ORDINANCE NO. 25-1761
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWALK ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING,
RESIDENTIAL, FIRE, WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE, PLUMBING,
ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, ENERGY, EXISTING BUILDING AND
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODES AND RELATED MODEL
CODES, WITH APPENDICES AND AMENDMENTS THERETO; AND
AMENDING THE NORWALK MUNICIPAL CODE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.Sections 15.04.020 and 15.04.040 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 2.Sections 15.06.020 and 15.06.040 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit “A.”
Section 3.Sections 15.08.020 and 15.08.030 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit “A.”
Section 4.New Sections 15.10.020 and 15.10.030 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are added to read as shown in Exhibit “A.”
Section 5.Sections 15.12.020 and 15.12.040 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit “A.”
Section 6.Sections 15.16.020, 15.16.050 and 15.16.160 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit “A.” Section 7.Sections 15.20.020 and 15.20.175 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit “A.”
Section 8. Sections 15.24.020 and 15.24.040 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit "A."
Section 9. New Sections 15.26.020 of the Norwalk Municipal Code is added to read as shown in Exhibit "A."
Section 10.Sections 15.28.020 and 15.28.050 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit “A.”
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Section 11.Section 15.30.020 and 15.30.050 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit “A.”
Section 12.Sections 15.32.050.1, 15.32.050.7.1, 15.32.050.7.2, 15.32.050.7.3,
15.32.060.3, and 15.32.080.6 of the Norwalk Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit “A.”
Section 13. All inconsistencies between building standards set forth in the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Fire Code, California Wildland-urban Interface Code, California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Energy Code, California Existing Building Code and California Green Building Standards Code as adopted by this Ordinance and Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations are changes, modifications, amendments, additions or deletions thereto authorized by California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 Section 14.The changes and modifications to the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Fire Code, California Wildland-urban Interface Code, California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Existing Building Code, and California Green Building Standards Code that have been enacted by this Ordinance are reasonably necessary because of local climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, followed by strong Santa Ana winds and heavy winter rains, the location in Southern California and the relatively flat terrain of the City subject to geologic instability, and certain topographic conditions, including traffic and circulation congestion presently existing in the City and the placement of fire stations relative to multiple occupancy buildings and roads in the City.
Section 15.To the extent the provisions of this Ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the Norwalk Municipal Code, these provisions shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as new enactments. Nothing in this Ordinance, nor the adoption of this Ordinance, shall excuse any violation of Title 15 of the Norwalk Municipal Code, occurring prior to the effective date hereof.
Section 16.This Ordinance shall be effective 30 days from the date of adoption, but the provisions shall not be operative until January 1, 2026.
Section 17.If any section, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases may be declared unconstitutional.
Section 18.The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and shall cause this Ordinance to be published or posted as required by law.
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this _____day of _________ 2025.
TONY AYALA
MAYOR
ATTEST:
THERESA DEVOY, CMC
CITY CLERK
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EXHIBIT “A”
Title 15
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
“15.04.020 Building Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, including Appendices I and J thereto, is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Building Code of the City. A copy of the 2025 California Building Code has been deposited in the office of the Building Official and shall be, at all times, maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
15.04.040 Amendments.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 15.04.020 the California Building Code is hereby amended as follows:
A. Division II (Scope and Administration) of Chapter 1 is hereby deleted.
B. Table 1505.1 is hereby 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
MINIMUM ROOF COVERING CLASSIFICATIONS
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
IA IB IIA IIB IIIA IIIB IV VA VB
A A A A A A A A A
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
a. Unless otherwise required in accordance with the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
C. Section 1505.1.2 is hereby amended, by the deletion of the entire section and the addition of a new section thereto, to read as follows:
1505.1.2 Roof coverings within all other areas other than Fire Hazard Severity Zone 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.
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D. Section 1613.8 is hereby added to Chapter 16 to read as follows:
1613.8 Suspended Ceilings. Minimum design and installation standards for suspended ceilings shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of Section 2506.2.1 of this Code and this section.
1613.8.1 Scope. This part contains special requirements for suspended ceilings and lighting systems. Provisions of Section 13.5.6 of ASCE 7 shall apply except as modified herein.
1613.8.2 General. The suspended ceilings and lighting systems shall be limited to 6 feet (1829 mm) below the structural deck unless the lateral bracing is designed by a licensed engineer or architect.
1613.8.3 Sprinkler Heads. All sprinkler heads (drops) except fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies, shall be designed to allow for free movement of the sprinkler pipes with oversize rings, sleeves or adaptors through the ceiling tile. Sprinkler heads and other penetrations shall have a 2 inch (51mm) oversize ring, sleeve, or adapter through the ceiling tile to allow for free movement of at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) in all horizontal directions. Alternatively, a swing joint that can accommodate 1 inch (25.4 mm) of ceiling movement in all horizontal directions is permitted to be provided at the top of the sprinkler head extension.
Sprinkler heads penetrating fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies shall comply with Section 714 of this Code.
E. Section 1807.1.4 Permanent wood foundation systems is hereby amended, by adding a paragraph as follows:
Permanent wood foundation systems shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
F. Section 1807.1.6 Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation walls is amended, by adding a paragraph as follows:
Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation walls shall not be used for structures assigned to seismic design category D, E, or F.
G. Section 3109.2 is amended by the deletion of the entire section and the addition of a new section thereto, to read as follows:
3109.2 Construction permit; safety features required. New or remodel pools or spas, at a private single-family home, shall have an enclosure complying with the amended California Residential Code Appendix CI.
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15.06.020 Residential Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council, including Appendices BF Patio Covers and CI Swimming Pool Safety Act thereto is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Residential Code of the City. A copy of the 2025 California Residential Code has been deposited in the office of the Building Official and shall be, at all times, maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
15.06.040 Amendments.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.06.020 the California Residential Code is hereby amended as follows:
A. Division II Administration of Chapter 1 is hereby deleted.
B. Table R301.2 is hereby amended, by the deletion of Table R301.2(1) and the addition of a new Table R301.2 thereto, to read as follows:
C. TABLE R301.2 -- CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA Wind Design Subject To Damage
From
Groun
d
Sno
w
Load
o
Speed
d
(mph)
Topograp
hic
effectsk
Speci
al
wind
regionl
Windbor
ne debris
zonem
Seismic
Design
Categor
yf Weatherin
ga
Frost
line
depthb
Termite
c
Ice Barrier
Underlayme
nt
Requiredh
Flood
Hazard
sg
Air
Freezin
g
Indexi
Mean
Annua
l
Tempj
Zero 95 Yes Yes No D2 or E Negligible 12-24” Very
Heavy No Yes Zero 63
MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIAn
Elevation
Altitude
correction
factore
Coincident wet
bulb
Indoor winter design
relative humitity
Indoor design dry-
bulb temperature
Outdoor winter
design dry-bulb
temperature
Heating
Temperature
Difference
97 -- 69 -- -- -- --
Latitude Daily range Summer
design gains
Indoor summer
design relative
humitity
Indoor summer
design dry-bulb
temperature
Outdoor summer
design dry-bulb
temperature
Cooling
Temperature
Difference
34 26 50% RH 11 -- -- --
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(1)].
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.
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c. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table to indicate the need for protection depending on whether there has been a history of local subterranean termite damage. d. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the wind speed from the basic wind speed map [Figure R30l.2( 2)]. Wind exposure category shall be determined on a site- specific basis in accordance with Section R301.2.1.4.
e. The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the table to establish the design criteria using Table 10A from ACCA Manual J or established criteria determined by the jurisdiction.
f. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the seismic design category determined from Section R301.2.2.1.
g. See City's FIRM maps for Flood Hazard Locations.
h. In accordance with Sections R905.1.2, R905.4.3.1, R905.5.3.1, R905.6.3.1, R905.7.3.1 and R905.8.3.1, where there has been a history of local damage from the effects of ice damming, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with "YES." Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with "NO." 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, 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 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 (3).
D. Section R302.1 is hereby amended, by adding the following text to Exception 3:
Such structures must comply with the setback requirements of the City zoning ordinance and the Fire Code.
E. Section R313.1 is hereby amended, by the deletion of the entire section and the addition of a new section thereto, to read as follows:
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R313.1 Minimum height. Habitable rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm). Hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and storage rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134mm).
Exceptions:
1. If any room in a building has a sloped ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height for the room is required in one-half of the area thereof. Any portion of the room measuring less than 5 feet (1524mm) from the finished floor to the ceiling shall not be included in any computation of the minimum floor area thereof.
2. Bathrooms shall have a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 8 inches (2032mm) at the center of the front clearance area for fixtures in accordance with the Plumbing Code. A shower or tub equipped with a showerhead shall have a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 8 inches (2032mm) above a minimum area 30 inches (762mm) by 30 inches (762mm) at the showerhead. The ceiling height above any fixture shall be such that the fixture is capable of being used for its intended purpose.
F. Section R404.2 Wood foundation walls is hereby amended by adding a paragraph as follows:
Wood foundation walls shall not be used for structures located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2.
G. Section R902.1 is hereby amended, by the deletion of the entire section and the addition of a new section thereto, to read as follows:
R902.1 Roofing covering materials. Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. A minimum Class A roofing shall be installed in areas designated by this section. Class A roofing required by this section to be listed shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E108.
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.
H. Section R902.1.2 is hereby amended, by the deletion of the entire section and the addition of a new section thereto, to read as follows:
R902.1.2 Roof coverings in all other areas other than Fire Hazard Severity Zones or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area. 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 Ordinance No. 25-1761 Page 9 of 15
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the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.
I. Section R902.2 is hereby amended, by the deletion of the first sentence in its entirety and the addition of a new first sentence, to read 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 or ASTM E108 or UL 790 for use on Class A roofs.
J. Appendix CI, amend section 115922(a) as follows:
Except as provided in Section 115925 when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with item (1) below AND at least one additional following seven drowning prevention features:
K. Appendix CI, amend section 115922(a) (1) as follows:
An enclosure that meets the requirements of 115923 and isolates the swimming pool and spa from the private single-family home. Any walls of the residential structure or accessory structures used to complete the isolation enclosure must have door openings equipped with protection as required in 115925 (a) #4 or #5.
Any such door protection device provided for this purpose may not be used to comply with the second drowning prevention feature requirement.
L. Appendix CI, amend section 115922(a) (2) by adding the following sentence:
The mesh fencing setback shall be not less than 20 inches from the water’s edge.
M. Appendix CI, amend section 115923(e) by adding the following paragraph:
In order to be considered non-climbable, the following minimum standards shall apply:
a. The maximum opening formed by a chain link fence shall be not more than 1 ¼”.
b. There shall be a clear zone of not less than 36” between the exterior of the enclosure and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters that can be used to climb the enclosure.
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15.08.020 Fire Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Fire Code as published by the International Code Council, including Appendices B through J thereto, is adopted by reference and incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Fire Code of the City. A copy of the 2025 California Fire Code has been deposited in the office of the Building Official and shall be, at all times, maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
15.08.030 Amendments. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 15.08.020, the Fire Code is hereby amended as follows:
A.Section 101.1 is hereby amended, by the deletion of the entire section and the addition of a new section thereto, to read as follows:
101.1 Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Norwalk, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
B. Section 101.2.2 is hereby added to Part 1 of Division II of Chapter 1 as follows:
101.2.2 Fire protection and fire hydrant standards.
The requirements of this code relating to fire hydrant systems, water supply, fire equipment access, posting of fire equipment access, parking, lot identification, weed abatement, and combustible brush and vegetation on a common area that represents an imminent fire hazard, debris abatement, combustible storage abatement including flammable liquid storage, hazardous material storage and use, open flame and open burning, and burglar bars, shall apply at State regulated mobile home and special occupancy parks within the jurisdiction of the City of Norwalk as per California Health and Safety Code Sections 18691 and 18873.5.
C. Section 101.3 of the Fire Code is hereby amended by adding a second and third paragraph to read as follows:
This code shall not be construed to hold the city or county, or any fire protection district, or any officer, employee or agent thereof responsible for any damage to persons or property by reason of any inspection authorized herein or by reason of the issuance or non-issuance of any permit authorized herein, and/or for any action or omission in connection with the application and/or enforcement of this code. By adopting the provisions of this code, the city or county, or any fire protection district, does not intend to impose on itself, its employees or agents any mandatory duties of care toward persons and property within its jurisdiction so as to provide a basis of civil liability for damages.
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This section is declaratory of existing law and is not to be construed as suggesting that such was not the purpose and intent of previous code adoptions.
15.10.020 Wildland-urban Interface Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Wildland-urban Interface Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Wildland-urban Interface Code as published by the International Code Council, including the appendices thereto, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Wildland-urban Interface Code of the City. A copy of the 2025 Wildland- urban Interface Code has been deposited in the office of the Building Official and shall be, at all times, maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
15.10.030 Amendments.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 15.10.020, the California Wildland- urban Interface Code is hereby amended by deleting Division II (Scope and Administration) of Chapter 1.
15.12.020 Plumbing Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, including the appendices A through S thereto, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Plumbing Code of the City. A copy of the 2025 California Plumbing Code has been deposited in the office of the Building Official and shall be, at all times, maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
15.12.040 Amendments.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 15.12.020, the California Plumbing Code is hereby amended by deleting Division II (Administration) of Chapter 1.
15.16.020 Electrical Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association is hereby adopted by reference and is incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Electrical Code of the City. A copy of the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, has been deposited in the office of the Building Official and shall be, at all times, maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
15.16.050 Amendments.
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Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 15.16.020, the Electrical Code is hereby amended as follows:
A. Articles 89.108.4 through 89.108.10 are hereby deleted.
15.16.160 Time Limit. Delete the entire section and add a new section thereto, to read as follows:
Every permit issued under the provisions of this Code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 12 months from the date of such permit, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced, for a period of one hundred eight (180) days or more. Before such work can be commenced or recommenced, a new permit shall first be obtained and the fee therefor shall be one-half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications of such work; and provided, further, that the new permit is obtained no later than one year from the date of the expired permit, or the duration of suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of time within which work may commence under that permit. The Building Official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time for periods not more than one hundred eighty (180) days each. The extensions shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. The fee as established by resolution of the City Council shall be paid for each permit extension.
In order to renew a permit after expiration, except as provided for above, the permittee shall pay the fee as established by resolution of the City Council.
15.20.175 Swimming pool enclosures and safety devices. Delete Paragraphs B & C and replace with a new paragraph as follows:
B. Private Swimming Pools. New or remodel pools or spas, at a private single-family home, shall have an enclosure complying with the amended California Residential Code, Appendix CI.
15.24.020 Mechanical Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, including the appendices thereto, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Mechanical Code of the City. A copy of the 2025 California Mechanical Code has been deposited in the office of the Building Official and shall be, at all times, maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
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15.24.040 Amendments.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 15.24.020, the Mechanical Code is hereby amended by deleting Division II (Administration) of Chapter 1.
15.26.020 Energy Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Energy Code, 2025 Edition, including the appendices thereto, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Energy Code of the City. A copy of the 2025 California Energy Code has been deposited in the office of the Building Official and shall be, at all times, maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
15.28.020 Existing Building Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Existing Building Code as published by the International Code Council, hereby adopted by reference and is incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Existing Building Code of the City for regulating existing buildings in the City. A copy of the 2025 California Existing Building Code has been deposited in the office of the Building Official and shall be, at all times, maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
15.28.050 Amendments.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 15.28.020, the Existing Building Code is hereby amended by deleting Division II (Scope and Administration) of Chapter 1.
15.30.020 Green Building Standards Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein as though fully set forth herein and shall constitute the Green Building Standards Code of the City. A copy of the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code has been deposited in the office of the Building Official and shall be, at all times, maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
15.30.050 Amendments.
Section 202 is hereby amended, by the addition of the following definition, to read as follows:
Sustainability. Consideration of present development and construction impacts on the community, the economy, and the environment without compromising the needs of the future.
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15.32.050.1 Work exempt from permit. Delete section A and add a new section thereto to read as follows:
A. Building.
1. One-story detached accessory structures to an R-3 occupancy less than ten (10) feet in height, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, such as portable shade structures, provided the floor area does not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet (11 m 2). Such structures must comply with the setback requirements of the City zoning ordinance and the Fire Code.
2. Wood, chain link or tubular steel fences or masonry walls, other than swimming pool barriers, not over six feet (1,829 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls that 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, or within thirty (30) inches from a property line.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 1.5:1.
6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than thirty (30) inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below, or within thirty (30) inches from a property line, and are not part of a required exit, means of egress or an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, carpeting, tiling that is not part of a tub or shower enclosure, cabinets, counters and similar finish work that does not involve electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than eighteen (18) inches (457.2 mm) deep, do not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons (18,925L) and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structure for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two- family dwellings.
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12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than fifty-four (54) inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support Group R-3 and U occupancies.
13. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over five feet, nine inches (1,753 mm) in height.
Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items.
15.32.050.7.1 Requesting extension of an unexpired permit. Delete the section in its entirety and add a new section thereto, to read as follows:
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of time within which permittee may commence work under that permit when he or she is unable to commence or recommence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. 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 registered in writing and justifying cause demonstrated. Permits extended not be subject to new regulations adopted after issuance of the permit. The fee as established by resolution of the City Council shall be paid for each permit extension.
15.32.050.7.2 Requesting renewal of a permit that has been expired for less than one hundred eighty days. Delete the section in its entirety and add a new section thereto, to read as follows:
15.32.050.7.2 Requesting reactivation of an expired permit. The fee as established by resolution of the City Council shall be paid for each permit reactivation.
15.32.050.7.3 Requesting renewal of a permit that has been expired for one hundred eighty days or more. Delete the section in its entirety.
15.32.060.3 Examination of documents. Delete the section in its entirety.
15.32.080.6 Fee Refunds. Delete the entire section and add a new section thereto, to read as follows:
The Building Official may authorize refunding of any fee paid hereunder, which was erroneously paid or collected. The Building Official may authorize refunding of the permit fee as established by resolution of the City Council.
Permit and plan check fees will be refunded in their entirety when inadvertently paid for a project outside the jurisdiction of the City of Norwalk or as duplicate fees, except that no refund will be made if one year has elapsed from the date of payment.