Los Alamitos City Council
August 18, 2025

SECTION C – Page 9

PROPOSAL INFORMATION AND DOCUMENT

EXPERIENCE STATEMENT
STORM DRAIN CATCH BASIN AND LIFT STATION MAINTENANCE (RFP 2025-09)

IN THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA
Pursuant to this BID PROPOSAL and QUALIFICATION OF BIDDERS, the following is a record of the Bidder’s experience in project of a type similar in magnitude and character to that contemplated under this contract. Included in this section should be a complete list of references for similar projects in terms of scope of work, value of work, and time constraints. The Contractor must demonstrate that he/she has experience with this type of project and can manage this project effectively. If necessary, additional numbered pages can be attached to this page. The Contractor must be properly licensed to perform the work in this project as determined by the State Contractor’s License Board. 1) Client (Agency Name):________________________________________________________ Contact Person and Phone Number: __________________________________________ Year Work Performed: ________________________________________________________ Total Contract Amount:_______________________________________________________ Type of Work Performed:______________________________________________________ 2) Client (Agency Name):________________________________________________________ Contact Person and Phone Number: __________________________________________ Year Work Performed:_________________________________________________________ Total Contract Amount:_______________________________________________________ Type of Work Performed:______________________________________________________ 3) Client (Agency Name):________________________________________________________ Contact Person and Phone Number: __________________________________________ Year Work Performed:_________________________________________________________ Total Contract Amount:_______________________________________________________ Type of Work Performed:______________________________________________________ 4) Client (Agency Name): _______________________________________________________ Contact Person and Phone Number: __________________________________________ Year Work Performed:_________________________________________________________ Total Contract Amount:_______________________________________________________ Type of Work Performed:______________________________________________________ 5) Client (Agency Name): _______________________________________________________ Contact Person and Phone Number: __________________________________________ Year Work Performed:_________________________________________________________ Total Contract Amount:_______________________________________________________ Type of Work Performed:_____________________________________________________ Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
$500,000 annually
County of Orange
Cesar Segura (714) 448-2924
Aki Gadim (818) 994-9964
2013 - present
1998 - present
On-going annual cleaning of 37,000 catch basins within
Los Angeles County.
$500,000 annually
Annual storm drain cleaning and inspection of the 1250 retrofitted and unmodified catch basins and drop inlet structures.

City of Culver City
May Ng (310) 253-6406
2011 - Pressent
$60,000 annually
Annual cleaning and inspection of 745+ catch basins.

City of Brea
Will Wenz (714) 990-7600
2018-Present
Annual inspection and cleaning of catch basins.
$70,000 annually
City of Carson
Julio Gonzalez (310) 830-7600
2017 to present
$250,000
Annual catch basin cleaning and inspection services.

SECTION C – Page 10

PROPOSAL INFORMATION AND DOCUMENT
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that all of the representations made in this EXPERIENCE STATEMENT are true and correct. Executed this __________________ day of _______________________________, 20__, at _____________________________________, California.
_________________________________________________________________ Authorized Representative Signature and Title
April
In the City of Downey
16

SECTION C – Page 11

PROPOSAL INFORMATION AND DOCUMENT

DESIGNATION OF SUPPLIERS AND SUBCONTRACTORS
STORM DRAIN CATCH BASIN AND LIFT STATION MAINTENANCE (RFP 2025-09)

IN THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA
The following is a list of subcontractors and suppliers, as defined in 2-3 SUBCONTRACTS of the Standard Specifications, who will perform work or provide materials of value in excess of one-half percent of the total bid price or $10,000, whichever is greater.

No subcontractor shall perform work more than the amount specified in 2-3 SUBCONTRACTS of the Standard Specifications, without the written approval of the Agency.

The Contractor is responsible to ensure that appropriate provisions are to be inserted in all subcontracts to bind subcontractors to the contract requirements as contained herein.

Each subcontractor must agree to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements.
1) Name under which subcontractor is licensed): _________________________________ License #: ___________________________________________________________________ Specific Description of subcontract: __________________________________________ Portion of Work (% of Contract Price): __________________________________________ DIR Registration: ______________________________________________________________ 2) Name under which subcontractor is licensed): _________________________________ License #: ___________________________________________________________________ Specific Description of subcontract: __________________________________________ Portion of Work (% of Contract Price): __________________________________________ DIR Registration: ______________________________________________________________ 3) Name under which subcontractor is licensed): _________________________________ License #: ___________________________________________________________________ Specific Description of subcontract: __________________________________________ Portion of Work (% of Contract Price): __________________________________________ DIR Registration: ______________________________________________________________ These representations are made under the penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California. The undersigned hereby certifies that each subcontractor has been notified in writing of its equal opportunity obligations.

Name of Bidder: ______________________________________________________________ Authorized Signature:_________________________________________________________ Date:_________________________________________________________________________ N/A
Ron's Maintenance Inc.
04/16/2025

SECTION C – Page 12

PROPOSAL INFORMATION AND DOCUMENT

NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT
STORM DRAIN CATCH BASIN AND LIFT STATION MAINTENANCE (RFP 2025-09)

IN THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA
The undersigned declares:

I am the _______________ of _______________________, the party making the foregoing bid.

The bid is not made in the interest of, or on behalf of, any undisclosed person, partnership, company, association, organization, or corporation. The bid is genuine and not collusive or sham. The bidder has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any other bidder to put in a false or sham bid. The bidder has not directly or indirectly colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed with any bidder or anyone else to put in a sham bid, or to refrain from bidding. The bidder has not in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement, communication, or conference with anyone to fix the bid price of the bidder or any other bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of the bid price, or of that of any other bidder. All statements contained in the bid are true. The bidder has not, directly or indirectly, submitted his or her bid price or any breakdown thereof, or the contents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto, to any corporation, partnership, company, association, organization, bid depository, or to any member or agent thereof, to effectuate a collusive or sham bid, and has not paid, and will not pay, any person or entity for such purpose. or indirectly, sought by agreement, communication, or conference with anyone to fix the bid price of the bidder or any other bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of the bid price, or of that of any other bidder. All statements contained in the bid are true. The bidder has not, directly or indirectly, submitted his or her bid price or any breakdown thereof, or the contents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto, to any corporation, partnership, company, association, organization, bid depository, or to any member or agent thereof, to effectuate a collusive or sham bid, and has not paid, and will not pay, any person or entity for such purpose. r indirectly, sought by agreement, communication, or conference with anyone to fix the bid price of the bidder or any other bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of the bid price, or of that of any other bidder. All statements contained in the bid are true. The bidder has not, directly or indirectly, submitted his or her bid price or any breakdown thereof, or the contents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto, to any corporation, partnership, company, association, organization, bid depository, or to any member or agent thereof, to effectuate a collusive or sham bid, and has not paid, and will not pay, any person or entity for such purpose. nization, bid depository, or to any member or agent thereof, to effectuate a collusive or sham bid, and has not paid, and will not pay, any person or entity for such purpose. ization, bid depository, or to any member or agent thereof, to effectuate a collusive or sham bid, and has not paid, and will not pay, any person or entity for such purpose.

Any person executing this declaration on behalf of a bidder that is a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or any President/CEO Ron's Maintenance Inc.

SECTION C – Page 13

PROPOSAL INFORMATION AND DOCUMENT
other entity, hereby represents that he or she has full power to execute, and does execute, this declaration on behalf of the bidder.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct and that this declaration is executed on __________[date], at _____________[city], ______________[state].
__________________________
Signature of Declarant
__________________________
Printed Name of Declarant
4/16/2025
Downey California
Ron Norman

City of Los Alamitos

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 ITEM NUMBER: 11I
To: Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink & Members of the City Council Presented By: Ron Noda, Development Services Director
Subject: Authorize the Procurement of Acoustic Sound Panels for the Community Center

SUMMARY
This item is for the purchase of acoustic sound panels from the KYA Group through a cooperative purchasing agreement via the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS). After the Community Center's renovation was completed, the sound quality in the large banquet room (Activity Rooms 1, 2, and 3) could be improved. Procuring and the impending installation of the acoustic wall panels will improve sound quality.

RECOMMENDATION

1. Authorize the procurement and installation of Acoustic Sound Panels for Activity Room 1, 2, and 3 in Community Center 1 via the KYA Group utilizing California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) pricing in the amount of $66,401.62; and,

2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee a contingency of 10% of the amount, not to exceed $6,640; and,

3. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a service agreement with KYA Group, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the installation of the acoustic sound panels in Community Center 1.

BACKGROUND
The Community Center renovation, done by the KYA Group, was completed with the ribbon cutting on October 4, 2024. After several months of use, improving the overall sound quality in the large banquet room (Activity Rooms 1, 2, and 3) has been identified as an important community need. The vendor that did the Community Center renovations, the KYA Group, was contacted to do an assessment, and their recommendation is to install acoustic sound panels to improve sound quality, reduce noise pollution, and overall enhance the comfort of those utilizing the activity rooms. It is recommended that a cooperative purchasing agreement be utilized for the procurement of the sound acoustic panels in Community Center 1.

DISCUSSION
Cooperative purchase agreements enable cities to maximize cost savings and staff resources by sharing contracting (piggyback) and purchasing efforts with other government agencies.

Utilizing cooperative purchasing agreements is advantageous to the City because it allows the

City to obtain lower pricing through volume purchasing. It is often more cost-effective to eliminate the cost and time spent on these administrative processes and purchase items and services through a cooperative purchasing program. As cooperative agreements reach expiration, they are automatically renewed, allowing government agencies to continue to leverage cost savings. The California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) is among the leading national government purchasing cooperatives, providing world-class government procurement resources and solutions to local and state government agencies, school districts (K-12), higher education institutions, and nonprofits looking for the best overall supplier government pricing.

CMAS Partners works with many governmental agencies to offer cooperative purchasing contracts to other governmental agencies to create a more economical means of procuring Services and supplies, an ability to pay less for products and services, and a reduction inction in the administrative costs of developing contracts.

Under Section 2.60.110 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code (LAMC), the City’s purchasing ordinance allows the City to “piggyback” off another public agency or government entity that has selected the vendor using competitive bidding procedures substantially the same as or similar to those normally utilized by the City for the acquisition of such materials, supplies, equipment, or services. If such a determination is made, the City Manager or City Council, as applicable, may proceed to purchase the materials, supplies, equipment, or services at a price equivalent to that offered to the acquiring agency. As a member of CMAS, the City can utilize its service of awarded contracts, including unlimited expert assistance to answer any questions, help connect the City directly to suppliers, and help find solutions that will best suit the City’s needs. CMAS is currently used by several city agencies regionally throughout the state and locally across Orange County.

Acoustic sound panels are used to improve sound quality within a room by absorbing sound waves, reducing echoes and reverberation, and enhancing speech clarity. This leads to a clearer and more enjoyable listening experience. The acoustic sound panels will also assist with noise pollution by mitigating background noise and lessening outside sounds. This is desirable because the large activity room has a playground outside its doors with children, whether it is from preschool or day camp. Overall, the acoustic sound panels will enhance comfort for those inside the room.

FISCAL IMPACT
This project is unfunded. Staff is requesting an appropriation total of $73,041.62, which includes a 10% contingency from the General Fund to fund this project. If approved, the appropriation will be to account number 10.544.5293 - public works building maintenenace.

Attachment: 1. Scope of Work for Community Center - Acoustical Wall Panels

City of Los Alamitos

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 ITEM NUMBER: 12A
To: Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink & Members of the City Council Presented By: Michael Daudt, City Attorney
Subject: Ordinance No. 2025-06 - Regulation of Group Homes and Sober Living Homes

SUMMARY
Consideration of Ordinance No 2025-06, an amendment to Title 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations) and Title 17 (Zoning) of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code concerning the regulation of group homes and sober living facilities.

Environmental: Public Resources Code § 21065 defines
“project” as “an activity which may cause either
a direct physical change in the environment, or
a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical
change in the environment.” The proposed
Resolution does not have the potential to
result in either a direct physical change in the
environment, or a reasonably foreseeable
indirect physical change in the environment, as
the resolution does not call for any change in
the existing environmental conditions within
the City. Instead, the proposed Resolution
merely recommends that the City Council
adopt Ordinance No. TBD. Accordingly, the
proposed Resolution is not a “project” subject
to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). (Public Resources Code § 21065;
CEQA Guidelines § 15378(a).)

RECOMMENDATION

1. Open the Public Hearing: and,

2. Introduce for first reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 2052-06; and,

3. City Attorney Daudt read the title of Ordinance No. 2025-06, entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER

5.52 (GROUP HOMES) AND SECTION 17.28.290 (GROUP HOMES) TO THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE AND AMENDING SECTION 17.08.020 (ALLOWED USES

AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONES) OF THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE.”

BACKGROUND
For the past several years, cities in Orange County and across the State of California have seen a significant increase in the number of single and multi-family homes being utilized as alcohol and drug recovery facilities for large numbers of individuals (“sober living homes”). The City of Los Alamitos has seen a slight increase in the number of sober-living facilities operating in its single-family parcels. The purpose of sober-living homes is to provide a comfortable living environment for persons with drug or alcohol addictions in which they remain clean and sober and can participate in a recovery program in a residential, community environment, and so that they can reside in the residential neighborhood of their choice.

Over the last decade, the number of sober-living homes in Orange County has rapidly increased, leading to an over-concentration of sober-living homes in certain residential areas, which is both detrimental to the residential character of these neighborhoods. As a result, the City has continued to receive comments and concerns from members of the public regarding the strength of local regulations governing these facilities. Absent such regulations, surrounding communities have reported adverse impacts from these facilities, including, but not limited to, noise, excessive debris/trash, second-hand smoke, loitering, traffic, increased parking demands, and the clustering of group homes near each other. The clustering of these homes can have the effect of altering the residential character of neighborhoods so that they appear more institutional and business-oriented in nature.

There is also a legitimate interest in protecting the vulnerable clients of these facilities, who are persons in alcohol and drug recovery. Without regulations, oversight, and government control, people are being taken advantage of by business-oriented facility operators, who care more about their profit than the health and well-being of the people residing in their facilities.

Individuals in recovery are being exploited for their insurance money and financial gain to the disadvantage of the people residing in the facilities, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods.

Accordingly, the proposed ordinance seeks to regulate group homes and sober living facilities to address these problems, providing a safe space for individuals to recover from drug and alcohol addiction and preserving the residential character of neighborhoods. The attached proposed ordinance regulates group homes and sober-living homes in accordance with State and Federal law.

State and Federal Law
The California Constitution gives cities certain police powers to preserve the characteristics of residential zones. The Federal Fair Housing Act (“FHAA”) and California Fair Employment Housing Act (“FEHA”) prohibit enforcement of zoning ordinances that, on their face, discriminate or have the effect of discriminating against equal housing opportunities for persons with disabilities. Persons recovering from alcohol and drug addiction who are not currently using alcohol or drugs are considered persons with disabilities under both the FHAA and FEHA. The FHAA and FEHA also require that the City provide reasonable accommodations to its zoning ordinances if such accommodation is necessary to afford a

handicapped person an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

The California Lanterman Act requires cities to treat state-licensed residential care facilities serving six or fewer as a residential use, meaning the City cannot impose any zoning restrictions on state-licensed residential care facilities that it does not impose on other residences.[1] A city also cannot impose zoning restrictions or occupancy limits for unrelated persons who live together that do not also apply to other single-family residences, if the unrelated persons live together as a single housekeeping unit.[2] If a group of people living together can meet the definition of a “household” or “family,” there is no limit on the number of people who are permitted to live together, except for Housing Code limits. [1] Health and Safety code 11834.21; 11834.23.
[2] City of Santa Barbara v. Adamson, 27 Cal. 3d 123, 134.

On June 25, 2025, the Planning Commission adopted a Resolution of Recommendation (2025- 02) to the City Council that they adopt the attached draft Ordinance making changes to the Los Alamitos Municipal Code concerning the regulation of group homes and sober living facilities.

Tonight's discussion was noticed on July 28, 2025, by a Notice of Public Hearing posted at City Hall. It was also published in the Orange County Reporter on June 28, 2025, as a 1/8th of a page notice.

DISCUSSION
Proposed Regulations on Group Homes and Sober Living Facilities The proposed ordinance excludes state-licensed care facilities and any group home and/or sober living home that operates as a single housekeeping unit from its zoning restrictions and permit requirements. Facilities that are licensed by the state or households that operate as a single housekeeping unit will not be regulated by this ordinance in compliance with State law.

Group homes with six or fewer residents in the R1, R2, R3, and M-H zones will have to obtain a special use permit. Group homes with seven or more residents are not permitted in the R1 zone. Group homes with seven or more residents in the R2, R3, and M-H zones must obtain a conditional use permit and an operator’s permit.

Permits will not be issued pursuant to the ordinance unless there is a 650-foot separation between the applicant’s group home and any other sober-living home or a state-licensed alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility. All occupants, other than the house manager, must actively participate in a legitimate recovery program. A permit will not be issued if the owner/operator or staff person is a sex offender, violent felon, or drug dealer.

Additional requirements include a twenty-four-hour house manager present at the group home on a day-to-day basis, transportation for evicted residents to their permanent address, and prohibition of the use of any alcohol or any non-prescription drug at the sober-living home or by any resident either on or off-site.

In addition, existing group homes will be required to come into compliance with the newly enacted regulations. Group homes with six or less occupants must apply for a special use

permit within ninety days of the effective date of the ordinance. Existing group homes with seven or more occupants must apply for an operator’s permit within ninety days of the effective date of the ordinance and obtain a CUP within one year.

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

Attachment: 1. Ordinance No. 2025-06 - Group Home Code Amendment

2. Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-02

4918-5924-8711, v. 1
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-06

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER

5.52 (GROUP HOMES) AND SECTION 17.28.290
(GROUP HOMES) TO THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL
CODE AND AMENDING SECTION 17.08.020 (ALLOWED

USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR

RESIDENTIAL ZONES) OF THE LOS ALAMITOS

MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, under the California Constitution, Article XI, Section 7, the City has been granted broad police powers to preserve the residential characteristics of its R1, R2, R3, R4 and M-H zones, which powers have been recognized by both the California Supreme Court and United States Supreme Court, the latter of which has stated that, “It is within the power of the legislature to determine that the community should be beautiful as well as healthy, spacious as well as clean, well-balanced as well as carefully patrolled;” and,
WHEREAS, the Federal Fair Housing Act Amendments (“FHAA”) and the California Fair Employment Housing Act (“FEHA”) prohibit enforcement of zoning ordinances which on their face discriminate, or have the effect of discriminating, against equal housing opportunities for persons with disabilities; and, WHEREAS, a core purpose of the FHAA, FEHA and California’s Lanterman Act is to provide a broader range of housing opportunities to persons with disabilities; to free persons with disabilities, to the extent possible, from institutional style living; and to ensure that persons with disabilities have the opportunity to live in normal residential surroundings and use and enjoy a dwelling in a manner similar to the way a dwelling is enjoyed by others; and,
WHEREAS, to fulfill this purpose the FHAA and FEHA also require that the City provide reasonable accommodations to its zoning ordinances if such accommodation is necessary to afford a handicapped person an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling; and,
WHEREAS, the Lanterman Act fulfills this purpose in part by requiring cities to treat state-licensed residential care facilities serving six or fewer as a residential use; and, WHEREAS, in enacting this Ordinance the City Council of the City of Los Alamitos is attempting to strike a balance between the City’s and residents’ interests of preserving the characteristics of residential neighborhoods and to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to reside in such neighborhoods that are enjoyed by others; and, WHEREAS, over the past several years cities have seen a significant increase in the number of single- and multi-family homes being utilized as alcohol and drug recovery

4918-5924-8711, v. 1
facilities for large numbers of individuals (hereafter, “sober living homes”); and, WHEREAS, the increase appears to be driven in part by the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 (hereafter, “the Act”) adopted by California voters which provides that specified first-time drug and alcohol offenders are to be afforded the opportunity to receive substance abuse treatment rather than incarceration; and, WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act has significantly expanded the availability of health care coverage for substance abuse treatment; and, WHEREAS, surrounding jurisdictions have seen a sharp increase in the number of sober living homes, which has generated secondary impacts including, but not limited to neighborhood parking shortfalls, overcrowding, inordinate amounts of second-hand smoke, and noise; and the clustering of sober living facilities in close proximity to each other creating near neighborhoods of sober living homes; and, WHEREAS, the purpose of sober living homes is to provide a comfortable living environment for persons with drug or alcohol addictions in which they remain clean and sober and can participate in a recovery program in a residential, community environment, and so that they have the opportunity to reside in the residential neighborhood of their choice; and,
WHEREAS, recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, who are not currently using alcohol or drugs, are considered persons with disabilities under both the FHAA and FEHA; and,
WHEREAS, based on cities’ experiences it has become clear that at least some operators of sober living homes are driven more by a motivation to profit rather than to provide a comfortable living environment in which recovering addicts have a realistic potential of recovery, or to provide a living environment which remotely resembles the manner in which the non-disabled use and enjoy a dwelling; and, WHEREAS, persons with drug and/or alcohol addictions are an extremely vulnerable population and the City desires to protect these persons from sober living home operators, who are interested solely in profit and have been exploiting persons in recovery for insurance money and financial gain to the disadvantage of the person as well as the surrounding neighborhood; and,
WHEREAS, establishing distance requirements for sober living homes is reasonable and non-discriminatory and not only helps preserve the residential character of the R1, R2, R3, R4 and M-H zones, but also furthers the interest of ensuring that persons with disabilities are not living in overcrowded environments that are counterproductive to their well-being and recovery; and, WHEREAS, sober living homes do not function as a single housekeeping unit for the following reasons: (1) they house extremely transient populations (programs are

4918-5924-8711, v. 1
generally about 90 days and a 2008 UCLA study found that 65-70% of recovering addicts don’t finish their recovery programs); (2) the residents generally have no established ties to each other when they move in and typically do not mingle with other neighbors; (3) neighbors generally do not know who or who does not reside in the home; (4) the residents have little to no say about who lives or doesn’t live in the home; (5) the residents do not generally share expenses; (6) the residents are often responsible for their own food, laundry and phone; (7) when residents disobey house rules they are often just kicked out of the house; (8) the residents generally do not share the same acquaintances; and (9) residents often pay significantly above market rate rents; and, WHEREAS, because of their extremely transient populations, above-normal numbers of individuals/adults residing in a single dwelling and the lack of regulations, sober living facilities present problems not typically associated with more traditional residential uses, including but not limited to: the housing of large numbers of unrelated adults who may or may not be supervised; disproportionate numbers of cars associated with a single housing unit, which causes disproportionate traffic and utilization of on-street parking; excessive noise and outdoor smoking, which interferes with the use and enjoyment of neighbors’ use of their property; neighbors who have little to no idea who does and does not reside in the home; little to no participation in community activities that form and strengthen neighborhood cohesion; disproportional impacts from the average dwelling unit to nearly all public services including sewer, water, parks, libraries, transportation infrastructure, fire and police; a history of congregating in the same general area; and the potential influx of individuals with a criminal record; and, WHEREAS, a variable separation requirement will still allow for a reasonable market for the purchase and operation of sober living homes within the City and still result in preferential treatment for sober living homes in that individuals in a similar living situation (i.e., in boardinghouse-style residences) have fewer housing opportunities than persons with disabilities; and,
WHEREAS, housing inordinately large numbers of unrelated adults in a single dwelling or congregating sober living homes in close proximity to each other does not provide persons with disabilities with an opportunity to “live in normal residential surroundings,” but rather places them into living environments bearing more in common with the types of institutional/campus/dormitory living that the FEHA and FHAA were designed to provide relief from for persons with disabilities, and which no reasonable person could contend provides a life in a normal residential surrounding; and, WHEREAS, notwithstanding the above, the City Council recognizes that while not in character with residential neighborhoods, when operated responsibly, group homes, including sober living homes, provide a societal benefit by providing persons with disabilities the opportunity to live in residential neighborhoods, as well as providing recovery programs for individuals attempting to overcome their drug and alcohol addictions, and that therefore providing greater access to residential zones to group homes, including sober living homes, than to boardinghouses or any other type of group living provides a benefit to the City and its residents; and,

4918-5924-8711, v. 1
WHEREAS, without some regulation there is no way of ensuring that the individuals entering into a group home are persons with disabilities and entitled to reasonable accommodation under local and state law; that a group home is operated professionally to minimize impacts to the surrounding neighborhood; and that the secondary impacts from over concentration of both group homes in a neighborhood and large numbers of unrelated adults residing in a single facility in an individual home are lessened; and,
WHEREAS, in addition to group homes locating in residential neighborhoods other state-licensed residential care facilities for six or fewer persons who are mentally disabled or otherwise disabled or supervised, are also taking up residence in these neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, the purpose of group homes for persons with disabilities is to provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to comfortably reside in the residential neighborhood of their choice; and,
WHEREAS, on June 25, 2025, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed Public Hearing concerning the proposed amendments to the Los Alamitos Municipal Code, and recommended City Council approval of this Ordinance; and, WHEREAS, the City Council opened a duly noticed Public Hearing concerning the proposed Amendments on ____ 2025; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council considered all applicable Staff reports and all public testimony and evidence presented at the Public Hearing.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 17.58.060 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code, the following findings are made in support of this code amendment:

1. This Ordinance ensures and maintains internal consistency with the actions, goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan, and would not create any inconsistencies with the Zoning Code.

This Ordinance ensures and maintains internal consistency with the actions, goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan, including without limitation Land Use Policy 2.7 – Quality of life uses (Maintain, improve, and expand uses that define and enhance the City’s quality of life, including parks, trails, open spaces, and public facilities) and Economic

4918-5924-8711, v. 1
Development Policy 2.2 – Effective land use regulation (Ensure that development standards, use regulations, and the permitting process (especially discretionary permitting), are streamlined and effective, yet maintain protections for the community’s quality of life) and will not create any inconsistencies with the Zoning Code.

2. This Ordinance will not be detrimental to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or welfare of the City.

This Ordinance attempts to strike a balance between the City’s and residents’ interests of preserving the characteristics of residential neighborhoods and to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to reside in such neighborhoods that are enjoyed by others. This Ordinance will ensure that that the individuals entering into a group home are persons with disabilities and entitled to reasonable accommodation under local and state law; that a group home is operated professionally to minimize impacts to the surrounding neighborhood; and that the secondary impacts from over concentration of both group homes in a neighborhood and large numbers of unrelated adults residing in a single facility in an individual home are lessened. Accordingly, this Ordinance will not be detrimental to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or welfare of the City.

3. This Ordinance has been reviewed in compliance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City’s environmental review procedures.

This Ordinance will not result in any physical change to the environment and is therefore exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b) (3) – the project is covered by the general rule that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.

4. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code.

The proposed Zoning Code amendments will ensure that the group home regulations set forth in this Ordinance are internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the Zoning Code.

4918-5924-8711, v. 1
SECTION 3. Chapter 5.52 is hereby added to Title 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations) of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 5.52 GROUP HOMES
§ 5.52.010 Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply to this Chapter. To the extent these definitions conflict with any other provision in the Municipal Code, these definitions shall control:
“Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility” means adult alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities that are licensed pursuant to Section 11834.01 of the California Health & Safety Code. Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities are a subset of residential care facilities. “Director” means the Director of the Development Services Department of the City of Los Alamitos, or their designee.
“Disabled” shall have the same meaning as handicapped.
“Fair housing laws” means the Federal Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, as each statute may be amended from time to time, and each statute’s implementing regulations. “Group home” means a facility that is being used as a supportive living environment for persons who are considered disabled under state or federal law. A group home operated by a single operator or service provider (whether licensed or unlicensed) constitutes a single facility, whether the facility occupies one or more dwelling units. Group homes shall not include the following: (1) residential care facilities; or (2) any group home that operates as a single housekeeping unit.
“Handicapped” means, as more specifically defined under the fair housing laws, a person who has a physical or mental impairment that limits one (1) or more major life activities, a person who is regarded as having that type of impairment, or a person who has a record of that type of impairment, not including current, illegal use of a controlled substance. “Household” means all the people occupying a dwelling unit and includes people who live in different units governed by the same operator.
“Integral facilities” means any combination of two or more group homes which may or may not be located on the same or contiguous parcels of land, that are under the control and management of the same owner, operator, management company or licensee or any affiliate of any of them, and are integrated components of one operation shall be referred to as integral facilities and shall be considered one facility for purposes of applying federal, state and local laws to its operation. Examples of such integral facilities include, but are not limited to, the provision of housing in one facility and recovery programming,

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treatment, meals, or any other service or services to program participants in another facility or facilities or by assigning staff or a consultant or consultants to provide services to the same program participants in more than one licensed or unlicensed facility. “Integral uses” means any two or more residential care programs commonly administered by the same owner, operator, management company or licensee, or any affiliate of any of them, in a manner in which participants in two or more care programs participate simultaneously in any care or recovery activity, or activities so commonly administered.

Any such integral use shall be considered one use for purposes of applying federal, state and local laws to its operation.
“Operator” means a company, business or individual who provides residential services, i.e., the placement of individuals in a residence, setting of house rules, and governing behavior of the residents as residents. Operator does not include a property owner or property manager that exclusively handles real estate contracting, property management and leasing of the property and that does not otherwise meet the definition of operator. “Property” means any single development lot that has been subdivided bearing its own assessor’s parcel number or with an approved subdivision map or condominium map. “Residential care facility” means a residential facility licensed by the state where care, services, or treatment is provided to persons living in a supportive community residential setting. Residential care facilities include but may not be limited to the following:
intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled (Health & Saf. Code §§ 1267.8, 1267.9); community care facilities (Health & Saf. Code §§ 1500 et seq.); residential care facilities for the elderly (Health & Saf. Code §§ 1569 et seq.); residential care facilities for the chronically ill (22 C.C.R. § 87801(a)(5); Health & Saf. § 1568.02); alcoholism and drug abuse facilities (Health & Saf. Code §§ 11834.02-11834.30); pediatric day health and respite care facilities (Health & Saf. Code §§ 1760 et seq.); residential health care facilities, including congregate living health facilities (Health & Saf.

Code §§ 1265 – 1271.1, 1250(i), 1250(e), (h)); family care home, foster home, group home for the mentally disordered or otherwise handicapped persons or dependent and neglected children (Wel. & Inst. Code §§ 5115-5120).
“Single housekeeping unit” means that the occupants of a dwelling unit have established ties and familiarity with each other, jointly use common areas, interact with each other, share meals, household activities, and expenses and responsibilities; membership in the single housekeeping unit is fairly stable as opposed to transient, members have some control over who becomes a member of the household, and the residential activities of the household are conducted on a nonprofit basis. There is a rebuttable presumption that integral facilities do not constitute single housekeeping units.

Additional indicia that a household is not operating as a single housekeeping unit include but are not limited to: the occupants do not share a lease agreement or ownership of the property; members of the household have separate, private entrances from other members; members of the household have locks on their bedroom doors; members of

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the household have separate food storage facilities, such as separate refrigerators. “Sober living home” means a group home for persons who are recovering from a drug and/or alcohol addiction and who are considered disabled under state or federal law.

Sober living homes shall not include the following: (1) residential care facilities; (2) any sober living home that operates as a single housekeeping unit. § 5.52.020 Zoning requirements.

In addition to the requirements of this Article, all group homes subject to this Article shall comply with the requirements set forth in Section 17.28.290 of Title 17 of this Code. § 5.52.030 Operator’s permit required.

It is unlawful for any person to operate, or to permit any person to operate, a group home on any property located within the R2, R3, R4 and M-H zones, without a valid operator’s permit issued for that group home pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter. § 5.52.040 Exceptions.

The requirements of this Chapter shall not apply to:

1. A group home that has six or fewer occupants, not counting a house manager, and that is in compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 17.28.290 of Title 17 of this Code.

2. A state-licensed alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility.

3. A state-licensed residential care facility.
§ 5.52.050 Requirements for issuance of operator’s permit.

A. The owner/operator shall submit an application to the Director that provides the following information:

1. The name, address, phone number and driver’s license number of the owner/operator.

2. A live scan of the owner/operator and house manager(s).

3. If the applicant and/or operator is a partnership, corporation, firm or association, then the applicant/operator shall provide the additional names and addresses as follows and such persons shall also sign the application:
i. Every general partner of the partnership;
ii. Every owner with a controlling interest in the corporation; and

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iii. The person designated by the officers of a corporation as set forth in a resolution of the corporation that is to be designated as the permit holder.

4. The license and permit history of the applicant(s), including whether such applicant(s), in previously operating a similar use in this or another city, county or state under license and/or permit, has had such license and/or permit revoked or suspended, and the reason therefor.

5. The name, address, phone number and driver’s license number of the house manager.

6. A copy of the group home rules and regulations.

7. Written intake procedures.

8. The group home relapse policy.

9. An affirmation by the owner/operator that only residents (other than the house manager) who are disabled as defined by state and federal law shall reside at the group home.

10. Blank copies of all forms that all residents and potential residents are required to complete.

11. A fee for the cost of processing of the application as set by resolution of the City Council.

B. Requirements for operation of group homes.

1. The group home has a house manager who resides at the group home or any multiple of persons acting as a house manager who are present at the group home on a twenty-four-hour basis and who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the group home.

2. All garage and driveway spaces associated with the dwelling unit shall, at all times, be available for the parking of vehicles. Residents and the house manager may each only store or park a single vehicle at the dwelling unit or on any street within five hundred feet of the dwelling unit. The vehicle must be operable and currently used as a primary form of transportation for a resident or the house manager of the group home.

3. Occupants must not require, and operators must not provide, “care and supervision” as those terms are defined by Health and Safety Code Section 1503.5 and Section 80001(c)(3) of Title 22, California Code of Regulations.

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4. Integral group home facilities are not permitted. Applicants shall declare, under penalty of perjury, that the group home does not operate as an integral use/facility.

5. If the group home operator is not the property owner, written approval from the property owner to operate a group home at the property.

6. At least forty-eight hours prior to eviction from or involuntary termination of residency in a group home, the operator thereof shall:
i. Notify the person designated as the occupant’s emergency contact or contact of record that the occupant will no longer be a resident at the home.
ii. Contact the Orange County Health Care Agency OC Links Referral Line or other entity designated by the City to determine the services available to the occupant, including, but not limited to, alcohol and drug inpatient and outpatient treatment.
iii. Notify the Los Alamitos Police Department that an occupant is no longer a resident at the home, determine the services available therefrom. iv. Provide the information obtained from paragraphs (ii) and (iii) of this Subsection (B)(6) and any other treatment provider or service to the occupant prior to his or her release on a form provided by the City and obtain the occupant’s signed acknowledgement thereon.
v. Provided, however, that if the occupant’s behavior results in immediate termination of residency pursuant to rules approved by the City as part of the special use permit for that facility, the operator shall comply with paragraphs i though iv of this Subsection (B)(6) as soon as possible.

7. Prior to an occupant’s eviction from or involuntary termination of residency in a group home, the operator thereof shall also:
i. Make available to the occupant transportation to the address listed on the occupant’s driver license, state issued identification card, or the permanent address identified in the occupant’s application or referral to the group home. ii. Provided, however, that should the occupant decline transportation to his or her permanent address or otherwise has no permanent address, then the operator shall make available to the occupant transportation to another group home or residential care facility that has agreed to accept the occupant.

8. The group home operator shall maintain records for a period of one year following eviction from or involuntary termination of residency of an occupant that document

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compliance with Subsections (B)(6) and (B)(7) of this Section; provided, however, that nothing herein shall require an operator of a group home to violate any provision of state or federal law regarding confidentiality of health care information. The group home operator may not satisfy the obligations set forth in Subsection (B)(7) by providing remuneration to the occupant for the cost of transportation.

9. All drivers of vehicles picking up or dropping off persons at a group home shall comply with all applicable provisions of this Code and the California Vehicle Code, including, but not limited to, those provisions regulating licensure and parking, standing and stopping.

10. The property must be in full compliance with all building codes, the Los Alamitos Municipal Code, and zoning.

11. In addition to the regulations outlined above, the following shall also apply to sober living homes:
i. All occupants, other than the house manager, must be actively participating in legitimate recovery programs, including, but not limited to, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous and the sober living home must maintain current records of meeting attendance. Under the sober living home’s rules and regulations, refusal to actively participate in such a program shall be cause for eviction.
ii. The sober living home’s rules and regulations must prohibit the use of any alcohol or any non-prescription drugs at the sober living home or by any recovering addict either on or off site. The sober living home must also have a written policy regarding the possession, use and storage of prescription medications. The facility cannot dispense medications but must make them available to the residents. The possession or use of prescription medications is prohibited except for the person to whom they are prescribed, and in the amounts/dosages prescribed. These rules and regulations shall be posted on site in a common area inside the dwelling unit. Any violation of this rule must be cause for eviction under the sober living home’s rules for residency and the violator cannot be re-admitted for at least ninety days. Any second violation of this rule shall result in permanent eviction. Alternatively, the sober living home must have provisions in place to remove the violator from contact with the other residents until the violation is resolved.
iii. The number of occupants subject to the sex offender registration requirements of Penal Code Section 290 does not exceed the limit set forth in Penal Code Section 3003.5 and does not violate the distance provisions set forth in Penal Code Section 3003.
iv. The sober living home shall have a written visitation policy that shall preclude any visitors who are under the influence of any drug or alcohol.

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v. The sober living home shall have a good neighbor policy that shall direct occupants to be considerate of neighbors, including refraining from engaging in excessively loud, profane or obnoxious behavior that would unduly interfere with a neighbor’s use and enjoyment of their dwelling unit. The good neighbor policy shall establish a written protocol for the house manager/operator to follow when a neighbor complaint is received.
vi. The sober living home shall not provide any of the following services as they are defined by Section 10501(a)(6) of Title 9, California Code of Regulations:
detoxification; educational counseling; individual or group counseling sessions; and treatment or recovery planning.

12. An applicant may seek relief from the strict application of this Section by submitting an application to the Director setting forth specific reasons as to why accommodation over and above this Section is necessary under state and federal laws, pursuant to Chapter 17.42 of Title 17 of this Code.

13. The operator’s permit shall be issued by the Director if the applicant is in compliance, or, where applicable, has agreed to comply, with the requirements of Subsections (A) and (B) of this Section.

14. In addition to denying an application for failing to comply, or failing to agree to comply, with Subsections (A) and/or (B) of this Section, an operator’s permit shall also be denied, and if already issued shall be revoked upon a hearing by the Director, under any of the following circumstances:
i. Any owner/operator or staff person has provided materially false or misleading information on the application or omitted any pertinent information. ii. Any owner/operator or staff person has an employment history in which he or she was terminated during the past two years because of physical assault, sexual harassment, embezzlement or theft; falsifying a drug test; or selling or furnishing illegal drugs or alcohol.
iii. Any owner/operator or staff person has been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere, within the last ten years, to any of the following offenses:
a) Any sex offense for which the person is required to register as a sex offender under California Penal Code Section 290;
b) Arson offenses—Violations of Penal Code Sections 451 - 455; c) Violent felonies, as defined in Penal Code Section 667.5, which involve doing bodily harm to another person; or

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d) The unlawful sale or furnishing of any controlled substances. iv. Any owner/operator or staff person is on parole or formal probation supervision on the date of the submittal of the application or at any time thereafter. v. The owner/operator accepts residents, other than a house manager, who are not disabled or handicapped as defined by the FHAA and FEHA. vi. An operator’s permit for a sober living home shall also be denied, and if already issued shall be revoked upon a hearing by the Director, under any of the following additional circumstances:
a) The owner/operator of a sober living home fails to immediately take measures to remove any resident who uses alcohol or illegally uses prescription or non-prescription drugs, or who is not actively participating in a legitimate recovery program from contact with all other sober residents.
b) For any other significant and/or repeated violations of this Section and/or any other applicable laws and/or regulations.
§ 5.52.060 Transfer of operator’s permit.

A. An operator’s permit shall not be valid for a location other than the property for which it is issued, unless and until the transfer of the permit is approved by the Director pursuant to the requirements of Section 5.52.050.

B. An operator’s permit may not be transferred to any other person or entity. No operator’s permit issued pursuant to this article shall be transferred or assigned or authorize any person or entity other than the person or entity named in the permit to operate the group home named therein.
§ 5.52.070 Revocation of operator’s permit.

An operator’s permit may be revoked upon a hearing by the Director pursuant to Section

5.52.50 for failing to comply with the terms of the permit and/or for failing to comply with the applicable provisions of Section 5.52.50.
§ 5.52.080 Reapplication after denial or revocation.

A. An applicant for an operator’s permit whose application for such an operator’s permit has been denied may not reapply for such an operator’s permit for a period of six months from the date such notice of denial was issued.

B. A holder of an operator’s permit that has been cancelled, revoked, or otherwise invalidated may not reapply for an operator’s or a user’s permit for a period of six months from the date that such revocation, cancellation, or invalidation became final.

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§ 5.52.080 Compliance.

A group home that is subject to the provisions of this Chapter that is in existence as of the effective date of this Chapter shall have one hundred twenty days to comply with the provisions of this Chapter.

SECTION 4. Section 17.28.290 (Group Homes) of Chapter 17.28 (Regulations for Specific Land Uses and Activities) is hereby added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code to read as follows:
§ 17.28.290 Group Homes.

A. Purpose. This Section is intended to preserve the residential character of the City’s residential zoning districts and to further the purposes of the FEHA, the FHAA and the Lanterman Act by, among other things: (1) ensuring that group homes are actually entitled to the special accommodation and/or additional accommodation provided under the Los Alamitos Municipal Code; (2) limiting the secondary impacts of group homes by reducing noise and traffic, preserving safety and providing adequate on street parking; (3) providing an accommodation for persons with disabilities that is reasonable and actually bears some resemblance to the opportunities afforded non-handicapped individuals to use and enjoy a dwelling unit in a single-family neighborhood; and (4) to provide comfortable living environments that will enhance the opportunity for persons with disabilities and for recovering addicts to be successful in their programs.

B. Definitions. The definitions in Chapter 5.52 shall apply to this Section. To the extent those definitions conflict with any other provision in the Los Alamitos Municipal Code, the definitions in Chapter 5.52 shall control for purposes of this Section.

C. Special Use Permit Required for R1 Zone.

1. A group home with six or fewer occupants may locate in an R1 zone with a special use permit provided:
a. An application for a group home is submitted to the Director by the owner/operator of the group home. The application shall provide the following:
i. The name, address, phone number and driver’s license number of the owner/operator.
ii. A live scan of the owner/operator and house manager(s). iii. If the applicant and/or operator is a partnership, corporation, firm or association, then the applicant/operator shall provide the additional names and addresses as follows and such persons shall also sign the

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application:

1. Every general partner of the partnership,

2. Every owner with a controlling interest in the corporation,

3. The person designated by the officers of a corporation as set forth in a resolution of the corporation that is to be designated as the permit holder.
iv. The license and permit history of the applicant(s), including whether such applicant(s), in previously operating a similar use in this or another city, county or state under license and/or permit, has had such license and/or permit revoked or suspended, and the reason therefor; v. The name, address, phone number and driver’s license number of the house manager;
vi. A copy of the group home rules and regulations;
vii. Written intake procedures;
viii. The group home relapse policy;
ix. An affirmation by the owner/operator that only residents (other than the house manager) who are disabled as defined by state and federal law shall reside at the group home;
x. Blank copies of all forms that all residents and potential residents are required to complete; and
xi. A fee for the cost of processing of the application as set by resolution of the City Council.

2. Requirements for Operation of Group Homes.
a. No person shall open a group home or begin employment with a group home until this information has been provided and such persons shall be responsible for updating any of this information to keep it current. b. The group home has six or fewer occupants, not counting a house manager, but in no event shall have more than seven occupants. If the dwelling unit has an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), occupants of both units will be combined to determine whether or not the limit of six occupants has been exceeded.

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c. The group home shall not be located in an ADU unless the primary dwelling unit is used for the same purpose.
d. The group home has a house manager who resides at the group home or any multiple of persons acting as a house manager who are present at the group home on a twenty-four hour basis and who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the group home.
e. All garage and driveway spaces associated with the dwelling unit shall, at all times, be available for the parking of vehicles. Residents and the house manager may each only store or park a single vehicle at the dwelling unit or on any street within five hundred feet of the dwelling unit. The vehicle must be operable and currently used as a primary form of transportation for a resident or the house manager of the group home.
f. Occupants must not require, and operators must not provide, “care and supervision” as those terms are defined by Health and Safety Code Section 1503.5 and Section 80001(c)(3) of Title 22, California Code of Regulations. g. Integral group home facilities are not permitted. Applicants shall declare, under penalty of perjury, that the group home does not operate as an integral use/facility.
h. If the group home operator is not the property owner, the application must include written approval from the property owner to operate a group home at the property.
i. The property must be in full compliance with all building codes, the Los Alamitos Municipal Code, and zoning.
j. At least forty-eight hours prior to an occupant’s eviction from or involuntary termination of residency in a group home, the operator thereof shall:
i. Notify the person designated as the occupant’s emergency contact or contact of record that the occupant will no longer be a resident at the home.
ii. Contact the Orange County Health Care Agency OC Links Referral Line and/or another entity designated by the City to determine the services available to the occupant, including, but not limited to, alcohol and drug inpatient and outpatient treatment.
iii. Notify the Los Alamitos Police Department that an occupant is no longer a resident at the home, and determine the services available therefrom.

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iv. Provide the information obtained from paragraphs (ii) and (iii) of this Subsection (C)(2)(j) and any other treatment provider or service to the occupant prior to his or her release on a form provided by the City and obtain the occupant’s signed acknowledgement thereon.
v. Provided, however, that if the occupant’s behavior results in immediate termination of residency pursuant to rules approved by the City as part of the special use permit for that facility, the operator shall comply with paragraphs (i) through (iv) of this Subsection (C)(2)(j) as soon as possible.
k. Prior to an occupant’s eviction from or involuntary termination of residency in a group home, the operator thereof shall also:
i. Make available to the occupant transportation to the address listed on the occupant’s driver license, state-issued identification card, or the permanent address identified in the occupant’s application or referral to the group home.
ii. Provided, however, that should the occupant decline transportation to his or her permanent address, or otherwise has no permanent address, then the operator shall make available to the occupant transportation to another group home or residential care facility that has agreed to accept the occupant.
l. The group home operator shall maintain records for a period of one year following eviction from, or involuntary termination of, residency of an occupant that document compliance with Subsections (C)(2)(j) and (C)(2)(k) of this Section; provided, however, that nothing herein shall require an operator of a group home to violate any provision of state or federal law regarding confidentiality of health care information. The group home operator may not satisfy the obligations set forth in Subsection (C)(2)(k) of this Section by providing remuneration to the occupant for the cost of transportation.
m. All drivers of vehicles picking up or dropping off persons at a group home shall comply with all applicable provisions of this Code and the California Vehicle Code, including, but not limited to, those provisions regulating licensure and parking, standing, and stopping.
n. The group home is at least six hundred fifty feet from any property, as defined in Section 5.52.010, that contains a group home, sober living home or state-licensed alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility, as measured from the property line, unless the reviewing authority determines

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that such location will not result in an over-concentration of similar uses. o. In addition to the regulations outlined above, the following shall also apply to sober living homes:
i. All occupants, other than the house manager, must be actively participating in legitimate recovery programs, including, but not limited to, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous and the sober living home must maintain current records of meeting attendance.

Under the sober living home’s rules and regulations, refusal to actively participate in such a program shall be cause for eviction. ii. The sober living home’s rules and regulations must prohibit the use of any alcohol or any non-prescription drugs at the sober living home, or by any recovering addict, either on or off site. The sober living home must also have a written policy regarding the possession, use, and storage of prescription medications. The facility cannot dispense medications but must make them available to the residents. The possession or use of prescription medications is prohibited except for the person to whom they are prescribed, and in the amounts/dosages prescribed. These rules and regulations shall be posted on site in a common area inside the dwelling unit. Any violation of this rule must be cause for eviction under the sober living home’s rules for residency and the violator cannot be re-admitted for at least ninety days. Any second violation of this rule shall result in permanent eviction.

Alternatively, the sober living home must have provisions in place to remove the violator from contact with the other residents until the violation is resolved.
iii. The number of occupants subject to the sex offender registration requirements of Penal Code Section 290 does not exceed the limit set forth in Penal Code Section 3003.5 and does not violate the distance provisions set forth in Penal Code Section 3003.
iv. The sober living home shall have a written visitation policy that shall preclude any visitors who are under the influence of any drug or alcohol.
v. The sober living home shall have a good neighbor policy that shall direct occupants to be considerate of neighbors, including refraining from engaging in excessively loud, profane, or obnoxious behavior that would unduly interfere with a neighbor’s use and enjoyment of their dwelling unit. The good neighbor policy shall establish a written protocol for the house manager/operator to follow when a neighbor complaint is received.

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vi. The sober living home shall not provide any of the following services as they are defined by Section 10501(a)(6) of Title 9, California Code of Regulations: detoxification; educational counseling; individual or group counseling sessions; and treatment or recovery planning. p. An applicant may seek relief from the strict application of this Section by submitting an application to the Director setting forth specific reasons as to why accommodation over and above this Section is necessary under state and federal laws, pursuant to Chapter 17.42 of Title 17 of this Code

3. The special use permit shall be issued by the Director as a ministerial matter if the applicant is in compliance, or has agreed to comply, with Subsections (C)(2)(a) through (C)(2)(o) of this Section. At least ten days prior to issuing a special use permit, the Director, or his or her designee, shall cause written notice to be mailed to the owner of record and occupants of all properties within five hundred feet of the location of the group home. Prior to issuance of the special use permit, the Director, or his or her designee, shall hold a public hearing for the purpose of receiving information regarding compliance with the applicable provisions of Subsections (C)(1) and (C)(2) of this Section. The issuance of the special use permit shall be denied upon a determination, and if already issued shall be denied or revoked upon a hearing, by the Director that any of the following circumstances exist:
a. Any owner/operator or staff person has provided materially false or misleading information on the application or omitted any pertinent information;
b. Any owner/operator or staff person has an employment history in which he or she was terminated during the past two years because of physical assault, sexual harassment, embezzlement or theft; failing a drug test; falsifying a drug test; and selling or furnishing illegal drugs or alcohol. c. Any owner/operator or staff person has been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere, within the last ten years, to any of the following offenses:
i. Any sex offense for which the person is required to register as a sex offender under California Penal Code Section 290;
ii. Arson offenses—Violations of Penal Code Sections 451 - 455; iii. Violent felonies, as defined in Penal Code Section 667.5, which involve doing bodily harm to another person; or
iv. The unlawful sale or furnishing of any controlled substances. d. Any owner/operator or staff person is on parole or formal probation

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supervision on the date of the submittal of the application or at any time thereafter.
e. The owner/operator accepts residents, other than a house manager, who are not disabled as defined by the FHAA and FEHA.
f. A special use permit for a sober living home shall also be denied upon a determination, and if already issued, shall be revoked, and any transfer shall be denied or revoked, upon a hearing by the Director that any of the following circumstances exist:
i. Any owner/operator or staff person of a sober living home is a recovering drug or alcohol abuser and upon the date of application or employment has had less than one full year of sobriety. ii. The owner/operator of a sober living home fails to immediately take measures to remove any resident who uses alcohol or illegally uses prescription or non-prescription drugs, or who is not actively participating in a legitimate recovery program from contact with all other sober residents.
iii. The sober living home, as measured by the closest property lines, is located within six hundred fifty feet of any other sober living home or state-licensed alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility.

If a state-licensed alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility moves within six hundred fifty feet of an existing sober living home this shall not cause the revocation of the sober living home’s permit or be grounds for denying a transfer of such permit. g. For any other significant and/or repeated violations of this Section and/or any other applicable laws and/or regulations, including, but not limited to, failure to comply with the provisions of Subsections (C)(2)(a) through (o). h. Revocation shall not apply to any group home, which otherwise would cause it to be in violation of this Section, that has obtained a reasonable accommodation pursuant to pursuant to Chapter 17.42 of Title 17 of this Code.

D. Compliance for group homes in R1 Zone.

1. Existing group homes in the R1 zone must apply for a special use permit within ninety days of the effective date of this Section.

2. Group homes that are in existence upon the effective date of this Section shall have one year from the effective date of this Section to comply with its provisions, provided that, any existing group home serving more than six

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residents, must first comply with the six-resident maximum.

3. Existing group homes obligated by a written lease exceeding one year from the effective date of this Section, or whose activity involves investment of money in leasehold or improvements such that a longer period is necessary to prevent undue financial hardship, are eligible for up to one additional year grace period pursuant to approval of the Director.

E. Group homes in the R2, R3, R4 and M-H zones with six or fewer occupants.

1. A special use permit shall be required for the operation of a group home with six or fewer occupants in the R2, R3, R4 and M-H zones subject to the following requirements:
i. The application for, and operation of, the group home complies with Subsections (C)(2)(a), (C)(2)(b) and (C)(2)(d) through (C)(2)(o) of this Section.
ii. The application includes a live scan of the house manager and/or operator of the group home.
iii. The group home is at least six hundred fifty feet from any property, as defined in Section 5.52.010, that contains a group home, sober living home or state-licensed alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility, as measured from the property line, unless the reviewing authority determines that such location will not result in an over-concentration of similar uses.

2. The Director may issue, revoke, or deny a special use permit for a group home, including a sober living home subject to this Section, pursuant to the procedures and requirements of Subsection (C)(3) of this Section.

3. An applicant may seek relief from the strict application of this Section by submitting an application to the Director setting forth specific reasons as to why accommodation over and above this Section is necessary under state and federal laws, pursuant to Chapter 17.42 of Title 17 of this Code.

F. Conditional use permit required for group homes, residential care facilities and drug and alcohol treatment facilities in the R2, R3, R4 and M-H zones with seven or more occupants.

1. A conditional use permit shall be required for the operation of a group home with seven or more occupants in the R2, R3, R4 and M-H zones subject to the following conditions:
i. The requirements of Chapter 17.32 of this title have been met, including

4918-5924-8711, v. 1
but not limited to the findings required by Section 17.32.070. ii. The group home is at least six hundred fifty feet from any property, as defined in Section 5.52.010, that contains a group home, sober living home or state-licensed alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility, as measured from the property line, unless the reviewing authority determines that such location will not result in an over-concentration of similar uses.
iii. The applicant obtains an operator’s permit as required by Section

5.52.030.

G. Compliance for Group Homes in the R2, R3, R4 and M-H zones.

1. Group homes in the R2, R3, R4 and M-H zones with six or fewer occupants that are in existence upon the effective date of this Section may continue to operate subject to the following:
i. A complete application for a special use permit is filed within ninety days of the effective date of this Section; and
ii. The group home is in full compliance with all of the conditions of this Section within one year of the effective date of this Section.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, existing group homes obligated by a written lease exceeding one year from the effective date of this Section, or whose activity involves investment of money in leasehold or improvements such that a longer period is necessary to prevent undue financial hardship, are eligible for up to one additional year grace period pursuant to approval from the Director.

2. Group homes in the R2, R3, R4 and M-H zones with seven or more occupants that are in existence upon the effective date of this Section may continue to operate subject to the following:
i. The operator of a group home submits a complete application for an operator’s permit pursuant to Chapter 5.52 within ninety days from the effective date of this Section; and
ii. The group home, is in full compliance with all conditions of this Section, including obtaining a conditional use permit, within one year from the effective date of this Section. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an existing group home obligated by a written lease exceeding one year from the effective date of this Section, or whose activity involves investment of money in leasehold or improvements such that a longer period is necessary to prevent undue financial hardship, are eligible for up to one additional year grace period pursuant to approval from the Director.

4918-5924-8711, v. 1
SECTION 4. Subsection (B) of Section 17.08.020 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements of Residential Zones) of Chapter 17.08 (Residential Zones) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code is amended and restated to read as follows (new text shown in underline):
“B. Permitted Uses, Use Permits, and Uses Not Allowed.

1. Permitted Use (“P”). A permitted use is a use permitted as a matter of right, subject to compliance with applicable provisions of this Zoning Code, including Site Development Permit—Major and Minor (Chapter 17.44) and a building permit or other permit required by the Municipal Code.

2. Permitted as an Accessory Use (“A”). Accessory uses are uses clearly incidental to a primary permitted or conditionally permitted use are permitted as a matter of right, subject to the requirements of this Zoning Code, including Section 17.38.030 (Accessory Structures/Uses— Residential).

3. Administrative Use Permit (“AUP”). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of an Administrative Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

4. Conditional Use Permit (“CUP”). Uses that are allowed subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 17.32).

5. Temporary Use Permit (“TUP”). Temporary uses are subject to the approval of a Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 17.46).

6. Special Use Permit (“SUP”). Uses that are allowed subject to approval of a Special Use Permit (Section 17.28.290 of Chapter 17.28).

7. Uses Not Allowed ("—"). Uses with an "—" indication in Table 2-02 are not allowed in the specified zone.

SECTION 5. Table 2-02 of Section 17.08.020 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements of Residential Zones) of Chapter 17.08 (Residential Zones) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code is amended by revising the following columns and rows pertaining to group homes and special use permits (new text shown in underline):

Table 2-02: Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Uses P: Permitted Use CUP: Conditional Use Permit
A: Permitted as an Accessory Use TUP: Temporary Use Permit AUP: Administrative Use Permit SUP: Special Use Permit
-----: Use Not Allowed
Land Use Regulation

4918-5924-8711, v. 1
Use R-1 R-2 R-3 M-H Specific Use Regulations

RESIDENTIAL USES
Group Home – 6 Residents or Fewer SUP SUP SUP SUP See Section 17.28.290(C) and (E) and Chapter 5.52 (Group Homes)
Group Home – 7 Residents or More
------
CUP CUP CUP See Section 17.28.290 (F) and
Chapter 5.52 (Group Homes)
SECTION 6. If any Section, Subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance for any reason is held 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 hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each Section, Subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more Sections, Subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 7. The City Clerk shall certify as to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause a summary thereof to be published within fifteen (15) days of the adoption and shall post a Certified copy of this Ordinance, including the vote for and against the same, in the Office of the City Clerk, in accordance with Government Code Section 36933.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this __ day of ____, 2025.

Shelley Hasselbrink, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________________
Michael S. Daudt, City Attorney

4918-5924-8711, v. 1

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.

CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS )
I, Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Los Alamitos, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. __________was duly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the __ day of ____, 2025 and that thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a regular meeting of the City Council on the __ day of _____, 2025, by the following roll-call vote, to wit:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
_______________________________
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk

4925-5116-3213, v. 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-02

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY

OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE CITY

COUNCIL TO ADOPT ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (ZOA)
25-02, ORDINANCE NO. 2025-TBD ADDING CHAPTER 5.52
(GROUP HOMES) AND SECTION 17.28.290 (GROUP HOMES) TO

THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE AND AMENDING
SECTION 17.08.020 (ALLOWED USES AND PERMIT

REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONES) OF THE LOS
ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE.

WHEREAS, the Development Services Director has initiated an amendment to Title 17 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code (the “Code”) in accordance with Section 17.58.020 of the Code; and,
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2025-TBD, attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, and incorporated herein by this reference, concerns the regulation of Group Homes, inclusive of Sober Living Homes, in the City’s residential zoning districts; and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission opened a duly noticed Public Hearing concerning the proposed amendment to the Code on June 25, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered all applicable Staff reports and all public testimony and evidence presented at the Public Hearing.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
LOS ALAMITOS DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The Planning Commission finds that the above recitals are true and correct.

SECTION 2. The Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 25-TBD based on the following findings, as specified in Section 17.58.060 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code:
a) This Ordinance ensures and maintains internal consistency with the actions, goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan, and would not create any inconsistencies with the Zoning Code.

The proposed Ordinance ensures and maintains internal consistency with the actions, goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan, including without limitation Land Use Policy 2.7 – Quality of life uses (Maintain, improve, and expand uses that define and enhance the City’s quality of life, including parks, trails, open spaces, and public facilities) and Economic Development Policy 2.2 – Effective land use Docusign Envelope ID: 6679BC98-E7CD-4C20-A078-A3B2CAF60DEE

4925-5116-3213, v. 1
regulation (Ensure that development standards, use regulations, and the permitting process (especially discretionary permitting), are streamlined and effective, yet maintain protections for the community’s quality of life) and will not create any inconsistencies with the Zoning Code.
b) This Ordinance will not be detrimental to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or welfare of the City.

The proposed Ordinance attempts to strike a balance between the City’s and residents’ interests of preserving the characteristics of residential neighborhoods and to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to reside in such neighborhoods that are enjoyed by others. This Ordinance will ensure that that the individuals entering into a group home are persons with disabilities and entitled to reasonable accommodation under local and state law; that a group home is operated professionally to minimize impacts to the surrounding neighborhood; and that the secondary impacts from over concentration of both group homes in a neighborhood and large numbers of unrelated adults residing in a single facility in an individual home are lessened. Accordingly, this Ordinance will not be detrimental to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or welfare of the City.
c) This Ordinance has been reviewed in compliance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City’s environmental review procedures.

The proposed Ordinance will not result in any physical change to the environment and is therefore exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b) (3) – the project is covered by the general rule that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. d) The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code.

The proposed Zoning Code amendments will ensure that the group home regulations set forth in the proposed Ordinance are internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the Zoning Code.

SECTION 3. The Secretary of the Planning Commission shall certify as to the adoption of this Resolution.

Docusign Envelope ID: 6679BC98-E7CD-4C20-A078-A3B2CAF60DEE

4925-5116-3213, v. 1
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 25th day of June 2025. ________________________________
Joseph Hastie, Vice Chair
ATTEST:
__________________________________________
Irving Montenegro, Development Services Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
Michael S. Daudt, City Attorney

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss

CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS )
I, Irving Montenegro, Development Services Manager of the City of Los Alamitos, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 25th day of June 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Hastie, Legere, Griego, Heichman
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:

ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:Cuilty
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
________________________________________
Irving Montenegro, Development Services Manager
Docusign Envelope ID: 6679BC98-E7CD-4C20-A078-A3B2CAF60DEE

City of Los Alamitos

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 ITEM NUMBER: 13A
To: Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink & Members of the City Council Presented By: Chelsi Wilson, Administrative Services Manager Subject: Resolution 2025-28 - Personnel Related Changes for Non-Represented Employees

SUMMARY
This report outlines and seeks consideration to approve personnel changes that will add two new job descriptions for Non-Represented Employees.

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-28, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR

ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER AND UPDATING THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT AND NON-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES SALARY SCHEDULE".

BACKGROUND
This report outlines the personnel-related changes that were identified during the budget process and announced by the City Manager at the July 21, 2025 Council Meeting. The City Manager has worked with the Administrative Services Manager to define the appropriate job description and salary for Assistant City Manager.

DISCUSSION
The attached Job Description has been developed for the Assistant City Manager position. The Non-Represented salary schedules are included to reflect changes recommended for these two positions.

FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact associated with adding the Assistant City Manager personnel change is a 10% increase over the current DSD salary range, and will be absorbed in the current 2025-26 Budget.

Attachment: 1. Resolution No. 2025-28 - Job Description for Assistant City Manager

2. Exhibit A - Job Description Assistant City Manager

3. Exhibit B - Salary Schedule

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-28

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING JOB

DESCRIPTIONS FOR ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

AND UPDATING THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

AND NON-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES SALARY

SCHEDULE
WHEREAS, the City Council most recently updated the Executive Management and Non-Represented Employees Salary Schedule on July 22, 2024 with the adoption of Resolution 2024-26, which added job descriptions for Executive Assistant, Senior Management Analyst, Human Resources Analyst, Administrative Analyst, and Administrative Services Director; and, WHEREAS, the City now desires to approve the full time job description for Assistant City Manager; and,
WHEREAS, the City now desires to update the Executive Management and Non-Represented Employees Salary Schedule to include the Assistant City Manager position.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Los Alamitos, California, finds that the above recitals are true and correct.

SECTION 2. The City Council approves the job descriptions for Assistant City Manager (Exhibit A) attached hereto.

SECTION 3. The City Council amends and restates the Executive Management and Non-Represented Employees Salary Schedule (Exhibit B) to include Assistant City Manager effective July 21, 2025 attached herto.

SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify as to the adoption of this Resolution.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 18th, day of August, 2025. ________________________________
Shelley Hasselbrink, Mayor

CC RESO 2025-28

ATTEST:
______________________________
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
Michael S. Daudt, City Attorney

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss

CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS )
I, Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk, of the City of Los Alamitos, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 18th day of August, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

________________________________________
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk

CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS
Job Description

ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
ESTABLISHED: Resolution No. 2025-28 on August 18, 2025

THE POSITION
Under administrative and general policy direction, provides highly responsible and complex management assistance to the City Manager in coordinating and directing City-wide departmental activities and operations; assists the City Manager in executing the long-term vision for the City in collaboration with the City Council and Department Directors; provides leadership to all City departments to enable department directors to effectively and efficiently maximize available resources; ensures quality services provision to the residents of the community; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Manager in areas of expertise; acts as City Manager in the City Manager's absence; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative and general policy direction from the City Manager. The work provides for a wide variety of independent decision-making, within legal and general policy and regulatory guidelines. Exercises general supervision over professional, technical and clerical staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This executive management classification oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the City's operations, including short- and long-term planning, policy development and administration, and enforcing all City codes and regulations. The incumbent regularly interacts with the City Manager, City Council, and departmental representatives in obtaining and coordinating projects and information. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, municipal functions, and activities, including the role of an elected City Council and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities among all City departments and agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied programs, projects, and activities of the assigned function. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing City-wide planning and operational goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Examples of Typical Job Functions (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists the City Manager in planning, organizing, and directing the services and activities of City departments and programs
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs, and projects.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, projects, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the City Manager.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; directs and coordinates the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Enforcing all City codes and regulations in collaboration with Department Directors. • Implements directives and policies from the City Manager; provides guidance and direction to Department Directors to coordinate and direct programs and projects; meets with Department Directors to identify and resolve organizational and operational problems both within departments and across departmental lines; ensures the successful completion of programs and projects.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the City's service provision by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Coordinates the development and administration of the City's budget and Capital Improvement Program; assists with budget forecasting; reviews and controls programs and projects to ensure cost effectiveness.
• Oversees and participates in the preparation and administration of the City Manager's Office budget; maintains and monitors appropriate budgeting controls; monitors compliance with budget parameters and general financial policies. • Oversees the City's Information Technology function and personnel. • Assumes full management responsibility for economic development programs and activities, including real estate development.
• Represents the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory and legislative organizations; may act as a City liaison with the media.
• Conducts a variety of City-wide organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. • Participates on and makes presentations to the City Council and a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of city government operations and other types of public services as they relate to the areas of assignment.

• Represents the City on various intergovernmental committees, task forces, and commissions pertaining to city management and assigned program matters. • Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required. • Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the City Manager. • Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• May oversee other city units as directed by the City Manager. • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of budget administration.
• Public agency contract administration and City-wide administrative practices related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility. • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures. • Technical, legal, financial, and public relations issues associated with the management of City programs.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. • Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the City and assigned program areas.

• Work cooperatively with, provide staff support to, and implement the policies of the City Manager and City Council.
• Provide leadership and direction to all departments of the City. • Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, technical, and office support staff; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. • Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of programs and administrative activities. • Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems. • Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems. • Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. • Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, public policy, finance, or a related field and six (6) years of Department Head or administrative experience in municipal administration and/or assigned program areas in a public agency. A Master's degree in public administration is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

City of Los Alamitos

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 ITEM NUMBER: 14A
To: Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink & Members of the City Council Presented By: Ron Noda, Development Services Director
Subject: 2025 Building Standards Code and Fire Code Adoption

SUMMARY
The State’s Health and Safety Code requires local governments to adopt the most recent editions of the model codes related to construction. Every three years the State of California adopts model building codes. The 2025 California Building Standards Code will take effect on January 1, 2026. The City is charged with adopting local amendments necessary for local conditions before the end of the year in order for the amendments to be effective.

RECOMMENDATION

1. Waive reading in full and authorize reading by title only of Ordinance No. 2025-07, and Ordinance No. 2025-08; and,

2. Set Ordinance No. 2025-07 and Ordinance 2025-08 for second reading at a Public Hearing on September 15, 2025; and,

3. City Attorney Daudt read the title of Ordinance No. 2025-07, entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15.04 OF TITLE 15 OF THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24) CONSISTING OF: THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, INCLUDING APPENDIX J; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, INCLUDING APPENDICES AH AND AX; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE; THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE AND THE 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS; AND ADOPTING THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE AND THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL

SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS"; and,

4. City Attorney Daudt read the title of Ordinance No. 2025-08, entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15.08 OF TITLE 15 OF THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF

REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 9), INCLUDING APPEENDICES B, BB, C, CC AND H, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS".

BACKGROUND
The State’s 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 years. The 2025 Edition of the California Code of Regulations Title 24, which incorporates the below-listed model codes, becomes effective on January 1, 2023. The State of California Building Standards Commission has adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Code, which includes the following codes:

California Building Standards Code: Reference Model Code:
2025 California Building Code 2024 International Building Code (ICC) 2025 California Residential Code 2024 International Residential Code (ICC) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code
2025 California Plumbing Code 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO) 2025 California Mechanical Code 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (IAPMO) 2025 California Electrical Code 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA)

2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface The construction codes proposed for adoption by reference or with amendments include the following:
2025 California Administrative Code 2025 California Building Code 2025 California Residential Code
2025 California Green Building Standards Code 2025 California Energy Code 2025 California Plumbing Code
2025 California Mechanical Code
2025 California Electrical Code
2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code
2025 California Existing Building Code
2025 California Historical Building Code
2025 California Referenced Standards Code
2024 International Property Maintenance Code 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
The Development Services Department is recommending that changes and modifications be made to the above referenced codes, and such changes are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, topographic and geographic conditions in Los Alamitos. Other modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature and concern themselves with subjects that are not covered by the codes or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the city.

DISCUSSION
The attached ordinance sets forth the necessary findings to enable the City to amend the new construction codes to reflect our local conditions. The attached ordinance incorporates

amendments to reflect our local conditions. These amendments are identified, along with findings in support of the amendments, in Attachment 3. The proposed amendments are consistent with the Orange County Code Uniformity Group and have the support of the Orange County Building Industry Association. The remainder of the proposed amendments are administrative or procedural in nature, such as defining the size of addresses for the Building Code to be consistent with the requirements of our Los Alamitos Municipal Code.

It is important to note that all of the recommended building code amendments for this 2025 code cycle are exactly the same as the amendments adopted three years ago for the 2022 code cycle. No amendments have been added or subtracted from the previous code adoption.

Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) changes
Orange County Fire Authority is providing amendments to the code with the goals to maximize alignment between OCFA and State-adopted requirements and to reduce amendments to only those that are necessary and practical to ensure that they:

1. Address local conditions (climate, geology, topography)

2. Are necessary from a life-safety/firefighting/fire prevention standpoint.

3. Are necessary from an administrative standpoint, and/or practical from an enforcement standpoint.

Tonight is the first reading of the proposed Ordinances. The second reading will occur during a Public Hearing at the next City Council meeting. Following the second reading and adoption, the Ordinances would go into effect 30 days after adoption.

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

Attachment: 1. Ordinance No. 2025-07 - Amending Chapter 15.04 of California Buildings Standard Code

2. Exhibit A - Local Conditions Finding

3. Ordinance No. 2025-08 - Amending chapter 15.08 of Los Alamitos Municipal Code

4. Exhibit A - Local Conditions Finding

5. 2025 California Fire Code - OCFA Amendments Los Alamitos

6. 2025 California Fire Code - Local Amendment Findings

1726628.1
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-07

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15.04 OF TITLE 15 OF THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE

CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF
REGULATIONS, TITLE 24) CONSISTING OF: THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, INCLUDING APPENDIX J; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, INCLUDING APPENDICES AH AND AX; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA
ELECTRICAL CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE AND THE 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED

STANDARDS CODE, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS,
ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS; AND ADOPTING THE 2024
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE AND THE 2024

INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS.

WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Section 50022.1 et seq., the City of Los Alamitos ("City") may adopt by reference the California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, as provided in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations; the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code and the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; and,
WHEREAS, the California Building Standards Commission recently adopted new amendments to the California Building Standards Code, which will become effective statewide on January 1, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code Sections 17958 et seq., and 18941.5 authorize cities to modify the California Building Standards Code by adopting more restrictive standards and modifications if such standards and modifications are accompanied by express findings that they are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and, WHEREAS, based upon the recommendations of the Building Official, the City Council finds that the proposed amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards Code set forth in this Ordinance, which are more restrictive than the standards adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, would decrease the potential incidence of property damage, injury and death due to fires and earthquakes, and are reasonable and necessary to mitigate local climatic, geological or topographical conditions; and, WHEREAS, on August 18, 2025, the City Council introduced this Ordinance for first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council, and set a public hearing and second reading of the Ordinance for September 15, 2025; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council held a public hearing on September 15, 2025, at which time all interested persons had the opportunity to appear and be heard on the matter of

CC ORD 2025-07

adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code as amended herein, as well as, the adoption of the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code and the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 6066, the City published notice of the aforementioned public hearing; and,
WHEREAS, any and all other legal prerequisites relating to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Findings.

A. Health and Safety Code Section 17958 et seq., authorizes the City to adopt ordinances and regulations imposing the same requirements as are contained in the California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24) adopted by the State pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922. Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5 and 18941.5 permit the City to make changes or modifications to the California Building Standards as are reasonably necessary because such changes or modifications are needed due to climatic, geographic, or topographic conditions.

B. The Fire Official and City Building Official recommend that certain changes and modifications to the 2025 California Building Standards are reasonably necessary due to local conditions within the City, certain changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the California Building Standards Code, and certain changes and modifications are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City of Los Alamitos.

C. Findings of local conditions are set forth in Exhibit “A” of this Ordinance and incorporated herein by reference. Such findings demonstrate the need for amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

SECTION 2. Chapter 15.04 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

Chapter 15.04 BUILDING CODES

15.04.010 Construction codes adopted.

15.04.020 Amendments to the 2025 California Building Code.

15.04.030 Amendments to the 2025 California Residential Code.

15.04.040 Amendments to the 2025 California Electrical Code.

15.04.050 Amendments to the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code.

CC ORD 2025-07

15.04.060 Amendments to the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

15.04.010 Construction codes adopted.

A. For the purpose of prescribing regulations for erecting, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, improving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, maintenance, equipment uses, height, and area of buildings and structures, the following construction codes subject to the modifications set forth in this Chapter, are hereby adopted:

1. The 2025 California Administrative Code (Title 24, Part 1);

2. The 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2), including the administrative provisions included in Division II of Chapter 1 and Appendix J, based on the 2024 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council;

3. The 2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5), including Appendix AH and AX, based on the 2024 International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council;

4. The 2025 California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3), based on the 2020 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association;

5. The 2025 California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4), based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials;

6. The 2025 California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5), based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials;

7. The 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (Title 24, Part 7), based on the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code;

8. The 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6);

9. The 2025 California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8);

10. The 2025 California Existing Building Code (Title 24, Part 10), based on the 2024 International Existing Building Code as published by the International Code Council;

11. The 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11);

12. The 2025 California Referenced Standards Code (Title 24, Part 12);

13. The 2024 International Property Maintenance Code as published by the International Code Council; and

14. The 2025 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as published by the International Code Council.

CC ORD 2025-07

B. The Codes set forth in A.1 through A.14, as amended by this chapter shall constitute the Building Regulations of the City of Los Alamitos and shall be known as the City of Los Alamitos Building Code.

C. One (1) copy of all the above construction codes shall be kept on file in the office of the Building Official pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942 (d)(1) and made available for public inspection.

D. References in Documents and Continuing Legal Effect. References to prior editions of the Building Standards Code or the Municipal Code sections amended herein that are cited on notices issued by the City or other documents of ongoing or continuing legal effect, including specifically resolutions adopting or imposing fees or charges, until converted, are deemed to be references to the new counterpart 2025 Building Standards Code or amended Municipal Code sections for the purposes of notice and enforcement. The provisions adopted hereby shall not in any manner affect deposits, established fees or other matters of record which refer to, or are otherwise connected with, ordinances which are specifically designated by number, code section or otherwise, but such references shall be deemed to apply to the corresponding provisions set forth in the 2025 Building Standards Code adopted hereby. Any fee authorized by the above-referenced construction codes which was in effect in the city at the time of the adoption of this ordinance need not be re-adopted by resolution, and shall continue in effect, and remain unadjusted in amount unless and until the City Council adopts a resolution repealing the fee or establishing a different fee.

15.04.020 Amendments to the 2025 California Building Code.

Section 101.1 Title is amended to read as follows:

These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of City of Los Alamitos, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
Section 101.4 Referenced code is deleted in its entirety (including sections 101.4.1, 101.4.2, 101.4.3, 101.4.4, 101.4.5, 101.4.6 and 101.4.7), and replaced with the following:
101.4. Referenced Codes. The California Codes listed in Section 1 of this Ordinance shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the extent of each such reference.

Section 104.8 Liability is amended by adding a sentence to the end of the paragraph to read as follows:

The provisions of this section shall apply if the Building Official or his/her authorized representatives are employees of this jurisdiction and shall also apply if the Building Official or his/her authorized representatives are acting under contract as agents of this jurisdiction.

CC ORD 2025-07

Section 105.2 Work exempt from a permit is amended by amending the following categories of work that are exempt from a building permit:

A. Section 105.2 “Building” Item 1 is amended to read as follows:

1. One story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet and the ceiling height is not over 7 feet.

B. Section 105.2 “Building” Item 2 is amended to read as follows:

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

C. Section 105.2 “Building” Item 4 is amended to read as follows:

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.

D. Section 105.2 “Building” Item 9 is amended to read as follows:

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.

Section 105.5 Expiration is amended to read as follows:
105.5. Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 12 months and, after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended, abandoned or uncompleted for a period of 180 days after the work has commenced or 180 days past the last required inspection. The building official is authorized to grant one extension of time for not more than 180 days. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. No permit shall be extended more than once.

If work has been suspended or abandoned past 180 days, the permit shall be expired, and new permit(s) issued. The fee for such renewal of permit(s) shall be one half of the original permit fee or one half of the fee of the current adopted fee schedule at the time of renewal. Permits which have been abandoned and require only final inspection may be reissued at minimum fee or as determined by the building official.

Section 105.8 Reconstruction is added to read as follows:
105.8. Reconstruction. If the value of the reconstruction (or renovation) of a building is equal to or exceeds 75 percent of the existing habitable square footage of the building, the entire building shall comply with the code provisions for new

CC ORD 2025-07

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.

Section 107.3 Examination of documents is amended to read as follows:

The building official shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying submittal documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicted and described is in accordance with the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws or ordinances.

An expedited review and permit issuance process shall be provided for EV Charging Stations and simplified forms for submittal will be made available on City’s website.

Section 113.1 General is amended to read as follows:
113.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a Board of Appeals.

The Board of Appeals shall consist of five members and composed of the Mayor and the other members of the City Council. Said members shall hold their respective membership on said Board of Appeals by reason of, and concurrently with their terms of service as Council members and shall cease to be such members upon their ceasing to be Council members. The Building Official shall be the Secretary of the Board. The Board may adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render all its decisions and findings on contested matters in writing to the Building Official, with duplicative copy thereof to any appellant or contestant affected by any such decision of finding.

Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. The Mayor shall be the presiding Officer of the Board. Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act.

The Board shall have the right, subject to such limits as the City Council may prescribe by resolution, to employ at the cost and expense of the City, such qualified individuals as the Board, in its discretion, may deem reasonably necessary in order to assist it in its investigations and making its findings and decisions.

Section 113.3 Qualifications is deleted in its entirety without replacement.

Section 202 General Definitions is amended by adding the following definitions:

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.

CC ORD 2025-07

SWIMMING POOL. Any body of water created by artificial means which is designed, intended for use, or used for swimming or immersion purposes, which has a water depth exceeding 18 inches. The term, “pool,” includes swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, above-and below-ground, and vinyl-lined pools; pool does not include plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs nor does it apply to man-made lakes, reservoirs, farm ponds, or ponds used primarily for public park purposes, water conservation purposes, irrigation purposes or for the watering of livestock.

OCFA: Orange County Fire Authority, fire authority having jurisdiction.

SPARK ARRESTER. A listed device constructed of noncombustible material specifically for the purpose of meeting one of the following conditions:

1. Removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles/debris from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 38366.

2. Fireplaces that burn solid fuel in accordance with California Building Code Chapter 28.

Section 502.1 Address identification is amended to read as follows:
[F] 502.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property.

Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches in height with a stroke width of not less than 0.5 inch. For R-3 and other occupancies the numbers shall be a minimum of 6 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 1 inch. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building address cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

Section 903.2 Where required is amended to read as follows:
[F] 903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be provided in the following locations:

1. New buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.19, an automatic fire-sprinklers system shall also be installed in all occupancies when the total building area, as defined in Section 202 of the California Building Code, exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 m2), or more than two stories in height, regardless of fire areas or allowable area.

CC ORD 2025-07

Exception: Group R-3 occupancies. Group R-3 occupancies shall comply with California Residential Code Section R313.2.

2. Existing buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and when one of the following conditions exists:
a. When the addition is 33% or more of the existing building area and the resulting building area, as defined in Section 202, exceeds 5000 square feet (465 m2); or b. When the addition exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.81 m2) and the resulting building area, as defined in Section 202, exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 m2); or c. An additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area.

Section 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems is added to read as follows:
903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.

Exception: When static pressure exceeds 100 psi, and when required by the fire code official, the fire sprinkler system shall not exceed the water supply capacity specified by Table 903.3.5.3.

TABLE 903.3.5.3
Hydraulically Calculated Systems
Design %
75 80
85 90
100 110 120 130 140 150 PSI

CC ORD 2025-07

Section 1505.1 General is amended, by the deletion of Table 1505.1 and the addition of a new Table 1505.1 thereto, to read as follows:

TABLE 1505.1a
MINIMU
M ROOF

COVERIN
G

CLASSIFIC
ATIONS

TYPES OF

CONSTRU

CTIONIA

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.

Section 1505.1.2 Roof coverings within all other areas is amended to read as follows:
1505.1.2 Roof coverings within all other areas other than Fire Hazard Severity Zones or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) . 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 A.

Section 1803.1.1.1 Preliminary soils report is amended to add the following:

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 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.

Section 1807.1.6 Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation walls is amended to read as follows:

CC ORD 2025-07

1807.1.6 Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation walls.

Concrete and masonry foundation walls that are laterally supported at the top and bottom shall be permitted to be designed and constructed in accordance with this section. Prescriptive design of foundation walls shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Section 3109.1.1 Construction permit; safety features required is added to read as follows:
3109.1.1 Construction permit; safety features required. New or remodeled pools or spas, at a private single-family home, shall have an enclosure complying with the amended California Residential Code Appendix AX.

15.04.30 Amendments to the 2025 California Residential Code.

Section R105.5 Expiration is amended to read as follows:

R105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 12 months after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

Section R105.10 Reconstruction is added 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 habitable square footage 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.

Table R301.2 Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria is amended to read as follows:

CC ORD 2025-07

MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIA n

ELEVATION LATITUDE WINTER

HEATING
SUMMER

COOLING

ALTITUDE

CORRECTION
FACTOR

INDOOR DESIGN

TEMPERATURE

DESIGN TEMPURATURE

COOLING

HEAT TEMPERATURE

DIFFERENCE
30 34 37 91 70 75

COOLING

TEMURATURE

DIFFERENCE

WIND VELOCITY

HEATING

WIND VELOCITY

COOLING

COINCIDENT WET

BULB DAILY RANGE WINTER HUMIDITY SUMMER HUMIDITY
7 69 27 7 (50% RH)
For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s. a. Weathering may require a higher strength concrete or grade of masonry than necessary to satisfy the structural requirements of this code. The weathering column shall be filled in with the weathering index (i.e., "negligible," "moderate" or "severe") for concrete as determined from the Weathering Probability Map [Figure R301.2(3)]. The grade of masonry units shall be determined from ASTM C 34, C 55, C 62, C 73, C 90, C 129, C 145, C 216 or C 652.
b. The frost line depth may require deeper footings than indicated in Figure R403.1(1). 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(4)].Wind exposure category shall be determined on a sitespecific basis in accordance with Section R301.2.1.4. e. The outdoor design dry-bulb temperature shall be selected from the columns of 971/2- percent values for winter from Appendix D of the California Plumbing Code. Deviations from the Appendix D temperatures shall be permitted to reflect local climates or local weather experience as determined by the Building Official. 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 City of Los Alamitos does have a Flood Hazards Zone. h. In accordance with Sections R905.2.7.1, 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." i. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403.3(2) or from the l00-year (99%) value on the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing Index- USA Method (Base 32°)" at www.ncdc.noaa.gov/fpsf.htrnl.
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)" at www.ncdc.noaa.gov/fpsf.html.
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(4)A, 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 R301.2.1.2.1, 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 these sections of the table to establish the design criteria using

CC ORD 2025-07

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 Figure R301.2 (6).

Section R309.6 Fire sprinkler attached garages, and carports with habitable space above is amended by modifying the exception to read as follows:

Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required when additions or alterations are made to existing carports and/or garages that do not have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed unless a sprinkler system is required in accordance with California Fire Code, OCFA Local Amendments Section 903.2.8.

Section R309.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems is amended by modifying the exception to read as follows:

Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required when additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed unless a sprinkler system is required in accordance with California Fire Code, OCFA Local Amendments Section 903.2.8.

Section R309.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems is amended by modifying the exception to read as follows:

Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required for additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with an automatic sprinkler system unless a sprinkler system is required in accordance with California Fire Code, OCFA Local Amendments Section 903.2.8.

Section R309.3.6.2.2 Calculation procedure is amended to read as follows:

Section R309.3.6.2.2 Calculation procedure. Determination of the required size for water distribution piping shall be in accordance with the following procedure and California Fire Code Section 903.3.5.
(The remainder of the section is unchanged)
Section R308.1 Address identification is amended to read as follows:

R308.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property.

Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 6 inches in height with a stroke width of not less than 0.5 inch. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate

CC ORD 2025-07

emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building address cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

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

R902.1 Roofing assemblies. 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. Classes A or B roofing required by this section to be listed shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E 10 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.

Section R902.1.3 Roof coverings in all other areas is amended by revising it to require a minimum Class B roof as follows:

R902.1.3 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.

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

Section R1001.13 Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, or similar devices is added to read as follows:

R1001.13 Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, or similar devices.

Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar exterior devices shall comply with this section.

CC ORD 2025-07

Exception: Barbeques, grills, and other portable devices intended solely for cooking
Section R1001.13.1 Gas-fueled devices is added to read as follows:

R1001.13.1 Gas-fueled devices. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and similar devices fueled by natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas are allowed when approved by the Building Department and the device is designed to only burn a gas flame and not wood or other solid fuel. At R-3 occupancies, combustible construction shall not be located within three feet of an atmospheric column that extends vertically from the perimeter of the device. Where a permanent Building Department approved hood and vent is installed, combustible construction may encroach upon this column between the bottom of the hood and the vent opening. Where chimneys or vents are installed, they shall have a spark arrester in accordance with Section R1003.9.2.

Section R1001.13.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas is added to read as follows:

R1001.13.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefiedpetroleum gas. Fireplaces burning wood or other solid fuel shall be constructed in accordance with Section R1001. Fires in a fireplace shall be contained within a firebox with an attached chimney. The opening in the face of the firebox shall have an installed and maintained method of arresting sparks. The burning of wood or other solid fuel in a device is not allowed within 15 feet of combustible structures, unless within a permanent or portable fireplace.

15.04.040 Amendments to the 2025 California Electrical Code.

Article 310.22 Continuous Inspection of Aluminum Wiring is added to read as follows:
310.22 Continuous Inspection of Aluminum Wiring. Aluminum conductors of No. six (6) or smaller used for branch circuits shall require continuous inspection by an independent testing agency approved by the Building Official for proper torquing of connections at their termination point.

Article 690.13 Photovoltaic System Disconnect Means is amended to read as follows:
690.13 Photovoltaic System Disconnecting Means. Means shall be provided to disconnect the PV system from all wiring systems including power systems, energy storage systems, and utilization equipment and its associated premises wiring.

CC ORD 2025-07

(A)Location. The PV disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either on the outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the system conductors. A single, visible-open, lockable AC disconnect shall be within 3 feet of the meter on the exterior of the building.

15.04.050 Amendments to the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code.

Section [A] 102.3 Application of other codes is amended to read as follows:
[A] 102.3 Application of other codes. Repairs, additions or alterations to a structure, or changes of occupancy, must be done in accordance with the provisions of the California Building Code, California Existing Building Code, California Energy Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Residential Code, and the California Green Building Standards. Nothing in this code will be construed to cancel, modify, or set aside any provision of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code.

Section 104.1 Fees is amended to read as follows:
104.1 Fees. The fees for activities and services performed by the department in carrying out the department’s responsibilities under this code are set by City Council resolution.

Section 108.1 General is amended to read as follows:
108.1 General. When a structure or equipment is found by the code official to be unsafe, or when a structure is found unfit for human occupancy, or is found unlawful, such structure may be condemned pursuant to the provisions of Section § 17920.3 of the California Health and Safety Code and this code.

Section 113.3 Failure to comply is amended to read as follows:
113.3 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine(s) or fines in an amount(s) as may be established by the City Council.

Section 303.2 Enclosures is amended to read as follows:
303.2 Enclosures. Private swimming pools, hot tubs and spas containing water more than 18 inches in depth must be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 60 inches in height above the finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Gates and doors in such barriers must be selfclosing and self-latching. Where release mechanisms of the self-latching device are located less than 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the 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 barrier must

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have no opening greater than one-half inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism. Self-closing, self- latching gates must be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when released from an open position of six inches from the gate post. No existing pool enclosure may be removed, replaced, or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier.

The exception to section 303.2 is deleted in its entirety.

Section 304.1.1 Unsafe conditions is amended in part to read as follows:
304.1.1 Unsafe conditions. The following conditions are determined to be unsafe and must be repaired or replaced to comply with the California Building Codes or California Existing Building Code as required for existing buildings: (No further changes to remainder of section 304.1.1)
Section 305.1.1 Unsafe conditions is amended in part to read as follows:
305.1.1 Unsafe conditions. The following conditions are determined to be unsafe and must be repaired, or replaced, to comply with the California Building Codes or California Existing Building Code as required for existing buildings:
(No further changes to remainder of section 305.1.1)
Section 306.1.1 Unsafe conditions is amended in part to read as follows:
306.1.1 Unsafe conditions. The following conditions are determined to be unsafe and must be repaired, or replaced, to comply with the California Building Codes or the California Existing Building Code as required for existing buildings:
(No further changes to remainder of section 306.1.1)
Section 401.3 Alternative devices is amended to read as follows:
401.3 Alternative devices. In lieu of the means for natural light and ventilation herein prescribed, artificial light or mechanical ventilation complying with the California Building Code shall be permitted.

Section [P] 502.5 Public toilet facilities is amended to read as follows:
[P] 502.5 Public toilet facilities. Public toilet facilities must be maintained in a safe sanitary working condition in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.

Except for periodic maintenance or cleaning, public access and use must be provided to the toilet facilities at all times during occupancy of the premises.

Section [P] 505.1 General is amended to read as follows:
[P] 505.1 General. Every sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower, drinking fountain, water

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closet, or other plumbing fixture must be properly connected to either a public water system or to an approved private water system. All kitchen sinks, lavatories, laundry facilities, and bathtubs and showers must be supplied with hot or tempered, and cold running water in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.

Section 602.2 Residential occupancies is amended to read as follows:
602.2 Residential occupancies. Dwellings must be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68°F in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms. Cooking appliances may not be used, nor may portable unvented fuel-burning space heaters be used, as a means to provide required heating.

The exception to section 602.2 is deleted in its entirety.

Section 602.4 Occupiable work spaces is amended in part to read as follows:
602.4 Occupiable work spaces. Indoor occupiable work spaces must be supplied with heat to maintain a temperature of not less than 65°F during the time the spaces are occupied.
(No further changes to remainder of section 602.4)
Section 604.2 Service is amended to read as follows:
604.2 Service. The size and usage of appliances and equipment serves as a basis for determining the need for additional facilities in accordance with the California Electrical Code. Dwelling units must be served by a three-wire, 120/240 volt, single-phase electrical service having a rating of not less than 60 amperes.

Section 604.3.1.1 Electrical equipment is amended to read as follows:
604.3.1.1 Electrical equipment. Electrical distribution equipment, motor circuits, power equipment, transformers, wire, cable, flexible cords, wiring devices, groundfault circuit interrupters, surge protectors, molded case circuit breakers, lowvoltage fuses, luminaries, ballasts, motors and electronic control, signaling, and communication equipment and that have been exposed to water must be replaced in accordance with the provisions of the California Building Code and California Electrical Code.

Section 604.3.2.1 Electrical equipment is amended to read as follows:
604.3.2.1 Electrical equipment. Electrical switches, receptacles and fixtures, including furnace, water-heater, security system, and power-distribution circuits that have been exposed to fire, must be replaced in accordance with the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code.

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Section [F] 702.1 General is amended to read as follows:
[F] 702.1 General. A safe, continuous and unobstructed path of travel shall be provided from any point in a building or structure to the public way. Means of egress shall comply with the California Building Code.

Section [F] 702.2 Aisles is amended to read as follows:
[F] 702.2 Aisles. The required width of aisles in accordance with the California Building Code shall be unobstructed.

Section [F] 702.3 Locked doors is amended to read as follows:
[F] 702.3 Locked doors. All means of egress doors must be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort, except where door hardware conforms to that permitted by the California Building Code.

CHAPTER 9 POST-DISASTER RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION is added to the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code to read as follows:

SECTION 901

POST-DISASTER SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS AND SECURITY
901.1 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. 901.2 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.
901.3 DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
901.3.1 BUILDING OFFICIAL is person or entity designated as such by the city council or that person or entity’s designee
901.3.2 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. 901.4 PLACARDS. The following official placards must be used to designate the condition of buildings or structures following a disaster.

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901.4.1 (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.
901.4.2 (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.
901.4.3 (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. 901.4.4 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.
901.4.5 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.
901.5 VIOLATION. Any violation of Chapter 9 of this code is a misdemeanor and will be subject to punishment in accordance with the Los Alamitos Municipal Code and the City of Los Alamitos Building Code.

SECTION 902

POST DISASTER ABATEMENT
902.1 INTENT. This chapter establishes abatement criteria for all buildings and structures damaged as a result of a disaster for which a local emergency has been declared.
902.2 APPLICATION OF PROVISIONS. The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures regulated by the city. 902.3 DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

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902.3.1 EVENT means any occurrence which results in the declaration of a disaster, including but not limited to, fires, landslides, wind storms, earthquakes, and floods.
902.3.2
902.3.3 HISTORIC BUILDING OR STRUCTURE means any building or structure registered with a federal, state, county, or city government, or the register of points of interest. Historic buildings and structures also include those buildings and structures within a recognized historic district.
902.3.4 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER (SHPO) is the person appointed by the Governor, pursuant to Section 101(b)(1) of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, to administer the State Historic Preservation Program.

Office of Historic Preservation
Department of Parks and Recreation
P.O. BOX 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
Phone: (916) 653-6624
FAX: (916) 653-9824
902.4 ABATEMENT CRITERIA
902.4.1 NOTICE OF DETERMINATION. Except as provided in Section 902.4.2 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 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 48 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 abate the nuisance in accordance with the directives written in the Notice of Determination by the Building Official.
902.4.2 NOTICE OF DETERMINATION EXCEPTION. No prior notice is required, when the Building Official, after considering all the facts, determines, in writing, that the structure is an imminent hazard and dangerous, and that it must be abated immediately and that time and circumstances do not permit the

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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.
902.4.3 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 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.
902.4.4 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 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.

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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. 902.4.5 HAZARD ABATEMENT PLAN. 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 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. 902.4.6 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 nuisance within the required time period, the imminent hazard and dangerous structure will be subject to immediate abatement by the Building Official.
902.4.7 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 Sections

43.2.4.4 and 43.2.4.5.
902.4.8 SUSPENSION OF ABATEMENT OF WORK. Notwithstanding any code provisions to the contrary, the Building Official is authorized to suspend abatement work, and to allow the property owner or other party of legal interest to complete the abatement work.
902.4.9 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.

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902.4.10 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.
902.5 HAZARD ABATEMENT OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES. 902.5.1 NOTIFICATION OF IMMINENT HAZARD. Within ten days after the event, the Building Official must notify the State Historic Preservation Officer that one of the following actions will be taken regarding any historic building or structure determined by the Building Official to represent an imminent hazard to the health or safety of the public, or to pose an imminent threat to the public right of way:
902.5.1.1BRACING OR SHORING. Whenever possible, as determined by the Building Official, the building or structure may be braced or shored in such a manner as to mitigate the hazard to public health or safety or the hazard to the public right-of-way.
902.5.1.2 CONDEMNATION. Whenever bracing or shoring is determined to be an unreasonable alternative, the Building Official may cause the building or structure to be condemned and immediately demolished. Such condemnation and demolition may be performed in the interest of public health or safety without a condemnation hearing as required by the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.
902.5.2 CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS. If, ten days after the event and less than 30 days after the event, an historic building or structure is determined by the Building Official to represent a hazard to the health or safety of the public or to pose a threat to the public right of way, the Building Official may initiate condemnation proceedings in accordance with the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. The Building Official may also notify the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, of its intent to hold a condemnation hearing.
902.5.3 REQUEST TO DEMOLISH. If the Building Official and the owner of any historic building or structure agree that such a building or structure should be demolished, the Building Official must submit a request to demolish to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended. Such request must include all substantiating data.

SECTION 903

DISASTER REPAIR AND RECONSTRUCTION
903.1 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.

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903.2 APPLICATION OF PROVISIONS.
903.2.1 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.
903.2.2 WAIVER FOR ENGINEERING EVALUATION. The requirements of this chapter may be waived by the Building Official subject to an Engineering Evaluation as defined in Section 903.3.3.4.
903.3 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions apply:

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903.3.1 ARCHITECT is a person licensed by the State of California to practice architecture, as prescribed by the State of California Business and Professions Code.
903.3.2 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.
903.3.3 CURRENT CODE means those codes adopted by the city pursuant to California Health and Safety Code § 18941.5.
903.3.4 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. 903.3.5 ESSENTIAL SERVICE FACILITY means those buildings or structures designated by the city to house facilities necessary for emergency operations subsequent to a disaster.
903.3.6 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. 903.3.7 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.
903.3.8 VALUE OF REPAIR is the dollar value, as determined by the Building Official, for making necessary repairs to the damaged structure. 903.4 REPAIR CRITERIA
903.4.1 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:
903.4.2 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; except that when the damaged elements include suspended ceiling systems, the ceiling system must be repaired with all bracing required by current code. 903.4.3 UP TO FIFTY PERCENT REPAIR VALUE. When the estimated value of

CC ORD 2025-07

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. 903.4.4 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.
903.4.5 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 903.5.
903.5 REPAIR CRITERIA FOR FIREPLACES AND CHIMNEYS.
903.5.1 GENERAL. All damaged chimneys must be repaired or reconstructed to comply with the requirements of Chapter 21 of the CBC. Damaged portions of chimneys must be removed in accordance with the following criteria. 903.5.2 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. 903.5.3 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. 903.5.4 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. 903.5.5 FIREBOX DAMAGE. In any structure where the firebox has been damaged, the entire chimney and firebox 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 CBC Code. 903.5.6 ENGINEERED ALTERNATE SOLUTIONS. Where existing conditions preclude the installation of all anchorage required by Chapter 21 of the CBC, alternate systems may be used in accordance with the alternate methods and materials provisions of the CBC when approved by the Building Official. 903.5.7 BRACING. Where the portion of the chimney extending above the roof

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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. 903.6 REPAIR CRITERIA FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES. 903.6.1 ENGINEERING EVALUATION REQUIRED. Buildings or structures which are included on a national, state, or local register for historic places or which are qualifying structures within a recognized historic district, which have been damaged as a result of a disaster, must have an engineering evaluation performed.
903.6.2 MINIMUM REPAIR CRITERIA. The minimum criteria for repair are included in Section 903.4, Repair Criteria, with due consideration given to the historical rating and nature of the structures. Additional standards and criteria, as noted in Part 8, Title 24, California Code of Regulations, also apply. 903.7 REPAIR CRITERIA FOR UNREINFORCED MASONRY BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.
903.7.1 GENERAL. All damaged buildings determined to be bearing wall buildings constructed of unreinforced masonry must be repaired and strengthened to fully comply with the requirements of § 15.04.”

15.01.060 Amendments to the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

Section [A] 101.1 Title is amended to read as follows:
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Swimming Pool and Spa Code of the City of Los Alamitos hereinafter to as “this code.” Section [A] 102.7.1 Application of the International Codes is amended to read as follows:
[A] 102.7.1 Application of the International Codes. Where the International Residential Code is referenced in this code, the provisions of the California Residential Code shall apply to related systems in detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in height. Other related systems shall comply with the applicable California Codes or referenced standard.

Section [A] 105.6 Fees is amended to read as follows:
[A] 105.6 Fees. A permit shall not be valid until the fees prescribed by law have been paid. All fees related to and any permit, work, inspection, violation, plan review or refunds shall be in accordance with Section 109 of the California Building Code.

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Section [A] 105.6.2 Fee schedule and [A] 105.6.3 Fee refunds are deleted in their entirety without replacement.

Section [A] 108.2 Membership of board is amended to read as follows:
[A] 108.2 Board of appeals. The Board of Appeals shall consist of members as set forth in Chapter 113.1 of the California Building Code and any amendments of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code.

Section [A] 108.2.1 Qualifications is deleted in its entirety without replacement.

Section 305.2.1 Barrier height and clearances is amended to read as follows:
305.2.1 Barrier height and clearances Barrier heights and clearances shall be in accordance with all of the following:

1. The top of the barrier shall be not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above grade where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa. Such height shall exist around the entire perimeter of the barrier and for a distance of 3 feet (914 mm) measured horizontally from the outside of the required barrier.
(The remaining language in 305.2.1 is to remain and unchanged.) SECTION 3. Filing with Building Standards Commission. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.

SECTION 4. CEQA. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c)(2) – the adoption of this Ordinance will not foreseeably result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect impacts and is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act and City Clerk shall file such Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk.

SECTION 5. 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 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 be declared valid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall not take effect until thirty (30) days after its final passage, or January 1, 2026 whichever occurs later.

SECTION 7. Publication by Clerk. The City Clerk shall certify as to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause a summary thereof to be published within fifteen (15) days of adoption and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, including the vote for an against same, in the Office of the City Clerk, in accordance with Government Code Section 36933.

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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of September, 2025.

Shelley Hasselbrink, Mayor
ATTEST:

Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Michael S. Daudt, City Attorney

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss

CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS )
I, Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Los Alamitos, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-07 was duly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 18th day of August, 2025, and that thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at an adjourned regular meeting of the City Council on the 15th day of September, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk

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1726628.1

EXHIBIT A

LOCAL CONDITIONS FINDINGS

FACTUAL FINDINGS ESTABLISHING THE REASONABLE NEED FOR LOCAL

AMENDMENTS TO PORTIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

BASED UPON LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL AND/OR TOPOGRAPHICAL

CONDITIONS
The Fire Official and City Building Official recommend that certain changes and modifications to the 2025 California Building Standards are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions within the City, certain changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the California Building Standards Code, and certain changes and modifications are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City of Los Alamitos.

Section 1. General Findings
The following findings apply in the City of Los Alamitos and explain why the changes to the Building Standards Code are necessary because of climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions in the city.

I. Climatic Conditions
A. Los Alamitos is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation.

Hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds, which may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater, are also common to the area. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagration). In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the County. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. Lastly, the warm climate encourages the proliferation of swimming pool construction which makes modifications to the California Building Code related to swimming pools desirable to adequately protect small children from drowning hazards.

B. The climate alternates between extended periods of drought and brief flooding conditions. Flood conditions may affect the Orange County Fire Authority’s ability to respond to a fire or emergency condition. Floods also disrupt utility services to buildings and facilities within the County.

C. Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the alreadytaxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and

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1726628.1
a limited amount of rainfall future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features.

D. These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features will supplement normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as 50 to 75 percent.

II. Topographical conditions
A. The topography of Los Alamitos is generally considered a flatlands area with little to no topographical slopes. The flat land developments however does require special drainage precautions in order to address site drainage to prevent water ponding and flooding, as well as preserve historical water ways.

B. Traffic and circulation congestion is an artificially created, obstructive topographical condition, which is common throughout Orange County.

C. These topographical conditions combine to create a situation that places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk and makes it necessary to provide automatic on-site fire-extinguishing systems and other protection measures to protect occupants and property.

III. Geological Conditions
The Orange County region is a densely populated area that has buildings constructed over and near a vast and complex network of faults that are believed to be capable of producing future earthquakes similar or greater in size than the 1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes. Earthquake faults run along the northeast and southwest boundaries of Orange County. The Newport-Inglewood Fault, located within Orange County was the source of the destructive 1933 Long Beach earthquake (6.3 magnitude) which took 120 lives and damaged buildings in an area from Laguna Beach to Marina Del Rey to Whittier. In December 1989, another earthquake occurred in the jurisdiction of Irvine at an unknown fault line. Regional planning for reoccurrence of earthquakes is recommended by the state of California, Department of Conservation.

A. Previous earthquakes have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. The October 17, 1989, Santa Cruz earthquake resulted in one major fire in the Marina District (San Francisco). When

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combined with the 34 other fires locally and over 500 responses, the department was taxed to its fullest capabilities. The Marina fire was difficult to contain because mains supplying water to the district burst during the earthquake. This situation creates the need for both additional fire protection and automatic on-site fire protection for building occupants. State Department of Conservation noted in their 1988 report (Planning Scenario on a Major Earthquake on the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone, page 59), “unfortunately, barely meeting the minimum earthquake standards of building codes places a building on the verge of being legally unsafe.” B. Road circulation features located throughout the County also make amendments reasonably necessary. Located through the County are major roadways, highways and flood control channels that create barriers and slow response times. Hills, slopes, street and storm drain design, accompanied by occasional heavy rainfall, causes roadway flooding and landslides and at times may make an emergency access route impassable. There are areas in Orange County that naturally have extended emergency response times that exceed the 5 minute goal.

C. Soils throughout the County possess corrosive properties that reduce the expected usable life of water services when metallic pipes are in contact with soils.

D. Los Alamitos is generally known as swamp land that was once mostly covered in beet farms. The areas historically high water table is the reason the city is classified as being located in a liquefaction zone. In addition, portions of the County contain active or former oil production fields. These areas contain a variety of naturally occurring gasses, liquids and vapors. These compounds present toxicity or flammability hazards to building occupants. Evaluation of these hazards and the risks they pose to development is necessary for implementation of appropriate mitigation.

These local climatic, geologic, and topographic conditions make modifications and changes to the 2025 Edition of the California Codes reasonably necessary to provide sufficient and effective protection of life, health and property.

Section 2 – Application of Findings to Amendments in Ordinance No. 2025-05 Amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code set forth in Ordinance No. 2025-05 and identified below are reasonably necessary as administrative or procedural in nature, or to ensure consistency with previously adopted ordinances, or are intended to enhance life and fire safety due to the climatic, topographical, and/or geologic conditions cited below:

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Amendment Findings Legend
2025 California Building Code (CBC), 2025 California Residential Code (CRC), and 2025 California Electrical Code (CEC)
CODE SECTION TITLE (Clarification) FINDINGS
CBC 101.1 Title Administrative
CBC 104.4 Referenced Codes Administrative
CBC 104.8 Liability Administrative
CBC 105.2 Work exempt from a permit Administrative
CBC 105.5 Expiration Administrative
CBC 105.8 Reconstruction Administrative
CBC 107.3 Examination of Records Administrative
CBC 113.1 General Administrative
CBC 113.3 Qualifications Administrative
CBC 202 Definitions Administrative
CBC 502.1 Address Identification II – A, B, C
CBC 903.2 Where required II – A, B, C
CBC 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems II – A, B, C CBC 1505.1 General I – A, B II – A, B, C
CBC 1505.1.2 Roof coverings within all other areas I – A, B II – A, B, C CBC 1803.1.1.1 Geologic or geotechnical reports III – A, B, C, D CBC 1807.1.6 Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation walls
III – A, B, C, D
CBC 3109.1.1 Construction permit; safety features required I – C, II - B CRC R105.5 Expiration Administrative
CRC R105.10 Reconstruction Administrative
CRC Table
R301.2(1)
Climactic and Geographic Design Criteria Administrative CRC R309.6 Fire sprinkler attached garages, and carports with habitable space above
I – A, B, C, D II – A, B, C
CRC R313.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems I – A, B, C, D II – A, B, C CRC R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems
I – A, B, C, D II – A, B, C
CRC R313.3.6.2.2 Calculation procedure I – A, B II – A, B, C CRC 319.1 Address Identification II – A, B, C
CRC R902.1 Roof covering materials I – A, B II – A, B, C CRC R902.1.3 Roof coverings in all other areas I – A, B II – A, B, C CRC R902.2 Fire-retardant-treated shingles and shakes I – A, B II – A, B, C CRC R1001.13 Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, or similar devices
II – A, B, C, D
CRC R101.13.1 Gas-fueled devices II – A, B, C, D
CRC R1001.13.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas
II – A, B, C, D
CEC 310.22 Continuous Inspection of Aluminum Wiring I – A, II – A, B CEC 690.13 Building or Other Structures Supplied by Photovoltaic System
Administrative

1726692.1
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-08

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER

15.08 OF TITLE 15 OF THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL
CODE AND ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE

CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF
REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 9), INCULDING

APPENDICES B, BB, C, CC, AND H, TOGETHER WITH

CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code Section 50022.1 et seq., the City of Los Alamitos ("City") may adopt by reference the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, as provided in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations; and WHEREAS, the California Building Standards Commission recently adopted new amendments to the California Fire Code, which will become effective statewide on January 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code Sections 17958 et seq., and 18941.5 authorize cities to modify the California Fire Code by adopting more restrictive standards and modifications if such standards and modifications are accompanied by express findings that they are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, based upon the recommendations of the Fire Official and the Building Official, the City Council finds that the proposed amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code set forth in this Ordinance, which are more restrictive than the standards adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, would decrease the potential incidence of property damage, injury and death due to fires, and are reasonable and necessary to mitigate local climatic, geological or topographical conditions; and WHEREAS, on August 18, 2025, the City Council introduced this Ordinance for first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council, and set a public hearing and second reading of the Ordinance for September 15, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a public hearing on September 15, 2025, at which time all interested persons had the opportunity to appear and be heard on the matter of adopting the 2025 California Fire Code as amended herein; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 6066, the City published notice of the aforementioned public hearing; and
WHEREAS, any and all other legal prerequisites relating to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.

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THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Findings.

A. Health and Safety Code Section 17958 et seq., authorizes the City to adopt ordinances and regulations imposing the same requirements as are contained in the California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24), inclusive of the California Fire Code (Part 9), adopted by the State pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922. Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5 and 18941.5 permit the City to make changes or modifications to the California Building Standards as are reasonably necessary because such changes or modifications are needed due to climatic, geographic, or topographic conditions.

B. The Fire Official and City Building Official recommend that certain changes and modifications to the 2025 California Fire Code are reasonably necessary due to local conditions within the City, certain changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the California Building Standards Code, and certain changes and modifications are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City of Los Alamitos.

C. Findings of local conditions are set forth in Exhibit “A” of this Ordinance and incorporated herein by reference. Such findings demonstrate the need for amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

SECTION 2. Chapter 15.08 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

Chapter 15.08 FIRE CODE

15.08.010 Fire Code adopted.

15.08.020 Enforcement and inspections.

15.08.030 Amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code.

15.08.010 Fire Code Adopted.

A. The City hereby adopts the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, including Appendices B, BB, C, CC and H based on the 2024 International Fire Code as published by the International Code Council
B. The provisions of the California Fire Code, as amended by this chapter shall constitute the Fire Code of the City of Los Alamitos.

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C. One (1) copy of all the California Fire Code and the City’s amendments thereto shall be kept on file in the office of the Fire Code Official pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942 (d) (1) and made available for public inspection.

D. References in Documents and Continuing Legal Effect. References to prior editions of the Fire Code or the Municipal Code sections amended herein that are cited on notices issued by the City or the agency enforcing the City's fire regulations or other documents of ongoing or continuing legal effect, including specifically resolutions adopting or imposing fees or charges, until converted, are deemed to be references to the new counterpart 2025 Fire Code or amended Municipal Code sections for the purposes of notice and enforcement. The provisions adopted hereby shall not in any manner affect deposits, established fees or other matters of record which refer to, or are otherwise connected with, ordinances which are specifically designated by number, code section or otherwise, but such references shall be deemed to apply to the corresponding provisions set forth in the 2025 California Fire Code adopted hereby. Any fee authorized by the above-referenced fire code which was in effect at the time of the adoption of this chapter need not be re-adopted by resolution, and shall continue in effect, and remain unadjusted in amount unless and until a resolution is adopted repealing the fee or establishing a different fee.

15.08.020 Enforcement and Inspections.

The 2025 California Fire Code shall be enforced by the Orange County Fire Authority, which shall be operated under the Director of Fire Services of the Orange County Fire Authority. The Director of Fire Services of the Fire Authority may detail such members of the Fire Authority as inspectors as shall be necessary from time to time.

15.08.030 Amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code.

Chapter 1 Scope and Administration is adopted in its entirety, with the following amendments:

Section 113.4 Violation penalties is amended to read as follows:
113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or shall fail to comply with any issued orders or notices or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties assessed as prescribed in the OCFA Prevention Field Services adopted fee schedule. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

Section 113.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor is hereby added as follows:

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113.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor. Persons operating or maintaining any occupancy, premises or vehicle subject to this code that shall permit any fire or life safety hazard to exist on premises under their control shall be guilty of an infraction.

Persons who fail to take immediate action to abate a fire or life safety hazard when ordered or notified to do so by the chief or a duly authorized representative are guilty of a misdemeanor.

Chapter 2 Definitions is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

Section 202 General Definitions is amended by adding “OCFA,” and “Spark Arrester” as follows:

OCFA: Orange County Fire Authority, fire authority having jurisdiction.

SPARK ARRESTER. A listed device constructed of noncombustible material specifically for the purpose of meeting one of the following conditions:

1. Removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles/debris from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 38366.

2. Fireplaces that burn solid fuel in accordance with California Building Code Chapter 28.

Chapter 3 General Requirements is adopted in only those sections and subsections adopted by the SFM with the following amendments:

Section 304.1.3 Vegetation is amended to read as follows:
304.1.3 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Vegetation clearance requirement in urbanwildland interface areas shall be in accordance with Chapter 49. Type, amount, arrangement, and maintenance of vegetation in a fuel modification area, interior slope, or similarly hazardous area shall be in accordance with OCFA Guideline C-05 “Vegetation Management Guideline—Technical Design for New Construction, Fuel Modification Plans, and Maintenance Program.” Section 305.6 Hazardous conditions is added to read as follows:
305.6 Hazardous conditions. Outdoor fires burning wood or other solid fuel are not allowed when any of the following conditions applies:

1. When predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH and relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared

2. When an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or a public announcement is made

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No outdoor fires using any fuel type are permitted when predicted sustained winds exceed 20 MPH or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official.

Section 305.7 Disposal of rubbish is added to read as follows:
305.7 Disposal of rubbish. Rubbish, trash or combustible waste material shall be burned only within an approved incinerator and in accordance with Section 307.2.1.

SECTION 307 OPEN BURNING, RECREATIONAL FIRES AND PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES is hereby revised as follows:

Section 307.6 Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, Fire rings, or similar devices used at Group R Occupancies is added to read as follows:
307.6 Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar devices used at Group R occupancies. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar exterior devices used at Group R occupancies shall comply with this section.

Exception: Barbeques, grills, and other portable devices intended solely for cooking.
307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and similar devices fueled by natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas are allowed when approved by the Building Department and the device is designed to only burn a gas flame and not wood or other solid fuel. At R-3 occupancies, combustible construction and vegetation shall not be located within three feet of an atmospheric column that extends vertically from the perimeter of the device. At other R occupancies, the minimum distance shall be ten feet.

Where a permanent Building Department approved hood and vent is installed, combustible construction may encroach upon this column between the bottom of the hood and the vent opening. Where chimneys or vents are installed, they shall have a spark arrester as defined in Section 202.
307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas. Permanent outdoor fireplaces burning wood or other solid fuel shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code with clearance from combustible construction and building openings as required therein. Fires in a fireplace shall be contained within a firebox with an attached chimney. The opening in the face of the firebox shall have an installed and maintained method of arresting sparks.

The burning of wood or other solid fuel in a device is not allowed within 25

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feet of combustible structures unless within an approved permanent fireplace, Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure or to vegetation shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Fires in devices burning wood or solid fuel shall be in accordance with Sections 305, 307, and 308.

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Exceptions:

1. Portable fireplaces and fire rings/pits equipped with a device to arrest sparks shall be located at least 3’ from combustible construction at R-3 occupancies,

2. Portable fireplaces, and fire pits/rings equipped with a device to arrest sparks, shall be located at least 15 feet from combustible structures at other R occupancies.
307.6.2.1 Where prohibited. The burning of wood and other solid fuels shall not be conducted within a fuel modification zone, Wildfire Risk Area (WRA), Wildland-Urban Interface Area (WUI), or in locations where conditions could cause the spread of fire to the WRA or WUI.

Exceptions:

1. Permanent fireplaces that are not located in a fuel
modification zone

2. Where determined by the Fire Code Official that the location or design of the device should reasonably prevent the start of a wildfire.

Section 324 Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction is hereby added as follows:
324.1 Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction. All new structures and facilities adjoining land containing hazardous combustible vegetation shall be approved and in accordance with the requirements of OCFA Guideline C-05 “Vegetation Management Guideline – Technical Design for New Construction Fuel Modification Plans and Maintenance Program.” Section 325 Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways is added to read as follows:
325.1Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways. The fire code official is authorized to cause areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side of portions of highways and private streets which are improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic, to be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth. Measurement shall be from the flow-line or the end of the improved edge of the roadway surfaces.

Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground covers, provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.

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Section 326 Unusual Circumstances is added to read as follows:
326.1 Unusual circumstances. The fire code official may suspend enforcement of the vegetation management requirements and require reasonable alternative measures designed to advance the purpose of this code if determined that in any specific case that any of the following conditions exist:

1. Difficult terrain.

2. Danger of erosion.

3. Presence of plants included in any state and federal resources agencies, California Native Plant Society and county-approved list of wildlife, plants, rare, endangered and/or threatened species.

4. Stands or groves of trees or heritage trees.

5. Other unusual circumstances that make strict compliance with the clearance of vegetation provisions undesirable or impractical.

Section 327.2 Use of equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames is added to read as follows:
327.2 Use of equipment. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall use, operate, or cause to be operated in, upon or adjoining any hazardous fire area any internal combustion engine which uses hydrocarbon fuels, unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester as defined in Section 202 maintained in effective working order, or the engine is constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire.

Exceptions:

1. Engines used to provide motor power for trucks, truck tractors, buses, and passenger vehicles, except motorcycles, are not subject to this section if the exhaust system is equipped with a muffler as defined in the Vehicle Code of the State of California.

2. Turbocharged engines are not subject to this section if all exhausted gases pass through the rotating turbine wheel, there is no exhaust bypass to the atmosphere, and the turbocharger is in good mechanical condition
Section 327.2 Use of equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames is hereby added as follows:
327.2 Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames.

During any time of the year within Wildfire Risk Areas, within or immediately adjacent to any forest- or brush-covered land or non-irrigated grass-covered

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land, no person shall use or operate any welding equipment, cutting torches, tar pots, grinding devices, or other tools or equipment that may produce a spark, fire, or flame that could result in a wildfire without doing the following:

1. First clearing away all flammable material, including snags, from the area around such operation for a distance of 30 feet or other approved method to reduce fire spread into the wildlands. If 30 foot clearing cannot be achieved, then an alternate method shall be approved by the AHJ prior to work starting.

2. Maintain one serviceable round point shovel with an overall length of not less than forty-six (46) inches and one backpack pump water-type fire extinguisher fully equipped and ready for use at the immediate area during the operation.

3. Stop work when winds are 8 MPH or greater during periods when relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared or public announcement is made, when an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official.

4. Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediate in case of fire. 327.3 Spark arresters. Spark arresters shall comply with Section 202, and when affixed to the exhaust system of engines or vehicles subject to Section 327 shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.

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Chapter 4: Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Only the sections, subsections, and amendment are adopted as listed below:

Section 407.5 is amended to read as follows:
407.5 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement. Where required by the fire code official, each application for a permit shall OCFA’s Chemical Classification Packet in accordance with Section 5001.5.2.

Chapter 5 Fire Service Features is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

Section 501.1 Scope is amended to read as follows:
501.1 Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this chapter and, where required by the fire code official, with OCFA Guideline B-01, “Fire Master Plan for Commercial & Residential Development.”
Section 510.1 Emergency responder communications enhancement system in new buildings is amended to read as follows:

Emergency responder radio coverage in new buildings. 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.

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Exceptions:

1. In buildings or structures where it is determined by the fire code official that the radio coverage system is not needed, including but not limited to the following:
a. Existing buildings or structures, unless required by the Building Official and OCFA for buildings and structures undergoing extensive remodel and/or expansion.
b. Elevators.
c. Structures that meet all of the following:
i. Three stories or less, and
ii. Do not have subterranean storage or parking, and
iii. Do not exceed 50,000 square feet on any single story. d. Structures that meet all of the following:
i. Residential structures four stories or less, and
ii. Constructed of wood, and
iii. Do not have subterranean storage or parking, and
iv. Are not built integral to an above ground multi-story parking structure.

Should a structure that is three stories or less and 50,000 square feet or smaller on any single story include subterranean storage or parking, then this chapter shall apply only to the subterranean areas.

2. 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 as amended by SFM.

Chapter 7
Fire and Smoke Protection Features

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Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

Chapter 8
Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

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

Section 903.2 Where required is amended to read as follows:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be provided when one of the following conditions exists:

1. New Buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.20 an automatic sprinkler system shall also be installed in all occupancies when the total building area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 m2) as defined in Section 202, regardless of fire areas or allowable area, or is more than two stories in height.

Exception: Subject to approval by the Fire Code Official, open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code that are smaller than the area specified in section 903.2.10 (3) or 903.2.10.1 of the California Fire Code.

2. Existing Buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and when one of the following conditions exists:
a. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, and the resulting building area exceeds 5,000 square feet; or b. When an addition exceeds 2,000 square feet and the resulting building area exceeds 5,000 square feet.
c. An additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area.

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Exception: Additions to Group R-3 occupancies shall comply with Section 903.2.8 (2).

Section 903.2.8 Group R is amended to read as follows:

Section 903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows:

1. New Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings.

2. Existing R-3 Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when one of the following conditions exists:
a. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area and the resulting building area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 m2) as defined in Section 202; or,
b. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or,
c. When an existing Group R Occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building.

Section 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems is added to read as follows:
903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.

Exception: When static pressure exceeds 100 psi, and when required by the fire code official, the fire sprinkler system shall not exceed the water supply capacity specified by Table 903.3.5.3.

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TABLE 903.3.5.3
Hydraulically Calculated Systems
Design %
75 80
85 90
100 110 120 130 140 150 PSI
Chapter 10
Means of Egress
Chapter 10 Means of Egress is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM Chapter 11
Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings
Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings. Adopt only those sections and subsections adopted by the SFM
Chapter 12
Energy Systems
Energy Systems is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM Chapter 20
Aviation Facilities
Chapter 20 Aviation Facilities is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 21
Dry Cleaning
Chapter 21 Dry Cleaning is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

Chapter 22
Combustible Dust-Producing Operations
Chapter 22 Combustible Dust-Producing Operations is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

Chapter 23
Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
Chapter 23 Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

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Chapter 24
Flammable Finishes
Chapter 24 Flammable Finishes is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

Chapter 25
Fruit and Crop Ripening
Chapter 25 Fruit and Crop Ripening is not adopted.

Chapter 26
Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging
Chapter 26 Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging is not adopted.

Chapter 27
Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities
Chapter 27 Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 28
Lumber Yards and Agro-Industrial, Solid Biomass and Woodworking Facilities Chapter 28 Lumber Yards and Agro-Industrial, Solid Biomass and Woodworking Facilities is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

Section 2801.2 Permit is amended to read as follows:
2801.2 Permit. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.6 and 105.6.29.
2808.2 Storage site. Storage sites shall be level and on solid ground, elevated soil lifts or other all-weather surface. Sites shall be thoroughly cleaned, and approval obtained from the fire code official before transferring wood products to the site.

Section 2808.3 Size of piles is amended to read as follows:
2808.3 Size of piles. Piles shall not exceed 15 feet in height, 50 feet in width and 100 feet in length.

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to allow the pile size to be increased where a fire protection plan is provided for approval that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Storage yard areas and materials-handling equipment selection, design and arrangement shall be based upon sound fire prevention and protection principles.

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2. Factor that lead to spontaneous heating shall be identified in the plan, and control of the various factors shall be identified and implemented, including provisions for monitoring the internal condition of the pile.

3. The plan shall include means for early fire detection and reporting to the public fire department; and facilities needed by the fire department for fire extinguishment including a water supply and fire hydrants.

4. Fire apparatus access roads around the piles and access roads to the top of the piles shall be established, identified and maintained.

5. Regular yard inspections by trained personnel shall be included as part of an effective fire prevention maintenance program.

Additional fire protection called for in the plan shall be provided and shall be installed in accordance with this code. The increase of the pile size shall be based upon the capabilities of the installed fire protection system and features.

Section 2808.4 Pile separation is amended to read as follows:
2808.4. Pile separation. Piles shall be separated from adjacent piles by a minimum distance of 20 feet. Additionally, piles shall have a minimum separation of 100 feet from combustible vegetation.

Section 2808.7 Pile fire protection is amended to read as follows:
2808.7 Pile fire protection. Automatic sprinkler protection shall be provided in conveyor tunnels and combustible enclosures that pass under a pile.

Combustible conveyor systems and enclosed conveyor systems shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system. Oscillating sprinklers with a sufficient projectile reach are required to maintain a 40% to 60% moisture content and wet down burning/smoldering areas.

Section 2808.9 Material-handling equipment is amended to read as follows:
2808.9 Material-handling equipment. All material-handling equipment operated by an internal combustion engine shall be provided and maintained with an approved spark arrester. Approved material-handling equipment shall be available for moving wood chips, hogged material, wood fines and raw product during fire-fighting operations.

Section 2808.11 Temperature control is added to read as follows:
2808.11 Temperature control. The temperature shall be monitored and maintained as specified in Sections 2808.11.1 and 2808.11.2.

Section 2808.11.1 Pile temperature control is added to read as follows:

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2808.11.1 Pile temperature control. Piles shall be rotated when internal temperature readings are in excess of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Section 2808.11.2 New material temperature control is added to read as follows:
2808.11.2 New material temperature control. New loads delivered to the facility shall be inspected and tested at the facility entry prior to taking delivery.

Material with temperature exceeding 165 degrees Fahrenheit shall not be accepted on the site. New loads shall comply with the requirements of this chapter and be monitored to verify that the temperature remains stable.

Section 2808.12 Water availability is added to read as follows:
2808.12 Water availability. Facilities with over 2500 cubic feet shall provide a water supply. The minimum fire flow shall be no less than 500 GPM @ 20 psi for a minimum of 1 hour duration for pile heights up to 6 feet and 2 hour duration for pile heights over 6 feet. If there is no water purveyor, an alternate water supply with storage tank(s) shall be provided for fire suppression. The water supply tank(s) shall provide a minimum capacity of 2500 gallons per pile (maximum 30,000 gallons) for piles not exceeding 6 feet in height and 5000 gallons per pile (maximum 60,000) for piles exceeding 6 feet in height. Water tank(s) shall not be used for any other purpose unless the required fire flow is left in reserve within the tank at all times. An approved method shall be provided to maintain the required amount of water within the tank(s).

Section 2808.13 Tipping area is added to read as follows:
2808.13 Tipping areas shall comply with the following:

1. Tipping areas shall not exceed a maximum area of 50 feet by 50 feet.

2. Material within a tipping area shall not exceed 5 feet in height at any time.

3. Tipping areas shall be separated from all piles by a 20-foot-wide fire access lane.

4. A fire hydrant or approved fire water supply outlet shall be located within 150 feet of all points along the perimeter of the tipping area.

5. All material within a tipping area shall be processed within 5 days of receipt.

Section 2808.14 Emergency contact is added to read as follows:
2808.14 Emergency contact. The contact information of a responsible person or persons shall be provided to the Fire Department and shall be posted at the entrance to the facility for responding units. The responsible party should be available to respond to the business in emergency situation.

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Section 2808.15 Maximum grid of piles and rows is hereby added as follows:
2808.15 Maximum grid of piles and rows, Rows of Piles shall not exceed 500 feet by 500 feet. Grids shall be separated by a minimum 50-foot clear space used for no other purpose.
2808.16 Push-out / clear area is hereby added as follows:
2808.16 Push-out / clear area Piles exceeding 20 cubic yards shall be provided with push-out areas. Push-out areas shall be maintained clear at all times to allow for the largest pile to be spread out to a depth of 2 feet in height.

Push-out areas shall be located within 250 feet of all edges of any pile and shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from any building.

Chapter 29
Manufacture of Organic Coatings
Chapter 29 Manufacture of Organic Coatings is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 30
Industrial Ovens
Chapter 30 Industrial Ovens is adopted in its entirety.

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 as amended by SFM.

Chapter 32
High-Piled Combustible Storage
Chapter 32 High-Piled Combustible Storage is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

Chapter 33
Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition
Chapter 33 Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 34
Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage
Chapter 34 Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

Chapter 35
Welding and Other Hot Work

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Chapter 35 Welding and Other Hot Work is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 36
Marinas
Chapter 36 Marinas is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 37
Combustible Fibers
Chapter 37 Combustible Fibers is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 39
Processing and Extraction Facilities
Chapter 39 Processing and Extraction Facilities is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 40
Storage of Distilled Spirits and Wines
Chapter 40 Storage of Distilled Spirits and Wines is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 41
Temporary Heating and Cooking Operations
Chapter 41 TEMPORARY HEATING AND COOKING OPERATIONS is adopted in its entirely as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 48
Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and Production Locations
Chapter 48 Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and Production Locations is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 49
Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas
Chapter 49 Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

Section 4903.3 Requirements is added as follows:
4903.3 Fuel Modification Plans. Fuel modification plans shall be reviewed and approved by OCFA for all new buildings to be built or installed in a wildfire risk area. Plans shall meet the criteria set forth in OCFA Guideline C-05 “Vegetation Management Guideline – Technical Design for New Construction Fuel Modification Plans and Maintenance Program.” Chapter 50
Hazardous Materials – General Provisions

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

Section 5001.5.2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS), is amended to read as follows:

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5001.5.2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS). Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall include. Orange County Fire Authority’s Chemical Classification Guideline, which shall be completed and approved prior to approval of plans, and/or the storage, use or handling of chemicals on the premises.

Section 5003.1.1.1 Extremely hazardous substances is added to read 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
Chapter 51 Aerosols is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 53
Compressed Gases
Chapter 53 Compressed Gases is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 54
Corrosive Materials
Chapter 54 Corrosive materials is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

Chapter 55
Cryogenic Fluids
Chapter 55 Cryogenic Fluids is adopted in its entirety.

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

Section 5608.2 Firing is hereby added to read as follows:
5608.2 Firing. All fireworks displays, regardless of mortar, device, or shell size, shall be electrically fired.

Section 5608.3 Application for permit is added to read as follows:

Section 5608.3 Application for permit. A diagram of the grounds on which the display is to be held showing the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged, the fallout area based on 100 feet per inch of shell size, the location

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of all buildings, roads, and other means of transportation, the lines behind which the audience will be restrained, the location of all nearby trees, telegraph or telephone line, or other overhead obstructions shall be provided to OCFA.

Chapter 57
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Chapter 57 Flammable and Combustible Liquids is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

Chapter 58
Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids
Chapter 58 Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

Chapter 59
Flammable Solids
Chapter 59 Flammable Solids is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 60
Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials
Chapter 60 Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 61
Liquefied Petroleum Gases
Chapter 61 Liquefied Petroleum Gases is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 62
Organic Peroxides
Chapter 62 Organic Peroxides is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 63
Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases, and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids Chapter 63 Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases, and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 64
Pyrophoric Materials
Chapter 64 Pyrophoric Materials is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 65
Pyroxylin (Cellulose Nitrate) Plastics
Chapter 65 Pyroxylin (Cellulose Nitrate) Plastics is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 66
Unstable (Reactive) Materials
Chapter 66 Unstable (Reactive) Materials is adopted in its entirety.

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Chapter 67
Water-Reactive Solids and Liquids
Chapter 67 Water-Reactive Solids and Liquids is adopted in its entirety.

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

NFPA 13, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems is amended as follows:

Section 9.2.1.7 is hereby revised as follows:

9.2.1.7 Concealed spaces filled with noncombustible insulation shall not require sprinkler protection when approved by the fire code official.

Section 9.4.3.1 is hereby revised as follows:

9.4.3.1 When fire sprinkler systems are installed in shell buildings of undetermined use (Spec Buildings) other than warehouses (S occupancies), fire sprinklers of the quick-response type shall be used. Use is considered undetermined if a specific tenant/occupant is not identified at the time the fire sprinkler plan is submitted. Sprinklers in light hazard occupancies shall be one of the following:
(1) Quick-response type as defined in 3.3.223.4.16
(2) Residential sprinklers in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 12 (3) Quick-response CMSA sprinklers
(4) ESFR sprinklers
(5) Standard-response sprinklers used for modifications or additions to existing light hazard systems equipped with standard-response sprinklers.
(6) Standard-response sprinklers used where individual standard-response sprinklers are replaced in existing light hazard systems
Section 16.12.3.3 is amended to read as follows:

16.12.3.3 Fire department connections (FDC) shall be of an approved type. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public hydrant.

The FDC may be located within 150 feet of a private fire hydrant when approved by the fire code official. The size of piping and the number of 2½” inlets shall be approved by the fire code official. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red or as approved. When the fire sprinkler density design requires more than 500 gpm (including inside hose stream demand), or a standpipe system is included, four 2½” inlets shall be provided.

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Section 9.4.3.1 is amended to read as follows:

9.4.3.1 When fire sprinkler systems are installed in shell buildings of undetermined use (Spec Buildings) other than warehouses (S occupancies), fire sprinklers of the quick-response type shall be used. Use is considered undetermined if a specific tenant/occupant is not identified at the time the fire sprinkler plan is submitted. Sprinklers in light hazard occupancies shall be one of the following:
(1) Quick-response type as defined in 3.6.4.8
(2) Residential sprinklers in accordance with the requirements of 8.4.5 (3) Quick response CMSA sprinklers
(4) ESFR sprinklers
(5) Standard-response sprinklers used for modifications or additions to existing light hazard systems equipped with standard-response sprinklers (6) Standard-response sprinklers used where individual standard-response sprinklers are replaced in existing light hazard systems Section 9.2.1.7is amended to read as follows:

9.2.1.7 Concealed spaces filled with noncombustible insulation shall not require sprinkler protection when approved by the fire code official.

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NFPA 13D 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes is amended as follows:

Section 7.1.2 is amended to read as follows:

7.1.2 The sprinkler system piping shall not have separate control valves installed unless supervised by a central station, proprietary, or remote station alarm service.

NFPA 14, 2019 Edition, Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems is amended as follows:

Section 7.3.1.1 is hereby deleted in its entirety.

NFPA 24, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances is amended as follows:

Section 6.2.8.1 is added to read as follows:

6.2.8.1 All indicating valves controlling fire suppression water supplies shall be painted OSHA red.

Exceptions:

1. Brass or bronze valves on sprinkler risers mounted to the exterior of the building may be left unpainted.

2. Where OS&Y valves on the detector check assembly are the only control valves, at least one OS&Y valve shall be painted red.

Section 6.2.9 is amended to read as follows:

6.2.9 All connections to private fire service mains for fire protection systems shall be arranged in accordance with one of the following so that they can be isolated:
(1) A post indicator valve installed not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building
(a) For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a post indicator valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the post indicator valve.

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(2) A wall post indicator valve on risers located within the building, either a nonrising stem gate valve with a wall post indicator or a listed butterfly value with an indicating handle extending out through the building.
(3) A backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building
(a) For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the backflow preventer.
(4) Control valves installed in a fire-rated room accessible from the exterior (5) Control valves in a fire-rated stair enclosure accessible from the exterior Section 10.1.5 is added to read as follows:

10.1.5 All ferrous pipe and joints shall be polyethylene encased per AWWA C150, Method A, B, or C. All fittings shall be protected with a loose 8-mil polyethylene tube or sheet. The ends of the tube or sheet shall extend past the joint by a minimum of 12 inches and be sealed with 2 inch wide tape approved for underground use. Galvanizing does not meet the requirements of this section.

Exception: 304 or 316 Stainless Steel pipe and fittings Section 10.4.1.1 is amended to read as follows:

10.4.1.1 All bolted joint accessories shall be cleaned and thoroughly coated with asphalt or other corrosion-retarding material after installation.

Exception: Bolted joint accessories made from 304 or 316 stainless steel.

Section 10.4.1.1.1 is added to read as follows:

10.4.1.1.1 All bolts used in pipe-joint assembly shall be 316 stainless steel.

Section 10.4.3.2 is hereby deleted and replaced as follows:

10.4.3.2 Where fire service mains enter the building adjacent to the foundation, the pipe may run under a building to a maximum of 24 inches, as measured from the interior face of the exterior wall to the center of the vertical pipe. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall be 304 or 316 stainless steel and shall not contain mechanical joints or it shall comply with 10.4.3.2.1 through

10.4.3.2.4.

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Appendices
Appendix A is not adopted.

Appendix B is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Appendix BB is adopted in its entirety.

Appendix C is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Appendix CC is adopted in its entirety.

Appendix D is not adopted.

Appendix E is not adopted. Appendix
F is not adopted. Appendix G is not
adopted. Appendix H is adopted in its
entirety. Appendix I is not adopted.

Appendix J is not adopted.

Appendix K is not adopted.

Appendix L is not adopted.

Appendix M is not adopted.

Appendix N is not adopted.

Appendix O is not adopted.

Appendix P is not adopted.

Appendix Q is not adopted.

SECTION 3. Filing with Building Standards Commission. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.

SECTION 4. CEQA. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c)(2) – the adoption of the California Fire Code will not foreseeably result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect impacts and is exempt from the provisions of the California

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Environmental Quality Act and City Clerk shall file such Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk.

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SECTION 5. 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 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 be declared valid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall not take effect until thirty (30) days after its final passage, or January 1, 2026, whichever occurs later.

SECTION 17.Publication by Clerk. The City Clerk shall certify as to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause a summary thereof to be published within fifteen (15) days of adoption and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, including the vote for and against same, in the Office of the City Clerk, in accordance with Government Code 36933.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of September, 2025.

Shelley Hasselbrink, Mayor
ATTEST:

Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Michael S. Daudt, City Attorney

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss

CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS )
I, Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Los Alamitos, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-08 was duly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 18th day of August, 2025, and that thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 15th day of September, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:

Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk

1726692.1

EXHIBIT A

LOCAL CONDITIONS FINDINGS

FACTUAL FINDINGS ESTABLISHING THE REASONABLE NEED FOR LOCAL

AMENDMENTS TO PORTIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE BASED UPON LOCAL

CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL AND/OR TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS
The Fire Official and City Building Official recommend that certain changes and modifications to the 2025 California Fire Code are reasonably necessary due to local conditions within the City, certain changes and modifications are of an administrative or procedural nature or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the California Building Standards Code, and certain changes and modifications are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City of Los Alamitos.

Section 1. General Findings
The following findings apply in the City of Los Alamitos and explain why the changes to the Building Standards Code are necessary because of climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions in the city.

I. Climatic Conditions
A. Orange County is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. Hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds, which may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater, are also common to the area. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger.

This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagration). In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the County. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene.

B. The climate alternates between extended periods of drought and brief flooding conditions.

Flood conditions may affect the Orange County fire Authority’s ability to respond to a fire or emergency condition. Floods also disrupt utility services to buildings and facilities within the County.

C. Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the already-taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features.

D. These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features will supplement normal fire department

1726692.1
response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as 50 to 75 percent.

II. Topographical conditions
A. Natural; slopes of 15 percent or greater generally occur throughout the foothills of Orange County. The elevation change caused by the hills creates the geological foundation on which communities with Orange County is built and will continue to build. With much of the populated flatlands already built upon, future growth will occur on steeper slopes and with greater constraints in terrain.

B. Traffic and circulation congestion is an artificially created, obstructive topographical condition, which is common throughout Orange County.

C. These topographical conditions combine to create a situation that places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk and makes it necessary to provide automatic onsite fire-extinguishing systems and other protection measures to protect occupants and property.

III. Geological Conditions
The Orange County region is a densely populated area that has buildings constructed over and near a vast and complex network of faults that are believed to be capable of producing future earthquakes similar or greater in size than the 1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes. Earthquake faults run along the northeast and southwest boundaries of Orange County. The Newport-Inglewood Fault, located within Orange County was the source of the destructive 1933 Long Beach earthquake (6.3 magnitude) which took 120 lives and damaged buildings in an area from Laguna Beach to Marina Del Rey to Whittier. In December 1989, another earthquake occurred in the jurisdiction of Irvine at an unknown fault line. Regional planning for reoccurrence of earthquakes is recommended by the state of California, Department of Conservation.

A. Previous earthquakes have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. The October 17, 1989, Santa Cruz earthquake resulted in one major fire in the Marina District (San Francisco). When combined with the 34 other fires locally and over 500 responses, the department was taxed to its fullest capabilities. The Marina fire was difficult to contain because mains supplying water to the district burst during the earthquake. This situation creates the need for both additional fire protection and automatic on-site fire protection for building occupants. State Department of Conservation noted in their 1988 report (Planning Scenario on a Major Earthquake on the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone, page 59), “unfortunately, barely meeting the minimum earthquake standards of building codes places a building on the verge of being legally unsafe.”

1726692.1
B. Road circulation features located throughout the County also make amendments reasonably necessary. Located through the County are major roadways, highways and flood control channels that create barriers and slow response times. Hills, slopes, street and storm drain design, accompanied by occasional heavy rainfall, causes roadway flooding and landslides and at times may make an emergency access route impassable.

There are areas in Orange County that naturally have extended emergency response times that exceed the 5 minute goal.

C. Soils throughout the County possess corrosive properties that reduce the expected usable life of water services when metallic pipes are in contact with soils.

D. Portions of the County contain active or former oil production fields. These areas contain a variety of naturally occurring gasses, liquids and vapors. These compounds present toxicity or flammability hazards to building occupants. Evaluation of these hazards and the risks they pose to development is necessary for implementation of appropriate mitigation.

Due to the topographical conditions of sprawling development separated by waterways and narrow and congested streets and the expected infrastructure damage inherent in seismic zones described above, it is prudent to rely on automatic fire sprinkler systems to mitigate extended fire department response time and keep fires manageable with reduced fire flow (water) resources available for a given structure. Additional fire protection is also justified to match the current resources of firefighting equipment and personnel within the Orange County Fire Authority.

Section 2 –Application of Findings to Amendments in Ordinance No.

Amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code set forth in Ordinance No. and identified below are reasonably necessary as administrative or procedural in nature, or to ensure consistency with previously adopted ordinances, or are intended to enhance life and fire safety due to the climatic, topographical, and/or geologic conditions cited below.

1726692.1
2025 California Fire Code
Amendment Findings Legend
CODE

SECTION
TITLE (Clarification) FINDINGS
113.4 Violation penalties Administrative
113.4.2 Infraction & Misdemeanor Administrative
202 General definitions Administrative
304.1.3 OCFA Vegetation Management I
305.6 Hazardous conditions I & II
305.7 Disposal of rubbish I & II
307 Open burning, recreational fires, fire pits, fire rings, and outdoor fireplaces
Administrative
307.6 Fire Pits, Fire Rings, & Outdoor Fireplaces Administrative 307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices I & II
307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or LPG
I & II
307.6.2.1 Where prohibited I & II
324 Fuel modification requirements for new construction I 325 Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways I 326 Unusual circumstances Administrative
327 Use of equipment I
327.1 Use of equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames
I
327.2 Spark arresters I
407.5 Hazardous material inventory statement I & II
501.1 Scope Administrative, I, II & III
510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage Administrative 903.2 Where required (Sprinklers) I, II & III
903.2.8 Group R (Sprinklers) I, II & III
903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems I & II
2801.2 Permit Administrative
2808.2 Storage site Administrative
2808.3 Size of piles I
2808.4 Pile separation I
2808.7 Pile fire protection I
2808.9 Material-handling equipment I
2808.11 Temperature control I
2808.11.1 Pile temperature control I
2808.11.2 New material temperature control I
2808.12 Water availability for piles I
2808.13 Tipping area I
2808.14 Emergency contact information Administrative
2808.15 Defining maximum separation contact Administrative 2808.16 Push-out area dentification Administrative
4903.3 OCFA Vegetation Management Guideline I

1726692.1
5001.5.2 Hazardous materials inventory statement Administrative 5003.1.1.1 Extremely hazardous substances I & III
5608.2 Retail fireworks Administrative
5608.3 Application for permit Administrative
Chapter
80 Reference Standards N/A
2025 NFPA 13 (Sprinkler Systems) Administrative, II & III 2025 NFPA 13-D (Single Family Sprinkler Systems) I & II 2019 NFPA 14 (Standpipe Systems) Administrative
2012 NFPA 24 (Underground Water Supply
Systems)
Administrative & III

2025
California Fire Code
OCFA Amendments
Los Alamitos
Final Version

2 0 2 5 C F C C o d e A m e n d m e n t s p a g e 1
Chapter 1
Scope and Administration
Chapter 1 SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION is adopted in only those sections and subsections adopted by the SFM with the following amendments:

Section 112.4 Violation penalties is hereby revised as follows:
112.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or shall fail to comply with any issued orders or notices or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties assessed as prescribed in the OCFA Prevention Field Services adopted fee schedule. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

Section 112.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor is hereby added as follows:
112.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor. Persons operating or maintaining any occupancy, premises or vehicle subject to this code that shall permit any fire or life safety hazard to exist on premises under their control shall be guilty of an infraction.

Persons who fail to take immediate action to abate a fire or life safety hazard when ordered or notified to do so by the chief or a duly authorized representative are guilty of a misdemeanor.

Chapter 2
Definitions
Chapter 2 DEFINITIONS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments:

Sections 202 GENERAL DEFINITIONS is hereby revised by adding “OCFA” and “Spark Arrester” as follows:

OCFA: Orange County Fire Authority, authority having jurisdiction.

SPARK ARRESTER. A listed device constructed of noncombustible material specifically for the purpose of meeting one of the following conditions:

1. Removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles/debris from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 38366.

2. Fireplaces that burn solid fuel in accordance with California Building Code Chapter 28.

2 0 2 5 C F C C o d e A m e n d m e n t s p a g e 2
Chapter 3
General Requirements
Chapter 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS is adopted in its entirety with the exception of Sections 308.1.4, 311.5, 318, and with the following amendments:

Section 304.1.2 Vegetation is hereby revised as follows:
304.1.2 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Vegetation clearance requirement in urban-wildland interface areas shall be in accordance with Part 7, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Type, amount, arrangement, and maintenance of vegetation in a fuel modification area, interior slope, or similarly hazardous area shall be in accordance with OCFA Guideline C-05 “Vegetation Management Guideline:

Technical Design for New Construction, Fuel Modification Plans, and Maintenance Program.”
Section 305.6 Hazardous conditions is hereby added as follows:
305.6 Hazardous conditions. Outdoor fires burning wood or other solid fuel are not allowed when any of the following conditions applies:

1. When predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH and relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared.

2. When an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or a public announcement is made.

No outdoor fires using any fuel type are permitted when predicted sustained winds exceed 20 MPH or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official.

Section 305.7 Disposal of rubbish is hereby added as follows:
305.7 Disposal of rubbish. Rubbish, trash or combustible waste material shall be burned only within an approved incinerator and in accordance with Section 307.2.1.

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SECTION 307 OPEN BURNING, RECREATIONAL FIRES AND PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES is hereby revised as follows:

SECTION 307 OPEN BURNING, RECREATIONAL FIRES, FIRE PITS, FIRE

RINGS, AND PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES
Sections 307.6 Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar devices used at Group R occupancies is hereby added as follows:
307.6 Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar devices used at Group R occupancies. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar exterior devices used at Group R occupancies shall comply with this section.

Exception: Barbeques, grills, and other portable devices intended solely for cooking.

Section 307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices is hereby added as follows:
307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and similar devices fueled by natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas are allowed when approved by the Building Department and the device is designed to only burn a gas flame and not wood or other solid fuel. At R-3 occupancies, combustible construction and vegetation shall not be located within three feet of an atmospheric column that extends vertically from the perimeter of the device. At other R occupancies, the minimum distance shall be ten feet. Where a permanent Building Department approved hood and vent is installed, combustible construction may encroach upon this column between the bottom of the hood and the vent opening. Where chimneys or vents are installed, they shall have a spark arrester as defined in Section 202.

Section 307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefiedpetroleum gas is hereby added as follows:
307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefiedpetroleum gas. Permanent outdoor fireplaces burning wood or other solid fuel shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code with clearance from combustible construction and building openings as required therein. Fires in a fireplace shall be contained within a firebox with an attached chimney. The opening in the face of the firebox shall have an installed and maintained method of arresting sparks.

The burning of wood or other solid fuel in a device is not allowed within 25 feet of combustible structures unless within an approved permanent fireplace. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure or to vegetation

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shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Fires in devices burning wood or solid fuel shall be in accordance with Sections 305, 307, and 308.

Exceptions:

1. Portable fireplaces and fire rings/pits equipped with a device to arrest sparks shall be located at least 3 feet from combustible construction at R-3 occupancies,

2. Portable fireplaces, and fire pits/rings equipped with a device to arrest sparks, shall be located at least 15 feet from combustible structures at other R occupancies.

Section 307.6.2.1 Where prohibited is hereby added as follows:
307.6.2.1 Where prohibited. The burning of wood and other solid fuels shall not be conducted within a fuel modification zone, Wildfire Risk Area (WRA), WildlandUrban Interface Area (WUI), or in locations where conditions could cause the spread of fire to the WRA or WUI.

Exceptions:

1. Permanent fireplaces that are not located in a fuel modification zone.

2. Where determined by the Fire Code Official that the location or design of the device should reasonably prevent the start of a wildfire.

SECTION 324 FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION is hereby added as follows:
324.1 Fuel Modification Requirements For New Construction. All new structures and facilities adjoining land containing hazardous combustible vegetation shall be approved and in accordance with the requirements of OCFA Guideline C-05 “Vegetation Management Guideline: Technical Design for New Construction Fuel Modification Plans and Maintenance Program.” SECTION 325 CLEARANCE OF BRUSH OR VEGETATION GROWTH FROM ROADWAYS is hereby added as follows:
325.1 Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways. The fire code official is authorized to cause areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side of portions of highways and private streets which are improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic, to be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth. Measurement shall be from the flow-line or the end of the improved edge of the roadway surfaces.

Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground covers, provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.

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SECTION 326 UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES is hereby added as follows:
326.1 Unusual circumstances. The fire code official may suspend enforcement of the vegetation management requirements and require reasonable alternative measures designed to advance the purpose of this code if determined that in any specific case that any of the following conditions exist:

1. Difficult terrain.

2. Danger of erosion.

3. Presence of plants included in any state and federal resources agencies, California Native Plant Society and county-approved list of wildlife, plants, rare, endangered and/or threatened species.

4. Stands or groves of trees or heritage trees.

5. Other unusual circumstances that make strict compliance with the clearance of vegetation provisions undesirable or impractical.

SECTION 327 USE OF EQUIPMENT is hereby added as follows:
327.1 Use of equipment. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall use, operate, or cause to be operated in, upon or adjoining any hazardous fire area any internal combustion engine which uses hydrocarbon fuels, unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester as defined in Section 202 maintained in effective working order, or the engine is constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire.

Exceptions:

1. Engines used to provide motor power for trucks, truck tractors, buses, and passenger vehicles, except motorcycles, are not subject to this section if the exhaust system is equipped with a muffler as defined in the Vehicle Code of the State of California.

2. Turbocharged engines are not subject to this section if all exhausted gases pass through the rotating turbine wheel, there is no exhaust bypass to the atmosphere, and the turbocharger is in good mechanical condition.

Section 327.2 Use of equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames is hereby added as follows:
327.2 Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames. During any time of the year within Wildfire Risk Areas, within or immediately adjacent to any forest- or brush-covered land or non-irrigated grass-covered land, no person shall use or operate any welding equipment, cutting torches, tar pots, grinding devices, or other tools or equipment that may produce a spark, fire, or flame that could result in a wildfire without doing the following:

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1. First clearing away all flammable material, including snags, from the area around such operation for a distance of 30 feet or other approved method to reduce fire spread into the wildlands. If a 30-foot clearing cannot be achieved, then an alternate method shall be approved by the AHJ prior to work starting.

2. Maintain one serviceable round point shovel with an overall length of not less than forty-six (46) inches and one backpack pump water-type fire extinguisher fully equipped and ready for use at the immediate area during the operation.

3. Stop work when winds are 8 MPH or greater during periods when relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared or public announcement is made, when an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official.

4. Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of fire.

Section 327.3 Spark arresters is hereby added as follows:
327.3 Spark arresters. Spark arresters shall comply with Section 202, and when affixed to the exhaust system of engines or vehicles subject to Section 327 shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.

Chapter 4
Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Chapter 4 EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS is adopted in only those sections and subsections adopted by the SFM with the following amendment:

Section 407.5 is hereby revised as follows:
407.5 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement. Where required by the fire code official, each application for a permit shall follow OCFA Guideline G-04 “Completion of the Chemical Classification” in accordance with Section 5001.5.2.

Chapter 5
Fire Service Features
Chapter 5 FIRE SERVICE FEATURES is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments:

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SECTION 501.1 Scope is hereby revised as follows:
501.1 Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this chapter and, where required by the fire code official, with OCFA Guideline B-01 “Fire Master Plans for Commercial & Residential Development.” Section 510.1 Emergency responder communication coverage in new buildings is hereby deleted and replaced as follows:
510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage in new buildings. 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 of the jurisdiction 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 requirements of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Communications and Technology Division, and where the functionality of performance requirements in the California Fire Code are more stringent, this code.

Exceptions:

1. In buildings or structures where it is determined by the fire code official that the radio coverage system is not needed, including but not limited to the following:

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

1.2. Elevators.

1.3. Structures that meet all of the following:
i. Three stories or less, and
ii. Do not have subterranean storage or parking, and
iii. Do not exceed 50,000 square feet on any single story.

1.4. Structures that meet all of the following:
i. Residential structures four stories or less, and
ii. Constructed of wood, and
iii. Do not have subterranean storage or parking, and
iv. Are not built integral to an above ground multi-story parking structure.

Should a structure that is three stories or less and 50,000 square feet or smaller on any single story include subterranean storage or parking, then this ordinance shall apply only to the subterranean areas.

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2. 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 as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 7
Fire and Smoke Protection Features
Chapter 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 8
Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
Chapter 8 INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 9
Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Chapter 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments:

Section 903.2 Where required is hereby revised as follows:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be provided when one of the following conditions exists:

1. New buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21, an automatic sprinkler system shall also be installed in all occupancies when the total building area exceeds 5,000 square feet as defined in Section 202, regardless of fire areas or allowable area, or is more than two stories in height.

Exception: Subject to approval by the Fire Code Official, open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code

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that are smaller than the area specified in section 903.2.10 (3) or 903.2.10.1 of the California Fire Code.

2. Existing Buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and one of the following conditions exists:

2.1. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, and the resulting building area exceeds 5000 square feet.

2.2. When an addition exceeds 2000 square feet, and the resulting building area exceeds 5000 square feet.

2.3. An additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area.

Exception: Additions to Group R-3 occupancies shall comply with Section 903.2.8 (2).

Section 903.2.8 Group R is hereby revised as follows:
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows:

1. New Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings.

2. Existing R-3 Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when one of the following conditions exists:

2.1. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area and the resulting building area exceeds 5,000 square feet as defined in Section 202.

2.2. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers.

2.3. When an existing Group R Occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building.

The exceptions in this section remain unchanged.

Section 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems is hereby added as follows:
903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.

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Exception: When static pressure exceeds 100 psi, and when required by the fire code official, the sprinkler system shall not exceed the water supply capacity specified by Table 903.3.5.3.

Chapter 10
Means of Egress
Chapter 10 MEANS OF EGRESS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 11
Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings
Chapter 11 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS is adopted in only those sections and subsections adopted by the SFM.

Chapter 12
Energy Systems
Chapter 12 ENERGY SYSTEMS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 20
Aviation Facilities
Chapter 20 AVIATION FACILITIES is adopted in its entirety. 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 PSI
85 80
75 Design %
TABLE 903.3.5.3
Hydraulically Calculated Systems

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Chapter 21
Dry Cleaning
Chapter 21 DRY CLEANING is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 22
Combustible Dust-Producing Operations
Chapter 22 COMBUSTIBLE DUST-PRODUCING OPERATIONS is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 23
Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
Chapter 23 MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES AND REPAIR GARAGES is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 24
Flammable Finishes
Chapter 24 FLAMMABLE FINISHES is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 25
Fruit and Crop Ripening
Chapter 25 FRUIT AND CROP RIPENING is not adopted.

Chapter 26
Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging
Chapter 26 FUMIGATION AND INSECTICIDAL FOGGING is not adopted.

Chapter 27
Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities
Chapter 27 SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION FACILITIES is adopted in its entirety.

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Chapter 28
Lumber Yards and Agro-Industrial, Solid Biomass and Woodworking Facilities Chapter 28 LUMBER YARDS AND AGRO-INDUSTRIAL, SOLID BIOMASS AND WOODWORKING FACILITIES is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

Section 2801.2 Permit is hereby revised as follows:
2801.2 Permit. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5. and 105.5.31.

Section 2808.2 Storage site is hereby revised as follows:
2808.2 Storage site. Storage sites shall be level and on solid ground, elevated soil lifts or other all-weather surface. Sites shall be thoroughly cleaned, and approval obtained from the fire code official before transferring products to the site.

Section 2808.3 Size of piles is hereby revised as follows:
2808.3 Size of piles. Piles shall not exceed 15 feet in height, 50 feet in width and 100 feet in length.

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to allow the pile size to be increased where a fire protection plan is provided for approval that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Storage yard areas and materials-handling equipment selection, design and arrangement shall be based upon sound fire prevention and protection principles.

2. Factors that lead to spontaneous heating shall be identified in the plan, and control of the various factors shall be identified and implemented, including provisions for monitoring the internal condition of the pile.

3. The plan shall include means for early fire detection and reporting to the public fire department; and facilities needed by the fire department for fire extinguishment including a water supply and fire hydrants.

4. Fire apparatus access roads around the piles and access roads to the top of the piles shall be established, identified, and maintained.

5. Regular yard inspections by trained personnel shall be included as part of an effective fire prevention maintenance program.

Additional fire protection called for in the plan shall be provided and shall be installed in accordance with this code. The increase of the pile size shall be based upon the capabilities of the installed fire protection system and features.

Section 2808.3.1 Increase in pile or stack size is hereby deleted in its entirety.

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Section 2808.4 Pile separation is hereby revised as follows:
2808.4. Pile separation. Piles shall be separated from adjacent piles by a minimum distance of 20 feet. Additionally, piles shall have a minimum separation of 100 feet from combustible vegetation.

Section 2808.7 Pile fire protection is hereby revised as follows:
2808.7 Pile fire protection. Automatic sprinkler protection shall be provided in conveyor tunnels and combustible enclosures that pass under a pile. Combustible conveyor systems and enclosed conveyor systems shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system. Oscillating sprinklers with a sufficient projectile reach are required to maintain a 40% to 60% moisture content and wet down burning/smoldering areas.

Section 2808.9 Material-handling equipment is hereby revised as follows:
2808.9 Material-handling equipment. All material-handling equipment operated by an internal combustion engine shall be provided and maintained with an approved spark arrester. Approved material-handling equipment shall be available for moving wood chips, hogged material, wood fines and raw product during firefighting operations.

Section 2808.11 Temperature control is hereby added as follows:
2808.11 Temperature control. The temperature shall be monitored and maintained as specified in Sections 2808.11.1 and 2808.11.2.

Section 2808.11.1 Pile temperature control is hereby added as follows:
2808.11.1 Pile temperature control. Piles shall be rotated when internal temperature readings are in excess of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Section 2808.11.2 New material temperature control is hereby added as follows:
2808.11.2 New material temperature control. New loads delivered to the facility shall be inspected and tested at the facility entry prior to taking delivery. Material with temperature exceeding 165 degrees Fahrenheit shall not be accepted on the site. New loads shall comply with the requirements of this chapter and be monitored to verify that the temperature remains stable.

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Section 2808.12 Water availability is hereby added as follows:
2808.12 Water availability. Facilities with over 2500 cubic feet shall provide a water supply. The minimum fire flow shall be no less than 500 GPM @ 20 psi for a minimum of 1 hour duration for pile heights up to 6 feet and 2-hour duration for pile heights over 6 feet. If there is no water purveyor, an alternate water supply with storage tank(s) shall be provided for fire suppression. The water supply tank(s) shall provide a minimum capacity of 2500 gallons per pile (maximum 30,000 gallons) for piles not exceeding 6 feet in height and 5000 gallons per pile (maximum 60,000) for piles exceeding 6 feet in height. Water tank(s) shall not be used for any other purpose unless the required fire flow is left in reserve within the tank at all times. An approved method shall be provided to maintain the required amount of water within the tank(s).

Section 2808.13 Tipping areas is hereby added as follows:
2808.13 Tipping areas shall comply with the following:

1. Tipping areas shall not exceed a maximum area of 50 feet by 50 feet.

2. Material within a tipping area shall not exceed 5 feet in height at any time.

3. Tipping areas shall be separated from all piles by a 20-foot-wide fire access lane.

4. A fire hydrant or approved fire water supply outlet shall be located within 150 feet of all points along the perimeter of the tipping area.

5. All material within a tipping area shall be processed within 5 days of receipt.

Section 2808.14 Emergency contact is hereby added as follows:
2808.14 Emergency contact. The contact information of a responsible person or persons shall be provided to the Fire Department and shall be posted at the entrance to the facility for responding units. The responsible party should be available to respond to the business in an emergency situation.

Section 2808.15 Maximum grid of piles and rows is hereby added as follows:
2808.15 Maximum grid of piles and rows. Rows of Piles shall not exceed 500 feet by 500 feet. Grids shall be separated by a minimum 50-foot clear space used for no other purpose.
2808.16 Push-out / clear area is hereby added as follows:
2808.16 Push-out / clear area. Piles exceeding 20 cubic yards shall be provided with push-out areas. Push-out areas shall be maintained clear at all times to allow

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for the largest pile to be spread out to a depth of 2 feet in height. Push-out areas shall be located within 250 feet of all edges of any pile and shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from any building.

Chapter 29
Manufacture of Organic Coatings
Chapter 29 MANUFACTURE OF ORGANIC COATINGS is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 30
Industrial Ovens
Chapter 30 INDUSTRIAL OVENS is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 31
Tents, Temporary Special Event Structures and Other Membrane Structures Chapter 31 TENTS, TEMPORARY SPECIAL EVENT STRUCTURES AND OTHER MEMBRANE STRUCTURES is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 32
High-Piled Combustible Storage
Chapter 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 33
Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition
Chapter 33 FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION is adopted in its entirety as amended by SFM.

Chapter 34
Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage
Chapter 34 TIRE REBUILDING AND TIRE STORAGE is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

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Chapter 35
Welding and Other Hot Work
Chapter 35 WELDING AND OTHER HOT WORK is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 36
Marinas
Chapter 36 MARINAS is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 37
Combustible Fibers
Chapter 37 COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 39
Processing and Extraction Facilities
Chapter 39 PROCESSING AND EXTRACTION FACILITIES is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 40
Storage of Distilled Spirits and Wines
Chapter 40 STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 48
Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and Production Locations
Chapter 48 MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIO SOUND

STAGES, APPROVED PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND PRODUCTION LOCATIONS is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 50
Hazardous Materials – General Provisions
Chapter 50 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS – GENERAL PROVISIONS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments:

Section 5001.5.2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) is hereby revised as follows:

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5001.5.2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS). Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall follow OCFA Guideline G-04 “Completion of the Chemical Classification”, which shall be completed and approved prior to approval of plans, and/or the storage, use or handling of chemicals on the premises.

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
Chapter 51 AEROSOLS is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 53
Compressed Gases
Chapter 53 COMPRESSED GASES is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 54
Corrosive Materials
Chapter 54 CORROSIVE MATERIALS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 55
Cryogenic Fluids
Chapter 55 CRYOGENIC FLUIDS is adopted in its entirety.

Chapter 56
Explosives and Fireworks
Chapter 56 EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments: