Malibu City Council
January 12, 2026

____________________
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ________ day of December 2025. ____________________________
MARIANNE RIGGINS, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
KELSEY PETTIJOHN, City Clerk
(seal)
Date: _______________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________
TREVOR RUSIN, Interim City Attorney
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ATTACHMENT 2
Code Adoption 2026 Findings

BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
106.3.2, Item 2 Administrative The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including, but not limited to, the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Due to the risk of geologic activities in the Southern California area, buildings and structures require a high level of performance. This existing local enforcement provision limits the height of fences built without a permit in order to reduce the chance of failure of fences that may be built improperly. Because fences that are exempt from permits are constructed without the benefit of inspection to verify that proper construction methods are used, it has been observed that fences are commonly built without proper footings and/or reinforcement, which causes leaning and collapse of the fence.
701A.1 Climatic Clarifies the application of Chapter 7A to include additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings. Many areas of the County have been designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation. Additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.
701A.3 Climatic Clarifies the application of Chapter 7A to include additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings. Many areas of the County have been designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to the increased risk of fire caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation. Additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.
701A.3.1 Climatic Clarifies the application of Chapter 7A to include additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings. Many areas of the County have been designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to the increased risk of fire caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation. Additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.
703A.5.2 and
703A.5.2.2
Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in high fire severity zones.
704A.4 Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in high fire severity zones.
705A.2 Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs and requires the use of Class A roof covering due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in high fire severity zones.
1031.2.1 Geological The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a densely populated area having buildings constructed over and near a vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including, but not 21 2
ATTACHMENT 2
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
limited to, the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed amendment is intended to prevent occupants from being trapped in a building and to allow rescue workers to easily enter after an earthquake.

Table 1507.3.7 Geological Table amended to require proper anchorage for clay or concrete tiles from sliding or rotating due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County. This amendment incorporates the design provisions developed based on detailed study of the 1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes.
1613.5 and
1613.5.1
Geological Observed damages to one- and two-family dwellings of light frame construction after the Northridge Earthquake may have been partially attributed to vertical irregularities common to this type of occupancy and construction. In an effort to improve quality of construction and incorporate lesson learned from studies after the Northridge Earthquake, the proposed modification to ASCE 7-16, Section 12.2.3.1, Exception 3, by limiting the number of stories and height of the structure to two stories will significantly minimize the impact of vertical irregularities and concentration of inelastic behavior from mixed structural systems. This proposed amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County. 1613.5.2 Geological A joint Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC), Los Angeles County and Los Angeles City Task Force investigated the performance of concrete and masonry construction with flexible wood diaphragm failures after the Northridge earthquake. It was concluded at that time that continuous ties are needed at specified spacing to control cross grain tension in the interior of the diaphragm.

Additionally, there was a need to limit subdiaphragm allowable shear loads to control combined orthogonal stresses within the diaphragm.

Recognizing the importance and need to continue the recommendation made by the task force while taking into consideration the improved performances and standards for diaphragm construction today, this proposal increases the continuous tie spacing limit to 40 ft in lieu of 25 ft and to use 75% of the allowable code diaphragm shear to determine the depth of the subdiaphragm in lieu of the 300 plf and is deemed appropriate and acceptable. Due to the frequency of this type of failure during the past significant earthquakes, various jurisdictions within the Los Angeles region have taken this additional step to prevent roof or floor diaphragms from pulling away from concrete or masonry walls. This proposed amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
1613.5.3 Geological The inclusion of the importance factor in this equation has the unintended consequence of reducing the minimum seismic separation distance for important facilities such as hospitals, schools, police, and fire stations from adjoining structures. The proposal to omit the importance factor from Equation 12.12-1 will ensure that a safe seismic separation distance is provided. This proposed amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
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ATTACHMENT 2
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
1613.6 Geological
Topographical
Section is added to improve seismic safety of buildings constructed on or into hillsides. Due to the local topographical and geological conditions of the sites within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region and their probabilities for earthquakes, this technical amendment is required to address and clarify special needs for buildings constructed on hillside locations. A SEAOSC and Los Angeles City Joint Task Force investigated the performance of hillside building failures after the Northridge earthquake. Numerous hillside failures resulted in loss of life and millions of dollars in damage. These criteria were developed to minimize the damage to these structures and have been in use by both the City and County of Los Angeles for several years with much success. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
1613.7 Geological The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a densely populated area having buildings constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including, but not limited to, the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification requiring safe design and construction requirements for ceiling suspension systems to resist seismic loads is intended to minimize the amount of damage within a building and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code.
1704.6 Geological
Administrative
The language in section 1704.6 of the California Building Code permits the owner to employ any registered design professional to perform structural observations with minimum guidelines. However, it is important that the registered design professional responsible for the structural design has thorough knowledge of the building he/she designed. By requiring the registered design professional responsible for the structural design, or their designee, who was involved with the design to observe the construction, the quality of the observation for major structural elements and connections that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the structure will be greatly increased.

Additional requirements are provided to help clarify the role and duties of the structural observer and the method of reporting and correcting observed deficiencies to the Building Official. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
1704.6.1 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, the language in section 1704.6.1, Item 3, of the California Building Code would permit many low-rise buildings and structures with complex structural elements to be constructed without the benefit of a structural observation. By requiring a registered design professional to observe the construction, the quality of the observation for major structural elements and connections that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the structure will be greatly increased. An exception is provided to permit simple structures and buildings to be 23 4
ATTACHMENT 2
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
excluded. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County. 1705.3 Geological Results from studies after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake indicated that a significant portion of the damage was attributable to lack of quality control during construction resulting in poor performance of the building or structure. Therefore, the amendment restricts the exceptions to the requirement for special inspection. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
1705.13 Geological In Southern California, very few detached one- or twofamily dwellings not exceeding two stories above grade plane are built as "box-type" structures specially for those in hillside areas and near the oceanfront.

Many with steel moment frames or braced frames, and/or cantilevered columns, can still be shown as "regular" structures by calculations. With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, the language in section 1705.13, Item 3, of the California Building Code would permit many detached one- or two-family dwellings not exceeding two stories above grade plane with complex structural elements to be constructed without the benefit of special inspections. By requiring special inspections, the quality of major structural elements and connections that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the structure will be greatly increased. The exception should only be allowed for detached one- or two-family dwellings not exceeding two stories above grade plane assigned to Seismic Design Categories A, B, and C.
1807.1.4 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show that a wood foundation is effective in supporting buildings and structures during a seismic event while being subject to deterioration caused by the combined detrimental effect of constant moisture in the soil and wooddestroying organisms. Wood retaining walls, when they are not properly treated and protected against deterioration, have performed very poorly and have led to slope failures. Most contractors are typically accustomed to construction in dry and temperate weather in the Southern California region and are not generally familiar with the necessary precautions and treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both seismic events and wet applications. The proposed amendment takes the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems that may result by using wood foundations that experience relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region does not experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of wood-destroying organisms. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the local climate and the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
1807.1.6 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, it is necessary to take precautionary steps to reduce or 24 5
ATTACHMENT 2
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
eliminate potential problems that may result by following prescriptive design provisions that do not take into consideration the surrounding environment. Plain concrete performs poorly in withstanding the cyclic forces resulting from seismic events. In addition, no substantiating data has been provided to show that under-reinforced foundation walls are effective in resisting seismic loads, and may potentially lead to a higher risk of failure. It is important that the benefit and expertise of a registered design professional be obtained to properly analyze the structure and take these issues into consideration. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles. 1807.2 Climatic,
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show that wood foundation systems are effective in supporting buildings and structures during a seismic event while being subject to deterioration caused by the combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in the soil and wooddestroying organisms. Wood foundation systems not properly treated and protected against deterioration have performed very poorly and have led to slope failures. Most contractors are typically accustomed to construction in dry and temperate weather in the Southern California region and are not generally familiar with the necessary precautions and treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both seismic events and wet applications. The proposed amendment takes the precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems that may result in using wood foundation systems that experience relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region does not experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of wood-destroying organisms. This proposed amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles. 1807.3.1 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show that wood foundation systems are effective in supporting buildings and structures during a seismic event while being subject to deterioration caused by the combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in the soil and wooddestroying organisms. Wood foundation systems not properly treated and protected against deterioration have performed very poorly and have led to slope failures. Most contractors are typically accustomed to construction in dry and temperate weather in the Southern California region and are not generally familiar with the necessary precautions and treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both seismic events and wet applications. The proposed amendment takes the precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems that may result in using wood foundation systems that experience relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region does not experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of wood-destroying organisms. This proposed amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles. 1809.3 and
Figure 1809.3
Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, it is necessary to take precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems that may result for under-reinforced footings located on sloped surfaces. Requiring minimum reinforcement for 25 6
ATTACHMENT 2
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
stepped footings is intended to address the problem of poor performance of plain or under-reinforced footings during a seismic event. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
1809.7 and
Table 1809.7
Geological No substantiating data has been provided to show that under-reinforced footings are effective in resisting seismic loads, and therefore they may potentially lead to a higher risk of failure. This amendment requires minimum reinforcement in continuous footings to address the problem of poor performance of plain or under-reinforced footings during a seismic event. With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, it is necessary to take precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems that may result by following prescriptive design provisions for footings that do not take into consideration the surrounding environment. It is important that the benefit and expertise of a registered design professional be obtained to properly analyze the structure and take these factors into consideration.

This amendment reflects the recommendations by the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which investigated the performance deficiencies observed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
1809.12 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show that timber footings are effective in supporting buildings and structures during a seismic event while being subject to deterioration caused by the combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in the soil and wooddestroying organisms. Timber footings, when they are not properly treated and protected against deterioration, have performed very poorly. Most contractors are typically accustomed to construction in dry and temperate weather in the Southern California region and are not generally familiar with the necessary precautions and treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both seismic events and wet applications. The proposed amendment takes the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems, which may result by using timber footings that experience relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region does not experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of wood-destroying organisms. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the local climate and the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County. 1810.3.2.4 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show that timber footings are effective in supporting buildings and structures during a seismic event while being subject to deterioration caused by the combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in the soil and wooddestroying organisms. Timber footings, when they are not properly treated and protected against deterioration, have performed very poorly. Most contractors are typically accustomed to construction in dry and temperate weather in the Southern California region and are not generally familiar with the necessary precautions and treatment of wood 26 7
ATTACHMENT 2
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and wet applications. The proposed amendment takes the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems that may result by using timber footings that experience relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region does not experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of wood-destroying organisms. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the local climate and the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County. 1905.1 Geological This amendment is intended to carry over critical provisions for the design of concrete columns in moment frames from the legacy 1997 Uniform Building Code. Increased confinement is critical to the integrity of such columns and these modifications ensure that it is provided when certain thresholds are exceeded. In addition, this amendment carries over from the legacy 1997 Uniform Building Code a critical provision for the design of concrete shear walls. It essentially limits the use of very highly gravity-loaded walls in being included in the seismic load resisting system, since their failure could have catastrophic effect on the building.

Furthermore, this amendment was incorporated in the code based on observations from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Rebar placed in very thin concrete topping slabs have been observed in some instances to have popped out of the slab due to insufficient concrete coverage.

This modification ensures that critical boundary and collector rebars are placed in sufficiently thick topping slab to prevent buckling of such reinforcements. This proposed amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
1905.1.7 Geological This amendment requires minimum reinforcement in continuous footings to address the problem of poor performance of plain or under-reinforced footings during a seismic event. This amendment reflects the recommendations by the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which investigated the poor performance observed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
1905.1.8 through
1905.1.11
Geological These amendments are intended to carry over critical provisions for the design of concrete columns in moment frames from the Uniform Building Code (UBC). Increased confinement is critical to the integrity of such columns and these modifications ensure that it is provided when certain thresholds are exceeded. In addition, this amendment carries over from the UBC a critical provision for the design of concrete shear walls. It essentially limits the use of very highly gravity-loaded walls from being included in the seismic load resisting system, since their failure could have a catastrophic effect on the building. Furthermore, this amendment was incorporated into this Code based on observations from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Rebar placed in very thin concrete topping slabs 27 8
ATTACHMENT 2
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
has been observed in some instances to have popped out of the slab due to insufficient concrete coverage. This modification ensures that critical boundary and collector rebars are placed in sufficiently thick slabs to prevent buckling of such reinforcements. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
2304.10.2 and
Table 2304.10.2
Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the expected higher level of performance on buildings and structures, this proposed local amendment limits the use of staple fasteners in resisting or transferring seismic forces. In September 2007, limited cyclic testing data was provided to the ICC, Los Angeles Chapter Structural Code Committee, showing that stapled wood structural shear panels do not exhibit the same behavior as nailed wood structural shear panels.

The test results of stapled wood structural shear panels demonstrated much lower strength and drift than nailed wood structural shear panel test results. Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners to resist or transfer seismic forces shall not be permitted without being substantiated by cyclic testing. This amendment is a continuation of a similar amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
2304.10.3.1 Geological The overdriving of nails into the structural wood panels still remains a concern when pneumatic nail guns are used for wood structural panel shear wall nailing. Box nails were observed to cause massive and multiple failures of the typical 3/8-inch thick plywood during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The use of clipped head nails continues to be restricted from use in wood structural panel shear walls where the minimum nail head size must be maintained in order to minimize nails from pulling through sheathing materials. Clipped or mechanically driven nails used in wood structural panel shear wall construction were found to perform much worse in previous wood structural panel shear wall testing done at the University of California Irvine. The existing test results indicated that, under cyclic loading, the wood structural panel shear walls were less energy absorbent and less ductile. The panels reached ultimate load capacity and failed at substantially less lateral deflection than those using same-size handdriven nails. This amendment reflects the recommendations by the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which investigated the poor performance observed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County.
2304.12.2.8 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show that wood used in retaining or crib walls is effective in supporting buildings and structures during a seismic event while being subject to deterioration caused by the combined detrimental effect of constant moisture in the soil and wooddestroying organisms. Wood used in retaining or crib walls, when it is 28 9
ATTACHMENT 2
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
not properly treated and protected against deterioration, has performed very poorly. Most contractors are typically accustomed to construction in dry and temperate weather in the Southern California region and are not generally familiar with the necessary precautions and treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both seismic events and wet applications. The proposed amendment takes the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems that may result by using wood in retaining or crib walls, which experience relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region does not experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the local climate and the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County. 2305.4 Geological Many of the hold-down connectors currently in use do not have any acceptance report based on dynamic testing protocols. This amendment continues to limit the allowable capacity to 75% of the acceptance report value to provide an additional factor of safety for statically tested anchorage devices. Cyclic forces imparted on buildings and structures by seismic activity cause more damage than equivalent forces that are applied in a static manner. Steel plate washers will reduce the additional damage that can result when hold-down connectors are fastened to wood framing members. This amendment reflects the recommendations by the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which investigated the poor performance observed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County. 2306.2 2306.3
2307.2
2308.6.5.1
2308.6.5.2
Figure
2308.6.5.1 and
Figure
2308.6.5.2
Geological The SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force that investigated damage to buildings and structures during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake recommended reducing allowable shear values in wood structural panel shear walls or diaphragms that were not substantiated by cyclic testing. That recommendation was consistent with a report to the Governor from the Seismic Safety Commission of the State of California recommending that code requirements be "more thoroughly substantiated with testing." The allowable shear values for wood structural panel shear walls or diaphragms fastened with staples are based on monotonic testing and do not take into consideration that earthquake forces load shear wall or diaphragm in a repeating and fully reversible manner. In September 2007, limited cyclic testing was conducted by a private engineering firm to determine if wood structural panels fastened with staples would exhibit the same behavior as wood structural panels fastened with common nails. The test result revealed that wood structural panels fastened with staples demonstrated much lower strength and stiffness than wood structural panels fastened with common nails. It was recommended that the use of staples as fasteners for wood structural panel shear walls or diaphragms not be permitted to resist seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories D, E, and F unless it can be substantiated by cyclic testing. 29 10
ATTACHMENT 2
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
Furthermore, the cities and unincorporated areas within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region have taken extra measures to maintain the structural integrity of the framing of shear walls and diaphragms designed for high levels of seismic forces by requiring wood sheathing be applied directly over the framing members and prohibiting the use of panels placed over gypsum sheathing. This amendment is intended to prevent the undesirable performance of nails when gypsum board softens due to cyclic earthquake displacements and the nail ultimately does not have any engagement in a solid material within the thickness of the gypsum board. This amendment continues the previous amendment adopted during the 2007 code adoption cycle.
2308.6.8.1 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, interior walls can easily be called upon to resist over half of the seismic loading imposed on simple buildings or structures. Without a continuous foundation to support the braced wall line, seismic loads would be transferred through other elements such as non-structural concrete slab floors, wood floors, etc. The purpose of this amendment is to limit the use of the exception to structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C where lower seismic demands are expected.

Requiring interior braced walls be supported by continuous foundations is intended to reduce or eliminate the poor performance of buildings or structures. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County Table 2308.6.1 Geological This amendment specifies minimum sheathing thickness and nail size and spacing so as to provide a uniform standard of construction for designers and buildings to follow. This is intended to improve the performance level of buildings and structures that are subject to the higher seismic demands placed on buildings or structure in this region.

This proposed amendment reflects the recommendations by the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which investigated the performance deficiencies observed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes in the County. 2308.6.9 Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the required higher level of performance of buildings and structures, this amendment limits the use of staple fasteners in resisting or transferring seismic forces. In September 2007, limited cyclic testing data was provided to the ICC, Los Angeles Chapter Structural Code Committee, showing that stapled wood structural shear panels do not exhibit the same behavior as nailed wood structural shear panels. The test results of stapled wood structural shear panels demonstrated much lower strength and drift than nailed wood structural shear panel test results.

Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners to resist or transfer seismic forces shall not be permitted without being substantiated by cyclic testing. This amendment is a continuation of a similar amendment adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
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ATTACHMENT 2
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
3115; Table
3115.8.5.3
Climatic
Geologic
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including, but not limited to, the recent 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The region is further impacted by construction of buildings and structures utilizing traditional construction materials that impact the amount of energy, air quality, greenhouse gas emission and construction waste in the area. The proposed amendment addresses structural design requirements specific to intermodal shipping containers, reduce environmental impact of unused and unrecycled intermodal shipping containers, and increase sustainability by reducing consumption of traditional construction materials. The proposed modification needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings utilizing intermodal shipping containers are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code and California Green Building Standards Code.

ELECTRICAL CODE AMENDMENTS
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
220.41 Climatic The County of Los Angeles is a densely populated area with varying and occasionally immoderate temperatures and weather conditions. This creates the need for highly efficient buildings to reduce demand on the electrical grid and, in turn, reduce the use of fossil fuels and improve air quality. The proposed amendment will provide a costeffective means for homeowners to increase energy savings and reduce the demand on the electrical grid by requiring the installation of an energy storage system for current or future use, with minimal need for additional construction and modification of the existing electrical system.

PLUMBING CODE AMENDMENTS
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
Section 304.1 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
The County of Los Angeles is a densely populated area with buildings constructed within a region where water is scarce and domestic water service is impacted by immoderate and varying weather conditions, including periods of extended drought. The proposed measures will require buildings to be more water efficient and allow greater conservation of domestic water due to these local conditions. 31 12
ATTACHMENT 2

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

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

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

Table H 101.8 Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for protection of local groundwater due to local soil conditions and to provide protections for native, protected oak trees that are consistent with Title 22 – Zoning and Planning – of the Los Angeles County Code, Chapter 22.174 (Oak Tree Table H 201.1(1) Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for protection of local groundwater due to local soil conditions, sewer capacity, and sewage treatment.

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

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

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

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

Section H 401.3 Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for protection of local groundwater due to local soil conditions.
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ATTACHMENT 2

PLUMBING CODE AMENDMENTS
Code Section Condition Explanation of Amendment
Section H 601.5 Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for protection of local groundwater due to local soil conditions.

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

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

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

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

Appendix S Climatic To establish requirements for solar thermal energy systems based on provisions in the Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (USHGC), which is developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. The County of Los Angeles is a densely populated area, with elevated levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Standards to regulate the installation of solar thermal energy systems will facilitate safe and efficient installations of these systems to improve local air quality, thereby improving the health of the County's residents, businesses and visitors.

MECHANICAL CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
501.1 Climatic Additional Health Department requirements are necessary due to local air quality concerns.
510.1.6 Geological High geologic activities, such as seismic events, in the Southern California area necessitate this local amendment for bracing and support.
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ATTACHMENT 2

MECHANICAL CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
603.7.1.1 Geological High geologic activities, such as seismic events, in the Southern California area necessitate this local amendment for bracing and support.
1114.4 Geological High geologic activities, such as seismic events, in the Southern California area necessitate this local amendment to reduce damage and potential for toxic refrigerant release during a seismic event caused by shifting equipment and to minimize impacts to the sewer system in such an event.

ADMINISTRATIVE & OTHER CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
R301.1.3.2 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern California area. After the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, the Wood Frame Construction Joint Task Force recommended that the quality of woodframe construction needed to be greatly improved. The Task Force recommended that structural plans be prepared by the engineer or architect so that plan examiners, building inspectors, contractors, and special inspectors may logically follow and construct the seismic force-resisting systems as presented in the construction documents. For buildings or structures located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, D2, or E that are subject to a greater level of seismic forces, the requirement to have a California licensed architect or engineer prepare the construction documents is intended to minimize or reduce structural deficiencies that may cause excessive damage or injuries in woodframe buildings. Involvement of a registered professional will minimize the occurrence of structural deficiencies such as plan and vertical irregularities, improper shear transfer of the seismic forceresisting system, missed details or connections important to the structural system, and the improper application of the prescriptive requirements of the California Residential Code.

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

These criteria were developed to minimize the damage to these structures and have been in use by the City and County of Los Angeles for several years.

R301.2.2.6 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern California area. Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the necessary higher level 34 15
ATTACHMENT 2

ADMINISTRATIVE & OTHER CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
of performance required for buildings and structures, this local amendment limits the type of irregular conditions as specified in the 2022 California Residential Code. Such limitations are recommended to reduce structural damage in the event of an earthquake. The County of Los Angeles and cities in this region have implemented these extra measures to maintain the structural integrity of the framing of the shear walls and all associated elements when designed for high levels of seismic loads.

R301.2.2.11 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern California area. Due to the high geologic activity in the Southern California area and the necessary higher level of performance required for buildings and structures, this local amendment limits the potential anchorage and supporting frame failure resulting from additional weight. There is no limitation for weight of mechanical and plumbing fixtures and equipment in the International Residential Code.

Requirements from ASCE 7 and the International Building Code would permit equipment weighing up to 400 lbs. when mounted at 4 feet or less above the floor or attic level without engineering design. Where equipment exceeds this requirement, it is the intent of this amendment that a registered design professional be required to analyze if the floor support is adequate and structurally sound.

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

R337.1.1 Climatic Extends the application of Chapter R337 to include additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings. Many areas of Los Angeles County have been designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation. Additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.

R337.1.3 Climatic Extends the application of Chapter R337 to include additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings. Many areas of Los Angeles County have been designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to the increased risk of fire caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation.

Additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.

R337.1.3.1 Climatic Extends the application of Chapter R337 to include additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings. Many areas of Los Angeles County have been designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to the increased risk of fire caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation.

Additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.
35 16
ATTACHMENT 2

ADMINISTRATIVE & OTHER CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
R337.3.5.2 Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in Los Angeles County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

R337.3.5.2.2 Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in Los Angeles County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

R337.4.4 Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in Los Angeles County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

R337.5.2 Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs and requires the use of Class A roof covering due to the increased risk of fire in Los Angeles County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

R401.1 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern California area. Wood foundations, even those that are preservative-treated, encounter a higher risk of deterioration when contacting the adjacent ground. The required seismic anchorage and transfer of lateral forces into the foundation system necessary for 2-story structures and foundation walls could become compromised at varying states of wood decay. In addition, global structure overturning moment and sliding resistance is reduced when utilizing wood foundations as opposed to conventional concrete or masonry systems. However, non-occupied, single-story storage structures pose significantly less risk to human safety and may utilize the wood foundation guidelines specified in this Chapter.

R403.1.2
R403.1.3.6
R403.1.5 Figure
R403.1.5
Climatic
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern California area. These amendments require minimum reinforcement in continuous footings and stepped footings to address the problem of poor performance of plain or under-reinforced footings during a seismic event. These amendments implement the recommendations of SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force resulting from their investigation of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Interior walls can easily be called upon to resist over half of the seismic loading imposed on simple buildings or structures. Without a continuous foundation to support the braced wall line, seismic loads would be transferred through other elements such as non-structural concrete slab floors, wood floors, etc. Requiring interior braced walls to be supported by continuous foundations is intended to reduce or eliminate the poor performance of buildings or structures.

R404.2 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show that wood foundations are effective in supporting structures and buildings during a seismic event while being subject to deterioration caused by the presence of water and other materials detrimental to wood foundations in the soil.

Wood foundations, when they are not properly treated and protected against deterioration, have performed very poorly and have led to slope failures. Most contractors are typically accustomed to construction in dry weather in the Southern California region and are not generally familiar 36 17
ATTACHMENT 2

ADMINISTRATIVE & OTHER CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
with the necessary precautions and treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both seismic events and wet applications. With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, coupled with the dryer weather conditions, it is the intent of this amendment to reduce or eliminate potential problems resulting from the use of wood footings and foundations.

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

R503.2.4 Figure
R503.2.4
Geological Section R502.10 of the Code does not provide any prescriptive criteria to limit the maximum floor opening size, nor does Section R503 provide any details to address the issue of shear transfer near larger floor openings. With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, it is important to ensure that a complete load path is provided to reduce or eliminate potential damage caused by seismic forces. Requiring blocking with metal ties around larger floor openings and limiting opening size is consistent with the requirements of Section R301.2.2.2.5.

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

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

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

R602.10.2.3 Geological The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault 37 18
ATTACHMENT 2

ADMINISTRATIVE & OTHER CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including, but not limited, to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Plywood shear walls with high aspect ratio experienced many failures during the Northridge Earthquake. This proposed amendment specifies a minimum braced wall length to meet an aspect ratio consistent with other sections of the California Residential Code, and to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. This is intended to improve the performance level of buildings and structures that are subject to the higher seismic demands and reduce and limit potential damage to property. This proposed amendment reflects the recommendations by SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force that investigated the poor performance observed during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

Table
R602.10.3(3)
Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the necessary higher level of performance of buildings and structures, this local amendment reduces or eliminates the allowable shear values for shear walls sheathed with lath, plaster, or gypsum board. The poor performance of such shear walls sheathed with other materials in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force. The County of Los Angeles and cities in this region have taken extra measures to maintain the structural integrity of the framing of the shear walls when designed for high levels of seismic loads.

Table R602.10.4 Geological 3/8" thick 3 ply-plywood shear walls experienced many failures during the Northridge Earthquake. This amendment specifies minimum WSP sheathing thickness and nail size and spacing, so as to provide a uniform standard of construction to improve the performance level of buildings and structures, given the potential for higher seismic demands placed on buildings or structure in this region. This proposed amendment reflects the recommendations by SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

In September 2007, cyclic testing data was provided to the Los Angeles Chapter Structural Code Committee showing that stapled wood structural shear panels underperformed nailed wood structural shear panels. Test results of the stapled wood structural shear panels appeared much lower in strength and drift than the nailed wood structural shear panel test results.

Table R602.10.5 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern California area. The poor performance of such shear walls sheathed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force.

The County of Los Angeles and cities in this region have taken extra measures to maintain the structural integrity with respect to the "maximum shear wall aspect ratios" of the framing of the shear walls when designed for high levels of seismic loads. This amendment is consistent with the shear wall aspect ratio provision of Section 4.3.4 of 38 19
ATTACHMENT 2

ADMINISTRATIVE & OTHER CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
AWC SDPWS-2015.

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

Figure
R602.10.6.2
Geological 3/8" thick 3 ply-plywood shear walls experienced many failures during the Northridge Earthquake. The poor performance of such shear walls in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force. The County of Los Angeles and cities in this region have taken extra measures to maintain the structural integrity of the framing of the shear walls when designed for high levels of seismic loads. Box nails were observed to cause massive and multiple failures of typical 3/8-inch thick plywood during the Northridge Earthquake. This change to the minimum lap splice requirement is consistent with Section 12.16.1 of ACI 318-11. This amendment is a continuation of amendments adopted during prior Code adoption cycles.

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

0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches in size" is consistent with Section R602.11.1 of the California Residential Code and Section 2308.3.1 of the California Building Code. This amendment is a continuation of amendments adopted during prior Code adoption cycle.

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

R606.12.2.2.3 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern California area. Reinforcement using longitudinal wires for buildings and structures located in high seismic areas is not as ductile as deformed rebar. Having vertical reinforcement closer to the ends of masonry walls helps to improve the seismic performance of masonry buildings and structures.

R803.2.4 Geological Section R802 of the Code does not provide any prescriptive criteria to limit the maximum size of roof openings, nor does Section R803 provide 39 20
ATTACHMENT 2

ADMINISTRATIVE & OTHER CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

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

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

Appendix AZ
AZ101.1,
AZ102.1,
AZ103.1,
AZ103.4,
AZ107.1
Administrative,
Voluntary
Appendix
Climatic
Geologic
Topographical
Adoption of this appendix is necessary because strict compliance with state and local standards and laws would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the effects of a declared shelter crisis or other emergency.

The modifications to this appendix are administrative in nature, to provide clarification of various provisions of the language of this voluntary Appendix.

AZ106.1 Climatic,
Voluntary
Appendix
Los Angeles County is subject to extreme temperatures, and many of these membrane structures will be erected and occupied during severe weather events. It is necessary to include this amendment to ensure the safety, health, and comfort of the occupants is maintained during extreme heat and cold.

AZ110.1.1,
AZ110.1.2
Administrative,
Voluntary
Appendix
These sections are simply a cross reference to the State Plumbing Code requirement for user convenience and is not adding a new building standard nor enacting a more restrictive requirement. To the extent findings are requested, see prefatory language in this Section.

AZ110.3 Climatic,
Voluntary
Appendix
The County may utilize mobile restroom facilities that are physically separate from the living facilities. Due to the potential for severe local weather conditions, with extreme temperatures or torrential rain, the distance to the restroom facilities required for the comfort, safety, and health of displaced people should be reduced to 300 feet or as determined by the Building Official.

GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AMENDMENTS

CODE SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
301.1, 301.1.1 Climatic and
Topographic
Environmental resources in the County of Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and occasionally immoderate, temperatures and weather conditions. Expanding the scope of the mandatory requirements of this Code for all residential additions and alterations, and for residential buildings of seven stories or greater in height, will achieve a greater reduction in greenhouse gases, higher efficiencies of energy, water, and material usage, and improved environmental air quality. 301.3, 301.3.3 Climatic and Environmental resources in the County of Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and occasionally immoderate, temperatures and weather 40 21
ATTACHMENT 2

GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AMENDMENTS

CODE SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
Topographic conditions. Expanding the scope of the mandatory requirements of this Code for nonresidential buildings and residential buildings of seven stories or greater in height that are greater than or equal to 25,000 square feet in floor area will achieve a greater reduction in greenhouse gases, higher efficiencies of energy, water, and material usage, and improved environmental air quality.

4.106.4.1,

4.106.4.1.1,

4.106.4.2,

4.106.4.2.1,

4.106.4.2.2,

4.106.4.2.3
Climatic The County of Los Angeles is a densely populated area with elevated levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed modification to increase the number of EV charging spaces and stations will help to promote the use of electric vehicles and significantly reduce local air and noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby improving the health of the County's residents, businesses, and visitors.

4.106.5 Climatic and
Topographic
The County of Los Angeles is a densely populated area having residential buildings constructed within a region where water is scarce and maintaining storm water runoff quality is required. The proposed low-impact development measures will allow greater conservation of rain water, increase in groundwater recharge, reduction of storm water runoff, and improvement in storm water runoff quality.

4.106.6,

4.106.6.1,

4.106.6.2,

4.106.6.3, Table

4.106.6(1) Table

4.106.6(2)
Climatic Environmental resources in the County of Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and occasionally immoderate, temperatures and weather conditions. Adding mandatory requirements for cool roofs for residential occupancies will achieve a greater reduction in greenhouse gases, higher efficiencies of energy, and improved environmental air quality.

5.106.3 Climatic and
Topographic
The County of Los Angeles is a densely populated area having buildings constructed within a region where water is scarce and maintaining storm water runoff quality is required. The proposed low-impact development measures will allow greater conservation of rain water, increase in groundwater recharge, reduction of storm water runoff, and improvement in storm water runoff quality.

Table

5.106.5.3.1
Climatic The County of Los Angeles is a densely populated area with elevated levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed modification to increase the number of EV charging spaces and stations will help to promote the use of electric vehicles and significantly reduce local air and noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby improving the health of the County's residents, businesses, and visitors.

5.106.11,

5.106.11.1,

5.106.11.2,

5.106.11.3,
Table 5.106.11
Climatic Environmental resources in the County of Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and occasionally immoderate, temperatures and weather conditions. Adding mandatory requirements for cool roofs for nonresidential occupancies will achieve a greater reduction in greenhouse gases, higher efficiencies of energy, and improved environmental air quality.

A5.601.1 Climatic and
Topographic
Environmental resources in the County of Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and occasionally immoderate, temperatures and weather conditions. Expanding the scope of the mandatory requirements of this Code for nonresidential buildings and residential buildings of seven 41 22
ATTACHMENT 2

GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AMENDMENTS

CODE SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
stories or greater in height that are greater than or equal to 25,000 square feet in floor area will achieve a greater reduction in greenhouse gases, higher efficiencies of energy, water, and material usage, and improved environmental air quality.

EXISTING BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS

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

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

A404.1 Administrative,
Geologic,
Voluntary
Appendix
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including, but not limited to, the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The purpose of this amendment is to provide voluntary building standards to constituents that are performing seismic retrofitting for existing structures. Due to these factors, the County requires a licensed architect or engineer stamp and approval of the construction documents. 42 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF MALIBU

CITY COUNCIL
The Malibu City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. on the item identified below in the Council Chambers at Malibu City Hall, located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA.

Public comment can be submitted ahead of the public hearing to [email protected] for inclusion in the public record. To participate during the public hearing, please visit https://malibucity.org/VirtualMeeting and follow the directions for signing up to speak and downloading the Zoom application.

CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE: ORDINANCE 531
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MALIBU ADOPTING BY REFERENCE TITLE 26 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 27 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 28 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 29 OF

THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 30 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 31 OF THE LOS ANGELES

COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 33 OF THE LOS

ANGELES COUNTY CODE, INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA REFERENCES STANDARDS CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, 2025 EDITION, THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION, MAKING AMENDMENTS TO SAID CODES; DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 503; AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT

COPIES OF THE CODE IS ON FILE WITH THE CITY CLERK AND OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION.

IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY COUNCIL’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO

RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS

NOTICE, OR OTHERWISE HELD BY THE CITY, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, EITHER AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING.

If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director/Building Official, at (310) 456-2489, ext. 229. Copies of all related documents can be reviewed by any interested person at City Hall during regular business hours. Oral and written comments may be presented to the City Council on or before the date of the meeting. ________________________________________________________ Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director/Building Official Publish Dates: December 25, 2025, January 1, 2026 and January 8, 2026 ATTACHMENT 3
43

Agenda Item # 6.A.

Council Agenda Report
To: Mayor Riggins and the Honorable Members of the City Council Prepared by: Richard Rojas, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Rob DuBoux, Acting City Manager
Date prepared: November 13, 2025 Meeting date: January 12, 2026 Subject: Request to Re-Establish a Temporary Volunteer Fire Rebuild Ambassador (Continued from December 8, 2025)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discuss and provide direction regarding the request to reestablish a Temporary Volunteer Fire Rebuild Ambassador.

FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.

DISCUSSION: At the October 27, 2025, City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to return with a discussion to re-establish a Temporary Volunteer Fire Rebuild Ambassador.

On May 21, 2025, the City Council adopted resolution no. 25-24, establishing Abe Roy as the temporary volunteer position of Rebuild Ambassador for a three-month term. On September 29, 2025, Abe Roy resigned from the volunteer position.

Beginning in October, staff began to engage with Rebuild Zone Captains to collect neighborhood specific insights and strengthen homeowner representation throughout the rebuilding process. These captains serve as a bridge between fire-impacted property owners and the city, improving access to resources and enabling direct feedback. Staff meets with the Rebuild Captains on a weekly basis.

As of November 13, 2025, 16 building permits for single-family homes have been issued within the Palisades burn area.

ATTACHMENTS: None.

City Council Meeting
1-12-26
Item

6.A.

Agenda Item # 6.B.

Council Agenda Report
To: Mayor Riggins and the Honorable Members of the City Council Prepared by: Cynthia Alba, Senior Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Richard Rojas, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Rob DuBoux, Acting City Manager
Date prepared: November 19, 2025 Meeting date: January 12, 2026 Subject: Receive and File Update on Malibu’s Community Lands (Continued from December 8, 2025)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file an update on Malibu’s Community Lands, and provide direction to staff as appropriate.

FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.

STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION: This item supports the City’s 2025 Strategic Plan Goal 7: Explore New Opportunities for Educational, Cultural and Recreational Establishments
DISCUSSION: The Malibu Community Lands Project was established to determine the most appropriate use of 61 acres of city-owned vacant land. This community driven initiative has engaged residents through a variety of outreach methods to ensure the project aligns with Malibu’s vision and mission statement. On February 12, 2024, the City of Malibu entered into an agreement with Tripepi Smith & Associates, for Community Outreach and Engagement Consulting for City Owned Vacant Lots.

On October 28, 2024 the City Council received and filed the Community Lands Outreach and Engagement Report. Based on the input received throughout the program, the City Council authorized staff to begin a phased approach for developing the lands, prioritizing community needs. Per City Council recommendation, the approved next steps include:

City Council Meeting
1-12-26
Item

6.B.

Agenda Item # 6.B.
 Heathercliff and Ioki (Chili Cook-Off Lot) Lots: The City will explore options for new soccer, baseball and softball fields as well as a multigenerational community center, including a pool, gymnasium, senior center and expanded library services.  Triangle and Trancas lots: The Council has not set direction for these lands at this time.
 La Paz Lot: The Council tasked staff and the Malibu Arts Commission in preparing a draft design recommendation of the La Paz Performing Arts Center in partnership with Cross Creek Ranch Malibu, LLC not to exceed $10,000 in planning services.

As part of this item, staff will present current updates and the status of each of the Community Lands sites, outlining progress made since Council’s previous direction.

ATTACHMENTS: None.

Agenda Item # 8.A.

Council Agenda Report
To: Mayor Riggins and the Honorable Members of the City Council Prepared by: Richard Rojas, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Rob DuBoux, Acting City Manager
Date prepared: November 20, 2025 Meeting date: January 12, 2026 Subject: Proposal for a Council Policy to Facilitate the Expeditious, Efficient and Economical Rebuild of all Structures in the City Destroyed or Materially Damaged by Wildfire, Earthquake, Flood, Landslide, Mudslide or Similar Disaster in Substantially the Same Location as the Destroyed or Damaged Structure and in a Like-for-Like Manner that Does Not Exceed 110% of the Area, Height or Bulk of the Structure Destroyed or Materially Damaged (a “Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuild”). (Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein and Councilmember Conrad) (Continued from December 8, 2025)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: At the request of Mayor Pro-Tem Silverstein and Councilmember Conrad, discuss and provide direction on the attached resolution.

FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.

DISCUSSION: City Manager’s Note: The attached resolution in this report was provided by Mayor Pro Tem Silverstein and Councilmember Conrad. This report does not contain analysis or recommendations prepared by the staff.

ATTACHMENTS: Proposed Resolution
City Council Meeting
1-12-26
Item

8.A.

PROPOSED CITY COUNCIL POLICY RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION NO. 25-__

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MALIBU DECLARING THE CITY’S POLICY RESPECTING

LIKE-FOR-LIKE DISASTER REBUILDS AND DIRECTING

THE CITY TO TAKE VARIOUS ACTIONS IN ACCORDANCE

WITH THAT POLICY

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MALIBU HEREBY
RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

The City Council of the City of Malibu (the “City Council”) hereby declares that it is the policy of the City of Malibu (the “City”) to facilitate the expeditious, efficient and economical rebuild of all structures in the City destroyed or materially damaged by wildfire, earthquake, flood, landslide, mudslide or similar disaster in substantially the same location as the destroyed or damaged structure and in a like-for-like manner that does not exceed 110% of the area, height or bulk of the structure destroyed or materially damaged (a “Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuild”).

In furtherance of the foregoing City policy, the City Council directs the following:

1. The City shall take all necessary and appropriate action to ensure that no person or entity employed by, or contracted to provide services to, the City (the “City Staff”) imposes any requirement that does not exist under applicable federal, state, county, or other law (including the Malibu Municipal Code or “MMC”)) for the approval and issuance of a planning verification (a “PV”), the completion of a plan check, the approval and issuance of a building permit, or the approval and issuance of any other permit required to be issued by the City for a Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuild. In so doing, any doubt respecting the application of a legal requirement or the manner if its application respecting any Likefor-Like Disaster Rebuild shall be resolved in favor of the City’s policy to facilitate the expeditious, efficient and economical design and construction of structures destroyed or materially damaged by wildfire, earthquake, flood, landslide, mudslide or similar disaster as a Like-forLike Disaster Rebuild. To that end, whenever there is a difference of opinion on an issue that the Director of the Community Development Department (the “CDD Director”) recognizes to be a difference of opinion upon which reasonable professional civil engineers might differ, the City Staff shall defer to the stamped and certified decision of the civil engineer employed by an applicant so long as such civil engineer is a California licensed civil engineer experienced in the particular practice that is implicated by the item in controversy (e.g., structural, geotechnical, electrical, coastal, environmental, etc.).

2. Every reasonable and legally permissible effort must be pursued to liberalize the process of securing building code approval for Like-forLike Disaster Rebuilds. As such, the City shall identify requirements of the building code that may impede the efficient, expeditious, and economical design and construction of Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuilds (especially where the property is on the beach or an area that has exhibited historical geological instability) and explore ways to overcome such impediments, such as, for example, eliminating the need for geotechnical analysis for Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuilds to be reconstructed on flat pads where pre-existing data provides a sufficient basis for the property owner’s geotechnical engineer to be satisfied respecting slope stability and other factors and the property owner is willing to assume the risk of an undetected issue. Additionally, efforts should be pursued to secure the Governor’s further relaxation of the building code for requirements that do not provide a real and necessary foundation for safety. Among other things, efforts must be pursued to permit residents to use pre-existing foundations and septic systems that were not destroyed by the Palisades Fire. And, if practicable, the process for obtaining proof of geological stability in previously developed areas of historic instability needs to be streamlined.

3. All improvements to the process of applying for and obtaining approval for the design and construction of Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuilds, which the CDD Director presented to the City Council at the Special Meeting of the City Council on October 15, 2025 shall be implemented in an expeditious manner, and the City Manager, or such other person the City Manager might designate, shall provide a status report to the City Council of the implementation of the improvements at each Regular Meeting of the City Council until such time as all such improvements have been implemented.

4. When dealing with an application respecting a Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuild, it is imperative that all members of the City Staff are singlemindedly focused on finding ways to facilitate the efficient, expeditious and economical construction of Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuilds. By the same token, when dealing with matters other than Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuilds, it also is imperative that the members of the City Staff remain committed to and focused on pursuing Malibu’s vision and mission of constraining development to preserve Malibu’s fragile rural nature.

5. Each Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuild shall be assigned to specific members of the City Staff who will be responsible for handling all aspects of the Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuild assigned to them that is within their area of expertise, and who must work in coordination with one another and not in a serial or separate manner, in order to provide continuous support, advocacy, and problem resolution throughout the process. Because Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuilds in different areas of Malibu will present different challenges, consideration should be given to dividing up the work among members of the City staff by the area in which the Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuilds are being pursued – i.e., on the beachfront, on a landslide area, on a stable hillside, on relatively flat property along the landside of PCH, etc. It also would be helpful for the City to employ or contract for the services of “case managers,” who can be tasked with the assignment of following all Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuilds from the time of initial submission to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, and whose responsibilities will include interfacing with the member(s) of the City Staff working on the projects being followed by the case managers.

6. The CDD Director, or such person designated by the CDD Director, shall develop a written comprehensive checklist of items that City Staff is required to consider and address in the first pass of a completed PV, plan-check, or building permit application – such that an applicant will not be met with successive requests or qualifications (other than those created by changes made by the applicant following a review that does not result in an approval). There also must be a measurable time period between submission of a completed PV, plan-check or building permit application and approval or denial thereof, and any denial should be accompanied by a written explanation of all reasons for the denial.

7. Applicants for Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuild hall be permitted to obtain a PV for the structure(s) on their property separate from and prior to the submission and approval of a landscaping plan, geotechnical studies, drainage plan and/or erosion control plan. They also shall be able to obtain a building permit (but not a certificate of occupancy) separate from and prior to landscaping, Dark Skies, and other matters that do not impact the plan and construction of the main residence and other structures that predated the disaster that destroyed or substantially damaged their structure(s). For properties on the beach, applicants for a Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuild shall be permitted to obtain a PV and a building permit (but not a certificate of occupancy) without accounting for whether the rebuild will utilize an OWTS or a sewer connection, so long as the addition of either will not alter the plan and can be accomplished after the rebuild is otherwise completed.

8. Given the number of crucial decisions that need to be made corresponding to Like-for-Like Disaster Rebuilds, the CDD Director, or such other person as the CDD Director should designate, shall provide a progress report to the City Council at each Regular Meeting of the City Council and identify all outstanding issues of significance until they are resolved to the satisfaction of the City Council. The City shall establish targets, goals and metrics for reviews that are published and tracked to identify areas of continuous improvement.

PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this __ day of _____, 2025. ________________________
Marianne Riggins, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Kelsey Pettijohn, City Clerk
I CERTIFY THAT THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION NO. 25-
___ was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Malibu at the regular meeting held on the __ day of ______, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_______________________
Kelsey Pettijohn, City Clerk