1 City Council Meeting: October 27, 2026 Santa Monica, California RESOLUTION NUMBER _________ (CCS)
(City Council Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA MONICA MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING LOCAL CLIMATIC,
GEOLOGICAL, AND TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5
WHEREAS, the California State Building Standards Commission approved and published the 2025 edition of the California Building Standards Code on July 1, 2025, and such code will be effective 180 days thereafter, which is January 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, the 2025 California Building Standards Code includes the 2025 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Energy, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Green Building, Wildland-Urban Interface, Historical and Existing Building Standards Codes; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 provide that the City may make changes or modifications to the building standards contained in the California Building Standards Code based upon express findings that such changes or modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, on June 30, 2025, the Governor signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 130, which implements a freeze on certain state and local building code updates for nearly six years, subject to limited exceptions, commencing October 1, 2025; and WHEREAS, exceptions include, among others, (1) changes or modifications that are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025, (2) 2 changes or modifications relating to home hardening, and (3) changes or modifications to administrative practices related to enforcement of code violations; and WHEREAS, on September 10, 2025, the Building and Fire Life Safety Commission met to consider recommendations to the City Council regarding adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code, local amendments to that Code, and local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, at the September 10, 2025 meeting, the Building and Fire Life Safety Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution making necessary local findings and adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code with local amendments; and
WHEREAS, on October 14, 2025, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2831, which adopted local amendments to the Building Standards Code; and WHEREAS, the amendments included carryover amendments from the previous 2022 Code adoption cycle that were previously recommended from a collaborative group of Building Officials from the Los Angeles County region and other amendments that were in effect as of September 30, 2025, as well as proposed new local amendments related to updated code provisions, home hardening, and fire safety; and WHEREAS, pursuant to AB 130, the California Building Standards Commission (“CBSC”) performed a review of the City’s locally adopted building codes and recommended several editorial changes be made to ensure alignment between State and local codes; and
WHEREAS, CBSC’s recommendations include updating code sections to match the current State code editions, relocating fire prevention amendments to the fire code, 3 clarifying differences between the City’s mandatory seismic retrofit ordinances and the State of California’s voluntary seismic retrofit codes, and ensuring that the administrative section of Article 8 does not conflict with any state building administrative codes; and WHEREAS, on October 13, 2026, the Building and Fire Life Safety Commission met to consider recommendations to the City Council regarding the proposed amendments to Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 8; and WHEREAS, at the October 13, 2026 meeting, the Building and Fire Life Safety Commission recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution making necessary local findings and adopt the proposed amendments to Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 8; and
WHEREAS, the City Council now desires to adopt updated local amendments to address the State’s recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that each of the amendments set forth herein are substantially similar to amendments that were previously adopted by Council and were in effect as of September 30, 2025, or fall under one of the other exceptions in AB 130; and
WHEREAS, based upon the findings contained in this Resolution, the City Council finds that certain modifications and additions to the California Building Standards Code are reasonably necessary based upon local climatic, geological and topographical conditions and CBSC’s recommended edits; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds each of the local amendments necessary and applicable to Santa Monica based on local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions and to address the CBSC’s recommended edits. 4 WHEREAS, the City Council finds that each of the proposed amendments are substantially similar to amendments that were previously adopted by Council and were in effect as of September 30, 2025, or fall under one of the other exceptions in AB 130, including, but not limited to home hardening and/or administrative practices related to enforcement of code violations; and
WHEREAS, based upon the findings contained in this Resolution, the City Council will be adopting an ordinance making local amendments to certain sections of the building standards contained in the California Building Standards Code, which are reasonably necessary based upon local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council makes the following findings regarding local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions related to the local amendments to the California Building Standards Code described in Section 2 below:
General Findings
a) The Master Environmental Assessment (“MEA”) adopted in April 1996, shows that Santa Monica’s climate is primarily influenced by the Pacific Ocean and is characterized by infrequent rainfall and winds. The winds originate from the west during the day and from the north and northeast during the night. Further, intermittent Santa Ana winds conditions occur from September to March allowing conditions that create the potential for high velocity winds with high temperatures. In addition, the region is within a climate system capable of producing major winds, fire, and rain related disasters, including but not limited to those caused by the Santa Ana winds and 5 El Nino (or La Nina) subtropical-like weather. (Climatic) b) Santa Monica is situated in Southern California which has extreme arid conditions and periods of severe drought. As outlined in the MEA, the City relies for its water supply upon water from outside the region which is purchased from the Metropolitan Water District and local groundwater. (Climatic). c) The Safety Element of Santa Monica’s General Plan, adopted in February 2025, shows that Santa Monica is in area at high risk of seismic activity due to, among other fault systems, the Santa Monica, Newport-Inglewood, and the San Andreas fault systems, the close proximity of which increases the likelihood of seismic disturbances of substantial magnitude. The Safety Element further discusses the damaging effect local seismic activity would have on potentially hazardous buildings and the related potential demands on emergency service needs. (Geological) d) The Los Angeles region has a vast and complex network of faults. Some of these faults, like the previously unknown Northridge Fault, are blind thrust faults that earth scientists believe are capable of intense ground shaking similar or greater in size than the January 17, 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The random possible location of these blind thrust faults increases the local seismic risk and poses an increasing threat to public safety. (Geological)
e) The Safety Element also identifies shallow ground water within 50 feet of the ground surface along the beach, near the Industrial corridor and Marine Park areas of the City. This ground water condition, coupled with unconsolidated youthful sedimentary soils, makes these areas susceptible to possible liquefaction during strong or moderately strong earthquakes. Liquefaction is a very destructive secondary 6 effect of strong seismic shaking where a loss of bearing strength occurs along with ground oscillations in the supporting soils. (Geological) f) Existing lots in the City of Santa Monica may be located on hilly terrain with slopes that create grading, drainage, foundation, infrastructure, utility and emergency access challenges. (Topographical)
g) Where climatic conditions in Santa Monica create demands for higher usage of energy and natural resources, measures that allow conservation and efficiencies in construction will promote practices to achieve these goals and will be better realized with a definition of Sustainability as applied to concepts in the California Green Building Standards Code. (Climatic)
h) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having residential buildings constructed within a region where environmental resources are scarce due to varying and occasional immoderate temperatures and weather conditions. This local condition also challenges the demand and need for energy resources upon the local utilities. (Climatic)
i) Modifications and changes to administrative standards for the effective enforcement of building standards as well as modifications and changes that do not result in substantive changes to the California Building Standards, do not modify Building Standards pursuant to Sections 17958 and 18941.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, and do not require express findings of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions to be made to justify them pursuant to Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the California Health and Safety Code. (Administrative) j) Unless otherwise noted, the proposed amendments are substantially 7 similar to amendments that were previously adopted by Council and were in effect as of September 30, 2025, or fall under one of the other exceptions in AB 130, including, but not limited to home hardening and/or administrative practices related to enforcement of code violations. (AB 130 Findings)
Specific Findings
k) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The amendment imposing roof decking requirements where clay or concrete tiles are used will reduce the failure of concrete and clay tile roofs during a significant earthquake and is in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
l) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to omit the importance factor in the equation ensures that a safe seismic separation distance is maintained for important facilities from adjoining structures and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological) m) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems 8 capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to limit mixed structural system to two stories is intended to improve quality of construction and reduce potential damages that may result from vertical irregularities of the structural system in buildings subject to high seismic load and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
n) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to require special anchorage of the diaphragm to the wall and limit the allowable shear will address and clarify special needs for concrete and masonry construction with flexible wood diaphragm and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
o) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Additionally, the topography within the Los Angeles region includes significant hillsides with narrow and winding access that makes timely 9 response by fire suppression vehicles challenging and difficult. The additional section establishing seismic design provisions for hillside buildings is intended to mitigate and limit property damage that are the results of increased seismic forces which are imparted upon hillside buildings and structures in the event of a significant earthquake and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological and Topographical)
p) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification requiring safe design and construction requirements for ceiling suspension systems to resist seismic loads is intended to minimize the amount of damage within a building and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
q) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to require the registered design professional in responsible charge for the structural design to observe the construction will help to ensure acceptable standards of workmanship are provided and improve 10 the quality of the observation and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings and structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological) r) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to limit certain types of exemptions from special inspections for concrete construction will improve quality of control during construction and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
s) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. In addition, the region is within a climate system capable of producing major winds, fire and rain related disasters, including but not limited to those caused by the Santa Ana winds and El Nino (or La Nina) subtropical-like weather. This region is especially susceptible to more active termite and wood attacking insects and microorganisms. The proposed modification to prohibit the use of wood for foundation support or retaining earth lateral pressure in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F is an effort to mitigate potential problems or deficiencies due to 11 the surrounding environment and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Climatic and Geological) t) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to prohibit prescriptive design provisions for foundation walls for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F is intended to ensure that the proper analysis of the structure takes into account the surrounding conditions and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological) u) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to require minimum reinforcement in stepped footings is intended to improve performance of buildings and structures and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
12 v) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to limit the use of prescriptive design provisions and under-reinforced or plain concrete is to ensure that the proper analysis of the structure considers the surrounding condition and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
w) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. In addition, the region is within a climate system capable of producing major winds, fire and rain related disasters, including but not limited to those caused by the Santa Ana winds and El Nino (or La Nina) subtropical-like weather. This region is especially susceptible to more active termite and wood attacking insects and microorganisms. The proposed modification to prohibit the use of timber footings in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F is an effort to mitigate potential problems or deficiencies due to the surrounding environment and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building 13 Code. (Climatic and Geological)
x) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. In addition, the region is within a climate system capable of producing major winds, fire and rain related disasters, including but not limited to those caused by the Santa Ana winds and El Nino (or La Nina) subtropical-like weather. This region is especially susceptible to more active termite and wood attacking insects and microorganisms. The proposed modifications to prohibit the use of timber deep foundation elements and wood poles and posts embedded in direct contact with soil in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F are an effort to mitigate potential problems or deficiencies due to the surrounding environment and therefore need to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Climatic and Geological)
y) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to limit the use of staple fasteners to resist or transfer seismic load is intended to improve the performance of buildings and structures during a seismic event and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to 14 existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological) z) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. In addition, the region is within a climate system capable of producing major winds, fire and rain related disasters, including but not limited to those caused by the Santa Ana winds and El Nino (or La Nina) subtropical-like weather. This region is especially susceptible to more active termite and wood attacking insects and microorganisms. The proposed modification to prohibit the use of wood in retaining and crib walls for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F is intended to mitigate potential problems or deficiencies due to the surrounding environment and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Climatic and Geological)
aa) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to require mechanically driven nails to have the same dimensions as hand-driven nails in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F will result in improved quality of construction and performance of wood structural panel shear walls and therefore needs to be 15 incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological) bb) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to establish minimum performance requirements for hold-down connectors for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F will reduce failure of wood structural panel shear walls due to excessive deflection and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the International Building Code. (Geological)
cc) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to place design and construction limits on wood frame diaphragms not substantiated with cyclic testing will help to maintain minimum quality of construction and performance standards of structures and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
16 dd) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to place design and construction limits on wood frame shear walls not substantiated with cyclic testing will help to maintain minimum quality of construction and performance standards of structures and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
ee) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Conventional framing does not address the need for a continuous load path, critical shear transfer mechanisms, connection-ties, irregular and flexible portions of complex shaped structures. The proposed modification to require continuous footings under braced wall lines will improve performance of buildings or structures during a seismic event and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
ff) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems 17 capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification requiring minimum sheathing thickness and nailing type and size will help to maintain minimum quality of construction and performance standards of structures and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Code. (Geological)
gg) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. In addition, the region is within a climate system capable of producing major winds, fire and rain related disasters, including but not limited to those caused by the Santa Ana winds and El Nino (or La Nina) subtropical-like weather. This region is especially susceptible to more active termite and wood attacking insects and microorganisms. The proposed modifications to provide for more stringent requirements for braced wall sheathing, limit the use of staple fasteners to resist or transfer seismic load, and provide more stringent design requirements for retaining walls, including a prohibition on the use of wood for retaining walls over four feet in height are intended to improve the performance of buildings and structures during a seismic event and mitigate potential problems or deficiencies due to the surrounding environment and therefore need to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structure and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the 18 California Building Code. (Climatic and Geological)
hh) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.
Additionally, existing lots in the City of Santa Monica may be located on hilly terrain with slopes that create grading, drainage, foundation, infrastructure, utility and emergency access challenges. The proposed modification incorporates design parameters for hillside buildings to better mitigate and limit property damage that are the results of increased seismic forces imparted on hillside buildings and structures in a significant seismic event. These design parameters need to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological and Topographical)
ii) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to provide more stringent requirements for irregular structures will limit the type of irregular conditions within buildings that may lead to higher structural damage during a seismic event and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code and consistent with the requirements in the ASCE 7-16. (Geological)
19 jj) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modifications to require that mechanical or plumbing fixtures and equipment be attached to the structure and limit the equipment weight for attic floor systems is intended to reduce injuries, save lives, and minimize structural damages and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
kk) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to require specific detailing at large floor openings is intended to address the poor performance of floor diaphragms with openings and limit or reduce property damages during a seismic event and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
ll) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 20 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to increase the length and limit the location where shear walls sheathed with lath, plaster or gypsum board are used will help to ensure that multi-level building will reach its performance objective in resisting higher levels of seismic loads and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alternations to existing buildings or structures are designed or constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological) mm)The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to place design and construction limits on stapled nail fasteners used in wood structural panel shear walls not substantiated with cyclic testing and requiring minimum sheathing thickness and nailing type and size will help to maintain minimum quality of construction and performance standards of structures and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
nn) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modifications requiring minimum sheathing thickness and nailing type and size for alternate braced wall panels and continuously 21 sheathed portal frame panel construction and providing more stringent requirements for portal frame with hold-downs at detached garage door openings, will help to maintain minimum quality of construction and performance standards of structures and therefore need to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
oo) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification requiring minimum length of braced wall panels based on wall height ensures that the structural integrity with respect to “maximum shear wall aspect ratios” is maintained and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
pp) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification requiring a minimum number of braced wall panels based on length and requiring a minimum length for braced wall panels in certain Seismic Design Categories reduces the aspect ratio and helps to maintain minimum quality of construction and performance standards of structures 22 and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological) qq) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to require all exterior walls and interior braced wall panels in buildings be supported on continuous footings will provide for a complete load path that will serve to increase structural integrity in the event of a seismic event and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
rr) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to require specific detailing at large roof openings is intended to address the poor performance of roof diaphragms with openings and limit or reduce property damage during a seismic event and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
23 ss) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to not allow the use of unreinforced masonry in parapet walls in certain Seismic Design Categories is intended to prevent non-ductile failures and sudden structural collapses and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
tt) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to impose stricter reinforcement requirements for masonry elements will ensure that the ductility requirements for buildings in high seismic region meet the intent of the code and limit potential property damages and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
uu) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including, but not limited to, the 1994 24 Northridge Earthquake. In addition, the region is within a climate system capable of producing major winds, fire and rain related disasters, including but not limited to those caused by the Santa Ana winds and El Nino (or La Nina) subtropical-like weather. This region is especially susceptible to more active termite and wood attacking insects and microorganisms. The proposed modification to prohibit the use of wood foundation systems as well as limit prescriptive design provisions is an effort to mitigate potential problems or deficiencies arising from these local conditions to ensure that new buildings and structures and additions or alternations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Climatic and Geological) vv) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to require continuous footings under braced wall lines, require reinforcement in one- and two-family dwellings, and require minimum reinforcement in stepped footings will improve performance of buildings or structures during a seismic event and minimize potential problems or deficiencies and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
ww) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems 25 capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. In addition, the region is within a climate system capable of producing major winds, fire and rain related disasters, including but not limited to those caused by the Santa Ana winds and El Nino (or La Nina) subtropical-like weather. This region is especially susceptible to more active termite and wood attacking insects and microorganisms. The proposed modification to prohibit the use of wood foundation walls is an effort to mitigate potential problems or deficiencies due to the proliferation of wood- destroying organisms and therefore needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Climatic and Geological) xx) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed modification to anchor masonry chimneys into concrete foundation will reduce injuries, save lives, and minimize structural damages.
Therefore, this amendment needs to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and structures and additions or alterations to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Residential Code. (Geological)
yy) The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The 26 proposed modifications to place design and construction limits on staples as fasteners used in wood structural panel or diaphragms not substantiated with cyclic testing will help to maintain minimum quality of construction and performance of structures and therefore need to be incorporated into the code to assure that new buildings and additions to existing buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the International Residential Code. (Geological) zz) Due to fog, salt laden air, and possible splashing of seawater, equipment, materials, and metallic enclosures are subject to severe corrosive conditions that affect protection of live wires and components. Metallic enclosures that are located within 402.4 meters (0.25 miles) of the mean shoreline are especially subject to corrosive conditions The proposed modifications to metallic enclosures located within 402.4 meters (0.25 miles) of the mean shoreline will increase resilience and protect against corrosion. (Climatic).
aaa)The Santa Monica Mountains’ proximity and prevailing onshore wind patterns, which heighten ember cast and fire spread risk. The dense urban layout of the City, which amplifies the threat of structure-to-structure ignition in the event of a wildfire event. The proposed amendment to the Wildland-Urban Interface Code ensures that hazardous vegetation management requirements apply consistently across lands within City boundaries that are designated as High and/or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). These clarifications are necessary to implement defensible space standards to proactively address vegetation hazards that may contribute to structure loss or fire spread in WUI conditions. The proposed changes support home hardening by reducing the likelihood of ignition from vegetation and 27 fuels within high-risk WUI zones. While “home hardening” is often associated with structural features (e.g., ember-resistant vents, fire-resistant roofing), defensible space and vegetation clearance are explicitly recognized as critical wildfire mitigation strategies that contribute to the survivability of buildings in fire-prone areas—therefore falling under the broader umbrella of “home hardening” as recognized by CalFire and the State Fire Marshal.
Green Standards Code Findings - General Findings
(G)(a). It is expected that climate change will result in more severe and frequent drought and extreme heat events, intensifying local heat islands and putting vulnerable populations at health risk. (Climatic)
(G)(b). Due to changes in rainfall patterns expected with climate change, the City of Santa Monica is likely to be subject to more severe weather events, including droughts as well as more intense storms that increase the risks of wildfire, erosion, overland local flooding and landslides. (Climatic and Environmental) (G)(c). The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings constructed within a region where environmental resources are scarce due to varying and occasional immoderate temperatures and weather conditions. (Climatic and Environmental)
(G)(d). Failure to address and significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could result in rises in sea level that could put at risk Santa Monica homes, businesses, and public facilities. (Climatic and Geological) (G)(e). The State of California enacted Senate Bill (SB) 32 to require greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. 28 (G)(f). The City of Santa Monica is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the United States’ original commitment to the Paris Climate Accord.
Green Standards Code Findings - Specific Findings
(G)(g). The local amendments to require the use of low-carbon concrete will encourage the substitution of carbon intensive Portland cement for less carbon intensive alternative cementitious materials, promote a lower contribution to GHG emissions, and increase resilience to ongoing climate change. (Climatic and Environmental)
SECTION 2. The City Council expressly finds that the following modifications and changes to the California Building Standards Code are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, and/or topographical conditions and that the local conditions detailed in Section 1 above apply to the following modifications and changes to the California Building Standards Code as follows:
General Amendments Throughout Article VIII
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
1. 1
.
Article VIII
Generally
Update references from
Building “Officer” to “Official,”
to reflect updated job
classifications. Amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City of
Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j) Administrative
29 Chapter 8.08 – Administrative Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
2. 1
.
8.08.030 Clarify enforcement of
building and fire code
violations for consistency
with local enforcement
practices. Update references
from Building “Officer” to
“Official.” Amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City of
Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j) Administrative
3. 2
.
8.08.050,
8.08.070
Amend administrative
provisions. Update
references from Building
“Officer” to “Official” and to
address internal
inconsistency in the
language. Removal of local
restrictions no longer
applicable. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City of
Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j) Administrative
4. 8.08.050(c)(2)
Require building permit for
freestanding masonry or
concrete walls more than four
feet in height. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City of
Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Sections (c),
(d), (i), (j)
Geological
30 5. 8.08.050(d) Removal of regulations.
Clarify that a grading permit
is not required for work
authorized under a valid
building permit. The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City of
Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Sections (i), (j) Administrative
Chapter 8.12 – Building Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
1. 5
.
8.12.010 Adopt 2025 California
Building Code
Section (i), (j) Administrative
2. 6
.
8.12.040 Designation of Essential
Facilities and clarifying that
City Hall East is a
designated facility. The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j) Administrative
3. 7
.
8.12.050 Supplemental Land Hazard
Zone Requirements. The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Sections (c),
(d), (e), (j) Geological
4. 8
.
8.12.070 Fire Retardant Roofing +
updated section to reflect
language from the 2025
Code. The proposed
Sections (a),
(b), (j)
Climatic
31 amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
6. 8.12.080(a) Update references. Roof
deck requirements – where
concrete and clay tile is
installed. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Sections (c),
(d), (e), (j)
Geological
7. 8.12.080(b) Update references.
Provide more stringent
requirements for the
structural elements for
Wood Diaphragms where
they support concrete or
masonry walls and to limit
the allowable shear loads.
The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (c), (d),
(e), (j), (n)
Geological
8. 8.12.080(c) Update references.
Analysis and Design of
Special Provisions for
Hillside Buildings The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (c), (d),
(e), (j), (o)
Geological and
Topographical
32 9. 8.12.080(d) Update references.
Amendment to provide
structural safety standards
for Suspended Ceilings
where none currently exist in
the California Building Code.
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (c), (d),
(e), (j), (p)
Geological
10. 8.12.090(a) Define specific
requirements of the
registered design
professional for general
structural observation and
require more
comprehensive job- site
reporting.
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (q) Geological
11. 8.12.090(b) Update references.
Requirements for special
inspection for concrete
construction with
exceptions.
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (q) Geological
12. 8.12.100(a) Restrict permanent wood
foundations in Seismic
Design Categories D, E, F
due to unknown
performance in a seismic
event and its ability to
Section (j), (s) Climatic and
Geological
33 withstand surrounding
elements. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
13. 8.12.100(b) Restrict the prescriptive
design of foundation walls in
Seismic Design Categories
D, E, F. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (t)
Climatic and
Geological
14. 8.12.100(c) Foundations – Stepped
Footings. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (u) Geological
15. 8.12.100(d) Update references. Provide
limitations for the
prescriptive design method
of footings for light-frame
construction in Seismic
Design Categories D, E, F.
The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the
City of Santa Monica and
were in effect as of
September 30, 2025.
Section (j), (v)
Climatic and
Geological
16. 8.12.100(e) Restrict allowance of timber
footings in Seismic Design
Categories D, E, F due to s
34 unknown performance in a
seismic event and its ability
to withstand surrounding
elements. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (w)
Climatic and
Geological
17. 8.12.100(f) Restrict allowance of timber
deep foundation elements
in Seismic Design
Categories D, E, or F. The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (x) Climatic and
Geological
18. 8.12.100(g) Restrict allowance of wood
poles and posts embedded
in direct contact with soil in
Seismic Design Categories
D, E, or F. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j),(x) Climatic and
Geological
19. 8.12.120 Update references.
Concrete and masonry
fireplace and chimneys. The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (c), (d)
(j)
Geological
20. 8.12.140(a) Update references. Restrict
use of staples to resist or
35 transfer seismic forces in
Seismic Design Categories
D, E, F. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (y) Geological
21. 8.12.140(b) Update references.
Restrict use of wood in
retaining and crib walls in
Seismic Design
Categories D, E, F
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (z) Climatic and
Geological
22. 8.12.140(c) Require nails installed
with a mechanical driver
to meet same
dimensions as hand-driven nails in Seismic
Design Categories D, E,
F The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the
City of Santa Monica and
were in effect as of
September 30, 2025.
Section (j), (aa) Geological
23. 8.12.140(d) Minimum performance
requirements for hold-down connectors for
Seismic Design
Categories D, E, F.
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
Section (j), (bb) Geological
36 effect as of September 30,
2025.
24. 8.12.140(e) Standards requirement for
wood- frame diaphragms
with restrictions for
Seismic Design Categories
D, E, F. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (cc) Geological
25. 8.12.140(f) Update references.
Standards requirement for
wood- frame shear walls
with restrictions for
Seismic Design Categories
D, E, F.
The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (dd) Geological
26. 8.12.140(g) Update references. More
stringent requirements for
braced wall line support.
The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (ee) Geological
27. 8.12.140(h) Update references.
Provide for more
stringent requirements
for braced wall sheathing
based on Seismic
Design Category.
Section (j), (ff) Geological
37 The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
28. 8.12.140(i) Update references. More
stringent requirements
for sheathing attachment
in Seismic Design
Categories D, E, F --
staples fasteners are
prohibited. The
proposed amendments
are substantially
equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the
City of Santa Monica
and were in effect as of
September 30, 2025.
Section (j), (gg) Geological
29. 8.12.140(j) More stringent design
requirements for retaining
walls. Prohibition of use of
wood for retaining walls
over 4 feet in height in
Seismic Design Categories
D, E, or F. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (gg)
Climatic and
Geological
30. 8.12.150 Add “ponds” to title of
section, and add ‘spa, hot
tub’ terms to standards.
Removal of local
amendment regarding pool
water clarity. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
Section (j), (i) Administrative
38 previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
31. 8.12.160 Removal of Shipping
Container local
amendment.
N/A N/A
Chapter 8.18 – Existing Building Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
32. 8.18.010 Adopt 2025 California
Existing Building Code
Section (i), (j) Administrative
Chapter 8.20 – Historical Building Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
33.3 -
8.20.010 Adopt 2025 California
Historical Building Code
Section (i), (j) Administrative
Chapter 8.22 – Residential Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
34. 8.22.010 Adopt 2025 California
Residential Code
Section (i), (j) Administrative
35. 8.22.030(a) Update references.
Requirement that slopes
steeper than 33-1/3
percent are to comply with
the structural requirements
of Chapter 16 of the
California Building Code.
The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
Section (j), (hh)
Topographical
and Geological
39 previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
36. 8.22.030(b) Update references.
Provide more stringent
requirements for irregular
structures by not allowing
exceptions in Chapter 3 of
the California Residential
Code. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (ii) Geological
37. 8.22.030(c) Require attachment of
mechanical or plumbing
fixtures and equipment to
the structure. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (jj) Geological
38. 8.22.030(d) Update references. Limit
the weight and height of
mechanical and plumbing
equipment for attic floor
systems to less than 400
pounds, and a maximum
height of four feet. The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (jj) Geological
39. 8.22.030(e) Establish criteria for
openings in horizontal
40 diaphragms to limit the
maximum floor opening.
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (kk) Geological
40. 8.22.030(f) Bracing requirements based
on seismic design category.
Restriction of shear walls
sheathed with other
materials in Seismic Design
Category D. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (ll) Geological
41. 8.22.030(g) Provide more stringent
requirements for allowed
material types for bracing
requirements and restrict
material types with
unknown performance in
Seismic Category D.
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (mm) Geological
42. 8.22.030(h) Provide more stringent
requirements for alternate
braced wall panels. The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (nn) Geological
41 43. 8.22.030(i) Provide more stringent
requirements for portal
frame with hold-downs at
detached garage door
openings. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (nn) Geological
44. 8.22.030(j) Minimum length of braced
wall panels based on wall
height for Method PFH
and CS-PF. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (oo) Geological
45. 8.22.030(k) Minimum number of braced
wall panels based on length
in Seismic Design Category
D. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (pp) Geological
46. 8.22.030(l) Require more stringent
requirements for Method
CS-PF by increasing
minimum size of panel
sheathing and anchoring
methods. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
Section (j), (nn) Geological
42 effect as of September 30,
2025.
47. 8.22.030(m) Roof openings in horizontal
diaphragms to comply with
added Section R803.2.4 to
limit the maximum roof
opening and shear transfer.
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (rr) Geological
48.8.22.030(n) Design requirement for
parapet walls in Seismic
Design Category D.
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (ss) Geological
49. 8.22.030(o) Stricter requirement for
masonry element
reinforcing. The
proposed amendments
are substantially
equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the
City of Santa Monica
and were in effect as of
September 30, 2025.
Section (j), (tt) Geological
50. 8.22.050(a) Restrict the use of wood
foundations in Seismic
Category D The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the
City of Santa Monica and
were in effect as of
September 30, 2025.
Section (j), (uu) Climatic and
Geological
43 51. 8.22.050(b) Requirement for higher
structural design in
continuous footings in
Seismic Design Category
D. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the
City of Santa Monica and
were in effect as of
September 30, 2025.
Section (j), (vv) Geological
52. 8.22.050(c) Restrict the use of wood
foundation walls in Seismic
Design Category D
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (ww)
Climatic and
Geological
53. 8.22.060(a) Requirement for chimneys
to anchor four No. 4
reinforcing bars into the
concrete foundation for
seismic support.
The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (xx) Geological
54. 8.22.080(a) Restrict the use of staples
for wood fastening methods.
The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j), (yy) Geological
44 55. 8.22.080(b) Restrict the use of staples in
the alternate attachment
method. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (yy) Geological
Chapter 8.24 – Electrical Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
56. 8.24.010 Adopt 2025 California
Electrical Code Section (i) Administrative
57. 8.24.020 Statement adopting local
amendments. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j) Administrative
58. 8.24.040 Update references.
Electrical appliances,
devices, materials, and
equipment regulations.
The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (zz) Climatic
59. 8.24.050 –
8.24.080
Update references.
Restrictions on use of certain
materials.
The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent
to amendments that
Section (j), (zz) Climatic
45 were previously filed by
the City of Santa Monica
and were in effect as of
September 30, 2025.
60. 8.24.090 Update references. Require
metallic enclosures installed
within the proximity of the
mean shoreline to have a
higher degree of corrosion
protection. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (j), (zz) Climatic
Chapter 8.28 – Mechanical Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
61. 8.28.010 Adopt 2025 California
Mechanical Code
Section (i), (j) Administrative
Chapter 8.32 – Plumbing Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
62. 8.32.010 Adopt 2025 Plumbing Code Section (i), (j) Administrative
63. 8.32.020 Statement adopting local
amendments. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j) Administrative
64. 8.32.040 Update references. Require
protection of ground water
46 by prohibiting water softener
discharge to dry wells
meeting standards of the
Regional Water Quality
Control Board. The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Sections (a),
(b), (j)
Climatic
65. 8.32.070 Update references. Seismic
Gas Shutoff Devices. The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Sections (c), (d),
(e), (j)
Geological
Chapter 8.36 – Energy Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
66. 8.36.010 Adopt 2025 California
Energy Code
Section (i) Administrative
Chapter 8.39 – Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
67. 8.39.010 Adopt California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2025 Edition
Section (i) Administrative
68.6 9
.
8.39.020 New. Local amendment to
add land designated as
High and/or Very High
Fire Hazard Zone by a
Section (i), (j),
(aaa)
Climatic,
Topographical
(Home
Hardening)
47 city of local agency. The
proposed amendment
relates to home
hardening.
Chapter 8.40 – Fire Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
69. 8.40.010 Adopt 2025 California Fire
Code
Section (i) Administrative
70.7 0
8.40.020(a) New. Clarifies the
identification of the code
with the Santa Monica Fire
Department.
Section (i) Administrative
71. 8.40.020(b) Adds operational permit
requirement for temporary
sales lots, These
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Sections (a),
(b), (j)
Administrative /
Enforcement
72. 8.40.020(c) Adds Excessive False
Alarms language. More
than two false fire alarms
in the same fiscal year
may generate a false
alarm activation report
and billing under the City
fee resolution; additional
false alarms may
generate additional billing.
This amendment
incorporates former
SMMC 8.44.140.
Substantially equivalent to
existing local policy.
Sections (i), (j)
Administrative
73. 8.40.020(d) Submission of records -
electronically submit all
compliant and non-compliant reports to the
Sections (a), (b),
(i), (j)
Climatic
48 Santa Monica Fire
Department via a method
approved by the fire code
official. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
74. 8.40.020(e) Amends the CFC
definition of False Alarm
and identifies qualifying
causes, including
installation/maintenance
issues, construction
activity, problematic or
out-of-service systems,
failure to notify
responsible parties during
testing/repair, fire drills,
burglar alarm reporting as
fire alarm, or unexplained
activations. This
amendment incorporates
former SMMC 8.44.040.
Substantially equivalent to
existing local policy.
Sections (i), (j) Administrative
75. 8.40.020(f) Adds definition of Fiscal
year as July 1 through
June 30. This amendment
incorporates former
SMMC 8.44.040.
Substantially equivalent to
existing local policy.
Sections (i), (j) Administrative
76. 8.40.020 Removal local provisions
regarding Portable Fire
Extinguishers.
Sections (i), (j) Climatic
77. 8.40.020(g) Building addresses shall
be displayed so as to be
visible from the street and
alley. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
Sections (a), (b),
(j)
Climatic
49 previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
78. 8.40.020(h) Adds seismic protection
requirements for existing
automatic fire sprinkler
systems installed before
January 1, 1996, to be
inspected at five-year
service and upgraded
where deficiencies exist,
including bracing,
fasteners, couplings,
hangers, and related
NFPA 13-based
requirements.
Incorporates former
SMMC 8.44.120 into the
Fire Code. Substantially
equivalent to existing local
policy
Sections (a), (b),
(c), (d), (i), (j)
Climatic and
Geological
79. 8.40.020(i) Problematic Systems and
Systems Out-of-Service.
The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (a), (b),
(j)
Climatic
80. 8.40.020(j) Firewatch. (The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Sections (a), (b),
(j)
Climatic
81. 8.40.020(k) Amends sprinkler
requirements to require
sprinklers in all newly
constructed buildings,
regardless of floor area or
area separation walls,
Sections (a),
(b), (j)
Climatic
50 except qualifying
detached one-story two-car residential garages,
and requires sprinklers in
existing buildings meeting
Section 1103.5 or as
determined by the Fire
Code Official.
Incorporates former
SMMC 8.44.050 into the
Fire Code. Substantially
equivalent to existing local
sprinkler requirements in
effect as of September
30, 2025.
82. 8.40.020(l) Amends sprinkler
waterflow alarm
requirements to require
an approved weatherproof
audible and visual exterior
alarm device in an
approved location
connected to each
automatic sprinkler
system. Incorporates
former SMMC
8.44.110(H) into the Fire
Code.
Sections (a),
(b), (j)
Climatic
83. 8.40.020(m) Amends annunciator
panel requirements to
require the panel and
associated controls in an
approved remote location
near the main access
entry point when deemed
necessary by the
enforcing agency.
Incorporates former
SMMC 8.44.110(C) into
the Fire Code.
Sections (a),
(b), (j)
Climatic
84. 8.40.020(n) Santa Monica Pier The
proposed amendments
are substantially
equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
Sections (a), (b),
(j)
Climatic
51 of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
85. 8.40.020(o) Amends existing building
sprinkler provisions to
require automatic sprinkler
systems in existing
buildings in accordance
with Sections 1103.5.1
through 1103.5.15.
Incorporates former
SMMC 8.44.050 existing-building sprinkler
requirements into the Fire
Code.
Sections (a),
(b), (j)
Climatic
86. 8.40.020(p) Adds existing-building
sprinkler triggers for
change to more
hazardous occupancy,
cumulative additions,
exposure of interior
walls/ceilings, added
stories, assembly
buildings over 5,000
square feet, and
alterations/reconfiguration
of more than 50 percent of
a partially sprinklered
floor. Incorporates former
SMMC 8.44.050 existing-building sprinkler
requirements into the Fire
Code.
Sections (a),
(b), (j)
Climatic
87. 8.40.020(q) Prohibition on Fireworks.
The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Sections (a), (b),
(j)
Climatic
88. 8.40.020(r) Seizure. Addition of
correct subsection (i)
designation.
Sections (i), (j) Administrative
52 Chapter 8.58 – Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Administrative Requirements Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
89. 8.58.020 Updated definitions to reflect
current Building Code. The
proposed amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j) Administrative
Chapter 8.60 – Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Requirements for Unreinforced Masonry Wall Buildings
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
90. 8.60.010 Adopt Appendix, Chapter
A1 of 2025 California
Existing Building
Code
Section (i) Administrative
91. 8.60.020 The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (i), (j),
(c), (d)
Administrative
Geological
92. 8.60.030 The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (i), (j),
(c), (d)
Administrative
Geological
93. 8.60.040 The proposed
amendments are
Section (i) Administrative
Geological
53 substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Chapter 8.64 – Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Requirements for Existing Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
94. 8.64.010 Adopt Appendix, Chapter A2
of 2025 California Existing
Building Code
Section (i) Administrative
95. 8.64.020 Update applicable
references. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j),
(c), (d)
Administrative
Geological
96. 8.64.030 Update applicable
references. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j),
(c), (d)
Administrative
Geological
97. 8.64.060 The proposed amendments
are substantially equivalent
to amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i) Administrative
54 Chapter 8.68 – Voluntary Seismic Retrofit Requirements for Cripple Walls and Sill Plate Anchorage in Single-Family Dwellings
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
98. 8.68.010 Adopt Appendix, Chapter A3
of 2025 California Existing
Building Code
Section (i) Administrative
Chapter 8.72 – Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Requirements for Soft, Weak or Open Front Walls in Light Wood Framed Buildings
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
99. 8.72.010 Adopt Appendix, Chapter A4
of 2025 California Existing
Building Code
Section (i) Administrative
100. 8.72.020 Update applicable
references. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i),
(j),(c), (d)
Administrative
Geological
101. 8.72.040 Update applicable
references. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j),
(c), (d)
Administrative
Geological
102. 8.72.050 Time limits for compliance. Section (i) Administrative 55 Chapter 8.76 – Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Requirements for Existing Welded Steel Moment Frame Structures
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
103. 8.76.030, 050 Update applicable
references. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j) Administrative
Chapter 8.80 – Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Requirements for Existing Non-Ductile Concrete Buildings
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
104. 8.80.030 Update applicable
references. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j) Administrative
105. 8.80.050(b)(2) Update applicable
references. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were in
effect as of September 30,
2025.
Section (i), (j) Administrative
56 Chapter 8.108 – Green Building Standards Code
Municipal
Code
Section(s)
Amendment Summary
Justification
from Section 1
of Resolution
Local Condition
106. 8.106.130 1 Adoption of California
Green Building Standards
Code
Section (i) Administrative
107. 8.106.130 Low Emission Concrete
Ordinance. The proposed
amendments are
substantially equivalent to
amendments that were
previously filed by the City
of Santa Monica and were
in effect as of September
30, 2025.
Section (j),
(G)(a) – (G)(g)
Climatic
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
HEIDI VON TONGLEN
CITY ATTORNEY