set forth in Section 18.20 is hereby adopted. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

18.20.020 Conductor Material.

Article 310.3(B) is hereby amended by the deleting of a second paragraph replacing it to read:

Copper wire shall be used for wiring No. 6 and smaller in all installations. Consideration for use of aluminum wiring can be made by the building official for feeder lines only on an individual basis where adequate safety measures can be ensured. (Ord. 1418 § 2, 2007)

18.22 - California Energy Code

18.22.010 California Energy Code Adopted.

The 2025 Edition of the California Energy Code known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6, published by the International Code Council. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

Chapter 18.24 - California Mechanical Code

27 18.24.010 California Mechanical Code Adopted.

The 2025 Edition of the California Mechanical Code, California Building Standards Code, known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 4, incorporating the Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024 Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, with the amendments set forth in Section 18.24 is hereby adopted. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

Chapter 18.26 - California Existing Building Code

18.26.010 California Existing Building Code Adopted.

The 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code, California Building Standards Code, known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 10, incorporating the International Building Code, 2024Edition. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

Chapter 18.27 Solar Permitting Process

18.27.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this Chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This Chapter encourages the use of solar systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners, and expanding the ability of property owners to install solar energy systems. Moreover, allows the City to achieve these goals while protecting the public health and safety.

18.27.020 Definitions.

As used in this Chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section:
(a) In accordance with Civil Code section 801.5, a “Solar Energy System” means, either of the following:

1. Any solar collector or other solar energy device whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating, space cooling, electric generation, or water heating.

2. Any structural design feature of a building, whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation, space heating or cooling, or for water heating.

28 (b) A “small residential rooftop solar energy system” means all of the following:

1. A solar energy system that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal.

2. A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted by the City of Fountain Valley and all state health and safety standards, including, but not limited to, Civil Code section 714(c)(3).

3. A solar energy system that is installed on a single or duplex family dwelling.

4. A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the City of Fountain Valley. (c) “Electronic submittal” means the utilization of the following:

1. The Internet.
(d) An “association” means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development.
(e) A “common interest development” means any of the following:

1. A community apartment project.

2. A condominium project.

3. A planned development.

4. A stock cooperative.
(f) “Specific, adverse impact” means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
(g) “Reasonable restrictions” on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.
(h) “Restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance” means:

1. For Water Heater Systems or Solar Swimming Pool Heating Systems: an amount exceeding 10 percent of the cost of the system, but in no case more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding 10 percent, as originally specified and proposed.

2. For Photovoltaic Systems: an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) over the system cost as originally specified and

29 proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding 10 percent as originally specified and proposed.

18.27.030 Applicability.
(a) This Ordinance applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the City.
(b) Small residential rooftop solar energy systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of this Ordinance are not subject to the requirements of this Ordinance unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of a small rooftop energy system in such a way as to require new permitting.

Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit.

18.27.040 Solar Energy System Requirements.
(a) All solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state and the City Fire Department. (b) Solar energy systems for heating water in single-family residences and for heating water in commercial or swimming pool applications shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code.
(c) Solar energy systems for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.

18.27.050 Duties of Building Department and Building Official. (a) All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application shall be made available on the publicly accessible City website.
(b) Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by the Internet shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.
(c) An applicant’s electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature. (d) The City’s Building Department shall adopt a standard plan and checklist of

30 all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.
(e) The small residential rooftop solar system permit process, standard plan(s), and checklist(s) shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard plans contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. (f) All fees prescribed for the permitting of small residential rooftop solar energy system must comply with Government Code Section 65850.55, Government Code Section 66015, Government Code Section 66016, and State Health and Safety Code Section 17951.

18.27.060 Permit Review and Inspection Requirements.
(a) The City Building Department shall adopt an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite approval of small residential rooftop solar energy systems within 30 days of the adoption of this Ordinance. The Building Department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit the same day for over-the-counter applications or within 1-3 business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan. A Building Official may require an applicant to apply for a use permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety. Such decisions may be appealed to the Planning and Building Director.
(b) Review of the application shall be limited to the Building Official’s review of whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements.
(c) If a use permit is required, a Building Official may deny an application for the use permit if the official makes written findings based upon substantive evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid, as defined, the adverse impact. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact. Such decisions may be appealed to the Planning and Building Director.
(d) Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost. (e) “A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact” includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by the City on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit. The City shall use its best efforts

31 to ensure that the selected method, condition, or mitigation meets the conditions of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 714 of the Civil Code defining restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance.
(f) The City shall not condition approval of an application on the approval of an association, as defined in Section 4080 of the Civil Code. (g) If an application is deemed incomplete, a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance shall be sent to the applicant for resubmission.
(h) Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Department for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.
(i) The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and should include consolidated inspections. An inspection will be scheduled within one business days.
(j) If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized but need not conform to the requirements of this Ordinance.

Chapter 18.28 - California Green Building Standards Code

18.28.010 California Green Building Standards Code Adopted.

The 2025 Edition of the California Green Building Standards Code, California Building Standards Code, known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11, also known as the CALGreen Code, published by the International Code Council. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

Chapter 18.30 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

18. 30.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined electric vehicle charging station permitting process that complies with AB 1236 (Chapter 598, Statutes 2015) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of electric vehicle charging stations. The provisions of this chapter encourage the use of electric vehicle charging stations by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to the property owners and the city, and expanding the ability of property owners to install electric vehicle charging stations.

The provisions of this chapter further allow the city to achieve these goals while protecting the public's health, welfare and safety. (Ord. 1525 § 1, 2017)

18. 30.030 Definitions.

32 a) " Electric vehicle charging station" or " charging station" means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, as it reads on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug- in electric vehicle.
b) " Specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
c) " Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following:
1) Electronic mail or email.
2) The Internet.
3) Facsimile.
d) " Community Readiness Guidebook" means the guidebook published by the Office of Planning and Research, with recommendations in the most current version of the " PlugIn Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the " Zero- Emission Vehicles in California." (Ord. 1525 § 1, 2017)

18. 30. 040 Electric vehicle charging station installation requirements. a) Electric vehicle charging station equipment shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, and rules of the Public Utilities Commission or a Municipal Electric Utility Company regarding safety and reliability. b) Installation of electric vehicle charging stations and associated wiring, bonding, disconnecting means and overcurrent protective devices shall meet the requirements of Article 625 and all applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code. c) Installation of electric vehicle charging stations shall be incorporated into the load calculations of all new or existing electrical services and shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code. Electric vehicle charging equipment shall be considered a continuous load.
d) Anchorage of either floor-mounted or wall- mounted electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the requirements of the California Building or Residential Code as applicable per occupancy, and the provisions of the manufacturer's installation instructions. Mounting of charging stations shall not adversely affect building elements. (Ord. 1525 § 1, 2017)

18. 30. 050 Duties of the building division, and building official.

33 a) All documents required for the submission of an expedited electric vehicle charging station system application shall be made available on the publicly accessible city website.
b) Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by email, the Internet, or facsimile shall be made available to all electric vehicle charging station system permit applicants.
c) An applicant' s electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature. d) The electric vehicle charging station system permit process and checklist shall substantially conform to the recommendations for expedited permitting, including the Plug- In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" contained in the most current version of the Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook published by the Office of Planning and Research.
e) The city council, by resolution, may establish a fee for the processing of electric vehicle charging station system applications. (Ord. 1525 § 1, 2017)

18. 30. 060 Permit review requirements.
a) The building division shall administratively approve an application to install electric vehicle charging stations through issuance of a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit.
b) The building official may require an applicant to apply for a use permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the electric vehicle charging station system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety. c) Review of the application shall be limited to the building official' s review of whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements. d) If a use permit is required, the city may deny an application for the use permit if the city makes written findings based upon substantive evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid, as defined, the adverse impact. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact.
e) Decisions regarding an electric vehicle charging station system permit application may be appealed to the city council pursuant to Chapter 21. 60, or any successor chapter.
f) Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health or safety at the lowest possible cost.

34 g) If an application is deemed incomplete, a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance shall be sent to the applicant for resubmission. (Ord. 1525 § 1, 2017)
Chapter 18.32- International Property Maintenance Code

18.32.010 International Property Maintenance Code Adopted.

The 2024 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code, as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted as the Property Maintenance Code for the City. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

Chapter 18.33 - International Swimming Pool and Spa

18.33.010 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code Adopted.

The 2024 Edition of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, as published by the International Code Councils hereby adopted as the Swimming Pool and Spa Code of the City. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the Building Official for use and examination by the public.

Chapter 18.34 - Paving Permits

18.35.010 Parking Area.

A parking area is an area or space designed, used, or intended to be used for the storage, parking, maintenance, service, driving, repair, display, or operation of vehicles, and includes areas used or intended to be used for driveway or access to such parking areas from the public right-of-way to such area, but does not include public roads, streets, highways, and alleys.

18.34.020 Scope.

No areas shall be used for the storage, parking, maintenance, service, driving, repair, display, or operation of vehicles unless constructed and maintained in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Chapter, except:
(a) That portion of any land coming within the definitions of parking area in use for such purposes on the effective date of the Ordinance enacting this Chapter and which is paved and is being maintained in a safe manner so as not to become a nuisance may continue in use without meeting the provisions of this Chapter; however, any extension, alteration, or reconstruction of such areas in whole or in part shall be subject to the terms and provisions of this Chapter.
(b) The Building Official may authorize temporary parking areas to be used in connection with special events, new construction, or areas to be used for a limited period of time not exceeding six months where construction of permanent facilities in accordance with the standards of this Chapter would be impractical. The Building Official may impose requirements for dust

35 control, temporary paving, or such other requirements as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this Chapter, as conditions pursuant to authorization.

18.34.030 Permit Required.

No person, firm or corporation shall construct, reconstruct, alter, enlarge, or pave any parking area without first obtaining a separate parking paving permit from the Building Official. Including:
(a) Resurfacing of an existing parking lot that will require parking lot re-striping. (b) Re-striping of an existing parking lot with or without resurfacing. (c) Re-grading of an existing parking lot that will require parking lot re-striping.

Permits will only be issued to those persons having the appropriate contractor’s license as determined by the Contractors State License Board and the applicable state law.

Separate paving permits shall not be required in the following situations:
(a) No paving permit shall be required for any paving work within or under a building for which a valid building permit has been issued. (b) No paving permit shall be required for paving work serving residential occupancies where the areas to be paved do not exceed one thousand square feet in area.

18.34.040 Standards.

Parking areas shall be constructed in accordance with the standards set forth in Section

21.60.060 of this code.

18.34.050 Plans.

Plans for parking areas shall be included in the grading plans and shall be submitted to the Building Official for checking. Also to be included in the plans shall be the specifications for the composition of the paving materials.

18.34.060 Fees.

Fees for paving permits shall be set forth by a resolution of the City Council.

18.34.070 Approvals Required.
(a) No work shall be done on any parking area beyond the point authorized in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. Such approval shall be given only after an inspection shall have been made of each successive step in the construction as indicated by each of the inspections required by subsection (b) of this section. (b) The Building Official, upon notification from the permit holder or the permit holder’s agent, shall make the following inspections of parking areas and shall approve that portion of the construction as completed or shall notify the permit holder or the permit holder’s agent wherein the same fails to comply with the law:
(1) Subgrade Inspection. To be made when the compaction report has been received by the Building Official and after the site has been

36 cleared and is prepared to receive fill material or aggregate base.

When no fill operation is to be done, or the fill is minor in nature, subgrade inspection may be waived by the Building Official; (2) Base Inspection. To be made after base or subgrade has been brought to proper grade and alignment for placing of paving materials and after all required curbing and gutters are in place; (3) Final Inspection. To be made when parking area is complete and all requirements of this Chapter have been met.

18.34.080 Testing.

When there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this Chapter or evidence that any material or any construction does not conform to the requirements of this Chapter, or in order to substantiate claims for alternate materials or methods of constructions, the Building Official may require tests as proof of compliance to be made at the expense of the owner or his agent by an approved agency.

18.34.090 Preparation of Surface to be Paved.
(a) Preparation of surfaces to be paved shall be performed in accordance with the standard specifications for public works construction. (b) Soil sterilization shall be used in all areas to be paved. Sterilants shall be applied in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and shall be evidenced by a certification of compliance from the permit holder.

18.34.100 Maintenance.

All parking areas shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition and shall be kept in good repair. Any alteration, enlargement, or reconstruction, in whole or in part, other than normal maintenance repairs, shall be pursuant to permit and subject to the provisions of this Chapter.

18.34.110 Penalties.

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail for not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each separate day or any portion thereof during which any violation of this Chapter occurs or continues constitutes a separate offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable as provided in this section.

Chapter 18.36 - Strong Motion Instrumentation Program

18.36.010 Scope and Purpose.

In accordance with Chapter 8, Division 2 of the California Public Resources Code, the City imposes a fee upon all construction permits for purposes of administering the state of California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program. Said fees are in addition to any and all other fees required of applicants for the issuance of a construction permit.

18.36.020 Definitions.

37 “Construction permit” is defined as a general permit for the construction or erection of a new structure or the renovation of an existing structure; or a permit for the installation or repair of electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning equipment in a structure; or the installation of a sewer; or the grading or excavation of earth materials; or the installation of paving materials.

18.36.030 Fee Schedule.

Every applicant for a construction permit shall pay a strong motion instrumentation program fee as prescribed and stated in Public Resources Code Division 2, Chapter 8.

18.36.040 Administration.

The Director of Finance shall file all reports and pay all fees as required by the provisions of Chapter 8, Division 2 of the California Public Resources Code and shall comply with all rules and regulations of the state of California Department of Conservation, as administrative agency for the program.

Chapter 18.37 - Post-Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction

18.37.010 – Post-Disaster Safety Assessment Placards and Security

18.37.020 Scope.

This Chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy after any natural or man-made disaster. It further authorizes the Building and Safety Department, as well as authorized representatives, to post appropriate placards at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.

18.37.030 Application of Provisions.

The provisions of this Chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures, of all occupancies, regulated by the City following each natural or man-made disaster.

18.37.040 Definitions.

Building Official is defined in Chapter 2 of the California Building Code.

Safety Assessment is a visual examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining whether continued use or occupancy is appropriate following a natural or man-made disaster.

18.37.050 Placards.

The following official placards must be used to designate the condition of buildings or structures following a disaster.
(Green) Inspected - Lawful Occupancy Permitted. Posted on any building or structure where no apparent hazard has been found. Placement of this placard does not mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.

38 (Yellow) Restricted or Limited Entry. Posted on each damaged building or structure where damage has created a hazardous condition which justifies restricted occupancy.

The Building Official who posts this placard will note in general terms the hazard created and will clearly and concisely note the restrictions on occupancy. (Red) Unsafe – Do Not Enter or Occupy. Posted on each damaged building or structure such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life or health. Buildings or structures posted with this placard may be entered only after authorization in writing by the Building Official. Safety assessment teams are authorized to enter these buildings at any time.

This placard may not be used or considered as a demolition order. The official who posts this placard must make a note in general terms of the damage encountered.

18.37.060 Securing of Unsafe Buildings or Structures.

Buildings or structures that have been determined by the Building Official to pose a threat to life safety or to be unsafe due to damage may be required by the Building Official to be secured from entry by fencing or other approved means until such time that the damage or threat to life is removed by repair, reconstruction, or demolition. The fencing or security measures may not be removed without authorization from the building official.

18.37.070 Removal of Placards.

Once the placard has been attached to a building or structure, it may not be removed, altered, or covered until authorized by the Building Official. Placards may be removed upon issuance of a permit to repair the damage. Issuance of a permit may not necessarily constitute approval to reoccupy the structure. The structure may not be occupied until authorized by the Building Official

18.37.080 Violation.

Any violation of Chapter 9 of this code is a misdemeanor and will be subject to punishment according to the provisions of Section 106 of the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code.

18.37.100 – Post Disaster Abatement

18.37.110 Intent.

This Chapter establishes abatement criteria for all buildings and structures damaged as a result following each natural or man-made disaster.

18.37.120 Application of Provisions.

The provisions of this Chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures regulated by the City.

18.37.130 Definitions.

For the purpose of the Chapter, the following definitions apply:

39 Event means any occurrence, which results in the declaration of a disaster, including but not limited to, fires, debris flows, landslides, wind storms, earthquakes, explosions, and floods.

Safety Assessment is a visual examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining whether continued use or occupancy is appropriate following a natural or man-made disaster.

18.37.200 - Abatement Criteria

18.37.210 Notice of Determination.

Except as provided in Section 18.37.220 below, the Building Official must serve a written Notice of Determination to each property owner as found on the latest available copy of the last equalized assessment roll. Such Notice of Determination must be delivered by hand-delivery, telephone, telegram, facsimile, or other reasonable means, and must clearly indicate that the structure or part of the structure is an imminent hazard and dangerous and that, as such, it constitutes a public nuisance. The notice must set forth those factors which, in the opinion of the Building Official, make the structure an imminent hazard and dangerous, and must also include a directive from the Building Official of the specific action or actions to be taken by the property owner. The Notice must specify that within 72 hours from the time of issuance of the Notice of Determination, the owner or other party of record with an equitable or legal interest in the property must submit a hazard abatement plan and abate the nuisance in accordance with the directives written in the Notice of Determination by the Building Official.

18.37.220 Notice of Determination Exception.

No prior notice is required, when the building official, after considering all the facts, determines, in writing, that the structure or part of the structure is an imminent hazard and dangerous, and that it must be abated immediately and that time and circumstances do not permit the giving of prior notice to the owner. In those cases, where time and circumstances do not permit the City to give the owner notice prior to abatement, the Building Official may cause the nuisance to be summarily abated.

18.37.230 Appeal of Notice of Determination.

A Notice of Determination delivered by the Building Official, that a building or structure is an imminent hazard and dangerous and therefore must be abated, may be appealed by the property owner or any other party of record with an equitable or legal interest in the property. Such appeal must be made to the Building Official within 48 hours of delivery of such Notice of Determination by the Building Official. Such appeal must be accompanied by a written Hazard Abatement Plan signed by a State of California licensed engineer or architect or by a written report by a State of California licensed engineer or architect stating why the engineer or architect feels the building or structure is not an imminent hazard or dangerous at this time. Such report must include a recommendation by the engineer or architect as to what should or should not be done at this time. If the Building Official accepts the proposed Hazard Abatement Plan in lieu of the Notice of Determination, the Hazard Abatement Plan must be implemented within 24 hours of

40 acceptance by the Building Official. If the Building Official accepts an engineer's report and agrees there is no imminent hazard, the Building Official must rescind, in writing, the Notice of Determination. Should the Building Official disagree with the Hazard Abatement Plan, or should the Building Official disagree with the engineer's or architect's report, a hearing must be conducted by the Board of Appeals, as soon as a quorum can be assembled.

18.37.240 Board of Appeals Hearing.

At the hearing, the appellant has the right to call witnesses, to submit evidence, and to cross-examine the witnesses of the City. All witnesses must be sworn. A record of the proceedings must be made by tape recording. Any relevant evidence may be submitted, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might make improper the admission of such evidence over objection in civil actions in the courts of this State. At the close of the hearing, the Board of Appeals must act to either uphold, overrule, or modify the determination and order of the Building Official. The determination and order of the Building Official will be upheld, unless the Board of Appeals finds, based upon the evidence in the record, that the Building Official erred in determining that the structure is an imminent hazard and dangerous. The decision of the Board of Appeals, with the reasons therefore, may be given orally on the record. If given orally, the decision must be memorialized in writing and served upon the applicant within 24 hours of the time the oral decision is rendered. If the Board of Appeals upholds the decision of the Building Official, the property owners of record will be ordered to abate the public nuisance within the time set forth in the order. If the structure is determined not to be an imminent hazard and dangerous, the Building Official's determination and order will be vacated. The decision of the Board of Appeals will be final on the date it is rendered.

18.37.250 Hazard Abatement Plan.

Before any work is started to abate the hazard, a hazard abatement plan shall be submitted for approval. Unless waived by the Building Official, a hazard abatement plan shall be signed by a State of California licensed engineer or architect. If a Hazard Abatement Plan is approved by the Building Official, the owner or other interested party of record must execute such plan within 24 hours of obtaining approval of the plan and permit from the Building Official. Within 24 hours of completion of the abatement work the owner or other interested party of record must provide the Building Official with a written certification that the public nuisance, as described in the Building Official's Notice of Determination, has been abated. If the work performed pursuant to the Hazard Abatement Plan amounts to temporary abatement, the owner or other party of record, prior to proceeding with permanent repairs, must obtain required permits and file a damage assessment report with the Building Official. The damage assessment report must be reviewed and approved by the Building Official prior to proceeding with permanent repairs.

18.37.260 Failure to Perform.

In those instances, where the property owner or other interested party of record either does not respond to the Building Official's Notice of Determination or approved Hazard Abatement Plan, responds untimely, or responds timely but fails to abate the public

41 nuisance within the required time period, the imminent hazard and dangerous structure will be subject to immediate abatement by the Building Official.

18.37.270 Public Nuisance.

All structures or portions of such structures which, after inspection by the Building Official, are determined to be an imminent hazard and dangerous, either to the public, occupants of the subject structure, or to any adjacent structures, are hereby declared to be public nuisances and must be abated by the owner in accordance with the procedures specified in Section 902.4.5.

18.37.280 Suspension of Abatement of Work.

Notwithstanding any code provisions to the contrary, the Building Official is authorized to suspend abatement work by the City’s contractors, and to allow the property owner or other party of legal interest to complete the abatement work.

18.37.290 Change of Status.

When the conditions making a structure an imminent hazard and dangerous have been abated, the structure will no longer be considered an imminent hazard and dangerous.

However, if the abatement work is temporary in nature, as determined by the Building Official, the structure will remain subject to the provisions of this section.

18.37.300 Demolition Permit.

If the owner of any building or structure has decided to demolish rather than repair, the owner, or the owner's representative, must obtain a demolition permit.

18.37.400 – Disaster Repair and Reconstruction

18.37.410 Intent.

This section establishes standards and regulations for the expeditious repair and reconstruction of structures damaged as a result of a disaster for which a local emergency has been declared.

18.37.420 Application of Provisions.

18.37.430 Declaration of Emergency.

The provisions of this Chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures regulated by the City following each disaster after a local emergency has been declared.

18.37.440 Waiver for Engineering Evaluation.

42 The requirements of this Chapter may be waived by the Building Official subject to an Engineering Evaluation as defined in Section 903.3.4.

18.37.450 Definitions.

For the purpose of this section, the following definitions apply:

Architect is a person licensed by the State of California to practice architecture, as prescribed by the State of California Business and Professions Code.

Civil Engineer is a person registered by the State of California to practice Civil Engineering, as prescribed by the State of California Business and Professions Code.

Current Code means those codes adopted by the City pursuant to California Health and Safety Code § 18941.5.

Engineering Evaluation is an evaluation of a damaged building or structure, or suspected damaged building or structure, performed under the direction of a structural engineer, civil engineer, or architect retained by the owner of the building or structure.

Engineering evaluations must, at a minimum, contain recommendations for repair and an appropriate opinion of the construction cost for those repairs. All engineering evaluations must include the engineer's or architect’s stamp, wet-signature, and license expiration date.

Essential Service Facility means those buildings or structures designated by the City to house facilities necessary for emergency operations subsequent to a disaster.

Replacement Value is the dollar value, as determined by the building official, for replacing a damaged structure with a new structure of the same size, same type of construction, and same occupancy, and located on the same site.

Structural Engineer is a person registered by the State of California to practice civil engineering and to use the title, Structural Engineer, as defined in Section 5537.1 of the State of California Business and Professions Code.

Value of Repair is the dollar value, as determined by the Building Official, for making necessary repairs to the damaged structure.

18.37.500 - Repair Criteria

18.37.510 General.

Buildings and structures of all occupancies which have been damaged as the result of a disaster, except as otherwise noted, must be repaired in accordance with the following criteria:

18.37.520 Up to Ten Percent Repair Value.

When the estimated value of repair does not exceed ten percent of the replacement value of the structure, the damaged portion may be restored to the pre-disaster condition;

43 except that when the damaged elements include suspended ceiling systems, the ceiling system must be repaired with all bracing required by current code.

18.37.530 Up to Fifty Percent Repair Value.

When the estimated value of repair is greater than ten percent but less than fifty percent of the replacement value of the structure, the damaged elements must be repaired and brought into conformance with the structural requirements of the current code.

18.37.540 More than Fifty Percent Repair Value.

When the estimated value of repair is fifty percent or more of the replacement value of the structure, the entire structure must be brought into conformance with the fire and life safety and structural requirements of the current code.

18.37.550 Chimney Value Exclusion.

In Group R, Division 3, occupancies, the repair value of damaged chimneys may be excluded from the computation of percentage of replacement value. Damaged chimneys must be repaired in accordance with Section 18.37.600.

18.37.600 - Repair Criteria for Fireplaces and Chimneys

18.37.610 General.

All damaged chimneys must be repaired or reconstructed to comply with the requirements of Chapter 21 of the California Building Code. Damaged portions of chimneys must be removed in accordance with the following criteria.

18.37.620 Damage above the Roof Line
When the damaged portion of the chimney is located between the roof line and the top of the chimney, the damaged portion may be removed to the roof line provided the roof and ceiling anchorage are in sound condition. The reconstruction portion of the chimney must be braced to the roof structure using an approved method.

18.37.630 Single-Story Structure Damage below the Roof Line.

For a single-story structure in which the damaged portion of the chimney is below the roof line, or the damaged portion extends from above the roof line to below the roof line, the chimney must be removed to the top of the firebox.

18.37.640 Multi-Story Structure Damage below the Roof Line.

For a multi-story structure, the damaged portion of the chimney must be removed from the top to a floor line where anchorage is found.

18.37.650 Firebox Damage.

In any structure where the firebox has been damaged, the entire chimney and firebox

44 must be removed to the foundation. If the foundation is in sound condition, the firebox and chimney may be reconstructed using the existing foundation. If the foundation has been damaged, the foundation must be removed and replaced. Such reconstruction and replacement must be in accordance with Chapter 21 of the California Building Code.

18.37.660 Engineered Alternate Solutions.

Where existing conditions preclude the installation of all anchorage required by Chapter 21 of the California Building Code, alternate systems may be used in accordance with the alternate methods and materials provisions of the California Building Code when approved by the Building Official.

18.37.670 Bracing.

Where the portion of the chimney extending above the roof line exceeds two times the least dimension of the chimney, that portion above the roof line must be braced to the roof structure using an approved method.

Section 2. Fees for compliance with the above codes shall be established in a separate resolution.

Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held out to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council and the City of Fountain Valley hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsection, sentence clause, phrases, or portions to be declared valid or unconstitutionally.

Section 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause it to be published as required by law.

This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days hereafter and after the State Building Standard Code is effective.

PASSED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Fountain Valley at a regular adjourned meeting this day of November,2025.

ATTEST:
___________________________ _____________________________ Rick Miller, City Clerk Ted Bui, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Harper & Burns LLP

45 ___________________________
City Attorney

RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FOUNTAIN

VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH FINDINGS FOR REQUIRED AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODES

RELATIVE TO LOCAL CLIMATIC, TOPOGRAPHIC AND GEOLOGIC

CONDITIONS
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958 provides that the City of Fountain Valley shall adopt ordinances and regulations imposing the same or modified or changed requirements as are contained in the regulations adopted by the State pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922; and
WHEREAS, the State of California is mandated by Health and Safety Code Section 17922 to impose the same requirements as are contained in the most recent edition of the California Building Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Residential Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Mechanical Code, and the California Electrical Code (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Codes”); and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5(a) permits the City to make modifications or changes to the Codes, which are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geologic, or topographic conditions; and WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that the City Council, before making any modifications or changes to the Codes, shall make an express finding that such changes or modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geologic, or topographic conditions; and WHEREAS, the City of Fountain Valley Community Development Department have recommended that changes and modifications be made to the Codes and have advised that certain said changes and modifications to the California Codes are reasonably necessary due to local conditions in the City of Fountain Valley and have 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 Codes or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City of Fountain Valley.

Now, THEREFORE, The City Council of the City of Fountain Valley does hereby RESOLVE, DETERMINE, and FIND, as follows
Amendments related to life and fire safety contained in Sections 105.2, 105.8, 109.4, 109.6, 202, 903.2, Table 1505.1, 1505.1.2, 1505.5, 1505.7,1803.1.1.1, 3109.3, 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code and Sections R105.2, R105.10, R108.5, R108.6, Table R301.2 (1), R313.1, R313.2, R401.4, R902.1, R902.1.2, R902.2, and R1001.14 of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, and 310.3 (B) of the 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code as recommended by the Fountain Valley Planning and Building Department are hereby found to be reasonably necessary due to the following local conditions:

Resolution No. ____

A. Climatic Conditions

1. Hot, dry Santa Ana winds are common to all areas within the City of Fountain Valley and Orange County in general. These winds, which can cause small fires to spread quickly, are a contributing factor to the high fire danger in the area, and create the need for an increased level of fire protection. This added protection will supplement normal fire department response available and provide immediate protection for life and safety of multiple occupants during fire occurrences.

2. Orange County and the City of Fountain Valley are located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate which predisposes all fuels, including wood shingles, to rapid ignition and spread of fire. Therefore, there exists a need for additional fire protection measures.

3. The warm, dry climate is conducive to swimming pools which creates a higher probability of child drownings where pools are unprotected.

B. Geologic Conditions

1. Orange County and the City of Fountain Valley are located in a highly active seismic area (Zone D and E). There are earthquake faults that run along both the northeastern and southwestern boundaries of Orange County. The NewportInglewood Fault Zone (NIFZ) which runs through Orange County was the source of the destructive 1933 Long Beach earthquake (6.3 magnitude, hypocenter off Newport Beach coast), which took 120 lives, with areas damaged from Laguna Beach to Marina del Rey and inland to Whittier, and poses one of the greatest hazards to lives and property in the nation. Regional planning for reoccurrence is recommended by the State of California, Department of Conservation. There was also an earthquake in December 1989, with the epicenter located near the City of Irvine. The fault on which this quake occurred was unknown prior to this activity. The October 17, 1989, Santa Cruz earthquake resulted in only one major San Francisco fire in the Marina district, but when combined with the 34 other fires and over 500 responses, the department was taxed to its full capabilities. The Marina fire was difficult to contain because mains supplying water to the district burst during the earthquake. If more fires had been ignited by the earthquake, it would have been difficult for the fire department to contain them. Experts predict a major earthquake in our area within the next 50 years.

This situation creates the need for both additional fire protection measures and automatic on-site fire protection for building occupants since a multitude of fires may result from breakage of gas and electric lines as a result of an earthquake.

As noted by “Planning Scenario on a Major Earthquake on the NewportInglewood Fault Zone, 1988, State Department of Conservation,” page 59, “unfortunately, barely meeting the minimum earthquake standards of building codes places a building on the verge of being legally unsafe”;

2. Traffic and circulation congestion presently existing in the City of Fountain Valley

Resolution No. ____

often places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk. This condition will be exacerbated by any major disaster, including any earthquake wherein damage to the highway system will occur. This condition makes the need for additional on-site protection for property occupants necessary.

3. Placement of multiple occupancy buildings, location of arterial roads, and fire department staffing constraints due to recent revenue-limiting state legislation have made it difficult for the fire department to locate additional fire stations and provide manpower sufficient to concentrate fire companies and personnel to control fires in high density apartment or condominium buildings. Fire Department equipment does not allow easy access to areas of buildings greater than 55 feet above the level of Fire Department vehicle access. These conditions create the need for built-in on-site fire protection systems to protect occupants and property until fire fighting apparatus and personnel arrive on the scene.

The City of Fountain Valley is located in an area subject to a climatic condition of high winds and low humidity. This combination of events creates an environment, which is conducive to rapidly spreading fires. Control of such fires requires rapid response. 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, Section 6, Figure 6-2 of ASCE 7 identifies 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.

The City of Fountain Valley is located in the middle of the seismically active area.

The viability of the public water system would be questionable at best after a major seismic event. This would leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of any available water to floors above the 55-foot level. 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. With the probability of strong aftershocks there exists a need to provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors.

4. Untreated wood roofs cause or contribute to serious fire hazard and to the rapid spread of fires when such fires are accompanied by high winds. Pieces of burning wooden roofs become flying brands and are carried by the wind to other locations and thereby spread fire quickly. Recent Grand Jury Report findings support this concern.

Additional amendments have been made to Codes. On the recommendation of the City of Fountain Valley Community Development Department, such amendments are hereby found to be either administrative or procedural in nature or concern themselves with subjects not covered in such Codes. The changes made include provisions making

Resolution No. ____

each of said Codes compatible with other Codes enforced by the City.

Section 2
Amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Codes are found reasonably necessary based on the climatic and/or geologic conditions cited in Section 1 of this resolution and are listed as follows:

Code Section Findings in Section 1
CBC 105.2, 105.8, 109.4, 109.6, 202 Administrative
CBC 903.2, Table 1505.1, 1505.1.2, 1505.5, 1505.7 A1, A2 CBC 1803.1.1.1 B1, B4
CBC 3109.3, 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.3 A3, B2
CRC R105.2, R105.10, R108.5, R108.6 Administrative
CRC Table R301.2 (1), R313.1, R313.2 A1, A2
CRC R902.1, R902.1.2, R902.2, R1001.14 A1, A2
CRC R401.4 B1, B4
CEC 310.3 (B) A1, A2, B1
The aforementioned amendments have been incorporated in detail in Ordinance No..

Section 3
The City of Fountain Valley Planning and Building Department shall file copies of Resolution No._____ and Ordinance No.____ with the California Building Standards Commission as required by Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS ______ DAY OF _____________ 2025.

ATTEST:
________________________ _____________________
City Clerk Mayor

APPROVED AS TO FORM
Harper & Burns LLP
_______________________
City Attorney

SUMMARY OF

CALIFORNIA CODE CHANGES
In the 2025 edition of Title 24
July 2025

Acknowledgements
Governor Gavin Newsom
Secretary of the Government Operations Agency, Nick Maduros Director of the Department of General Services, Ana Lasso Members of the California Building Standards Commission Chair, Secretary Nick Maduros
Vice Chair, Rajesh Patel
Commissioners:

Kent Sasaki Erick Mikiten
Elley Klausbruckner Rajesh Patel
Peter Santillan Juvilyn Alegre
Aaron Stockwell Laura Rambin
Frank Ramirez James Haskin
Executive Director, Stoyan Bumbalov
Deputy Executive Director, Kevin Day
The California Building Standards Commission is a commission within the Department of General Services
Visit our website at dgs.ca.gov/BSC
Please submit comments and suggestions for improvements or additions to this publication to [email protected]
or mail to
California Building Standards Commission
Stoyan Bumbalov, Executive Director
2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130
Sacramento, CA 95833
Some of CBSC’s publications available on the website’s Resources page:

Guide to Title 24
It’s Your Building Department
Guide for Local Amendments of
Building Standards
Public Guide to the Building
Standards Adoption Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary of Terms

2025 Summary of California Code Changes i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 1 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE – PART 1................................... 4 Chapter 1 – Building Standards Commission ............................................................ 4 Chapter 3 – State Fire Marshal.................................................................................. 4 Chapter 4 – Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety .................................. 4 Chapter 5 – Division of the State Architect – Access Compliance ............................. 6 Chapter 6 – Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development – Seismic Evaluation Procedures for Hospital Buildings ............................................................ 7 Chapter 7 – Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development – Safety Standards for Health Facilities ................................................................................... 7 Chapter 10 – California Energy Commission ............................................................. 8 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE – PART 2................................................ 8 Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration ...................................................................... 8 Chapter 2 – Definitions .............................................................................................. 9 Chapter 3 – Occupancy Classification and Use......................................................... 9 Chapter 4 – Special Detailed Requirements ............................................................ 10 Chapter 5 – General Building Heights and Areas .................................................... 12 Chapter 7 – Fire and Smoke Protection Features.................................................... 12 Chapter 7A – Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure .. 13 Chapter 8 – Interior Finishes.................................................................................... 13 Chapter 9 – Fire Protection Systems ....................................................................... 13 Chapter 10 – Means of Egress ................................................................................ 14 Chapter 11A – Housing Accessibility ....................................................................... 14

ii 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
Chapter 11B – Accessibility to Public Buildings ....................................................... 14 Chapter 12 – Interior Environment........................................................................... 17 Chapter 14 – Exterior Walls ..................................................................................... 20 Chapter 15 – Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures........................................... 21 Chapter 16 – Structural Design................................................................................ 21 Chapter 16A – Structural Design ............................................................................. 23 Chapter 17 – Special Inspections and Tests............................................................ 25 Chapter 17A – Special Inspections and Tests ......................................................... 26 Chapter 18 – Soils and Foundations........................................................................ 31 Chapter 18A – Soils and Foundations ..................................................................... 31 Chapter 19 – Concrete............................................................................................. 32 Chapter 19A – Concrete .......................................................................................... 33 Chapter 21 – Masonry ............................................................................................. 34 Chapter 21A – Masonry ........................................................................................... 35 Chapter 22 – Steel................................................................................................... 37 Chapter 22A – Steel................................................................................................. 38 Chapter 23 – Wood.................................................................................................. 41 Chapter 25 – Gypsum Board, Gypsum Panel Products and Plaster........................ 41 Chapter 30 – Elevator and Conveying Systems ...................................................... 41 Chapter 31 – Special Construction .......................................................................... 42 Chapter 35 – Referenced Standards ....................................................................... 43 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE – PART 2.5 ....................................43 Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration .................................................................... 43 Chapter 2 – Definitions ............................................................................................ 44

2025 Summary of California Code Changes iii
Chapter 3 – Building Planning ................................................................................. 44 Chapter 44 – Referenced Standards ....................................................................... 44 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE – PART 3 ........................................44 Article 89 – General Code Provisions ...................................................................... 44 Chapter 1 – General ................................................................................................ 45 Chapter 2 – Wiring and Protection........................................................................... 45 Chapter 4 – Equipment for General Use.................................................................. 45 Chapter 5 – Special Occupancies............................................................................ 45 Chapter 7 – Special Conditions................................................................................ 48 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE – PART 4 .......................................48 Chapter 1 – Administration ...................................................................................... 48 Chapter 2 – Definitions ............................................................................................ 48 Chapter 3 – General Regulations............................................................................. 49 Chapter 4 – Ventilation Air....................................................................................... 49 Chapter 6 – Duct systems........................................................................................ 53 Chapter 11 – Refrigeration....................................................................................... 54 Chapter 12 – Hydronics ........................................................................................... 54 Chapter 18 – Referenced Standards ....................................................................... 54 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE – PART 5............................................54 Chapter 1 – Administration ...................................................................................... 54 Chapter 2 – Definitions ............................................................................................ 55 Chapter 4 – Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture Fittings ................................................. 55 Chapter 6 –Water Supply and Distribution............................................................... 56 Chapter 7 – Sanitary Drainage ................................................................................ 57

iv 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
Chapter 15 – Alternate Water Sources for Nonpotable Applications........................ 58 Chapter 16 – Nonpotable Rainwater Catchment Systems....................................... 58 Chapter 17 – Referenced Standards ....................................................................... 58 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE – PART 6................................................59 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – PART 7.........59 Overview .................................................................................................................. 59 Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration .................................................................... 60 Chapter 2 – Definitions ............................................................................................ 60 Chapter 3 – Wildland-Urban Interface Areas ........................................................... 60 Chapter 4 – Wildland-Urban Interface Areas Requirements .................................... 60 Chapter 5 – Special Building Construction Regulations........................................... 60 Chapter 6 – Fire Protection Requirements............................................................... 60 Chapter 7 – Referenced Standards ......................................................................... 61 Appendix A – General Requirements....................................................................... 61 Appendix B – Vegetation Management Plan ........................................................... 61 Appendix C – Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework............................................................................................................... 61 Appendix D – Model Ordinance for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Adoption ................ 61 Appendix E – [Reserved] ......................................................................................... 61 Appendix F – Characteristics of Fire Smart Vegetation ........................................... 62 Appendix G – Voluntary Home Hardening Recommendations ................................ 62 Appendix H – Referenced California Documents..................................................... 62 Appendix I – Board of Appeals ................................................................................ 62

2025 Summary of California Code Changes v
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – PART 9.......................................................62 Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration .................................................................... 62 Chapter 2 – Definitions ............................................................................................ 63 Chapter 3 – General Requirements ......................................................................... 63 Chapter 9 – Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems .............................................. 65 Chapter 10 – Means of Egress ................................................................................ 65 Chapter 31 – Tents, Temporary Special Event Structures and Other Membrane Structures ................................................................................................................ 66 Chapter 49 – Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Areas ........... 66 Chapter 80 – Referenced Standards ....................................................................... 66 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – PART 10 ..........................66 Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration .................................................................... 66 Chapter 2 – Definitions ............................................................................................ 67 Chapter 3 – Provisions for All Compliance Methods................................................ 67 Chapter 3A – [OSHPD1] Provisions for All Compliance Methods............................ 68 Chapter 4 – Repairs................................................................................................. 69 Chapter 4A – Repairs .............................................................................................. 69 Chapter 5 – Prescriptive Compliance Method.......................................................... 70 Chapter 5A – Prescriptive Compliance Method ....................................................... 70 Chapters 6 through 11 ............................................................................................. 71 Chapter 16 – Referenced Standards ....................................................................... 71 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE – PART 11 .......72 Chapter 2 – Definitions ............................................................................................ 72 Chapter 4 – Residential Mandatory Measures......................................................... 72

vi 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
Chapter 5 – Nonresidential Mandatory Measures.................................................... 74 Chapter A4 – Residential Voluntary Measures ........................................................ 76 Chapter A5 – Nonresidential Voluntary Measures ................................................... 77

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 1

INTRODUCTION
During the 2024 Triennial Code Adoption Cycle, California state agencies reviewed the most recent editions of national model codes and standards, and made amendments and additions to most parts of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (Title 24). This publication contains information regarding substantive California changes of interest to code users as they familiarize themselves with the 2025 edition of Title 24. For ease of reading, this document uses all normal font style (no italics). When looking at Title 24, it is a good idea to learn about and understand the various margin markings, banners and text styles that will indicate where changes have been made to the code and what amendments are model code changes versus California amendments. An explanation of margin markings can be found in the preface of each part of Title 24.

State agency acronyms that may be used in this publication BSC – Building Standards Commission
CEC – California Energy Commission
DCA – Department of Consumer Affairs, Veterinary Medical Board DSA – Division of the State Architect
DWR – Department of Water Resources
HCD – Department of Housing and Community Development
OSHPD – Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development SFM – State Fire Marshal
For the applications of amendments adopted by the various state agencies, reference Chapter 1 of each part of Title 24.

The parts of Title 24 may be abbreviated as follows:

CBC – California Building Code, Part 2, Volumes 1 and 2 CRC – California Residential Code, Part 2.5
CMC – California Mechanical Code, Part 4
CPC – California Plumbing Code, Part 5
CWUIC – California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Part 7 CFC – California Fire Code, Part 9
CEBC – California Existing Building Code, Part 10
CALGreen – California Green Building Standards Code, Part 11 CRSC – California Referenced Standards Code, Part 12
To avoid confusion with other acronyms, abbreviations are not used for the California Administrative Code (Part 1), California Electrical Code (Part 3) or California Energy Code (Part 6).

2 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
Note that there were no significant updates to the California Historical Building Code, Part 8 of Title 24, or Part 12, the Referenced Standards Code, so they are not included in this summary. There are no changes to Part 8 because the State Historical Building Safety Board adopted the 2025 California Historical Building Code by carrying forward existing provisions from the 2022 edition without further amendment.

Model code developers:

Every three years the national model codes and standards are published, and by law California is required to incorporate specific model codes and standards into Title 24.

The model code publishers often issue significant code change documents explaining national code updates and the reasons for them. Links are provided below to assist in searching for this information for each of the publishers.

IAPMO – The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (Parts 4 and 5)
2024 Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Code publication webpage ICC – The International Code Council (Parts 2, 2.5, 7, 9 and 10) ICC’s 2024 Significant Changes publications (search each title separately) NFPA – National Fire Protection Association (Part 3)
2023 National Electrical Code Guide to Changes
In 2024, the model codes published by ICC underwent a substantial formatting change as part of their digital transformation strategy to improve the user experience and enhance readability by providing a cleaner, more modern look. All parts of Title 24 that are published by ICC—Parts 1, 2, 2.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12—display the new singlecolumn format. Parts 3, 4 and 5, published by NFPA and IAPMO, retain the previous formatting style.

Additionally, some section renumbering occurred to align with the new structure, and existing California amendments made obsolete by new model code language have been repealed and deleted from the code.

Also, in 2021 the Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD) was renamed the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). Within HCAI, divisions were renamed “offices” and the building code development unit is now within HCAI’s Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD); therefore, the acronym used in Title 24 banners to indicate adoption by OSHPD will not change.

Please watch the California Building Standards Commission’s (CBSC) video About Title 24 to learn about the code's layout and contributing state agencies. For more indepth information, visit CBSC’s Resources webpage to view and download educational publications such as a Guide to Title 24.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 3
Tips for reviewing this summary:
• Headings are generally shown as “Section # Section Name” unless otherwise as necessary for clarity.
• Use the bookmarks tool to quickly scan for sections of interest.

4 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE – PART 1
Chapter 1 – Building Standards Commission
1-101 Abbreviations
Added an entry for HCAI and corrected the entry for OSHPD. 1-407 Initial rulemaking file submittals by a state proposing agency Changed to accept digital signatures, accept single soft copies of documents, and clarify signature requirements for the Economic and Fiscal Impact Statement (Form STD 399).
1-408. Certification of delegation of authority
Changed to accept digital signatures.
1-411 Public comment rulemaking file submitted by a state proposing agency Changed to accept one copy of various required documents. 1-413 Public comments and related actions
Removed the note referencing a public comment form on the website. 1-415 Final rulemaking file by state proposing agencies Requirements changed to accept digital signatures, accept single copies, clarify documentation of public hearings, clarify the statement necessary if supporting documents are added after the NOPA is published, and clarify requirements when changes are made after the NOPA is published. Also repealed confusing language about the Informative Digest and the memo attesting to a 45-day public comment period.
1-419 Emergency building standards
Changed to accept one copy of various required documents.

Chapter 3 – State Fire Marshal
3-104 Application of building standards
Added a reference to the new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Part 7 of Title 24.

Chapter 4 – Division of the State Architect – Structural Safety Sections 4-205, 4-305, 4-402, 4-405
Added a reference to the new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Part 7 of Title 24.
4-309(a) Reconstruction or alteration projects in excess of $100,000 in cost Replaced “modifications” with “reconstruction, alteration, or addition” to clarify intent and provide consistency of language with the CEBC.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 5
4-310 School garages, warehouses, storage and similar buildings, dwellings for employees and miscellaneous structures
As a result of AB 358 (Chapter 83, Statutes of 2023), updated language to note community college student housing buildings are exempted from the Field Act. 4-314. Definitions
Added the definition of “Laboratory of Record” to coordinate with language updates and reorganization to create new Article 11 in this chapter. 4-317(e). Plans, specifications, calculations and other data Added a new exception that allows repair of damage caused by means not related to natural or manmade disaster (e.g. dry rot, vehicle impact) on a school building within 50 feet of fault trace.
4-318(a) Procedure for approval of application and voidance of application Added editorial revisions to current language that utilizes terms such as “prints,” “tracings,” “reproducible sheets,” which are tied to a paper-based system and not in alignment with current electronic media and submittal processes. 4-318(c) Voidance of application, 4-319 Withdrawal of application, and 4-420 Fees
Clarified amount of refund of fees when work has not yet commenced (checking work or construction) on a project (or subsequent increments) to align with current practice.

Various Sections within Group 1, Articles 5 and 6
Relocated and modified various sections from these articles to new Articles 10 and 11. 4-333 Observation and inspection of construction
4-333(b) Inspection by a project inspector or assistant inspector Added language to include assistant inspectors (and removed 4-333(d) Items 3-4).

Added language to clarify each inspector’s responsibility to the governing board, including any inspector involved with or providing inspection related activities or services to the district, while also emphasizing that inspectors ultimately report to DSA for enforcement of plans and specifications of the project. 4-333(d) Assistant inspectors
Added requirement that Assistant Inspectors (AI) must meet same project approval requirements as Project Inspectors (PI) for projects inspected by AI. Removed #3-4 and relocated #2 to 4-361.4, with modifications.
4-333.1 Project inspector certification.

Relocated this section to new Article 10 in this chapter and modified language to improve clarity.

6 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
4-335(f) Structural tests and special inspections
Removed minimum age requirements and added minimum educational requirements for special inspectors for consistency with Project Inspectors and DSA Certified Special Inspectors.
4-335(f)4.A Special inspector daily reports
Removed requirement for Special Inspector (SI) daily reports to PI within seven days since PI to receive those sooner (within one business day). 4-335.1 DSA Laboratory of record
Relocated portions of the former language to new Article 11 and modified language to improve clarity.
4-342 Duties of the project inspector
4-342(b) Duties
Added language specifying 48-hours prior notification by the PI to DSA for structural steel erection.
4-342(c) Violations through 4-342(g) Filing an appeal
Relocated items to new Article 10 and modified language to improve clarity.

Group 1, Article 8
Repealed Sections 4-350 and 4-351 to remove conflicts.

Group 1, Article 10
Created new Article 10. Inspector Certification (Sections 4-360 through 4-369) to consolidate and clarify inspector certification, professional conduct, discipline, appeals, and reinstatement requirements.

Group 1, Article 11
Created new Article 11. Laboratory Acceptance (Sections 4-370 through 4-378) to consolidate and clarify laboratory acceptance, professional conduct, discipline, appeals, and reinstatement requirements.
4-411 Definitions
Added definitions for “Classroom” and “Shade Structure” to clarify broad terms frequently reflected in project designs.

Chapter 5 – Division of the State Architect – Access Compliance Section 5-101 Purpose
Added exception to align with AB 306 (Chapter 49, Statutes of 2021) and AB 358 (Chapter 83, Statutes of 2023), exempting teacher or district employee dwellings and community college student housing buildings from DSA review for access compliance.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 7
Chapter 6 – Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development – Seismic Evaluation Procedures for Hospital Buildings
Article 1. Definitions and Requirements
Added and amended various sections within Article 1 as a result of the enactment of AB 869 (Chapter 801, Statutes of 2024), which establishes a process for small, rural, critical access and district hospitals, as well as hospitals that are recipients of the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, to seek a delay of up to three years to the seismic safety compliance deadline of January 1, 2030, and also provides HCAI with discretion to extend the delay by an additional two years.

1.2 Definitions
Repealed the definitions of “Administrative Extension” and “Critical Community Provider” because the timeframe to request an extension has expired.

1.5.2 Delay in compliance
Amended language to align the NPC compliance requirements and dates with existing statutory mandate and repealed SPC compliance requirements that are no longer applicable per AB 2190 (Chapter 673, Statutes of 2018).

Sections 11.3.1 and 11.3.2
Repealed the torque testing requirements for bolts with no tension as there is no specific test for shear.

Chapter 7 – Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development – Safety Standards for Health Facilities
7-101 Scope
Amended language to add HSC Section 129850 that provides OSHPD has broad statutory authority to make any regulations that it deems necessary, proper, or suitable to carry out the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act of 1983 (HSSA 83).
7-111 Definitions
Amended the definitions of: “Freestanding” to clarify that a building does not have to be adjacent to another building to be freestanding and the separation requirements apply to all adjacent buildings (and not limited to hospital buildings only); and “Office” for consistency with the creation of the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) and the renamed Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD).
7-115 Preparation of construction documents and reports Amended language: Allows fire protection engineers to prepare plans and specifications for fire protection systems; assures compliance with HSC Section 129805(a); and clarifies that only OSHPD Preapproved Details (OPDs) and distribution system preapprovals are required to be inserted in the construction documents.

8 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
Section 7-153 Changes to the approved work
Repealed subsections (b)1 and 2 because HCAI does not have the authority.

Chapter 10 – California Energy Commission
Please visit the California Energy Commission’s website for updates. energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiencystandards/online-resource-center/overview CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE – PART 2
Chapter 1 – Scope and Administration
Division of the State Architect
104.2.3 (formerly 104.11) Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment
Added new banners and amended language to clarify that the new model code exception regarding use of International Code Council Performance Code is not permitted by DSA.

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development

1.10.2 OSHPD 2
Removed references to OSHPD 2A and 2B as there is no longer a difference in requirements between skilled nursing facilities that are single-story wood frame or light steel construction and multi-story facilities.

1.10.6 OSHPD 6
Added a new banner and description to identify the requirements for Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospitals (CDRH). The OSHPD 6 designation incorporates AB 2096 (Chapter 233, Statutes 2022) into regulations.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 9
State Fire Marshal

1.11.2.4 Request for alternate means of protection
Updated the reference pointer to California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 19 due to program changes in the requirements of Risk Management Plans and the handling of hazardous materials under the oversight of CalEPA (AB 148, Stats. 2021). These programs were previously in Title 19, Division 2 (CalOES), but are now located in Title 19, Division 5 (CalEPA), and have been effective as of March 6, 2024.

1.11.4.4 Fire clearance pre-inspection
Corrected the reference pointer that delegates authority from the State Fire Marshal to the local fire prevention enforcement authority (Health and Safety Code Sections 13145 and 13146).
101.4.8 Wildland-Urban Interface
Added a new administrative section to reference the newly adopted California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC), Part 7 of Title 24. The adoption of the CWUIC has affected provisions and references in CBC Chapters 2, 3, and 7A, and will be addressed in this summary. Chapter 7A has been removed from the CBC and relocated in Part 7.

Chapter 2 – Definitions
State Fire Marshal
Definitions related to Chapter 7A
Repealed and deleted all definitions with reference to Chapter 7A. Chapter 7A provisions have been relocated to the new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Part 7 of Title 24.

Division of the State Architect
Multi-bedroom Housing Unit
Amended definition to change the term “toilet and bathing rooms” to “bathroom(s)” Next Generation Attenuation West
Repealed this definition as it is no longer used in the code.

Public-Occupancy Temporary Structure
Added an amendment to clarify that the definition does not apply to school buildings as defined in Section 4-314 of the California Administrative Code.

Chapter 3 – Occupancy Classification and Use
Department of Housing and Community Development [HCD]
310.3 Residential Group R-2 and 310.4 Residential Group R-3 Amended the model code language in relation to nontransient hotels and motels specifying that all nontransient hotels and motels, regardless of number of guest rooms, shall be classified as Occupancy Group R-2.

10 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
310.4.2 Lodging houses
Amended the automatic sprinkler system installation requirements and replaced “P2904” with a reference pointer to CRC R309.1.1.

State Fire Marshal
304.1 Business Group B
Editorial correction to align ambulatory care facilities with the provisions of the California Fire Code (Part 9, title 24) as a Business Group B occupancy. 305.2 Group E, child-care facilities, exception
Amended existing exception to Group E child-care facilities, allowing the facilities to operate when they comply with special requirements, aimed at expanding child-care services and upholding fire and life safety practices, and in compliance with Assembly Bill 176, Chapter 998 (2024).
308.5.1 Classification as Group E, special provisions
This model code section was deleted from the 2022 CBC. Assembly Bill 176, Chapter 998 (2024) required language from the 2019 CBC to be re-incorporated to provide clarification for local jurisdictions regarding child day care for more than six but not more than 100 children under 36 months of age.

Chapter 4 – Special Detailed Requirements
State Fire Marshal
403.2.1.1 Type of construction
Corrected the Item #1 exception by deleting model code language “columns supporting floors,” which was an existing amendment that was not carried forward in the 2022 CBC.
403.3.1 Number of sprinkler system risers and system design Incorporated an existing amendment regarding the requirements of sprinkler systems that are hydraulically designed. The terms “standpipe” and “vertical water supply zones” in this section clarify the requirements of codes and referenced standards.
403.3.1.2 Buildings more than 420 feet in height
Clarified that there are differences in requirements for buildings having a height greater than 420 feet (128 m) and in Section 403.3.1.1 buildings having a height less than 420 feet (128 m). Included requirement for sprinkler systems to be supplied from two risers to limit the impact of a single-point failure of a standpipe or sprinkler express riser.
403.5.3 Stairway door operation
Repealed an amendment regarding failure of electrical power to the locking mechanism as it is now in the adopted model code language.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 11
404.12 Group I and R 2.1 occupancy means of egress
Added treatment rooms to the egress requirements to clarify that patient sleeping rooms and patient treatment rooms are not permitted to pass through the atrium for means of egress. Aligns with the National Fire Protection Association 101 (NFPA 101).
406.9.2 Ventilation
Corrected the reference pointer from Section 1203 to 1202, to align with model code renumbering.
407.4.4.1 Exit access through care suites
Repealed an amendment regarding egress through an adjacent care suite to align with the requirements of NFPA 101. Section 407.4.4.3 includes the requirement.

Section 407.4.4.2 Separation
Repealed redundant amendment language regarding requirements for separation using a one-hour fire barrier.

Section 407.4.4.3 Access to a corridor
Repealed an amendment regarding travel from habitable rooms. Adopted model code language clarifies that movement in a care suite is limited to 100 feet of travel to a door leading to an exit corridor or a horizontal exit. 407.4.4.3.1 One intervening room (repealed) Sleeping Room (new) Repealed amendment regarding movement from habitable rooms through more than one intervening room and replaced with a new amendment to clarify that sleeping rooms shall be limited to one intervening room.
407.4.4.4 Reserved
Deleted model code Section 407.4.4.4 Circulation paths within a care suite because it conflicts with care suite circulation path requirements in California for unrated corridors in I-2 occupancies.
407.4.4.5.3 Travel distance (repealed)
Repealed California amendment since the adopted model code provides the same provisions in section 407.4.4.3.
408.9.1 Smoke venting
Added amendment clarifying that I-3 Occupancy Condition #9, where venting is provided that such venting applies to each housing pod. Also Exceptions 3, 4, and 5 are deleted.
408.13 Windows
Updated reference pointer for security glazing testing standards from American Society for Testing and Materials’ ASTM F1233-98 to ASTM F-1915. Deleted reference to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Appendix H glazing standard as well.

12 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
408.16 Vehicle sallyports
Added amendment to specify a two-hour fire barrier separation and to clarify that solid roofs in vehicle sallyports shall be fully sprinklered per National Fire Protection Association standard, NFPA 13.

Section 422.7 Domestic cooking
Added amendment to clarify requirements for installation of cooking appliances in fully-sprinklered buildings. Item 6 added with reference pointer to Section 708.

Chapter 5 – General Building Heights and Areas
State Fire Marshal
Table 504.3 Allowable building height in feet above grade plane Reinstated an existing amendment (erroneously not printed in the 2022 CBC) to the I-2 occupancy classification to correct the building height values to indicate “NP” (not permitted) for construction Types IIIB and VB.
506.2.1 Single-occupancy buildings. Equation 5-2
Corrected and clarified existing amendment related to total allowable area calculations for a single-occupancy building more than two stories above grade plane. Existing amendments associated with Equation 5-2 were unintentionally omitted during the last model code adoption when several model code changes occurred in allowable area formulas.

A maximum of Sa=2 multiplier is allowed for Groups A, E, H, I, L, and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. A maximum of Sa=3 multiplier is allowed for all the other buildings. Sa=4 multiplier is not allowed in California. 508.2.4 Separation of occupancies
Modified the existing amendment of Exception Item 4 to remove reference to vehicle sallyports and repealed the exception to separation requirements for I-3 occupancy groups.
508.3.3 Separation
Repealed Exception Item 3, that required separation between Group I-3 occupancies and vehicle sally ports. Additionally, Exception Item 4 is renumbered to Item 3.

Chapter 7 – Fire and Smoke Protection Features
State Fire Marshal
707.5 Continuity
Added amendment regarding termination of fire barriers required for incidental use rooms per CBC Table 509.1 in I-2 occupancies. Added Items 4 and 5 to clarify applicability of fire resistance ratings in I-2 occupancies.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 13
Chapter 7A – Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure
State Fire Marshal
Deleted Chapter 7A from CBC and relocated the requirements to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Part 7, Title 24. Added a “User Note” to point to CBC Section 101.4.8 for administrative requirements and applicability of buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) or a Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

Chapter 8 – Interior Finishes
State Fire Marshal
Table 803.13 Interior wall and ceiling finish requirements by occupancy For Group I-2, corrected footnote “n” to indicate footnote “o.” Chapter 9 – Fire Protection Systems
State Fire Marshal
Section 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations
Renumbered items for exempt locations to accommodate deletion of Item #1 in the model code. Deleted amendment Item #6 in the list regarding elevator hoistways, machine rooms, machinery spaces, control spaces and control rooms. 903.4.3 Alarms
Deleted existing amendment regarding visible alarm notification and reference pointer to Section 907.
907.2.12 Special amusement areas
Repealed existing amendments in Sections 907.2.12.1 - 907.2.12.3 as these sections do not exist in 2024 IBC and blended the existing amendment regarding exit access into the new model code language. The same modifications are made to Section 907.2.12 in the California Fire Code (Part 9 of Title 24). 915.4.4 Interconnection
Replaced new model language with existing HCD amendment that SFM co-adopted to align with the same amendment in the California Fire Code. 915.6.1 Enclosed parking garages
New amendment to coordinate with the existing provision in Section 915.6.1 the California Fire Code.

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Chapter 10 – Means of Egress
State Fire Marshal
1010.2.3 Hardware height
Replaced reference pointer to the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with reference to the California Building Code. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code is not adopted in Title 24.

Table 1020.2 Corridor fire-resistance rating
Modified existing amendments to repeal the line-item amendment for occupancy Group E, and to require one-hour fire resistance rating for corridors with sprinklers in occupancy Group I-4.
1026.6 Two-way communication
Specified that two-way communication systems must be installed in all horizontal exit compartments. An exception for I-2 and I-3 facilities is provided.

Chapter 11A – Housing Accessibility
Department of Housing and Community Development
1101A.1 Scope and 1102A.1 Where required
Removed Chapter 11A from the requirements for newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings which can also be defined as public housing. These occupancies shall continue to be subject to the requirements of Chapter 11B.

Chapter 11B – Accessibility to Public Buildings
Division of the State Architect – Access Compliance
11B-213.2 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms
Repealed Exception #5 to eliminate duplicative language with the exception in Section 11B-603.6.
11B-224 Transient lodging guest rooms, housing at a place of education and social service center establishment
Amended scoping requirements for Section 11B-224 applicable to transient lodging facilities and housing at a place of education. To distinguish the requirements for each, DSA removed “dormitories” as an example of “similar transient lodging facilities” and included “housing at a place of education.” 11B-228.3 Electric vehicle charging stations
11B-228.3.2 Minimum number
Provided clarity in the exceptions by separating the types of drivers and vehicles that are exempted, i.e. general public/individual EV driver or fleet vehicles.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 15
11B-233.3.1.2.6 Public housing facility site impracticality 11B-233.3.1.2.6.5 Additional requirements
Added new introductory language relative to buildings without elevators and where site impracticality test numbers one, two, or three reduce the required number of residential dwelling units with adaptable features and requirements for the remaining dwellings units.
11B-603.6 Guest room toilet and bathing rooms
Clarified this requirement is only applicable to transient lodging facilities, and not to housing at a place of education. The requirements for bathrooms in residential dwelling units with adaptable features in housing at a place of education are required to comply with the Fair Housing Act, which provides greater accessibility to bathrooms in units that are not required to provide mobility features. 11B-705.1.2.5 Blended transitions
Amended to clarify detectable warnings at blended transitions shall be 36 inches in depth (previously width) and extend the entirety of the transition separating the walk or sidewalk from the vehicular way.
11B-806.2.3.1 Personal lift device floor space
Amended technical requirements for personal lift device clear floor space to clarify the requirement is applicable to transient lodging where the underside of the bed may be blocked.
11B-806.2.4.1 Vanity countertop space
Added “bathrooms” to types of facilities in transient lodging and housing at a place of education where this requirement applies.
11B-809.1 General
Clarified references for residential units with mobility features and updated referenced section numbers. Added a reference pointer to residential units with adaptable features.
11B-809.1.1 Door signal devices
Added requirements for signal devices on the primary entry door to a residential dwelling unit with mobility features in buildings with three or more dwelling units for consistency with requirements for public housing units with adaptable features. 11B-809.1.2 Viewing devices
Added requirements for a lower viewing device at the primary entry door to a residential dwelling unit with mobility features, if a viewing device is provided in other units at a standing height.
11B-809.1.3 Washing machines and clothes dryers
Added the requirement that washing machines and clothes dryers in units with mobility features shall be front loading and equivalent type as provided in comparable dwelling units without mobility features.

16 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
11B-809.6 Residential dwelling units with adaptable features Removed the reference to “multifamily” from the residential dwelling units with adaptable features. The term defines the unit and not a multifamily building. 11B-809.8 Doors
Amended for clarity and to remove conflicts with Section 11B-404.2. Moved existing exceptions to Section 11B-809.8.3.1.
11B-809.8.1 Door thresholds
Amended to clarify primary entry doors, required exit doors, and interior doors intended for user passage shall have thresholds of no more than ½” high (to comply with 11B-404.2.5).
11B-809.8.2 Door opening force
Added a pointer for door opening force to Section 11B-404.2.9 with an added exception.
11B-809.8.3 Door maneuvering clearance
Added language that clearances at doors shall extend the full width of the doorway including the required latch side or hinge side clearance. 11B-809.8.3.1 Floor or ground surface
Added language to indicate floors or ground surfaces required maneuvering clearances shall not have slopes exceeding 1:48. Provided clarity for interior doors within residential dwelling units with adaptable features. Moved existing exceptions from Section 11B-809.8 to Section 11B-809.8.3.1.
11B-809.10 Bathrooms and powder rooms
Amended to change all references from “toilet and bathing rooms” to “bathrooms” for residential dwelling units with adaptable features.
11B-809.10.6.1 Size
Amended to clarify the reference is only to shower size requirements. This section previously incorrectly included all requirements for fully accessible showers.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 17
11B-809.10.6.3 Clearance
Amended to increase the clear floor space from a width of 30 inches to 36 inches at showers in residential dwelling units with adaptable features. Added a referenced figure to illustrate the position of the clear floor space relative to the control wall of the shower.
11B-902.2 Overlap
Added a new section clarifying that the clear floor space at dining surfaces shall not overlap the accessible route.

Chapter 12 – Interior Environment
Department of Housing and Community Development
1202.3 Unvented attic and unvented enclosed rafter assemblies Repealed amendment related to California Climate Zones and vapor retarder requirements since these provisions are addressed by the California Energy Commission.

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
1224.3 Definitions
Invasive Procedure. Amended to align with the glossary in the “Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals” as published by the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI). The added clarification provided in the FGI explanatory note assigns a risk percentage rather than stating a recognized risk. The amendments were coordinated with the California Department of Public Health responsible for licensing services in health care facilities.

Table 1224.4.6.1 Station outlets for oxygen, vacuum (suction) and medical air systems
Added a column to the table for instrument air outlet, line items 42, 43 and 44 and footnotes 9, 10 and 11. The new column aligns with national guidelines. Footnote 10 has been re-worded to coordinate with the room functions as provided in the California Building Code.

Table 1224.4.6.5 Location of nurse call devices
Amended table to add “and” between treatment and triage rooms, clarifying that there are three separate rooms.

Table 1224.4.19 Sound transmission limitations in hospitals Amended footnote #1 in the table to the correct reference standard number ASTM E413 Classification for rating sound insulation.
1224.16.2.1 Space requirements
Revised to indicate space requirements within preoperative patient holding areas.

The minimum width requirement of 6 feet access/circulation outside the curtain aligns with Section 1224.16.3 Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).

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1224.19.2.3.7 Hazardous Drug (HD) storage
Added new section to define a Hazardous Drug (HD) Storage room to align with United States Pharmacopeia USP-GC <800> Hazardous Drugs-Handling in Healthcare Settings. The storage arrangement is currently required under Title 16 Section 1751.
1224.19.3.2.3.3 Handwashing station (Anteroom)
1224.19.3.2.4.2 Handwashing station (Segregated Compounding Area, SCA) Amended to align with the United States Pharmacopeia USP-NF <797> to allow sinks to be located either inside or outside the respective areas (or in close proximity to the SCA). “Adjacent” is an OSHPD-defined term that means “located next to but not necessarily connected to the identified area or room.” 1224.19.3.3.2.8 Pass-throughs
Amended to align with the United States Pharmacopeia General Chapter, USP-GC <800> Hazardous Drugs-Handling in Healthcare Settings allowing a pass-through from the buffer room to unclassified areas but not the refrigerator. 1224.19.3.3.2.8 Pot washing facilities
Amended to clarify three compartment sinks are required in pot washing facilities to align with Health and Safety Code Section 114099.
1224.29.29.1.15 Support (Intensive Care Units)
1224.29.2.9 Lactation (Newborn Intensive Care Unit, (NICU) Replace the term “immediately adjacent” with “immediately accessible,” in alignment with terminology used in Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI). 1224.31.1 Psychiatric unit space
Amended to clarify that a psychiatric nursing unit in the general acute care hospital [OSHPD 1] is not a distinct part, but is a separate nursing unit. Aligns with Title 22 relative to elder care facilities.
1224.31.1.1 General
Separated general statements about psychiatric nursing units in a medical facility [OSHPD 1] from the non-medical psychiatric hospital or units [OSHPD 5]. 1224.31.1.9 Activity spaces
Specified that activity spaces provided in a psychiatric nursing unit shall comply with Section 1228.13.1’s requirements for patient safety in outdoor activity areas. Added Section 1224.31.1.9.1 to delineate the indoor activity rooms for a psychiatric nursing unit, and Section 1224.31.1.9.2 to clarify that outdoor activity areas are dedicated for the psychiatric unit. Related to CBC Section 1228.2.
1224.33.2.7.1 Behavioral health observation area
Clarified furniture options for a behavioral health observation area and provided an additional option for recliners; clarified a minimum of three feet on one side of recliners/beds/gurneys.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 19
1224.33.4.2 Fast-track area
Clarified fast-track area requirements in an emergency department to be consistent with triage area requirements, as well as other design and lighting requirements.

Aligned with the fast-track section in the FGI hospital guidelines. 1224.35.1 Rehabilitation center space
Clarified that access for outpatient rehabilitation services are required when a rehabilitation center is provided and aligned with existing Title 22 (Social Security) requirements in nuclear medicine facilities. Also clarified that physical therapy service, occupational service, and speech pathology service are required services for a rehabilitation center, and the space for these individual services shall be designed to meet the requirements of Sections 1224.35.2, 1224.35.3 and 1224.35.4, respectively.
1224.42 Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital
Added new section allowing that chemical dependency recovery services can be provided as supplemental services located as a separate unit within a distinct part in general acute care hospitals and acute psychiatric hospitals, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1250.3. Reference pointer to Section 1229 added for regulatory compliance. Related Sections: 1.10.6, 1224.3, 1228, 1229. 1225.5.1.2.6 Patient storage
Amended to align with other sections in Chapter 12 regarding specific provisions in nursing units for patient storage of personal belongings. Related sections:
1228.14.1.8 and 1229.14.1.9.
1225.6.6 Special treatment program service
Added language to clarify that skilled nursing facilities shall have a minimum of 30 beds for special treatment program service. Aligned with existing Title 22 requirements for skilled nursing facilities.
1226.4.13.2.1 Medication preparation room or area
Clarified the location option for medication (previously “medicine”) preparation room or area.
1226.4.14.2 Specimen and/or blood collection facilities Corrected the reference pointer from Section 1224.4.4.2 to Section 1224.4.4.3. 1226.8 Surgical clinics
Added a section header to provide consistent formatting throughout Section 1226. 1226.8.1.3 Procedure room(s)
Added subsection to provide a pointer to the procedure room requirements in Section 1224.4.4.1.4.

20 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
1228.2 Application
Clarified that an acute psychiatric hospital with non-medical units shall comply with Section 1228 that refers to Section 1224.31 for acute psychiatric hospitals or units that provide acute medical care.
1228.14.1.8 Patient storage
Amended to align with other sections in Chapter 12 regarding patient storage of personal belongings in psychiatric nursing units. Section 1228 is unique in that the storage must be designed with no ligature hazards. Related sections: 1225.5.1.2.6 and 1229.14.1.9,
1228.30 Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatric Service Space.

Clarified that pediatric and adolescent mental health service space patient areas are separate from each other and from adult mental health services space patient areas.

Further clarified that common areas may be shared and used by pediatric and adolescent patients at different times. Aligns with Title 22 and the FGI. 1228.44 Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital.

Added new section to distinguish that chemical dependency recovery services be provided as supplemental services located within a distinct part in acute psychiatric hospitals, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1250.3. Added reference pointer to Section 1229. Related Sections: 1.10.6, 1224, 1224.3, 1229. 1229.14.1.9 Patient storage
Aligned with other sections in Chapter 12 regarding patient storage of personal belongings in chemical dependency recovery residential areas. Related sections:
1225.5.1.2.6 and 1228.14.1.8.
1229.31 Other chemical dependency service space
Amended to reference sections that may be used for other services in a chemical dependency hospital. Additionally, changed the reference to the Department of Health Services to the California Department of Public Health.

Chapter 14 – Exterior Walls
Division of the State Architect and
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
1413.2.1 Bond strength and tests
Revised to align with The Masonry Society’s TMS 402 Section 13.3.2.1 and require all mortar and veneer types to be tested. Corrected test frequency for bond shear strength to wall area of adhered veneer instead of square footage area of the building.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 21
Chapter 15 – Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
Building Standards Commission and
Division of the State Architect and
Department Housing and Community Development and
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
1511.9.6 Accessibility and egress.

Clarified that the new ICC reference to Chapter 11 is to reference Chapter 11A and Chapter 11B, as applicable.

Chapter 16 – Structural Design
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
1601.1.5 Additional amendments [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]
Updated pointer references to applicable sections for additional requirements in Chapter 16A.

Table 1604.5 Risk category of buildings and other structures Amended the table to indicate I-2 occupancies for risk category IV for OSHPD 2 & 5 is not adopted by OSHPD. I-2 occupancies are addressed in Table 1604.5A.

Table 1613.2.3(1) and Table 1613.2.3(2) Values of site coefficients Fa and Fv Deleted both model code tables and associated footnotes. Changes to ASCE 7 standards have rendered OSHPD amendments obsolete for site-specific ground motions and calculation of acceleration parameters.

Division of the State Architect
1617 Additional requirements for community colleges [DSA-SS/CC] 1617.2.1.4 Analysis
Repealed amendment requiring analysis to explicitly include consideration of stiffness of diaphragms.
1617.2.4 Photovoltaic (PV) panel systems
Amended to require elevated PV structures to be assigned the same risk category that relates to the use underneath.

22 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
1617.3.1 Stability
Repealed amendment regarding strength design for foundation geotechnical capacity using a resistance factor of 1.0 since this is adequately covered by requiring factor of safety for soil bearing values to be no less than the overstrength factor of the structures supported.
1617.3.3 Modifications to load combinations in ICC 300
Repealed amendment for modification to ICC 300, Section 303.5.2 since it is now addressed in ICC 300-23. The modification to ICC 300, Section 303.5.3 has been relocated to Section 1605A.3.1, and the reference to equation numbers has been updated to match the 2023 edition for ICC 300.
1617.8.1 Lateral pressures
Revised section for lateral pressures to make it consistent with Sections 1807A.1.1 and 1807A.2.2. Added a note to clarify that lateral soil pressure for design of foundation and retaining walls shall be based on the geotechnical report. 1617.11.4 (formerly ASCE 7, Section 12.2.3, 12.2.3.1, and 12.2.3.2) Repeal amendments for two-stage analysis procedure which are adequately addressed in ASCE 7-22.
1617.12.6 (formerly 1617.11.9) ASCE 7, Section 12.3.3.1 Repealed all language related to the extreme torsional irregularities. Revised to align with ASCE 7-22. Retain amendment for prohibition of vertical irregularities Type 1b, 4a and 4b for SDC D.
1617.12.8 ASCE 7, Section 12.10.2.1
Added an amendment to clarify that the exemption from load combinations with overstrength factor only applies to light-frame construction braced entirely by wood light-frame construction, including diaphragms and shear walls. 1617.12.10 ASCE 7, Section 12.13.5.2
Added to modify the resistance factor for the in-situ prototype ASCE 7 testing program to align with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Bridge Design Standard (AASHTO 2020). Revised the resistance factor to align with reduced test requirements in Chapters 18 & 18A. 1617.12.12 (formerly 1617.11.15) ASCE 7, Section 13.1.4 Added requirements for Item 8 regarding distribution systems to align with OSHPD and re-organization of ASCE 7. Revised Exemptions 1-3 to clarify which items may be excluded from design and detailing. New amendment language for Item 7 regarding cabinets that could fall and block a required means of egress. 1617.12.16 (formerly 1617.11.19) ASCE 7, Section 13.6.7.3 Deleted reference to Rp value (used in ASCE 7-16) because ASCE 7-22 does not use it and separation of pipe and support seismic coefficient in ASCE 7-22 Table

13.6-1 makes it unnecessary. Clarified language regarding pipe supports.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 23
Chapter 16A – Structural Design
Division of the State Architect and
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
Updates, clarifications and revisions to ASCE 7 standards; Horizontal and Vertical Irregularities for Seismic Design Categories; Provisions for piping and tubing systems.
1604A.4 Analysis
Repealed amendment requiring analysis to explicitly include consideration of stiffness of diaphragms.
1605A.3 Modifications to load combinations in ICC 300
Repealed amendment for modification to ICC 300, Section 303.5.2 since it is now addressed in ICC 300-23. The modification to ICC 300, Section 303.5.3 has been relocated to Section 1605A.3.1, and the reference to equation numbers has been updated to match the 2023 edition for ICC 300.
1610A.1 Lateral pressures
Revised section for lateral pressures to make it consistent with Sections 1807A.1.1 and 1807A.2.2. Added a note to clarify that lateral soil pressure for design of foundation and retaining walls shall be based on the geotechnical report. 1617A.1.3 Reserved (formerly ASCE 7 Section 11.4)
Repealed and reserved. Repeal amendment for seismic ground motion values based on ASCE 7-16 Supplement 3, which are adequately addressed in ASCE 7-22. 1617A.1.5 Reserved (formerly ASCE 7 Section 12.2.3, 12.2.3.1, and 12.2.3.2) Repealed and reserved. Repeal amendments for two-stage analysis procedure which are adequately addressed in ASCE 7-22.
1617A.1.10 ASCE 7 Section 12.3.3.1
Repealed all language related to the extreme torsional irregularities. Revised to align with ASCE 7-22. Retain amendment for prohibition of vertical irregularities Type 1b, 4a and 4b for SDC D and higher.
1617A.1.12 ASCE 7 Section 12.10.2.1 (formerly Reserved) Added an amendment to clarify that the exemption from load combinations with overstrength factor only applies to light-frame construction braced entirely by wood light-frame construction, including diaphragms and shear walls. 1617A.1.13 ASCE 7, Section 12.13.5.2. (formerly Reserved) Added to modify the resistance factor for the in-situ prototype ASCE 7 testing program to align with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Bridge Design Standard (AASHTO 2020). Revised the resistance factor to align with reduced test requirements in Chapters 18 & 18A.

24 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
1617A.1.19 ASCE 7 Section 13.4
Added prohibition of the removal and resetting of post-installed mechanical anchors (American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318 Section 17.1.3). Repealed a separate prohibition for screw anchors. Added a note to indicate that the removal and resetting of post-installed mechanical anchors is prohibited by ACI 318. 1617A.1.26 ASCE 7 Section 13.6.7.3.

Deleted reference to Rp value (used in ASCE 7-16) because ASCE 7-22 does not use it and separation of pipe and support seismic coefficient in ASCE 7-22 Table

13.6-1 makes it unnecessary. Clarified language regarding pipe supports.

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
1607A.14.3.5 Ballasted photovoltaic panel system [OSHPD 1 & 4] Clarified that ballasted photovoltaic panel systems are considered as an alternative system.
1617A.1.1 ASCE 7 Section 1.3
Added additonal peer review requirements for wind tunnel test based recommendations.
1617A.1.3 Reserved (formerly ASCE 7 Section 11.4)
Repealed and reserved. Repealed use of 2020 NEHRP provisions for multi period spectra as these are now incorporated in ASCE 7-22.
1617A.1.14 Reserved (formerly ASCE 7 Section 12.12.3 [OSHPD 1 & 4]) Repealed and reserved.
1617A.1.4 ASCE 7 Table 12.2-1
Changed some item numbers and names for the seismic force-resisting systems to align with ASCE 7-22. Permitted steel intermediate and ordinary moment frames for lightly loaded canopies and walkways. Repealed reference to ASCE content in amendment to existing Section 1617A.1.4.
1617A.1.21 ASCE 7 Section 13.5.6.2
Revised to add Item 6, a prescriptive provision with reduced hanger spacing for aluminum ceiling grid, with a banner for OSHPD 1 & 4. Continued permitting tested aluminum that complies with ASTM E580.
1617A.1.23 ASCE 7, Section 13.6.2.1
Added banner for OSHPD 1 & 4. Corrected section reference pointer to indicate section 1705A.14.3 of this code. Deleted amendments to ASCE 7 Tables 13.5-1 and

13.6-1 due to their revision by the model code developer. 1617A.1.38 ASCE 7 Section 20.3 [OSHPD 1 & 4]
Added section regarding limitation of shear wave velocity for new large buildings.

Amendment only applies to new buildings larger than 4,000 square feet ground floor area, and will not impact existing building projects.

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 25
Division of the State Architect
1604A.5.2 Photovoltaic (PV) panel systems
Amended to require elevated PV structures to be assigned the same risk category that relates to the use underneath.
1605A.1.1 Stability
Repealed amendment regarding strength design for foundation geotechnical capacity using a resistance factor of 1.0 since this is adequately covered by requiring factor of safety for soil bearing values to be no less than the overstrength factor of the structures supported.
1617A.1.18 ASCE 7, Section 13.1.4
Added requirements for Item 10 regarding distribution systems to align with OSHPD and re-organization of ASCE 7. Revised Exemptions 1-3 to clarify which items may be excluded from design and detailing. New amendment language for Item 9 regarding cabinets that could fall and block a required means of egress.

Chapter 17 – Special Inspections and Tests
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
1705 Required special inspections and tests
Updated and aligned with model code revisions.
1705.2.1 Structural steel
Adopted model code provisions and aligned with current practice. Model code provisions changed significantly and updates to the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) 360 standard created an unintended gap in special inspection requirements. AISC 360 Section N5 Item # 3 and Section N6 are not adopted for consistency with Sections 1704.2 and 1704.2.5.1, respectively (no material change intended). Added a note to explain the difference in terminology used by AISC and the CBC.
1705.2.2 Structural stainless steel
Revised to clarify that quality assurance inspection requirements are also applicable.

Added clarifications for OSHPD 1R, 2 and 5 regarding coordinated inspections in AISC 370 Section N5 and N6, which permit transfer of some quality assurance inspections to quality control inspectors.
1705.2.3 Cold-formed steel deck
Added OSHPD 1R, 2 and 5 banners. Amended to require approved agencies and special inspectors to perform special inspections on floor and roof decks. Added clarification that coordinated inspection is not permitted for OSHPD 1R, 2 and 5. 1705.4 Masonry construction
Amended to require that batch plant inspection of grout materials shall be in accordance with Section 1705.3.3.

26 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
1710 Off-site construction [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]
Added requirements for off-site construction, including modular and panelized systems. For facilities utilizing International Code Council (ICC) Standard 1200, provides minimum requirements in multiple facets of the off-site construction process including: planning, designing, fabricating, transporting, and assembling building elements.

Chapter 17A – Special Inspections and Tests
Division of the State Architect and
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
1704A.5 Submittals to the building official
Repealed and reserved Item #2 for consistency with deletion of model code section 1704.2.5.1. Added Item #4 to clarify reference to CBC rather than ACI 318. 1705A.2.1 Structural steel
Adopted model code provisions and aligned with current practice. Added DSA and OSHPD banners to identify specific provisions that apply to each agency.

Removed reference to:
• AISC 341 and 358 for quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) requirements since those are for seismic, not gravity, load resisting systems.

Sections 1705A.13.1.1, 1705A.13.1.2, 1705A.14.1.1, and 1705A.14.1.2 reference AISC 341 for relevant QC and QA requirements for seismic load resisting systems.
• Prohibition of AISC 360, Chapter N, N4 Item 2 (Quality Inspector Qualifications) since Section 1705A.2.7 governs through added language of “and this code” at end of initial statement in Section 1705A.2.1.
1705A.2.2 Structural stainless steel
New model code section amended to conceptually match amendments for Section 1705A.2.1.

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1705A.2.3 Cold-formed steel deck
Modifications to achieve consistency with similar existing and new amendments in Section 1705A.2.1. Added and updated pointers to referenced standards (such as AISC 341, 358, or 370 and AISI S100 or S240) and CBC sections (such as 2201A.2, 1705A.8).
1705A.2.7 Special Inspection and tests of structural welding Added reference pointers. Recognized AWS B5.1 as an alternative acceptable standard for AWS CWI minimum requirements to AWS QC1. Replaced ‘inspection’ with ‘special inspection’ throughout this section to clarify requirements apply to QA, rather than QC inspections.

Table 1705A.3 Required special inspections and tests of concrete construction Coordinated various editorial amendments to correct numbering inconsistences and to update and clarify certain amendments due to reformatting of the model code table. Amendments include, but are not limited to:
• Added ACI 318 reference pointers.
• Items 1, 4.a, 4.b, 5, 6, 7, and 14 – Renumbered reference pointers based on renumbering or relocation of previous amendments.
• Item 2.b – Adopted revised model language and amended the required inspection type to include intermediate moment frames. Added language and DSA banner to address specific cases of welding of reinforcing used in collectors and chords.
• Item 2.d – Deleted amendment regarding reinforcing steel resisting flexural and axial forces in intermediate and special moment frames, and boundary elements and coupling beams of special structural walls of concrete due to Item 2.b model code and amendments incorporating these requirements. Adopted model code inspection type.
• Items 3, 4.a and 4.b – Deleted amendments that were pointers to referenced standards because the model code now includes the pointers. • Item 5 and 6 – Relocated reference ACI 318-19 26.13.3.2 in Item 5 to Item 6.

For Item 5, repealed amendment requiring continuous special inspection to align with model code requiring periodic. However, no net regulatory change occurs because the California Administrative Code requires continuous inspection of concrete placement of the specified design mix.
1705A.4 Masonry construction
Added batch plant special inspection requirements for grout with reference to 1705A.3.3.
1705A.4.1.1 TMS 602 Section 1.6 Quality Assurance
Added amendment modifying TMS 602 Table 4 footnote “d” to require periodic inspections for all veneer, regardless of height, to maintain the quality of installation applicable to projects.

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1705A.5.1 High-load diaphragms
Added reference to 2307.1 since special inspection is required for high-load diaphragms regardless of design method utilized being ASD or LRFD. 1705A.13 Special inspections for seismic resistance
1705A.13.1 Structural steel
1705A.13.1.1 Seismic force-resisting systems
1705A.13.1.2 Structural steel elements
1705A.14.1.1 Seismic force-resisting systems
1705A.14.1.2 Structural steel elements
Amended sections 1705A.13.1.1, 1705A.13.1.2, 1705A.14.1.1 and 1705.14.1.2 to clarify that requirements of the CBC are also applicable, in addition to those in the AISC 341. Deleted reference to gravity Section 1705A.2.1 in sections 1705A.13.1.1 and 1705A.13.1.2 since the seismic requirements in the AISC 341 builds on the gravity requirements in AISC 360.
1705A.14.2 Nonstructural components
Removed a pointer to Section 1704A.5, since the associated certification requirement is deleted in Section 1704A.5 Item #2. Revised existing amendment to include nationally recognized standards such as ANSI/ASHRAE 171 referenced in ASCE 7 Section C13.6.4.1.

Division of the State Architect
1701A.4 Special inspections and tests
Added reference to Chapters 14, 15 and 24 to the list of chapters with special inspection and test requirements to account for those in the noted chapters.

Removed the specific reference pointer to the California Administrative Code (CAC) since many different sections specify special inspection, test, and observation requirements and a comprehensive listing is not needed. 1704A.3 Statement of special inspections
Added language to not permit the exception that allows non-licensed individuals to prepare a statement of special inspections. The California Education Code Section 17302 requires designs of school projects by design professionals. 1704A.4 Contractor responsibility
DSA's construction oversight and quality assurance programs render requirements for the contractor to submit a statement of responsibility unnecessary for most projects. Therefore, only when such a requirement is specified on the approved construction documents does it apply.
1705A.2.1 Structural steel
Clarified prohibition of quality assurance aspects (rather than all aspects, such as quality control) for AISC 360, Chapter N, N5 Item 2 (Quality Assurance), N5 Item 4 (Inspection of Welding), and N7 (Nonconforming Material and Workmanship).

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Added a note clarifying that additions to other reference standards in Table 1705A.2.1 apply when those provisions are applicable.

Clarified intent of replacing language in AISC 360, Section N5.5(b) and through formatting for consistency with modification of model reference standards used in other amendments.

DSA considered deleting non-adoption of some AISC 360 Chapter N references as well as the reference to Table 1705A.2.1. However, based on early feedback from various welding special inspectors and material testing laboratory managers, confusion regarding expectations caused by the terms “observe,” “perform,” and “document” not correlating with periodic or continuous inspection, DSA decided to maintain those.

Table 1705A.2.1 Required special inspections and tests of steel construction Added and updated pointers to referenced standards (such as AISC 341, 358, or 370 and AISI S100 or S240) and CBC sections (such as 2201A.2, 1705A.8). Other specific items resulting in regulatory changes:

Item 3. – Removing the word "deck" such that material identification applies to all structural cold-formed steel, not just decks.

Item 5.a. – Removing the word "deck" such that welding inspection requirements apply to all structural cold-formed steel, not just decks.

DSA considered deleting Table 1705A.2.1. However, based on early feedback from various welding special inspectors and material testing laboratory managers, confusion regarding expectations due to the terms “observe,” “perform,” and “document” not correlating with periodic or continuous inspection, DSA decided to maintain the table.
1705A.2.3 Cold-formed steel deck
Modifications prohibit certain reference standard provisions while explicitly referencing Table 1705A.2.1 to achieve consistency with similar existing and new amendments in Section 1705A.2.1.
1705A.2.7 Special Inspection and tests of structural welding Relocated mid-section paragraph to bottom of section.
1705A.2.9 Special inspection and tests of cold-formed steel light-frame construction
Added a new section to ensure quality assurance is provided in accordance with AISI S240 during construction, similar to that provided in the AISC reference standard in Section 1705A.2.1 for structural steel.
1705A.3.3 Batch plant inspection
Added the DSA banner and minimum qualifications for batch plant inspectors to address transit-mixed concrete, shotcrete, grout and other cementitious mixtures required to be inspected in accordance with the California Administrative Code.

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1705A.3.3.2 Batch plant inspection not required
Added Item #5 to clarify that isolated exterior foundations supporting equipment are not exempt where deep foundations are used.

Table 1705A.5.3, Item 3.5
Added pointer reference for special inspection requirements to ensure those occur in the proper sequence (i.e., inspection after cover installed, but before other coverings installed).
1705A.6 Soils
Added a new section with additional exceptions to reduce unnecessary soils special inspections and tests for deep and shallow foundations based on conditions and design considerations listed in Section 1806A.2 and Table 1806A.2. 1705A.12.2 Cold-formed steel light-frame construction and 1705A.13.3 Coldformed steel light-frame construction Added reference pointer to new Section 1705A.2.9 to ensure those requirements apply for windforce- and seismic force-resisting systems in cold-formed steel lightframe construction. 1705A.13 Special inspections for seismic resistance
1705A.13.1 Structural steel
1705A.13.1.1 Seismic force-resisting systems
1705A.13.1.2 Structural steel elements
1705A.14.1.1 Seismic force-resisting systems
1705A.14.1.2 Structural steel elements
Amendments explicitly identify prohibited quality assurance aspects of certain sections in AISC 341 to align with similar prohibitions in Section 1705A.2.1. Added a pointer to applicable portions of Table 1705A.2.1. Amendments align with modifications and requirements in Section 1705A.2.1 (i.e., removal of reference to AISC 341/358) while ensuring the same Quality Assurance provisions apply.

Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
Table 1705A.2.1 Required special inspections and tests of steel construction Repealed Table 1705A.2.1 since OSHPD has a new Policy Intent Notice, PIN 77 that guides the user through the appropriate sections in model code. 1705A.14.3 Special seismic certification
1705A.14.3.1 [OSHPD 1 & 4]
Amended Exception 1 to clarify that the requirement for equipment and components weighing not more than 75 lbs. (previously 50 lbs.) are to be rigidly attached to structures. Added editorial clarification to Exception 7. 1710A Off-site construction [OSHPD 1, & 4]
Added requirements for off-site construction, including modular and panelized systems. For facilities utilizing International Code Council (ICC) Standard 1200,

2025 Summary of California Code Changes 31
provides minimum requirements in multiple facets of the off-site construction process including: planning, designing, fabricating, transporting, and assembling building elements.

Chapter 18 – Soils and Foundations
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
1803.2 [Geotechnical] Investigations required
Added OSHPD 1R and 5 banners to exceptions regarding geotechnical reports not being required for one-story, wood-frame and light-steel-frame buildings of Type V construction and 4,000 square feet (371 m2) or less in floor area, under certain seismic conditions
1807.2 Retaining walls
Deleted OSHPD banner and amendment regarding retaining walls. 1807.2.5 Freestanding cantilever walls
Deleted OSHPD banner and amendment regarding freestanding cantilever walls.

ASCE 7 Section 15.6.8 requires ground supported walls and ASCE Section 15.6.1 requires earth-retaining structures to be designed as non-building structures. 1810.3.9.4.2.1 [Deep foundations] Site Classes A through DE Repealed amendment to align with the model code provisions regarding performance of spirally reinforced piles being equivalent for concrete and grout.

Chapter 18A – Soils and Foundations
Division of the State Architect and
Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
1803A.6 Geohazard reports
Divided Exception #1 into Exceptions #1 and #2 for clarification of geohazard reports not being required for specific scopes of work in existing buildings and repairs for damage not caused by an earthquake. Added OSHPD 1 and 4 banners to this exception regarding incidental structural additions or alterations.

Repealed requirement to use Next Generation Attenuation West 2 relations in the development of site-specific ground motion hazards.
1812A.5 Earth Retaining Shoring Construction
Revised Item #8 for soldier pile construction to use of defined terms consistently and with clarity. Use of the term “lean concrete” has been confused with the term “plain concrete” that is prohibited by DSA and OSHPD. Terminology is aligned with the model code definition of “controlled low-strength material” or CLSM.

32 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
Division of the State Architect
1810A.3.11.2 Seismic design categories D through F
Added DSA banner and amendment to not permit the application of model code Item #1.3 to eliminate a potential conflict with foundation design loads required by an existing amendment in Section 1617A.1.15.

Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
1807A.2 Retaining walls
Deleted amendment regarding freestanding cantilever walls which is covered in model code.
1807A.2.5 Freestanding cantilever walls
Deleted amendment and OSHPD exception regarding freestanding cantilever walls.

Chapter 19 – Concrete
Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
1901.3.4 Proof tests for post-installed anchors in concrete Reorganized for ease of use. Reduced proof test requirements for anchors used for distribution systems and repetitively used architectural components and made consistent with ASCE 41-23. Specified the ASTM standard for tension test procedures.
1903.2 Special inspections
Deleted amendment since this section is deleted in model code. Requirements for special inspections and tests are addressed in Section 1901.6. 1903.3 (formerly 1903.4) Flat wall insulating concrete form (ICF) systems Relocated amendment to align with model code reorganization. 1903.5 Aggregates
Repealed existing amendment related to alkali reactivity of aggregate as those amendments are incorporated in the body of ASTM C33.
1903.6 Limits on cementitious materials
Repealed existing amendment since revision to ACI 318 and concrete strength requirements at stated ages or stages of construction in model code Section 1901.5 Item # 1 addressed the subject.
1905.5 Detailed plain concrete structural walls
Relocated existing amendments to align with mode code reorganization. Deleted reference to seismic design categories D, E & F.
1906 Detailed plain concrete structural walls
Added an amendment to clarify that only plain concrete footings are prohibited by OSHPD in this section.

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1908 Shotcrete
The model code has repealed all shotcrete requirements in favor of those contained in the new version of the adopted material standard ACI 318-19. Added reference to ACI SPEC-560.2 to 1908.1 for clarity.
1910.3.4 ACI 318, Section 26.11.1.2. Item (e)
(formerly 1908.3 Forms and ground wires for shotcrete)
Relocated existing amendment to 1910.3.4 to coordinate with revised model codes.

Division of the State Architect
1909.2.1 Aggregates
Repealed existing amendment regarding alkali reactivity of aggregates. 1909.2.6 Proof tests for post-installed anchors in concrete Revised DSA-SS/CC to match revisions made to DSA-SS requirements in Section 1910A.5.

Chapter 19A – Concrete
Division of the State Architect and
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
1903A.5
Repealed existing amendment regarding alkali reactivity of aggregates. 1905A Seismic requirements
As a result of changes to the model code, continuing amendments modifying American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318 formerly in this section have been relocated to Section 1909A.
1908A Shotcrete
Edited and reorganized to align with model code. No regulatory effect. 1909A Modifications to ACI 318 (formerly Reserved)
Moved existing amendments from 1905A to this section.
1910A.5 Proof tests for post-installed anchors in concrete Reorganized to simplify and clarify test frequency requirements. Updated proof test requirements for anchors used for distributed systems or repetitively used architectural components. Specified ASTM E3121 for tension test procedures without the requirement for displacement measurements unless explicitly required.

Reorganized testing frequency requirements to differentiate by structural and nonstructural applications.
1911A.2 Existing concrete structures Crack repair by epoxy injection Revised specification to the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 548.15 from ACI 503.7.

34 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
1903A.6 Limits on cementitious materials
Repealed existing amendment since revision to ACI 318 and concrete strength requirements at stated ages or stages of construction in model code Section 1901.5 Item # 1 addressed the subject.
1910A.5 Proof tests for post-installed anchors in concrete Revised testing requirements for screw type anchors to make proof testing easier to implement.

Chapter 21 – Masonry
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
2101.2.2 [Design methods] Prohibition [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Added an amendment for structural systems with the prohibition for Items #9 and #10. Added #11 to clarify that limit design method is not permitted since it does not satisfy the ductility requirements of The Masonry Society (TMS) standard, TMS 402 Section 9.3.5.6, which is part of the basis for establishing seismic co-efficient for special reinforced masonry shear walls. Added #12 to clarify that Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforced masonry is not permitted since the associated seismic design requirements are not addressed in ASCE 7. 2103.6 [Masonry construction materials] Specified compressive strength of masonry and grout [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] and referenced TMS 402 Table 4.3.1 – Specified Compressive Strength Requirements
Added an amendment with a table. Existing strength limit in Sections 2105.2, 2107.7 and 2108.4 is consolidated into one section and the format is aligned with TMS 402 Table 4.3.1. Increased minimum specified design strength of concrete masonry from 1,500 psi to 2,000 psi for consistency with TMS 402 and ASTM C90. 2104.2 Reinforced grouted masonry [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]
Repealed amendment related to group pour heights to permit Self-Consolidating Grout (SCG) for construction of masonry since it is cheaper, requires less time for construction and provides better quality.
2107.4 Reserved (formerly TMS 402 Section 8.3.7 Maximum bar size) Repealed limitation on maximum bar size as the clearance requirements in TMS are adequate to prevent larger bar diameters and made this amendment unnecessary. 2107.6 Repealed (formerly TMS 402 Section 8.3.4.4 Walls) Repealed pointer for maximum tensile reinforcement ratio in walls as this requirement applies to both strength design and allowable stress.

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2107.6 Masonry Compressive Strength
Deleted existing amendments since new model code language addresses the minimum specified design strength of concrete masonry. Masonry compressive strength requirements are moved to CBC Section 2103.6.
2108.4 TMS 402 Section 9.1.9.1.1.

Deleted existing amendments since new model code language addresses the minimum specified design strength of concrete masonry. Masonry compressive strength requirements are moved to CBC Section 2103.6.

California Energy Commission
2109.2.4.8.2 Vapor permeance
Added an amendment referring to Table 1202.3.1 to distinguish between climate zones identified in ICC model codes and climate zones that are identified in the California Energy Code.

Division of the State Architect
2115 Additional requirements for community colleges [DSA-SS/CC] Reorganized section 2115 to align with Chapter 21A sections. 2115.1.1 Prohibitions
Edited structural amendments regarding prohibition of certain TMS 402/602 materials and methods.
2115.2.3 Specified compressive strength of masonry and grout Reformatted existing amendment to align with the current TMS 402 formatting. 2115.4.1 Mortar and grout tests. TMS 602, Article 1.4B Compressive Strength Determination
Added amendment to eliminate testing of preblended mortars with specified documentation.
2115.5.2 TMS 402, Section 7.3.2.5 (i)
Amended TMS triggers requiring horizontal reinforcement terminating in hooks.

Chapter 21A – Masonry
Division of the State Architect and
Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
2101A.1.3 Prohibition
Edited structural amendments regarding prohibition of certain TMS 402/602 materials and methods.

36 2025 Summary of California Code Changes
2103A.6 [Masonry Construction Materials] Specified Compressive Strength of Masonry and Grout
Consolidated the existing strength limits in Sections 2105A.2, 2107A.6 and 2108A.4 into one section and aligned the format with added TMS 402, Table 4.3.1. 2104A.1.3.7 Reserved
Repealed existing amendment. Reference standard now incorporates specified language.
2105A.2 Compressive strength, f’m
Repealed amendment language related to strength of masonry that is now included in and addressed by CBC 2103A.6.
2105A.3 Mortar and grout tests. TMS 602, Article 1.4 B Compressive Strength Determination
Updated ASTM reference for preblended mortar. Clarified testing requirements for pre-packaged mortars may be eliminated with specified documentation. 2105A.4 Masonry core testing
Revised language to further clarify requirements for coring operations and reporting requirements of testing laboratories. Adds requirements from the design professional and the enforcement agency where additional coring will be performed. 2106A.1 Seismic design requirements for masonry
2106A.1.3 TMS 402, Section 7.3.2.5 (i)
Added a new section that amends the TMS trigger requirements for horizontal reinforcement terminating in hooks to provide a more ductile design. 2107A.6 Masonry Compressive Strength
2108A.4 TMS 402 Section 9.1.9.1.1
Consolidated previous existing amendments into new code section 2103A.6.

Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development
2103A.6 [Masonry Construction Materials] Specified Compressive Strength of Masonry and Grout TMS Table 4.3.1 Specified Compressive Strength Requirements
Increased minimum specified design strength of concrete masonry from 1,500 psi to 2,000 psi for consistency with TMS 402 and ASTM C90.
2107A.5 Allowable stress design TMS 402, Section 8.3.4.4 Repealed pointer for maximum tensile reinforcement ratio in walls as this requirement applies to both strength design and allowable stress.