Agenda — Sonoma City Council, November 19, 2025 (part 1 of 2)

City Council:

Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
Ron Wellander, Vice Mayor
Jack Ding
Sandra Lowe
John Gurney

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers, 177 First Street West
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84876986131
6:00 PM Regular Meeting

ACCESSING PUBLIC MEETINGS
As a public service to the community, City Council meetings are held in-person, and viewable through a live webcast on the City’s CivicWeb Portal at https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/Portal/Video.aspx, City of Sonoma YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChZjUrg2rNLYxTgQHhFy-Tg, and televised on Comcast Cable Channel 27. Members of the public can also view the meeting via ZOOM, at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84876986131.

If a technical issue arises with Zoom video or the listening phone dial-in option, the City Council meeting will continue unless a Council Member is participating remotely pursuant to the provisions of Assembly Bill 2449.

Members of the public who wish to address the Council by providing public comments during the meeting may do so in-person in the Council Chambers at 177 First Street West, where the meeting is being publicly held. As an alternative, members of the public may also provide written public comment submitted via the City’s online Public Comment form at https://sonomacity.civicweb.net/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx or by email to:
[email protected]
PROCESS FOR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: There will be two opportunities for members of the public to address items not appearing on the agenda. The early public comment period, Agenda Item 1, will be limited to ten speakers. Each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes. Speakers who do not have an opportunity to speak during the first public comment section will be allowed to make their comments during the later public comment period, Agenda Item 10, provided there were more than 10 people in the first public comment section. When the Mayor announces these agenda items, please form a line to speak.

In the event a Council Member participates remotely for just cause or an emergency circumstance under Assembly Bill 2449, the City will allow for public comment through the Zoom link.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk (707) 933-2216. Notification 48 hours before the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

Be Courteous - TURN OFF your cell phones and watches while the meeting is in session.

The City Council may discuss and/or take action on any or all of the items listed on the agenda irrespective of how the items are described.

No new items will begin after 9:00pm unless a majority of the members present vote to allow the items to be heard.

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REGULAR MEETING

CONVENE, CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL (Lowe, Gurney, Wellander, Ding, Farrar-Rivas)

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
At this this time members of the public may address the Council on matters not listed on this agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. This public comment period will be limited to ten speakers. Each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes.

Speakers who do not have an opportunity to speak during the first public comment section will be allowed to make their comments during the later public comment period, Agenda Item 10, provided there were more than 10 people in the first public comment section. When the Mayor announces these agenda items, please form a line to speak.

Under State Law, unless otherwise permitted under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the merits of the matters presented under this item cannot be discussed or acted upon by the City Council at this time. For items appearing on the agenda, the public will be invited to make comments at the time the item comes up for Council consideration. Please begin by stating your name.

2. MEETING DEDICATIONS

3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Committee Reports - Council Members are appointed to various boards and committees - local, county-wide and regional. Any updates from a council member will be shared at this time.

A list of all appointments is available on our City Website for easy reference.

Council Members may also make appointments to city commissions at this time.

4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS

6. PRESENTATIONS

6.1: "Celebrate Sonoma" - Presentation of Certificate of Recognition in Honor of Phil Coturri

7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
All items listed on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and will be acted upon by a single motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Council or staff request specific items to be removed for separate action.

7.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided)

7.2: Receive Minutes from the Regular Meeting of November 5, 2025 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive the Minutes.

11.05.2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
5 - 6

7.3: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of October 2025 (Prapti Aryal, Finance Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of October 2025.

Agenda Report - Expenditure Report October 2025 - Pdf
7 - 14

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7.4: Adopt a Resolution of the City of Sonoma City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with R&R Maher in the Amount Not to Exceed $75,000 to Provide On-Call Concrete Services as Needed. (Mike Berger, Public Works Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with R&R Maher in an amount not to exceed $75,000 to provide on-call concrete services as needed.

Agenda Report - R&R Maher On-Call Concrete Services Contract - Pdf 15 - 32

7.5: Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Public Improvements Installed under the Subdivision Improvement Agreement for the Hummingbird Subdivision (Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development Director)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution accepting the Subdivision Improvements for Hummingbird Subdivision.

Agenda Report - Hummingbird Subdivision Public Improvements Acceptance - Pdf
33 - 35

7.6: Adopt a Resolution of the City of Sonoma City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with MCE Corporation for $34,294.20 for Paving at Third Street East (Mike Berger, Public Works Director & Ashley Cotter, Public Works Admin & Project Manager)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.

Agenda Report - MCE Corporation Contract - Third St East Paving - Pdf 36 - 51

8. PUBLIC HEARING

8.1: Discussion, Consideration and Possible Action to Introduce an Ordinance Repealing Chapter 14.10 of the Sonoma Municipal Code and Reenacting a New Chapter 14.10 Adopting New Administrative Provisions and Adopting by Reference Parts 1 through12 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code and local Amendments.

1. Discuss any initial questions regarding the proposed local amendments or the adoption of the California codes.

2. Publicly read the title of the proposed ordinance and schedule a public hearing to hear the matter and possibly adopt the ordinance on December 3, 2025.

Note that the required process for adopting and amending the Building Standards Code is different from the process followed with most other City ordinances. In this case, the public hearing on the substance of the ordinance is conducted at the time of the second reading of the ordinance, rather than at the time of ordinance introduction (first reading). The action recommended for November 19th is to discuss any questions, provide any directive changes to staff and introduce the ordinance. While public comments can be taken, a public hearing must be held at the subsequent meeting (in this instance on December 3rd), at which time the ordinance would either be adopted or otherwise amended and reintroduced.

Agenda Report - 2025 Construction Codes Introduction - Pdf 52 - 114

9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
(Matters requiring discussion and/or action by the City Council)

10. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT (ONLY REQUIRED IF EARLIER PUBLIC SPEAKERS

REMAIN)
At this this time members of the public who did not have the opportunity to speak during the

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early comment period may address the Council on matters not listed on this agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. Each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes. Please form a line to speak.

11. ADJOURNMENT
I do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing agenda was posted as legally required. Monique Saviez Burns, CPMC, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to any item of business referred to on the agenda are usually available for public inspection the Wednesday before each regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall, located at No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA. Any documents subject to disclosure that are provided to all, or a majority of all, of the members of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda after the agenda has been distributed will be made available for inspection at the City Clerk’s office, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA during regular business hours. If you challenge the action of the City Council in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described on the agenda or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at or prior to the public hearing.

Appointments to Commission/Committees: The Council may establish and make appointments to a Council committee (made up of two Council Members) with respect to any item appearing on this agenda.

Closed Session: If action is taken during a Closed Session meeting that is required to be reported out at this meeting, the Council will return to Open Session and report out immediately. However, if the Council is unable to do so due to time constraints, it will report out at the immediately following Regular Council Meeting under "REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION".

Motion for Consideration: A Council Member voting with the majority on any item appearing on this agenda may move for reconsideration of that vote provided the motion is in conformance with the rules adopted by the Council governing such motions.

NOTE: Portions of this document may have been drafted with support from AI-based tools, consistent with City of Sonoma policy on use of artificial intelligence. All information represented in this document has been reviewed by City of Sonoma staff.

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City Council:

Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
Ron Wellander, Vice Mayor
Sandra Lowe
John Gurney
Jack Ding

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

OF THE SONOMA CITY COUNCIL
City Council Chambers
177 First Street West
Wednesday, November 5, 2025

6:00 PM Regular Meeting
Regular Meeting Minutes, November 5, 2025

REGULAR MEETING

CONVENE, CALL TO ORDER, & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Farrar-Rivas called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

PRESENT: Mayor Farrar-Rivas, Vice Mayor Wellander, Council Member Lowe, Council Member Gurney, and Council Member Ding

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session held.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Gurney, seconded by Council Member Ding, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Jessie Ortiz provided public comments.

2. MEETING DEDICATIONS
None.

3. COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Council Member Lowe appointed Christine Sanders as her direct appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). She also attended a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting today, November 5.

Council Member Gurney attended a Sonoma Tourism Improvement District (STID) meeting on October 29. On the same day, Mr. Gurney also attended the Sonoma Valley Community Roundtable event hosted by Santa Rosa Junior College.

Vice Mayor Wellander attended an event at Lake Mendocino on October 22. He also attended a Water Advisory Committee (WAC) meeting on November 3.

Council Member Ding shared highlights from his recent trip to Penglai, China, where he joined the Sister Cities delegation to visit the City’s sister city.

On October 2, Mayor Farrar-Rivas attended a Sonoma Clean Power Board meeting. From October 8 through October 10, she attended the League of California Cities Annual Conference along with other councilmembers. On October 12, Mayor Farrar-Rivas attended the Catalyst Report on Aging in Sonoma County. On November 18, she attended the “No Kings” event in Sonoma. On October 21, she attended the Sonoma Collaborative Presentation on their Affordable Housing Roadmap. On October 23, Mrs. Farrar-Rivas attended a website presentation hosted by the Attorney General, Bob Bonta. Lastly, the Mayor shared highlights from her recent trip where she visited one of the City’s Sister City – Pátzcuaro, Mexico.

4. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Manager Guhin provided an update on SNAP benefits and discussed the various County programs currently working to offer additional assistance during this time of need. He also shared several upcoming community events and announcements.

The Sonoma County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan public meeting will take place tomorrow, November 6, at the Sonoma Valley Fire District Headquarters from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In addition, weather permitting, controlled pile burns are scheduled for Friday, November 7, at the Montini Preserve.

Also happening tomorrow, November 6, is the Sonoma Art Walk, which will be held in downtown Sonoma from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Looking ahead, the City will host a Cemetery Volunteer CleanUp Day on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Veterans and Mountain Cemeteries from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Finally, City Manager Guhin noted that City Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day.

Agenda Item #7.2:

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Regular Meeting Minutes, November 5, 2025

5. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
City Attorney Ruderman provided updates from a webinar he attended with the League of California Cities regarding Senate Bill (SB) 707.

6. PRESENTATIONS
Item 6.1: Proclamation Designating November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in the City of Sonoma

7. CONSENT CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Council Member Gurney, seconded by Council Member Lowe, to approve the consent calendar as presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Item 7.1: Waive further reading and Authorize Introduction and/or Adoption of Ordinances by Title Only. (Standard procedural action - no backup information provided) Item 7.2: Receive Minutes from the Regular Meeting of October 15, 2025 (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: Minutes were received.

Item 7.3: Adopt a Resolution Amending the City of Sonoma Conflict-of-Interest Code (Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 61-2025.

Item 7.4: Adopt An Ordinance Amending Sonoma Municipal Code Sections 19.54.080(D) Development Exempt from Design Review and 19.40.110(D) Projections into the Public Right-Of-Way, and Finding the Ordinance Exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) (Jennifer Gates, Community Development Director) Action: Adopted as Ordinance 12-2025.

Item 7.5: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreements with GHD, Inc. not to Exceed $600,000.00, and Moe Engineering Not to Exceed $750,000.00 for On-Call Engineering Services (Ashley Cotter, PW Admin & Project Manager)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 62-2025.

Item 7.6: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Construction Contract with Granite Construction Inc. for $45,450, Approve $4,500 (10%) in Contingency, and Approve a Project Budget of $63,950 for Repairs to the Lovall Valley Bridge Waterline (Mike Berger, Public Works Director)
Action: Adopted as Resolution 63-2025.

8. PUBLIC HEARING
None.

9. REGULAR CALENDAR – CITY COUNCIL
Item 9.1: Study Session to Discuss Legal and Procedural Requirements for Mobilehome Park Closures and Conversions Under the City of Sonoma Existing Municipal Code and Recent Legislative Changes Under AB 2782 and SB 610 (Jennifer Gates, Community Development Director)
Action: The study session was held.

Public Comment: Lynn Marie de Vincent, Bonnie Joy Kaslan, Ann Kolachitis, Caitlin Cornwall, John Kyle, and Diane Lumierial.

10. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT (ONLY REQUIRED IF PUBLIC SPEAKERS REMAIN FROM ITEM 2.0) None.

11. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Farrar-Rivas adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly received at a regular meeting of the Sonoma City Council on the 19th of November 2025.
____________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.2:

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City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 19 Nov 2025
Department
Finance
Staff Contact
Prapti Aryal, Finance Director
Agenda Item Title
Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of October 2025 Summary
The attached report shows disbursements for the month of October 2025.

General Fund Department 43101 (Community Activities) is at 46% of budget largely due to disbursements of one-time community grant requests, which were approved in the FY25-26 budget.

Fund 510 (Water Utility) is at 46% of budget due to bad debt expense exceeding budget and a variance in the long-term building interfund transfer budgets. A mid-year budget adjustment will be presented to correct these issues. In addition, the uncollected water accounts comprising the bad debt expense have been sent to collections to recoup some of the cost.

A detailed list of disbursements is available at the web site indicated at the bottom of the report.

Recommended Council Action
Accept the Expenditure Report for the Month of October 2025.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
Monthly Payables Report, October 2025
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Disbursement Report October 2025
Fund Glossary
Agenda Item #7.3:

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Alignment with Council Goals:

Not Applicable
Agenda Item #7.3:

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DISBURSEMENT REPORT OCTOBER 2025
Year to Date Monthly Year to Date Annual Percent of Fund Fund Revenue Expenditure Expenditure Budget Budget Balance General Fund 30000 5,733,659 29,398,090 20% 11,770,391
City Council 41001 10,290 38,735 151,184 26%
City Clerk 41002 29,148 186,704 468,828 40%
City Manager 41003 77,842 285,904 1,276,709 22%
Finance 41004 55,654 295,876 853,284 35%
City Attorney 41005 21,444 39,949 285,000 14%
Police 42101 1,166,803 2,254,905 7,780,097 29%
Fire 42201 608,566 3,278,188 8,122,755 40%
Public Works - Admin 43020 41,126 222,606 642,102 35%
Public Works - Streets 43022 102,192 563,811 1,501,533 38% Parks & Recreation 43023 126,800 663,973 1,863,471 36%
Planning 43030 106,793 448,392 1,409,629 32%
Building 43040 64,314 426,115 1,233,653 35%
Community Activities 43101 95,663 552,137 1,205,052 46% Successor Agency 43199 11,873 55,822 186,037 30%
Non-Departmental 43200 72,113 251,090 753,525 33%
Emergency Response 43201 2,768 22,391 117,745 19%
Public Information 43203 11,286 75,740 210,716 36%
Transfers 43999 - 711,932 1,120,000 64%
Total General Fund Expenditures 2,604,675 10,374,269 29,181,320 36% Other Funds
Public Education & Gov 202 582 - - - 0% (23,430)
Strong Motion 203 136 - - - 0% 6,914
Asset Forfeiture 211 266 - - - 0% 17,637
SLESF C.O.P.S Grant 217 6,882 - 120,000 120,000 100% 274,577 Bond Property 220 - - - - 0% (19,144)
Maysonnave Property 221 - - - - 0% (15,195)
Schell Drainage 234 3,228 - - - 0% 72,310
Abandoned Vehicle 240 - 801 3,271 15,000 22% (33,259)
Streets/Transport/Drain 301 200,577 6,068 38,883 200,000 19% 192,751 Gas Tax 302 96,655 3,703 28,405 314,545 9% 914,506
SB-1Road Maint 303 57,484 - - 100,000 0% 718,671
Parks & Facilities 304 627,954 14,061 12,279 625,000 2% 677,853 Fire Measure H 312 61 - - 708,000 0% 61
Transportation Measure M 313 4,609 - - - 0% 428,651
Parks-In-Lieu/Quimby Act 314 12,691 - - 225,000 0% 12,691 Parks Measure M 315 9,170 - - 84,999 0% 673,906
Prop 68 Parks 316 - - - - 0% (162,690)
Successor Agency 391 32,982 - 60,869 2,599,306 2% (17,623,977) CREBS 495 - - - - 0% -
2012 POB 498 19 - - - 0% (5,211)
Cemeteries 501 221,326 27,722 157,384 791,396 20% (2,126,230) Cemetery Replacement 502 - - - - 0% 288,613
Cemetery Endowment 504 17,478 - 47,000 47,000 100% 713,410 Water Utility 510 3,540,334 569,718 3,351,379 7,351,884 46% 9,785,583 Water CIP 512 712,283 - - 655,000 0% 897,694
Water Equip Replacement 513 11,083 - - - 0% 737,342
EMS Equip Replacement 521 1,302 - - - 0% 85,952
Mgmt Information Srvcs 601 201,166 72,407 206,932 593,738 35% 384,652 Vehicle Replacement 603 569,292 - 84,375 671,985 13% 1,253,030 Insurance 604 776 - - - 0% 51,442
Building Maintenance 610 226,329 - 190,000 266,000 71% 3,622,164 Computer Loan 614 999 - - - 0% 66,046
Hardscape Maint 615 406 - - - 0% 26,830
Admin Hearings 620 122 - - - 0% 947
Grants Restricted 630 5,682 - - - 0% 37,227
Culture Fine Art 701 187 - - - 0% 12,512
Tree Trust 702 294 - - - 0% 19,706
Public Art 703 25,919 766 766 35,000 2% 96,010
Pool Scholarship 715 3,380 - 25,000 25,000 100% 183,240 Senior Housing 731 3,066 - 25,454 25,454 100% 194,142
Housing Trust 732 90,645 - 250,000 250,000 100% 2,397,241 IGT 796 38,504 69,373 561,128 1,565,968 36% 1,485,460
SVFRA Operations 798 12,437 - - - 0% 605,696
TOTAL 12,469,966 3,369,294 15,537,394 46,451,594 33%
Monthly disbursement detail reports can be found at www.sonomacity.org/financial-documents Agenda Item #7.3:

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City of Sonoma

CITY OF SONOMA

FUND DESCRIPTIONS

General Fund (Fund 100): The general operating fund of the City is used to account for all financial resources except those that require accounting in another fund.

Public Education & Government (Fund 202): Special revenue fund accumulates fees from telecommunication operators to support public, educational and government telecommunications, including broadcasting public meetings. Costs associated with acquiring equipment, renovating and constructing PEG-related facilities and broadcasting are paid from this fund.

Strong Motion (Fund 203): Accounts for State of California "strong motion" fees paid by building permit applicants. Funds are paid regularly to State Department of Conservation.

Asset Forfeiture (Fund 211): Accounts for funds received from seizure and forfeiture of assets that represent the proceeds of, or were used to facilitate, crime. Funds are expended according to legal restrictions.

SLESF (Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund)/COPS (Citizen Option for Public Safety) (Fund 217): Supplemental law enforcement funding is distributed by the State to the County which passes through the funding to local agencies. These funds have traditionally been used to support the costs of the Community Service Officer staff in the Police Department.

Bond Property (Fund 220): The Bond Property, a six acre parcel located at 19990 Seventh Street, was bequeathed to the city in 1977 by Pauline Bond, for the purpose of “creating and maintaining a public park” and is now home to the Sonoma Garden Center. The parcel is leased to the Sonoma Ecology Center who maintains the property and administers public programs at the site. Not Currently Active Fund Maysonnave Property (Fund 221): The Maysonnave Property, consisting of two parcels of land totaling

1.44 acres located at 291 and 289 First Street East, was bequeathed to the city in 1990 by Henri Maysonave for the purpose of “creating and maintaining a public park”. The parcel at 291 First Street East is leased to the League for Historic Preservation who maintains the property and administers public programs at the site while the parcel identified as 289 First Street East is leased to the Valley of the Moon Petanque Club, which maintains the property and administers public programs at that site. Not Currently Active Fund
Schell Drainage (Fund 234): Accounts for funds used for tracking of mitigation fees for specific projects.

Not Currently Active Fund
Abandoned Vehicle (Fund 240): Accounts for funds received from the Sonoma County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (SCAVA) program and must be expended in compliance with legal restrictions.

Streets/Transport/Drain (Fund 301): This Capital Improvement Fund represents a transfer of funds from the General Fund to support improvements to the City's streets, sidewalks, bikeways, and storm drainage system.

Agenda Item #7.3:

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City of Sonoma
Gas Tax (Fund 302): The State of California imposes per-gallon excise taxes and sales taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, and registration taxes on motor vehicles with allocations dedicated to transportation purposes. Gas taxes can be used for any street or road purpose; however, it is best practice to focus on maintenance and rehabilitation costs only.

SB-1 Road Maintenance (Fund 303): The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1) increased pergallon excise taxes and sales taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, and vehicle registration taxes, stabilized price-based fuel tax rates and provided for inflationary adjustments to rates in future years. Funds may be used for road maintenance and rehabilitation, safety projects, “complete street” components, and traffic control devices.

Parks & Facilities (Fund 304): This Capital Improvement Fund represents a transfer of funds from the General Fund to support improvements to the City's 17 parks encompass nearly 40 acres, nine play structures, two public restrooms, Class I bike trails, hiking trails, a duck pond, and a rose garden. Park needs that exceed the capacity of City and contract workers are included in this fund.

Fire Measure H (Fund 312): Sonoma County measure uses a ½ cent countywide sales tax to improve fire services.

Transportation Measure M (Fund 313): The Traffic Relief Act for Sonoma County (Measure M) provides for a ¼ cent sales tax that is apportioned to local jurisdictions to maintain their streets, as well as other County-wide street, highway, transit, and safe bicycle and pedestrian routes.

Parks-In-Lieu/Quimby Act (Fund 314): The 1975 Quimby Act (California Government Code §66477) authorized the City to pass ordinances requiring developers set aside land, donate conservation easements, or pay fees, which can only be used for new and rehabilitating existing parks and recreational facilities and cannot be used for the operation and maintenance of park facilities The City currently has a parkland dedication (exaction) requirement as a condition of approval for Tentative Subdivision Maps or Tentative Parcel Maps.

Parks Measure M (Fund 315): Sonoma County Parks Improvement, Water Quality and Fire Safety Measure (Measure M) is a one-eighth cent sales tax that supports Sonoma County’s regional and city parks Prop 68 Parks (Fund 316): Known as the California Clean Water and Safe Parks Act, Proposition 68 allocates funds to construct and rehabilitate parks, implement water improvements for safe drinking water, increase recycling and flood protection, and encourage climate change adaptation projects.

Successor Agency (Fund 391): The City of Sonoma has elected to serve as the Successor Agency to the Sonoma Redevelopment Agency, which was dissolved by the State through the Redevelopment Dissolution Act in 2012. The City as Successor Agency receives pass through revenue when property taxes are remitted to the City by the County via RPTTF (Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund). The City then makes authorized payments from Successor Agency for expenses, such as debt service costs, contract services for contracts issued before the dissolution of the development agency, and other expenses, including legal services.

CREBS (Clean Renewable Energy Bonds) (Fund 495): Bonds to pay for solar projects at the Police Station and Corporation Yard. Not Currently Active Fund
Agenda Item #7.3:

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City of Sonoma
2012 POB (Pension Obligation Bond) (Fund 498): Bond issued to refund the City’s side fund loan obligations to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Not Currently Active Fund Cemeteries (Fund 501): Accounts for funding to support the City’s three cemeteries’ operations and maintenance, including burial and inurnment preparation and coordination, cemetery improvements, tree hazard assessment and abatement, grounds maintenance, mausoleum maintenance, road maintenance, and vandalism abatement.

Cemetery Replacement (Fund 502): Not Currently Active Fund Cemetery Endowment (Fund 504): The Cemetery Endowment Fund was created to record the income received from Cemetery sales that is designated as endowment care. The City’s Municipal Code defines endowment care as the general maintenance of the City’s three cemeteries that is necessitated by natural growth and ordinary wear.

Water Utility (Fund 510): This enterprise fund is responsible for the delivery of high quality, dependable water service for a variety of needs including consumption, irrigation, and fire protection. It operates and maintains 3 active City-owned tanks with a combined storage capacity of 5.5 million gallons, 7 production wells and appurtenant treatment facilities, 2 pump stations with a combined 140 horsepower maximum output, 56 miles of active water main ranging from 8” to 14” in diameter, 513 fire hydrants, and approximately 4,500 active service connections
Water Construction in Progress (CIP) (Fund 512): This Capital Improvement Fund represents a transfer of funds from the Water Utility Fund to support improvements to the City's drinking water infrastructure.

Projects include replacing aging water mains and appurtenances (e.g. tees, crosses, couplers, saddles, valves), neighborhood-scale water service replacement projects, renewing tank coatings and corrosion control systems, replacing well or pump station equipment, replacing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and equipment, improvements to well and pump station buildings (e.g. replacing roofs or electrical systems).

Water Equipment Replacement (Fund 513): Accounts for costs to replace water equipment. Not Currently Active Fund
EMS Equipment Replacement (Fund 521): Accounts for costs to replace EMS equipment.

Management Information Services (Fund 601): The fund provides a mechanism for funding the operational costs, maintenance, and planned replacement of installed computer systems, equipment, software, telephone systems and other critical electronic office equipment through annual transfers from other City departments and funds.

Vehicle Replacement (Fund 603): Accounts for costs to replace vehicles based on a depreciation schedule.

Costs are distributed among user departments and transferred as approved in the annual budget process.

Insurance (Fund 604): Account from which liability, property, earthquake, vehicle, and other insurance premiums are paid. Funding is transferred from other City departments and funds on a pro rata share.

Not Currently Active Fund
Agenda Item #7.3:

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City of Sonoma
Building Maintenance (Fund 610): The fund allows the City to set aside funding received through annual transfers made by other City departments and funds for future replacement or repair of certain items in City owned and maintained facilities.

Computer Loan (Fund 614): Created by the City Council in 2000 and funded by an initial transfer of $50,000 from the Employee Benefit Fund, this fund provides low interest loans to employees for the purchase of computers for both personal and professional use. Loans must be repaid through payroll deductions within two years.

Hardscape Maintenance (Fund 615): Accounts for the City's hardscape maintenance reserve programs.

Not Currently Active Fund
Administrative Hearings (Fund 620): Accounts for all activities of the City's Administrative Hearings as charged to departments. Not Currently Active Fund
Grants Restricted (Fund 630): The purpose of the fund is to separately track grant monies that are received and spent for capital improvement projects.

Culture Fine Art (Fund 701): Accounts for assets held to be used for cultural fine art programs. Not Currently Active Fund
Tree Trust (Fund 702): Accounts for assets held to be used for planting and replacement of trees. Not Currently Active Fund
Public Art (Fund 703): Accounts for assets held to be used for public art displays. Not Currently Active Fund
Pool Scholarship (Fund 715): In 2014, the City entered an agreement with Sonoma Valley Health and Recreation Association to support the construction of a swimming pool within the Sonoma Valley. The City’s financial commitment is for a total of $250,000 to be paid in 10 annual installments of $25,000 for the value of free and reduced-fee services to be provided to Sonoma Valley residents Senior Housing (Fund 731): Sonoma Creek Senior Housing is a thirty-four unit rental apartment complex for very low income senior citizens located on Oregon Street and administered by the Board of Directors of the Sonoma Community Housing Corporation (SCHC), a non-profit housing corporation created by the City’s Community Development Agency (CDA). The Board of the SCHC is comprised of two City Councilmembers, the City Manager, a staff member designated by the City Manager and a public member. The operation of the apartment complex is contracted out to Hank Fisher Properties, a rental management firm, with the resident managers being employed by the firm. All accounting and finance for the complex is handled through the rental management contract. Rental income is used to repay the indebtedness issued for the purchase of the complex and to cover annual maintenance and other operational costs. Not Currently Active Fund
Housing Trust (Fund 732): The fund accumulates and distributes funding in accordance with the City Council’s Affordable Housing Plan. The main source of funding is from General Fund transfers of one percent of the Transient Occupancy Tax.

Agenda Item #7.3:

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City of Sonoma
IGT (Intergovernmental Transfer) (Fund 796): State of California program that provides an opportunity to receive federal matching funds to support health services for Medi-Cal Managed Care beneficiaries served by the Fire Department.

SVFRA (Sonoma Valley Fire Rescue Association) Operations (Fund 798): Accounts for operational activities in which revenues and expenses are split between the City and SVFD.

Agenda Item #7.3:

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Summary
The City’s sidewalk system is a critical component of the public infrastructure. As part of the Public Works Capital Improvement Program, specifically CIP T-4 (citywide sidewalk repairs) and CIP T-5 (rehabilitation portion of pavement and sidewalk, including accessibility upgrades to pedestrian curb ramps), Public Works solicited pricing in November 2022 for an on-call concrete construction contractor. The City awarded that contract to RE Maher, and the full $75,000 authorized amount has since been used for concrete work throughout the community.

Staff reviewed the remaining proposals submitted in 2022 and engaged the next most competitive bidder, R&R Maher, to negotiate a contract for $75,000 contract for additional concrete improvements in FY25-26 and FY26-27. Under Sonoma Municipal Code Section

3.04.080, staff is authorized to negotiate a contract price on projects less than $75,000.00.

Working alongside Public Works Streets Operational Staff, the concrete contractor will provide on-call assistance in forming, compaction, pouring, and finishing work as necessary to install ADA ramps, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and various other public infrastructure concrete features. This partnership between operations staff and skilled concrete professionals will enable Public Works to address issues in the City's sidewalk system more quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Recent updates to the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act, effective January 1, 2025, allow projects costing $75,000 or less to be awarded through a negotiated contract or purchase order.

Recommended Council Action
Adopt the resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with R&R Maher in an amount not to exceed $75,000 to provide on-call concrete services as needed.

Alternative Actions
Council discretion.

Financial Impact
The funding for the repair work conducted by R&R Maher is budgeted in the FY25-26 budget Agenda Item #7.4:

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under CIP T4 and CIP T5 via 301-50000-703-70703 to reflect.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution - Concrete On-Call
City of Sonoma On-Call Concrete Contract_R&R Maher
Alignment with Council Goals:

Agenda Item #7.4:

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City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # _______ - 2025

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SONOMA CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE

CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH R&R MAHER CONSTRUCTION CO, INC. FOR $75,000 FOR ON-CALL CONCRETE

SERVICES AS NEEDED
WHEREAS, the City approved FY25-26 in June 2025, which included funding in CIP T4 Citywide Sidewalk Repair and CIP T-5 for rehabilitation portion of pavement and sidewalk including accessibility upgrades to pedestrian ramps; and WHEREAS, City Public Works staff has the capacity to perform the demolition portion of sidewalk and accessibility projects; and
WHEREAS, a licensed concrete contractor working in conjunction with City staff can provide on-call assistance in forming, compaction, pouring, and finishing work as necessary to install ADA Ramps, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and various other public infrastructure concrete features; and
WHEREAS, per Sonoma Municipal Code 3.04.080 and per the Updated Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (effective January 1, 2025), public projects costing $75,000 or less can be let by negotiated by contract, purchase order, or performed by City employees by force account; and
WHEREAS, the required repairs to the Waterline are exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq. (“CEQA”) under Sections 15301 and 14302 of the CEQA Guidelines, as it is the maintenance, repair, or replacement of an existing facility.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Sonoma that the City Manager is authorized to execute a Construction Contract with R&R Maher Co, Inc. for $75,000.

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular Meeting of the City of Sonoma City Council on this 19th day of November 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_____________________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.4:

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1 CONTRACT FOR MINOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
This Contract for Minor Public Works Projects for On-Call Concrete Services by and between the City of Sonoma, a California municipal corporation (hereinafter "City") and R&R Maher Construction Co Inc. (hereinafter "Contractor") is effective on the Effective Date identified on the signature page.

1. In consideration of the City’s obligations set forth herein, the Contractor shall furnish the tools, equipment, labor and material necessary to perform as set forth in Exhibit B and complete in a good and workmanlike manner, repair of concrete at locations specified by each written Task Order issued by the City (the “Work”).

The Contractor shall perform the Work in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (including Exhibit “B,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference), and at the compensation rates and charges set forth on Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. This Contract is to establish Contractor rates and to set forth terms and conditions for the City to mobilize Contractor to various locations throughout the City in the time period specified when the scope of work is defined. The City will issue a written Task Order to authorize the required work.

2. The total sum of this “on-call” Contract shall not exceed Seventy-Five Thousand [$75,000] Dollars. The City however may or may not reach this limit, nor is obligated to do so. If directed by City to perform repair or installation work, the Contractor will be paid 100% of Work based on contract prices set forth herein upon completion of the Work. It is understood and agreed that in accordance with California Public Contract Code §22300, the Contractor will be allowed to substitute securities for money withheld by City to insure performance under this Contract. In accordance with Public Contract Code §20104.50, City shall promptly review payment requests and if not suitable for payment, City shall no later than seven (7) days after receipt return the same with an explanation as to why the payment request is not possible. City shall make progress payments within thirty (30) days after receipt of an undisputed and properly executed request. Failure to comply with the time requirements shall subject City to certain interest charges.

3. The following shall govern the responsibilities and indemnification by Contractor:

A. City and each of its officers, employees, and agents including, shall not be liable or accountable in any manner for loss or damage that may happen to any part of the Work; loss or damage to materials or other things used or employed in performing the Work; injury, sickness, disease, emotional injury, or death of any person; or damage to property resulting from any cause whatsoever except their sole negligence, willful misconduct or active negligence, attributable to performance or character of the Work, and Contractor releases all of the foregoing persons and entities from any and all such claims.

B. To the furthest extent permitted by law (including without limitation California Civil Code Section 2782), Contractor shall assume defense of, release, and indemnify and hold harmless, City and each of its officers, employees, and agents (excluding agents who are design professionals), from claims, suits, actions, losses and liability of every kind, nature and description, including but not limited to claims, etc., and fines of regulatory agencies or relating to claims, etc., for copyright and/or infringement patent, and attorney’s fees and Contractor’s fees, directly or indirectly, from any cause whatsoever, directly or indirectly, arising out of, connected with, or resulting from performance of the Work, failure to perform the Work, or condition of the Work which is caused in whole or in part by any act or omission of Contractor, Subcontractors, anyone directly or indirectly employed by any of them or anyone for whose acts any of them may be liable, regardless of whether it is caused in part by the negligence of City or by any person or entity required to be indemnified hereunder.

C. Approval or purchase of any insurance contracts or policies shall in no way relieve from liability nor limit the liability of Contractor, its Subcontractors of any tier, or the officers or agents of any of them.

D. To the furthest extent permitted by law (including, without limitation, Civil Code Section 2782), the indemnities, releases of liability and limitations of liability, claims, procedures, and limitations of remedy expressed throughout Contract Documents shall apply even in the event of breach of contract, negligence (active or passive), fault or strict liability of the party(ies) indemnified, released, or limited in liability, and shall survive the termination, rescission, breach, abandonment, or completion of the Work or the terms of the Contract Documents.

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2 the Contractor is not liable to the claimant. The Contractor will respond within 30 days to the tender of any claim for defense and indemnity by the City, unless this time has been extended by the City If the Contractor fails to accept or reject a tender of defense and indemnity within 30 days, in addition to any other remedy authorized by law, so much of the money due the Contractor under and by virtue of the contract as shall reasonably be considered necessary by the City, may be retained by the City until disposition has been made of the claim or suit for damages or until the Contractor accepts or rejects the tender of defense, whichever occurs first.

F. The indemnities in the Contract Documents shall not apply to any indemnified party to the extent of its sole negligence or willful misconduct; nor shall they apply to City or other indemnified party to the extent of its active negligence.

4. This Contract shall not be assigned without the written approval of the City.

5. The Contractor shall have full care, custody and control of the project to completion and shall maintain the same in a safe and tidy condition. The Contractor shall at all times maintain proper facilities and provide safe access for inspection by City to all parts of the Work, and to the shops wherein the Work is in preparation. Where the specifications require Work to be specially tested or approved, it shall not be tested or covered up without timely notice to the City, or its representative, of its readiness for inspection, and without the approval thereof or consent thereto by the latter. Should any Work be covered up without such notice, approval or consent, it must, if required by the City, or its representative, be uncovered for examination at the Contractor's expense.

6. The Contractor shall assume sole and complete responsibility for job site conditions for the duration of the project including, but not limited to, the safety and health conditions on the Work site. This requirement shall apply continuously and shall not be limited to normal working hours. Contractor shall comply with all applicable provisions of law including the standards, rules, regulations and orders established by the California Division of Industrial Safety. Contractor shall furnish and use safety devices and safeguards and shall adopt and use practices, means, methods, operations, and processes which are reasonably adequate to render the Work site safe and healthful. Contractor shall take all steps necessary to ensure that any hazardous condition is corrected promptly either by the Contractor or by assigning such responsibility to the appropriate subcontractor and ensuring that the corrections are completed. The City, design engineer, construction manager and the officers, agents or employees, shall not have control over or charge of or responsibility for construction or safety means, methods, techniques, procedures, as these are solely the responsibility of Contractor.

7. Should the City at any time during the progress of the Work request any alterations, deviations, additions or omissions from said Contract, specifications or plans, it shall be at liberty to do so, and the same shall in no way affect or make void the Contract, but will be added to or deducted from the amount of said contract price, as the case may be, by fair and reasonable valuation. The value of any such extra work or change shall be determined in one or more of the following ways:

A. By estimate and acceptance of a lump sum.

B. By unit price named in the contract or subsequently agreed upon.

C. By cost and percentage or by cost and a fixed fee.

8. Contractor shall obtain insurance acceptable to the City in a company or companies acceptable to the City. The required documentation of such insurance shall be furnished to the City at the time Contractor returns the executed contract. The Contractor shall not commence Work nor shall allow its employees or agents or anyone to commence Work until all insurance and properly executed endorsements required hereunder have been submitted and approved. The Contractor shall take out and maintain at all times during the life of this Contract, the following policies of insurance with insurers (if other than the State Compensation Fund) with a current A.M. Best's rating of no less than A:VII, or its equivalent, against injury/death to persons or damage to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance hereunder by Contractor, its employees, agents and subcontractors:

A. Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by the State of California, with Statutory Limits, and Employer’s Liability Insurance with limit of no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.

B. Comprehensive or Commercial General Liability Insurance at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability coverage (occurrence form CG 0001), in an Agenda Item #7.4:

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3 amount of $2,000,000 per occurrence. If Work involves explosives, underground or collapse risks, XCU must be included. If a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project or the general aggregate shall be twice the required occurrence limit.

C. Automobile Liability, with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form number CA 0001 0692, Code 1, (any auto), in an amount of $1,000,000 per accident. The amount of any deductible or self-insured retention over $100,000 shall be declared to and approved by the City. Said policy shall contain or be endorsed with the provision that coverage shall not be canceled nor materially reduced in coverage without 30 days prior written notice (10 days for non-payment of premium) to City by certified mail.

D. Contractors’ Pollution Legal Liability and/or Asbestos Legal Liability and/or Errors and Omissions (if project involves environmental hazards) with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence or claim, and $2,000,000 policy aggregate. If the services involve lead-based paint or asbestos identification/remediation, the Contractors Pollution Liability policy shall not contain lead-based paint or asbestos exclusions. If the services involve mold identification/remediation, the Contractors Pollution Liability policy shall not contain a mold exclusion, and the definition of Pollution shall include microbial matter, including mold.

E. If applicable, Builders Risk (or course of construction), written on an all-risk form, for 100% completed value on the insurable part of the project. The Builders Risk policy shall provide for losses to be payable to City and Contractor as their interests may appear, and that in the event of payment for any loss under the coverage provided, the insurer shall not have rights of recovery against City and Contractor.

F. Prior to City's execution of Contract, Contractor shall provide properly executed Certificates of Insurance and Endorsements evidencing the insurance required herein, including the amount of any policy deductible or self-insured retention, on forms approved by City.

G. The Entity, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the Contractor including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations and automobiles owned, leased, hired, or borrowed by or on behalf of the Contractor. General liability coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to the Contractor’s insurance at least as broad as one of the following ISO ongoing operations Forms: CG 20 10 or CG 20 26 or CG 20 33 (not allowed from subcontractors), or CG 20 38; and one of the following ISO completed operations Forms: CG 20 37, 2039 (not allowed from subcontractors), or CG 20 40 H. For any claims related to this contract, the Contractor’s insurance coverage shall be primary coverage at least as broad as ISO CG 20 01 04 13 as respects the City, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be excess of the Contractor’s insurance and shall not contribute with it.

I. Contractor shall provide immediate written notice if (1) any of the required insurance policies is terminated; (2) the limits of any of the required policies are reduced; (3) or the deductible or self-insured retention is increased. In the event of any cancellation or reduction in coverage or limits of any insurance, Contractor shall forthwith obtain and submit proof of substitute insurance.

J. Contractor hereby agrees to waive rights of subrogation which any insurer of Contractor may acquire from Contractor by virtue of the payment of any loss. Contractor agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the Entity has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer. However, the Workers’ Compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the Entity for all work performed by the Contractor, its employees, agents and subcontractors.

Agenda Item #7.4:

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4 K. Self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. The City may require the Contractor to purchase coverage with a lower retention or provide proof of ability to pay losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention. The policy language shall provide, or be endorsed to provide, that the self-insured retention may be satisfied by either the named insured or City.

L. Contractor shall require and verify that all subcontractors maintain insurance meeting all the requirements stated herein, and Contractor shall ensure that Entity is an additional insured on insurance required from subcontractors. For CGL coverage subcontractors shall provide coverage with a form at least as broad as CG 20 38 04 13.

M. Contractor shall furnish the City with original Certificates of Insurance including all required amendatory endorsements (or copies of the applicable policy language effecting coverage required by this clause) and a copy of the Declarations and Endorsement Page of the CGL policy listing all policy endorsements to City before work begins. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the Contractor’s obligation to provide them. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements required by these specifications, at any time.

N. City reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances.

If the contractor maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown above for all policies, the Entity requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or higher limits maintained by the contractor.

Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the Entity.

9. The term of this Agreement shall commence at 12:00 a.m. on November 19 15, 2025 (the “Commencement Date”) and shall expire at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2027 (the “Termination Date”) unless extended by written agreement of the parties or terminated earlier. Contractor may request extensions of time to perform the services required hereunder. Such extensions shall be effective if authorized in advance by City in writing and incorporated in written amendments to this agreement.

10. The Contract shall be construed and interpreted according to California law; any action to enforce the terms of this Contract or for the breach thereof shall be brought and tried in the County of Sonoma.

11. Should the Contractor fail to complete this Contract with the time fixed for completion, due allowance being made for unavoidable delays, it shall become liable to City in the amount of $1,000 in Liquidated Damages per calendar day for each day said Work remains incomplete beyond the time for completion. If it appears to the Contractor that it will not complete the Work in the time agreed, it shall make written application to City at least ten (10) calendar days prior to expiration of the time for completion, stating the reasons why and the amount of extension it believes should be granted. The City may then, with discretion, grant, or deny such extension. Any money due or to become due to Contractor may be retained to cover the liquidated damages, and should such money not be sufficient to cover such damages, the City shall have the right to recover the balance from Contractor or its Sureties.

12. Contractor warrants to City that all materials and equipment furnished under this Contract will be new unless otherwise specified and that all Work will be of good quality free from faults and defects and in conformance with the contract documents. Neither final payment nor use or occupancy of the Work performed by the Contractor shall constitute an acceptance of Work not done in accordance with the Contract or relieve Contractor of liability in respect to any express warranties or responsibilities for faulty material or workmanship.

Contractor shall remedy any defects in the Work and pay for any damage resulting therefrom which shall appear within the period of one (1) year from the date of final payment by the City for the Work. City will give notice of observed defects with reasonable promptness.

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5 satisfied itself of all local conditions affecting the Work and delivery of materials; City specifically disclaims any warranties for information provided to Contractor. It is the obligation of Contractor to notify City of any and all ambiguities, conflicts, etc., in and among such plans, specifications and/or documents.

14. Contractor shall give its personal attention to the fulfillment of the Contract and shall keep the Work under its control at all times. No subcontractor will be recognized as such, and all persons engaged in the Work will be considered as employees of Contractor, and it will be held responsible for the Work which shall be subject to the provisions of the Contract and specifications, if any.

15. Whenever, in the opinion of the City, the Contractor is neglecting the Work or is not prosecuting the same with diligence or is not fulfilling the provisions of the Contract and specifications, the Work, wholly or in part, may be suspended by written order of the City. If the Contractor, within five (5) days after the date of receipt of such a written order, does not agree to provide the required remedies for such deficiencies, the City may declare this Contract terminated and itself proceed to complete the Work herein specified or engage others to do the same.

The cost of such Work and necessary materials shall be charged against the Contractor and be deducted from next or subsequent estimate payment for same. If payments to Contractor are not sufficient to cover the charges, the balance may be recovered from the Contractor or its Sureties. If City declares the Contract terminated pursuant to this paragraph and the amount of any such charges is less than the amount which would have been due to Contractor upon completion of the Work by it, the difference shall be paid it by City; should the amount of said charges exceed the latter, the difference shall be paid by Contractor to City.

16. In the event City declares this Contract terminated pursuant to the previous paragraph, Contractor shall discontinue Work, and City reserves the further right to take possession of and use any materials or equipment of any nature whatsoever belonging to or used by the Contractor on the Work. All expenses charged under this paragraph shall be deducted and paid by City out of any monies due Contractor under the Contract, and in such accounting City shall not be held to obtain the lowest figure for completing the Contract, but all sums actually paid therefore shall be charged to the Contractor.

17. Contractor shall procure all permits and licenses, including, but not limited to, a City of Sonoma business license, pay all charges and fees and give all notices necessary and incident to the lawful prosecution of the Work and comply with all conditions of any permit, license or authorization allowed. Contractor shall ensure that each subcontractor has all required permits and licenses (including, but not limited to, a City of Sonoma business license), given all required notices and complies with all conditions of any permit, license or authority.

18. Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 7103.5, Contractor assigns to City all rights, title and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act or under the Cartwright Act arising from purchases of goods, services or materials for this Contract. This assignment shall be made and effective at final payment without further acknowledgment by the parties.

19. Contractor shall not be entitled to the payment of any additional compensation for any act, or failure to act, by the City, including failure or refusal to issue a change order, or for the happening of any event, thing, occurrence, or other cause, unless he/she shall have given the City due written notice of potential claim.

The written notice of potential claim shall set forth the reasons for which the Contractor believes additional compensation will or may be due, the nature of the costs involved, and insofar as possible, the amount of the potential claim. The said notice as above required must have been given to the City prior to the time that the Contractor shall have performed the Work giving rise to the potential claim for additional compensation if based on an act, or failure to act, by the City, or in all other cases within fifteen (15) days after the happening of the event, thing, occurrence, or other cause giving rise to the potential claim.

20. In the event the Work requires Contractor to dig trenches or other excavations deeper than four (4) feet below the surface, Contractor shall promptly, and before the following conditions are disturbed, notify the public entity, in writing, of any:

A. Material that the Contractor believes may be material that is hazardous waste, as defined in §25117 of the Health & Safety Code, that is required to be removed to a Class I, Class II, or Class III disposal site in accordance with provisions of existing law.

B. Subsurface or latent physical conditions at the site differing from those indicated.

Agenda Item #7.4:

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6 C. Unknown physical conditions at the site of any unusual nature, different materially from those ordinarily encountered and generally recognized as inherent in Work of the character provided for in this Contract.

D. City shall promptly investigate the conditions, and if it finds that the conditions do materially so differ, or do involve hazardous waste, and cause a decrease or increase in Contractor's cost of, or the time required for, performance of any part of the Work shall issue a change order under the procedures described in this Contract.

In the event that a dispute arises between City and Contractor, whether the conditions materially differ or involve hazardous waste, or cause a decrease or increase in Contractor's cost of, or time required for, performance of any part of the Work, Contractor shall not be excused from any scheduled completion date provided for by the contract but shall proceed with all Work to be performed under this Contract. Contractor shall retain any and all rights provided either by contract or by law which pertain to the resolution of disputes and protests between the contracting parties.

21. Contractor shall comply with all applicable provisions of federal, state and local law including, but not limited to, the following requirements of the California Labor Code:

A. City has obtained from the Director of the State Department of Industrial Relations the general prevailing rate of wages and employer payments for health and welfare, vacation, pension and similar purposes in the county in which said work is to be performed for each craft and type of workman or mechanic needed to execute this Contract. These prevailing rates are on file in the City's office and will be made available to any interested party upon request. The Contractor shall post a copy of said prevailing rates at the job site.

Pursuant to Sections 1770, et seq., the Contractor and all subcontractors under him shall pay not less than the prevailing wage rate. The Contractor shall forfeit to the City, as a penalty, Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for each laborer, workman, or mechanic employed for each calendar day or portion thereof, such laborer, workman or mechanic employed for each calendar day or portion thereof, such laborer, workman, or mechanic who is paid less than the prevailing wage rate for any Work done under this Contract by him, or by any subcontractor under him.

B. Pursuant to Sections 1810, et seq., eight (8) hours of labor shall constitute a legal day's work upon all Work done hereunder, and it is expressly stipulated that no workman employed at any time by the Contractor, or by any subcontractor or subcontractors under this Contract, upon the Work or upon any part of the Work contemplated by this Contract, shall be required or permitted to work thereon more than eight (8) hours in any one calendar day and forty (40) hours in any one calendar week, except as provided in Section 1815; all the provisions whereof are deemed to be incorporated herein, and it is further expressly stipulated that for each and every violation of said last named stipulation, said Contractor shall forfeit, as a penalty to the City, Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for each workman employed in the execution of this Contract, or by any subcontractor under this Contract, for each calendar day during which said workman is required to labor more than either (8) hours in violation of the provisions of said sections of the Labor Code.

C. Contractor shall comply with Section 1776 relating to certified copies of payroll records including the maintenance of these records and their certification and availability for inspection.

D. Contractor agrees to comply with Sections 1777.5, 1777.6 and 1777.7 regarding employment of apprentices. The responsibility for compliance with these provisions if fixed with the prime contractor for all occupations.

E. In the event the Work involves the excavation of any trench(es) five (5) feet or more in depth, Contractor shall submit a detailed plan showing the design of shoring, bracing, sloping or other provisions to be made for worker protection from the hazard of caving ground during the excavation of such trench(es) in accordance with Section 6705.

F. Pursuant to requirements under the California Labor Code, Contractor hereby acknowledges its affirmative obligations related to the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) compliance and enforcement efforts with respect to prevailing wage requirements on public works projects. No contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works project unless registered with the DIR pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 [with limited exceptions from this requirement for bid purposes only under Labor Code section 1771.1 (a)]. Contractors and Subcontractors may register with the DIR at Agenda Item #7.4:

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7 https://efiling.dir.ca.gov/PWCR/ActionServlet?action=displayPWCRegistrationForm. No contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with DIR pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5.

This construction of the improvements under this Agreement is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR.

22. In the event that any scope of work requested by the City to the Contractor may exceed a total amount of $25,000.00, Contractor must then obtain the following bonds: a Performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the estimated contract task price and a Payment “Labor and Materials” Bond in the amount of 100% of the estimated contract task price, which shall be duly executed by Contractor as Principal and an admitted surety company as Surety prior to City's execution of this Contract. In conjunction with submittal of the bonds, the Contractor shall furnish the original, or a certified copy, of the unrevoked appurtenant Power of Attorney or other instrument authorizing the person who executed the bonds to do so and a certificate from the Clerk of Sonoma County that the certificate of authority of the surety has not been surrendered, revoked, canceled, annulled or suspended.

23. Contractor shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), creed, national origin, color, disability as defined by law, disabled veteran status, Vietnam veteran status, religion, age (40 and above), medical condition (cancer-related), marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, or any other unlawful basis. Employment actions to which this provision applies shall include, but not be limited to, the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment, and selection for training. Contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

24. This contract is further subject to the provisions of Article 1.5 (commencing at Section 20104) of Division 2, Part 3 of the California Public Contract Code regarding the resolution of public works claims of less than $375,000. Article 1.5 mandates certain procedures for the filing of claims and supporting documentation by the contractor, for the response to such claims by the contracting public City, for a mandatory meet and confer conference upon the request of the contractor, for mandatory nonbinding mediation in the event litigation is commenced, and for mandatory judicial arbitration upon the failure to resolve the dispute through mediation. This contract hereby incorporates the provisions of Article 1.5 as though fully set forth herein.

25. This Agreement is subject to Government Code Section 84308, as amended by SB 1439.

Contractor shall disclose any contribution in an amount of more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) made within the preceding 12 months by the party or the party’s agent. Contractor shall provide a signed copy of the attached Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form to the City prior to, or concurrent with, the Contractor’s execution of this Agreement.

26. Under no circumstances shall Contractor or its employees look to the City as an employer.

Contractor shall not be entitled to any benefits. City makes no representation as to the effect of this independent contractor relationship on Contractor’s previously earned California Public Employees Retirement System (“CalPERS”) retirement benefits, if any, and Contractor specifically assumes the responsibility for making such a determination. Contractor shall be responsible for all reports and obligations including, but not limited to: social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workers’ compensation, and other applicable federal and state taxes.

27. In the event that Contractor or any employee, agent, or subcontractor of Contractor providing services under this Agreement claims or is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or CalPERS to be eligible for enrollment in CalPERS as an employee of the City, Contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City for the payment of any employee and/or employer contributions for CalPERS benefits on behalf of Contractor or its employees, agents, or subcontractors, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of City.

Agenda Item #7.4:

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8 28. Contractor shall maintain all ledgers, books of account, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, and other records or documents evidencing or relating to charges for services or expenditures and disbursements charged to City under this Agreement for a minimum of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final payment to Contractor under this Agreement. All such documents shall be made available for inspection, audit, and/or copying at any time during regular business hours, upon oral or written request of City. In addition, pursuant to Government Code Section 8546.7, if the amount of public funds expended under this Agreement exceeds ten thousand dollars, all such documents and this Agreement shall be subject to the examination and audit of the State Auditor, at the request of City or as part of any audit of City, for a period of three (3) years after final payment under the Agreement.

29. Compliance with Laws.

A. General. Contractor shall use the standard of care in its profession to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations. Contractor represents and warrants to City that it has all licenses, permits, qualifications, insurance, and approvals of whatsoever nature which are legally required for Contractor to practice its profession. Contractor represents and warrants to City that Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep in effect or obtain at all times during the term of this Agreement any licenses, permits, insurance, and approvals which are legally required for Contractor to practice its profession.

City is not responsible or liable for Contractor’s failure to comply with any or all of the requirements contained in this paragraph or in this Agreement.

B. Workers’ Compensation. Contractor certifies that it is aware of the provisions of the California Labor Code which require every employee to be insured against liability for workers’ compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that Code, and Contractor certifies that it will comply with such provisions before commencing performance of this Agreement and at all times in the performance of the Agreement.

C. Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Contractor certifies that it is aware of and has complied with the provisions of California Labor Code Section 6401.7, which requires every employer to adopt a written injury and illness prevention program.

D. City’s Living Wage Ordinance. Unless otherwise exempt in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance, this contract is subject to the applicable provisions of the Living Wage Ordinance (LWO) of the City as amended from time to time and can be found at https://www.sonomacity.org/living-wage-law/ and is incorporated by reference into and made a part of this Agreement. (1) The Contractor assures payment of a minimum wage rate to employees as defined in the LWO and as may be adjusted each July 1 and provision of benefits as defined in the LWO. (2) The Contractor, whether an employer, as defined in the LWO, or any other person employing individuals, shall not discharge, reduce in compensation, or otherwise discriminate against any employee for complaining to the City with regard to the employer’s compliance or anticipated compliance with the LWO.
(3) Any Subcontract entered into by the Contractor relating to this Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the LWO.
(4) The Contractor shall, immediately upon execution of Contract, provide notification to all affected employees of the wage required to be paid pursuant to the LWO. (5) The Contractor shall provide, upon demand by City, documents and information verifying compliance with the requirements of the LWO.
(6) The City shall have the authority, under appropriate circumstances, to terminate this contract and otherwise pursue legal remedies that may be available if the City determines that the subject Contractor has violated provisions of the LWO.

Agenda Item #7.4:

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9 E. Business Licenses. Except as otherwise allowed by City in its sole discretion, Contractor and all subcontractors shall have acquired, at Contractor’s expense, a business license from the City in accordance with Chapter 5.04 of the Sonoma Municipal Code, prior to City’s issuance of an authorization to proceed with the Services. Such license(s) shall be kept valid throughout the term of this Agreement. City may withhold compensation from Contractor until such time as Contractor complies with this section.

F. City Not Responsible. The City is not responsible or liable for Contractor’s failure to comply with any and all of said requirements.

G. Completion of the Work shall be in conformance with applicable provisions of the City of Sonoma Standard Plans and State of California Department of Transportation Standard Specifications 2018.

SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE
Agenda Item #7.4:

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10 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Contract to be executed the day and year first above written.

RE Maher, Inc. City of Sonoma
By: _______________________________ By: _______________________________ Name: David Guhin
President or CEO City Manager
Date: ________________________ Date:__________________________ Agenda Item #7.4:

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Error! Unknown document property name.

WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for workers’ compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that code, and I will comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the work of this contract. If any class of employees engaged in work under this contract at the site of the Project is not protected under any Worker’s Compensation law, Contractor shall provide and shall cause each subcontractor to provide adequate insurance for the protection of employees not otherwise protected.

Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless City for any damage resulting from failure of either Contractor or any subcontractor to take out or maintain such insurance.

Date:________________________ _____________________________________ Signature
_____________________________________
Printed Name
_____________________________________
Title
Agenda Item #7.4:

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CAMPAIGNCONTRIBUTIONDISCLOSUREPROVISIONS
Cities are subject to the campaign disclosure provisions detailed in Government Code Section 84308.

Please carefully read the following information to
determine if the provisions apply to you. If you determine that the provisions are applicable, the Campaign Disclosure Form must be completed and returnedtothe Citywithyourapplication.

1. No City councilmember or commissioner shall accept, solicit, or direct a contribution of more than $500 from any party,1 financially interested participant,2 or agent3 while a proceeding is pending or for 12 months subsequent to the date a final decision is rendered by the City. This prohibition commences when your application has been filed, or the proceeding is otherwise initiated.

2. A party to a City proceeding shall disclose on the record ofthe proceeding any contribution of more than $500 made to any councilmember or commissioner by the party, or agent, during the preceding 12months.No party to or participant in a City proceeding shall make a contribution of more than $500 to a councilmember or commissioner during the proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is rendered by the City. No agent to a party or participant shall make a contribution in any amount to a councilmember of commissioner during the proceeding and for 12 monthsfollowing the date a final decision is rendered by the City.

3. Prior to rendering a decision on a City proceeding, any councilmember or commissioner who received contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12 months from any party, or agent, to a proceeding shall disclose that fact on the record of the proceeding, and shall be disqualified from participating in the proceeding. However, if any councilmember or commissioner receives a contribution that otherwise would require
disqualification, and returns the contribution within 30 days of making the decision, or knowing about the contribution and the relevant proceeding, whichever comes last, that councilmember or commissioner shall be permitted to participate in the proceeding.
1 “Party” is defined as any person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding.
2 “Participant” is defined as any person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding.
3 “Agent” is defined as a person who represents a party in connection with a proceeding for compensation who appears before or otherwise communicates with the City for the purpose of influencing the proceeding. If an individual acting as an agent also is acting as an employee or member of a law, architectural, engineering, or consulting firm, or a similar entity or corporation, both the individual and the entity or corporation are agents. When a closed corporation is a party to a proceeding, the majority shareholder is subject to these provisions.

To determine whether a campaign contribution of more than $500 has been made by you or your agent to a
councilmember or commissioner within the preceding 12
months, all contributions made by you or your agent
during that period must be aggregated.

Names of current City councilmembers and commissioners
are available on the City’s website. If you have questions about Government Code Section 84308, FPPC regulations,
or the Campaign Disclosure Form, please contact the City Clerk.

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION DISCLOSURE FORM
(a) Document:
□ License
□ Lease
□ Permit
□ Franchise
□ Other Contract
□ Other Entitlement
Name and address of any party, participant, or agent who has contributed more than $500 to any councilmember or
commissioner within the preceding 12 months:

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

3. ____________________________________
(b) Date and amount of contribution:

Date Amount $
Date Amount $
Date Amount $
(c) Name of councilmember or commissioner to whom
contribution was made:

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

3. ____________________________________
(d) I certify that the above information is provided to the best of my knowledge.

Printed Name
Signature
Date Phone
To be completed by City:

Document No:
______________________________
Agenda Item #7.4:

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City of Sonoma On-Call Concrete Services 10/12/2022
Exhibit A

ON-CALL CONCRETE SERVICES
All bids must be submitted on this form for itemized bidding on this project. All contractor costs must be included in the Unit Price for each item of work. All work will be completed at the Unit Price for quantities assigned by the City per the Agreement. Prices listed below should include the cost of bonding. Cost of bonding should assume a project value between $65,000.00 and $75,000.00. Contractor shall fill in the Unit Price in the table below:

Item Description Quanti Unit Unit Price Total Cost
1 ADA Ramps 1 EA $ $
2 Sidewalk / Flatwork /
Valley Gutters /
Driveway Approach
500 SF $

$
3 Curb and Gutter 100 LF $ $
Total Bid
(For Bid Comparison Only)
$

By signing the below, Organization acknowledges that they accept the terms of the City of Sonoma PSA (Exhibit C) without exception and that the Organization holds the requisite insurance as described therein.

Name of Organization:

Name of Bidder:

Authorized Signature: Date:

Agenda Item #7.4:

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City of Sonoma On-Call Concrete Services 10/12/2022
Exhibit B
Contractor to provide on‐call assistance in forming, compaction, pouring, and finishing work as necessary to install ADA ramps, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and various other public infrastructure concrete features.

Contractor shall provide the following:

1. 811 USA Dig tickets for work areas.

2. ADA Ramp Installation per Caltrans and Specifications a. Pay limits for curb ramps are per Caltrans Standard Plan A88A to follow.

3. Sidewalk Installation / Flatwork.

4. Curb Replacements.

5. Gutter Replacements.

6. Valley Gutters.

7. Driveway Approaches.

8. Apply concrete sealer, provided by the City, on all finishedwork.

9. All labor and equipment.

10. All forming materials, place and grade base rock, drill for rebar doweling, pour and finish concrete and if requested by the City, Contractor shall square up all edges.

11. Strip all forms.

12. Setup and take down traffic control/safety measures during and at the end of work hours.

13. Clean up jobsite after the work has been completed.

The City will provide the following:

1. Traffic control devices and barricades/delineators.

2. Excavation and cleanup of each job site for excavation debrisonly.

3. Paving back to the curb and gutter if needed.

4. Provide concrete mix (six sacks per cubic yard) for all jobs from local cement suppliers.

5. Base rock ¾” (which can be picked up in the corporation yard or site delivered)

6. Rebar ½”

7. Truncated domes

8. Concrete sealer

9. Expansion board material
The City is requesting itemized bidding from each Contractor as follows:

1. ADA Ramp installation Caltrans Plans and Specifications

2. Sidewalk installation / Flatwork / Valley gutters / Driveway approaches

3. Curb and gutter replacement
Agenda Item #7.4:

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City of Sonoma On-Call Concrete Services 10/12/2022
Agenda Item #7.4:

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City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 19 Nov 2025
Department
Community Development
Department, Public Works
Staff Contact
Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development
Director, Michael Berger, Public Works Director
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution Accepting the Public Improvements Installed under the Subdivision Improvement Agreement for the Hummingbird Subdivision
Summary
On April 3, 2024, the City Council approved the Final Parcel Map for the 15-lot Condominium Residential Development with nine single family residences and three duplex buildings, known as Hummingbird Cottages, located at 19910 Fifth Street West. On March 27, 2024 the Subdivision Improvement Agreement (SIA) was entered into with the Subdivider for the construction of Subdivision Improvements and recorded April 2, 2024 as Document Number 2024013834 of Official Records of Sonoma County.

Pursuant to the agreement the subdivider has provided signed Maintenance and Environmental Warranties as required. The City Engineer has verified that the improvement work has been completed in substantial compliance with the approved plans and specifications for the Hummingbird Subdivision.

Recommended Council Action
Adopt a resolution accepting the Subdivision Improvements for Hummingbird Subdivision.

Alternative Actions
City Council discretion
Financial Impact
N/A
Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution - Hummingbird Improvements
Alignment with Council Goals:

Agenda Item #7.5:

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City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # _______ -2025

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA
ACCEPTING THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE 15-LOT CONDOMINIUM

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF NINE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES AND THREE

DUPLEX BUILDINGS (CONTAINING SIX UNITS), KNOWN AS HUMMINGBIRD COTTAGES, LOCATED AT 19910 FIFTH STREET WEST (APN: 128- 061-001)
WHEREAS, on April 3, 2024, the City Council approved the Final Map for the subdivision known as Hummingbird Subdivision; and,
WHEREAS, on April 2, 2024, the City Manager executed the Subdivision Improvement Agreement (SIA) with Civic Park Hummingbird Cottages, LLC (Subdivider) for the subdivision known as Hummingbird Cottages Subdivision; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to the SIA, Subdivider has posted performance security, payment security and monument security in the form of bonds to guarantee Subdivider’s performance under the SIA and to construct, erect and install said Improvements to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and City; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to the SIA and the Subdivision Map Act, as a condition to the release of the said bonds, the Subdivider must provide to the City maintenance and/or warranty agreements and security therefor in forms acceptable to the City and said agreements and security have been provided to the City; and,
WHEREAS, the Subdivider has established to the satisfaction of the City Engineer that all offers of dedication and Improvements are free of all liens and encumbrances and has satisfactorily certified and warranted as to the matters specified in the SIA; and, WHEREAS, the City Engineer has verified that the improvement work has been completed in substantial compliance with the approved plans and specifications for the Mockingbird Lane Subdivision; and,
WHEREAS, the Subdivider has provided a Maintenance Warranty and warranty bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total project costs to guarantee and warrantee all of the improvements constructed under the SIA against defective work or materials for the period of one (1) year as required by the SIA; and,
WHEREAS, the Subdivider has provided the City with the Environmental Warranty required under the SIA as a condition precedent to acceptance of the Improvements; and, WHEREAS, City Engineer has acknowledged completion of all work identified in the SIA and will release the improvement security; and,
WHEREAS, provided the City Engineer is satisfied with the condition and function of the subdivision improvements after the end of the one-year maintenance period, the City Engineer will release the warrantee bond at that time.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonoma hereby accepts the public improvements constructed for the Hummingbird Cottages Subdivision located at 19910 Fifth Street West (APN: 128- 061-001) as complete.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the current Faithful Performance Bond may be released based on submittal of the replacement Maintenance (Warranty) Bond guaranteeing the workmanship and materials referred to in the recitals above.

Agenda Item #7.5:

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Payment Bond may be released after 90 days from this date of acceptance of the improvements in accordance with Section 66499.7(h) of the California Government Code and SIA provided no claims are filed.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the surety guaranteeing the workmanship and materials may be released by the City Engineer upon the successful completion of the one (1) year warranty time period from this date of acceptance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Engineer is directed and authorized to take those actions necessary to so release said bonds, give notices pursuant to the SIA and take all other steps required under the SIA and Subdivision Map Act upon the satisfactory completion of the Improvements.

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular Meeting of the City of Sonoma City Council on this 19th day of November 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
____________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.5:

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City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 19 Nov 2025
Department
Public Works
Staff Contact
Michael Berger, Public Works Director
Agenda Item Title
Adopt a Resolution of the City of Sonoma City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract with MCE Corporation for $34,294.20 for Paving at Third Street East Summary
PG&E recently completed utility work along Third Street East, from Chase Street to the culde-sac, which required an open-cut trench over the full length of the roadway. Under the City’s standards, PG&E is required to restore and repave the affected trench area, and PG&E has contracted with MCE Corporation to perform this restoration work. While PG&E’s paving will meet the City’s minimum restoration requirements, additional pavement improvements are still needed to address the remaining portions of the roadway and ensure a consistent, highquality surface for the entire street segment.

To take advantage of the paving work already underway, City staff collaborated with PG&E to determine the limits of potential additional restoration and evaluate what would be required for the City to participate in a cohesive repaving effort. To maintain consistency in quality and appearance, the City will also contract with MCE Corporation for its portion of the paving work. Pursuant to Sonoma Municipal Code Section 3.04.080, staff is authorized to negotiate contract pricing for projects under $75,000. Pursuant to Sonoma Municipal Code 3.04.080, staff can negotiate a contract price on projects less than $75,000.00.

Staff evaluated other options with regard to this project, including accepting compensation from PG&E and contracting for the remaining paving work at a later date. Staff determined that coordinating with MCE Corporation concurrently with PG&E's restoration efforts provides the most efficient and cost-effective solution, allowing the entire roadway to be repaved at one time.

MCE Corporation's proposal for the City's share of the work is $35,294.20. Per the recent change to the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act, that were effective January 1, 2025, the updated act allows projects costing $75,000 or less let by negotiated contract or purchase order.

Although this work was not included in the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, staff anticipates cost savings in the upcoming CIP T-5 (Ongoing Pavement Rehabilitation and Water Services Replacement Project). These savings will enable the City to utilize its available Gas Tax (Fund 302) allocation in the current fiscal year to fund the Third Street East paving work.

Recommended Council Action
Adopt the resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with MCE Corporation for $34,294.20 for Paving at Third Street East.

Alternative Actions
Agenda Item #7.6:

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Council discretion.

Financial Impact
This was not previously budgeted for during the 25-26 Budget Cycle. However, staff is anticipating that an upcoming CIP Project (CIP T-5) will be less costly after changing the project approach (upon approval from the City Engineer and contracted geotechnical engineer). This will result in excess funding in CIP T-5 that can be rerouted for the payment of this contract with MCE.

Both SB1 Funds (303) and Measure M Funds (313) require annual reports detailing how the funds are to be spent. As this project was not included in either of these reports, as this has been generated by a PG&E Restoration project, staff is recommending that this be paid for utilizing Gas Tax (Fund 302). CIP T-5 had a carry-forward balance of $1,549,753 prior to the FY25-26 project. Staff budgeted $150,000 in gas tax in this project for the 25-26 year. Staff is recommending utilizing that funding to pay for this project, leaving a remaining balance of approximately $115,000 that can still be utilized in the Fryer Pickett Nash paving project (CIP T-5), if needed.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
Resolution - MCE Contract
MCE Construction Contract
Alignment with Council Goals:

Agenda Item #7.6:

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City of Sonoma
RESOLUTION # _______ - 2025

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA AUTHORIZING

THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH MCE CORPORATION FOR $34,294.20 FOR THIRD STREET EAST PAVING WHEREAS, Pacific Gas and Electric had a capital improvement project at Third Street East from Chase Street to the cul-de-sac end this year which required an open cut trench, as such, the restoration requirements involve repaving a large portion of the street; and WHEREAS, in an effort to capitalize on the PG&E paving restoration, City staff worked with PG&E on some limits to assess what would be required for that segment of the street to be completely repaved; and
WHEREAS, the City deemed a collaborative contract with MCE Corporation, whom PG&E is contracting separately with for their restoration work, for the remaining portion to be the most efficient and effective approach; and
WHEREAS, per Sonoma Municipal Code 3.04.080 and per the Updated Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (effective January 1, 2025), public projects costing $75,000 or less can be let by negotiated by contract, purchase order, or performed by City employees by force account; and
WHEREAS, this work is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq. (“CEQA”) under Sections 15301 and 14302 of the CEQA Guidelines as it is the maintenance, repair or replacement of an existing facility.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sonoma that the City Manager is authorized to execute a Construction Contract with MCE Corporation, Inc. for $34,294.20.

PASSED, RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, at a Regular Meeting of the City of Sonoma City Council on this 19th day of November 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
____________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
Agenda Item #7.6:

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1 CONTRACT FOR MINOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
This Contract for Minor Public Works Projects for MCE Corporation by and between the City of Sonoma, a California municipal corporation (hereinafter "City") and MCE Corporation (hereinafter "Contractor") is effective on the Effective Date identified on the signature page.

1. In consideration of the City’s obligations set forth herein, the Contractor shall furnish the tools, equipment, labor and material necessary to perform as set forth in Exhibit B and complete in a good and workmanlike manner, paving restoration work Third Street East (the “Work”). The Contractor shall perform the Work in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and at the compensation rates and charges set forth on Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Exhibit A consists of the Contractor’s proposal and scope of work details and proposed fee, which are made a part of and together here within the contract.

2. The total sum of this Contract shall not exceed Thirty Five Thousand Two Hundred Ninety Four and Twenty Cents [$35,294.20] Dollars. The City however may or may not reach this limit, nor is obligated to do so. If directed by City to perform repair or installation work, the Contractor will be paid 100% of Work based on contract prices set forth herein upon completion of the Work. It is understood and agreed that in accordance with California Public Contract Code §22300, the Contractor will be allowed to substitute securities for money withheld by City to insure performance under this Contract. In accordance with Public Contract Code §20104.50, City shall promptly review payment requests and if not suitable for payment, City shall no later than seven (7) days after receipt return the same with an explanation as to why the payment request is not possible. City shall make progress payments within thirty (30) days after receipt of an undisputed and properly executed request. Failure to comply with the time requirements shall subject City to certain interest charges.

3. The following shall govern the responsibilities and indemnification by Contractor:

E. The Contractor’s obligation to defend and indemnify shall not be excused because of the Contractor’s inability to evaluate liability or because the Contractor evaluates liability and determines that the Contractor is not liable to the claimant. The Contractor will respond within 30 days to the tender of any claim for defense and indemnity by the City, unless this time has been extended by the City If the Contractor fails to accept or reject a tender of defense and indemnity within 30 days, in addition to any other remedy authorized Agenda Item #7.6:

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2 by law, so much of the money due the Contractor under and by virtue of the contract as shall reasonably be considered necessary by the City, may be retained by the City until disposition has been made of the claim or suit for damages or until the Contractor accepts or rejects the tender of defense, whichever occurs first.

4. This Contract shall not be assigned without the written approval of the City.

A. By estimate and acceptance of a lump sum.

B. By unit price named in the contract or subsequently agreed upon.

C. By cost and percentage or by cost and a fixed fee.

B. Comprehensive or Commercial General Liability Insurance at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability coverage (occurrence form CG 0001), in an amount of $2,000,000 per occurrence. If Work involves explosives, underground or collapse risks, XCU must be included. If a general aggregate limit is used, either the general Agenda Item #7.6:

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3 aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project or the general aggregate shall be twice the required occurrence limit.

K. Self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. The City may require the Contractor to purchase coverage with a lower retention or provide proof of ability to pay Agenda Item #7.6:

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4 losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention. The policy language shall provide, or be endorsed to provide, that the self-insured retention may be satisfied by either the named insured or City.

N. City reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances.

Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the Entity.

9. The term of this Agreement shall commence at 12:00 a.m. on February 15, 2023 (the “Commencement Date”) and shall expire at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025 (the “Termination Date”) unless extended by written agreement of the parties or terminated earlier. Contractor may request extensions of time to perform the services required hereunder. Such extensions shall be effective if authorized in advance by City in writing and incorporated in written amendments to this agreement.

13. By execution of this Contract, Contractor warrants that it has carefully examined the site of the Work contemplated and any plans and specifications and contract documents pertaining to the Work and has satisfied itself of all local conditions affecting the Work and delivery of materials; City specifically disclaims any Agenda Item #7.6:

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5 warranties for information provided to Contractor. It is the obligation of Contractor to notify City of any and all ambiguities, conflicts, etc., in and among such plans, specifications and/or documents.

B. Subsurface or latent physical conditions at the site differing from those indicated.

Agenda Item #7.6:

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21. Contractor shall comply with all applicable provisions of federal, state and local law including, but not limited to, the following requirements of the California Labor Code:

C. Contractor shall comply with Section 1776 relating to certified copies of payroll records including the maintenance of these records and their certification and availability for inspection.

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This construction of the improvements under this Agreement is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR.

25. This Agreement is subject to Government Code Section 84308, as amended by SB 1439.

26. Under no circumstances shall Contractor or its employees look to the City as an employer.

Agenda Item #7.6:

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29. Compliance with Laws.

City is not responsible or liable for Contractor’s failure to comply with any or all of the requirements contained in this paragraph or in this Agreement.

Agenda Item #7.6:

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F. City Not Responsible. The City is not responsible or liable for Contractor’s failure to comply with any and all of said requirements.

G. Completion of the Work shall be in conformance with applicable provisions of the City of Sonoma Standard Plans and State of California Department of Transportation Standard Specifications 2018.

SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE
Agenda Item #7.6:

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10 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Contract to be executed the day and year first above written.

MCE Corporation City of Sonoma
By: _______________________________ By: _______________________________ Name: David Guhin
President or CEO City Manager
Date: ________________________ Date:__________________________ Agenda Item #7.6:

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Error! Unknown document property name.

Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless City for any damage resulting from failure of either Contractor or any subcontractor to take out or maintain such insurance.

Date:________________________ _____________________________________ Signature
_____________________________________
Printed Name
_____________________________________
Title
Agenda Item #7.6:

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CAMPAIGNCONTRIBUTIONDISCLOSUREPROVISIONS
Cities are subject to the campaign disclosure provisions detailed in Government Code Section 84308.

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

3. ____________________________________
(b) Date and amount of contribution:

Date Amount $
Date Amount $
Date Amount $
(c) Name of councilmember or commissioner to whom
contribution was made:

1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________

3. ____________________________________
(d) I certify that the above information is provided to the best of my knowledge.

Printed Name
Signature
Date Phone
To be completed by City:

Document No:
______________________________
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13 Exhibit A
Project Cost and Scope Responsibilities
• Pacific Gas & Electric (PGE): PGE will assume responsibility for all trench-related costs, yellow marked areas. This includes the milling and filling of trench sections, as well as full trench restoration.
• City of Sonoma: The City of Sonoma will cover the costs associated with the bluemarked areas, which represent paving work outside of trench sections. • MCE Corporation (Contractor): MCE Corporation will perform the asphalt work as follows:
o Grind out designated sections to a depth of 2 inches
o Clean the entire work area thoroughly
o Apply SS-1 oil (tack coat) to ensure proper asphalt adhesion o Install a 2-inch asphalt lift using ½-inch asphalt roll o Compact the entire area to achieve a durable and uniform finish Area Diagram:

Total Cost: $35,294.20
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City of Sonoma
Agenda Item Summary
Meeting: City Council - 19 Nov 2025
Department
Community Development
Department
Staff Contact
Jennifer Gates, AICP, Community Development
Director
Agenda Item Title
Discussion, Consideration and Possible Action to Introduce an Ordinance Repealing Chapter

14.10 of the Sonoma Municipal Code and Reenacting a New Chapter 14.10 Adopting New Administrative Provisions and Adopting by Reference Parts 1 through12 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code and local Amendments.

Summary
The California Building Standards Commission adopts a new edition of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) every three years. Each jurisdiction in California must adopt the updated codes, as published or with locally justified amendments.

If not adopted locally, the state versions apply by default. Local adoption by reference allows the City to:
 Amend provisions to address Sonoma-specific conditions (seismic, topographic, wildfire risk); and
 Provide local flexibility while maintaining minimum state standards for public safety.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING

STANDARDS CODE
The City’s adoption will replace the 2022 California Building Standards Code with the 2025 Edition, published July 2025 and effective January 1, 2026. The new codes generally update construction requirements and usually add more restrictive and complex requirements than the codes currently in effect, particularly as they pertain to the California Energy Code. Some examples of new code requirements adopted by the state that will affect initial construction costs and compliance enforcement costs include the following:

1. Code Organization and New Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code  Establishes a new California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (CWUIC), consolidating all fire-resilience and defensible-space provisions previously found in the Building, Residential, and Fire Codes (CBC Ch. 7A, CRC R337, and CFC Ch. 49).  Clarifies construction requirements for exterior walls, decks, vents, and roofing in highfire-severity zones.  Improves consistency for enforcement and provides flexibility for local amendments based on Sonoma’s wildfire risk.

2. Building and Structural Safety (California Building Code – Part 2)  Updates seismic design maps, load combinations, and risk categories per ASCE 7-22.  Revised definition of “high-rise building” and clarified structural and life-safety provisions for tall and mixed-use structures.
 New accessibility updates referencing the latest federal ADA standards and California amendments.

3. California Energy Code (Part 6) – Decarbonization & Electrification  Stronger heat pump baselines for space and water heating in residential and nonresidential occupancies.

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 Expanded solar photovoltaic and battery storage (BESS) requirements for new construction, including schools, assembly uses, and warehouses.  “Electric-ready” provisions for commercial kitchens and multifamily dwellings, requiring electrical infrastructure for future appliance conversion.  Enhanced envelope insulation, glazing, and air-leakage performance standards.  Updated indoor-air-quality and ventilation requirements for multifamily and mixed-use buildings.

4. California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen – Part 11)  Increases minimum EV charging infrastructure for new developments.  Strengthens waste-diversion and recycled-material requirements.  Introduces low-embodied-carbon options for major building materials (concrete, steel).  Clarifies water-efficiency and stormwater-management provisions.

5. California Administrative Code (Part 1)
 Adds Articles 10 and 11 establishing Inspector Certification and Laboratory Acceptance requirements.
 Revises permit fee refund provisions for uncommenced work.  Consolidates cross-references to the new Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

6. Other Technical Updates
 Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes (Parts 3–5) include reformatting and clarified California amendments.
 The California Existing Building Code (CEBC) adds new compliance pathways for adaptive reuse, seismic retrofit, and historic buildings.  The California Historical Building Code (CHBC) expands provisions for energy and accessibility upgrades to historic structures.

SUMMARY OF LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025 CODE
The California Health and Safety Code allows local governments to amend building standards contained in the California Building Standards Code when the modifications are at least as stringent as what is otherwise required by the codes and provided that amendments are made with express findings of need based on local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. The mandated requirements of the California Building Standards Code do not provide fully adequate provisions for unsafe building abatement, signs, alternative housing provisions, fire sprinkler systems, fire safety, administrative requirements, green building measures and other provisions that are recommended for Sonoma as amendments to the base construction codes. This being the case, the City Council has regularly amended the codes adopted by the State to address these insufficient issues.

In July 2025 the state adopted AB130 effectively prohibiting jurisdictions from adopting new or more restrictive standards for residential construction except for specific exceptions. The suggested local amendments proposed by this ordinance are consistent with the prior ordinance except for a few modifications.
2025 Plumbing Code - An amendment is proposed to require Earthquake-actuated gas shutoff valves designed to automatically shut off the gas at the location of the valve in the event of a seismic disturbance in all new non-residential buildings and in existing nonresidential buildings that undergo alterations to gas line or additional square footage to existing building.
2025 Fire Code - The Fire Marshall has proposed a few amendments that clarify or add administrative provisions.

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2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code - An administrative amendment is proposed that references the City adopted fire map.

All amendments, their justification, and consistency with the new law are identified in Exhibit B of the proposed ordinance attached to this staff report.

Recommended Council Action

1. Discuss any initial questions regarding the proposed local amendments or the adoption of the California codes.

2. Publicly read the title of the proposed ordinance and schedule a public hearing to hear the matter and possibly adopt the ordinance on December 3, 2025.

Alternative Actions
City Council Discretion.

Financial Impact
The fiscal impacts associated with the Code adoption cycle is accounted for in the department budget. Purchase of books and reference materials, as well as training for departmental staff and public awareness programs were included in the budget. Costs of reviewing plans, issuing building permits and conducting inspections are covered by plan check and permit fees.

Environmental Review Status
Environmental Impact Report
Negative Declaration
Exempt
Not Applicable
Approved/Certified
No Action Required
Action Requested
Attachments
2025 Building Code Ordinance
Exhibit A Building Code
Exhibit B Justification
Alignment with Council Goals:

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City of Sonoma
ORDINANCE NO. XX-2025

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA REPEALING CHAPTER 14.10 OF THE SONOMA MUNICIPAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY AND REENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 14.10 CONSTRUCTION CODES, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE PARTS 1 THROUGH 12, INCLUDING LOCAL AMENDMENTS, AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM CEQA.

WHEREAS, the California Building Standards Commission adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Codes, consisting of Parts 1 through 12; and
WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code Section 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, 18938, and 18941.5 authorize local jurisdictions to adopt the California Building Standards Codes with amendments reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Repealed
Chapter 14.10 Construction Codes of Title 14 Buildings and Construction of the City of Sonoma Municipal Code, enacted through Ordinance 13-2022 is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 2. Reenactment, Purpose and Authority
New Chapter 14.10 is hereby adopted, incorporating by reference the 2025 editions of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, Parts 1 through 12 inclusive, with local amendments as set forth attached hereto as “Exhibit A.” The purpose of this Ordinance is also to provide minimum requirements and standards for the protection of the public safety, health, property and welfare of the City of Sonoma. The provisions of these Codes, as amended, shall constitute the Building Regulations of the City of Sonoma. The Codes as adopted by reference and amended by the City are on file for public examination in the office of the Building Official.

The City Council enacts this Ordinance under the authority granted to the City as follows:

A. California Government Code Section 50022 et seq. authorizes the City to adopt by reference the California Building Standards Code and authorizes the City to adopt other uniform codes by reference;
B. California Health & Safety Code Sections 13143.5,17958, 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5 authorize the City to adopt the California Building Standards Code with modifications determined to be reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions.

SECTION 3. Findings
Based on the materials presented by and the recommendations of the City’s building official and fire Agenda Item #8.1:

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chief, the City Council finds that it is necessary to make procedural and administrative modifications and changes to the California Building Standards Code and to adopt certain appendices to the California Building Standards Code as specifically adopted in this ordinance, to provide more efficient, economical and expeditious enforcement of the building standards of the City of Sonoma, hereinafter referred to as “the City.” The City Council further finds and determines that pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 13143.5,17958, 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5 the substantive amendments to California Building Standards Code, which are adopted by this ordinance, as documented in Exhibit B, are reasonable and necessary because of local climatic, geographical, or topographical conditions and do not lessen, diminish, or change the standards set forth within the California Building Standards Code except as authorized by law. Changes that are applicable to residential units meet at least one of the conditions as identified in 17958(b), 17958.5(c) and 17958.7(c).

The city council hereby makes the following express findings of necessity, as applicable, for the amendments to the California Building Standards Code:

Express Finding of Necessity #1: The City's topography and terrain contain areas which are very susceptible to wildland fires, having a local climate characterized by hot, dry summers with periodic high winds which are a predominate factor in the spread of fire by burning embers that are carried by the wind to adjacent exposed areas. This is further compounded by agricultural and recreational use of lands contained within the City, as well as the open space, brush and hills that are part of and immediately adjacent to the City. These topographic and climatic conditions impact the City’s built environment, operations, public services and emergency services in such a way that their effects should be mitigated through appropriate amendments to the construction codes where practical.

These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection.

Express Finding of Necessity #2: Earthquake activity represents significant potential hazards which could result in road closures, loss of housing, fires, injuries, collapsed buildings, and isolation of persons requiring assistance. Additionally, soil conditions within the City are such that liquefaction may occur during seismic activity, creating the potential for structure collapse or mudslides. There are only a limited number of thoroughfares through the City, and during periods of traffic congestion resulting from roadway obstructions, emergency services response times are increased. The City is comprised of a relatively large number of historically significant buildings which contain archaic materials and designs which present unique safety, remodeling and upgrading problems due to their age and proximity to earthquake faults. The proximity of the Rogers Creek earthquake fault, located only a few miles from the City, represents a geologic hazard that could significantly impact the public and City operations, public services, infrastructure, housing, emergency services and its economic well-being in such a way that the potential hazards should be mitigated through appropriate amendments to the construction codes where practical.

Express Finding of Necessity #3: Due to the elevation of the City in relation to sea level and periodic storms resulting in significant rainfall, flooding during the rainy season often restricts traffic, has a detrimental effect on structures, housing and their occupants and can impair emergency services’ ability to respond to life threatening emergencies. Additionally, high ground water, clay soils and the Agenda Item #8.1:

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location of the “hardpan” within the City can slow rain and surface water absorption, often resulting in localized ponding and flooding. These geological and climatic conditions impact on the public and the City’s operations and emergency services in such a way that their effects should be mitigated through appropriate amendments to the construction codes where practical.

Express Finding of Necessity #4: The City's climate is periodically subject to relatively dry winters, hot dry summers and droughts. The City is also subject to a combination of strong winds, low humidity and high temperatures which may lead to the shutoff of electrical power by the serving utility company, thereby negatively impacting the community and the City’s emergency services. The lack of rainfall can result in water shortages and reductions in available ground water that impact the public health, safety, and welfare of its citizens and businesses in such a way that their effects should be mitigated through appropriate amendments to the construction codes to prohibit the use of equipment or fixtures which waste water and require water conservation measures, the efficient use of potable water, including utilization of fire-resistive construction and fire protection systems to reduce the use of water for fire-fighting, and other water-saving measures.

SECTION 4. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15060(c)(2) states that a project is not subject to CEQA review where the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) states that a project is exempt from CEQA “where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” The approval of the code amendments set forth in the proposed ordinance does not approve any physical development project, and it would not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment. The proposed changes to Title 14 are necessary to maintain consistency with state law and ensure a safe built environment. Many of the standards are already being implemented by the City when reviewing construction projects and would not change how these projects are reviewed and approved. For these reasons, the proposed amendments would not have the potential to result in individually or cumulatively significant effects on the environment and these SMC amendments are exempt from review under CEQA.

SECTION 5. Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 6. Effective Date
These construction codes, including the appendices thereto and secondary codes mentioned therein, except as otherwise excluded, are in full force and effect as ordinances of the City of Sonoma, thirty (30) days after the adoption of this ordinance by the City Council or on January 1, 2025, whichever is later.

SECTION 7. Publication.

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This ordinance shall be published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code section 36933, subdivision (c)(1).

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular Council Meeting of the City Council of the City of Sonoma held on the __ day of _________, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
_________________________
Patricia Farrar-Rivas, Mayor
ATTEST:

Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, at a meeting thereof, held on the __________, by the following vote, to wit:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Rebekah Barr, MMC, City Clerk
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EXHIBIT A
Chapter 14.10
Construction Codes
Sections:

14.10.005 Technical codes adopted.

14.10.010 Administrative provisions.

14.10.015 2025 California Building Code amendments.

14.10.020 2025 California Residential Code amendments.

14.10.025 2025 California Mechanical Code amendments.

14.10.030 2025 California Plumbing Code amendments.

14.10.035 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code amendments.

14.10.040 2025 California Fire Code amendments.

14.10.045 2025 California Green Building Standards Code amendments.

14.10.050 2025 California Existing Building Code amendments.

14.10.055 Board of appeals.

14.10.060 Modification of fee schedules.

14.10.065 Enforcement authority.

14.10.005 Technical codes adopted.

Pursuant to Section 50022.2 of the California Government Code, the following technical codes are adopted by reference as described herein and as amended by the following sections of this Chapter:

A. 2025 California Building Code Volumes 1 and 2, published by the International Code Council; B. 2025 California Residential Code, published by the International Code Council; C. 2025 California Electrical Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association; D. 2025 California Mechanical Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials;
E. 2025 California Plumbing Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials;
F. 2025 California Energy Code published by the California Building Standards Commission; G. 2025 California Historical Building Code, published by the California Building Standards Commission;
H. 2025 California Fire Code, published by the International Code Council:

I. 2025 California Existing Building Code, published by International Code Council; J. 2025 California Green Building Standards Code published by the California Building Standards Commission;
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K. The California Administrative Code, 2025 Edition, as published by the International Code Council;
L. 2025 California Referenced Standards published by the California Building Standards Commission;
M. 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface published by the International Code Council.

14.10.010 Administrative provisions.

Chapter 1 of the 2025 California Building Code, as amended by the City in this Section, is hereby adopted as the administrative regulations and procedures concerning the construction and reconstruction, alteration and additions to buildings of all the Codes in this Chapter.

Section 101.1, Title is amended to include the following:

These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of the City of Sonoma, hereinafter referred to as " this code."
Section 101.2, is Amended
101.2. The provisions of the California Building Code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, moving, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Section 105.2, is Amended
105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory buildings and structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, trellises, arbors, gazebos, pergolas, shade structures for other than motor vehicles, and similar uses, when located on a parcel which contains an existing one- or two-family dwelling, or a Group R or Group U Occupancy building, provided that the building or structure complies with the development regulations of Sonoma Municipal Code Title 19, and the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, and the total height does not exceed 9 feet, and the structure contains no plumbing, electrical wiring or heating appliances or equipment. The permit exemption provided in this paragraph shall not apply to accessory buildings or structures used as habitable space, workshops, studios, offices, pool houses, guest rooms, mechanical or equipment rooms, or other rooms or spaces commonly occupied or used to shelter installed mechanical equipment.

2. Fences constructed of other than stone, masonry or concrete, not over 7 feet in total height. Fences constructed of stone, masonry or concrete, not over 6 feet in total height.

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3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall and retaining not more than 3 feet of material, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.

4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.

5. Sidewalks, walkways, nonstructural concrete slabs and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.

6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work not otherwise altering building service equipment or subject to the accessibility requirements contained in Chapters 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.

7. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.

8. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a detached one-or two-family dwelling that are less than 18 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground.

9. Shade cloth or similar structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, located within an Agriculture zoning district.

10. Swings and other playground equipment with a projected area less than 120 square feet and are accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings not subject to the accessibility requirements contained in Chapters 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.

11. Window awnings for Groups R-3 and U occupancies and for detached one-and twofamily dwellings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

12. Recovering of awnings on previously approved existing framework.

13. Decks subject to the requirements of the California Residential Code not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a building and do not serve a required exit door or an accessible route.

14. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height and work not otherwise subject to the accessibility requirements contained in Chapters 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.

15. A tree house that does not exceed 64 square feet in floor area and 8 feet in height measured from the top of the treehouse floor to highest point on the roof and does not exceed a total height of 15 feet measured from grade plane to the top of the treehouse floor or highest point on the roof whichever is higher. For the purposes of this exemption, a tree house is defined as a non-habitable play structure supported in whole or in part by a tree.

16. Flagpoles that are freestanding and not erected upon a building or structure and not more than 15 feet in height above grade plane.

17. In-kind-repair or replacement of 32 square feet or less of drywall, siding, stucco or roofing within any 12-month period.

Electrical:

1. Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.

2. Reinstallation of existing attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets therefore.

3. Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location

4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.

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5. Minor repair work, including installation or replacement of equipment such as lamps and electric utilization equipment approved for connection to approved permanently installed receptacles.

6. Electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, except equipment and wiring for a power supply and the installation of towers and antennas.

7. Installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus or the process of manufacturing, testing, servicing, or repairing electrical equipment or apparatus.

8. Replacement of flush or snap switches, fuses, lamp sockets, receptacles, contactor or control device and other minor maintenance and repair work, such as replacing worn cords and tightening connections on a wiring device.

9. Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by the Electrical Code.

10. Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems.

11. Installation, alteration or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment or the generation, transmission, distribution, or metering of electrical energy or in the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or private utility in the exercise of its function as a serving utility.

Mechanical:

1. A portable heating appliance, portable ventilating equipment, a portable cooling unit, or a portable evaporative cooler.

2. A closed system of steam, hot, or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.

3. Replacement of any minor component part or assembly of an appliance that does not alter its original approval of the equipment and complies with other applicable requirements of this code.

4. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less and refrigerating equipment that is part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of this code.

5. A plug-and-cord connected unit refrigeration system.

6. Portable plug-and-cord connected cooking or clothes-drying appliances.

7. Portable plug-and-cord connected ventilation or cooling equipment.

8. Portable plug-and-cord connected evaporative cooler.

9. Portable fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Plumbing:

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipes; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

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3. Exterior rainwater catchment systems used for outdoor non-spray irrigation with a maximum storage capacity of 5,000 gallons where the tank is supported directly upon grade and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1 and does not require electrical power or a makeup water supply connection.

4. Exterior rainwater catchment systems used for spray irrigation with a maximum storage capacity of 360 gallons.

Section 105.2.1, is amended to read as follows:
105.2.1 Emergency repairs. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed immediately due to unforeseen circumstances where immediate action must be taken to protect life, health, safety, or property, a permit application shall be submitted for the emergency repair within the next building department working business day to the building official.

Section 109.4, is amended to read as follows:
109.4 Investigation fee; work commencing or continuing without a permit. Any person who commences or continues work requiring a permit on a building, structure, site, electrical system, mechanical system, plumbing system or conveying system without first obtaining or otherwise maintaining required permits and required inspection approvals shall be subject to an investigation fee adopted by the city council. The investigation fee shall be in addition to any other fee charged and shall be imposed under this section to defray the costs incurred by the City in connection with its duties to monitor, review, investigate, and enforce this code.

Section 113, is amended to read as follows:

SECTION 113 MEANS OF APPEALS.
113.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. The board of appeals shall serve as the “local appeals board” and the “housing appeals board” pursuant to Sections 17920.5 and 17920.6 of the California Health and Safety Code. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the building official.
113.2 Limitations on authority. Any person, firm, corporation, or entity adversely affected by an order, decision or determination made by the building official related to the application or interpretation of this code may make application for appeal. In addition, any member of the city council may call up for review by the board of appeals any order, decision, or determination made by the building official. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or an equivalent or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code or interpret the administration of this code.
113.3 Decisions subject to appeal. Final orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of this code are subject to appeal to the board of appeals.

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113.4 Effect of failure to appeal. Failure to file an application for appeal in conformance with the requirements of Sections 113.5 and 113.6 shall constitute a waiver of the right to an administrative hearing on the matter.
113.4 Violation penalties. Any person, firm or corporation who violates a provision of this code, or any other section of Chapter 14.10 of the Sonoma Municipal Code, or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof, or allows a violation to continue without taking reasonable means to cure or abate the same after having been ordered to do so, or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire chief, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, is punishable as provided by Section 1.12.010 of the Sonoma Municipal Code. Each violation shall constitute a separate offense for each and every day such person, firm or corporation violates or allows a violation to continue without taking reasonable means to cure or abate the same after having been ordered to do so. A violation of this section or any other section of Chapter 14.10 of the Sonoma Municipal Code shall be deemed a public nuisance and is subject to nuisance abatement proceedings as provided by Section 1.12.010 and/or enforcement proceedings otherwise set forth under the Sonoma Municipal Code.
113.5 Deadline for filing of appeal. All such appeals shall be initiated by filing with the city clerk (with a copy to the building official) a written application for appeal on a form provided by the city clerk within 15 calendar days of the date the building official’s decision, notice or order (oral or written) that is properly served, together with any applicable fees pursuant to the fee schedule adopted by the city council.
113.6 Contents of application for appeal. The application for appeal shall state the nature and date of the decision being appealed, the name and address of the appellant and his/her interest in the matter, the property address which is the subject of the appeal, the specific action requested by the appellant to be taken by the appeal body, the signature(s) of the appellant(s), and, unless the appeal is by a member of the city council, the reasons (in conformance with Section 113.2, above) which, in the opinion of the appellant, render the decision unjustified or incorrect.
113.7 Staying of decision or order under appeal. The filing of the application for appeal shall have the effect of staying any decision or order of the building official pertaining to said appeal or the issuance or granting of any permit, certificate or other approval which is related to the appeal unless, at the sole discretion of the building official, such decision, order or action is necessary to protect the life, health, safety, property or well-being of the public or occupants of the building. When the building official makes said determination, the building official shall notify the appellant, in writing, that the decision, order or action under appeal shall continue to be in effect until otherwise overturned by the board of appeals. 113.8 Hearing. Upon receipt of a timely filed application for appeal in proper form and payment of the required fee, the city clerk shall set a hearing date before the board of appeals no later than 60 days after the filing of the application for appeal. Only those matters or issues specifically raised by the appellant shall be considered in the hearing of the appeal. 113.9 Hearing request by building official. The building official may, at any time, request a hearing be held by the board of appeals to review and affirm any final decision of the building official.

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113.10 Notice of hearing. Not less than 10 days prior to the hearing, the building official shall serve or cause to be served either personally or by first class mail, postage prepaid, a copy of the notice of hearing upon the appellant.
113.11 Action of board of appeals. Upon the conclusion of the appeal hearing, the appeal board shall render its decision, which shall be final and may not be appealed to the city council.

Notice of the final decision of the board shall be mailed to the appellant by first class mail, postage prepaid.
113.12 Administration of decision. The building official shall take action in accordance with the decision of the board.

14.10.015 2025 California Building Code amendments.

A. The 2025 California Building Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is amended by adopting by reference and adding the following appendices:
1) Appendix Chapter H – Signs
2) Appendix Chapter I - Patio Covers.
3) Appendix Chapter P – Emergency Housing
B. The 2025 Building Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is further amended as follows:

Section 202, Definitions are amended to include:
…ATTRACTIVE NUISANCE. See definition for “Nuisance.”
…BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT. The plumbing, mechanical, electrical and elevator equipment including piping, wiring, ductwork, fixtures and other accessories, components and devices which provide sanitation, lighting, power, security, heating, ventilation, cooling, refrigeration, cooking, firesuppression, alarms and transportation facilities essential to the occupancy of the building or structure for its designated use.
…CITY. See Section 1.04.010 of the Sonoma Municipal Code. …DANGEROUS BUILDING. See definition for “Unsafe Structure.” …NUISANCE. (See definition in Sonoma Municipal Code Section 14.30.020(A)) …OCCUPANCY is the purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used. …OWNER is any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property.
…PARTY IN INTEREST means the record owner as the name and address of that person or entity appears on the last equalized assessment roll and if known, the person in real or apparent charge and control of the premises involved, and if known, the holder of any mortgage, trust deed or other lien or encumbrance of record or any other known beneficiary to the building or structure or the land upon which it is located, and if known, residential tenants of a property.

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…PERMIT VALUATION, means the estimated total value of the work for which a permit is being issued, including labor, materials, overhead and profit as determined by the building official. Permit valuation shall include the total value of all work for building service equipment, such as electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, and other permanent systems, or portions thereof for which a permit is being issued. Permit valuation shall include the value of all new, replaced or altered casework, appliances, fixtures, equipment and other items and appurtenances attached to or serving a building, structure, or appendage, in kind, based on current estimated replacement costs. Permit valuation shall also include the value of displays, shelving or other elements or fixtures within or immediately adjacent to an accessible route as defined by the California Building Code. Cord and plug connected equipment not otherwise regulated by this code shall be excluded from the calculation of permit valuation. …PERMITEE is the responsible party designated on a permit. The permittee shall either be the property owner, the property owner’s authorized representative or a contractor licensed to perform or oversee the permitted work.
…PERSON. An individual, heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid. …PUBLIC NUISANCE. See definition for “Nuisance.”
…TECHNICAL CODES are those codes adopted by the city council in Chapter 14.10.015 of the Sonoma Municipal Code containing the provisions for design, construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy and maintenance of buildings and structures and building service equipment as herein defined.
…THIS CODE refers to the provisions in this chapter, together with the technical codes adopted by the city council as amended herein.
…UNSAFE STRUCTURE. Any building or structure which has any or all of the conditions or defects hereinafter described is an unsafe building provided that such conditions or defects exist to the extent that life, health, property, or safety of the public or its occupants are endangered. For the purposes of this code, the term “dangerous building” is synonymous with the term “unsafe building.” (a) Whenever any door, aisle, passageway, or other means of exit is not of sufficient width or size or is not so arranged as to provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic. (b) Whenever the walking surface of any aisle, passageway, path of travel, stairway or other means of exit is so warped, worn, loose, torn, obstructed or otherwise unsafe as to not provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.
(c) Whenever the stress in any materials, member, or portion thereof, due to all dead and live loads, is more than one and one-half times the working stress or stresses allowed for new buildings of similar structure, purpose, or location.
(d) Whenever any portion of a building or structure has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood, or by any other cause, to such an extent that the structural strength or stability thereof is materially less than it was before such catastrophe and is less than the minimum requirements for new buildings of similar structure, purpose, or location. (e) Whenever any portion, member, or appurtenance of a building or structure thereof is likely to fail, to become detached or dislodged, or to collapse and thereby injure persons or damage property.
(f) Whenever any portion of a building or structure, or any member, appurtenance, or ornamentation on the exterior thereof is not of sufficient strength or stability or is not so anchored, attached, or fastened in place so as to be capable of resisting a wind pressure of Agenda Item #8.1:

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one-half of that specified for new buildings of similar structure, purpose, or location without exceeding the working stresses permitted for such buildings. (g) Whenever any portion of a building or structure has cracked, warped, buckled, or settled to such an extent that walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to winds or earthquakes than is required in the case of similar new construction. (h) Whenever the building or structure, or any portion thereof, because of (1) dilapidation, deterioration, or decay; (2) faulty construction; (3) the removal, movement, or instability of any portion of the ground necessary for the purpose of supporting such building; (4) the deterioration, decay, or inadequacy of its foundation; or (5) any other cause, is likely to partially or completely collapse.
(i) Whenever, for any reason, the building, structure, or any portion thereof, including equipment regulated by this code, is manifestly unsafe for the purpose of which it is being used. (j) Whenever the exterior walls or other vertical structural members list, lean, or buckle to such an extent that a plumb line passing through the center of gravity does not fall inside the middle onethird of the base. (k) Whenever the building or structure, exclusive of the foundation, shows thirty-three percent or more damage or deterioration of its supporting member or members, or fifty percent damage or deterioration of its non-supporting members, enclosing or outside walls or coverings. (l) Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind, earthquake, or flood or has become so dilapidated or deteriorated so as to become (1) an attractive nuisance to children or, (2) a public nuisance, or (3) freely accessible to persons for the purpose of committing unlawful acts.
(m)Whenever any building or structure has been constructed, exists or is maintained in violation of any specific requirement of this code as applicable, including construction without a permit, or prohibition pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3 or of any law or ordinance of this state or jurisdiction relating to the condition or location of said structure or building.
(n) Whenever any building or structure which, whether or not erected in accordance with all applicable laws and ordinances, has in any non-supporting part, member, or portion less than fifty percent, or in any supporting part, member, or portion less than sixty-six percent of the (1) strength, (2) fire-resisting qualities or characteristics, or (3) weather-resisting qualities or characteristics, required by law in the case of a newly-constructed building of like area, height, and occupancy in the same location.
(o) Whenever a building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangements, inadequate light, air or sanitation facilities, or otherwise, is determined by the health officer, fire chief or building official to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation, or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease.
(p) Whenever any building, structure or portion thereof, because of obsolescence, dilapidated condition, deterioration, damage, inadequate exits, inadequate maintenance, damage from an earthquake, flood, fire or other calamity, abandonment, exposure to hazardous materials, lack of sufficient fire-resistive construction, faulty electric wiring, faulty or unsafe gas conditions or heating apparatus, unsanitary conditions or other cause, is determined by the fire chief or building official to be a fire hazard, attractive nuisance, hazard to the life, safety or health of the public or occupants of the building.
(q) Whenever any building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute a public nuisance or as otherwise known to common law or equity jurisprudence. (r) Whenever any portion of a building or structure remains on a site after the demolition or destruction of the building or structure or portion thereof, or whenever any building or structure so abandoned for a period in excess of six months so as to constitute such building or portion thereof an attractive nuisance or hazard to the public.

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(s) Whenever any building or structure has been abandoned or becomes vacant, is dilapidated and unsecured or open at exterior doors or windows, leaving the interior of the building exposed to the elements or accessible to entrance by trespassers or is otherwise an attractive nuisance or hazard to the public.
(t) Whenever any building, structure or portion thereof, whether structurally damaged or not, is dangerous to human life by reason of being located in an area which is unsafe due to hazard from landslide, settlement, or slippage or any other cause. (u) Whenever any building, structure or portion thereof, because of unfinished, uninspected or uncompleted work required under a building permit and where the permit for the work has expired, or uncompleted work that would have been required under a building permit but where no permit has been issued, is determined by the building official to be a fire hazard, attractive nuisance, hazard to the life, safety or health of the public or occupants of the building. (v) Whenever any building or structure is declared to be substandard as defined in Section 17920.3 of the California Health & Safety Code.

Section 1612.3, Establishment of Flood Hazard Areas is amended to read as follows:
1612.3 Establishment of Flood Hazard Areas. To establish flood hazard areas, the applicable governing authority shall adopt a flood hazard map and supporting data. The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in an engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for the County of Sonoma and Incorporated Areas," dated July 19, 2025 (fifth revision), as amended or revised with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) and related supporting data along with any revisions thereto. The adopted flood hazard map and supporting data are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this section.

Exception: [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Insurance Study (FIS) adopted by the local authority having jurisdiction where the project is located.

14.10.020 California Residential Code amendments.

A. The 2025 California Residential Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is amended by adopting by reference and adding the following appendices:
1) Adopt by reference and add Appendix Chapter AH (Patio Covers). 2) Adopt by reference and add Appendix Chapter AQ (Tiny Houses) 3) Adopt by reference and add Appendix Chapter AS (Strawbale Construction) 4) Adopt by reference and add Appendix Chapter AX (Swimming Pool Safety Act - Required by CA H&SC 115920-115929).
5) Adopt by reference and add Appendix Chapter AZ (Emergency Housing) B. Table R301.2 of the 2025 California Residential Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is amended to clarify design requirements to read as follows:

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TABLE R301.2

CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA

WIND DESIGN
GROUND
SNOW
LOADo
Speedd
(mph)
Topographic
effectsk
Special
wind regionl
Windborne
debris
zonem

SEISMIC DESIGN
CATEGORYf
0 93 No No No D2

SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM
Weatheringa
Frost
line
depthb Termitec

ICE BARRIER

UNDERLAYMENT
REQUIREDh
FLOOD
HAZARDSg
AIR

FREEZING
INDEXi
MEAN
ANNUAL TEMPj
negligible 12” Yes No
NFIP
1/17/79
FIS
7/19/22
See
SMC 14.25
1500 or
less Not available
MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIAn
Elevation
Altitude
correction
factore
Coincident
wet bulb
Indoor
winter
design
relative
humidity
Indoor winter
design drybulb
temperature
Outdoor winter
design drybulb
temperature
Heating
temperature
difference
85’ 1.0 67 F 35 F 68 F 28 F 40 F
Latitude Daily
range
Summer
design
gains
Indoor
summer
design
relative
humidity
Indoor summer
design drybulb
temperature
Outdoor
summer
design drybulb
temperature
Cooling
temperature
difference

38.5 20 F — 50 F 75 F 69 F 24 F
For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.

C. The 2025 California Residential Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005 and to conform with the requirements of CA Government Code 65852.22(e), eliminate the requirement for a fire-rated wall or floor assembly between a dwelling unit and a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit by adding to section R302.3.1 Dwelling Unit Separation to read as follows:

R302.3.1 Dwelling Unit Separation
The two dwelling units shall be separated by fire-resistance rated assemblies that are vertical, horizontal, or a combination thereof.

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Exception: Wall and floor assemblies separating a dwelling unit from a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit, as defined in CA Government Code 65852.22(e).

D. The 2025 California Residential Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is amended as indicated below.

Revise the Exception in subsection R313.1 to read as follows:

Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed unless otherwise required by the Fire Code.

Revise subsection R313.2 in its entirety, including the exceptions and subsection R313.2.1, and replace to read as follows:

R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings in accordance with the Fire Code as amended by the City of Sonoma.

Exceptions:

1. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required for additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with an automatic residential sprinkler system unless otherwise required by the Fire Code as amended by the City of Sonoma.

2. Accessory Dwelling Unit, provided that all of the following are met:

2.1. The unit meets the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit as defined in the Government Code Section 65852.2.

2.2. The existing primary residence does not have automatic fire sprinklers.

2.3. The accessory detached dwelling unit does not exceed 1,200 square feet in size.

2.4. The unit is on the same lot as the primary residence.

R313.2.1 Design and installation. Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section R313.3 or NFPA 13D.

Exception: Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems installed in factory-built housing, mobile homes and manufactured homes, shall be designed and installed in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Section 4302.

14.10.025 California Mechanical Code amendments.

The 2025 California Mechanical Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is amended by adopting by reference and adding the following appendices:
1) Appendix B (Procedures to be Followed to Place Gas Equipment into Operation) Agenda Item #8.1:

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2) Appendix C (Installation and Testing of Oil (Liquid) Fuel-Fired Equipment)

14.10.030 California Plumbing Code amendments .

A. The 2025 California Plumbing Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is amended by adopting by reference and adding the following appendices:
1) Appendix A (Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System). 2) Appendix B (Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems) 3) Appendix D (Sizing Storm Water Drainage Systems)
4) Appendix H (Private Sewage Disposal Systems)
5) Appendix I (Installation Standards)
6) Appendix J (Combination of Indoor and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation Opening Design)
B. The 2025 California Plumbing Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is amended as indicated below.

Amend Section 713.4 to conform with Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District Code to read as follows:
713.4 Public Sewer Availability. The public sewer may be considered to not be available for a proposed building or exterior drainage facility where such public sewer or a building or an exterior drainage facility connected thereto is located more than 300 feet from a proposed building or exterior drainage facility on a lot or premises that abuts and is served by such public sewer.

Section 1211.8, Earthquake-Actuated Gas Shutoff Valves is amended to read as follows 1211.8 Earthquake-Actuated Gas Shutoff Valves. Earthquake-actuated gas shutoff valves designed to automatically shut off the gas at the location of the valve in the event of a seismic disturbance and certified by the Stated Architect as conforming to California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 12, Chapter 12-16-1, shall be installed in all new non-residential buildings and in existing non-residential buildings that undergo alterations to gas line or additional square footage to existing building. Installation of the valves shall be in accordance with manufacturer's installation instructions.

14.10.035 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code amendments.

Section 101.3 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005 and as further amended by the adoption of certain appendices, is amended to read as follows:
101.3 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

The purpose of this code is to establish minimum regulations for the safeguarding of life and for property protection. Regulations in this code are intended to mitigate the risk to life and structures from intrusion of fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to mitigate Agenda Item #8.1:

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structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels. The extent of this regulation is intended to be tiered commensurate with the relative level of hazard present.

The unrestricted use of property in wildland-urban interface areas is a potential threat to life and property from fire and resulting erosion. Safeguards to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire protection facilities to control the spread of fire in wildland-urban interface areas shall be in accordance with this code.

This code shall supplement the jurisdiction's building and fire codes, if such codes have been adopted, to provide for special regulations to mitigate the fire- and life-safety hazards of the wildland-urban interface areas:
(a) The designation, locations, and boundaries of the VHFHS zones in the city of Sonoma as adopted by the city council are set forth on the map labeled “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Sonoma,” attached as Exhibit A to Ordinance 08-2025, on file with the city clerk’s office. (b) The fire department shall maintain an official copy of the most current VHFHS zones map adopted by ordinance in its administrative offices for public inspection during regular business hours.

14.10.040 2025 California Fire Code amendments.

A. 2025 California Fire Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is amended is amended by adopting by reference and adding the following appendices:
1) Appendix Chapter4 – Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy 2) Appendix B – Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings
3) Appendix BB - Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings
4) Appendix C – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution 5) Appendix CC – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution 6) Appendix D - Fire Apparatus Access Roads
7) Appendix E – Hazard Categories
8) Appendix F – Hazard Ranking
9) Appendix H - Hazardous Materials Management Plans (HHMP) and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) Instructions (See Sections 5001.5.1 and 5001.5.2) B. 2025 California Fire Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005 and as further amended by the adoption of certain appendices, is amended to read as follows:

Amend subsection 101.1 to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the City of Sonoma Fire Code, hereinafter referred to as “this Code.”
Add a new subsection 101.6 to read as follows:
101.6 Policy manual. The Sonoma County Fire Prevention Policy Manual as well as the Agenda Item #8.1:

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Sonoma Valley Fire District’s published Standards and Guidelines shall serve as a supplemental instruction and interpretation manual for this code and are hereby adopted by reference. The fire code official is responsible to amend this manual as necessary to maintain current instruction and interpretations. The information contained in the policy manual shall not be construed to make new code requirements not authorized by this ordinance.

Amend subsection 102.4 to read as follows:
102.4 Application of Building Code. The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the 2025 California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2, the 2025 California Historical Building Code, the 2025 California Existing Building Code and the 2025 California Residential Code, 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, as adopted and amended by the City of Sonoma, and any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this Code, which are within the scope of the aforementioned codes, shall be made in accordance therewith.

Amend subsection 103.1 to read as follows:
103.1 Creation of Agency. The Sonoma Valley Fire District Prevention Bureau is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

Add subsection 105.1.1.1 to read as follows:
105.1.1.1 Permit Fees. Permit fees will be based on the Sonoma Valley Fire District’s adopted fee schedule at the time of permit application.

Amend subsection 105.5.59 to read as follows:
105.5.59 Additional Permits. In addition to the permits required by Section 105.6, the following permits shall be obtained from the Bureau of Fire Prevention prior to engaging in the following activities, operations, practices or functions:

1. Production facilities. To change use or occupancy, or allow the attendance of a live audience, or for wrap parties.

2. Pyrotechnics and special effects. To use pyrotechnic special effects, open flame, use of flammable or combustible liquids or gases, welding, and the parking of motor vehicles in any building or location used for the purpose of motion picture, television and commercial productions.

3. Live Audiences. To install seating arrangements for live audiences in approved production facilities, production studios and sound stages. See Chapter

48. 4. Apartment, hotel, motel, vacation rental. An operational permit is required to operate an apartment house, hotel, or motel.

5. Bonfires or rubbish fires. An operational permit is required to kindle or authorize the kindling or maintenance of bonfires or rubbish fires.

6. Change of occupancy. An operational permit is required for any change in the Agenda Item #8.1:

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occupancy, business or tenancy of any building, facility, or structure.

7. Care facilities. An operational permit is required to operate a care facility as listed:

7.1. Day care with an occupant load greater than eight (8) persons.

7.2. Residential or commercial institutional care facility, occupancies complying with Health and Safety Code Section 13235 are exempt.

8. Emergency responder communications enhancement systems (ERCES).

Where required by the fire code official, an operational permit shall be issued for the operation of an in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system.

9. Fire protection systems. An operational permit is required for buildings and/or facilities with fire protection systems and related equipment such as fire pumps, fire hydrant systems, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, smoke management systems, and similar systems governed by this code.

10. High-rise building. An operational permit is required to operate a high-rise building as defined by the Building Code.

11. Medical Gas Systems. An operational permit is required for buildings and/or facilities with medical gas systems and related equipment, and similar systems governed by this code.

12. Oil or natural gas well. An operational permit is required to own, operate or maintain an oil or natural gas well.

13. Organized Camps. An operational permit is required to operate an organized camp (Group-C Occupancy).

14. Public Christmas Tree Lot or Pumpkin Patch. An operational permit is required to operate a Christmas tree lot or pumpkin patch, haunted house, or similar facility that is open to the public.

15. Special Event Permit An operational permit is required for any organized procession or assemblage of 50 or more people, which could significantly impact vehicular traffic or create a safety problem. Examples include, but are not limited to: music festivals, elevated stages, outdoor markets, circus, walkathons, runs, marathons, trail rides, bicycle races, celebrations, parades and other similar activities.

16. Winery Caves – Public Accessible. An operational permit is required to operate a Type-2 or Type-3 winery cave that is accessible to the public.

17. Live entertainment. An operational permit is required to operate a business where alcohol is served, while providing live entertainment to the public.

18. Cannabis. An operational permit is required to operate any cannabis facility or operation listed below that is otherwise permitted under the Sonoma Municipal Code:

18.1 Cultivation

18.2 Distribution

18.3 Manufacturing

18.4 Testing/lab

19. Model rockets rental, sale or operation. An operational permit is required to Agenda Item #8.1:

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operate, manufacture, import, export, possess, store, rent or sell model rockets as defined by Health and Safety Code Section 12519.

20. CUPA Permit. An operational permit is required to operate any facility described in Sonoma County Code Chapter 29 and shall be required by the Local Fire Chief.

21. Fuel cell power systems. An operational permit is required for stationary fuel cell power systems regulated in Sections 1206.

Add a new subsection 105.6.26 to read as follows:
105.6.26 Local Construction Permits. In addition to the permits required by Section 105.6, the following construction permits shall be obtained from the Bureau of Fire Prevention prior to starting construction:

1. Vegetation Management Plan. A construction permit is required to implement and Vegetation management plan.

2. Fire Protection Plan. A construction permit is required to implement a fire protection

3. Excavation near flammable or combustible liquid pipeline. A construction permit is required to excavate or do any work below grade within ten (10) feet of any pipeline for the transportation of flammable or combustible liquid.

4. Fire-line underground utility piping. A construction permit is required to install, alter, or make improvements to fire-line underground utility piping. A separate utility permit from the building official is required prior to installing any private underground fire protection water piping and associated appliances.

5. Medical gas system. A construction permit is required to install a medical gas system.

6. Oil or natural gas well. A construction permit is required to drill an oil or natural gas well.

Add a new subsection 107.7 to read as follows:
107.7 Cost recovery. Fire suppression, investigation or emergency medical costs are recoverable in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1, as may be amended from time to time. Additionally, any person(s) who negligently, intentionally or in violation of law causes an emergency response, including, but not limited to, a traffic accident, spill of toxic or flammable or combustible fluids or chemicals is liable for the costs of securing such emergency, including those costs pursuant to Government Code Section 53150, et seq, as may be amended from time to time. Any expense incurred by the Sonoma Valley Fire District for securing such emergency shall constitute a debt of such person(s) and shall be collectable by the Sonoma Valley Fire District in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under contract, expressed or implied.

Amend subsection 113.4 to read as follows:
113.4 Violation penalties. Any person, firm or corporation who violates a provision of this code, or any other section of Chapter 14.10 of the Sonoma Municipal Code, or fails to Agenda Item #8.1:

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comply with any of the requirements thereof, or allows a violation to continue without taking reasonable means to cure or abate the same after having been ordered to do so, or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire chief, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, is punishable as provided by Section 1.12.010 of the Sonoma Municipal Code. Each violation shall constitute a separate offense for each and every day such person, firm or corporation violates or allows a violation to continue without taking reasonable means to cure or abate the same after having been ordered to do so. A violation of this section or any other section of Chapter 14.10 of the Sonoma Municipal Code shall be deemed a public nuisance and is subject to nuisance abatement proceedings as provided by Section 1.12.010 and/or enforcement proceedings otherwise set forth under the Sonoma Municipal Code.

Add a new subsection 113.5 to read as follows:
113.5 Authority to issue citations. The Fire Chief and members of the Fire Prevention Bureau who have the discretionary duty to enforce a statute or ordinance may, pursuant to Section 836.5 of the California Penal Code and subject to the provisions thereof, arrest a person without a warrant whenever the Fire Chief or member of the Fire Prevention Bureau has reasonable cause to believe that the person to be arrested has committed a violation in the presence of the Fire Chief or member of the Fire Prevention Bureau which he or she has discretionary duty to enforce, and to issue a notice to appear and to release such person on his or her written promise to appear in court, pursuant to the provisions of Section 853.5 et seq. of the California Penal Code.

Amend subsection 114.4 to read as follows:
114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by Section 1.12.010 of the Sonoma Municipal Code. Further, any violation of this section is deemed a public nuisance and may be subject to nuisance abatement proceedings as provided by Section 1.12.010 and/or enforcement proceedings otherwise set forth under the Sonoma Municipal Code.

Amend Section 202 to add the following definition of "ADDITION" between "ACTIVE RF EMITTING DEVICE" and "ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING”:

ADDITION is the increase of area of an existing structure, for which a building permit has been issued, where the increase in floor area is not made exclusively for the provision of accessibility for the physically disabled.

Amend Section 202 to replace the existing definition of "NUISANCE ALARM":

NUISANCE ALARM is an unwarranted alarm caused by mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or lack of proper maintenance, system servicing testing, construction activities, ordinary household activities, false alarm, other cause when no such danger exists, or an alarm activated by a cause that cannot be determined.

Amend Section 202 to add the following definition of "REMODELED" between "RELOCATABLE POWER TAP and "REMOTE EMERGENCY SHUTOFF DEVICE" to read as follows:

Agenda Item #8.1:

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REMODELED is work requiring a building permit including, but not limited to, cosmetic or structural repairs, renovations, restorations, alterations or additions to a structure, the total permit valuation of which, as determined by the building official, exceeds $150,000 for buildings containing residential uses or occupancies and $200,000 for all other occupancies over any 36- month period.

Amend Section 202 to add the following definition of "STRUCTURE" between "STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE" and " SUBORDINATE (FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEM)" to read as follows:

STRUCTURE is that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner, regardless of property lines.

Add subsection 304.1.3.1 to read as follows:
304.1.3.1 Combustible Vegetation. The fire chief shall notify a property owner by U.S. Postal mail when it is determined that a property is or may become a fire hazard due to combustible vegetation. The property owner may be given the choice of performing hazard abatement work on their own behalf, or authorizing the fire chief to have the work performed. In the event that the property owner does not reply, fails to complete the abatement, or authorizes the fire chief to perform the work on the owner's behalf, the fire chief may cause the work to be performed, then bill the property owner for the cost of such work plus an appropriate administrative fee. Upon the request of the property owner, or in the event that a property owner fails to reply to a bill for weed abatement services, the chief shall request the City Clerk to report the cost of such services to the County Tax Assessor, so that the balance due can be added to the property tax of that parcel of land.

Add subsection 304.1.3.1 to read as follows:
304.1.3.1 Defensible space - neighboring property
Persons owning, leasing, or controlling property within areas requiring defensible spaces are responsible for maintaining a defensible space on the property owned, leased or controlled by said person, within a distance of not less than 30 feet from any neighboring building, structure or property line. Distances may be modified by the fire code official because of a site-specific analysis based on local conditions.

Amend subsection 308.1.7 to read as follows:
308.1.7 Sky lanterns. A person shall not release or cause to be released a sky lantern or similar device.

Add a new subsection 311.3.1 to read as follows:
311.3.1 Removal of debris after fire. All rubble, waste, rubbish, and other materials lying upon any premises within the jurisdictional area; having been accumulated thereon by reason of a fire and having been rendered useless thereby shall be removed within ten (10) days after notice has been given to do so in writing by the Fire Chief to the owner, lessee, or other person in charge or control of the premises.

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Add a new subsection 401.3.2.1 to read as follows:
401.3.2.1 Unwarranted or Nuisance alarm notification. Notification of emergency responders based on a nuisance alarm may be punishable by a fine in accordance with the adopted fee schedule. In addition, the responsible party may be liable for the operational and administrative costs, incurred from the emergency response or mitigation procedures resulting from a nuisance alarm notification.

Add new subsection 401.3.2.2 to read as follows:
401.3.2.2 Multiple nuisance alarm activations. Any occupancy that has more than three nuisance alarms, causing emergency response within a 12-month period may be required to modify, repair, upgrade or replace their system and/or monitoring station as determined by the fire code official.

Amend Section 402.1 by adding the term “NUISANCE ALARM” after the term “LOCKDOWN”.

Amend subsection 501.1 to read as follows:
501.1 Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this chapter. Design and construction shall be in accordance with the following sections unless otherwise authorized by the fire code official in accordance with 104.9 Alternative Materials and Methods.

Amend subsection 503.1 to read as follows:
503.1 Where Required. Fire apparatus access roads shall comply with the City of Sonoma Municipal Code Standards when applicable, and otherwise shall be provided and maintained in accordance with this Chapter and Appendix D of the CFC.

Add a new subsection 503.2.6.1 to read as follows:
503.2.6.1 Evaluation and maintenance. All existing private bridges and elevated surfaces that are a part of the fire department access roadway, shall be evaluated by a California licensed civil engineer experienced in structural engineering or a California licensed structural engineer, for safety and weight rating, in accordance with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual: ``The Manual for Bridge Evaluation,'' Third Edition, or other approved standard. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges. All bridges and elevated structures providing fire department access shall be routinely maintained in accordance with Section 503.2.6 or when directed by the fire code official or authorized designee.

Add the following sentence to the end of subsection 503.2.7:

All buildings located on slopes of greater than five percent (5%) shall also include such additional fire protection measures, as the fire chief deems necessary to mitigate access constraints.

Add subsection 503.6.1 to read as follows:

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503.6.1 Width. All gate entrances and similar structures shall be at least two feet (2') wider than the width of the traffic lane(s) serving the gate or structure.

Add subsection 503.6.2 to read as follows:
503.6.2 Setbacks. All gates providing access from a public road to a private road or private driveway shall be located at least thirty feet (30') from the roadway and shall open to allow a vehicle to stop without obstructing traffic on the roadway.

Amend subsection 505.1 to read as follows:
505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Where required by the fire code official, address numbers shall be provided in additional locations to facilitate emergency response. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Posted address numbers shall be those assigned by the City of Sonoma. Address numbers shall be maintained.

Exceptions:

1. These requirements may be modified with the approval of the fire code official.

2. Illuminated address numbers are not required for existing buildings where approved; reflective numbers are to be installed.
505.1.1 Addresses for buildings. All buildings shall be issued an address by the local jurisdiction which conforms to that jurisdiction's overall address system. Accessory buildings will not be required to have a separate address; however, each unit within a building shall be separately identified.
505.1.2 Numbers for one and two- family dwellings. Numbers for one and two- family dwellings shall be a minimum of 4 inches (101.6mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole, or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure.
505.1.3 Numbers for other than one and two- family dwellings. Numbers for other than one- and two- family dwellings shall be a minimum of 12 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 1 inch. Suite and unit directional numbers shall be not less than six (6) inches high with a minimum stroke width of three-quarter (0.75) inch. Numbers shall be not less than four (4) inches high with a minimum stroke width of one-half (0.5) inch. 505.1.4 Complex directory. Where two or more buildings cannot be viewed from the public way or when determined by the fire code official, an approved illuminated complex directory, monument, pole, or other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structures at the main entrances to the property. The complex directory, monument, pole, or other approved sign or means shall comply with the requirements of the City’s sign regulations contained in Title 18 of the Sonoma Municipal Code.
505.1.5 Installation, location and visibility of addresses. All buildings shall have a permanently posted address, which shall be placed at each driveway entrance and visible from both directions of travel along the road. In all cases, the address shall be posted at the Agenda Item #8.1:

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beginning of construction and shall be maintained thereafter, and the address shall be visible and legible from the road on which the address is located. 505.1. 5.1 Address signs along one-way roads shall be visible from both the intended direction of travel and the opposite direction.
505.1. 5.2 Where multiple addresses are required at a single driveway, they shall be mounted on a single post. (d) Where a roadway provides access solely to a single commercial or industrial business, the address sign shall be placed at the nearest road intersection providing access to that site.

Add a new subsection 507.1.1 to read as follows:
507.1.1 Emergency water during construction. The emergency water system shall be available on-site prior to combustible construction. Required fire hydrants shall be acceptable to the City of Sonoma and conform to City of Sonoma Standard Plans.

Amend subsection 507.2.2 to read as follows:
507.2.2 Water tanks. Water tanks for private fire protection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 22.

Exception: For Group R-3 occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3, and associated accessory structures up to 3,000 square feet in area, plastic water tanks up to 5,000 gallons in volume may be used. A flammable vegetation clearance of not less than twenty feet (20') shall be maintained around all poly-plastic or similar water tanks.

Amend subsection 507.5 to read as follows:
507.5 Fire hydrant systems. Fire hydrant systems shall comply with Sections 507.5.1 through 507.5.8.

Amend subsection 507.5.1 by deleting the subsection and exception and replacing it to read as follows:
507.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 150 feet (45.179 m) from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official.

Amend subsection 507.5.1.1 to read as follows:
507.5.1.1 Hydrant for fire department connections. Buildings equipped with a water-based fire protection system installed in accordance with Section 903 through 905 shall have a fire hydrant within 50 feet of the fire department connections, or as approved by the fire code official. (Also see Section 912.2).

Add a new subsection 507.5.7 to read as follows:

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507.5.7 Fire hydrant size and outlets. Shall be in accordance with City of Sonoma Standard Plans, or as approved by the fire code official.

Add a new subsection 507.5.8 to read as follows:
507.5.8 Fire hydrant street marker. Fire hydrant locations shall be visually indicated in accordance with the City of Sonoma standards or as approved by the fire code official, as may be amended from time to time. Any hydrant marker damaged or removed during the course of street construction or repair shall be immediately replaced by the contractor, developer or person responsible for removal or damage.

Add a new subsection 901.6.3.2 to read as follows:
901.6.3.2 Records Reporting. Fire detection, alarm, and extinguishing systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Non-required fire protection systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested, and maintained or removed. All inspection, testing and maintenance reports shall be forwarded to the Fire Department in the manner approved by the Fire Authority and referenced by policy manual or published Standards and Guidelines.

Add subsection 901.11 to read as follows:
901.11 Notice of Nuisance Alarm. The officer in charge of fire units responding to a fire alarm signal shall determine whether a true emergency exists. If the officer determines that an emergency does not exist, the chief of the local fire agency or his/her authorized representative may issue a written notice of nuisance alarm to the owner or person in charge or control of the facility where the alarm signal originated.

Add subsection 901.12 to read as follows:
901.12 Unreliable Fire Alarm Systems. The fire chief of the local fire agency or his/her authorized representative may determine that a fire alarm system is unreliable upon receipt of more than four (4) nuisance alarms within a twelve (12) month period. Upon finding that an alarm system is unreliable, the fire chief of the local fire agency or his/her authorized representative may order the following:

1. For any nuisance alarm where the system is not restored, the fire chief may require the system owner to provide standby personnel as defined by Section 901.7 or take such other measures, as the fire chief deems appropriate. Persons or activities required by the fire chief shall remain in place until a fire department approved fire alarm maintenance firm certifies in writing to the fire chief that the alarm system has been restored to a reliable condition. The fire chief may require such tests, as he deems necessary to demonstrate the adequacy of the system.

2. Upon the fifth (5th) and sixth (6th) nuisance alarms from the alarm system within a twelve- (12) month period, the system owner shall pay a mitigation fee to the fire department of $150.00, plus the cost of fire engine response, for each occurrence.

3. Upon the seventh (7th) and eighth (8th) nuisance alarms from the alarm system within a twelve- (12) month period, the system owner shall pay a mitigation fee to the fire department of $300.00, plus the cost of fire engine response for each occurrence.

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4. Upon the ninth (9th) and following nuisance alarms from the alarm system within a twelve (12) month period, the system owner shall pay a mitigation fee to the fire department of $500.00, plus the cost of fire engine response, for each occurrence.

Add subsection 901.12.1 to read as follows:
901.12.1 Hearing on notice. Any person receiving a notice of nuisance alarm who contends that the Fire Chief erroneously determined that the fire alarm system was not functioning as designed, may file a written request with the Fire Chief for a hearing on the determination within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice of nuisance alarm. The Fire Chief shall give the requesting party a hearing on the determination within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request.

The request shall set forth: (1) that the system functioned as designed, or (2) that the nuisance alarm resulted from an act of God, flooding, or other violent natural condition without fault and beyond the control of the requesting party. Within ten (10) days following the hearing, the chief shall give written notice of his or her decision to the requesting party.

Amend subsection 903.2 by deleting subsections 903.2 through 903.2.11.3 and replacing to read as follows:
903.2 Where required. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in all new buildings, structures and new factory-built housing for which a building permit is required and in existing buildings and structures upon a remodel or addition.

Exceptions:

1. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system and are separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers consisting of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated walls and 2-hour fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling assemblies.

2. Detached buildings used exclusively as a Group U Occupancy.

3. Detached buildings accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are not classified as a dwelling unit or a Group U Occupancy and do not exceed 1,000 square feet in gross floor area.

4. Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units, as defined in Sonoma Municipal Code Section 19.92.020, that meet the requirements of Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 19.45 and the existing primary residence does not have installed and is not required to install an automatic residential sprinkler system.

5. Shipping containers used as a Group S, Division 2 Occupancy.

6. Unless otherwise required by other sections of the code, a sprinkler system shall not be required when all of the following are met:
a. The addition of floor area to a building results in a total floor area for the building of less than 4,000 square feet or the addition is less than ten percent (10%) of the existing floor area of the building; and
b. The cumulative total building permit valuation for all building permits issued for the subject building within any 36-month period, as determined by the building Agenda Item #8.1:

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official, is equal to or less than $150,000 for buildings containing residential uses or occupancies and equal to or less than $200,000 for all other occupancies. c. A change of use or occupancy of the building does not create a higher risk as indicated in Section 102.3 of the California Fire Code.

7. Alterations or additions made solely for the purpose of providing barrier removal pursuant to the requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and as further provided in exception #4 of California Building Code Section 11B-202.4.

8. In an existing multiple-tenant building that requires a fire sprinkler system, the fire chief has the authority to modify the fire sprinkler requirements when the intended use does not create any increase in fire danger and the cost of installing a complete fire sprinkler system throughout the entire building creates an unreasonable financial hardship, as determined by the fire chief.
[NOTE: Subsection numbers 903.2.1 through 903.2.11.3 are not being incorporated into this Chapter due to local amendments.]
Amend subsection 903.4.3 to read as follows:
903.4.3 Alarms. One exterior approved audible and visual device, located on the exterior of the building as approved by the fire code official, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.

Add subsection 903.4.3.1
903.4.3.1 Interior Alarm. If the building contains sleeping rooms, the interior alarm shall be located in or adjacent to one or more of these rooms. Otherwise, the interior alarm should be placed at a constantly attended location, or as a secondary alternative, the alarm shall be located where people are likely to be present whenever the building is occupied.

Amend subsection 903.6
903.6 Where required in existing buildings and structures. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 and Section 903.2.

Amend subsection 905.3 to read as follows:

Standpipe systems shall be installed where required by Sections 905.3.1 through 905.3.12.

Standpipe systems are allowed to be combined with automatic sprinkler systems.

Exception: Standpipe systems are not required in Group R-3 occupancies.

Amend subsection 905.3.1 to read as follows:
905.3.1 Height. In other than R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies, Class III standpipe systems shall be installed throughout at each floor level where any of the following occur:

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1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

2. Buildings that are three or more stories in height.

3. Buildings where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

4. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

5. On the roof of buildings three or more stories in height when required by the fire code official.

Exceptions:

1. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

2. Class I standpipes are allowed in Group B and E Occupancies.

3. Class I standpipes are allowed in parking garages.

4. Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.

5. In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, it shall not be required to consider:

5.1 Recessed loading docks for four vehicles or less, and

5.2 Conditions where topography makes access from the fire department vehicle to the building impractical or impossible.

5.3 When determined by the Fire Code Official a standpipe is not warranted in threestory buildings.

Add subsection 905.3.11
905.3.11 Lithium, lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte in vehicles.

Group S-2 public parking garages shall be equipped with Class I standpipe systems extended to have hose connections located within 100 feet of where lithium, lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte battery vehicles may park.

Delete Exception 2 in subsection 905.9 pertaining to valve supervision.

Add subsection 907.8.5 to read as follows:
907.8.5 Fire Alarm Service/Certification Stickers/Tags.  Upon completion of each annual fire alarm service, the licensed fire alarm contractor providing the service shall affix a certification sticker or tag to the front of the main fire alarm panel which indicates the name of the fire alarm company, the date of the service, and the State license number.

Add subsection 910.2.3 to read as follows:
910.2.3 Lithium, lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte in vehicles. Enclosed Group S-2 public parking garages occupancy buildings having lithium, lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte in vehicles shall be provided with a mechanical smoke removal system in accordance with 910.4.

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Amend subsection 912.2 to read as follows:
912.2 Location. With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, fire department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and hose connected to supply the system will not obstruct access to the buildings for other fire apparatus. The location of the fire department connections shall be within 50 feet of a fire hydrant or as approved by the fire code official (Also see Section 507.5.1.1).

Amend subsection 912.4.1 to read as follows:
912.4.1 Locking Fire Department Connection Caps. KNOX Brand locking FDC Caps keyed to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction are required.

Add subsection 914.12 to read as follows:
914.12 Type 3 winery caves. Type 3 winery caves, as defined in chapter 446 of the California Building Code, shall comply with the following:
914.12.1. Manual fire alarm system. A manual fire alarm system complying with this code shall be installed in existing Type 3 winery caves unless equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 903.3.1.1. The fire alarm system shall activate the occupant notification system in accordance with 907.5 when the occupant load exceeds 100 occupants. 914.12.2 Automatic fire sprinkler system. An automatic fire sprinkler system complying with NFPA 13 shall be installed in all new Type 3 winery caves when the occupant load exceeds 100 occupants, or when a change of use in an existing winery cave is approved by the fire code official.

Add new subsection 3315.3 to read as follows:
3315.3 Where required. In buildings of combustible construction required to have automatic sprinkler system by Section 903, automatic sprinkler system shall be installed prior to construction exceeding 40 feet (12,192 mm) in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Such automatic sprinkler system shall be extended as construction progresses to within one floor of the highest point of construction having secured decking or flooring.

Add new subsection 3315.4 to read as follows:
3315.4 Buildings being partially demolished. Where a portion of a building is being demolished and a sprinkler system exists within such a building, such sprinkler system shall be maintained in an operable condition so as to be available for use by the fire department. Such sprinkler system may be partially demolished with the existing building but shall not be demolished more than one floor below the floor being demolished.

Add subsection 3901.6 to read as follows:
3901.6 Technical Assistance Report. A Technical Assistance Report (TAR) shall be required for all new extraction and processing facilities as set forth in Section 104.8.2 to provide a complete analysis of the facility and operations. Additional Technical Reports are required for extraction equipment not listed I accordance with UL 1389 as set forth in Section 3904.2.

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Amend subsection 3903.2 to read as follows:
3903.2 Prohibited occupancies. Extraction processes utilizing flammable gases or flammable liquids shall not be located in a building containing a Group A, E, I or R occupancy, or occupancies regulated by the California Residential Code.

Amend subsection 3903.3 to read as follows:
3903.3 Location. The extraction equipment and extraction processes utilizing hydrocarbon solvents shall be located in a room or area dedicated to extraction. For other than CO2 and nonhazardous extraction process, the extraction equipment and process shall be separated from other occupancies and uses with fire barriers where required by Section 508.4.

Amend subsection 3903.5 to read as follows:
3903.5 Use of flammable and combustible liquids. Extraction and post oil processing operations using flammable liquids or combustible liquids heated above their flashpoint, including dispensing of flammable liquids between containers, shall be performed in one of the following locations:

1. An exhausted chemical fume hood installed in accordance with the California Building Code and California Mechanical Code.

2. A room or approved exhausted enclosure with an approved exhaust system installed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code.

Electrical equipment used within the chemical fume hood shall be rated for use in flammable atmospheres. Heating of flammable or combustible liquids over an open flame is prohibited.

Exception 1: The use of a heating element not rated for flammable atmospheres, where documentation from the manufacture, or approved testing laboratory indicates the element is rated for heating of flammable liquids.

Exception 2: Unheated processes at atmospheric pressure using less than 16 oz. (473 ml) of flammable liquids shall not be required to comply with 3903.5(1) or 3903.5(2).

Add subsection 3903.5.1 to read as follows:
3903.5.1 Electrical components. All electrical components within the chemical fume hood, room, or exhausted enclosure shall be approved permanent wiring, interlocked such that the exhaust system shall be in operation for lighting and components to be used.

Add subsection 3903.5.2 to read as follows:
3903.5.2 Refrigerators, Freezers, and Cooling Equipment. Refrigerators, freezers, and other cooling equipment used to store of cool flammable liquids shall be listed for the storage of flammable/combustible liquids or shall be listed for Class I, Division 1 locations, as described in the California Electrical Code.

Amend subsection 3903.6 to read as follows:

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3903.6 Liquefied petroleum gas. Liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) shall not be released to the atmosphere except where released in accordance with Section 7.3 of NFPA 58. LPG liquid piping systems shall be in compliance with California Fire Code Chapter 61.

Add subsection 3903.6.1 to read as follows:
3903.6.1 Exhaust. An approved exhaust system shall be provided for LPG extractions.

Add subsection 3903.6.1.1 to read as follows:
3903.6.1.1 Installation. The exhaust systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the California Mechanical Code.

Add subsection 3903.6.1.2 to read as follows:
3903.6.1.2 Processes. All LPG extraction operations, including processes for off-gassing spent plant material and oil retrieval, shall be conducted within a chemical fume hood, enclosure, or room in compliance with the California Mechanical Code.

Add subsection 3903.6.2 to read as follows:
3903.6.2 Electrical Systems Electrical equipment shall be in accordance with Section 3903.6.2.1 through 3906.2.5.

Add subsection 3903.6.2.1 to read as follows:
3903.6.2.1 Electrical Bonding and grounding. All conductive equipment and conductive objects within the exhaust room shall be bonded and grounded in accordance with California Electrical Code.

Add subsection 3903.6.2.2 is to read as follows:
3903.6.2.2 Classified Areas. The area within a hood or enclosure used for LPG extractions shall be classified as a Class 1, Division 1 hazardous location in accordance with the California Electrical Code. Areas adjacent to Class 1, Division 1 locations shall be classified in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

Add subsection 3903.6.2.4 to read as follows:
3903.6.2.4 Emergency Power. An automatic emergency power system shall be provided for the following items, when installed:

1. Extraction room lighting

2. Extraction room ventilation system

3. Solvent gas detection system
Exception: Except where required by other sections of this code, extraction room ventilation systems in existing facilities are not required to have a secondary power source, such as emergency or standby power until such time that the medium of extraction or solvent is changed.

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Add subsection 3903.6.2.5 to read as follows:
3903.6.2.5 Gas detection systems. Gas detection systems shall be provided with constant non-interlocked power.

Add subsection 3903.7 to read as follows:
3903.7 Means of Egress. For extraction rooms using hazardous materials, each room shall be provided with at least one exit access door complying with the following:

1. The door shall swing in the direction of egress travel.

2. The door shall be provided with a self-closing or automatic closing device.

3. The door shall be equipped with panic or fire exit hardware.

4. The exit access travel distance cannot be increased as allowed in CFC Section 1017.2.2 for extraction/cultivation facilities.

Add subsection 3903.8 to read as follows:
3903.8 Carbon Dioxide Extraction. Carbon dioxide extraction shall comply with sections 3903.8.1, 3903.8.2, and 3903.8.3.

Add subsection 3903.8.1 to read as follows:
3903.8.1 Storage and Handling. All carbon dioxide compressed gas cylinders shall be secured in approved method to prevent falling.

Add subsection 3903.8.2 to read as follows:
3903.8.2 Carbon Dioxide Gas Detection. An approved, listed carbon dioxide detection system complying with CFC Section 5307.4 shall be installed in the carbon dioxide extraction room.

Auto-calibrating and self-zeroing devices or detectors shall be prohibited.

Add subsection 3903.8.3 to read as follows:
3903.8.3 Carbon Dioxide Discharge. The extraction equipment pressure relief devices and blow-off valves shall be piped to the exterior of the building.

Add subsection 3903.9 to read as follows:
3903.9. Signage. The NFPA 704 hazard rating diamond sign, minimum 10” in size, and no smoking signs shall be posted on the exterior of the extraction room door.

Add subsection 3903.9.1 to read as follows:
3903.9.1 Safety data sheets. All applicable safety data sheets (SDS) shall be posted in the approved location.

Add subsection 3903.9.2 to read as follows:
3903.9.2 Warning signage. Applicable hazard warning signage shall be posted throughout the facility as applicable for emergency equipment.

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Amend subsection 3904.2.2.3 to read as follows:
3904.2.2.3 Site inspection. Prior to the operation of the extraction equipment, where required by the fire code official, the engineer of record or approved professional, as approved in Section 3904.2, shall inspect the site of the extraction process once equipment has been installed for compliance with the technical report and the building analysis. The engineer of record or approved professional shall provide a report of findings and observations to the fire code official prior to the approval of the extraction process. The field inspection report authored by the engineer of record shall include the serial number of the equipment used in the process and shall confirm that the equipment installed is the same model and type of equipment identified in the technical report.

Add subsection 3904.3 to read as follows:
3904.3 Change of Extraction Medium. Where the medium of extraction or solvent is changed from the material indicated in the technical report or as required by the manufacturer, the technical report shall be revised at the cost of the facility owner and submitted for review and approval by the fire code official prior to the use of the equipment with the new medium or solvent.

Add subsection 5608.1.2 to read as follows:
5608.1.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.6 and Chapter 9.21 of the Sonoma Municipal Code prior to the performance of any firework display. Application for such approval shall be made in writing no less than twenty (20) days prior to the proposed display. The application shall be considered and acted upon by the fire code official or authorized designee pursuant to this Chapter and Title 19, Chapter 6, Article 3 - Licenses of the California Code of Regulations. Any permit for a fireworks display may be suspended or revoked at any time by the Fire code official or authorized designee.

Add subsection 5608.2 to read as follows:
5608.2 Limitations. Possession, storage, offer or expose for sale, sell at retail, gift or give away, use, explode, discharge, or in any manner dispose of fireworks is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of the districts in which such possession, storage, offer or exposure for sale, retail sale, gifting, use, explosion, discharge, or disposal of fireworks is prohibited (see Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 9.21) Exception: Firework displays authorized pursuant to section 5608.1 for which a permit has been issued.

Add subsection 5704.1.1 to read as follows:
5704.1.1 Tanks Storage prohibited. No existing aboveground tanks for the storage of Class I and Class II liquids outside of buildings (except LPG-Propane) shall be permitted on mercantile, residential, and other congested parcels. Existing tanks on such parcels shall be removed within one (1) year after written notice from the fire code official.

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Add subsection 5704.1.2 to read as follows:
5704.1.2 Tank Storage - Other locations. New aboveground tanks for storage of Class I and II liquids on parcels not covered under Section 5704.1.2 shall be enclosed in a flammable liquid storage vault constructed in accordance with the standards of the fire department. Existing tanks on such parcels shall conform to new within one (1) year after written notice from the fire code official.

Add subsection 5704.1.3 to read as follows:
5704.1.3 Existing Tank Storage. Existing tank storage shall meet the requirements of new tank installations within one year of notice from the fire code official.

Delete section 5707 On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations.

Amend subsection 5806.2 to read as follows:
5806.2 Limitations. Storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of the districts in which such storage is prohibited in any area as established by applicable landuse and zoning standards.

Add subsection 6104.2 to read as follows:
6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits. Within the limits established by law restricting the storage of liquefied petroleum gas for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons in any area as established by applicable landuse and zoning standards.

Exception: The capacity limit may be reduced by the fire code official, based on evaluating special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, and proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed LP-gas containers, degree of fire protection to be provided and capabilities of the local fire department.

Add subsection 6107.5 to read as follows:
6107.5 Anchoring. An approved anchoring system shall be installed on all permanently installed propane/LPG gas containers.

Amend Chapter 80 - Referenced Standard NFPA 13D-22: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes as follows:

Add a double asterisk note following the single asterisk note to read:
**NFPA 13D, additional amended sections as follows:

Add subsection 7.6.1 to read as follows:

7.6.1 Interior Alarm - reference amended CFC 903.4.2.1 Interior Alarm. If the building contains sleeping rooms, the interior alarm shall be located in or adjacent to one or more of these rooms. Otherwise, the interior alarm should be placed at a constantly attended location, or Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 90 of 114 ends

as a secondary alternative, the alarm shall be located where people are likely to be present whenever the building is occupied.

Amend Appendix B, subsection B101.1 to read as follows:

B101.1 Scope. The procedure for determining fire-flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed shall be in accordance with this appendix. This appendix does not apply to structures other than buildings. Design and construction shall be in accordance with the following sections unless otherwise authorized by the fire code official in accordance with 104.9 Alternative Materials and methods.

Amend the definition of FIRE-FLOW in Appendix B, subsection B102.1 to read as follows:

FIRE-FLOW. The flow rate of a water supply, measured at 20 pounds per square inch (psi) (138 kPa) residual pressure, measured in the water main in the vicinity of the flowing hydrant, that is available for firefighting.

Amend the definition of FIRE-FLOW CALCULATION AREA in Appendix B, subsection B102.1 to read as follows:

FIRE-FLOW CALCULATION AREA. The floor area, in square feet, used to determine the required fire flow. The fire-flow calculation area or floor area shall be the total floor area of all floor levels within the exterior walls that are under the horizontal projection of the roof.

Amend Appendix B, subsection B105.1 to read as follows:

B105.1 One- and two-family dwellings. The minimum fire-flow requirements for one- and twofamily dwellings having a fire-flow calculation area which does not exceed 3,600 square feet (344.5 m2) shall be 1500 gallons per minute (3785.4 L/min). Fire-flow and flow duration for dwellings having a fire-flow calculation area in excess of 3,600 square feet (344.5 m2) shall not be less than that specified in Table B 105.1.

Exception: A reduction in required fire-flow of up to 50 percent, as approved, may be allowed when the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system Amend Appendix B, subsection B105.2 to read as follows:

B105.2 Buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings. The minimum fire-flow and flow duration for buildings other than one-and two-family dwellings shall be as specified in Table B105.1.

Exception: A reduction in required fire-flow of up to 50 percent, as approved, may be allowed when the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. The resulting fire-flow shall not be less than 2,000 gallons per minute (5678 l/min) for the prescribed duration as specified in Table B 105.1.

Amend Appendix B, Table B105.1 by deleting footnote a).

Amend Appendix C, subsection C102 to read as follows:

Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 91 of 114 ends

C102.1 Fire Hydrant Locations. Where fire hydrants are required, fire hydrants shall be provided along required fire apparatus access roads and adjacent public streets, and a fire hydrant shall be located within 50 feet of the Fire Department Connection (FDC), or as approved by the fire code official.

Amend Appendix D, Section D101 to read as follows:

D101.1 Scope. Fire apparatus access roads shall be in accordance with this appendix as amended and all other applicable requirements of the International Fire Code. This section applies to residential and commercial developments. Design and construction shall be in accordance with the following sections unless otherwise authorized by the fire code official, in accordance with 104.9 Alternative Materials and methods.

Amend Appendix D, subsection D103.1 to read as follows:

D103.1 Access road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a fire apparatus access road, the minimum road width shall be determined by the fire code official.

Amend Appendix D, subsection D103.2 to read as follows:

D103.2 Grade. The grade of fire apparatus access roads shall be in accordance with the local agency requirement for public streets or as approved by the fire code official.

Amend Appendix D, subsection D103.3 to read as follows:

D103.3 Turning radius. The minimum turning radius shall be determined by the fire code official.

Amend Appendix D, subsection D103.4 to read as follows:

D103.4 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm) shall be provided with width and turnaround provisions in accordance with the local agency requirements for public streets or as approved by the fire code official.

Amend Appendix D, subsection D103.4 by deleting Table D103.4:

Amend Appendix D, subsection D103.6 to read as follows:

D103.6 Signs. Where required by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be marked with permanent NO PARKING-FIRE LANE signs complying with figure D103.6 and or the California Vehicle Code.

Amend Appendix D, subsection D104.2 to read as follows:
(The exception to D104.2 is deleted)
Amend Appendix D, subsection D106.1 to read as follows:

D106.1 Projects having more than 50 dwelling units. Multiple-family residential projects having more than 50 dwelling units shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 92 of 114 ends

(The exception to D106.1 is deleted)
Amend Appendix D subsection D106 by deleting subsection D106.2.

Add Appendix D subsection D106.4 to read as follows:

D106.4 Multi-residential projects having more than 50 dwelling units. Hotels, motels, condominiums, apartments, townhouses and similar multi-residential projects having more than 50 dwelling units shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Amend Appendix D, subsection D107.1 to read as follows:

D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments. Developments of one- and two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 50 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads and shall meet the requirements of section D104.3.
(The exceptions to D107.1 are deleted.)

14.10.045 California Green Building Code amendments.

A. The 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is amended as follows:

Amend Subsection 301.1 [subsection 301.1.1 remains unchanged] to require a Tier 1 level of compliance (except Tier 1 energy) to read as follows:
301.1 Scope. Buildings shall be designed to include the green building measures specified as mandatory in Chapters 4 and 5 of this code, as applicable. Newly constructed buildings shall also be designed and constructed to include the prerequisite and applicable elective measures to achieve Tier 1 status as prescribed in Appendix A4 and A5 of this code, as applicable, except that the energy efficiency measures set forth in Appendix A4 Division A4.2 and Appendix A5 and Division A5.2 shall not be required. Additions and alterations shall meet the requirements of Section 301 but shall not be required to meet Tier 1 status as prescribed in Appendix A4 or A5 of this code, as otherwise applicable. The building official shall develop CALGreen application checklists to be included in the design and used for construction of structures covered by this code. All buildings subject to the requirements of this code shall meet all applicable requirements of the California Energy Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6).

B. The 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is further amended as follows:

Adopt by reference and add Appendix Chapter A4 (Residential Voluntary Measures) and Appendix Chapter A5 (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures) of the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code appendices.

Amend the title and explanatory note of Appendix A4 to read as follows:

Appendix A4
Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 93 of 114 ends

Supplementary Residential Mandatory and Elective Measures The measures contained herein that are necessary to achieve Tier 1 status shall be mandatory pursuant Section 301.1 of this code.

Amend Appendix Section A4.201.1 to read as follows:

A4.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of meeting mandatory Tier 1 status pursuant to Section 301.1 of this code, compliance with the provisions contained in this Appendix A4 Division A4.2 (Energy Efficiency) shall not be required. The provisions contained in this Appendix A4 Division A4.2 are entirely voluntary and are intended only as a means to encourage buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

Amend Item 2 in Appendix Section A4.601.4.2 to read as follows:

2. From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency.

2.1. No requirements for this division.

Amend the note in the last paragraph of Appendix Section A4.601.4.2 to read as follows:

Note: Checklists authorized by the building official shall be used to show the mandatory and Tier 1 elective measures that will be incorporated into the project to show compliance with the provisions of Appendix A4.

Delete Appendix Section A4.602 (Residential Occupancies Application Checklist) in its entirety.

Delete Appendix Division A4.7 (Residential Model Ordinance) in its entirety.

Amend the title and explanatory note of Appendix A5 to read as follows:

Appendix A5
Supplementary Nonresidential Mandatory and Elective Measures The measures contained herein that are necessary to achieve Tier 1 status shall be mandatory pursuant Section 301.1 of this code.

Amend Appendix Section A5.201.1 to read as follows:

A5.201.1 Scope. For the purposes of meeting mandatory Tier 1 status pursuant to Section 301.1 of this code, compliance with the provisions contained in this Appendix A5 Division A5.2 shall not be required. The provisions contained in this Appendix A5 Division A5.2 are entirely voluntary and are intended only as a means to encourage buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

Amend the first paragraph in Appendix Section A5.601.2.3 to read as follows:

A5.601.2.3 Tier 1. For the purposes of meeting mandatory Tier 1 status pursuant to Section 301.1 of this code, compliance with the provisions contained in Section A5.201 shall not be required. The provisions of Section A5.201 are entirely voluntary and are intended only as a means to encourage buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 94 of 114 ends

Amend the first paragraph in Appendix Section A5.601.2.4 to read as follows:

A5.601.2.4 Measures for Tier 1. In addition to the provisions of Section A5.601.2.1 above, compliance with the following measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 1.

In Table A5.601 (Nonresidential Buildings), delete the row, references, and requirements for Division

5.2 (Energy Efficiency) in its entirety.

Delete Appendix Section A5.602 (Nonresidential Occupancies Application Checklists) in its entirety and replace to read as follows:

A5.602 Nonresidential Occupancies Application Checklists. Checklists authorized by the building official shall be used to show the mandatory and Tier 1 elective measures that will be incorporated into the project to show compliance with the provisions of Appendix A5.

14.10.050 California Existing Building Code amendments.

A. The 2025 California Existing Building Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is amended by adopting by reference and adding the following appendices:
1) Appendix Chapter A1 – Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Wall Buildings.
2) Appendix Chapter A2 – Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Reinforced Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms. 3) Appendix Chapter A3 – Prescriptive Provisions for Seismic Strengthening of Cripple Walls and Sill Plate Anchorage of Light Wood-Frame Residential Buildings. 4) Appendix Chapter A4 – Earthquake Risk Reduction in Wood-Frame Residential Buildings with Soft, Weak or Open Front Walls.

Amend the first sentence in Appendix Chapter A3 Section A301.2 to read as follows:

A301.2 Scope. The provisions of this chapter are voluntary and may be applied to residential light-frame wood construction containing one or more of the structural weaknesses specified in Section A303.

Amend the first sentence in Appendix Chapter A4 Section A401.2 to read as follows:

A401.2 Scope. The provisions of this chapter are voluntary and may be applied to all existing structures that are subject to the requirements of California Residential Code or existing Group R-1 and, R-2 Occupancy buildings of wood construction, or portions thereof, where the structure has a soft, weak or open-front wall line and there exists one or more stories above.

B. The 2025 California Existing Building Code, as adopted by Section 14.10.005, is further amended as follows:

Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 95 of 114 ends

Amend subsection 506.1 to read as follows:
506.1 Compliance. No change shall be made in the use, character of use, occupancy or occupancy classification of any building unless such building is made to comply with the applicable provisions of the California Building Standards Code for the new use or occupancy.

Subject to the approval of the building official, the use or occupancy of existing buildings shall be permitted to be changed and the building may be occupied for purposes in other groups or occupancy classifications without conforming to all of the requirements of this code for those uses, groups or occupancy classifications, provided the new or proposed use complies with the energy and accessibility requirements of the California Building Standards Code for the intended use and provided further that the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life safety, exiting and fire risk, than the existing use.

Exception: The building need not be made to comply with Chapter 16 of the California Building Code unless required by Section 506.5.

Delete subsection 506.1.1 in its entirety.

14.10.055 Board of appeals.

The city council is designated as the board of appeals in order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official or the fire chief relative to the application and interpretation of the construction codes adopted by the City within this Chapter. The procedure for appeals shall be established in Section 14.10.010.

14.10.060 Modification of fee schedules.

All fees set forth in sections of the Codes adopted by reference and amended by the City in this Chapter shall be as set forth by resolution of the city council.

14.10.065 Enforcement Authority.

Unless otherwise provided by ordinance or resolution of the city council, the building official of the City is the enforcement officer for all provisions of the technical codes adopted herein except that the fire chief of the City shall be the enforcement officer for all provisions of the California Fire Code and amendments thereto and all building standards adopted by and subject to the enforcement authority of the California State Fire Marshal and published in the State Building Standards Code relating to fire and panic safety and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal.

Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 96 of 114 ends

Exhibit B
Reasons for Local Amendments

Page 1 of 18 ends

Code / Action / Section to be
Added or Amended
[NEW] Identifies a
substantive new
amendment not
previously adopted by
the City Council.

Reason for Amendment Finding of
Necessity #
17958(b),
17958.5(c)
and
17958.7(c)
Finding
Technical Codes Adopted
Revise Sonoma Municipal
Code Section 14.10.005
Technical Codes Adopted
Revise the versions of the technical codes to be adopted and provide correct references to their respective base codes.

Admin NA
Administrative Provisions
Amend subsections under
Section 101
Clarify the application and scope of the technical codes as it relates to the Administrative Provisions to align with the intent of the technical codes.

Admin 1
Revise Section 105.2 - Work
exempt from permit.

Revise to clarify that accessory buildings used as habitable space, workshops, studios, offices, pool houses, guest rooms,
mechanical or equipment rooms, or other rooms or spaces commonly occupied or used to shelter installed mechanical equipment require a building permit.

Admin 1
Revise Section 109.4
Investigation fee
Revise to clarify who sets the fees and how the fee will be charged. Admin 1 Revise Section 113 Means of
Appeals
Section 113.12 was added to clarify that the building official shall take action in accordance with the decision of the board of appeals.

Admin 1
2025 California Building Code
Revise Section 202
Definitions
Revisions include additional definitions to clarify or reference other definitions provided in the Building Code or Sonoma Municipal Code. 1,2,3,4 1
Revise Section 1612.3
Establishment of Flood
Hazard Areas
Revise this section to establish and reference the City Flood Hazard Maps on which the flood hazard regulations will be based.
3 1
Adopt Appendix H – Signs Provides provisions for the safe installation of signs not otherwise covered by the code. This appendix chapter has previously been adopted by the City Council. 1,2 1
Adopt Appendix I – Patio
Covers
Provides construction provisions for patio covers that are not otherwise specifically specified in the main body of the code. This appendix chapter has previously been adopted by the City Council This appendix chapter has previously been adopted by the City Council.
1,2 1
Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 97 of 114 ends

Exhibit B
Reasons for Local Amendments

Page 2 of 18 ends

Code / Action / Section to be
Added or Amended
[NEW] Identifies a
substantive new
amendment not
previously adopted by
the City Council.

Reason for Amendment Finding of
Necessity #
17958(b),
17958.5(c)
and
17958.7(c)
Finding
Adopt Appendix O –
Emergency Housing
Provides alternative minimum construction provisions for emergency housing during a declaration of a state of emergency, local emergency or shelter crises pursuant to the Government Code. This appendix chapter has previously been adopted by the City Council.
1,2 1
2025 California Residential Code
Adopt Appendix AH – Patio
Covers
Provides alternative minimum construction provisions that relaxes various requirements in the body of the code as they apply to patio covers. This appendix chapter has previously been adopted by the City Council. 1 1
Adopt Appendix AQ – Tiny
Houses
Relaxes various requirements in the body of the code as they apply to houses that are 400 square feet in area or less. Attention is specifically paid to features such as compact stairs, including stair handrails and headroom, ladders, reduced ceiling heights in lofts and guard and emergency escape and rescue opening requirements at lofts. This appendix chapter has previously been
adopted by the City Council.
1 1
Adopt Appendix AS –
Strawbale Construction
The use of strawbale construction has steadily increased since the 1980s such that there are now buildings of strawbale construction in every state in the U.S. and in more than 50 countries around the globe. Estimates are that there are over 1,000 buildings of strawbale construction in California alone, including both residential and commercial buildings. Appendix S provides prescriptive requirements for the construction of exterior and interior strawbale walls, both structural and nonstructural, in buildings that are under the scope of this code. This appendix chapter has previously been adopted by the City Council. 1 1
Adopt Appendix AX –
Swimming Pools, Spas and
Hot Tubs
Provides pool barrier and anti-drowning provisions for residential occupancies consistent with the requirements of the California Building Code and the California Health and Safety Code (Swimming Pool Safety Act). This appendix chapter has previously been adopted by the City Council.
1 1
Adopt Appendix Chapter AZ -
Emergency Housing
Provides alternative minimum construction provisions for emergency housing during a declaration of a state of emergency, local emergency or shelter crises pursuant to the Government Code. This appendix chapter has previously been adopted by the City Council.
1 1
Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 98 of 114 ends

Exhibit B
Reasons for Local Amendments

Page 3 of 18 ends

Code / Action / Section to be
Added or Amended
[NEW] Identifies a
substantive new
amendment not
previously adopted by
the City Council.

Reason for Amendment Finding of
Necessity #
17958(b),
17958.5(c)
and
17958.7(c)
Finding
Revise Table R301.2. Added climatic and geographic design criteria to Table R301.2 as needed for the City of Sonoma.
1,4 1
Add Exception 3 to section
R302.3.1
To conform with the requirements of CA Government Code 65852.22(e), eliminate the requirement for a fire-rated wall or floor assembly between a dwelling unit and a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit by adding Exception to section R302.3.1. 1,2,4 1
Revise the Exception in
subsection R313.1
This exception is revised to stipulate that an automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed unless otherwise required by the Fire Code. This is to clarify that the Fire Code, as amended by the City, must be met as it pertains to triggering sprinkler systems. This revision is needed to conform with the requirements of the Fire Code as amended. 1,2,4 1
Revise and replace
subsection R313.2 in its
entirety, including the
exceptions and subsection
R313.2.1
This amendment clarifies that the Fire Code, as amended by the City, must be met as it pertains to triggering sprinkler systems for one- and two-family dwellings and accessory dwelling units. The amendment also clarifies the NFPA standard to be used for the design when required. This revision is needed to conform with the requirements of the Fire Code as amended and Government Code Section 65852.2. 1,2,4 1
2025 California Mechanical Code
Adopt Appendix B
(Procedures to be Followed to
Place Gas Equipment into
Operation)
This proposed amendment provides necessary safety procedures to follow to place gas equipment into operation.
1,2 1
Adopt Appendix C
(Installation and Testing of Oil
(Liquid) Fuel-Fired
Equipment)
This proposed amendment provides necessary safety procedures for the installation and testing of oil (liquid) fuel-fired equipment.
1,2 1
2025 California Plumbing Code
Adopt Appendix A
(Recommended Rules for
Sizing the Water Supply
System).

Adds guidance and requirements for sizing water supply systems not otherwise covered by the code.
1,2,3,4 1
Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 99 of 114 ends

Exhibit B
Reasons for Local Amendments

Page 4 of 18 ends

Code / Action / Section to be
Added or Amended
[NEW] Identifies a
substantive new
amendment not
previously adopted by
the City Council.

Reason for Amendment Finding of
Necessity #
17958(b),
17958.5(c)
and
17958.7(c)
Finding
Adopt Appendix B
(Explanatory Notes on
Combination Waste and Vent
Systems)
Adds guidance sizing combination waste and vent systems not otherwise covered by the code.
1,2,3,4 1
Adopt Appendix D (Sizing
Stormwater Drainage
Systems)
Adds guidance and requirements for sizing stormwater systems not otherwise covered by the code.
1,2,3,4 1
Adopt Appendix E
(Manufactured/Mobile Home
Parks and Recreational
Vehicle Parks)
Provides requirements for Manufactured/Mobile Home and RV Parks not otherwise covered by the code.
1,2,3,4 1
Adopt Appendix H (Private
Sewage Disposal Systems)
Provides requirements for private sewage disposal systems (regulated and enforced by the Department of Health Services).
1,2,3,4 1
Adopt Appendix I (Installation
Standards)
Provides needed installation standards to complement the plumbing code. 1,2,3,4 1 Adopt Appendix J
(Combination of Indoor and
Outdoor Combustion and
Ventilation Opening Design)
Provides an alternative design for combination of indoor and outdoor combustion and ventilation openings.
1,2,3,4 1
Amend Section 713.4 related
to public sewer availability.

This amendment is needed to be consistent with the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District Code.
3 1
[New] Revise Section 1211.8
Earthquake Actuated Gas
Shutoff Valves
This amendment provides for non-residential structures by requiring automatic shutoff valves which activate in the event of an earthquake.2 NA 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Amend 101.3 Purpose Provides clarification of the location of VHFHS maps that were adopted in 2025.

There were no hazards areas prior.
1 6
2025 California Fire Code
Adopt Appendix Chapter 4-
Special Detailed
Requirements Based on Use
and Occupancy
Provides needed special detailed requirements based on use and occupancy for residential care facilities licensed by governmental agencies. 1,2,3,4 1
Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 100 of 114 ends

Exhibit B
Reasons for Local Amendments

Page 5 of 18 ends

Code / Action / Section to be
Added or Amended
[NEW] Identifies a
substantive new
amendment not
previously adopted by
the City Council.

Reason for Amendment Finding of
Necessity #
17958(b),
17958.5(c)
and
17958.7(c)
Finding
Adopt Appendix Chapter B –
Fire Flow Requirements for
Buildings
Provides a needed procedure for calculating the amount of water needed for firefighting purposes in portions of buildings or buildings hereafter constructed. 1,2,3,4 1
Adopt Appendix Chapter BB –
Fire Flow Requirements for
Buildings
Provides a needed procedure for calculating the amount of water needed for firefighting purposes for school buildings required by the Government Code. 1,2,3,4 1
Adopt Appendix Chapter C –
Fire Hydrant Locations and
Distribution
Provides needed recommendations for the locations and minimum distribution of fire hydrants.
1,2,3,4 1
Adopt Appendix Chapter CC -
Fire Hydrant Locations and
Distributions
Provides needed recommendations for the locations and minimum distribution of fire hydrants for school buildings required by the Government Code. 1,2,3,4 1
Adopt Appendix Chapter D Provides needed minimum specifications for fire apparatus access roads. 1,2,3,4 1 Adopt Appendix Chapter E Provides needed additional information, explanations, and examples to illustrate and clarify hazardous material categories and classifications. 1,2,3,4 1
Adopt Appendix Chapter F Provides needed firefighter warning placard designations based on hazard classification categories.
1,2,3,4 1
Adopt Appendix Chapter H Provides a template for businesses when the type and quantity of hazardous materials stored requires a Hazardous Materials Management Plan and Inventory Statement.
1,2,3,4 1
Amend Subsection 101.1 –
Title
Names this section of the Ordinance “City of Sonoma Fire Code” 1,2,3,4 1 Add Subsection 101.6 –
Policy Manual
Allows the SVFD to create and maintain a policy manual as supplemental instruction and interpretation to this code.
1,2,3,4 1
[NEW] Amend subsection
102.4 application of building
code
Changes the language of the model code highlighting that the City of Sonoma amended the code.
1,2,3,4 1
Amend Subsection 103.1 –
Creation of Agency
Names the Sonoma Valley Fire District as the code official as it relates to the 2022 CA Fire Code.
1,2,3,4 1
Amend Section 105.1.1.1
Permit Fees
Identifies the fee schedule as adopted by the Fire District as the City fee 1,2,3,4 1 Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 101 of 114 ends

Exhibit B
Reasons for Local Amendments

Page 6 of 18 ends

Code / Action / Section to be
Added or Amended
[NEW] Identifies a
substantive new
amendment not
previously adopted by
the City Council.

Reason for Amendment Finding of
Necessity #
17958(b),
17958.5(c)
and
17958.7(c)
Finding
Amend Section 105.5.59 –
Additional Permits
Adds additional required (operational) permits – Needed to be consistent with local amendments to be adopted by other Sonoma County jurisdictions. Specifically permits for fuel cell power systems. Amended to remove the term medical, and statement added when allowed by state and local zoning ordinance. Amended to add “CUPA Permit” as a required operational permit. “CUPA” means Certified Unified Program Agencies
1,2,3,4 1
Add a new Section 105.6.26 -
Local Construction Permits
Adds additional required construction permits - Needed to be consistent with local amendments to be adopted by other Sonoma County jurisdictions including a construction permit for gates across fire apparatus access roads 1,2,3,4 1
Add a new Section 107.7 –
Cost Recovery
Adds cost recovery language for fire suppression, investigation or emergency medical costs in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1, and when costs are incurred by negligence or violation of law in accordance with Government Code Section 53150
1,2,3,4 1
Amend Section 113.4 –
Failure to comply with stop
work order
Amends the code to establish that a failure to comply with a stop work order is an infraction and the penalties are set forth in Sonoma Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter

1.12. Needed to be consistent with SMC
1,2,3,4 1
[NEW] Add a new subsection
113..5 Authority to issue
citations
Amends the code empowering fire officials to take immediate action when fire-related violations are observed, improving the enforcement of fire safety regulations and ensuring a faster response to potential hazards.
1,2,3,4 6
[NEW] Amend subsection
114.4 Failure to comply
Amends the model code language with a reference to the City of Sonoma Municipal Code
1,2,3,4 6
Amend Section 202 to add
the definition of "ADDITION"
Amends the code to provide a needed definition to be consistent with previous City ordinances and policies pertaining to fire sprinkler system requirements and triggers. 1,2,3,4 1
Amend Section 202 to add
the definition of “NUISANCE
ALARM”
Provide a needed definition to be consistent with local amendments and changes to model code language.
1,2,3,4 1
Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 102 of 114 ends

Exhibit B
Reasons for Local Amendments

Page 7 of 18 ends

Code / Action / Section to be
Added or Amended
[NEW] Identifies a
substantive new
amendment not
previously adopted by
the City Council.

Reason for Amendment Finding of
Necessity #
17958(b),
17958.5(c)
and
17958.7(c)
Finding
Amend Section 202 to add
the definition of
"REMODELED”
Provide a needed definition to be consistent with previous City ordinances and policies pertaining to fire sprinkler system requirements and triggers. Establishes the trigger for requiring a fire sprinkler system in existing buildings when cosmetic or structural repairs, renovations, restorations, alterations or additions to a structure, the total valuation of which, as determined by the building official, exceeds $150,000 for buildings containing residential uses or occupancies and $200,000 for all other occupancies over any 36-month period.
1,2,3,4 1
Amend Section 202 to add
the definition of
"STRUCTURE"
Provide a needed definition to be consistent with previous City ordinances and policies pertaining to fire sprinkler system requirements and triggers. 1,2,3,4 1
Amend subsection 304.1.3 by
adding subsection 304.1.3.1 -
Combustible Vegetation
Provide a needed definition to be consistent with previous City ordinances and policies pertaining to weed abatement.
1,2,3,4 1
Add subsection 304.1.3.1 -
Defensible space
Provide a defensible space of not less than 30 feet between vacant lots and neighboring structures.
1,2,3,4 1
Amend Subsection 308.1.7 –
Sky Lanterns
Makes it illegal to release sky lanterns (open flame) within the City limits. 1,2,3,4 1 Add Subsection 311.3.1 –
Removal of debris after a fire.

Requires 10 days following notification from the Fire Chief that all debris from a fire will be removed.
1,2,3,4 1
Add a new subsection
401.3.2.1
Provides for the ability for cost recovery for Nuisance fire alarms. 1,2,3,4 1 Add a new Sub Section
401.3.2.2 – Multiple nuisance
alarm activations
Provides the ability to require occupancies that experience multiple nuisance alarm activations in a 12-month period to modify, repair, upgrade or replace the fire alarm system or service.
1,2,3,4 1
Amend subsection 501.1 –
Fire service features.

Authorizes the fire code official to authorize alternative design and construction features such as fire apparatus access roads, access to roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire protection equipment identification and access, etc., when done in accordance with Section 104.9 Alternative Materials and Methods. This code change is needed to provide flexibility in enforcement provided that the material, method or work offered is at least equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance durability and safety.
1,2,3,4 1
Agenda Item #8.1:

Page 103 of 114 ends

Sonoma City CouncilNovember 19, 2025

Sonoma City Council
November 19, 2025