Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025
allow the uniform application of the codes by procedures suited to the size and nature of the City’s staff and administrative agencies by means suited to the City’s experience with local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions and to provide sufficient staff support for the time-consuming inspections and analysis required by the City’s fire and geological hazards.
Section 4. To the extent the provisions of this ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, these sections shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as new enactments.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance or any part hereof is for any reason held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid.
Section 6. California Environmental Quality Act. Pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines, the City Council finds that this Ordinance will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and therefore is not subject to the CEQA. Additionally, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3), the activity is not a “project” as defined in Section 15378 because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. Most of the terms of the building standards adopted herein are dictated by the California Buildings Standards Code and county amendments to the state standards only make those modifications necessary for local regional conditions which are at least as protective of the environment as the state codes. City-specific amendments are limited to creating administrative processes for local enforcement of the state building standards.
Alternatively, even if the ordinance is a project within the meaning of CEQA, its adoption is exempt from CEQA under the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may cause significant adverse effects on the environment. CEQA Guideline section 15061(b)(3). As this ordinance is largely administrative in nature, there is no possibility that the City’s action would adversely affect the environment in any manner that could be significant.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its passage and adoption pursuant to California Government Code section 36937 and shall apply to all projects submitted to the City for plan check and/or permit application on or after that date.
Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 12th day of January, 2026. ____________________________
, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
BEST BEST & KRIEGER LLP
________________________________
Nicolas Papajohn, City Attorney
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 389-U
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS 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; TITLE 33 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
CODE INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING
CODE, 2025 EDITION; ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION; MAKING AMENDMENTS TO SAID CODES;
AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the City of Rolling Hills Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
Title 15 - BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 15.04 BUILDING CODE
Sections:
15.04.010 Adoption of Building Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26, Building Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Building Code, 2025 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.04.020 Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills” and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
15.04.030 Section 105, “Permits,” amended.
Section 105, “Permits,” of the Building Code is amended to add a subsection 105.8, “Review hearing,” to read:
105.8 Review hearing. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills may conduct a public hearing to review any decision or order of the Board of Appeals, the Code Enforcement Appeals Board, or the Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board upon an affirmative vote of three members of the City Council within thirty (30) calendar days of the decision or order. The City Council may, upon conclusion of the public hearing, sustain or reverse in whole or in part any said action or order. Notice of the City Council public hearing shall be given by the City Clerk not less than ten (10) days prior to the hearing by first class mail to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of the subject property and all owners of record of the subject property at the time of mailing said notice.
15.04.040 Definitions.
Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the California Building Code or the County of Los Angeles Building Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows:
“Board of Appeals” means the Board of Appeals established by Section 105 of said Los Angeles County Building Code.
“Building department” means the entities charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of administering the building code for the City. “Building Official” means the persons charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of administering the building code for the City. “City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“City Engineer” means the persons charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of performing the functions of city engineer for the City.
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“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“Electrical Code” means Chapter 15.16 of this code.
“Existing Building Code” means Chapter 15.24 of this code. “Fire Code” means Chapter 15.20 of this code.
“Fire zone” means the fire zone adopted by an ordinance creating and establishing fire zones or where no such fire zones have been adopted by the City of Rolling Hills, shall mean very high fire hazard severity zone (“VHFHSZ”). “General fund” means the City Treasury of the City of Rolling Hills. “Green Building Standards Code” means Chapter 15.22 of this code. “Health Code” or “Los Angeles County Health Code” means Chapter 8.04 of this code.
“Health Officer” means the Health Officer of the City of Rolling Hills. “Mechanical Code” means Chapter 15.12 of this code.
“Plumbing Code” means Chapter 15.08 of this code.
“Residential Code” means Chapter 15.18 of this code.
15.04.050 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010, the Building Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Building Code, to a sum set by resolution of the City Council, including a park and recreation fee.
15.04.060 Section 202, “Definitions,” amended.
Section 202, “Definitions,” of the Building Code, regarding the definition of a “basement,” is amended to read as follows:
BASEMENT is any floor level below the first story of the primary residence, including an attached garage. Except for walls within light wells, basement walls across any elevation may not exceed a height of five (5) feet above finished grade at any point immediately adjacent to the basement exterior, and shall have no greater than an average of two and one-half (21/2) feet exterior height. Basement well(s) shall be incorporated into the overall design of the building so that it does not give an appearance of a separate story.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
15.04.070 Section 202, “Definitions,” amended.
Section 202, Definitions,” of the Building Code, regarding the definition of a “story,” is amended to read as follows:
STORY is that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the ceiling or roof above it. There shall be no story on top of another, except as permitted in Section 17.16.080 of the Zoning Ordinance.
15.04.080 Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J103, “Permits required,” amended.
Section J103.2, “Exemptions,” Exemption 8, is amended to read as follows:
8. An excavation that does not exceed 50 cubic yards and complies with one of the following conditions and as shown in Figure J103.2:
(a) Is less than 2 feet (0.6 m) in depth.
(b) Does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet (1.5 m) measured vertically upward from the cut surface to the surface of the natural grade and is not steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope).
Section J103.2, “Exemptions,” Exemption 9, is amended to read as follows:
9. A fill not intended to support a structure that does not obstruct a drainage course and complies with one of the following conditions and as shown in Figure J103.2:
(a) Is less than 1 foot (0.3 m) in depth and is placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (20 percent slope).
(b) Is less than 3 feet (0.9 m) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 50 cubic yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope).
(c) Is less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 20 cubic yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope).
Section J103.6, “Compliance with Zoning Code,” is amended to read as follows:
The Building Official may refuse to issue a grading permit for work on a site if either the proposed grading or the proposed land use for the site shown
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
on the grading plan application does not comply with the provisions of Title 17 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code (Zoning).
15.04.090 Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J106.1, “Maximum cut slope,” amended.
Section J106.1, “Maximum cut slope,” is amended to read as follows:
The slope of cut surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use and shall be no more than one unit vertical to two units horizontal (50 percent slope), unless the owner, or the owner’s authorized agent, receives a variance for a steeper slope from the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills and furnishes a geotechnical or an engineering geology report, or both, justifying a steeper slope. The reports must contain a statement by the Geotechnical Engineer or Engineering Geologist that the site was investigated and an opinion that a steeper slope will be stable and will not create a hazard to public or private property, in conformance with the requirements of Section 111.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Building Official may require the slope of cut surfaces to be less than 50 percent, if the Building Official finds it necessary for the stability and safety of the slope.
Exceptions:
The slope of a cut surface may be permitted to be as steep as 1.5 units horizontal to one unit vertical (67 percent) only if all of the following conditions are met:
1. It is not intended to support structures or surcharges.
2. It is approved by the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills.
3. It is adequately protected against erosion.
4. It is no more than 8 feet (2438 mm) in height.
5. It is approved by the Building Official.
6. Ground water is not encountered.
15.04.100 Section J106.2 added.
Section J106, “Excavations,” is amended to add subsection J106.2, “Driveways,” to read as follows:
Section J106.2 Driveways. Driveways which provide access from any lot or parcel of land to any of the private roads in the City of Rolling Hills which are maintained by the Rolling Hills Community Association shall be so constructed that the first twenty (20) feet of said driveway, measured from the edge of the paved portion of said private road, shall not be steeper in grade than seven percent (7%). All new and relocated driveways require approval of the City of Rolling Hills Traffic Commission prior to construction.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
15.04.110 Section J106.3 added.
Section J106, “Excavations,” is amended to add subsection J106.3, “Balanced cut and fill ratio,” to read as follows:
J106.3 Balanced cut and fill ratio.
Adherence to balanced cut and fill ratio is an important policy of the City and furthers the goals and objectives of its General Plan, except that export of soil generated from construction of basements and other excavation activities, promotes the preservation of natural terrain of the property. A project, which does not include excavation, may deviate from balanced cut and fill only under unusual circumstances related to the size, shape, topography or other physical conditions of the property that qualify it for a variance pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.050.
1. No import of soil shall be permitted to any lot in the City, except where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
2. No export of soil shall be permitted from any lot in the City, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity, as defined in Municipal Code Section 17.12.050 or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved. Export of soil must comply with City refuse diversion requirements.
3. No grading plan for which a permit is required shall be approved unless the amount of soil to be cut from the site equals the amount of soil to be filled on the site, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
4. The City Manager, or his or her designee, may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area), and (b) That the need to import or export the soil could not have been foreseen prior to commencement of construction.
5. The City Manager or his or her designee may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards for remedial repair of the lot that has eroded, and of hillside or trail if he or she finds, based upon written
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area); (b) The import or export of soil is no greater than necessary to avoid a threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger; and (c) A professionally prepared drainage plan for permanent repair shall be required if the erosion is re-occurring and if/when the amount of dirt requested, when added to the amount of dirt used in previous years, exceeds a total of 500 cubic yards.
15.04.120 Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J107.6, “Maximum slope,” amended.
Section J107.6, “Maximum slope,” is amended to read as follows:
The slope of fill surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use. Fill slopes steeper than 1 unit vertical to 2 units horizontal (50 percent slope) shall not be permitted unless the owner receives a variance for a steeper fill slope from the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills, pursuant to the provisions of Title 17 of the Municipal Code. Such slopes shall be justified by geotechnical reports conforming with the requirements of Section 111, containing a statement by the Geotechnical Engineer that the site has been investigated and an opinion that a steeper fill slope will be stable and will not create a hazard to public or private property. Substantiating calculations and supporting data may be required where the Building Official determines that such information is necessary to verify the stability and safety of the proposed slope. The Building Official may require the fill slope to be constructed with a face flatter in slope than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope) if the Building Official finds it necessary for stability and safety of the slope.
15.04.130 Section J107.10 added.
Section J107, “Fills,” is amended by adding subsection J107.10, “Balanced cut and fill ratio,” to read as follows:
J107.10 Balanced cut and fill ratio.
Adherence to balanced cut and fill ratio is an important policy of the City and furthers the goals and objectives of its General Plan, except that export of soil generated from construction of basements and other excavation activities, promotes the preservation of natural terrain of the property. A project, which does not include excavation, may deviate from balanced cut and fill only under unusual circumstances related to the size, shape, topography or other physical conditions of the property that qualify it for a variance pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.050.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
1. No import of soil shall be permitted to any lot in the City, except where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
2. No export of soil shall be permitted from any lot in the City, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity, as defined in Municipal Code Section 17.12.050 or where a variance pursuant to Chapter
17.38 has been approved. Export of soil must comply with City refuse diversion requirements.
3. No grading plan for which a permit is required shall be approved unless the amount of soil to be cut from the site equals the amount of soil to be filled on the site, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
4. The City Manager, or his or her designee, may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export (other than from excavation activities), of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) Construction of a structure on the lot or parcel has commenced,
(b) That the need to import or export the soil could not have been foreseen prior to commencement of construction, and
(c) That either the structure, as approved, cannot be completed without the requested import or export of soil or that an emergency condition exists due to the threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger.
5. The City Manager or his or her designee may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards for remedial repair of an area of the lot that has eroded, is on a hillside or a trail if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area). (b) The import or export of soil is no greater than necessary to avoid a threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger. (c) A professionally prepared drainage plan for permanent repair shall be required if the erosion is re-occurring and if/when the amount
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
of dirt requested, when added to the amount of dirt used in previous years, exceeds a total of 500 cubic yards.
15.04.140 Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J101.2, “Flood hazard areas,” amended.
Section J101.2, “Flood hazard areas,” is amended to read as follows:
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010 of this chapter, the Building Code is amended by requiring that in addition to Section J101.2, all new construction and substantial improvements proposed to be built in a flood-prone area, as determined in accordance with Section 8.36.050 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code (“RHMC”), is subject to the floodplain management regulations set forth in Chapter 8.36 of the RHMC.
15.04.150 Violations and penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or portion thereof or perform any grading in the City of Rolling Hills, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.08 PLUMBING CODE
Sections:
15.08.010 Adoption of Plumbing Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 28, Plumbing Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Plumbing Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the
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Plumbing Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.08.020 Definitions.
Whenever any of the following names of terms are used in the California Plumbing Code and the Los Angeles County Plumbing Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows:
“City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
15.08.030 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.08.010, the Plumbing Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Plumbing Code to a sum set by resolution of the City Council.
15.08.040 Violations and penalties.
A. Every person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Plumbing Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
B. The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
Chapter 15.12 MECHANICAL CODE
Sections:
15.12.010 Adoption of Mechanical Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 29, Mechanical Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition (Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations)
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is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Mechanical Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.12.020 Definitions.
Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the California Mechanical Code or the County of Los Angeles Mechanical Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows:
“City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
15.12.030 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.12.010, the Mechanical Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Mechanical Code to a sum set by resolution of the City Council.
15.12.040 Violations and penalties.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, install, alter, repair, relocate, add to, replace, use or maintain heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment in the jurisdiction, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills. Maintenance of equipment which was unlawful at the time it was installed, and which would be unlawful under this Code if installed after the effective date of this Code, shall constitute a continuing violation of this Code.
B. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this section are
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in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
Chapter 15.16 ELECTRICAL CODE
Sections:
15.16.010 Adoption of Electrical Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 27, Electrical Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition (Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Electrical Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Electrical Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.16.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.16.010 of this chapter, whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the Electrical Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section as follows:
“City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
15.16.030 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.16.010, fees for plan check, inspection, and all other miscellaneous services shall be based on the fee schedule set forth by Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, Fees, as approved by resolution of the City Council.
15.16.040 Violations and penalties.
A. Every person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Electrical Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such
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person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
B. The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
Chapter 15.18 RESIDENTIAL CODE
Sections:
15.18.010 Adoption of Residential Code.
Except as herein provided, Title 30, Residential Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition (Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Residential Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Residential Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.18.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in Section
15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.18.040 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed for the Building Code in Section 15.04.050 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.18.050 Violations and penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building
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or structure or perform any grading in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Residential Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.20 FIRE CODE*
Sections:
15.20.010 Adoption of Fire Code.
Except as hereinafter provided in this chapter, California Fire Code, 2025 Edition (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as though set forth in this chapter in full.
Said code shall constitute the Fire Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Fire Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the latter-listed document shall control.
A copy of the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk and shall be at all times while in force maintained by the Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.20.020 Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Fire Code of the City of Rolling Hills” and may be cited as such.
15.20.025 Fire hazard severity zones.
The Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones map for the City of Rolling Hills dated March 24, 2025, as identified by the State Fire Marshal, is hereby adopted by the City of Rolling Hills and incorporated herein for all purposes. This map is available for inspection in the City Clerk's office at the Rolling Hills City Hall.
15.20.030 Permits.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
Any permit heretofore issued by the County of Los Angeles pursuant to the Fire Code of said County, for work within the territorial boundaries of the City of Rolling Hills, shall remain in full force and effect according to its terms.
15.20.035 Reserved.
15.20.040 Local amendments—Reserved.
15.20.050 Violations.
Every person violating any provision of the Fire Code or of any permit or license granted hereunder, or any rule, regulation or policy promulgated pursuant hereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor unless such violation is declared to be an infraction by the Fire Code.
Each such violation is a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which such violation is committed, continued or permitted, and conviction of any such violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
15.20.060 Responsibility.
Any person who personally or through another willfully, negligently, or in violation of law sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire kindled or attended by such person to escape from his or her control, allows any hazardous material to be handled, stored or transported in a manner not in accordance with nationally recognized standards, allows any hazardous material to escape from his or her control, neglects to properly comply with any written notice of the Chief, or willfully or negligently allows the continuation of a violation of the Fire Code and amendments thereto is liable for the expense of fighting the fire or for the expenses incurred during a hazardous materials incident, and such expense shall be a charge against that person. Such charge shall constitute a debt of such person and is collectible by the public agency incurring such expense in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied.
Chapter 15.22 GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
Sections:
15.22.010 Adoption of Green Building Standards Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 31, Green Building Standards Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition (Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
amendment to the Green Building Standards Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.22.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be construed to have the meaning ascribed to them in the Los Angeles County Green Building Standards Code or in Section 15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, as appropriate.
15.22.030 Water budget.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, Section 4.304, “Outdoor water use,” of the Green Building Standards Code, is amended by adding subsection
4.304.2, “Water budget,” to read as follows:
4.304.2 Water budget. A water budget shall be developed for landscape irrigation use installed in conjunction with new construction and new or redeveloped landscaping that conforms to the local water efficient landscape ordinance in Chapter 13.18 of Title 13 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.22.040 Low-impact development.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, sSection 4.106.5, “Lowimpact development,” of the Green Building Standards Code, is amended to read as follows:
4.106.5 Low-impact development. New development or additions or alteration to existing developed sites shall comply with the Storm Water Management and Pollution Control Ordinance, Chapter 8.32 of Title 8 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.22.050 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed by resolution of the City Council for the Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Fire Codes of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.22.060 Violations and penalties.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.24 EXISTING BUILDING CODE
Sections:
15.24.010 Adoption of Existing Building Code.
Except as herein provided, Title 33, Existing Building Code of the Los Angeles County Code, in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition (Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as the Existing Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of Title 33, Existing Building Code of the Los Angeles County Code, 2025 Edition, or any amendment to the Existing Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 33 of the Existing Building Code and the 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.24.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.24.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be construed to have the meaning ascribed to them in Section 15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.24.030 Fees.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.24.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed for the Building Code in Section 15.04.050 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.24.040 Violations and penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City of Rolling Hills, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.32 UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
Sections:
15.32.010 Definitions.
Whenever in this chapter the words or phrases defined in this section are used, they shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in the following definitions:
A. “Commission” means the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California.
B. “Person” means and includes individuals, firms, corporations, partnerships, and their agents and employees.
C. “Poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures” means poles, towers, supports, wires, conductors, guys, stubs, platforms, crossarms, braces, transformers, insulators, cutouts, switches, communication circuits, appliances, attachments and appurtenances located aboveground within a district and used or useful in supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service.
D. “Underground utility district” or “district” means that area in the City within which poles, overhead wires, and associated overhead structures are prohibited as such area is described in a resolution adopted pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.32.040.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
E. “Utility” includes all persons or entities supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service by means of electrical materials or devices.
15.32.020 Public hearing—Authorized when—Notice.
The Council may from time to time call public hearings to ascertain whether the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures within designated areas of the City and the underground installation of wires and facilities for supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service. The City Clerk shall notify all affected property owners as shown on the last equalized assessment roll and utilities concerned by mail of the time and place of such hearings at least ten days prior to the date thereof. Each such hearing shall be open to the public and may be continued from time to time. At each such hearing all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard. The decision of the Council shall be final and conclusive.
15.32.030 Public hearing—Consultation.
Prior to holding such public hearing, the City Engineer shall consult with all affected utilities and shall prepare a report for submission at such hearing containing, among other information, the extent of such utilities’ participation and estimates of the total costs to the city and affected property owners. Such report shall also contain an estimate of the time required to complete such underground installation and removal of overhead facilities.
15.32.040 Council resolution—Procedure.
If, after any such public hearing, the Council finds that the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires such removal and such underground installation within a designated area, the Council shall, by resolution, declare such designated area an underground utility district and order such removal and underground installation. Such resolution shall include a description of the area comprising such district and shall fix the time within which such removal and underground installation shall be accomplished and within which affected property owners must be ready to receive underground services. A reasonable time shall be allowed for such removal and underground installation, having due regard for the availability of labor, materials and equipment necessary for such removal and for the installation of such underground facilities as may be occasioned thereby.
15.32.050 Maintaining overhead structures prohibited when.
Whenever the Council creates an underground utility district and orders the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures therein as provided in Section 15.32.040, it is unlawful for any person or utility to erect, construct, place, keep, maintain, continue, employ or operate poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures in the district after the date when said overhead facilities are required to be removed by such resolution, except as said overhead facilities may be required to furnish service to an owner or occupant of property prior to the performance by such owner or
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
occupant to continue to receive utility service as provided in Section 15.32.100, and for such reasonable time required to remove said facilities after said work has been performed, and except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
15.32.060 Emergency overhead structures.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, overhead facilities may be installed and maintained for a period not to exceed ten days without authority of the City Manager in order to provide emergency service. The City Manager may grant special permission on such terms as the City Manager may deem appropriate, in cases of unusual circumstances, without discrimination as to any person or utility, to erect, construct, install, maintain, use or operate poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures.
15.32.070 Council resolution—Exceptions authorized.
In any resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City may authorize any or all of the following exceptions:
A. Any municipal facilities or equipment installed under the supervision and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer;
B. Poles or electroliers used exclusively for street lighting; C. Overhead wires (exclusive of supporting structures) crossing any portion of a district within which overhead wires have been prohibited, or connecting to buildings on the perimeter of a district, which such wires originate in an area from which poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures are not prohibited;
D. Poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures used for the transmission of electric energy at nominal voltages in excess of 34,500 volts;
E. Overhead wires attached to the exterior surface of a building by means of a bracket or other fixture and extending from one location of the building to another location on the same building or to an adjacent building without crossing any public street;
F. Antennae, associated equipment and supporting structures used by a utility for furnishing communication services;
G. Equipment appurtenant to underground facilities, such as surfacemounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts.
H. Temporary poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures used or to be used in conjunction with construction projects.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
15.32.080 Notice to property owners and utility companies.
A. Within ten days after the effective date of a resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City Clerk shall notify all affected utilities and all persons owning real property within the district created by said resolution of the adoption thereof. The City Clerk shall further notify such affected property owners of the necessity that if they or any person occupying such property desire to continue to receive electric, communication, or similar or associated service, they or such occupant shall provide all necessary facility changes on their premises so as to receive such service from the lines of the supplying utility or utilities at a new location.
B. Notification by the City Clerk shall be made by mailing a copy of the resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, together with a copy of this chapter, to affected property owners as such are shown on the last equalized assessment roll and to the affected utilities.
15.32.090 Responsibility of utility companies.
If underground construction is necessary to provide utility service within a district created by any resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the supplying utility shall furnish that portion of the conduits, conductors and associated equipment required to be furnished by it under its applicable rules, regulations and tariffs on file with the Commission.
15.32.100 Responsibility of property owners—Notice.
Every person owning, operating, leasing, occupying or renting a building or structure within a District shall construct and provide that portion of the service connection on his property between the facilities referred to in Section 15.32.090 and the termination facility on or within said building or structure being served. If the above is not accomplished by any person within the time provided for in the resolution enacted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City Engineer shall give, notice in writing to the person in possession of such premises, and a notice in writing to the owner thereof as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, to provide the required underground facilities within ten days after receipt of such notice.
15.32.110 Notice—Service.
The notice to provide the required underground facilities may be given either by personal service or by mail. In case of service by mail on either of such persons, the notice must be deposited in the United States mail in a sealed envelope with postage prepaid, addressed to the person in possession of such premises at such premises, and the notice must be addressed to the owner thereof as such owner’s name appears, and must be addressed to such owner’s last known address as the same appears on the last equalized assessment roll, and when no address appears, to General Delivery, City of Rolling Hills, California. If notice is given by mail, such notice shall be deemed to have been received by the person to whom it has been sent within forty-eight hours after the
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
mailing thereof. If notice is given by mail to either the owner or occupant of such premises, the City Engineer shall, within forty-eight hours after the mailing thereof, cause a copy thereof, printed on a card not less than eight inches by ten inches in size to be posted in a conspicuous place on said premises.
15.32.120 Notice—Form.
The notice given by the City Engineer to provide the required underground facilities shall particularly specify what work is required to be done, and shall state that if said work is not completed within thirty days after receipt of such notice, the City Engineer will provide such required underground facilities, in which case the cost and expense thereof will be assessed against the property benefited and become a lien upon such property.
15.32.130 Work by City Engineer—Assessment of costs.
If upon the expiration of the thirty-day period the required underground facilities have not been provided, the City Engineer shall forthwith proceed to do the work; provided, however, if such premises are unoccupied and no electric or communications services are being furnished thereto, the City Engineer may authorize the disconnection and removal of any and all overhead service wires and associated facilities supplying utility service to said property. Upon completion of the work by the City Engineer, he shall file a written report with the City Council setting forth the fact that the required underground facilities have been provided and the cost thereof, together with a legal description of the property against which such cost is to be assessed. The Council shall thereupon fix a time and place for hearing protests against the assessment of the cost of such work upon such premises, which said time shall not be less than ten days thereafter.
15.32.140 Assessment—Hearing—Notice.
The City Engineer shall forthwith, upon the time for hearing such protests having been fixed, give a notice in writing to the person in possession of such premises, and a notice in writing thereof to the owner thereof, in the manner provided in this chapter for the giving of the notice to provide the required underground facilities, of the time and place that the Council will pass upon such report and will hear protests against such assessment. Such notice shall also set forth the amount of the proposed assessment.
15.32.150 Assessment—Hearing—Decision.
Upon the date and hour set for the hearing of protests, the Council shall hear and consider the report and all protests if there be any, and then proceed to affirm, modify or reject the assessment.
15.32.160 Assessment—Lien.
If any assessment is not paid within the five days after its confirmation by the Council, the amount of the assessment shall become a lien upon the property against which the assessment is made by the City Engineer, and the City Engineer is directed to turn over to the Assessor and Tax Collector a notice of lien of each of said properties on
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
which the assessment has not been paid, and the Assessor and Tax Collector shall add the amount of said assessment to the next regular bill for taxes levied against the premises upon which said assessment was not paid. Said assessment shall be due and payable, and if not paid when due and payable, shall bear interest at the rate of six percent per annum.
15.32.170 Responsibility of City.
The City shall remove at its own expense all City-owned equipment from all poles required to be removed under this chapter in ample time to enable the owner or user of such poles to remove the same within the time specified in the resolution enacted pursuant to Section 15.32.040.
15.32.180 Extension of time.
In the event that any act required by this chapter or by a resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040 cannot be performed within the time provided on account of shortage of materials, war, restraint by public authorities, strikes, labor disturbances, civil disobedience, or any other circumstances beyond the control of the contractor, then the time within which such act will be accomplished shall be extended for a period equivalent to the time of such limitation.
15.32.190 Violation—Penalty.
It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision or to fail to comply with any requirement of this chapter. Any person violating any provision of this chapter or failing to comply with any of its requirements shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine or not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in County Jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person and shall be punishable accordingly.
Chapter 15.36 HOURS OF CONSTRUCTION
Sections:
15.36.010 Work of improvement defined.
For the purpose of this chapter, “work of improvement” includes but is not restricted to the construction, alteration, addition, or the repair, in whole or in part, of any building, structure, bridge, ditch, pipeline, tunnel, fence, or road; the cutting or removal of weeds, trees and grass; the seeding, sodding or planting of any lot or tract of land for landscaping purposes; the filling, levelling, grading of any lot or tract of land; or the crushing of rock or the hauling of any material to be used or removed in connection with any of the foregoing; the demolition of buildings; or the removal of buildings.
15.36.020 Hours restricted.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
There shall be no work of improvement or the operation of mechanical equipment used in connection with work of improvement within the territorial limits of the City except on Monday through Saturday of each week, commencing at the hour of seven a.m. and ending at the hour of six p.m. on each day.
15.36.030 Exceptions.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to residents of the City who are the record owners of land in the City or who are the lessees of the record owners of land in the City.
Chapter 15.40 GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS REQUIRED Sections:
15.40.010 Requirements.
The requirements provided for in this chapter are in addition to any and all other requirements relating to expansive soils and geological inspections and reports required by the building code of the City or any other ordinance of the City.
15.40.020 Authority—Procedure.
A. No building (as defined in the Los Angeles County Building Laws) for which a building or grading permit is required by the building code of the City, shall be issued by the City Engineer if he, and/or the City Council, is of the opinion that a potentially serious geological condition may exist on the land on which the proposed building is to be constructed, or the proposed grading is to be performed, until a geological report prepared by a geologist registered by the State is delivered to the City Engineer by the applicant for the building or grading permit. The report shall include, among other things, test borings or excavations.
B. If said geological report, in the opinion of the City Engineer, indicates a potential serious geological condition, the City Engineer shall have the authority to employ an independent geologist registered by the State, to prepare and provide him with an independent geological report of the land on which the proposed building is to be constructed or the grading is proposed to be performed, and if necessary, to require additional test borings or excavations to be made by an independent testing service, the depth and accuracy of which shall be approved by said registered geologist.
C. The City Engineer shall also have authority to submit samples of any and all test borings or excavations to an independent qualified geological laboratory for analysis and report.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
D. The geological report prepared by the independent registered geologist shall recommend corrective action which is designed to prevent the displacement or slippage of the land.
15.40.030 Corrective action required when.
As a condition to the issuance of a permit by the City Engineer of the City, the corrective action or procedures recommended in the geological report shall be incorporated in the proposed construction or grading for which the permit has been applied.
15.40.040 Assessment of costs.
All expenses incurred by the applicant in complying with the provisions of this chapter shall be paid for by the applicant and shall be in addition to all other charges or fees levied, assessed or charged by the City in connection with the issuance of a building or grading permit.”
Section 2. All inconsistencies between the Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Residential Code, Green Building Code, Existing Building Code, and Fire Code as adopted by this ordinance and Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11 of the California Code of Regulations, are changes, modifications, amendments, additions, or deletions thereto authorized by California Health & Safety Code Sections 17958 and 17958.7.
Section 3. Justifications for Local Amendments. The City Council hereby finds that the changes and modifications to the California Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Residential Code, Green Building Code, Existing Building Code, and Fire Code, enacted by this ordinance are reasonably necessary because of the City’s local climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, often resulting in drought conditions, followed by strong Santa Ana winds, often resulting in hazardous fire conditions, and heavy winter rains, often resulting in expansive soil conditions; the City’s geological characteristics in that the area is characterized by geological instability; location in Southern California; and hilly topography of the City.
The City Council hereby finds that the modifications to the State Building Code in Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions within the City of Rolling Hills. Further, the modifications to the Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Green Building Standards, Residential, and Existing Building Codes in Titles 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 33 of the Los Angeles County Code are administrative in nature and are necessary to allow the uniform application of the codes by procedures suited to the size and nature of the City’s staff and administrative agencies by means suited to the City’s experience with local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions and to provide sufficient staff support for the time-consuming inspections and analysis required by the City’s fire and geological hazards.
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Section 4. To the extent the provisions of this ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, these sections shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as new enactments.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance or any part hereof is for any reason held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid.
Section 6. California Environmental Quality Act. Pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines, the City Council finds that this Ordinance will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and therefore is not subject to the CEQA. Additionally, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3), the activity is not a “project” as defined in Section 15378 because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. Most of the terms of the building standards adopted herein are dictated by the California Buildings Standards Code and county amendments to the state standards only make those modifications necessary for local regional conditions which are at least as protective of the environment as the state codes. City-specific amendments are limited to creating administrative processes for local enforcement of the state building standards.
Alternatively, even if the ordinance is a project within the meaning of CEQA, its adoption is exempt from CEQA under the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may cause significant adverse effects on the environment. CEQA Guideline section 15061(b)(3). As this ordinance is largely administrative in nature, there is no possibility that the City’s action would adversely affect the environment in any manner that could be significant.
Section 7. Urgency Ordinance. The unamended California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, will become effective within the City on January 1, 2026. The City is currently in the process of adopting, with local amendments by regular ordinance, the Los Angeles County Code incorporating the California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition.
Such regular ordinance will not be effective by January 1, 2026. To ensure that the amendments are in effect from the effective date of the California Building Standards Code through the effective date of the City’s regular ordinance, the City Council wishes to adopt this Urgency Ordinance. The City Council finds that this Urgency Ordinance is necessary to promote the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety by ensuring that the California Building Standards Code and the City’s amendments to this code are effective upon the effective date of the amended California Building Standards Code.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect January 1, 2026. This Urgency Ordinance was adopted by the necessary four-fifths vote of the members of the City Council pursuant to California Government Code Sections 36934 and 36937.
Ordinance No. 389-U Building Code Ordinance 2025
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 9th day of December, 2025. ____________________________
Jeff Pieper, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
BEST BEST & KRIEGER LLP
________________________________
Nicolas Papajohn, City Attorney
65277.00001\44405247.1
ORDINANCE NO. 389
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS 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; TITLE 33 OF
THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE INCORPORATING THE
CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION; ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION;
MAKING AMENDMENTS TO SAID CODES; AND FINDING THE ACTION
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the City of Rolling Hills Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
Title 15 - BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 15.04 BUILDING CODE
Sections:
15.04.010 Adoption of Building Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26, Building Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Building Code, 20225 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 20252 Edition, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Building Code, 20225 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of
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Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.04.020 Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills” and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
15.04.030 Section 105, “Permits,” amended.
Section 105, “Permits,” of the Building Code is amended to add a new subsection 105.87, “Review hearing,” to read:
105.87 Review hHearing. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills may conduct a public hearing to review any decision or order of the Board of Appeals, the Code Enforcement Appeals Board, or the Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board upon an affirmative vote of three members of the City Council within thirty (30) calendar days of the decision or order. The City Council may, upon conclusion of the public hearing, sustain or reverse in whole or in part any said action or order. Notice of the City Council public hearing shall be given by the City Clerk not less than ten (10) days prior to the hearing by first class mail to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of the subject property and all owners of record of the subject property at the time of mailing said notice.
15.04.040 Definitions.
Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the California Building Code or the County of Los Angeles Building Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows:
“Board of Appeals” means the Board of Appeals established by Section 105 of said Los Angeles County Building Code.
“Building department” means the entities charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of administering the building code for the City. “Building Oofficial” means the persons charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of administering the building code for the City. “City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“City Engineer” means the persons charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of performing the functions of city engineer for the City. “County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
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“Electrical Code” means Chapter 15.16 of this code.
“Existing Building Code” means Chapter 15.24 of this code. “Fire Code” means Chapter 15.20 of this code.
“Fire zone” means the fire zone adopted by an ordinance creating and establishing fire zones or where no such fire zones have been adopted by the City of Rolling Hills, shall mean very high fire hazard severity zone (“VHFHSZ”). “General fund” means the City Treasury of the City of Rolling Hills. “Green Building Standards Code” means Chapter 15.22 of this code. “Health Code” or “Los Angeles County Health Code” means Chapter 8.04 of this code.
“Health Officer” means the Health Officer of the City of Rolling Hills. “Mechanical Code” means Chapter 15.12 of this code.
“Plumbing Code” means Chapter 15.08 of this code.
“Residential Code” means Chapter 15.18 of this code.
15.04.050 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010, the Building Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Building Code, to a sum set by resolution of the City Council, including a park and recreation fee.
15.04.060 Section 202, “Definitions,” amended.
Section 202, “Definitions,” of the Building Code, regarding the definition of a “basement,” is amended to read as follows:
BASEMENT is any floor level below the first story of the primary residence, including an attached garage. Except for walls within light wells, basement walls across any elevation may not exceed a height of five (5) feet above finished grade at any point immediately adjacent to the basement exterior, and shall have no greater than an average of two and one-half (21/2) feet exterior height. Basement well(s) shall be incorporated into the overall design of the building so that it does not give an appearance of a separate story.
15.04.070 Section 202, “Definitions,” amended.
Section 202, Definitions,” of the Building Code, regarding the definition of a “story,” is amended to read as follows:
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STORY is that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the ceiling or roof above it. There shall be no story on top of another, except as permitted in Section 17.16.080 of the Zoning Ordinance.
15.04.080 Amending Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J103, “Permits required,” amended.PERMITS REQUIRED.
Section J103.2, “Exemptions,” Exemption 8, is amended to read as follows:
8. An excavation that does not exceed 50 cubic yards and complies with one of the following conditions and as shown in Figure J103.2:
(a) Is less than 2 feet (0.6 m) in depth.
(b) Does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet (1.5 m) measured vertically upward from the cut surface to the surface of the natural grade and is not steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope).
Section J103.2, “Exemptions,” Exemption 9, is amended to read as follows:
9. A fill not intended to support a structure that does not obstruct a drainage course and complies with one of the following conditions and as shown in Figure J103.2:
(a) Is less than 1 foot (0.3 m) in depth and is placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (20 percent slope).
(b) Is less than 3 feet (0.9 m) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 50 cubic yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope).
(c) Is less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 20 cubic yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope).
Section J103.6, “Compliance with Zoning Code,” is amended to read as follows:
The Building Official may refuse to issue a grading permit for work on a site if either the proposed grading or the proposed land use for the site shown on the grading plan application does not comply with the provisions of Title 17 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code (Zoning).
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15.04.090 Amending Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J106.1, “Maximum cut slopes.,” amended.
Section J106.1, “Maximum cut slope,” is amended to read as follows:
The slope of cut surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use and shall be no more than one unit vertical to two units horizontal (50 percent slope), unless the owner, or the owner’s authorized agent, receives a variance for a steeper slope from the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills and furnishes a geotechnical or an engineering geology report, or both, justifying a steeper slope. The reports must contain a statement by the Geotechnical Engineer or Engineering Geologist that the site was investigated and an opinion that a steeper slope will be stable and will not create a hazard to public or private property, in conformance with the requirements of Section 111.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Building Official may require the slope of cut surfaces to be less than 50 percent, if the Building Official finds it necessary for the stability and safety of the slope.
Exceptions:
The slope of a cut surface may be permitted to be as steep as 1.5 units horizontal to one unit vertical (67 percent) only if all of the following conditions are met:
1. It is not intended to support structures or surcharges.
2. It is approved by the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills.
3. It is adequately protected against erosion.
4. It is no more than 8 feet (2438 mm) in height.
5. It is approved by the Building Official.
6. Ground water is not encountered.
15.04.100 Section J106.2 added.
Section J106, “Excavations,” is amended to add subsection J106.2, “Driveways,” to read as follows:
Section J106.2 DrivewaysDRIVEWAYS. Driveways which provide access from any lot or parcel of land to any of the private roads in the City of Rolling Hills which are maintained by the Rolling Hills Community Association shall be so constructed that the first twenty (20) feet of said driveway, measured from the edge of the paved portion of said private road, shall not be steeper in grade than seven percent (7%). All new and relocated driveways require approval of the City of Rolling Hills Traffic Commission prior to construction.
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15.04.110 Section J106.3 added.
Section J106, “Excavations,” is amended to add subsection J106.3, “Balanced cut and fill ratio,” to read as follows:
J106.3 Balanced cut and fill ratio. BALANCED CUT AND FILL RATIO Adherence to balanced cut and fill ratio is an important policy of the City and furthers the goals and objectives of its General Plan, except that export of soil generated from construction of basements and other excavation activities, promotes the preservation of natural terrain of the property. A project, which does not include excavation, may deviate from balanced cut and fill only under unusual circumstances related to the size, shape, topography or other physical conditions of the property that qualify it for a variance pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.050.
1. No import of soil shall be permitted to any lot in the City, except where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
2. No export of soil shall be permitted from any lot in the City, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity, as defined in Municipal Code Section 17.12.050 or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved. Export of soil must comply with City refuse diversion requirements.
3. No grading plan for which a permit is required shall be approved unless the amount of soil to be cut from the site equals the amount of soil to be filled on the site, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
4. The City Manager, or his or her designee, may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area), and (b) That the need to import or export the soil could not have been foreseen prior to commencement of construction.
5. The City Manager or his or her designee may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards for remedial repair of the lot that has eroded, and of hillside or trail if he or she finds, based upon written
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reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area); (b) The import or export of soil is no greater than necessary to avoid a threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger; and (c) A professionally prepared drainage plan for permanent repair shall be required if the erosion is re-occurring and if/when the amount of dirt requested, when added to the amount of dirt used in previous years, exceeds a total of 500 cubic yards.
15.04.120 Amending Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J107.6, “Maximum sSlope,” amended.
Section J107.6, “Maximum slope,” is amended to read as follows:
The slope of fill surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use. Fill slopes steeper than 1 unit vertical to 2 units horizontal (50 percent slope) shall not be permitted unless the owner receives a variance for a steeper fill slope from the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills, pursuant to the provisions of Title 17 of the Municipal Code. Such slopes shall be justified by geotechnical reports conforming with the requirements of Section 111, containing a statement by the Geotechnical Engineer that the site has been investigated and an opinion that a steeper fill slope will be stable and will not create a hazard to public or private property. Substantiating calculations and supporting data may be required where the Building Official determines that such information is necessary to verify the stability and safety of the proposed slope. The Building Official may require the fill slope to be constructed with a face flatter in slope than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope) if the Building Official finds it necessary for stability and safety of the slope.
15.04.130 Section J107.10 added.
Section J107, “FillsFILLS,” is amended by adding subsection J107.10, “Balanced cut and fill ratio,” to read as follows:
J107.10 Balanced cut and fill ratioBALANCED CUT AND FILL RATIO.
Adherence to balanced cut and fill ratio is an important policy of the City and furthers the goals and objectives of its General Plan, except that export of soil generated from construction of basements and other excavation activities, promotes the preservation of natural terrain of the property. A project, which does not include excavation, may deviate from balanced cut and fill only under unusual circumstances related to the size, shape,
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topography or other physical conditions of the property that qualify it for a variance pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.050.
1. No import of soil shall be permitted to any lot in the City, except where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
2. No export of soil shall be permitted from any lot in the City, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity, as defined in Municipal Code Section 17.12.050 or where a variance pursuant to Chapter
17.38 has been approved. Export of soil must comply with City refuse diversion requirements.
3. No grading plan for which a permit is required shall be approved unless the amount of soil to be cut from the site equals the amount of soil to be filled on the site, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
4. The City Manager, or his or her designee, may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export (other than from excavation activities), of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) Construction of a structure on the lot or parcel has commenced,
(b) That the need to import or export the soil could not have been foreseen prior to commencement of construction, and
(c) That either the structure, as approved, cannot be completed without the requested import or export of soil or that an emergency condition exists due to the threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger.
5. The City Manager or his or her designee may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards for remedial repair of an area of the lot that has eroded, is on a hillside or a trail if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area). (b) The import or export of soil is no greater than necessary to avoid a threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger.
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(c) A professionally prepared drainage plan for permanent repair shall be required if the erosion is re-occurring and if/when the amount of dirt requested, when added to the amount of dirt used in previous years, exceeds a total of 500 cubic yards.
15.04.140 Amending Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J101.2, “Flood hHazard areas,” amended.
Section J101.2, “Flood hazard areas,” is amended to read as follows:
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010 of this chapter, the Building Code is amended by requiring that in addition to Section J101.2, all new construction and substantial improvements proposed to be built in a flood-prone area, as determined in accordance with Section 8.36.050 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code (“RHMC”), is subject to the floodplain management regulations set forth in Chapter 8.36 of the RHMC.
15.04.150 Violations and penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or portion thereof or perform any grading in the City of Rolling Hills, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.08 PLUMBING CODE
Sections:
15.08.010 Adoption of Plumbing Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 28, Plumbing Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Plumbing Code, 20225 Edition (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Plumbing Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
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In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Plumbing Code, 20252 Edition, Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Plumbing Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Plumbing Code, 20252 Edition, has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.08.020 Definitions.
Whenever any of the following names of terms are used in the California Plumbing Code and the Los Angeles County Plumbing Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows:
“City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
15.08.030 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.08.010, the Plumbing Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Plumbing Code to a sum set by resolution of the City Council.
15.08.040 Violations and penalties.
A. Every person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Plumbing Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
B. The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
Chapter 15.12 MECHANICAL CODE
Sections:
15.12.010 Adoption of Mechanical Code.
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Except as hereinafter provided, Title 29, Mechanical Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Mechanical Code, 20252 Edition (Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Mechanical Code, 20252 Edition, Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Mechanical Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Mechanical Code, 20252 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.12.020 Definitions.
Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the California Mechanical Code or the County of Los Angeles Mechanical Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows:
“City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
15.12.030 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.12.010, the Mechanical Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Mechanical Code to a sum set by resolution of the City Council.
15.12.040 Violations and penalties.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, install, alter, repair, relocate, add to, replace, use or maintain heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment in the jurisdiction, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills. Maintenance of equipment which was unlawful at the time it was installed, and which would be unlawful under this Code if installed after the effective date of this Code, shall constitute a continuing violation of this Code.
B. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon
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conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
Chapter 15.16 ELECTRICAL CODE
Sections:
15.16.010 Adoption of Electrical Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 27, Electrical Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Electrical Code, 20225 Edition (Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Electrical Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Electrical Code, 20252 Edition, Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Electrical Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Electrical Code, 20252 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.16.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.16.010 of this chapter, whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the Electrical Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section as follows:
“City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
15.16.030 Electrical Code fFees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.16.010, fees for plan check, inspection, and all other miscellaneous services shall be based on the fee schedule set forth by Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, Fees, as approved by resolution of the City Council.
15.16.040 Violations and penalties.
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A. Every person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Plumbing Electrical Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted.
Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
B. The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
Chapter 15.18 RESIDENTIAL CODE
Sections:
15.18.010 Adoption of Residential Code.
Except as herein provided, Title 30, Residential Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Residential Code, 20252 Edition (Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Residential Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Residential Code, 20252 Edition, Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Residential Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Residential Code, 20252 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.18.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in Section
15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.18.040 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed for the Building Code in Section 15.04.050 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.18.050 Violations and penalties.
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A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Residential Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.20 FIRE CODE*
Sections:
15.20.010 Adoption of Fire Code.
Except as hereinafter provided in this chapter, Title 32, Fire Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on March 2, 2023, which constitutes an amended version of the California Fire Code, 20252 Edition (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as though set forth in this chapter in full. Said code shall constitute the Fire Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Fire Code, 20252 Edition, Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Fire Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the latter-listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code, along with a copy of the California Fire Code, 20252 Edition, has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk and shall be at all times while in force maintained by the Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.20.020 Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Fire Code of the City of Rolling Hills” and may be cited as such.
15.20.025 Fire hazard severity zones.
The Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones map for the City of Rolling Hills dated March 24, 2025, as identified by the State Fire Marshal, is hereby
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adopted by the City of Rolling Hills and incorporated herein for all purposes. This map is available for inspection in the City Clerk's office at the Rolling Hills City Hall.
15.20.030 Permits.
Any permit heretofore issued by the County of Los Angeles pursuant to the Fire Code of said County, for work within the territorial boundaries of the City of Rolling Hills, shall remain in full force and effect according to its terms.
15.20.035 Reserved.
15.20.040 Local amendments—Reserved.
15.20.050 Violations.
Every person violating any provision of the Fire Code or of any permit or license granted hereunder, or any rule, regulation or policy promulgated pursuant hereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor unless such violation is declared to be an infraction by the Fire Code.
Each such violation is a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which such violation is committed, continued or permitted, and conviction of any such violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
15.20.060 Responsibility.
Any person who personally or through another willfully, negligently, or in violation of law sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire kindled or attended by such person to escape from his or her control, allows any hazardous material to be handled, stored or transported in a manner not in accordance with nationally recognized standards, allows any hazardous material to escape from his or her control, neglects to properly comply with any written notice of the Chief, or willfully or negligently allows the continuation of a violation of the Fire Code and amendments thereto is liable for the expense of fighting the fire or for the expenses incurred during a hazardous materials incident, and such expense shall be a charge against that person. Such charge shall constitute a debt of such person and is collectible by the public agency incurring such expense in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied.
Chapter 15.22 GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
Sections:
15.22.010 Adoption of Green Building Standards Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 31, Green Building Standards Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Green Building Standards Code, 20252 Edition (Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if
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fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Green Building Standards Code, 20252 Edition, Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Green Building Standards Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Green Building Standards Code, 20252 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.22.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be construed to have the meaning ascribed to them in the Los Angeles County Green Building Standards Code or in Section 15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, as appropriate.
15.22.030 Water budget.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, Ssection 4.304, “Outdoor water use,” of the Green Building Standards Code,s is amended byto adding subsection
4.304.2, “Water budget,” to read as follows:
4.304.2 Water bBudget. A water budget shall be developed for landscape irrigation use installed in conjunction with new construction and new or redeveloped landscaping that conforms to the local water efficient landscape ordinance in Chapter 13.18 of Title 13 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.22.040 Low-impact development.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, sSection 4.106.5, “Lowimpact development,” of the Green Building Standards Code,s is amended to read as follows:
4.106.5 Low-impact development. New development or additions or alteration to existing developed sites shall comply with the Storm Water Management and Pollution Control Ordinance, Chapter 8.32 of Title 8 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.22.050 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed by resolution of the City Council for the Building,
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Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Fire Codes of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.22.060 Violations and penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.24 EXISTING BUILDING CODE
Sections:
15.24.010 Adoption of Existing Building Code.
Except as herein provided, Title 33, Existing Building Code of the Los Angeles County Code, in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Green Existing Building Standards Code, 20252 Edition (Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as the Existing Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of Title 33, Existing Building Code of the Los Angeles County Code, 20252 Edition, or any amendment to the Existing Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 33 of the Existing Building Code and the 20252 Edition of the California Existing Building Code have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.24.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.24.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be construed to have the meaning ascribed to them in Section 15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
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15.24.030 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.24.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed for the Building Code in Section 15.04.050 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.24.040 Violations and penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City of Rolling Hills, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.32 UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
Sections:
15.32.010 Definitions.
Whenever in this chapter the words or phrases defined in this section are used, they shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in the following definitions:
A. “Commission” means the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California.
B. “Person” means and includes individuals, firms, corporations, partnerships, and their agents and employees.
C. “Poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures” means poles, towers, supports, wires, conductors, guys, stubs, platforms, crossarms, braces, transformers, insulators, cutouts, switches, communication circuits, appliances, attachments and appurtenances located aboveground within a district and used or useful in supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service.
D. “Underground utility district” or “district” means that area in the City within which poles, overhead wires, and associated overhead structures are
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prohibited as such area is described in a resolution adopted pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.32.040.
E. “Utility” includes all persons or entities supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service by means of electrical materials or devices.
15.32.020 Public hearing—Authorized when—Notice.
The Council may from time to time call public hearings to ascertain whether the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures within designated areas of the City and the underground installation of wires and facilities for supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service. The City Clerk shall notify all affected property owners as shown on the last equalized assessment roll and utilities concerned by mail of the time and place of such hearings at least ten days prior to the date thereof. Each such hearing shall be open to the public and may be continued from time to time. At each such hearing all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard. The decision of the Council shall be final and conclusive.
15.32.030 Public hearing—Consultation.
Prior to holding such public hearing, the City Engineer shall consult with all affected utilities and shall prepare a report for submission at such hearing containing, among other information, the extent of such utilities’ participation and estimates of the total costs to the city and affected property owners. Such report shall also contain an estimate of the time required to complete such underground installation and removal of overhead facilities.
15.32.040 Council resolution-—Procedure.
If, after any such public hearing, the Council finds that the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires such removal and such underground installation within a designated area, the Council shall, by resolution, declare such designated area an underground utility district and order such removal and underground installation. Such resolution shall include a description of the area comprising such district and shall fix the time within which such removal and underground installation shall be accomplished and within which affected property owners must be ready to receive underground services. A reasonable time shall be allowed for such removal and underground installation, having due regard for the availability of labor, materials and equipment necessary for such removal and for the installation of such underground facilities as may be occasioned thereby.
15.32.050 Maintaining overhead structures prohibited when.
Whenever the Council creates an underground utility district and orders the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures therein as provided in Section 15.32.040, it is unlawful for any person or utility to erect, construct, place, keep, maintain, continue, employ or operate poles, overhead wires and associated overhead
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structures in the district after the date when said overhead facilities are required to be removed by such resolution, except as said overhead facilities may be required to furnish service to an owner or occupant of property prior to the performance by such owner or occupant to continue to receive utility service as provided in Section 15.32.100, and for such reasonable time required to remove said facilities after said work has been performed, and except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
15.32.060 Emergency overhead structures.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, overhead facilities may be installed and maintained for a period not to exceed ten days without authority of the City Manager in order to provide emergency service. The City Manager may grant special permission on such terms as the City Manager may deem appropriate, in cases of unusual circumstances, without discrimination as to any person or utility, to erect, construct, install, maintain, use or operate poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures.
15.32.070 Council resolution—Exceptions authorized.
In any resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City may authorize any or all of the following exceptions:
A. Any municipal facilities or equipment installed under the supervision and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer;
B. Poles or electroliers used exclusively for street lighting; C. Overhead wires (exclusive of supporting structures) crossing any portion of a district within which overhead wires have been prohibited, or connecting to buildings on the perimeter of a district, which such wires originate in an area from which poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures are not prohibited;
D. Poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures used for the transmission of electric energy at nominal voltages in excess of 34,500 volts;
E. Overhead wires attached to the exterior surface of a building by means of a bracket or other fixture and extending from one location of the building to another location on the same building or to an adjacent building without crossing any public street;
F. Antennae, associated equipment and supporting structures used by a utility for furnishing communication services;
G. Equipment appurtenant to underground facilities, such as surfacemounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts.
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H. Temporary poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures used or to be used in conjunction with construction projects.
15.32.080 Notice to property owners and utility companies.
A. Within ten days after the effective date of a resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City Clerk shall notify all affected utilities and all persons owning real property within the district created by said resolution of the adoption thereof. The City Clerk shall further notify such affected property owners of the necessity that if they or any person occupying such property desire to continue to receive electric, communication, or similar or associated service, they or such occupant shall provide all necessary facility changes on their premises so as to receive such service from the lines of the supplying utility or utilities at a new location.
B. Notification by the City Clerk shall be made by mailing a copy of the resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, together with a copy of this chapter, to affected property owners as such are shown on the last equalized assessment roll and to the affected utilities.
15.32.090 Responsibility of utility companies.
If underground construction is necessary to provide utility service within a district created by any resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the supplying utility shall furnish that portion of the conduits, conductors and associated equipment required to be furnished by it under its applicable rules, regulations and tariffs on file with the Commission.
15.32.100 Responsibility of property owners—Notice.
Every person owning, operating, leasing, occupying or renting a building or structure within a District shall construct and provide that portion of the service connection on his property between the facilities referred to in Section 15.32.090 and the termination facility on or within said building or structure being served. If the above is not accomplished by any person within the time provided for in the resolution enacted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City Engineer shall give, notice in writing to the person in possession of such premises, and a notice in writing to the owner thereof as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, to provide the required underground facilities within ten days after receipt of such notice.
15.32.110 Notice—Service.
The notice to provide the required underground facilities may be given either by personal service or by mail. In case of service by mail on either of such persons, the notice must be deposited in the United States mail in a sealed envelope with postage prepaid, addressed to the person in possession of such premises at such premises, and the notice must be addressed to the owner thereof as such owner’s name appears, and must be addressed to such owner’s last known address as the same appears on the last
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equalized assessment roll, and when no address appears, to General Delivery, City of Rolling Hills, California. If notice is given by mail, such notice shall be deemed to have been received by the person to whom it has been sent within forty-eight hours after the mailing thereof. If notice is given by mail to either the owner or occupant of such premises, the City Engineer shall, within forty-eight hours after the mailing thereof, cause a copy thereof, printed on a card not less than eight inches by ten inches in size to be posted in a conspicuous place on said premises.
15.32.120 Notice—Form.
The notice given by the City Engineer to provide the required underground facilities shall particularly specify what work is required to be done, and shall state that if said work is not completed within thirty days after receipt of such notice, the City Engineer will provide such required underground facilities, in which case the cost and expense thereof will be assessed against the property benefited and become a lien upon such property.
15.32.130 Work by City Engineer—Assessment of costs.
If upon the expiration of the thirty-day period the required underground facilities have not been provided, the City Engineer shall forthwith proceed to do the work; provided, however, if such premises are unoccupied and no electric or communications services are being furnished thereto, the City Engineer may authorize the disconnection and removal of any and all overhead service wires and associated facilities supplying utility service to said property. Upon completion of the work by the City Engineer, he shall file a written report with the City Council setting forth the fact that the required underground facilities have been provided and the cost thereof, together with a legal description of the property against which such cost is to be assessed. The Council shall thereupon fix a time and place for hearing protests against the assessment of the cost of such work upon such premises, which said time shall not be less than ten days thereafter.
15.32.140 Assessment—Hearing—Notice.
The City Engineer shall forthwith, upon the time for hearing such protests having been fixed, give a notice in writing to the person in possession of such premises, and a notice in writing thereof to the owner thereof, in the manner provided in this chapter for the giving of the notice to provide the required underground facilities, of the time and place that the Council will pass upon such report and will hear protests against such assessment. Such notice shall also set forth the amount of the proposed assessment.
15.32.150 Assessment—Hearing—Decision.
Upon the date and hour set for the hearing of protests, the Council shall hear and consider the report and all protests if there be any, and then proceed to affirm, modify or reject the assessment.
15.32.160 Assessment—Lien.
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If any assessment is not paid within the five days after its confirmation by the Council, the amount of the assessment shall become a lien upon the property against which the assessment is made by the City Engineer, and the City Engineer is directed to turn over to the Assessor and Tax Collector a notice of lien of each of said properties on which the assessment has not been paid, and the Assessor and Tax Collector shall add the amount of said assessment to the next regular bill for taxes levied against the premises upon which said assessment was not paid. Said assessment shall be due and payable, and if not paid when due and payable, shall bear interest at the rate of six percent per annum.
15.32.170 Responsibility of City.
The City shall remove at its own expense all City-owned equipment from all poles required to be removed under this chapter in ample time to enable the owner or user of such poles to remove the same within the time specified in the resolution enacted pursuant to Section 15.32.040.
15.32.180 Extension of time.
In the event that any act required by this chapter or by a resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040 cannot be performed within the time provided on account of shortage of materials, war, restraint by public authorities, strikes, labor disturbances, civil disobedience, or any other circumstances beyond the control of the contractor, then the time within which such act will be accomplished shall be extended for a period equivalent to the time of such limitation.
15.32.190 Violation—Penalty.
It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision or to fail to comply with any requirement of this chapter. Any person violating any provision of this chapter or failing to comply with any of its requirements shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine or not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in County Jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person and shall be punishable accordingly.
Chapter 15.36 HOURS OF CONSTRUCTION
Sections:
15.36.010 Work of improvement defined.
For the purpose of this chapter, “work of improvement” includes but is not restricted to the construction, alteration, addition, or the repair, in whole or in part, of any building, structure, bridge, ditch, pipeline, tunnel, fence, or road; the cutting or removal of weeds, trees and grass; the seeding, sodding or planting of any lot or tract of land for landscaping purposes; the filling, levelling, grading of any lot or tract of land; or the crushing of rock or
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the hauling of any material to be used or removed in connection with any of the foregoing; the demolition of buildings; or the removal of buildings.
15.36.020 Hours restricted.
There shall be no work of improvement or the operation of mechanical equipment used in connection with work of improvement within the territorial limits of the City except on Monday through Saturday of each week, commencing at the hour of seven a.m. and ending at the hour of six p.m. on each day.
15.36.030 Exceptions.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to residents of the City who are the record owners of land in the City or who are the lessees of the record owners of land in the City.
Chapter 15.40 GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS REQUIRED Sections:
15.40.010 Requirements.
The requirements provided for in this chapter are in addition to any and all other requirements relating to expansive soils and geological inspections and reports required by the building code of the City or any other ordinance of the City.
15.40.020 Authority—Procedure.
A. No building (as defined in the Los Angeles County Building Laws) for which a building or grading permit is required by the building code of the City, shall be issued by the City Engineer if he, and/or the City Council, is of the opinion that a potentially serious geological condition may exist on the land on which the proposed building is to be constructed, or the proposed grading is to be performed, until a geological report prepared by a geologist registered by the State is delivered to the City Engineer by the applicant for the building or grading permit. The report shall include, among other things, test borings or excavations.
B. If said geological report, in the opinion of the City Engineer, indicates a potential serious geological condition, the City Engineer shall have the authority to employ an independent geologist registered by the State, to prepare and provide him with an independent geological report of the land on which the proposed building is to be constructed or the grading is proposed to be performed, and if necessary, to require additional test borings or excavations to be made by an independent testing service, the depth and accuracy of which shall be approved by said registered geologist.
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C. The City Engineer shall also have authority to submit samples of any and all test borings or excavations to an independent qualified geological laboratory for analysis and report.
D. The geological report prepared by the independent registered geologist shall recommend corrective action which is designed to prevent the displacement or slippage of the land.
15.40.030 Corrective action required when.
As a condition to the issuance of a permit by the City Engineer of the City, the corrective action or procedures recommended in the geological report shall be incorporated in the proposed construction or grading for which the permit has been applied.
15.40.040 Assessment of costs.
All expenses incurred by the applicant in complying with the provisions of this chapter shall be paid for by the applicant and shall be in addition to all other charges or fees levied, assessed or charged by the City in connection with the issuance of a building or grading permit.”
Section 2. All inconsistencies between the Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Residential Code, Green Building Code, Existing Building Code, and Fire Code as adopted by this ordinance and Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11 of the California Code of Regulations, are changes, modifications, amendments, additions, or deletions thereto authorized by California Health & Safety Code Sections 17958 and 17958.7.
Section 3. Justifications for Local Amendments. The City Council hereby finds that the changes and modifications to the California Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Residential Code, Green Building Code, Existing Building Code, and Fire Code, enacted by this ordinance are reasonably necessary because of the City’s local climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, often resulting in drought conditions, followed by strong Santa Ana winds, often resulting in hazardous fire conditions, and heavy winter rains, often resulting in expansive soil conditions; the City’s geological characteristics in that the area is characterized by geological instability; location in Southern California; and hilly topography of the City.
The City Council hereby finds that the modifications to the State Building Code in Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions within the City of Rolling Hills. Further, the modifications to the Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Green Building Standards, Residential, and Existing Building Codes in Titles 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 33 of the Los Angeles County Code are administrative in nature and are necessary to allow the uniform application of the codes by procedures suited to the size and nature of the City’s staff and administrative agencies by means suited to the City’s experience with local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions and to provide sufficient staff
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support for the time-consuming inspections and analysis required by the City’s fire and geological hazards.
Section 4. To the extent the provisions of this ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, these sections shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as new enactments.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance or any part hereof is for any reason held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid.
Section 6. California Environmental Quality Act. Pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines, the City Council finds that this Ordinance will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and therefore is not subject to the CEQA. Additionally, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3), the activity is not a “project” as defined in Section 15378 because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. Most of the terms of the building standards adopted herein are dictated by the California Buildings Standards Code and county amendments to the state standards only make those modifications necessary for local regional conditions which are at least as protective of the environment as the state codes. City-specific amendments are limited to creating administrative processes for local enforcement of the state building standards.
Alternatively, even if the ordinance is a project within the meaning of CEQA, its adoption is exempt from CEQA under the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may cause significant adverse effects on the environment. CEQA Guideline section 15061(b)(3). As this ordinance is largely administrative in nature, there is no possibility that the City’s action would adversely affect the environment in any manner that could be significant.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its passage and adoption pursuant to California Government Code section 36937 and shall apply to all projects submitted to the City for plan check and/or permit application on or after that date.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this __ day of, 2026.
_____________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST
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City Clerk
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ORDINANCE NO. 389-U
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS 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; TITLE 33 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
CODE INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING
CODE, 2025 EDITION; ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION; MAKING AMENDMENTS TO SAID CODES;
AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the City of Rolling Hills Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
Title 15 - BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 15.04 BUILDING CODE
Sections:
15.04.010 Adoption of Building Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26, Building Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Building Code, 20225 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 20252 Edition, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
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A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Building Code, 20225 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.04.020 Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills” and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
15.04.030 Section 105, “Permits,” amended.
Section 105, “Permits,” of the Building Code is amended to add a new subsection 105.87, “Review hearing,” to read:
105.87 Review hHearing. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills may conduct a public hearing to review any decision or order of the Board of Appeals, the Code Enforcement Appeals Board, or the Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board upon an affirmative vote of three members of the City Council within thirty (30) calendar days of the decision or order. The City Council may, upon conclusion of the public hearing, sustain or reverse in whole or in part any said action or order. Notice of the City Council public hearing shall be given by the City Clerk not less than ten (10) days prior to the hearing by first class mail to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of the subject property and all owners of record of the subject property at the time of mailing said notice.
15.04.040 Definitions.
Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the California Building Code or the County of Los Angeles Building Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows:
“Board of Appeals” means the Board of Appeals established by Section 105 of said Los Angeles County Building Code.
“Building department” means the entities charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of administering the building code for the City. “Building Oofficial” means the persons charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of administering the building code for the City. “City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“City Engineer” means the persons charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of performing the functions of city engineer for the City.
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“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“Electrical Code” means Chapter 15.16 of this code.
“Existing Building Code” means Chapter 15.24 of this code. “Fire Code” means Chapter 15.20 of this code.
“Fire zone” means the fire zone adopted by an ordinance creating and establishing fire zones or where no such fire zones have been adopted by the City of Rolling Hills, shall mean very high fire hazard severity zone (“VHFHSZ”). “General fund” means the City Treasury of the City of Rolling Hills. “Green Building Standards Code” means Chapter 15.22 of this code. “Health Code” or “Los Angeles County Health Code” means Chapter 8.04 of this code.
“Health Officer” means the Health Officer of the City of Rolling Hills. “Mechanical Code” means Chapter 15.12 of this code.
“Plumbing Code” means Chapter 15.08 of this code.
“Residential Code” means Chapter 15.18 of this code.
15.04.050 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010, the Building Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Building Code, to a sum set by resolution of the City Council, including a park and recreation fee.
15.04.060 Section 202, “Definitions,” amended.
Section 202, “Definitions,” of the Building Code, regarding the definition of a “basement,” is amended to read as follows:
BASEMENT is any floor level below the first story of the primary residence, including an attached garage. Except for walls within light wells, basement walls across any elevation may not exceed a height of five (5) feet above finished grade at any point immediately adjacent to the basement exterior, and shall have no greater than an average of two and one-half (21/2) feet exterior height. Basement well(s) shall be incorporated into the overall design of the building so that it does not give an appearance of a separate story.
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15.04.070 Section 202, “Definitions,” amended.
Section 202, Definitions,” of the Building Code, regarding the definition of a “story,” is amended to read as follows:
STORY is that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the ceiling or roof above it. There shall be no story on top of another, except as permitted in Section 17.16.080 of the Zoning Ordinance.
15.04.080 Amending Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J103, “Permits required,” amended.PERMITS REQUIRED.
Section J103.2, “Exemptions,” Exemption 8, is amended to read as follows:
8. An excavation that does not exceed 50 cubic yards and complies with one of the following conditions and as shown in Figure J103.2:
(a) Is less than 2 feet (0.6 m) in depth.
(b) Does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet (1.5 m) measured vertically upward from the cut surface to the surface of the natural grade and is not steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope).
Section J103.2, “Exemptions,” Exemption 9, is amended to read as follows:
9. A fill not intended to support a structure that does not obstruct a drainage course and complies with one of the following conditions and as shown in Figure J103.2:
(a) Is less than 1 foot (0.3 m) in depth and is placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (20 percent slope).
(b) Is less than 3 feet (0.9 m) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 50 cubic yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope).
(c) Is less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 20 cubic yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope).
Section J103.6, “Compliance with Zoning Code,” is amended to read as follows:
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The Building Official may refuse to issue a grading permit for work on a site if either the proposed grading or the proposed land use for the site shown on the grading plan application does not comply with the provisions of Title 17 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code (Zoning).
15.04.090 Amending Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J106.1, “Maximum cut slopes.,” amended.
Section J106.1, “Maximum cut slope,” is amended to read as follows:
The slope of cut surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use and shall be no more than one unit vertical to two units horizontal (50 percent slope), unless the owner, or the owner’s authorized agent, receives a variance for a steeper slope from the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills and furnishes a geotechnical or an engineering geology report, or both, justifying a steeper slope. The reports must contain a statement by the Geotechnical Engineer or Engineering Geologist that the site was investigated and an opinion that a steeper slope will be stable and will not create a hazard to public or private property, in conformance with the requirements of Section 111.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Building Official may require the slope of cut surfaces to be less than 50 percent, if the Building Official finds it necessary for the stability and safety of the slope.
Exceptions:
The slope of a cut surface may be permitted to be as steep as 1.5 units horizontal to one unit vertical (67 percent) only if all of the following conditions are met:
1. It is not intended to support structures or surcharges.
2. It is approved by the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills.
3. It is adequately protected against erosion.
4. It is no more than 8 feet (2438 mm) in height.
5. It is approved by the Building Official.
6. Ground water is not encountered.
15.04.100 Section J106.2 added.
Section J106, “Excavations,” is amended to add subsection J106.2, “Driveways,” to read as follows:
Section J106.2 DrivewaysDRIVEWAYS. Driveways which provide access from any lot or parcel of land to any of the private roads in the City of Rolling Hills which are maintained by the Rolling Hills Community Association shall be so constructed that the first twenty (20) feet of said driveway, measured from the edge of the paved portion of
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said private road, shall not be steeper in grade than seven percent (7%). All new and relocated driveways require approval of the City of Rolling Hills Traffic Commission prior to construction.
15.04.110 Section J106.3 added.
Section J106, “Excavations,” is amended to add subsection J106.3, “Balanced cut and fill ratio,” to read as follows:
J106.3 Balanced cut and fill ratio. BALANCED CUT AND FILL RATIO Adherence to balanced cut and fill ratio is an important policy of the City and furthers the goals and objectives of its General Plan, except that export of soil generated from construction of basements and other excavation activities, promotes the preservation of natural terrain of the property. A project, which does not include excavation, may deviate from balanced cut and fill only under unusual circumstances related to the size, shape, topography or other physical conditions of the property that qualify it for a variance pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.050.
1. No import of soil shall be permitted to any lot in the City, except where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
2. No export of soil shall be permitted from any lot in the City, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity, as defined in Municipal Code Section 17.12.050 or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved. Export of soil must comply with City refuse diversion requirements.
3. No grading plan for which a permit is required shall be approved unless the amount of soil to be cut from the site equals the amount of soil to be filled on the site, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
4. The City Manager, or his or her designee, may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area), and (b) That the need to import or export the soil could not have been foreseen prior to commencement of construction.
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5. The City Manager or his or her designee may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards for remedial repair of the lot that has eroded, and of hillside or trail if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area); (b) The import or export of soil is no greater than necessary to avoid a threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger; and (c) A professionally prepared drainage plan for permanent repair shall be required if the erosion is re-occurring and if/when the amount of dirt requested, when added to the amount of dirt used in previous years, exceeds a total of 500 cubic yards.
15.04.120 Amending Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J107.6, “Maximum sSlope,” amended.
Section J107.6, “Maximum slope,” is amended to read as follows:
The slope of fill surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use. Fill slopes steeper than 1 unit vertical to 2 units horizontal (50 percent slope) shall not be permitted unless the owner receives a variance for a steeper fill slope from the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills, pursuant to the provisions of Title 17 of the Municipal Code. Such slopes shall be justified by geotechnical reports conforming with the requirements of Section 111, containing a statement by the Geotechnical Engineer that the site has been investigated and an opinion that a steeper fill slope will be stable and will not create a hazard to public or private property. Substantiating calculations and supporting data may be required where the Building Official determines that such information is necessary to verify the stability and safety of the proposed slope. The Building Official may require the fill slope to be constructed with a face flatter in slope than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope) if the Building Official finds it necessary for stability and safety of the slope.
15.04.130 Section J107.10 added.
Section J107, “FillsFILLS,” is amended by adding subsection J107.10, “Balanced cut and fill ratio,” to read as follows:
J107.10 Balanced cut and fill ratioBALANCED CUT AND FILL RATIO.
Adherence to balanced cut and fill ratio is an important policy of the City and furthers the goals and objectives of its General Plan, except that export of soil generated from construction of basements and other excavation
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activities, promotes the preservation of natural terrain of the property. A project, which does not include excavation, may deviate from balanced cut and fill only under unusual circumstances related to the size, shape, topography or other physical conditions of the property that qualify it for a variance pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.050.
1. No import of soil shall be permitted to any lot in the City, except where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
2. No export of soil shall be permitted from any lot in the City, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity, as defined in Municipal Code Section 17.12.050 or where a variance pursuant to Chapter
17.38 has been approved. Export of soil must comply with City refuse diversion requirements.
3. No grading plan for which a permit is required shall be approved unless the amount of soil to be cut from the site equals the amount of soil to be filled on the site, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved.
4. The City Manager, or his or her designee, may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export (other than from excavation activities), of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) Construction of a structure on the lot or parcel has commenced,
(b) That the need to import or export the soil could not have been foreseen prior to commencement of construction, and
(c) That either the structure, as approved, cannot be completed without the requested import or export of soil or that an emergency condition exists due to the threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger.
5. The City Manager or his or her designee may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards for remedial repair of an area of the lot that has eroded, is on a hillside or a trail if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present:
(a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area).
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(b) The import or export of soil is no greater than necessary to avoid a threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger. (c) A professionally prepared drainage plan for permanent repair shall be required if the erosion is re-occurring and if/when the amount of dirt requested, when added to the amount of dirt used in previous years, exceeds a total of 500 cubic yards.
15.04.140 Amending Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J101.2, “Flood hHazard areas,” amended.
Section J101.2, “Flood hazard areas,” is amended to read as follows:
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010 of this chapter, the Building Code is amended by requiring that in addition to Section J101.2, all new construction and substantial improvements proposed to be built in a flood-prone area, as determined in accordance with Section 8.36.050 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code (“RHMC”), is subject to the floodplain management regulations set forth in Chapter 8.36 of the RHMC.
15.04.150 Violations and penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or portion thereof or perform any grading in the City of Rolling Hills, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.08 PLUMBING CODE
Sections:
15.08.010 Adoption of Plumbing Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 28, Plumbing Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Plumbing Code, 20225 Edition (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations),
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is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Plumbing Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Plumbing Code, 20252 Edition, Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Plumbing Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Plumbing Code, 20252 Edition, has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.08.020 Definitions.
Whenever any of the following names of terms are used in the California Plumbing Code and the Los Angeles County Plumbing Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows:
“City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
15.08.030 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.08.010, the Plumbing Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Plumbing Code to a sum set by resolution of the City Council.
15.08.040 Violations and penalties.
A. Every person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Plumbing Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
B. The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
Chapter 15.12 MECHANICAL CODE
Sections:
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15.12.010 Adoption of Mechanical Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 29, Mechanical Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Mechanical Code, 20252 Edition (Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Mechanical Code, 20252 Edition, Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Mechanical Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Mechanical Code, 20252 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.12.020 Definitions.
Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the California Mechanical Code or the County of Los Angeles Mechanical Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows:
“City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
15.12.030 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.12.010, the Mechanical Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Mechanical Code to a sum set by resolution of the City Council.
15.12.040 Violations and penalties.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, install, alter, repair, relocate, add to, replace, use or maintain heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment in the jurisdiction, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills. Maintenance of equipment which was unlawful at the time it was installed, and which would be unlawful under this Code if installed after the effective date of this Code, shall constitute a continuing violation of this Code.
B. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such
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person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
Chapter 15.16 ELECTRICAL CODE
Sections:
15.16.010 Adoption of Electrical Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 27, Electrical Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Electrical Code, 20225 Edition (Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Electrical Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Electrical Code, 20252 Edition, Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Electrical Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Electrical Code, 20252 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.16.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.16.010 of this chapter, whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the Electrical Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section as follows:
“City” means the City of Rolling Hills.
“County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills.
15.16.030 Electrical Code fFees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.16.010, fees for plan check, inspection, and all other miscellaneous services shall be based on the fee schedule set forth by Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, Fees, as approved by resolution of the City Council.
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15.16.040 Violations and penalties.
A. Every person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Plumbing Electrical Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted.
Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
B. The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
Chapter 15.18 RESIDENTIAL CODE
Sections:
15.18.010 Adoption of Residential Code.
Except as herein provided, Title 30, Residential Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Residential Code, 20252 Edition (Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Residential Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Residential Code, 20252 Edition, Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Residential Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Residential Code, 20252 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.18.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in Section
15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.18.040 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed for the Building Code in Section 15.04.050 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
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15.18.050 Violations and penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Residential Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.20 FIRE CODE*
Sections:
15.20.010 Adoption of Fire Code.
Except as hereinafter provided in this chapter, Title 32, Fire Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on March 2, 2023, which constitutes an amended version of the California Fire Code, 20252 Edition (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as though set forth in this chapter in full. Said code shall constitute the Fire Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Fire Code, 20252 Edition, Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Fire Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the latter-listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code, along with a copy of the California Fire Code, 20252 Edition, has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk and shall be at all times while in force maintained by the Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.20.020 Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Fire Code of the City of Rolling Hills” and may be cited as such.
15.20.025 Fire hazard severity zones.
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The Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones map for the City of Rolling Hills dated March 24, 2025, as identified by the State Fire Marshal, is hereby adopted by the City of Rolling Hills and incorporated herein for all purposes. This map is available for inspection in the City Clerk's office at the Rolling Hills City Hall.
15.20.030 Permits.
Any permit heretofore issued by the County of Los Angeles pursuant to the Fire Code of said County, for work within the territorial boundaries of the City of Rolling Hills, shall remain in full force and effect according to its terms.
15.20.035 Reserved.
15.20.040 Local amendments—Reserved.
15.20.050 Violations.
Every person violating any provision of the Fire Code or of any permit or license granted hereunder, or any rule, regulation or policy promulgated pursuant hereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor unless such violation is declared to be an infraction by the Fire Code.
Each such violation is a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which such violation is committed, continued or permitted, and conviction of any such violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
15.20.060 Responsibility.
Any person who personally or through another willfully, negligently, or in violation of law sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire kindled or attended by such person to escape from his or her control, allows any hazardous material to be handled, stored or transported in a manner not in accordance with nationally recognized standards, allows any hazardous material to escape from his or her control, neglects to properly comply with any written notice of the Chief, or willfully or negligently allows the continuation of a violation of the Fire Code and amendments thereto is liable for the expense of fighting the fire or for the expenses incurred during a hazardous materials incident, and such expense shall be a charge against that person. Such charge shall constitute a debt of such person and is collectible by the public agency incurring such expense in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied.
Chapter 15.22 GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
Sections:
15.22.010 Adoption of Green Building Standards Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 31, Green Building Standards Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the
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California Green Building Standards Code, 20252 Edition (Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Green Building Standards Code, 20252 Edition, Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Green Building Standards Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Green Building Standards Code, 20252 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.22.020 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be construed to have the meaning ascribed to them in the Los Angeles County Green Building Standards Code or in Section 15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, as appropriate.
15.22.030 Water budget.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, Ssection 4.304, “Outdoor water use,” of the Green Building Standards Code,s is amended byto adding subsection
4.304.2, “Water budget,” to read as follows:
4.304.2 Water bBudget. A water budget shall be developed for landscape irrigation use installed in conjunction with new construction and new or redeveloped landscaping that conforms to the local water efficient landscape ordinance in Chapter 13.18 of Title 13 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.22.040 Low-impact development.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, sSection 4.106.5, “Lowimpact development,” of the Green Building Standards Code,s is amended to read as follows:
4.106.5 Low-impact development. New development or additions or alteration to existing developed sites shall comply with the Storm Water Management and Pollution Control Ordinance, Chapter 8.32 of Title 8 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.22.050 Fees.
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Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed by resolution of the City Council for the Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Fire Codes of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.22.060 Violations and penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.24 EXISTING BUILDING CODE
Sections:
15.24.010 Adoption of Existing Building Code.
Except as herein provided, Title 33, Existing Building Code of the Los Angeles County Code, in effect on January 1, 20263, adopting the California Green Existing Building Standards Code, 20252 Edition (Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as the Existing Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of Title 33, Existing Building Code of the Los Angeles County Code, 20252 Edition, or any amendment to the Existing Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 33 of the Existing Building Code and the 20252 Edition of the California Existing Building Code have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.24.020 Definitions.
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Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.24.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be construed to have the meaning ascribed to them in Section 15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.24.030 Fees.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.24.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed for the Building Code in Section 15.04.050 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code.
15.24.040 Violations and penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City of Rolling Hills, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.
B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Chapter 15.32 UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
Sections:
15.32.010 Definitions.
Whenever in this chapter the words or phrases defined in this section are used, they shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in the following definitions:
A. “Commission” means the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California.
B. “Person” means and includes individuals, firms, corporations, partnerships, and their agents and employees.
C. “Poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures” means poles, towers, supports, wires, conductors, guys, stubs, platforms, crossarms, braces, transformers, insulators, cutouts, switches, communication circuits, appliances, attachments and appurtenances located aboveground within a district and used or useful in supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service.
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D. “Underground utility district” or “district” means that area in the City within which poles, overhead wires, and associated overhead structures are prohibited as such area is described in a resolution adopted pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.32.040.
E. “Utility” includes all persons or entities supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service by means of electrical materials or devices.
15.32.020 Public hearing—Authorized when—Notice.
The Council may from time to time call public hearings to ascertain whether the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures within designated areas of the City and the underground installation of wires and facilities for supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service. The City Clerk shall notify all affected property owners as shown on the last equalized assessment roll and utilities concerned by mail of the time and place of such hearings at least ten days prior to the date thereof. Each such hearing shall be open to the public and may be continued from time to time. At each such hearing all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard. The decision of the Council shall be final and conclusive.
15.32.030 Public hearing—Consultation.
Prior to holding such public hearing, the City Engineer shall consult with all affected utilities and shall prepare a report for submission at such hearing containing, among other information, the extent of such utilities’ participation and estimates of the total costs to the city and affected property owners. Such report shall also contain an estimate of the time required to complete such underground installation and removal of overhead facilities.
15.32.040 Council resolution-—Procedure.
If, after any such public hearing, the Council finds that the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires such removal and such underground installation within a designated area, the Council shall, by resolution, declare such designated area an underground utility district and order such removal and underground installation. Such resolution shall include a description of the area comprising such district and shall fix the time within which such removal and underground installation shall be accomplished and within which affected property owners must be ready to receive underground services. A reasonable time shall be allowed for such removal and underground installation, having due regard for the availability of labor, materials and equipment necessary for such removal and for the installation of such underground facilities as may be occasioned thereby.
15.32.050 Maintaining overhead structures prohibited when.
Whenever the Council creates an underground utility district and orders the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures therein as provided
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in Section 15.32.040, it is unlawful for any person or utility to erect, construct, place, keep, maintain, continue, employ or operate poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures in the district after the date when said overhead facilities are required to be removed by such resolution, except as said overhead facilities may be required to furnish service to an owner or occupant of property prior to the performance by such owner or occupant to continue to receive utility service as provided in Section 15.32.100, and for such reasonable time required to remove said facilities after said work has been performed, and except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
15.32.060 Emergency overhead structures.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, overhead facilities may be installed and maintained for a period not to exceed ten days without authority of the City Manager in order to provide emergency service. The City Manager may grant special permission on such terms as the City Manager may deem appropriate, in cases of unusual circumstances, without discrimination as to any person or utility, to erect, construct, install, maintain, use or operate poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures.
15.32.070 Council resolution—Exceptions authorized.
In any resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City may authorize any or all of the following exceptions:
A. Any municipal facilities or equipment installed under the supervision and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer;
B. Poles or electroliers used exclusively for street lighting; C. Overhead wires (exclusive of supporting structures) crossing any portion of a district within which overhead wires have been prohibited, or connecting to buildings on the perimeter of a district, which such wires originate in an area from which poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures are not prohibited;
D. Poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures used for the transmission of electric energy at nominal voltages in excess of 34,500 volts;
E. Overhead wires attached to the exterior surface of a building by means of a bracket or other fixture and extending from one location of the building to another location on the same building or to an adjacent building without crossing any public street;
F. Antennae, associated equipment and supporting structures used by a utility for furnishing communication services;
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G. Equipment appurtenant to underground facilities, such as surfacemounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts.
H. Temporary poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures used or to be used in conjunction with construction projects.
15.32.080 Notice to property owners and utility companies.
A. Within ten days after the effective date of a resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City Clerk shall notify all affected utilities and all persons owning real property within the district created by said resolution of the adoption thereof. The City Clerk shall further notify such affected property owners of the necessity that if they or any person occupying such property desire to continue to receive electric, communication, or similar or associated service, they or such occupant shall provide all necessary facility changes on their premises so as to receive such service from the lines of the supplying utility or utilities at a new location.
B. Notification by the City Clerk shall be made by mailing a copy of the resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, together with a copy of this chapter, to affected property owners as such are shown on the last equalized assessment roll and to the affected utilities.
15.32.090 Responsibility of utility companies.
If underground construction is necessary to provide utility service within a district created by any resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the supplying utility shall furnish that portion of the conduits, conductors and associated equipment required to be furnished by it under its applicable rules, regulations and tariffs on file with the Commission.
15.32.100 Responsibility of property owners—Notice.
Every person owning, operating, leasing, occupying or renting a building or structure within a District shall construct and provide that portion of the service connection on his property between the facilities referred to in Section 15.32.090 and the termination facility on or within said building or structure being served. If the above is not accomplished by any person within the time provided for in the resolution enacted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City Engineer shall give, notice in writing to the person in possession of such premises, and a notice in writing to the owner thereof as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, to provide the required underground facilities within ten days after receipt of such notice.
15.32.110 Notice—Service.
The notice to provide the required underground facilities may be given either by personal service or by mail. In case of service by mail on either of such persons, the
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notice must be deposited in the United States mail in a sealed envelope with postage prepaid, addressed to the person in possession of such premises at such premises, and the notice must be addressed to the owner thereof as such owner’s name appears, and must be addressed to such owner’s last known address as the same appears on the last equalized assessment roll, and when no address appears, to General Delivery, City of Rolling Hills, California. If notice is given by mail, such notice shall be deemed to have been received by the person to whom it has been sent within forty-eight hours after the mailing thereof. If notice is given by mail to either the owner or occupant of such premises, the City Engineer shall, within forty-eight hours after the mailing thereof, cause a copy thereof, printed on a card not less than eight inches by ten inches in size to be posted in a conspicuous place on said premises.
15.32.120 Notice—Form.
The notice given by the City Engineer to provide the required underground facilities shall particularly specify what work is required to be done, and shall state that if said work is not completed within thirty days after receipt of such notice, the City Engineer will provide such required underground facilities, in which case the cost and expense thereof will be assessed against the property benefited and become a lien upon such property.
15.32.130 Work by City Engineer—Assessment of costs.
If upon the expiration of the thirty-day period the required underground facilities have not been provided, the City Engineer shall forthwith proceed to do the work; provided, however, if such premises are unoccupied and no electric or communications services are being furnished thereto, the City Engineer may authorize the disconnection and removal of any and all overhead service wires and associated facilities supplying utility service to said property. Upon completion of the work by the City Engineer, he shall file a written report with the City Council setting forth the fact that the required underground facilities have been provided and the cost thereof, together with a legal description of the property against which such cost is to be assessed. The Council shall thereupon fix a time and place for hearing protests against the assessment of the cost of such work upon such premises, which said time shall not be less than ten days thereafter.
15.32.140 Assessment—Hearing—Notice.
The City Engineer shall forthwith, upon the time for hearing such protests having been fixed, give a notice in writing to the person in possession of such premises, and a notice in writing thereof to the owner thereof, in the manner provided in this chapter for the giving of the notice to provide the required underground facilities, of the time and place that the Council will pass upon such report and will hear protests against such assessment. Such notice shall also set forth the amount of the proposed assessment.
15.32.150 Assessment—Hearing—Decision.
Upon the date and hour set for the hearing of protests, the Council shall hear and consider the report and all protests if there be any, and then proceed to affirm, modify or reject the assessment.
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15.32.160 Assessment—Lien.
If any assessment is not paid within the five days after its confirmation by the Council, the amount of the assessment shall become a lien upon the property against which the assessment is made by the City Engineer, and the City Engineer is directed to turn over to the Assessor and Tax Collector a notice of lien of each of said properties on which the assessment has not been paid, and the Assessor and Tax Collector shall add the amount of said assessment to the next regular bill for taxes levied against the premises upon which said assessment was not paid. Said assessment shall be due and payable, and if not paid when due and payable, shall bear interest at the rate of six percent per annum.
15.32.170 Responsibility of City.
The City shall remove at its own expense all City-owned equipment from all poles required to be removed under this chapter in ample time to enable the owner or user of such poles to remove the same within the time specified in the resolution enacted pursuant to Section 15.32.040.
15.32.180 Extension of time.
In the event that any act required by this chapter or by a resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040 cannot be performed within the time provided on account of shortage of materials, war, restraint by public authorities, strikes, labor disturbances, civil disobedience, or any other circumstances beyond the control of the contractor, then the time within which such act will be accomplished shall be extended for a period equivalent to the time of such limitation.
15.32.190 Violation—Penalty.
It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision or to fail to comply with any requirement of this chapter. Any person violating any provision of this chapter or failing to comply with any of its requirements shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine or not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in County Jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person and shall be punishable accordingly.
Chapter 15.36 HOURS OF CONSTRUCTION
Sections:
15.36.010 Work of improvement defined.
For the purpose of this chapter, “work of improvement” includes but is not restricted to the construction, alteration, addition, or the repair, in whole or in part, of any building, structure, bridge, ditch, pipeline, tunnel, fence, or road; the cutting or removal of weeds,
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trees and grass; the seeding, sodding or planting of any lot or tract of land for landscaping purposes; the filling, levelling, grading of any lot or tract of land; or the crushing of rock or the hauling of any material to be used or removed in connection with any of the foregoing; the demolition of buildings; or the removal of buildings.
15.36.020 Hours restricted.
There shall be no work of improvement or the operation of mechanical equipment used in connection with work of improvement within the territorial limits of the City except on Monday through Saturday of each week, commencing at the hour of seven a.m. and ending at the hour of six p.m. on each day.
15.36.030 Exceptions.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to residents of the City who are the record owners of land in the City or who are the lessees of the record owners of land in the City.
Chapter 15.40 GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS REQUIRED Sections:
15.40.010 Requirements.
The requirements provided for in this chapter are in addition to any and all other requirements relating to expansive soils and geological inspections and reports required by the building code of the City or any other ordinance of the City.
15.40.020 Authority—Procedure.
A. No building (as defined in the Los Angeles County Building Laws) for which a building or grading permit is required by the building code of the City, shall be issued by the City Engineer if he, and/or the City Council, is of the opinion that a potentially serious geological condition may exist on the land on which the proposed building is to be constructed, or the proposed grading is to be performed, until a geological report prepared by a geologist registered by the State is delivered to the City Engineer by the applicant for the building or grading permit. The report shall include, among other things, test borings or excavations.
B. If said geological report, in the opinion of the City Engineer, indicates a potential serious geological condition, the City Engineer shall have the authority to employ an independent geologist registered by the State, to prepare and provide him with an independent geological report of the land on which the proposed building is to be constructed or the grading is proposed to be performed, and if necessary, to require additional test borings or excavations to be made by an independent testing service, the
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depth and accuracy of which shall be approved by said registered geologist.
C. The City Engineer shall also have authority to submit samples of any and all test borings or excavations to an independent qualified geological laboratory for analysis and report.
D. The geological report prepared by the independent registered geologist shall recommend corrective action which is designed to prevent the displacement or slippage of the land.
15.40.030 Corrective action required when.
As a condition to the issuance of a permit by the City Engineer of the City, the corrective action or procedures recommended in the geological report shall be incorporated in the proposed construction or grading for which the permit has been applied.
15.40.040 Assessment of costs.
All expenses incurred by the applicant in complying with the provisions of this chapter shall be paid for by the applicant and shall be in addition to all other charges or fees levied, assessed or charged by the City in connection with the issuance of a building or grading permit.”
Section 2. All inconsistencies between the Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Residential Code, Green Building Code, Existing Building Code, and Fire Code as adopted by this ordinance and Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11 of the California Code of Regulations, are changes, modifications, amendments, additions, or deletions thereto authorized by California Health & Safety Code Sections 17958 and 17958.7.
Section 3. Justifications for Local Amendments. The City Council hereby finds that the changes and modifications to the California Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Residential Code, Green Building Code, Existing Building Code, and Fire Code, enacted by this ordinance are reasonably necessary because of the City’s local climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, often resulting in drought conditions, followed by strong Santa Ana winds, often resulting in hazardous fire conditions, and heavy winter rains, often resulting in expansive soil conditions; the City’s geological characteristics in that the area is characterized by geological instability; location in Southern California; and hilly topography of the City.
The City Council hereby finds that the modifications to the State Building Code in Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions within the City of Rolling Hills. Further, the modifications to the Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Green Building Standards, Residential, and Existing Building Codes in Titles 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 33 of the Los Angeles County Code are administrative in nature and are necessary to
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allow the uniform application of the codes by procedures suited to the size and nature of the City’s staff and administrative agencies by means suited to the City’s experience with local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions and to provide sufficient staff support for the time-consuming inspections and analysis required by the City’s fire and geological hazards.
Section 4. To the extent the provisions of this ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, these sections shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as new enactments.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance or any part hereof is for any reason held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid.
Section 6. California Environmental Quality Act. Pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines, the City Council finds that this Ordinance will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and therefore is not subject to the CEQA. Additionally, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3), the activity is not a “project” as defined in Section 15378 because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. Most of the terms of the building standards adopted herein are dictated by the California Buildings Standards Code and county amendments to the state standards only make those modifications necessary for local regional conditions which are at least as protective of the environment as the state codes. City-specific amendments are limited to creating administrative processes for local enforcement of the state building standards.
Alternatively, even if the ordinance is a project within the meaning of CEQA, its adoption is exempt from CEQA under the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may cause significant adverse effects on the environment. CEQA Guideline section 15061(b)(3). As this ordinance is largely administrative in nature, there is no possibility that the City’s action would adversely affect the environment in any manner that could be significant.
Section 7. Urgency Ordinance. The unamended California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, will become effective within the City on January 1, 2026. The City is currently in the process of adopting, with local amendments by regular ordinance, the Los Angeles County Code incorporating the California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition.
Such regular ordinance will not be effective by January 1, 2026. To ensure that the amendments are in effect from the effective date of the California Building Standards Code through the effective date of the City’s regular ordinance, the City Council wishes to adopt this Urgency Ordinance. The City Council finds that this Urgency Ordinance is necessary to promote the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety by ensuring that the California Building Standards Code and the City’s amendments to
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this code are effective upon the effective date of the amended California Building Standards Code.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect January 1, 2026. This Urgency Ordinance was adopted by the necessary four-fifths vote of the members of the City Council pursuant to California Government Code Sections 36934 and 36937.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this __ day of___________, 2025. _____________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST
City Clerk
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
“To Enrich Lives Through Effective and Caring Service”
900 SOUTH FREMONT AVENUE
ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA 91803-1331
Telephone: (626) 458-5100
http://dpw.lacounty.gov
November 17, 2025
MARK PESTRELLA, Director
ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO:
P.O. BOX 1460
ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA 91802-1460
IN REPLY PLEASE
REFER TO FILE: B-0
Ms. Karina Banales
City Manager
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Ms. Banales:
2026 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING,
ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL,
RESIDENTIAL, GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS,
AND EXISTING BUILDING CODES
The County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors will consider seven ordinances to adopt the 2025 State of California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, Green Building Standards, and Existing Building Codes as amended, on November 25, 2025, and if approved will be effective in the unincorporated areas of the County on January 1, 2026.
The County, your City, and other local jurisdictions may amend the Building Standards Code adopted by the State to establish more restrictive building standards provided that the amendments are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, and/or topographic conditions. In accordance with Assembly Bill 130, the changes and modifications must also be substantially equivalent to the changes and modifications previously in effect and filed with the California Building Standards Commission by September 30, 2025.
The majority of the amendments proposed by the County in this code cycle are a continuation of amendments previously approved from past code cycles. Only minor changes in administrative provisions were introduced to enhance procedural clarity and allow for a more consistent application of existing code provisions.
The ordinances will also re-adopt the mandatory repair and retrofit programs contained in Chapters 94, 95, and 96 of Title 26 of the County Code. If adopted by your City, these programs could require repair or retrofit of existing city- and privately-owned
Ms. Karina Banales
November 17, 2025
buildings within your jurisdiction. Your City should consider whether these programs are appropriate for your specific jurisdiction prior to adopting Title 26 of the County Code, Chapters 94, 95, and 96.
Chapter 97 was adopted into Title 26 of the County Code and establishes regulations for seismic retrofitting of certain high-rise, nonductile concrete buildings. If adopted by your City, this program could require retrofits to city- or privately- owned high-rise, concrete buildings that were constructed under standards enacted before the 1977 Los Angeles County Building Code. Your City should consider whether this program is appropriate for your specific jurisdiction prior to adopting Chapter 97 of Title 26 of the County Code.
Title 33 of the County Code is the Existing Building Code which sets forth regulations for existing buildings and structures. Appendix A4 of the Existing Building Code will be re-adopted by the County and will provide a code compliant design method for building owners who opt to voluntarily improve soft or weak story conditions in residential occupancies. To emphasize, Appendix A4 will not be a mandatory retrofit provision, only a voluntary provision.
The County is re-adopting Appendix BB to Title 30 of the County Code, the Residential Code. Appendix BB, Tiny Houses, provides flexibility to certain life-safety provisions to promote the construction of smaller dwellings.
The County is re-adopting a voluntary appendix to Title 26 and Title 30 of the County Code to establish Emergency Housing provisions. Appendices Q and CJ of the Building Code and Residential Code, respectively, provide requirements for emergency housing and emergency housing facilities that are occupied during a declaration of state of emergency, local emergency, or shelter crisis. Since these appendices are not mandatory, your City may opt to not adopt them.
We encourage your City to become familiar with the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) and to contemplate the need for any desired amendments to reflect local conditions within the City. To assist in this effort, we have a summary of CALGreen code changes, as well as a comparison to the additional local amendments effective in the unincorporated areas of the County.
Our Building and Safety Division Office Managers and staff are available to assist you as your City prepares your ordinances for adoption. Please note that any local amendments to the California Building Standards Code authored by the City shall comply with Health and Safety Code Sections 17958 and 18941.5 and include the necessary findings.
Ms. Karina Banales
November 17, 2025
Ordinances, the summary of the CALGreen code changes, and supporting documents are available for download at http://dpw.lacounty.gov/bsd/rds Username: COOR Password: cORDs13!
If you would like further assistance in the adoption of these Codes, please contact Ms. Jennifer Dang of our Building and Safety, Research Section at (626) 328-3250.
Very truly yours,
MARK PESTRELLA, PE
Director of Public Works
JUAN MADRIGAL
Assistant Deputy Director
Building and Safety
JD:ms
p:\bspub\admin\sec\doc\2025\letters\ltr389 - 2026 La co bldgcodes.docx for
CL_PBN_260112_PH_CC_2025BuildingCode_F - Page 1 of 1
2615 Pacific Coast Highway #329
Hermosa Beach, California 90254
(310) 543-6635
[email protected]
City of Rolling Hills
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
Account Number: 5007827
Ad Order Number: 0011769233
Customer's Reference/PO Number:
Publication: Daily Breeze
Publication Dates: 12/22/2025 and 12/29/2025
Total Amount: $1546.83
Payment Amount: $0.00
Amount Due: $1546.83
Notice ID: jRZ2zezE12Af5vbPYUb3
Invoice Text: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, which is located at 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA 90274. The hearing will concern the second reading of Ordinance No. 389 that, if adopted, would adopt 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; Title 33 of the Los Angeles County Code incorporating the California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition; Adopting by reference the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition; making amendments to said codes; and finding the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. On December 9, 2025, the City Council voted, 4-0, to introduce Ordinance No.389 for first reading. A live audio of the City Council meeting will be available on the City’s website (http://www.rolling-hills.org/).
The meeting agenda is found here: https://www.rollinghills.org/government/agendas_meetings.php [https://www.rollinghills.org/government/agendas_meetings.php] The draft ordinances and supporting
CL_PBN_260112_PH_CC_2025BuildingCode_F - Page 1 of 1
Daily Breeze
2615 Pacific Coast Highway #329
Hermosa Beach, California 90254
(310) 543-6635
0011769233
City of Rolling Hills
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
PROOF OF PUBLICATION
(2015.5 C.C.P.)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
County of Los Angeles
I am a citizen of the United States and
a resident of the County aforesaid; I
am over the age of eighteen years, and
not party to or interested in the aboveentitled matter. I am the principal clerk of the printer of Daily Breeze, a
newspaper of general circulation,
printed and published in the City of
Torrance*, County of Los Angeles, and
which newspaper has been adjudged a
newspaper of general circulation by the
Superior Court of County of Los
Angeles, State of California, under the
date of June 15, 1945, Decree No.
Pomo C-606. The notice, of which the
annexed is a printed copy (set in type
not smaller than nonpareil), has been
published in each regular and entire
issue of said newspaper and not in any
supplement thereof on the following
dates, to wit:
12/22/2025, 12/29/2025
I certify (or declare) under the penalty
of perjury that the foregoing is true and
correct.
Dated at Hermosa Beach, California
On this 29th day of December, 2025.
______________________________
Signature
*Daily Breeze circulation includes the following
cities: Carson, Compton, Culver City, El
Segundo, Gardena, Harbor City, Hawthorne,
Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale,
Lomita, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Manhattan
Beach, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Palos Verdes,
Rancho Palos Verdes, Rancho Palos Verdes
Estates, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Santa
Monica, Torrance and Wilmington
Item: 12.A.
Meeting Date: 1/12/2026
To: City Council
From: Samantha Crew, Management Analyst
Thru: Karina Bañales, City Manager
Subject: Consideration and Discussion of the City’s Outdoor Emergency Warning System Contractual Framework
Background:
Contractual Framework
The City entered into an agreement with HQE Systems on June 23, 2023, for a turnkey emergency communications system, including three 50-foot outdoor sirens capable of producing intelligible voice and tone alerts, with a minimum of 70 dB outdoor coverage at all Rolling Hills properties under normal conditions.
Three poles were installed in September 2024 at:
1. City Hall
2. Fire Station 56 (Crest Road West)
3. Crest Road East Gate
Initial system testing occurred on October 16, 2024. On December 11, 2024, the City executed a First Amendment extending the contract term to allow HQE to continue working toward full completion of the scope. Although all three siren poles were installed and operational at that time, the system had not yet achieved the 70 dB minimum coverage in all areas of the City.
On January 27, 2025, Council directed staff to continue working with HQE to meet the contractual sound-coverage obligations while simultaneously preparing for the future implementation of the SAFE Network as an augmented communication layer.
On May 12, 2025, HQE proposed a funding shift in which the City would cover the cost of equipment and materials for three additional 50-foot sirens, while HQE would provide labor and other direct costs. The City had previously understood that no additional costs would be incurred for the system expansion because the original agreement’s 70 dB performance requirement had not been met. HQE conceded that the topography of Rolling Hills presented unexpected challenges in meeting the original terms of the contract and that HQE would be operating at a loss on this particular project. As a result, should the City Council elect to proceed with system expansion, the City must determine an
appropriate funding approach that reflects its limited resources, supports project completion, and establishes clear contractual terms moving forward.
RHCA Easement License Determination
On October 30, 2025, the City submitted an Easement License Application to the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA) for installation of a 50-foot outdoor emergency siren at the Garden Triangle near Upper Blackwater Canyon Road and Portuguese Bend Road as part of the City’s proposed siren expansion project. Following a site visit and review, the RHCA Board voted 3-1, with one member absent, to approve the request.
Discussion:
Contract and Funding Obligations
While the original proposal envisioned installation of 12 outdoor sirens, the City Council, mindful of fiscal limitations, approved installation of three as the most cost-effective path. HQE committed that this reduced configuration could still achieve contract performance standards, a position that both parties now recognize was overly optimistic.
As noted above, HQE has requested that the City cover the equipment costs for installing additional poles. To advance the expansion, revisiting and updating the contractual terms is now the necessary next step. The expansion research phase, completed at no cost to the City, has concluded, and HQE is prepared to proceed once an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) is executed, and funding and licensing approvals are in place. Moving forward with these actions will position this important public-safety initiative to better alert all Rolling Hills residents in the event of an emergency or evacuation, establishing a clear path toward completing the siren project.
Below are three viable paths forward for City Council consideration.
Option 1 – City Funds the Equipment Costs of Additional Poles Under this option, the City would agree to fund the equipment portion of the remaining poles, contingent upon HQE providing written confirmation that they will:
• Install a turnkey emergency communications system equipped with intelligible voice and tone capability, managed and activated through a secure Advanced Communication Module (ACM). • Complete installation of the SAFE Network and provide a complimentary alert-and-warning software package capable of supporting up to 100,000 emergency notifications. • Provide documentation, field testing, and final sound-coverage mapping demonstrating equitable, reliable, and consistent citywide outdoor-warning performance that meets the City’s emergency-notification needs.
Pros:
• Ensures timely completion of the expansion project.
• Maintains a strong working relationship with HQE.
• Offers dependable, community-wide outdoor-warning coverage that improves the City’s overall emergency-notification capabilities.
Cons:
• City assumes additional unplanned costs.
Option 2 – City Issues Formal Notice of Non-Performance Under this approach, the City would formally notify HQE that they are not meeting contractual obligations, placing responsibility for any additional poles or system modifications solely on the vendor.
Pros:
• Holds the vendor fully accountable for contract performance. • Avoids additional cost to the City.
• Demonstrates to the public that the City enforces contract compliance.
Cons:
• May significantly strain the relationship with HQE.
• Could delay project timelines.
• May escalate to mediation or arbitration.
Option 3 – Hybrid Approach (City Funds Equipment Costs but Receives Credits/Offsets) In this option, the City would fund the equipment costs for the remaining poles but negotiate compensatory value from HQE, such as:
• Extended warranties.
• Reduced or capped future maintenance costs.
• Additional discounts on SAFE Network units for residents. • Reduced fees for future siren integration or software upgrades. • Annual data usage for Satellite and Cellular Communications.
Pros:
• Preserves collaboration while recapturing significant value. • Avoids conflict and supports project momentum.
• Provides an opportunity to clarify ambiguities in current contract terms (e.g., the 70 dB standard).
Cons:
• City still incurs upfront costs.
HQE Grant-Supported Enhancements
To help enhance the City’s existing three-siren system, which did not fully achieve the promised 70 dB citywide coverage, HQE offered Rolling Hills the Community SAFE Grant. This grant provides the City with a no-cost installation of the SAFE Network System (valued at over $30,000), a resilient emergency communication platform designed to operate independently of cellular or AC power. It also offers residents up to 2,100 Indoor SAFE Units at deeply discounted, at-cost pricing, generating more than $105,231,000 in potential community savings if all units were purchased. In addition, HQE has provided a complimentary alert-and-warning software package capable of supporting up to
100,000 emergency notifications (valued at $5,000), as well as Emergency Management Operations Plans Development Support valued at $15,000. Overall, the donated commitments offered through the City’s siren vendor, HQE, represent more than $155,231.00 in public-safety enhancements at no cost to the City.
System Coverage
While the original commitment of achieving 70 dB outdoor coverage at every individual residence cannot be guaranteed due to terrain, vegetation, and meteorological variability, an expansion strategy, which the City Council has previously discussed, would be considered at a separate City Council meeting and would provide an equitable and reliable improvement to the City’s outdoorwarning coverage. The expectation should not be perfection, as achieving that level of precision would be cost-prohibitive. Instead, this expansion effort would represent a meaningful step forward, significantly enhancing system performance and improving citywide coverage. Continued enhancements over time may provide the most practical and sustainable path for the City.
It is important to note that the approach under consideration by the City Council meets industry standards for outdoor siren systems and is consistent with FEMA guidance. The system provides audible and intelligible alerts, incorporates redundancy, is equitably sited, integrates with complementary alerting and notification tools, and is supported by ongoing public education.
Accordingly, the outdoor siren system remains an essential component of the City’s multi-layered emergency-alerting framework and supports rapid public notification during critical life-safety events.
Upper Blackwater Location
The City’s siren vendor, HQE Systems, determined, through extensive acoustic modeling, topographic analysis, and sound-propagation mapping, that the Upper Blackwater location is a significant component in addressing the remaining sound coverage gaps identified after installation of the initial three poles. Along with the Chesterfield and Ringbit Rd W locations, this site is one of the three remaining installations needed to achieve consistent citywide outdoor-warning performance.
HQE and staff conducted sound-map reviews, site visits, utility assessments, neighborhood meetings, pole mock-ups, and the RHCA easement licensing process to confirm this site as the preferred placement with minimal view and community impact.
To move forward with the Upper Blackwater siren installation, amended contractual terms must first be finalized. Staff anticipates returning to the City Council in the near future to present HQE’s cost proposal and scope of work for this location under a separate agenda item.
Conclusion
This evening, staff request that the City Council provide direction on the following items:
1. Determine the City’s preferred course of action regarding the contractual discrepancy with HQE Systems by selecting one of the following options:
Option 1: City funds the equipment costs of additional poles; Option 2: City issues a formal notice of non-performance; or Option 3: A hybrid approach in which the City funds equipment costs but receives credits or offsets.
2. Payment of Outstanding Balance (If Applicable).If the City Council selects Option 1 or Option 3, direct staff to authorize payment of the remaining balance due under the original Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to compensate HQE for work already performed. If Option 2 is selected,
no payment of the remaining balance would be authorized, and staff would proceed consistent with a notice of non-performance.
3. Acknowledge the RHCA approval of the Easement License for the Upper Blackwater siren site.
Fiscal Impact:
Under the June 2023 PSA Scope of Work:
• Invoiced to Date: Two Hundred Forty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty Dollars ($247,950.00)
• Remaining Balance: Thirteen Thousand Fifty Dollars ($13,050.00) The invoiced amount includes all expenses associated with performance of the work, as outlined in the June 2023 PSA, including delivery of a turnkey emergency communications system comprising the following components:
• Design, procurement, and installation of three (3) speaker towers, at the locations identified in Exhibit A and referred to as the Fire Station Tower, (Crest Rd) East Gate Tower, and City Hall Tower.
• Configuration of intelligible voice and tone capability for each tower, designed to produce, at a minimum, the Sound Pressure Levels specified by the Original Equipment Manufacturer to support effective system coverage.
• Implementation of system management and activation functionality through an Advanced Communication Module (ACM), enabling secure remote access, control, and activation via a protected portal.
• Reasonable efforts to design the system to allow for integration with other regional alerting systems, recognizing that such integration may require additional scope and cost.
Staff will return at a later date to present the costs associated with installation of the Upper Blackwater siren pole, along with location and cost comparisons evaluating a single 50-foot pole versus two 30-foot poles for the Chesterfield and Ringbit areas.
Recommendation:
1. Staff recommends that the City Council review the information provided in this report and select one of the following options regarding the City’s outdoor emergency warning system contractual framework with HQE Systems.
Option 1 – City Funds the Equipment Costs of Additional Poles Option 2 – City Issues Formal Notice of Non-Performance Option 3 – Hybrid Approach (City Funds Equipment Costs with Credits/Offsets)
2. Payment of Outstanding Balance (If Applicable).If the City Council selects Option 1 or Option 3, direct staff to authorize payment of the remaining balance due under the original Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to compensate HQE for work already performed. If Option 2 is selected, no payment of the remaining balance would be authorized, and staff would proceed consistent with a notice of non-performance.
3. Acknowledge the RHCA approval of the Easement License for the Upper Blackwater siren site.
Attachments:
1. CL_AGN_260112_CC_Item12A_PublicComment01_Redacted
From: Don Swanson
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:52:16 PM
To: Jeff Pieper <[email protected]>; Bea Dieringer <[email protected]>; Jim Black <[email protected]>; Patrick Wilson <[email protected]>; Leah Mirsch <[email protected]> Cc: Karina Banales <[email protected]>
Subject: Fwd: Opposition to Expanding HQE Siren Pole Contract – Preserve Our Rural Character and Fiscal Responsibility
Dear Rolling Hills City Council Members,
Why I'm writing
As a longtime resident of Chesterfield Road, I am deeply concerned about tonight's discussion on the outdoor emergency warning system contract with HQE Systems (Item 12.A). I urge the Council to reject moving forward with additional siren poles, particularly any expansion involving Chesterfield or nearby areas.
Key concerns
Fiscal responsibility — The original contract has already cost $247,950, with $13,050 still outstanding, yet it failed to deliver the promised 70 dB coverage across the City due to our unique topography. HQE now asks the City to fund equipment for more poles—despite their admission that the original scope was overly optimistic and they would operate at a loss. This shifts unplanned costs onto taxpayers when we have limited resources. Options 1 and 3 would commit us to extra spending; even with "credits," we pay upfront for a vendor's miscalculation.
Preserving our rural character — Rolling Hills is cherished for its semi-rural, equestrian lifestyle with open views, minimal structures, and natural aesthetics.
Installing a 50-foot or a 3-foot siren pole would introduce industrial intrusions into our scenic landscape, especially for our Chesterfield Road residents. These tall poles risk disrupting viewsheds, neighborhood character, and the lowdensity charm that defines our community—contrary to the principles that have protected Rolling Hills since incorporation. The residents of Chesterfield are against this expansion.
Better alternatives exist — The staff report highlights the donated SAFE Network enhancements (valued at over $155,000 at no cost), indoor units, software, and plans. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is installing a radio signal at the top of the hill that ties in with LA County radio alerts, which can be heard home and in the car. These provide resilient, multi-layered alerting without visual blight or added expense. Industry standards and FEMA guidance support complementary tools over chasing "perfection" with more poles, which the report admits is cost-prohibitive and unrealistic given terrain and variability.
Recommendation
Please select Option 2: Issue formal notice of non-performance to HQE. This holds the vendor accountable, avoids additional taxpayer costs, and prevents unnecessary alterations to our community's visual and rural integrity. With existing sirens, the complimentary SAFE Network, and other notification methods, we can maintain strong emergency preparedness without compromising what makes Rolling Hills special.
Thank you for your service and for considering residents' priorities on fiscal prudence and preserving our unique community character. I respectfully request this be read into the record or acknowledged during tonight's meeting.
Sincerely,
Don Swanson
Chesterfield Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Item: 12.B.
Meeting Date: 1/12/2026
To: City Council
From: Christian Horvath, Assistant to the City Manager / City Clerk Thru: Karina Bañales, City Manager
Subject: Approve Third Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Bennett Landscape for a One-Year Extension providing Landscaping Services on the City Hall campus
Background:
Residents and visitors widely utilize the City Hall campus for events, informal social gatherings, tai-chi classes, and as park space. Between 2017 and 2020, the City Hall campus was poorly maintained, with diseased vegetation, broken irrigation lines, and sprinklers. Repairs were made, replacement irrigation parts were installed, diseased vegetation was removed, and new vegetation was isolated without a holistic plan for the entire campus. The City lacked as-builts for the campus, including the existing irrigation system and plant palette.
In 2022, the City advertised a Request for Proposal (RFP) for weekly landscaping maintenance on the City Hall campus. A survey of the existing irrigation system was conducted by a licensed landscape architect, which resulted in a list of recommended actions to improve the operation of the system and was included in the RFP. With limited open space, the City desired to keep the City Hall campus functional at all times and aesthetically pleasing with attention to detail in the plant palette.
The City received two responses to the RFP. The first was from current provider Bennett Landscape, and the second was from Stay Green Inc., whose clientele includes Palos Verdes Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes. The proposals received were evaluated in 4 categories: Expertise, Experience and Training, Plus Prior Contracting History, Project Approach and Availability, Cost, and Compliance with RFP.
At the October 24, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to provide them with the internal documents to determine the staff's recommendation. The council was provided with both proposals, a comparison spreadsheet, and evaluation scoring documentation.
At the November 14, 2022 City Council meeting, staff returned with the item and a recommendation to contract with Stay Green Inc. After testimony, consideration, and comments, the Council unanimously voted to select Bennett Landscape for one year and directed staff to prepare a professional service agreement.
At the December 13, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council approved the one-year agreement with Bennett Landscape.
At the January 8, 2024, City Council meeting, the Council approved the first amendment to the maintenance agreement, extending it for one year.
At the February 10, 2025, City Council meeting, the Council approved the second amendment to the maintenance agreement, extending it for one year.
Discussion:
This past year, Bennett Landscape lowered their monthly maintenance costs as a result of the 2024 revised City Hall campus landscape design and installation that was financed by a water-wise turfreplacement grant from California Water Services and Metro TDA-03 funds. The new design features native, drought-resistant plantings and ground cover which will take 1–2 years to fully realize the intent of the design. It also serves as a community example of home-hardening techniques which the City, Block Captains and LA County Fire continuously work towards educating residents on ways to protect their homes during a fire emergency.
Staff is requesting approval of a third amendment (Attachment A) and one-year extension to the current contract, continuing the lower monthly fee, revising aspects of Exhibit A that are no longer germane, and updating Exhibit B based on Bennett's sustained operating cost increases in vendor pricing including sprinkler materials, nursery stock, labor, materials, and supplies.
Staff continues to evaluate services provided by Bennett Landscape and meets monthly for a campus walk with their representative(s).
Fiscal Impact:
There are sufficient funds budgeted for FY25/26 in the General Fund to cover the ongoing monthly Landscaping Maintenance fee of $1020.00.
Recommendation:
Approve as presented.
Attachments:
1. Attachment A - CA_AGR_260112_BennettLandscape_Amendment03_F
2. Attachment B - CA_AGR_221213_BennettLandscape_Maintenance_E
3. Attachment C -CA_AGR_240108_BennettLandscape_Amendment01_F_E
4. Attachment D -CA_AGR_250210_BennettLandscape_Amendment02_F_A_E
1 Third Amendment to Landscape Maintenance
This Third Amendment to the Agreement for Landscape Maintenance (“Third Amendment”) is made and entered into this 12th day of January 2026 by and between the City of Rolling Hills, a municipal corporation (“City”), and Bennett Landscape (“Contractor”).
BACKGROUND
A. On December 13, 2022, the City and Contractor entered into an Agreement for Contractor to provide maintenance and landscaping services in the Civic Center Area (City Hall and tennis Courts) in the City (“Agreement”).
B. On January 8, 2024, the City and Contractor amended the Agreement for the first time to extend the term to December 14, 2024. (“First Amendment”).
C. On February 10, 2025, the City and Contractor amended the Agreement for the second time to extend the term to December 31, 2025. (“Second Amendment”).
D. The City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement to revise the scope of work as a result of changes to the campus landscape design, maintaining the lower the monthly cost, and extending the term of the Agreement to December 31, 2026 (“Third Amendment”).
E. The Contractor warrants to the City that it has the expertise, experience, and qualifications to perform the services more fully described in the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreements set forth below, the City and Contractor agree as follows:
1. Paragraph 2, Section A (Payment) of the Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:
“A. Compensation. City shall pay to Contractor the sum of $1,020.00 per month based on weekly services rendered under this Agreement and described in the attached Exhibit A which are incorporated herein by reference. This represents total compensation for all work listed, labor, annual fertilizer, equipment, and expenses incurred by Contractor. Additional work and materials shall be provided as stated in revised Exhibit B, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, any work contemplated by this Exhibit B must be authorized by City in writing and compensation therefor shall be agreed upon in advance by the parties prior to commencing any work.
2. Paragraph 3 (Term and Termination) of the Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:
2 “3. Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement shall commence on December 14, 2022 and terminate on December 31, 2026 unless extended by mutual agreement of the parties. City may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause. In such event, Contractor shall be compensated for work satisfactorily accomplished prior to the time of termination.”
3. All other terms and conditions of the Agreement not amended by this Third Amendment remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Third Amendment on the date and year first above written with the intent that this Third Amendment be effective as of December 31, 2025.
CITY
City of Rolling Hills
By:
Karina Bañales, City Manager
Attest:
By:
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
CONTRACTOR
BENNETT LANDSCAPE.
By:
Sean A. Bennett,
President and Founder
Contractor's License No. 479003
Agency Business License No. N/A
Federal Tax Identification No. 33-0105672
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 1/12/26
- 1 -
EXHIBIT A
Scope of Work
I. Turf Management
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Mow any remaining turf areas weekly to maintain a neat and manicured appearance, weather permitting.
2. For all turf areas, inspect grounds for litter and debris prior to mowing and dispose of any litter or debris identified.
3. Mow all irrigated lawn areas to the finished cut height of no less than 1 ½” and no more than 2 ½” unless otherwise requested.
4. Cut lawn to a uniform height. Mowing equipment is to be kept sufficiently sharp and properly adjusted through daily servicing to provide a cleanly cut grass blade.
Grass blade bruising, tearing, and shredding are to be prevented.
5. The lawn cutting height shall be appropriate to turf variety. The lawn edges shall be trimmed adjacent to walks, curbs, paving, and headers. Immediately following each mowing, the areas shall be left in a neat and clean condition.
6. Mowing pattern will be varied where possible to reduce rutting and compaction of grade. Any excess clippings will be dispersed and/or collected to prevent damage and unsightly appearance of lawns.
7. Extra care shall be taken to prevent edging wider than necessary margins around sprinkler heads, borders, and trees. Care shall be taken to prevent trimmer damage to tree trunks and structures.
8. Fertilizers shall be applied three times a year (March, June, September) with lawn food to maintain lawn strength, color, and vigor.
9. Fertilizers shall be watered in after the application at the next regularly scheduled watering period.
10. Both chemical and organic fertilizer materials may be used.
11. Contractor shall maintain a log of fertilizer use and provide log to City quarterly.
12. Broadleaf and grassy weeds, insect pests, and plant diseases shall be treated by application of approved pesticides.
13. Damage to lawns and ground cover due to circumstances beyond the Contractor’s control shall be repaired after agreement with the City as to payment for such work.
14. Lawns are to the thatched, scalped, and over-seeded in the Fall.
II. Ground Covers, Plantings, and Shrubs
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 1/12/26
- 2 -
1. On a monthly basis, prune and trim ground cover plants neatly away from shrubs, trees, walk-ways, walls, and headers.
2. Pruning and shaping of shrubs shall be performed only as necessary to maintain the natural form of the plant, to maintain growth within space limitations, and to eliminate damaged or diseased wood.
3. Shrubs shall not be clipped into balled or boxed forms unless required by the design. Ground cover, plantings and shrubs shall be kept trimmed and pruned back so as to not obstruct sprinklers, outdoor lights, fire hydrants, and electrical/telephone boxes.
4. Damage to ground covers due to circumstances beyond the Contractor’s control shall be repaired after prior agreement with the City as to payment for such work.
5. Plants that are in a state of decline and are dead shall normally be removed if Contractor is satisfied that the property will benefit aesthetically. Contractor must notify the City first, and gain City approval, before plant are removed.
6. On a weekly basis, shrubs, plantings and ground cover areas shall be kept free of broadleaf or grassy weeds by pulling with hands or hand tools. Use of weedwhackers, or hoeing weeds is not permitted. Any remaining turf that persists in newly planted areas should be treated accordingly to prevent and stop future turf growth.
7. Fertilizer shall be applied three times a year (March, June, September) with allpurpose fertilizer (i.e. Gro Power Plus) to stimulate growth.
8. Contractor shall maintain a log of fertilizer use and provide log to City upon City’s request.
9. Ground cover top dress over exposed soil should be refreshed as needed and/or every 1-2 years with 3” layer of all wood tree chippings.
10. Decomposed Granite should be refreshed as needed and/or every 2-3 years.
11. Remove any remaining / leftover roots from previous landscape features prior to 2024 design implementation as visible.
12. Ground cover and plantings from 2024 Landscape redesign shall follow the Landscape Architect’s written instructions for care and maintenance. Qualified and knowledgeable staff shall be assigned to care for and foster proper growth and maintenance to ensure design intent. (see Exhibit C)
III. Small Trees
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Maintain, without requests from City, all trees and remaining shrubbery to a measure of 15 feet in height or less. Ensure tree branches do not block, occlude or interfere with existing campus lighting and poles.
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 1/12/26
- 3 -
2. Trimming of trees over 15 feet in height may be performed and invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City. City reserves the right to seek other proposals from other contractors for trimming of trees over 15 feet in height.
3. Trees shall be properly staked and tied as necessary. Tree ties shall be inspected monthly to prevent damage caused by abrasion or constriction.
4. Removal of tree stakes shall be considered as soon as possible to encourage tree development.
5. Trees and stumps requiring removal due to storm damage, proximity to buildings, walks, utilities, or other reasons shall be performed as directed and invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City.
6. Contractor shall inspect trees for insects and diseases monthly. Approved chemical sprays shall be applied if required for common and controllable insect and disease infestations. Spraying shall be limited to one application. Additional treatments necessary due to unusual conditions may be invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City. Spraying shall be limited to trees measuring 15 feet or less in overall height.
7. The City may ask that a tree or large shrub be lowered to protect a view. If this requires a non-standard trimming practice that can result in deformity or seriously impact the health of the tree, the ultimate responsibility will be borne by the City.
8. Olive trees shall be sprayed in the spring to reduce the production of olives and shall be performed as part of the monthly service at no additional charge to the City. Tree should be trimmed in accordance with above requirements to aid in reduction.
9. Contractor shall not be responsible for tree damage caused by tree roots.
IV. Replacement
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Comply with the following requirement: any plant material that may expire, due to negligent maintenance procedures, shall be replaced by the Contractor, up to a maximum fifteen-gallon size plant, at no extra cost to the City.
V. Debris Control
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. On a weekly basis, all lawns, planting beds, driveways and walkways shall be cleaned of papers, bottles, excessive dust, and other types of debris.
2. On a weekly basis, rake and remove leaf debris after tree trimming.
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 1/12/26
- 4 -
3. As work in each area is completed, the clippings, trimmings, and debris shall be picked up and removed from the property at the end of each workday to leave a clean condition.
VI. Pest Control
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. A pervasive pest infestation that is out of the ordinary (e.g. an influx of snails, whitefly, and lerp psyllid, etc.) requiring repeated pesticide applications may be invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City. Contractor will bear the responsibility to hire a California licensed pest control and fumigation subcontractor when the application of services is deemed necessary.
2. Contractor’s employees and subcontractors shall exercise the proper use of chemical controls and spray equipment and take all established safety precautions.
3. Contractor shall assume all supervision and responsibility for the application of chemicals and insecticides that are used by Contractor’s employees and subcontractors in performing contracted work.
4. Contractor will not be held responsible for children or pets that may ingest pellets, granular products, or treated foliage, unless negligence on the part of the Contractor is the cause.
VII. Irrigation Systems
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Inspect the irrigation systems weekly for broken and clogged heads, malfunctioning or leaking valves, or any other condition, which hampers the normal operation of the irrigation system.
2. The crew foreman shall manually sequence each automatic irrigation controller on a scheduled basis to ensure that the irrigation system facets are operating properly.
3. Contractor shall replace sprinkler heads damaged by normal landscape maintenance operations at no charge to the City.
4. On a monthly basis, Contractor shall inspect sprinkler heads and make adjustments, if necessary to conserve water and to provide the best possible coverage and least possible spray onto buildings, fences, and tennis courts while conserving water.
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 1/12/26
- 5 -
5. Contractor will not be held responsible for water damage resulting from sprinkler heads located in close proximity to structures that over-spray in an unavoidable manner.
6. Maintenance crew shall schedule watering area plant material on automatic irrigation controllers in quantities and frequencies consistent with seasonal requirements of the area plant materials.
7. Where practical, watering all vegetation shall be done at night or early morning if the system is automatic, or unless directed otherwise by the City.
8. Repairs and/or replacement of automatic irrigation clocks, major valves, and major piping may be performed and invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City.
9. Minor replacement and repairs to sprinkler heads and pipes shall be performed at no additional cost to the City.
10. Contractor shall note on a campus map in City Hall, location of repaired or replaced sprinkler heads, and maintain a log of any irrigation work performed including the date, location and reason for repair.
11. Maintenance crew must immediately report to the City any vandalism or accidental damage caused by others. Repairs may be made and invoiced as an extra charge following written approval by the City.
12. If the maintenance crew has determined that the automatic irrigation controller has failed or malfunctioned, the City shall be instructed as to location of clocks and backflow valves so that they may be turned off.
13. Contractor shall provide the City with a 24-hour emergency service telephone number and designate a company person to receive emergency calls. Contractor agrees to respond to City emergency calls during normal business hours (7:30am to 5pm) and during non-business hours (5pm to 7:30am).
14. On a weekly basis, Contractor shall inspect and clean all drainage swales, and grates on and leading from the property, and on an annual basis, in the Fall, inspect and clean rain gutters on all structures.
VIII. Irrigation Systems (Other)
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Special Circumstances. Damage to landscape or irrigation systems caused by others, such as other contractors working on the property, may be repaired and invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City.
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 1/12/26
- 6 -
2. Stormwater Prevention. Pursuant to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, Public Agencies are required to implement programs to minimize storm water pollution impacts from public agency activities, including from landscape facilities management. Therefore, Contractor shall ensure that no application of pesticides or fertilizers occurs immediately before, during, or immediately after a rain event or when water is flowing off the area to be applied. In addition, Contractor shall not apply any banned or unregistered pesticides or fertilizers.
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 1/12/26
- 7 -
EXHIBIT B
See attached two pages “Fees”
Exhibit B - page 1 of 2
revised 1/12/2026
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Fees
Landscape Maintenance Services
$1020.00 Monthly
Tree Trimming
Campus tree trimming services allotment $11,200.
Tree trimming is performed by a separate crew who specializes in and have the knowledge of tree trimming safety.
Irrigation Repairs
After reaching the cumulative total of $750 in irrigation repairs, we will charge at the standard rate of 2 men crew $125/hr. plus material costs. Monday through Friday 7-4 pm.
New Plantings
Price will be determined on which plants, shrubs, or trees the City of Rolling Hills selects, how many, equipment needed, and availability. Price will include the plant/shrub/tree, soil amendments, slowrelease planting tablets, labor, stakes etc. 1 gallon $25
5 gallon $55
15 gallon $165
24” box $550
36” box $1,100
Construction
Price is determined by project. Price includes, equipment, labor, material etc.
Exhibit B - page 2 of 2
revised 1/12/2026
Emergency Services - After 4pm, weekends, holidays
Major irrigation repairs, 1 man team
Tree crew 3 men
ꞏChipper truck and chipper
Aerial bucket truck additional
After Hours:
Main telephone line - listen to prompts
$120 per hour
$650 per hour
$200 per hour
(310) 534-3543
One -time Services Unit Prices - Monday - Friday 7-4pm
a) Reprogram irrigation controllers
b) Replace pressure regulator. Brass Wilkens, regulator each c) Check back flow device, certification
d) Change spray nozzles
e) Mulch and fertilize planter beds, 50 cu yds wood tree mulch f) De-thatch, aerate, overseed. top dress, fertilize lawn g) New irrigation controllers
h) Replace 6 failing pop-ups
i) Replace aging valves
j) Replace entire irrigation system
k) Wood Mulch 3” Depth
l) Decomposed granite
$125/hr.
$2,700 each
$225 each
$12 each
$900 each
$495
$3900 each
$48 each
$425 each
$1,850 each station/zone
$75/yard includes labor
$165/yard includes labor
It is difficult to price material as the recommendation does not include in some cases model, sizes, amt quantity. Only states Hunter I-Core controllers. **Subject available and substitution due to availability from distributors** Implement Landscape Architect Recommendations
Licensed landscape architect
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement
- 11 -
EXHIBIT B
See attached two pages “Fees”
Exhibit B - page 1 of 2
Exhibit B - page 2 of 2
1 Second Amendment to Landscape Maintenance
This Second Amendment to the Agreement for Landscape Maintenance (“First Amendment”) is made and entered into this 10th day of February 2025 by and between the City of Rolling Hills, a municipal corporation (“City”), and Bennett Landscape (“Contractor”).
BACKGROUND
A. On December 13, 2022, the City and Contractor entered into an Agreement for Contractor to provide maintenance and landscaping services in the Civic Center Area (City Hall and tennis Courts) in the City (“Agreement”).
B. On January 8, 2024, the City and Contractor amended the Agreement for the first time to extend the term to December 14, 2024. (“First Amendment”).
C. The City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement to revise the scope of work as a result of changes to the campus landscape design, lower the monthly cost, and extend the term of the Agreement to December 31, 2025 (“Second Amendment”).
D. The Contractor warrants to the City that it has the expertise, experience, and qualifications to perform the services more fully described in the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreements set forth below, the City and Contractor agree as follows:
1. Paragraph 2, Section A (Payment) of the Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:
“A. Compensation. City shall pay to Contractor the sum of $1,020.00 per month based on weekly services rendered under this Agreement and described in the attached Exhibit A which are incorporated herein by reference. This represents total compensation for all work listed, labor, annual fertilizer, equipment, and expenses incurred by Contractor. Additional work and materials shall be provided as stated in revised Exhibit B, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, any work contemplated by this Exhibit B must be authorized by City in writing and compensation therefor shall be agreed upon in advance by the parties prior to commencing any work.
2. Paragraph 3 (Term and Termination) of the Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:
“3. Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement shall commence on December 14, 2022 and terminate on December 31, 2025 unless extended by mutual agreement of the parties. City may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause. In such event, Contractor shall be compensated for work satisfactorily accomplished prior to the time of termination.”
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
- 1 -
EXHIBIT A
Scope of Work
I. Turf Management
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Mow any remaining turf areas weekly to maintain a neat and manicured appearance, weather permitting.
2. For all turf areas, inspect grounds for litter and debris prior to mowing and dispose of any litter or debris identified.
3. Mow all irrigated lawn areas to the finished cut height of no less than 1 ½” and no more than 2 ½” unless otherwise requested.
4. Cut lawn to a uniform height. Mowing equipment is to be kept sufficiently sharp and properly adjusted through daily servicing to provide a cleanly cut grass blade.
Grass blade bruising, tearing, and shredding are to be prevented.
5. The lawn cutting height shall be appropriate to turf variety. The lawn edges shall be trimmed adjacent to walks, curbs, paving, and headers. Immediately following each mowing, the areas shall be left in a neat and clean condition.
6. Mowing pattern will be varied where possible to reduce rutting and compaction of grade. Any excess clippings will be dispersed and/or collected to prevent damage and unsightly appearance of lawns.
7. Extra care shall be taken to prevent edging wider than necessary margins around sprinkler heads, borders, and trees. Care shall be taken to prevent trimmer damage to tree trunks and structures.
8. Fertilizers shall be applied three times a year (March, June, September) with lawn food to maintain lawn strength, color, and vigor.
9. Fertilizers shall be watered in after the application at the next regularly scheduled watering period.
10. Both chemical and organic fertilizer materials may be used.
11. Contractor shall maintain a log of fertilizer use and provide log to City quarterly.
12. Broadleaf and grassy weeds, insect pests, and plant diseases shall be treated by application of approved pesticides.
13. Damage to lawns and ground cover due to circumstances beyond the Contractor’s control shall be repaired after agreement with the City as to payment for such work.
14. Lawns are to the thatched, scalped, and over-seeded in the Fall.
II. Ground Covers, Plantings, and Shrubs
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
- 2 -
1. On a monthly basis, prune and trim ground cover plants neatly away from shrubs, trees, walk-ways, walls, and headers.
2. Pruning and shaping of shrubs shall be performed only as necessary to maintain the natural form of the plant, to maintain growth within space limitations, and to eliminate damaged or diseased wood.
3. Shrubs shall not be clipped into balled or boxed forms unless required by the design. Ground cover, plantings and shrubs shall be kept trimmed and pruned back so as to not obstruct sprinklers, outdoor lights, fire hydrants, and electrical/telephone boxes.
4. Damage to ground covers due to circumstances beyond the Contractor’s control shall be repaired after prior agreement with the City as to payment for such work.
5. Plants that are in a state of decline and are dead shall normally be removed if Contractor is satisfied that the property will benefit aesthetically. Contractor must notify the City first, and gain City approval, before plant are removed.
6. On a weekly basis, shrubs, plantings and ground cover areas shall be kept free of broadleaf or grassy weeds by pulling with hands or hand tools. Use of weedwhackers, or hoeing weeds is not permitted. Any remaining turf that persists in newly planted areas should be treated accordingly to prevent and stop future turf growth.
7. Fertilizer shall be applied three times a year (March, June, September) with allpurpose fertilizer (i.e. Gro Power Plus) to stimulate growth.
8. Contractor shall maintain a log of fertilizer use and provide log to City upon City’s request.
9. Ground cover top dress over exposed soil should be refreshed as needed and/or every 1-2 years with 3” layer of all wood tree chippings.
10. Decomposed Granite should be refreshed as needed and/or every 2-3 years.
11. Remove any remaining / leftover roots from previous landscape features prior to 2024 design implementation as visible.
12. Ground cover and plantings from 2024 Landscape redesign shall follow the Landscape Architect’s written instructions for care and maintenance. Qualified and knowledgeable staff shall be assigned to care for and foster proper growth and maintenance to ensure design intent. (see Exhibit C)
III. New Landscape Design Punchlist and Maintenance Specifics Contractor shall address the tasks listed below and ensure, at regular intervals, that conditions remain in compliance with the following tasks:
1. Flag Pole area – add more Dymondia per designs to cover appropriately and weed area.
2. Green Portulacaria around perimeter of building requires regular irrigation for proper growth.
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
- 3 -
3. Add missing Green Portulacaria per designs along northeast side of City Hall building
4. Weed along outside east fence
5. Dig out / properly remove Eleagnus stump at RHCA East garage storage and trash area.
6. Check and fix irrigation around Lomandra at northwest corner of RHCA building porch to ensure it is receiving proper water.
7. Clip Star Jasmine to less than 12” “tall growth” to stimulate.
8. Clip “old” Star Jasmine to 6” in March 2025 to refresh.
9. Clip Muhlenbergia to 6” in February 2025 and thereafter in December /January.
10.Remove “Volunteer” Fan Palm
Contractor is expected to have staff knowledgeable in maintaining campus per above and attached design comments.
IV. Small Trees
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Maintain, without requests from City, all trees and remaining shrubbery to a measure of 15 feet in height or less. Ensure tree branches do not block, occlude or interfere with existing campus lighting and poles.
2. Trimming of trees over 15 feet in height may be performed and invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City. City reserves the right to seek other proposals from other contractors for trimming of trees over 15 feet in height.
3. Trees shall be properly staked and tied as necessary. Tree ties shall be inspected monthly to prevent damage caused by abrasion or constriction.
4. Removal of tree stakes shall be considered as soon as possible to encourage tree development.
5. Trees and stumps requiring removal due to storm damage, proximity to buildings, walks, utilities, or other reasons shall be performed as directed and invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City.
6. Contractor shall inspect trees for insects and diseases monthly. Approved chemical sprays shall be applied if required for common and controllable insect and disease infestations. Spraying shall be limited to one application. Additional treatments necessary due to unusual conditions may be invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City. Spraying shall be limited to trees measuring 15 feet or less in overall height.
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
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7. The City may ask that a tree or large shrub be lowered to protect a view. If this requires a non-standard trimming practice that can result in deformity or seriously impact the health of the tree, the ultimate responsibility will be borne by the City.
8. Olive trees shall be sprayed in the spring to reduce the production of olives and shall be performed as part of the monthly service at no additional charge to the City. Tree should be trimmed in accordance with above requirements to aid in reduction.
9. Contractor shall not be responsible for tree damage caused by tree roots.
V. Replacement
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Comply with the following requirement: any plant material that may expire, due to negligent maintenance procedures, shall be replaced by the Contractor, up to a maximum fifteen-gallon size plant, at no extra cost to the City.
VI. Debris Control
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. On a weekly basis, all lawns, planting beds, driveways and walkways shall be cleaned of papers, bottles, excessive dust, and other types of debris.
2. On a weekly basis, rake and remove leaf debris after tree trimming.
3. As work in each area is completed, the clippings, trimmings, and debris shall be picked up and removed from the property at the end of each workday to leave a clean condition.
VII. Pest Control
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. A pervasive pest infestation that is out of the ordinary (e.g. an influx of snails, whitefly, and lerp psyllid, etc.) requiring repeated pesticide applications may be invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City. Contractor will bear the responsibility to hire a California licensed pest control and fumigation subcontractor when the application of services is deemed necessary.
2. Contractor’s employees and subcontractors shall exercise the proper use of chemical controls and spray equipment and take all established safety precautions.
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
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3. Contractor shall assume all supervision and responsibility for the application of chemicals and insecticides that are used by Contractor’s employees and subcontractors in performing contracted work.
4. Contractor will not be held responsible for children or pets that may ingest pellets, granular products, or treated foliage, unless negligence on the part of the Contractor is the cause.
VIII. Irrigation Systems
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Inspect the irrigation systems weekly for broken and clogged heads, malfunctioning or leaking valves, or any other condition, which hampers the normal operation of the irrigation system.
2. The crew foreman shall manually sequence each automatic irrigation controller on a scheduled basis to ensure that the irrigation system facets are operating properly.
3. Contractor shall replace sprinkler heads damaged by normal landscape maintenance operations at no charge to the City.
4. On a monthly basis, Contractor shall inspect sprinkler heads and make adjustments, if necessary to conserve water and to provide the best possible coverage and least possible spray onto buildings, fences, and tennis courts while conserving water.
5. Contractor will not be held responsible for water damage resulting from sprinkler heads located in close proximity to structures that over-spray in an unavoidable manner.
6. Maintenance crew shall schedule watering area plant material on automatic irrigation controllers in quantities and frequencies consistent with seasonal requirements of the area plant materials.
7. Where practical, watering all vegetation shall be done at night or early morning if the system is automatic, or unless directed otherwise by the City.
8. Repairs and/or replacement of automatic irrigation clocks, major valves, and major piping may be performed and invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City.
9. Minor replacement and repairs to sprinkler heads and pipes shall be performed at no additional cost to the City.
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
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10. Contractor shall note on a campus map in City Hall, location of repaired or replaced sprinkler heads, and maintain a log of any irrigation work performed including the date, location and reason for repair.
11. Maintenance crew must immediately report to the City any vandalism or accidental damage caused by others. Repairs may be made and invoiced as an extra charge following written approval by the City.
12. If the maintenance crew has determined that the automatic irrigation controller has failed or malfunctioned, the City shall be instructed as to location of clocks and backflow valves so that they may be turned off.
13. Contractor shall provide the City with a 24-hour emergency service telephone number and designate a company person to receive emergency calls. Contractor agrees to respond to City emergency calls during normal business hours (7:30am to 5pm) and during non-business hours (5pm to 7:30am).
14. On a weekly basis, Contractor shall inspect and clean all drainage swales, and grates on and leading from the property, and on an annual basis, in the Fall, inspect and clean rain gutters on all structures.
15. Ensure irrigation heads erroneously capped during 2024 landscape design project are restored to provide appropriate water to the newly planted succulents along the perimeter of the two campus buildings or ensure new sprinkler heads can provide adequate water..
IX. Irrigation Systems (Other)
Contractor is expected to perform the tasks listed below:
1. Special Circumstances. Damage to landscape or irrigation systems caused by others, such as other contractors working on the property, may be repaired and invoiced as extra work following written approval by the City.
2. Stormwater Prevention. Pursuant to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, Public Agencies are required to implement programs to minimize storm water pollution impacts from public agency activities, including from landscape facilities management. Therefore, Contractor shall ensure that no application of pesticides or fertilizers occurs immediately before, during, or immediately after a rain event or when water is flowing off the area to be applied. In addition, Contractor shall not apply any banned or unregistered pesticides or fertilizers.
Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
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Landscape Maintenance
Agreement revised 2/10/25
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EXHIBIT B
See attached two pages “Fees”
Exhibit B - page 2 of 2
$�)
L A N D � C A P E
Emergency Services - After 4pm, weekends, holidays
Major irrigation repairs, 1 man team
Tree crew 3 men
Chipper truck and chipper
Aerial bucket truck additional
After Hours:
Main telephone line - listen to prompts
$120 per hour
$650 per hour
$200 per hour
{310) 534-3543
One -timeServices Unit Prices -Monday - Fridav 7-4pm
a) Reprogram irrigation controllers
b) Replace pressure regulator, Brass Wilkens, segu1ator each c) Check back flow device, certification
d) Change spray nozzles
e) Mulch and fertilize planter beds, 50 c,1 yds wood tree mulch f) De-thatch, aerate, overseed, top dress, fe.11ilize lawn · g) New irrigation controllers
h) Replace 6 failing pop-ups
i) Replace aging valves
j) Replace entire inigation system
$125/hr.
$2400 each
$200 each
$9.50 each
$900 each
$495
$3900 each
$42 each
$390 each
$1500 station/zone
each station
It is difficult to price material as the recommend(ltions does not include in some cases model, sizes, and quantity. Only states Hunter ]-Core controllers. ***Subject available and substitution due to availability from distributors*** Implement Landscape Architect Recommendations
Licensed landscape architect
Item: 12.C.
Meeting Date: 1/12/2026
To: City Council
From: Christian Horvath, Assistant to the City Manager / City Clerk Thru: Karina Bañales, City Manager
Subject: Consideration of awarding a construction contract to Pacific Power Engineering Technology Inc. providing construction services on the City Hall Emergency Backup Dual-Fuel Generator Project No. 2025-04 in an amount not-to-exceed $288,150.00 (inclusive of a 10% contingency); Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, and finding the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
Background:
A diesel back-up power generator served the City Hall campus for many years, but the unit became inoperable in 2019. In late 2020, the City Council commissioned professional expertise to offer options for providing reliable back-up power to the City Hall campus, including the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA) building and operations.
Between October 2020 and March 2023, the City Council reviewed options provided by a professional architectural and engineering team working on the City Hall ADA project. In 2021, the architectural and engineering team provided a solar panel and battery back-up solution with estimated installation costs, based on the following requirements, to be approximately $250,000:
• City Hall campus demand based on electric bills for 2020/2021 • Supply 24 hours of backup power
• 16 kWh battery backup
• 75 kW Solar Photovoltaic (Solar-PV) system
The City Council subsequently assigned further exploration to the RHCA. After some time, the RHCA requested that city staff take back ownership of a project, which City staff brought to the City Council.
On March 27, 2023, the City Council directed staff to explore the solar/battery back-up power option.
With this direction, city staff could approach the project conventionally by preparing an engineering design and advertising for construction bids or considering other alternatives as presented to the former City Manager.
On April 24, 2023, at the invitation of the former City Manager, SitelogIQ, an energy solutions
company, presented an alternate approach to delivering the solar/battery backup power solution to the City Council. SitelogIQ was a licensed General Contractor delivering energy infrastructure programs for State and local governments. SitelogIQ discussed available funds from the Federal government, including the then available Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that could offset local government expenditures on energy projects. Such projects involve the installation or modification of improvements to an energy-efficient or renewable energy system.
At that time, via the IRA, the Federal government could have potentially allowed the city to obtain a federal tax credit in the form of a direct payment (i.e., rebate) for energy storage (battery), electrical infrastructure, solar, and microgrid controllers. The rebate could have been as high as 30% of the project cost, provided the project was completed within a specific timeframe.
In the previous four years, City staff had many successes securing grant funds or other fund sources to offset the use of the General Fund for City projects. To move forward and execute a backup power project, the City Council was presented with two options: 1) to set aside a projected budget surplus or 2) use savings from the General Fund Reserves. In the SitelogIQ approach, the City could potentially save on design engineering costs by sole sourcing the project to SitelogIQ, thereby offsetting General Fund expenditures with SitelogIQ assisting the City in utilizing the Federal government's IRA rebate.
In May 2023, SitelogIQ provided City staff with a Letter of Agreement (LOA) for consideration. The LOA outlined SitelogIQ's scope of services to develop an energy project that satisfied the city's requirements for a design/engineering cost of $28,500. If the city had ultimately chosen to enter into a contract with SitelogIQ for project implementation within 60 days after receiving a formal presentation of the proposed project, SitelogIQ's design and engineering fee would have been waived. Beyond the aforementioned 60 days, the fee paid would have been credited toward the project's total implementation cost. The California Government Code 4217.10 provides the ability for public agencies to sole-source the project delivery to SitelogIQ as long as the requirements of the code section are met.
On June 12, 2023, given staff vacancies, the lack of technical expertise on energy projects, the then workload to deliver the CalOES/FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program grants, and the possibility to offset ongoing General Fund expenditures for the backup power project, the City Council accepted staff's recommendation and directed staff to engage the services of SitelogIQ.
On June 26, 2023, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with SitelogIQ.
SitelogIQ conducted an initial site walk over the summer and fall of 2023 to determine the program's scope and scale. SitelogIQ's project team developed a comprehensive scope of work around resiliency that provides a turn-key design-build solution to the City. They compiled a 20-year program cash flow incorporating ongoing maintenance and operations that was reviewed by the former Interim City Manager and current City Manager / staff.
On December 14, 2023, SiteLogiQ presented their findings and pro-formas to the City Council as two options:
• Option 1 – Cash deal for the entire scope of work
• Option 2 (No EV) – Cash deal for a scope of work without EV Charging The City Council provided SiteLogiQ with direction to explore solutions that were more cost-effective, including the use of natural gas/propane backup solutions versus the proposed battery storage option, and to research other potential grants that could offset capital investment.
On March 11, 2024, City staff presented that since December 2023, SiteLogiQ had revisited the program approach, with a focus on the scope and scale of the Solar-PV system and Energy Storage.
Per City Council's direction, they performed the following tasks:
• Kept the Solar-PV system at approximately the same size and in the same location; • Removed the EV charging station;
• Removed the energy storage system;
• Introduced a dual-fuel energy generator to the solution mix for City Hall only due to RHCA's decision to install their own back-up generator;
• Reviewed utility cost avoidance projections based on the change of scope; • Solicited budgetary pricing from vendors and subcontractors for equipment and installation labor;
• Reviewed the IRA application and recalculated the predicted credit value based on 30-40% of the eligible cost;
• Reviewed and qualified Utility and CEC programs (March 5, 2024); • Developed a summary table for presentation to staff.
The City Council requested that SiteLogiQ provide specific schematics and bottom-line costs for both Option B (Photovoltaic Solar System with dual-fuel backup generator) and Option C (dual-fuel backup generator only) at the March 25, 2024 Council meeting.
On March 25, 2024, staff presented a follow-up report per direction and provided answers to outstanding questions or concerns. The City Council deferred a decision until SiteLogiQ could present a cost estimate for a Solar / Dual-fuel backup generator serving both City Hall campus buildings.
On April 9, 2024, SitelogIQ conducted another site visit at both City Hall and the RHCA building. The purpose was to address constructability concerns and introduce additional suppliers/vendors to the potential project. Accompanying SitelogIQ were representatives from a roofing contractor, an electrical contractor, and a vendor representative for the proposed generator system. The review of the electrical system yielded no significant changes to the project approach.
The representative for the generator system evaluated alternative locations—near the City Hall building versus near the existing generator shed, and system capacities to meet the load requirements of the entire campus (City Hall and RHCA). The recommendation was to keep the generator at or adjacent to the shed to minimize electrical costs and reduce noise disturbances when in operation. This location will also provide better access for future maintenance.
On April 22, 2024, based on Council feedback, staff recommended that the City Council consider a whole-campus Solar/Dual-Fuel Backup Generator option with a net-implementation budget and onetime capital cost investment of $358,400 (after the receipt of the estimated IRA funding). The City Council passed a motion (4/1) approving the pursuit of installing Option C, a dual-fuel emergency generator covering the entire City Hall campus, including the Rolling Hills Community Association building, and directing staff to advertise for construction bids.
Staff subsequently determined, with guidance from the City Attorney, that a turnkey design/build scenario would not be allowable under the Government Code. Therefore, the city would be required to undertake a two-step process and hire an engineering design firm to prepare the construction documents / scope in preparation for a formal bid.
On August 12, 2024, staff presented a Professional Services Agreement with S&K Consulting
Services, which had previously provided outstanding services to the city in preparation for the 2023 HVAC replacement project and ongoing support throughout construction/installation and final setup.
Staff recommended utilizing their expertise for the dual-fuel emergency generator project. The Council unanimously approved its contract.
S&K worked on their deliverables and were delayed due to issues with Southern California Gas' (SCG) assigned engineer. After months of back and forth, SCG presented approved designs for the natural gas connection and the City's plans were submitted to both LA County Building and Safety for plan check as well as the City of Rolling Hills Estates/Willdan for plan check of the project portions that lie within their campus easement.
In the late spring of 2025, plans were approved, but then delayed again because SCG's internal team changed. Upon evaluation of their previous engineer's designs, the SCG portion was deemed incorrect. S&K worked with SCG's newly assigned engineers, and a new natural gas proposal was drafted, which altered the City's already approved plans. S&K revised the plans and resubmitted for plan check in September 2025. Upon final stamping, City staff began the process of preparing a construction bid for the project, excluding any SCG work that would be handled separately by the utility.
Discussion:
On October 16, 2025 staff released the City Hall Dual Fuel Emergency Generator Project, Job No. 2025-04 Request for Bid (Attachment A-B) and noticed it in the Daily Breeze. An optional pre-bid job walk was conducted on October 22, 2025.
On November 4, 2025, the City received four (4) sealed bids at the 2 pm Bid Closing as follows:
Bidder Address Base Bid Amount*
Pacific Power Engineering
Technology Inc.
11530 Paramount Blvd., 216
Downey, CA 90241
$288,150.00
Amtek Construction 946 N. Lemon Street
Orange, CA 92867
$363,347.04
CSI Services PO Box 271
San Pedro, CA 90733
$798,000.00
Minco Construction 522 E. Airline Way
Gardena, CA 90248
$1,489,620.00
Staff validated the bids received (Attachments D-G) and determined that Pacific Power Engineering Technology Inc. is the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Amtek did not supply several of the required bid documents. Staff’s recommendation is to award the construction contract (Attachment C) to Pacific Power Engineering Technology Inc. for $288,150 (including 3% Performance & Payment Bond Costs and 10% Contingency).
*Base Bid Amounts include a 10% contingency
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The approval of the construction contract to Pacific Power Engineering Technology Inc. is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15301 [Class 1]. Class 1 applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting,
leasing, licensing or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.
Here, the project proposes to construct modifications to the existing structure, site improvements, mechanical, and electrical improvements to support the installation of a new dual fuel backup generator at Rolling Hills City Hall. This includes testing of new improvements and other work per plans and specifications. Further, none of the exceptions outlined in State CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply. Thus, the project fits within the Class 1 exemption, and no further environmental review is required.
Fiscal Impact:
The project as bid has a not-to-exceed bid amount of $288,150.
There is a second aspect of the project specific to the natural gas supply that would be constructed by Southern California Gas (SCG). Currently, SCG's project estimate is $181,150.07. Staff is working with SCG on potential solutions to lower their cost estimates and /or evaluate if the City is eligible for any SCG grants or programs to help offset costs.
At the June 12, 2023 City Council meeting, the FY 23-24 budget was approved, including a capital allocation of $250,000 to the City Hall campus back-up power project.
The City has already expended $28,500 as a fee for services provided by SiteLogiQ in pursuit of a Design/Build Solar/Back Generator solution, $43,090 fee for the Dual Fuel Generator Engineering Design services by S&K, and $1,402.50 for Alan Palermo's consulting services totaling $72,992.50 There is currently $177,007.50 allocated in the capital fund budget towards this project. Staff will bring a budget amendment resolution for $111,150 which includes the 10% contingency amount on the current project as presented to the next City Council meeting. Staff will also return at a future meeting with updates on the SCG costs.
Recommendation:
Approve as presented.
Attachments:
1. Attachment A - CL_BID_251016_2025-
04_CH_DF_EmergencyGenerator_Project_Plans_Specs_F
2. Attachment B - CL_BID_251030_2025-
02_CH_DF_EmergencyGenerator_Addendum01_ResponseToQs_F
3. Attachment C - CA_AGR_260112_PacificPowerEngTech_DFEG_Project_F
4. Attachment D - CL_BID_251104_2025-04_PacificPowerEngTech
5. Attachment E - CL_BID_251104_2025-04_Amtek
6. Attachment F - CL_BID_251104_2025-04_CSI
7. Attachment G - CL_BID_251104_2025-04_Minco