Agenda packet, regular meeting — West Covina City Council, January 20, 2026 (part 1 of 2)

CITY OF WEST COVINA

CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
JANUARY 20, 2026, 7:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1444 W. GARVEY AVENUE SOUTH
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA 91790
Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor Pro Tem Ollie Cantos
Councilwoman Rosario Diaz
Councilman Brian Gutierrez
Councilman Tony Wu
Please turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices prior to entering the Council Chambers

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
The City complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you will need special assistance at a Council meeting, please call (626) 939-8433 (voice) or (626) 960-4422 (TTY) from 8am to 5pm Monday through Thursday. Please call at least one day prior to the meeting date to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is possible. For sign language interpreter services at Council meetings, please request no less than four working days prior to the meeting.

AGENDA MATERIAL
Agenda material is available for review at the City Clerk's Office, Room 317 in City Hall, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue South, West Covina and at www.westcovina.org. Any writings or documents regarding any item on this agenda, not exempt from public disclosure, provided to a majority of the City Council that is distributed less than 72 hours before the meeting, will be made available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office, Room 317 of City Hall located at 1444 W.

Garvey Avenue South, West Covina, during normal business hours.

NOTICE
The City Council will regularly convene on the first and third Tuesday of the month. The West Covina Community Development Commission, West Covina Public Financing Authority and the West Covina Community Services Foundation are agencies on which the City Council serves as members. Agendas may contain items for these boards, as necessary.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL
Any person wishing to address the City Council on any matter listed on the agenda, excluding any matter set for a public hearing, or on any other matter within their jurisdiction must complete a speaker card that is provided at the entrance to the Council Chambers and submit the card to the City Clerk prior to the commencement of Oral Communications. No speaker cards will be accepted after the commencement of Oral Communications, except at the discretion of the Presiding Officer.

Please identify on the speaker card whether you are speaking on an agenda item or non-agenda. Requests to speak on agenda items will be heard prior to requests to speak on non-agenda items. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, unless modified by the Presiding Officer or the City Council.

Any testimony or comments regarding a matter set for a public hearing will be heard during the hearing.

While members of the public are free to level criticism of City policies and the action(s) or proposed action(s) of the City Council or its members, members of the public may not engage in behavior that is disruptive to the orderly conduct of the meeting, including, but not limited to, speaking off topic, speaking beyond the speaker’s allotted time limit, making slanderous or profane remarks or using loud, threatening, or abusive language which disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting. Members of the public may not threaten any person with physical harm or act in a manner that may reasonably be interpreted as an imminent threat of physical harm. The City of West Covina will not tolerate harassment based upon a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

RULES OF DECORUM
Excerpts from the West Covina Municipal Code and Penal Code pertaining to the Rules of Decorum will be found at the end of agenda.

AGENDA
CITY OF WEST COVINA
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY

TUESDAY JANUARY 20, 2026, 7:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING

INVOCATION
Led by Pastor Mason Okubo from Immanuel First Lutheran Church

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilman Wu

ROLL CALL

REPORTING OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION

PRESENTATIONS
SB 1383 Outreach Presentation by Athens Services

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager's report on current City projects.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Three (3) minutes per speaker
Please step forward to the podium and state your name and city of residence for the record when recognized by the Mayor.

CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under CONSENT CALENDAR are considered to be routine and can be acted on by one roll call vote.

There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the City Council/Community Development Commission request specific items to be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion or action.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
1) CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 6 2026, CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR SESSION MEETING MINUTES AND THE JANUARY 20, 2026, CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY CLOSED SESSION MEETING MINUTES.

That the Council approve the January 6, 2026, City Council/Successor Agency Regular Session Meeting Minutes, and the January 6, 2026, City Council/Successor Agency Closed Session Meeting Minutes.

CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
2) CONSIDERATION OF MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

REPRESENTATIVES TO VARIOUS ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-07 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING APPOINTMENTS OF COUNCIL

MEMBERS TO SERVE ON VARIOUS ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 3) CONSIDERATION OF COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENTS
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this informational report.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT
4) CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL AND TRANSMITTAL OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET AND A RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (“ROPS”) FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 FOR THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE

FORMER WEST COVINA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
It is recommended that the City Council, acting as the Successor Agency to the former West Covina Redevelopment Agency, adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-09 – A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE

FORMER WEST COVINA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING

THE TRANSMITTAL OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET AND A RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (“ROPS”) FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027

FIRE DEPARTMENT
5) CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF A

REPORT ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 13146.2 AND 13146.3
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-08:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF THE REPORT

REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 13146.4

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

HEARINGS

PUBLIC HEARINGS
6) CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 6) CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2026 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL, RESIDENTIAL, AND EXISTING BUILDING CODES, WHICH ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL, RESIDENTIAL, AND EXISTING BUILDING CODES, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO
It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance No. 2536.

2. Adopt the following ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO. 2536 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 7 AND 9 OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2026 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE (TITLE 26), ELECTRICAL CODE (TITLE 27), PLUMBING CODE (TITLE 28), MECHANICAL CODE (TITLE 29), RESIDENTIAL CODE (TITLE 30), AND EXISTING BUILDING CODE (TITLE 33), WHICH ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, ELECTRICAL CODE, PLUMBING CODE,

MECHANICAL CODE, RESIDENTIAL CODE, AND EXISTING BUILDING CODE, WITH

CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO

MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS
AB 1234 Conference and Meeting Report (verbal, if any)
(In accordance with AB 1234, Councilmembers shall make a brief report or file a written report on any meeting/event/conference attended at City expense.)

CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR REPORTS, STUDIES OR INVESTIGATION (Per City of West Covina Standing Rules 4.f - Requests for reports, studies, or investigations that are not readily available must be placed on the City Council/Successor Agency agenda as items of business and must be approved by a majority of the City Council/Successor Agency Board.) 7) CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE WEST COVINA

MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT A CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT AND ADOPTION OF

A RESOLUTION REGARDING LEGISLATIVE INTENT AND IMPLEMENTATION It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Introduce the following ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the West Covina Municipal Code to adopt a City Council Code of Conduct:

ORDINANCE NO. 2537 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD ARTICLE XII, ENTITLED "CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT"

2. Adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-10 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF WEST

COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING LEGISLATIVE INTENT, ACKNOWLEDGING

PRIOR DIRECTION, AND AUTHORIZING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

CODE OF CONDUCT

CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS

ADJOURNMENT
Next Tentative City Council Meeting
Regular Meeting February 2, 2026 7:00 PM
RULES OF DECORUM
The following are excerpts from the West Covina Municipal Code:

Section 2-47. - Addressing the council.

Pursuant to the California Government Code, any person wishing to address the city council on any matter on the agenda or on any other matter within their jurisdiction, excluding any matter set for a public hearing, may do so upon first securing the recognition of the presiding officer during the time designated as “Oral Communications” on the agenda. The city council may not act on any item unless it is listed on the agenda.

Section 2-48. - Manner of addressing city council; time limit; persons addressing may be sworn. (a) Each person wishing to address the city council shall submit a speaker card to the city clerk prior to the commencement of the time designated for oral communications. No speaker cards will be accepted after the commencement of oral communications, except at the discretion of the presiding officer. (b) When called forward by the presiding officer or the city clerk, each person addressing the city council shall step up to the podium and give his or her name and city of residence in an audible tone of voice for the record.
(c) Each person addressing the city council during oral communications shall limit his or her comments to three (3) minutes, unless the time limit is modified by the presiding officer or the city council. In order to provide all speakers the opportunity to participate in oral communications, the presiding officer or the city council may reduce the time limit to allow reasonable time for all speakers to address the city council. (d) All remarks shall be addressed to the city council as a body and not to any member thereof. No person, other than the city council and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through a member of the city council, without the permission of the presiding officer. No question shall be asked of a council member except through the presiding officer. (e) The presiding officer may require any person to be sworn as a witness before addressing the city council on any subject. Any such person who, having taken an oath that he or she will testify truthfully, willfully and contrary to such oath states as true any material matter which he knows to be false may be held to answer criminally and subject to the penalty prescribed for perjury by the provisions of the California Penal Code.

Section 2-50. - Decorum—Required.
(a) While the city council is in session, council members shall preserve order and decorum, and a council member shall neither, by conversation or otherwise, delay or disrupt the proceedings or the peace of the council nor interrupt any council member while speaking or refuse to obey the orders of the council or its presiding officer, except as otherwise herein provided. (b) Members of the public shall not willfully disrupt the meeting or act in a manner that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, impairs, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting. For the purposes of this Code, “willfully disrupt” includes, but is not limited to, continuing to do any of the following after being warned by the presiding officer that the behavior is disrupting the meeting and failure to cease the behavior may result in removal from the meeting:
(1) Addressing the mayor or city council without first being recognized. (2) Persisting in addressing a subject or subjects, other than that before the mayor and city council. (3) Repetitiously addressing the same subject.
(4) Failing to relinquish the podium when directed to do so. (5) From the audience, interrupting or attempting to interrupt, a speaker, the presiding officer, a council member, or a staff member, or shouting or attempting to shout over a speaker, the presiding officer, a council member or a staff member.
(6) From the audience, engaging in disorderly, disruptive, or boisterous conduct, including, but not limited to, handclapping, stomping of feet, whistling, making noise, use of abusive, threatening or profane limited to, handclapping, stomping of feet, whistling, making noise, use of abusive, threatening or profane language or obscene gestures, yelling, obstructing the view of other audience members, or similar conduct which disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting. (7) As a speaker, making slanderous or profane remarks or using loud, threatening, or abusive language which disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting; interrupting or attempting to interrupt the presiding officer, a council member, or a staff member; shouting over or attempting to shout over the presiding officer, a council member, or a staff member; or engaging in any other disorderly conduct which disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting. Nothing in this section or any rules of the city council shall be construed to prohibit public criticism of the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the city or of the acts or omissions of the city council.
(8) Engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force. (c) It shall be unlawful to violate the provisions of this section. A person violating this section may be removed and barred from further participation at the meeting at which the violation occurs. (d) If any subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase or word of this section 2-50 is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this section. The city council hereby declares that it would have passed this section and each subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or words had been declared invalid or unconstitutional.

Section 2-51. - Enforcement of decorum.

The chief of police or any member or members of the police department or other members of the city staff may be designated by the council to be sergeant-at-arms when, in the opinion of the presiding officer, the services of a sergeant-at-arms is necessary, and the sergeant-at-arms shall carry out all orders and instructions given by the presiding officer for the purpose of maintaining order and decorum in accordance with section 2-50 at the council meeting, including, but not limited to, removing and barring from further participation at the meeting any person who is willfully disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting.

Section 2-52. Persons authorized to be within council area.

No person, except city officials, their representatives and members of the news media shall be permitted within the rail in front of the council chamber without the express consent of the council.

The following are excerpts from the Penal Code:

Section 148. Resisting public or peace officers or emergency medical technicians in discharge of their duties; Removal of weapon from person or presence of public or peace officer. (a) (1) Every person who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs any public officer, peace officer, or an emergency medical technician, as defined in Division 2.5 (commencing with Section 1797) of the Health and Safety Code, in the discharge or attempt to discharge any duty of his or her office or employment, when no other punishment is prescribed, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

Section 403. Disturbance of assembly or meeting other than religious or political.

Every person who, without authority of law, willfully disturbs or breaks up any assembly or meeting that is not unlawful in its character, other than an assembly or meeting referred to in Section 302 of the Penal Code or Section 18340 of the Elections Code, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 1

AGENDA STAFF REPORT
City of West Covina | Office of the City Manager
DATE: January 20, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM:

SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 6 2026, CITY

COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR SESSION MEETING MINUTES AND THE JANUARY 20, 2026, CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY CLOSED SESSION MEETING MINUTES.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Council approve the January 6, 2026, City Council/Successor Agency Regular Session Meeting Minutes, and the January 6, 2026, City Council/Successor Agency Closed Session Meeting Minutes.

DISCUSSION:

That the City Council adopt the attached minutes.

Prepared by: Lisa Sherrick, Assistant City Clerk
Attachments
Attachment No, 1 - 1/6/2026 Closed Session Minutes Draft Attachment No. 2 - 1/6/2026 Regular Session Minutes Draft CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: Enhance City Image and Effectiveness ATTACHMENT NO. 1

CITY OF WEST COVINA

CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
JANUARY 6, 2026, 6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING - CLOSED SESSION
MANAGEMENT RESOURCE CENTER 3RD FLOOR
1444 W. GARVEY AVENUE SOUTH
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA 91790
Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor Pro Tem Ollie Cantos
Councilwoman Rosario Diaz
Councilmen Brian Gutierrez
Councilman Tony Wu

MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Session Meeting was called to order by Mayor Lopez-Viado Tony Wu on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the Management Resource Center, 1444 West Garvey Avenue South, West Covina, California.

ROLL CALL
Council Members

Present: Council Members, Rosario Diaz, Brian Gutierrez, Tony Wu. Mayor Pro Tem Ollie Cantos, Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado

Absent: None
City Staff: Milan Mrakich, Acting City Manager, Roxanne Lerma, Assistant City Manager, Nilesh Mehta, Assistant City Manager. Thomas Duarte, City Attorney, ATTACHMENT NO. 1
Attorney Derek Straatsma Goldman Magdalin Straatsma, Attorney Tom O’Connell Buchalter.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None

CLOSED SESSION

2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2) Number of Cases: One (1)

3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR - Pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6 City Negotiators: Mrakich, Duarte
Employee Organizations
• Confidential Employees
• Maintenance & Crafts Employees
• Non-Sworn
• W.C. Police Officers’ Association
• W.C. Firefighters’ Management Assoc.
• W.C. Firefighters’ Association, I.A.F.F., Local 3226
• General Employees
• Mid-Management Employees
• W.C. Police Management Association
Unrepresented Employee Group
• Department Heads

ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn the Regular Closed Meeting was made by Mayor Letty LopezViado, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:50p.m. The next regularly scheduled Regular Closed City Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Management Resource Center 3rd Floor, 1444 West Garvey Avenue South, West Covina, California.

1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)

1. Brian Gutierrez v. City of West Covina (Case No.ADJ 21877534 and ADJ 21877533/ Venue: WCAB Santa Ana)

2. Jeffrey Mosley v. City of West Covina (Case No. ADJ 18371693/ Venue:

WCAB Marina delete Ray)
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
Submitted By:
____________________________
Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk
__________________________
Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
CITY OF WEST COVINA
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
JANUARY 6, 2026, 7:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1444 W. GARVEY AVENUE SOUTH
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA 91790
Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor Pro Tem Ollie Cantos
Councilwoman Rosario Diaz
Councilmember Brian Gutierrez
Councilman Tony Wu

MINUTES

INVOCATION
Led by Pastor Martinez from Amazing Love Ministries
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilwoman Rosario Diaz
ROLL CALL
Council Members

Present: Council Members, Rosario Diaz, Gutierrez, Wu, Mayor Pro Tem Ollie Cantos, Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado
REPORTING OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
None

PRESENTATIONS
 Presentation by the Fire Department Celebrating the Department's 75th Anniversary
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager's report on current City projects.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Three (3) minutes per speaker
John Shewmaker
Jim Grivich
Josh Murray
Dennis Phillips
Ginny Phillips
Glenn Kennedy
Jerri Potras
George Ogden
CONSENT CALENDAR
ACTION: Motion by Councilwoman Diaz and Second by Councilman Wu, 5-0 to:

Approve Consent Calendar Item 2. (Items No. 1, 3, were pulled by Councilmember Gutierrez and Item Number 4 was pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Cantos) ACTION: Motion by Councilman Wu and Mayor Pro Tem Cantos, 5-0 to: Approve Consent Calendar Item No. 1. (Item No. 1 was pulled by Councilmember Gutierrez) ACTION: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Cantos and Second by Councilman Wu, 4-1 (Abstain: Councilman Gutierrez) to: Approve Consent Calendar Item No. 3. (Item No. 3 was pulled by Councilman Gutierrez).

ACTION: Motion by Councilman Wu and Second by Mayor Lopez-Viado, 3-2 (No:

Cantos, Gutierrez) to: Approve Consent Calendar Item No. 4. (Item No. 4 was pulled by Councilman Cantos).

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
1) CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2026 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL, RESIDENTIAL, AND EXISTING BUILDING CODES, WHICH ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL, RESIDENTIAL, AND EXISTING BUILDING CODES, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO AND RESOLUTION ATTACHMENT NO. 2
MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA CODES
Carried 5-0 to:

1. Adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR MODIFICATIONS TO PROVISIONS OF
THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE DUE TO
LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL OR TOPOGRAPHICAL

CONDITIONS

2. Introduce the following ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO. 2536 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 7 AND 9 OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT BY
REFERENCE THE 2026 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE
(TITLE 26), ELECTRICAL CODE (TITLE 27), PLUMBING CODE (TITLE 28), MECHANICAL CODE (TITLE 29), RESIDENTIAL CODE (TITLE 30), AND EXISTING BUILDING CODE (TITLE 33), WHICH ADOPT BY
REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, ELECTRICAL CODE, PLUMBING CODE, MECHANICAL CODE, RESIDENTIAL
CODE, AND EXISTING BUILDING CODE, WITH CERTAIN
AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO

3. Schedule a public hearing on January 20, 2026, to consider the adoption of Ordinance No. 2536.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT
2) CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING PURCHASING THRESHOLDS
Carried 5-0 to: adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-01 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUINCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING PROCUREMENT
THRESHOLDS AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SALE, EXCHANGE, AND DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 2- 328 AND 2-336 OF DIVISION 2 OF ARTICLE VII OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE

ATTACHMENT NO. 2
3) CONSIDERATION OF THE FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT AND BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
Carried 4-1to (Abstain: Gutierrez) take the following actions:

1. Receive and file the Fourth Quarter Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25; and

2. Adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION No. 2026-04 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2024 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2025 (BA 2025-23) 4) CONSIDERATION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE WEST COVINA POLICE SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION (WCPSSA) Carried 3-2 to (No: Cantos Gutierrez): is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-02 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AND CITY OF WEST COVINA POLICE SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2028
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
DEPARTMENTAL REGULAR MATTERS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
5) CONSIDERATION OF CITY POLICY REGARDING INSTALLATION OF PRIVATELY OWNED SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS IN PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
ACTION: Motion by Mayor Lopez-Viado and Second by Councilman Wu, 5-0 to: Allow the installation of privately owned cameras in the public right-of-way only for homeowner associations (HOAs) in the frontage areas of HOA communities; and allow the installation of privately owned cameras in the public right-of-way for any resident or property owner within the City of West Covina. (Options 2 (two) and 3 (three)).

CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR REPORTS, STUDIES OR INVESTIGATION ATTACHMENT NO. 2
 Councilman Cantos – As Council to approve a study by the City Attorney and staff; what are the benefits, pitfalls, and to look at the issue more in depth for a public safety tax. 4- 1 (Tony: No)
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
 Mayor Pro Tem Lopez-Viado – Would like to improve the current system in place to address the scope of work on contracts and RFP’s..

ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting was made by Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m. The next regularly scheduled Regular Closed City Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 1444 West Garvey Avenue South, West Covina, California.

Submitted By:
____________________________
Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk
__________________________
Letty Lopez Viado
Mayor
AGENDA ITEM NO. 2

REPRESENTATIVES TO VARIOUS ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-07 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST

COVINA, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING APPOINTMENTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS TO SERVE

ON VARIOUS ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
BACKGROUND:

The City of West Covina is a member of various organizations dedicated to serving the interests of local government in the region, in the State of California, and in the nation. West Covina is also a member of a number of joint powers agencies and other entities, which require an appointment of a member to their governing bodies.

Participation in these activities is significantly important to the City, in that the policies and decisions of these bodies may directly affect the interests of the City. A brief description of the committees and boards, including any stipends associated with serving on such committees and boards, is contained in Attachment No. 2. Stipends, meeting times, and meeting locations are subject to change by the individual agencies.

Section 5-b of the City Council Standing Rules provides: “It shall be the prerogative of the Mayor, taking into consideration relative length of Council service, individual Council Member preference and equivalency, to assign individual Council Members to various committees.” Each year, the Mayor assigns Council Members to serve on various advisory boards and committees, as necessary, and such assignments are subject to confirmation by the City Council as a whole.

DISCUSSION:

Below is a list of the advisory boards/committees:

Audit Committee
City/School Cooperative Committee
Community Service Group
Foothill Transit Board
Hurst Ranch
Los Angeles County City Selection Committee
Los Angeles County City Selection Committee
San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
Sanitation District Board
Southern California Association of Governments
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Mayor Lopez-Viado has announced her appointments to the above-listed advisory boards and committees for confirmation by the City Council. Exhibit A of Resolution 2026-07 contains the list of appointees and alternates.

The Mayor typically makes appointments to these advisory boards and committees on an annual basis.

However, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 2024, the term of office for a Member of the Board of Trustees for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is for a term of either two years or four years, at the discretion of the appointing authority. During his term as Mayor, Mayor Wu appointed Council Member Diaz to the Board of Trustees for a four-year term, which began January 1, 2025 and ends December 31, 2028.

LEGAL REVIEW:

The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the resolution and approved it as to form.

OPTIONS:

The City Council has the following options:

1. Adopt the resolution;

2. Provide alternative direction.

Prepared by: Lisa Sherrick, Assistant City Clerk
Additional Approval: Roxanne E. Lerma, Assistant City Manager Attachments
Attachment No. 1 Resolution No. 2026-07
Attachment No. 2 - Committee Descriptions
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: Achieve Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Stability Maintain Good Intergovernmental Relations
Enhance City Image and Effectiveness
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-07

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING

APPOINTMENTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS TO SERVE ON

VARIOUS ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
The City Council of the City of West Covina hereby finds and declares as follows:

WHEREAS, the City of West Covina participates in various local and regional advisory boards and committees that benefit the City’s interests; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Council’s Standing Rules, the Mayor annually assigns City Council Members to serve as members and alternates to such advisory boards and committees; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to confirm the appointments of Council Members to serve on such boards and committees.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council hereby confirms the appointments set forth in the attached Exhibit A.

SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall enter the same in the book of original resolutions and it shall become effective immediately.

SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall transmit certified copies of this resolution as required.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of January, 2026.

Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor

APPROVED AS TO FORM ATTEST
Thomas P. Duarte Lisa Sherrick, CMC
City Attorney Assistant City Clerk
I, LISA SHERRICK, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK of the City of West Covina, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2026-07 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of West Covina, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 20th day of January, 2026, by the following vote of the City Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Lisa Sherrick, CMC
Assistant City Clerk

EXHIBIT A

COUNCIL LIAISON APPOINTMENTS

CITY OF WEST COVINA
2026 COUNCIL LIAISON APPOINTMENTS TO

ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
ORGANIZATION1 CONTACT

INFORMATION/MEETING

LOCATION

MEETING DATE

AND TIME

REPRESENTATIVE ALTERNATE
Audit Committee
 No stipend issued.
 Two Council
Representatives
 Form 700 filing required
West Covina City Hall/MRC At least annually,
with additional
meetings as
needed
Gutierrez, Cantos None
City/School Cooperative
Committee
 No stipend issued.
 Two Council
Representatives
 No 700 filing required
West Covina City Hall/MRC Day TBD in May
and October,
4:30 p.m. Lopez-Viado, Wu None
Foothill Transit Board
 $150 stipend per meeting
 Form 700 filing required
100 S. Vincent Ave., Suite 200
West Covina, CA 91790
Main No.: (626) 967-3147
Contact Person:

Christina Lopez
(626) 931-7204
[email protected]
As needed and for
annual meeting in
May
Lopez-Viado Diaz
Hurst Ranch
 No stipend issued.
 Two Council
Representatives
 No 700 filing required
1227 S. Orange Ave.

West Covina, CA 91790
Main No.: (626) 962-8056
Last Monday of the
month,
10:00 a.m. Lopez-Viado, Cantos None
1 The City also appoints one person to the Board of Trustees for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (the “District”). Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 2024, the term of office for a Member of the Board of Trustees for the District is for a term of either two years or four years, at the discretion of the appointing authority. During his term as Mayor, Mayor Wu appointed Council Member Diaz to the Board of Trustees for a four-year term, which began January 1, 2025 and ends December 31, 2028.

Los Angeles County City
Selection Committee  No stipend issued
Meetings held at different
locations.

As needed
Lopez-Viado
(Mayor automatic
appointment)
Cantos
San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments (SGV COG)  $75 stipend per month
regardless of the number
of meetings
 Form 700 filing required  AB 1234 filing required
1000 S. Fremont Ave., Unit 42
Alhambra, CA 91803
Main No. (626) 457-1800
Contact Person:

Stefanie Hernandez
[email protected]
Meeting Location:

Upper SGV Muni. Water
602 E. Huntington Drive
Monrovia, CA 91016
Third Thursday of
the month,
4:00 p.m.

Wu Lopez-Viado
Sanitation District Board  $125 stipend per meeting.

NOTE: West Covina falls
within three districts,
therefore, the City’s liaison
attends 3 district meetings
for $375
 Form 700 filing required  AB 1234 filing required
Sanitation Districts
of Los Angeles County
1955 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Main No.: (562) 908-4288
Fax: (562) 908-4278
Contact Person:

Michael Hsu, Ext. 1112
Fourth
Wednesday of the
month, 1:30 p.m. Lopez-Viado
(Mayor automatic
appointment)
District 15, 21, 22
Cantos
Southern California
Association of Governments
(SCAG) Form 700 filing required  AB 1234 filing required 818 W. Seventh St., 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Main No.: (213) 236-1800
Contact Person:

Tess Rey
[email protected]
Annual Regional
Conference in May
Cantos Lopez-Viado
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
City Council Liaison Board and Committee Descriptions

1. Audit Committee
Established in 2015, the Audit Committee’s purpose is to assist the City Council in discharging its responsibilities for ensuring financial stability and monitoring the implementation of the corrective actions identified in the City’s Financial Recovery Plan.

Stipend: None

2. City/School Cooperative Committee
Meets with the various school districts serving West Covina to address mutual needs and concerns facing the City or school districts.

Stipend: None

3. Community Service Group
The Community Service Group meets quarterly with various service groups and non-profit organizations in the City of West Covina, in an effort to bring together many of the civic and volunteer organizations in the community to promote, partner, educate, sharing resources and combine efforts to benefit the West Covina community. Group also works together on the City’s Annual Community Service Day.

Stipend: None

4. Foothill Transit Board
Foothill Transit was established in 1988 as a public / private partnership that annually serves over 17 million passengers in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, operates 36 fixed-route local, express and rail-feeder lines, and covers 327 square miles. Foothill Transit’s Governing Board is divided into Four Clusters, with the City of West Covina represented in Cluster 2 with the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Covina, Glendora, and Irwindale. Those selected by the City, serve on the Governing Board and meet annually or as needed.

In addition, Foothill Transit has an Executive Board that is governed by five members, with four members elected by each cluster, and a fifth member appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Committee provides oversight of Foothill Transits operations and provides recommendations on improving bus service to the valleys. Governing Board has an annual meeting in May and meets as needed. Executive Board Members are selected by the Governing Board, and meet the last Friday of each month.

Stipend: Governing Board receives $150 per meeting.

5. Hurst Ranch
According to Article IV of the Hurst Ranch Historical Foundation Articles of Incorporation, the City Council is to designate two Councilmembers to sit on the Hurst Ranch Historical Foundation Board of Directors, and be responsible for overseeing the investments of the Foundation.

Stipend: None

6. Los Angeles County City Selection Committee
The Mayor serves on this Committee that appoints City representatives to such boards, commissions and agencies as may be required by law; i.e., LAFCO, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles County Hazardous Waste Management Advisory Committee; and to nominate for appointment members to the California Coastal Commission.

Stipend: None

7. San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
Coalition of cities from the San Gabriel Valley seeking the San Gabriel Valley’s “fair share” of scarce Federal, State and Local resources by fostering consensus among cities in the San Gabriel Valley regarding policies and programs that address issues relating to land use, air quality, transportation, solid waste, and other matters deemed essential to our cities.

Stipend: $75 per month regardless of the number of meetings.

8. San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Assists cities in managing or eliminating mosquito breeding areas, and responding to complaints about mosquitoes or mosquito-like insects (i.e. bees) in the District. There is no alternate for this Committee. Liaison is appointed to serve a two-year or a four-year term, at the discretion of the appointing authority.

Stipend: $100 travel reimbursement.

9. Sanitation District Board
The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (Districts) are a confederation of independent special districts serving the wastewater and solid waste management needs of Los Angeles County. The Board of Directors consists of the mayor of each city served.

Stipend: $125 per meeting. West Covina falls within three districts, therefore, our liaison attends threedistrict meetings for $375 (per meeting).

10. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Serves as the functioning Metropolitan Planning Organization for six counties: Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura and Imperial. The SCAG is mandated by the federal government to research and draw up plans for transportation, growth management, hazardous waste management, and air quality. City of West Covina is allowed to select a representative and alternate to attend the Annual General Assembly Meeting. To serve on the various policy committees, a Councilmember needs to be selected and confirmed by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. Stipends are paid if a Councilmember is selected to serve on a policy committee.

Stipend: None
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3

It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this informational report.

BACKGROUND:

Article III (Advisory Commissions) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the West Covina Municipal Code (WCMC) establishes the City's three commissions and sets forth provisions relating to appointment, vacancies, removal, terms of office, meetings, and responsibilities of City Commissioners.Commissioners must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, and be a resident and registered voter of the City at the time of appointment and throughout their term of office.

DISCUSSION:

Pursuant to Section 2-67(a) of Article III of Chapter 2 of the WCMC, each Councilmember has the power to appoint one (1) commissioner to each the Human Resources Commission and the Planning Commission, and two (2) commissioners to the Community and Senior Services Commission.

Pursuant to Section 2-68 of Article III of Chapter 2 of the WCMC, the terms of office of commissioners run concurrently with that of the appointed Councilmember.

There is a vacancy on the Planning Commission and there are two (2) vacancies on the Community and Senior Services Commission, to be appointed by Councilmember Gutierrez.

The City has advertised the vacancies and accepted applications in the manner required by law.

Councilmember Gutierrez is announcing the following appointments:

Steve Bennett - Community and Senior Services Commission Cecilia Munoz - Community and Senior Services Commission Richard Reyes - Planning Commission
LEGAL REVIEW:

The City Attorney's Office has reviewed this report.

Prepared by: Lisa Sherrick, Assistant City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: A Creative and Active Community A Well-Planned Community
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4

AGENDA STAFF REPORT
City of West Covina | Office of the City Manager
DATE: January 20, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Milan Mrakich, Acting City Manager
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL AND TRANSMITTAL OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET AND A RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (“ROPS”) FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 FOR THE SUCCESSOR

AGENCY TO THE FORMER WEST COVINA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council, acting as the Successor Agency to the former West Covina Redevelopment Agency, adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-09 – A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER

WEST COVINA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE TRANSMITTAL

OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET AND A RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (“ROPS”) FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 BACKGROUND:

In accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 34177(o)(1), the Successor Agency is required to file a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (“ROPS”) annually in order to receive a distribution of property tax increment dollars with which to fund the obligations of the former Redevelopment Agency.

These obligations include bond debt service payments, amounts due under existing agreements with commercial property owners, repayment of amounts borrowed from the Housing Fund to fund property tax shifts mandated by the State, costs of litigation to protect assets of the former Redevelopment Agency, repayment of loans to the City, and administrative costs of the Successor Agency to wind-down the affairs of the former Redevelopment Agency.

While many of these listed items are not necessary debt, they are considered obligations for purposes of this mandated report and must be listed on the ROPS if they are to be funded by distributions of future tax increment dollars. These items are not debt obligations of the City of West Covina.

DISCUSSION:

The ROPS schedule (Exhibit A to the resolution) lists all amounts that will be paid for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Once the ROPS is approved by the Successor Agency and Oversight Board, it then must be forwarded to the State Department of Finance (DOF) by February 1, 2026. DOF hold final approval authority of the terms listed on the ROPS and directs the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller to distribute tax increment funds to the Successor Agency. Many of the obligations listed on the ROPS are estimates, i.e., variable rate debt service payments, litigation, etc.

The Successor Agency is also required to adopt an administrative budget for each annual period. The administrative budget for the Successor Agency for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 can be found in Exhibit B to the resolution. The budget is to be funded by the administrative allowance, which is 3% of the enforceable obligations, after loan payments, or $250,000 annually, whichever is greater.

The City will absorb any administrative costs above the administrative allowance.

The total amount of funding requested for the enforceable obligations from the Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF) on ROPS 2026-27 is $19,756,740 and includes many of the same items that have been previously approved by DOF. Of this, $17,491,977 has previously been denied by the DOF; however, staff continues to pursue these reimbursements for the City (Sales Tax Reimbursement Agreement (#26) and City/Successor Agency Loan for litigation expenses (#76), among others). A total of $2,264,763 is anticipated to be approved.

Exhibits A and B to the resolution were not available at the time of writing this report. They will be incorporated into the resolution once available.

LEGAL REVIEW:

Successor Agency Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.

Prepared by: Karen Ogawa, Finance Director
Additional Approval: Roxanne E. Lerma, Assistant City Manager Fiscal Impact
FISCAL IMPACT:

The total amount of funding requested for enforceable obligations from the Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF) on ROPS 2026-27 is $19,756,740 and includes many of the same items that have been previously approved by DOF.

The Successor Agency cannot receive or spend any funds unless the amounts are listed on the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule. This schedule identifies all outstanding obligations that must be satisfied before the Agency can be dissolved. The obligations listed on this schedule will receive property tax allocations distributed by the County of Los Angeles as their funding source.

If the Successor Agency’s administrative costs exceed the administrative allowance, the excess expenditures will be absorbed by the City.

Attachments
Attachment No. 1 - Resolution No. 2026-09
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: Achieve Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Stability ATTACHMENT NO. 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-09

A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE

FORMER WEST COVINA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE TRANSMITTAL OF

AN ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET AND RECOGNIZED
OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (“ROPS”) FOR THE
PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
WHEREAS, pursuant to ABX1 26, enacted on June 28, 2011, and as subsequently amended by AB 1484, SB 341, and SB 107 (“Dissolution Act”), the Redevelopment Agency to the City of West Covina was dissolved as of February 1, 2012, and the City of West Covina elected to serve as the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency to the City of West of Covina; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 341779(q), commencing on and after July 1, 2018, the County of Los Angeles, where more than 40 oversight boards were created by the Dissolution Act, has five consolidated oversight boards, each encompassing the five supervisorial districts; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code section 34177(o)(1) requires that the ROPS for the period of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 be submitted after oversight board approval to the State of California Department of Finance and the Los Angeles County AuditorController by February 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, the West Covina City Council, acting as Successor Agency to the former West Covina Redevelopment Agency, reserves the right to appeal any determination of the State of California Department of Finance or other entity regarding the propriety of this Resolution as well as any future determinations; and WHEREAS, the West Covina City Council, acting as Successor Agency to the former West Covina Redevelopment Agency, intends to comply with the state-mandated obligations established hereunder; and
WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL, ACTING AS

SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER WEST COVINA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are incorporated into this Resolution by this reference, and constitute a material part of this Resolution.

SECTION 2. The Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (“ROPS”) attached hereto as Exhibit “A” is approved and the Acting Executive Director is authorized to submit the ROPS to the Oversight Board for approval and transmit the same to the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller, the California State Controller, and the State of California Department of Finance in accordance with Health and Safety Code section 34177 subject to all reservations of rights and contingencies set forth above.

SECTION 3. The Administrative Budget for the Successor Agency for the annual period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 attached hereto and as Exhibit “B” is approved and the Acting Executive Director is authorized to transmit the same to the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller, the California State Controller, and the State of California Department of Finance in accordance with Health and Safety section 34177 subject to all reservations of rights and contingencies set forth above.

SECTION 4. The Acting Executive Director or designee is authorized to take all actions necessary to implement this Resolution, including without limitation, the posting of this Resolution and the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule on the City’s website and any other reasonable acts in furtherance of approval of the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule and Administrative Budget.

SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution it shall become effective immediately.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of January, 2026.

Letty Lopez-Viado
Chair

APPROVED AS TO FORM ATTEST
Thomas P. Duarte Lisa Sherrick, CMC
Counsel Secretary
I, LISA SHERRICK, SECRETARY of the Successor Agency to the former West Covina Redevelopment Agency, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2026- 09 was duly adopted by the West Covina City Council, acting as the Successor Agency to the former West Covina Redevelopment Agency, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 20th day of January, 2026, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Lisa Sherrick, CMC
Secretary

EXHIBIT A

RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE
[To be inserted once available.]

EXHIBIT B

ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET
[To be inserted once available.]
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5

OF A REPORT ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 13146.2 AND 13146.3
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-08:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST

COVINA, CALIFORNIA, ACKNOWLEDGING RECEIPT OF THE REPORT REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 13146.4 BACKGROUND:

Pursuant to Section 13146.2 of the California Health and Safety Code, the West Covina Fire Department is required to annually inspect all hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartment houses, buildings, and structures accessory thereto for compliance with building standards and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal.

Pursuant to Section 13146.3 of the California Health and Safety Code, the West Covina Fire Department is required to perform annual inspections in every building used as a public or private school for the purpose of enforcing regulations promulgated pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 13143.

Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 13146.4, the West Covina Fire Department is required to report annually to the City Council on its compliance with California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.2 and 13146.3, and the City Council is required to acknowledge its receipt of the report in a resolution or similar formal document.

The purpose of this staff report is for the Fire Department to provide the report required by California Health and Safety Code section 13146.4.

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of annual fire inspections is to mitigate known hazards, reduce risk to the community, and The purpose of annual fire inspections is to mitigate known hazards, reduce risk to the community, and ensure reasonable compliance with the California Fire Code.

Educational Group E occupancies are generally public and private schools used by more than six persons at any one time for educational purposes through the 12th grade. Within West Covina, there are 28 known Group E occupancies of this nature. During the 2025 calendar year, the Fire Department completed the annual inspection of 28 Group E occupancies. This is a compliance rate of 100% for this reporting period.

Residential Group R occupancies are generally buildings or structures providing sleeping accommodations, including hotels, motels, apartments (three units or more), and residential care facilities. Within West Covina, there are 126 known Group R occupancies of this nature. During the 2025 calendar year, the Fire Department completed the annual inspection of 126 Group R occupancies. This is a compliance rate of 100% for this reporting period.

Institutional Group I occupancies are generally those facilities in which care or supervision is provided to persons who are not capable of self-preservation without assistance or in which the liberty of the occupants is restricted. Within West Covina, there are 68 known Group I occupancies. During the 2025 calendar year, the Fire Department completed the annual inspection of 68 Group occupancies. This is a compliance rate of 100% for this reporting period.

As outlined above, the West Covina Fire Department completed 100% of its required annual inspections of all known occupancies for the 2025 calendar year. In total, the Fire Department conducted 222 inspections.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution, acknowledging receipt of the report required pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 13146.4.

LEGAL REVIEW:

The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the resolution and approved it as to form.

OPTIONS:

The City Council has the following options:

1. Approve staff's recommendation; or

2. Provide alternative direction.

Prepared by: Mike Browne, Acting Fire Chief
Fiscal Impact
FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact with the filing and acceptance of this report.

Attachments
Attachment No. 1 - Resolution No. 2026-08
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: Protect Public Safety
A Well-Planned Community
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, ACKNOWLEDGING

RECEIPT OF THE REPORT REQUIRED PURSUANT TO

CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION
13146.4
The City Council of the City of West Covina hereby finds and declares as follows:

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 13146.2 of the California Health and Safety Code, the West Covina Fire Department is required to annually inspect all hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartment houses, buildings, and structures accessory thereto for compliance with building standards and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 13146.3 of the California Health and Safety Code, the West Covina Fire Department is required to perform annual inspections in every building used as a public or private school for the purpose of enforcing regulations promulgated pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 13143; and WHEREAS, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 13146.4, the West Covina Fire Department is required to report annually to the City Council on its compliance with California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.2 and 13146.3, and the City Council is required to acknowledge its receipt of the report in a resolution or similar formal document; and
WHEREAS, Educational Group E occupancies are generally those public and private schools used by more than six persons at any one time for educational purposes through the 12th grade. Within West Covina, there are 28 known Group E occupancies of this nature; and
WHEREAS, Residential Group R occupancies are generally buildings and structures providing sleeping accommodations, including hotels, motels, apartments (three units or more), and residential care facilities. Within the City, there are 126 known Group R occupancies of this nature; and
WHEREAS, Institutional Group I occupancies are generally those facilities in which care or supervision is provided to persons who are not capable of self-preservation without assistance or in which the liberty of the occupants is restricted. Within West Covina, there are 68 known Group I occupancies; and
WHEREAS, the City Council intends that this resolution fulfill the requirements of the California Health and Safety Code regarding acknowledgement of the West Covina Fire Department’s compliance with California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.2, 13146.3 and 13146.4.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council hereby acknowledges its receipt of the West Covina Fire Department’s report required pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 13146.4 and acknowledges the West Covina Fire Department’s measure of compliance with California Health and Safety Code sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 in the area encompassed by the City of West Covina, as follows:
(a) Educational Group E Occupancies: During calendar year 2025, the West Covina Fire Department completed the annual inspection of 28 Group E occupancies. This is a compliance rate of 100% for this reporting period. (b) Residential Group R Occupancies: During calendar year 2025, the West Covina Fire Department completed the annual inspection of 126 Group R occupancies. This is a compliance rate of 100% for this reporting period. (c) Institutional Group I Occupancies: During calendar year 2025, the West Covina Fire Department completed the annual inspection of 68 Group I occupancies. This is a compliance rate of 100% for this reporting period.

SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 20th day of January, 2026.

Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor

APPROVED AS TO FORM ATTEST
Thomas P. Duarte Lisa Sherrick, CMC
City Attorney Assistant City Clerk
I, LISA SHERRICK, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK of the City of West Covina, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2026-08 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of West Covina, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 20th day of January, 2026, by the following vote of the City Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Lisa Sherrick, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6

AGENDA STAFF REPORT
City of West Covina | Office of the City Manager
DATE: January 20, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Milan Mrakich, Acting City Manager
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2026 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL,

RESIDENTIAL, AND EXISTING BUILDING CODES, WHICH ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL, RESIDENTIAL,

AND EXISTING BUILDING CODES, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND

DELETIONS THERETO
RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance No. 2536.

2. Adopt the following ordinance:

CODE, PLUMBING CODE, MECHANICAL CODE, RESIDENTIAL CODE, AND EXISTING

BUILDING CODE, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO BACKGROUND:

The State of California, through the California Building Standards Commission, updates the California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) every three years. These standards comprise multiple parts including the Building, Residential, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Existing Building Codes.

The 2025 California Building Standards Code was published on July 1, 2025, and became effective statewide on January 1, 2026.

Historically, the City of West Covina has adopted by reference the Los Angeles County Codes, which include amendments to the California Codes that address regional and local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions. These local amendments are consistently used throughout the County and by several neighboring cities, ensuring consistency and efficiency in enforcement, permitting, and inspection processes.

On November 25, 2025, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted its updated Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Existing Building Codes, each incorporating the 2025 California Codes with County-specific amendments supported by express findings of local conditions.

Consistent with past practice, staff is recommending that the City adopt the 2025 California Codes with 2026 Los Angeles County Codes amendments. California Codes can be viewed at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Codes
DISCUSSION:

At the January 6, 2026 City Council meeting, the Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-03, setting forth express findings relating to the local climatic, geological and topographical conditions in West Covina that make certain local amendments to the 2025 California Codes necessary, and introduced Ordinance No. 2536. Detailed information can be found in Attachment 1, the staff report dated January 6, 2026.

Staff recommends that the City Council conduct the public hearing and then adopt Ordinance No. 2536.

LEGAL REVIEW:

The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the ordinance and approved it as to form.

OPTIONS:

The City Council has the following options:

1. Approve Staff's recommendation; or

2. Provide alternative direction.

Prepared by: Dennis Tarango and Ayla Jefferson- Building Officials Attachments
Attachment No.1- Staff Report First Reading dated 1-6-26 Attachment No. 2 - Ordinance No. 2536
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: Protect Public Safety
A Well-Planned Community
Expand Economic Development Opportunities
ATTACHMENT NO.1

AGENDA STAFF REPORT
City of West Covina | Office of the City Manager
DATE: January 6, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Milan Mrakich, Acting City Manager
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2026 LOS

ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL,

RESIDENTIAL, AND EXISTING BUILDING CODES, WHICH ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, MECHANICAL,

RESIDENTIAL, AND EXISTING BUILDING CODES, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS,

ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO AND RESOLUTION MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE 2025

CALIFORNIA CODES
RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST

COVINA, CALIFORNIA, MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR MODIFICATIONS TO PROVISIONS OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE DUE TO LOCAL

CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL OR TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS

2. Introduce the following ordinance:

CODE, PLUMBING CODE, MECHANICAL CODE, RESIDENTIAL CODE, AND EXISTING

BUILDING CODE, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO

3. Schedule a public hearing on January 20, 2026, to consider the adoption of Ordinance No. 2536.

BACKGROUND:

The State of California, through the California Building Standards Commission, updates the California The State of California, through the California Building Standards Commission, updates the California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) every three years. These standards comprise multiple parts including the Building, Residential, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Existing Building Codes.

The 2025 California Building Standards Code was published on July 1, 2025, and became effective statewide on January 1, 2026.

Consistent with past practice, staff is recommending that the City adopt the 2025 California Codes with 2026 Los Angeles County Codes amendments. The California Codes can be viewed at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Codes.

DISCUSSION:

The proposed ordinance amends Chapters 7 and 9 of the West Covina Municipal Code to adopt by reference the 2026 Los Angeles County Codes (Titles 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 33), which implement the 2025 California Codes with amendments.

The ordinance reorganizes and updates administrative provisions to better align with current City procedures, including revisions to permit expiration terms, fees, and references to modern enforcement practices.

Key updates include:

Adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards Code, effective January 1, 2026.

Incorporation of Los Angeles County amendments to ensure uniformity and consistency.

Adoption of Appendix J (Grading) of the Los Angeles County Building Code, aligning local grading and drainage provisions with County standards.

Local administrative updates within Chapters 7 and 9, including permit processing, appeals, and inspection procedures.

The City’s accompanying Resolution No. 2026-03 identifies the local climatic, geological, and topographical findings that justify amendments under California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7.

LEGAL REVIEW:

The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the resolution and ordinance and approved them as to form.

OPTIONS:

The City Council has the following options:

1. Approve Staff's recommendation; or

2. Provide alternative direction.

Prepared by: Dennis Tarango and Ayla Jefferson- Building Officials Additional Approval: Roxanne E. Lerma, Assistant City Manager Fiscal Impact
FISCAL IMPACT:

This is strictly an administrative item, therefore there is no fiscal impact associated with this action.

Attachments
Attachment No. 1 - Resolution No. 2026-03
Attachment No. 2 - Draft Ordinance No. 2536
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: Protect Public Safety
A Well-Planned Community
Expand Economic Development Opportunities
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, MAKING FINDINGS

REGARDING THE NEED FOR MODIFICATIONS TO
PROVISIONS OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING

STANDARDS CODE DUE TO LOCAL CLIMATIC,

GEOLOGICAL OR TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS
The City Council of the City of West Covina hereby finds and declares as follows:

WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 18938 makes certain provisions published in the California Building Standards Code pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17922 applicable to all occupancies throughout the State and effective 180 days after publication by the California Building Standards Commission (“Commission”), or at a later date established by the Commission; and WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958 permits cities to amend the requirements of the California Building Standards Code in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7; and WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 permits cities in adopting provisions of the California Building Standards Code to make such modifications in such provisions as a city determines, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7, are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that a city, before making modifications pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5, make an express finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and WHEREAS, under California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7, modifications pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 may not become effective until the required findings and the modifications have been filed with the California Building Standards Commission; and
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2025, the County of Los Angeles adopted by reference and amended the 2025 California Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Residential Code, and Existing Building Code; and WHEREAS, the City finds that the amendments to the California Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Residential Code, and Existing Building Code as adopted by the County of Los Angeles are necessary and appropriate for the City because of local climatic, geologic and/or topographic conditions; and WHEREAS, the Los Angeles County Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Existing Building Codes are used throughout the County of Los Angeles and a significant portion of the incorporated cities within the County of Los Angeles; and WHEREAS, the City is located within the County of Los Angeles, and the City Council believes that the findings made by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors are applicable to and consistent with the desire of the City to provide the most technically proficient and safe construction codes possible; and
WHEREAS, the Los Angeles County Codes are common, readily available for purchase, and well known to contractors, engineers, and architects, and WHEREAS, the City finds that further amendments to the 2026 Los Angeles County Codes are necessary because of local climatic, geologic and/or topographic conditions.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council finds and declares that the changes to the provisions of the 2025 California Building Standards Code set forth in the City’s ordinance adopting the 2026 Los Angeles County Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Existing Building Codes, adopting the 2025 California Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Residential Code, and Existing Building Code with amendments, are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions set forth in Exhibits A and B in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7.

SECTION 2. The Building Official shall file a copy of this resolution, including Exhibits A and B, with the California Building Standards Commission in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7.

SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall enter the same in the book of original resolutions and it shall become effective immediately.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of January, 2026.

Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor

APPROVED AS TO FORM ATTEST
Thomas P. Duarte Lisa Sherrick, CMC
City Attorney Assistant City Clerk
I, LISA SHERRICK, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK of the City of West Covina, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2026-03 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of West Covina, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 6th day of January, 2026, by the following vote of the City Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Lisa Sherrick, CMC
Assistant City Clerk

EXHIBIT A

FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO PROVISIONS IN THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE DUE TO LOCAL CLIMATIC,

GEOLOGICAL OR TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS
The City of West Covina makes the following findings regarding the need to amend the 2025 California Building Standards Code:

Finding No. 1: Climatic. The City of West Covina has a semi-arid climate with a history of extended periods of draught, and frequent hot, dry winds (Santa Ana Winds) which compounds the increased risk of the spread of wild- and structure-fires.

Finding No. 2: Geological. The City of West Covina is located within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region, which is a densely populated area having buildings constructed over and near a vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, similar to or exceeding the geologic activities occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed amendments are intended to prevent occupants from being trapped in a building and to allow rescue workers to easily enter after an earthquake. The City of West Covina contains areas of unique geological and topographical features such as steep slopes, non-cohesive soils, and expansive soils.

Finding No. 3: Topographical. Due to the local topographical and geological conditions of the sites within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region and their probabilities for earthquakes, technical amendments are required to address and clarify special needs for buildings constructed on hillside locations. A SEAOSC and Los Angeles City Joint Task Force investigated the performance of hillside building failures after the Northridge earthquake. Numerous hillside failures resulted in loss of life and millions of dollars in damage.

In addition to the findings outlined above, because the City is adopting the 2025 California Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Residential Code, and Existing Building Code, as adopted and amended by Los Angeles County, the City Council hereby expressly finds that all changes and modifications to requirements contained in the building standards published in the California Building Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Residential Code, and Existing Building Code that are contained in the Los Angeles County provisions that are being adopted by the City are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions in the County of Los Angeles, including the City of West Covina, due to the potential for seismic activity in the region, topographical conditions that contribute to the spread of wild fires, and climatic conditions that impact air quality and increase the risk of wild fires.

The City Council believes that the findings made by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors are applicable to and consistent with the desire of the City to provide the most technically proficient and safe construction codes possible.

Therefore, the City Council hereby makes the findings made by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as outlined in Exhibit B hereto.

EXHIBIT B

LOS ANGELES COUNTY FINDINGS

BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
113.5,
113.5.1,
113.5.2
Administrative This is an administrative amendment to clarify that structures meeting the conditions specified and
affected by the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fire are
not required under the Alquist-Priolo Act to conduct
an active fault study.
701A.1
701A.2
Climatic Clarifies the application of Chapter 5 of the
California Wildland Interface Code to harden
additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings.

Many areas of the County have been designated as
Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to the increased risk
of fire caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry
vegetation. Additions, alterations, and/or relocated
buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.
701A.3
701A.5
701A.6
Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused
by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in
high fire severity zones in order to further harden
residential buildings against fire risk.
701A.7 Climatic Disallows the use of Class B wood-shingle/woodshake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and
dry vegetation in high fire severity zones in order to
further harden residential buildings against fire risk. 1031.2.1 Geological The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a densely populated area having buildings constructed
over and near a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

The proposed amendment is intended to prevent
occupants from being trapped in a building and to
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
allow rescue workers to easily enter after an
earthquake.

Table
1507.3.7
Geological Table amended to require proper anchorage for clay or concrete tiles from sliding or rotating due to the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County. This amendment incorporates the design
provisions developed based on detailed study of the
1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes.
1613.8
and
1613.8.1
Geological Observed damages to one- and two-family dwellings of light frame construction after the Northridge
Earthquake may have been partially attributed to
vertical irregularities common to this type of
occupancy and construction. In an effort to improve
quality of construction and incorporate lesson
learned from studies after the Northridge
Earthquake, the proposed modification to ASCE 7-
22, Section 12.2.3.1, Exception 3, by limiting the
number of stories and height of the structure to two
stories will significantly minimize the impact of
vertical irregularities and concentration of inelastic
behavior from mixed structural systems. This
proposed amendment is a continuation of an
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1613.8.2 Geological A joint Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC), Los Angeles County and
Los Angeles City Task Force investigated the
performance of concrete and masonry construction
with flexible wood diaphragm failures after the
Northridge earthquake. It was concluded at that
time that continuous ties are needed at specified
spacing to control cross grain tension in the interior
of the diaphragm. Additionally, there was a need to
limit subdiaphragm allowable shear loads to control
combined orthogonal stresses within the diaphragm.

Recognizing the importance and need to continue
the recommendation made by the task force while
taking into consideration the improved performances
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
and standards for diaphragm construction today, this
proposal increases the continuous tie spacing limit
to 40 ft in lieu of 25 ft and to use 75% of the
allowable code diaphragm shear to determine the
depth of the sub-diaphragm in lieu of the 300 plf and
is deemed appropriate and acceptable. Due to the
frequency of this type of failure during the past
significant earthquakes, various jurisdictions within
the Los Angeles region have taken this additional
step to prevent roof or floor diaphragms from pulling
away from concrete or masonry walls. This
proposed amendment is a continuation of an
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles.
1613.8.3 Geological The inclusion of the importance factor in the referenced Section equation has the unintended
consequence of reducing the minimum seismic
separation distance for important facilities such as
hospitals, schools, police, and fire stations from
adjoining structures. The proposal to omit the
importance factor from the referenced equation in
Section 12.8.6 will ensure that a safe seismic
separation distance is provided. This proposed
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
1613.9 Geological
Topographical
Section is added to improve seismic safety of
buildings constructed on or into hillsides. Due to the
local topographical and geological conditions of the
sites within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach
region and their probabilities for earthquakes, this
technical amendment is required to address and
clarify special needs for buildings constructed on
hillside locations. A SEAOSC and Los Angeles City
Joint Task Force investigated the performance of
hillside building failures after the Northridge
earthquake. Numerous hillside failures resulted in
loss of life and millions of dollars in damage. These
criteria were developed to minimize the damage to
these structures and have been in use by both the
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
City and County of Los Angeles for several years
with much success. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1613.10 Geological The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a densely populated area having buildings constructed
over and near a vast array of fault systems capable
of producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed
modification requiring safe design and construction
requirements for ceiling suspension systems to
resist seismic loads is intended to minimize the
amount of damage within a building and therefore
needs to be incorporated into the code to assure
that new buildings and additions to existing buildings
are designed and constructed in accordance with
the scope and objectives of the California Building
Code.
1704.6 Geological
Administrative
The language in section 1704.6 of the California
Building Code permits the owner to employ any
registered design professional to perform structural
observations with minimum guidelines. However, it
is important that the registered design professional
responsible for the structural design has thorough
knowledge of the building he/she designed. By
requiring the registered design professional
responsible for the structural design, or their
designee, who was involved with the design to
observe the construction, the quality of the
observation for major structural elements and
connections that affect the vertical and lateral load
resisting systems of the structure will be greatly
increased. Additional requirements are provided to
help clarify the role and duties of the structural
observer and the method of reporting and correcting
observed deficiencies to the Building Official. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
1704.6.1 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, the language in section
1704.6.1, Item 3, of the California Building Code
would permit many low-rise buildings and structures
with complex structural elements to be constructed
without the benefit of a structural observation. By
requiring a registered design professional to observe
the construction, the quality of the observation for
major structural elements and connections that
affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems
of the structure will be greatly increased. An
exception is provided to permit simple structures and
buildings to be excluded. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
1705.3 Geological Results from studies after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake indicated that a significant portion of the
damage was attributable to lack of quality control
during construction resulting in poor performance of
the building or structure. Therefore, the amendment
restricts the exceptions to the requirement for
special inspection. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
1705.13 Geological In Southern California, very few detached one- or two-family dwellings not exceeding two stories
above grade plane are built as "box-type" structures
specially for those in hillside areas and near the
oceanfront. Many with steel moment frames or
braced frames, and/or cantilevered columns, can still
be shown as "regular" structures by calculations.

With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings
and structures in this region, the language in
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
section 1705.13, Item 3, of the California Building
Code would permit many detached one- or twofamily dwellings not exceeding two stories above grade plane with complex structural elements to be
constructed without the benefit of special
inspections. By requiring special inspections, the
quality of major structural elements and connections
that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting
systems of the structure will be greatly increased.

The exception should only be allowed for detached
one- or two-family dwellings not exceeding two
stories above grade plane assigned to Seismic
Design Categories A, B, and C.
1807.1.4 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that a wood foundation is effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effect of constant moisture in
the soil and wood-destroying organisms. Wood
retaining walls, when they are not properly treated
and protected against deterioration, have performed
very poorly and have led to slope failures. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or
eliminate potential problems that may result by using
wood foundations that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.

Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
1807.1.6 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, it is necessary to take
precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential
problems that may result by following prescriptive
design provisions that do not take into consideration
the surrounding environment. Plain concrete
performs poorly in withstanding the cyclic forces
resulting from seismic events. In addition, no
substantiating data has been provided to show that
under-reinforced foundation walls are effective in
resisting seismic loads, and may potentially lead to a
higher risk of failure. It is important that the benefit and expertise of a registered design professional be
obtained to properly analyze the structure and take
these issues into consideration. This amendment is
a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1807.2 Climatic,
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood foundation systems are effective in
supporting buildings and structures during a seismic
event while being subject to deterioration caused by
the combined detrimental effects of constant
moisture in the soil and wood-destroying organisms.

Wood foundation systems not properly treated and
protected against deterioration have performed very
poorly and have led to slope failures. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate
potential problems that may result in using wood
foundation systems that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This proposed amendment is Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1807.3.1 Climatic,
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood foundation systems are effective in
supporting buildings and structures during a seismic
event while being subject to deterioration caused by
the combined detrimental effects of constant
moisture in the soil and wood-destroying organisms.

Wood foundation systems not properly treated and
protected against deterioration have performed very
poorly and have led to slope failures. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate
potential problems that may result in using wood
foundation systems that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wooddestroying organisms. This proposed amendment is a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1809.3 and
Figure
1809.3
Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, it is necessary to take
precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential
problems that may result for under-reinforced
footings located on sloped surfaces. Requiring
minimum reinforcement for stepped footings is
intended to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.

Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
1809.7 and
Table 1809.7
Geological No substantiating data has been provided to show that under-reinforced footings are effective in
resisting seismic loads, and therefore they may
potentially lead to a higher risk of failure. This
amendment requires minimum reinforcement in
continuous footings to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. With the higher seismic
demand placed on buildings and structures in this
region, it is necessary to take precautionary steps to
reduce or eliminate potential problems that may
result by following prescriptive design provisions for
footings that do not take into consideration the
surrounding environment. It is important that the
benefit and expertise of a registered design
professional be obtained to properly analyze the
structure and take these factors into consideration.

This amendment reflects the recommendations by
the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task
Force, which investigated the performance
deficiencies observed in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of
an amendment adopted during previous code
adoption cycles.
1809.12 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that timber footings are effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in
the soil and wood-destroying organisms. Timber
footings, when they are not properly treated and
protected against deterioration, have performed very
poorly. Most contractors are typically accustomed to
construction in dry and temperate weather in the
Southern California region and are not generally
familiar with the necessary precautions and
treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both
seismic events and wet applications. The proposed
amendment takes the necessary precautionary
steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems,
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
which may result by using timber footings that
experience relatively rapid decay due to the fact that
the region does not experience temperatures cold
enough to destroy or retard the growth and
proliferation of wood-destroying organisms. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the local climate and the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County.
1810.3.2.4 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that timber footings are effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in
the soil and wood-destroying organisms. Timber
footings, when they are not properly treated and
protected against deterioration, have performed very
poorly. Most contractors are typically accustomed to
construction in dry and temperate weather in the
Southern California region and are not generally
familiar with the necessary precautions and
treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both
seismic events and wet applications. The proposed
amendment takes the necessary precautionary
steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems that
may result by using timber footings that experience
relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region
does not experience temperatures cold enough to
destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of
wood-destroying organisms. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1905.1 Geological This amendment is intended to carry over critical provisions for the design of concrete columns in
moment frames from the legacy 1997 Uniform
Building Code. Increased confinement is critical to
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
the integrity of such columns and these
modifications ensure that it is provided when certain
thresholds are exceeded. In addition, this
amendment carries over from the legacy 1997
Uniform Building Code a critical provision for the
design of concrete shear walls. It essentially limits
the use of very highly gravity-loaded walls in being
included in the seismic load resisting system, since
their failure could have catastrophic effect on the
building. Furthermore, this amendment was
incorporated in the code based on observations from
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Rebar placed in
very thin concrete topping slabs have been
observed in some instances to have popped out of
the slab due to insufficient concrete coverage. This
modification ensures that critical boundary and
collector rebars are placed in sufficiently thick
topping slab to prevent buckling of such
reinforcements. This proposed amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
1905.6.2 Geological This amendment requires minimum reinforcement in continuous footings to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. This amendment reflects
the recommendations by the SEAOSC and the
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which
investigated the poor performance observed in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
1905.8
through
1905.10
Geological These amendments are intended to carry over
critical provisions for the design of concrete columns
in moment frames from the Uniform Building Code
(UBC). Increased confinement is critical to the
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
integrity of such columns and these modifications
ensure that it is provided when certain thresholds
are exceeded. In addition, this amendment carries
over from the UBC a critical provision for the design
of concrete shear walls. It essentially limits the use
of very highly gravity-loaded walls from being
included in the seismic load resisting system, since
their failure could have a catastrophic effect on the
building. Furthermore, this amendment was
incorporated into this Code based on observations
from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Rebar placed
in very thin concrete topping slabs has been
observed in some instances to have popped out of
the slab due to insufficient concrete coverage. This
modification ensures that critical boundary and
collector rebars are placed in sufficiently thick slabs to prevent buckling of such reinforcements. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
2304.10.2
and Table
2304.10.2
Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the expected higher level of
performance on buildings and structures, this
proposed local amendment limits the use of staple
fasteners in resisting or transferring seismic forces.

In September 2007, limited cyclic testing data was
provided to the ICC, Los Angeles Chapter Structural
Code Committee, showing that stapled wood
structural shear panels do not exhibit the same
behavior as nailed wood structural shear panels.

The test results of stapled wood structural shear
panels demonstrated much lower strength and drift
than nailed wood structural shear panel test results.

Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners to resist
or transfer seismic forces shall not be permitted
without being substantiated by cyclic testing. This
amendment is a continuation of a similar
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
2304.10.3.1 Geological The overdriving of nails into the structural wood panels still remains a concern when pneumatic nail
guns are used for wood structural panel shear wall
nailing. Box nails were observed to cause massive
and multiple failures of the typical 3/8-inch thick
plywood during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

The use of clipped head nails continues to be
restricted from use in wood structural panel shear
walls where the minimum nail head size must be
maintained in order to minimize nails from pulling
through sheathing materials. Clipped or
mechanically driven nails used in wood structural
panel shear wall construction were found to perform
much worse in previous wood structural panel shear
wall testing done at the University of California
Irvine. The existing test results indicated that, under cyclic loading, the wood structural panel shear walls
were less energy absorbent and less ductile. The
panels reached ultimate load capacity and failed at
substantially less lateral deflection than those using
same-size hand-driven nails. This amendment
reflects the recommendations by the SEAOSC and
the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which
investigated the poor performance observed in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
2304.12.2.8 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood used in retaining or crib walls is effective
in supporting buildings and structures during a
seismic event while being subject to deterioration
caused by the combined detrimental effect of
constant moisture in the soil and wood-destroying
organisms. Wood used in retaining or crib walls,
when it is not properly treated and protected against
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
deterioration, has performed very poorly. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or
eliminate potential problems that may result by using
wood in retaining or crib walls, which experience
relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region
does not experience temperatures cold enough to
destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of
wood-destroying organisms. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
2305.4 Geological Many of the hold-down connectors currently in use do not have any acceptance report based on
dynamic testing protocols. This amendment
continues to limit the allowable capacity to 75% of
the acceptance report value to provide an additional
factor of safety for statically tested anchorage
devices. Cyclic forces imparted on buildings and
structures by seismic activity cause more damage
than equivalent forces that are applied in a static
manner. Steel plate washers will reduce the
additional damage that can result when hold-down
connectors are fastened to wood framing members.

This amendment reflects the recommendations by
the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task
Force, which investigated the poor performance
observed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.

Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
2306.2
2306.3
2307.2
2308.10.5.1
2308.10.5.2
Figure
2308.10.5.1
and Figure
2308.10.5.2
Geological The SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force that investigated damage to buildings and
structures during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake
recommended reducing allowable shear values in
wood structural panel shear walls or diaphragms
that were not substantiated by cyclic testing. That
recommendation was consistent with a report to the
Governor from the Seismic Safety Commission of
the State of California recommending that code
requirements be "more thoroughly substantiated with
testing." The allowable shear values for wood
structural panel shear walls or diaphragms fastened
with staples are based on monotonic testing and do
not take into consideration that earthquake forces
load shear wall or diaphragm in a repeating and fully
reversible manner. In September 2007, limited
cyclic testing was conducted by a private
engineering firm to determine if wood structural
panels fastened with staples would exhibit the same
behavior as wood structural panels fastened with
common nails. The test result revealed that wood
structural panels fastened with staples demonstrated
much lower strength and stiffness than wood
structural panels fastened with common nails. It
was recommended that the use of staples as
fasteners for wood structural panel shear walls or
diaphragms not be permitted to resist seismic forces
in structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories
D, E, and F unless it can be substantiated by cyclic
testing. Furthermore, the cities and unincorporated
areas within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach
region have taken extra measures to maintain the
structural integrity of the framing of shear walls and
diaphragms designed for high levels of seismic
forces by requiring wood sheathing be applied
directly over the framing members and prohibiting
the use of panels placed over gypsum sheathing.

This amendment is intended to prevent the
undesirable performance of nails when gypsum
board softens due to cyclic earthquake
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
displacements and the nail ultimately does not have
any engagement in a solid material within the
thickness of the gypsum board. This amendment
continues the previous amendment adopted during
the 2007 code adoption cycle.
2308.10.8.1 Geological With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and structures in this region, interior walls can easily be called upon to resist over half of the seismic
loading imposed on simple buildings or structures.

Without a continuous foundation to support the
braced wall line, seismic loads would be transferred
through other elements such as non-structural
concrete slab floors, wood floors, etc. The purpose
of this amendment is to limit the use of the exception
to structures assigned to Seismic Design Category
A, B, or C where lower seismic demands are
expected. Requiring interior braced walls be
supported by continuous foundations is intended to
reduce or eliminate the poor performance of
buildings or structures. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.

Table
2308.10.1
Geological This amendment specifies minimum sheathing
thickness and nail size and spacing so as to provide
a uniform standard of construction for designers and
buildings to follow. This is intended to improve the
performance level of buildings and structures that
are subject to the higher seismic demands placed on
buildings or structure in this region. This proposed
amendment reflects the recommendations by the
SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task
Force, which investigated the performance
deficiencies observed in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of
an amendment adopted during previous code
adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County.
2308.10.9 Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the required higher level of
performance of buildings and structures, this
amendment limits the use of staple fasteners in
resisting or transferring seismic forces. In
September 2007, limited cyclic testing data was
provided to the ICC, Los Angeles Chapter Structural
Code Committee, showing that stapled wood
structural shear panels do not exhibit the same
behavior as nailed wood structural shear panels.

The test results of stapled wood structural shear
panels demonstrated much lower strength and drift
than nailed wood structural shear panel test results.

Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners to resist
or transfer seismic forces shall not be permitted
without being substantiated by cyclic testing. This
amendment is a continuation of a similar
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles.
3114; Climatic,
Geologic
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is
situated over a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

The region is further impacted by construction of
buildings and structures utilizing traditional
construction materials that impact the amount of
energy, air quality, greenhouse gas emission and
construction waste in the area. The proposed
amendment addresses structural design
requirements specific to intermodal shipping
containers, reduce environmental impact of unused
and unrecycled intermodal shipping containers, and
increase sustainability by reducing consumption of
traditional construction materials. The proposed
modification needs to be incorporated into the code
to assure that new buildings and additions to
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
existing buildings utilizing intermodal shipping
containers are designed and constructed in
accordance with the scope and objectives of the
California Building Code and California Green
Building Standards Code
Appendix C Climatic,
Geologic,
Voluntary
appendix
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various agricultural and animal husbandry
establishments. Many areas of the County have
been designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones due
to the increased risk of fire caused by low humidity,
strong winds, and dry vegetation, particularly the
rural areas, which are often used for agricultural
purposes. Furthermore, the greater Los
Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a vast
array of earthquake fault systems capable of
producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Due to the need
for agricultural buildings to perform appropriately in
the County due to its geology and climate, adoption
of building standards for such structures is required.

Appendix H Climatic,
Geologic,
Voluntary
appendix
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various signs used in the County. The Los Angeles
region is situated over a vast array of earthquake
fault systems capable of producing major
earthquakes, similar to or exceeding the geologic
activities occurring during the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. In addition, weather events occur
seasonally with high winds such as the Santa Ana
Winds. Due to the need for signs to perform well in
the County due to its climate and geology, adoption
of building standards for signs is required.

H103.1 Geologic,
Administrative,
Voluntary
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various signs used in the County. The greater
Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a
vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
appendix producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This provision is
amended to cross-reference to applicable legal
provisions and also to ensure that signs are located
in such a way as to avoid damage to adjacent
structures and people given the potential for
earthquakes in the County.

H103.2 Geologic,
Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
various signs used in the County. The greater
Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a
vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of
producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This provision is
amended to cross-reference to applicable legal
provisions and also to ensure that sign projections
and clearances are located in such a way as to
avoid damage to adjacent structures and people
given the potential for earthquakes in the County.

H104.1 Geologic,
Voluntary
appendix
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is
situated over a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

Due to the risk of geologic activities in the Southern
California area, buildings and structures require a
high level of performance, which is directly
proportional to the weight of a structure. By adding
the weight of a sign to the identification placard, it
will improve the ability to provide structural
verification in the event of damage or future
modifications.

H105.1 Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
The amendment provides a cross reference to
Chapter 24 for user convenience.

Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
H106.1,
H106.2
Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
This change corrects a call out from the model
electrical code to the relevant local electrical code
and clarifies that a separate electrical permit is
required for user convenience.

H110.1 Climatic,
Voluntary
appendix
Due to the potential for severe local weather
conditions with torrential rain, it is necessary to
clarify that no portions of the roof sign and
supporting members may interfere with proper roof
drainage to prevent the potential for roof collapse
due to water accumulation.

H116 Climatic,
Voluntary
appendix
Due to the potential for severe local weather with
high speed winds and hot, dry conditions, it is
necessary that the most recent test standards as
specified in Chapter 35 are adopted in lieu of the
older test standards specified in Section H116. This
ensures that the risk from fires is minimized.

J101.1 to
J101.9
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to include erosion and sediment
control measures to address the complex and
diverse set of soil types and geologic conditions that
exist in the greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach
region.

J101.10 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Section revised to maintain safety and integrity of
public or private property adjacent to grading sites
due to the complex and diverse set of soil types,
climates, and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J103.1 –
J103.2 and
Figure
J103.2
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide adequate control of
grading operations typical to the greater Los
Angeles County/Long Beach region due to the
complex and diverse set of soil types, climates, and
geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
J104.2.1 –
J104.4
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised or added to provide adequate
control of grading operations typical to the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region due to the
complex and diverse set of soil types, climates, and
geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J105.1-
J105.14
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised or added to provide adequate
control of grading operations typical to the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region due to the
complex and diverse set of soil types, climates, and
geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J106.1 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Section revised to require more stringent cut slope
ratios to address the complex and diverse set of soil
types and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J107.1-
J107.7
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide more stringent fill
requirements for slope stability and settlement due
to the complex and diverse set of soil types,
climates, and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J107.8 –
J107.9
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide more stringent
inspection and testing requirements for fill slope
stability due to the complex and diverse set of soil
types, climates, and geologic conditions that exist in
the greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J108.1 –
J108.4
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide more stringent slope
setback requirements to address the complex and
diverse set of soil types, climates, and geologic
conditions that exist in the greater Los Angeles
County/Long Beach region.

J109.1 –
J109.3
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised to provide more stringent drainage
and terracing requirements to address the complex
and diverse set of soil types, climates, and geologic
conditions that exist in the greater Los Angeles
County/Long Beach region.

Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
J109.5 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Subsection added to provide for adequate outlet of
drainage flows due to the diverse set of soil types,
climates, and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach region.

J110.1 -
J110.8.5
Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Sections revised or added to provide for State
requirements of storm water pollution prevention and
more stringent slope planting, and slope stability
requirements to control erosion due to the complex
and diverse set of soil types, climates, and geologic
conditions that exist in the greater Los Angeles
County/Long Beach region.

J111 Geological
Topographical
Climatic
Section revised to reference additional standards for
soils testing due to the complex and diverse set of
soil types, climates, and geologic conditions that
exist in the greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach
region.

Appendix Q
Q101.1,
Q102.1,
Q103.1,
Q103.4,
Q107.1
Administrative,
Voluntary
appendix
Climatic
Geologic
Topographical
Adoption of this appendix is necessary because
strict compliance with State and local standards and
laws would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of
the effects of a declared shelter crisis, local
emergency or state of emergency. The
modifications to this appendix are administrative in
nature, to provide clarification of various provisions
of the language of this voluntary Appendix.

Q106.1 Climatic Los Angeles County is subject to extreme temperatures, and many of these membrane
structures will be erected and occupied during
severe weather events. It is necessary to include
this amendment to ensure the safety, health, and
comfort of the occupants is maintained during
extreme heat and cold.

Q110.1.1,
Q110.1.2
Administrative These sections are a cross reference to the State Plumbing Code requirement for user convenience
and is not adding a new building standard nor
enacting a more restrictive requirement. To the
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
extent findings are requested, see prefatory
language in this Section.

Q110.3 Climatic,
Voluntary
appendix
The County may utilize mobile restroom facilities
that are physically separate from the living facilities.

Due to the potential for severe local weather
conditions, with extreme temperatures or torrential
rain, the distance to the restroom facilities required
for the comfort, safety, and health of displaced
people should be reduced to 300 feet or as
determined by the Building Official.

RESIDENTIAL CODE
Code
Section
Condition Explanation of Amendment
R301.1.3.2 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. After the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake, the Wood Frame Construction Joint Task
Force recommended that the quality of woodframe
construction needed to be greatly improved. The
Task Force recommended that structural plans be
prepared by the engineer or architect so that plan
examiners, building inspectors, contractors, and
special inspectors may logically follow and construct
the seismic force-resisting systems as presented in
the construction documents. For buildings or
structures located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1,
D2, or E that are subject to a greater level of seismic forces, the requirement to have a California licensed
architect or engineer prepare the construction
documents is intended to minimize or reduce
structural deficiencies that may cause excessive
damage or injuries in woodframe buildings.

Involvement of a registered professional will minimize
the occurrence of structural deficiencies such as plan
and vertical irregularities, improper shear transfer of the seismic force-resisting system, missed details or
connections important to the structural system, and
the improper application of the prescriptive
requirements of the California Residential Code.

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

R301.2.2.6 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the necessary
higher level of performance required for buildings and
structures, this local amendment limits the type of
irregular conditions as specified in the California
Residential Code. Such limitations are recommended
to reduce structural damage in the event of an
earthquake. The County of Los Angeles and cities in
this region have implemented these extra measures
to maintain the structural integrity of the framing of
the shear walls and all associated elements when
designed for high levels of seismic loads.

R301.2.2.11 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. Due to the high geologic activity in
the Southern California area and the necessary
higher level of performance required for buildings and
structures, this local amendment limits the potential
anchorage and supporting frame failure resulting from
additional weight. There is no limitation for weight of mechanical and plumbing fixtures and equipment in
the International Residential Code. Requirements
from ASCE 7 and the International Building Code
would permit equipment weighing up to 400 lbs. when
mounted at 4 feet or less above the floor or attic level without engineering design. Where equipment
exceeds this requirement, it is the intent of this
amendment that a registered design professional be
required to analyze if the floor support is adequate
and structurally sound.

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

R337.1.1
R337.1.2
Climatic Clarifies the application of Chapter 5 of the California Wildland Interface Code to also harden additions,
alterations, and/or relocated buildings. Many areas of
the County have been designated as Fire Hazard
Severity Zones due to the increased risk of fire
caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry
vegetation. Additions, alterations, and/or relocated
buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.

R337.1.3
R337.1.5
R337.1.6
Climatic Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused
by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in
high fire severity zones in order to further harden
residential buildings against fire risk.

R337.1.7 Climatic Disallows the use of Class B wood-shingle/woodshake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry
vegetation in high fire severity zones in order to
further harden residential buildings against fire risk.

R401.1 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. Wood foundations, even those that
are preservative-treated, encounter a higher risk of
deterioration when contacting the adjacent ground.

The required seismic anchorage and transfer of
lateral forces into the foundation system necessary
for 2-story structures and foundation walls could
become compromised at varying states of wood
decay. In addition, global structure overturning
moment and sliding resistance is reduced when
utilizing wood foundations as opposed to
conventional concrete or masonry systems.

However, non-occupied, single-story storage
structures pose significantly less risk to human safety and may utilize the wood foundation guidelines
specified in this Chapter.

R403.1.2
R403.1.3.6
R403.1.5
Figure
R403.1.5
Climatic
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due
to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. These amendments require
minimum reinforcement in continuous footings and
stepped footings to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under-reinforced footings
during a seismic event. These amendments
implement the recommendations of SEAOSC and the
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force resulting from their
investigation of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

Interior walls can easily be called upon to resist over half of the seismic loading imposed on simple
buildings or structures. Without a continuous
foundation to support the braced wall line, seismic
loads would be transferred through other elements
such as non-structural concrete slab floors, wood
floors, etc. Requiring interior braced walls to be
supported by continuous foundations is intended to
reduce or eliminate the poor performance of buildings
or structures.

R404.2 Climatic
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
that wood foundations are effective in supporting
structures and buildings during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the presence
of water and other materials detrimental to wood
foundations in the soil. Wood foundations, when they
are not properly treated and protected against
deterioration, have performed very poorly and have
led to slope failures. Most contractors are typically
accustomed to construction in dry weather in the
Southern California region and are not generally
familiar with the necessary precautions and treatment
of wood that makes it suitable for both seismic events
and wet applications. With the higher seismic
demand placed on buildings and structures in this
region, coupled with the dryer weather conditions, it is the intent of this amendment to reduce or eliminate
potential problems resulting from the use of wood
footings and foundations.

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

R503.2.4
Figure
R503.2.4
Geological Section R502.10 of the Code does not provide any prescriptive criteria to limit the maximum floor
opening size, nor does Section R503 provide any
details to address the issue of shear transfer near
larger floor openings. With the higher seismic
demand placed on buildings and structures in this
region, it is important to ensure that a complete load
path is provided to reduce or eliminate potential
damage caused by seismic forces. Requiring
blocking with metal ties around larger floor openings
and limiting opening size is consistent with the
requirements of Section R301.2.2.6.

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

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

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

R602.10.2.3 Geological The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area having buildings and structures
constructed over and near a vast array of fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
including, but not limited, to the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. Plywood shear walls with high aspect
ratio experienced many failures during the Northridge
Earthquake. This proposed amendment specifies a
minimum braced wall length to meet an aspect ratio
consistent with other sections of the California
Residential Code, and to assure that new buildings
and additions to existing buildings are designed and
constructed in accordance with the scope and
objectives of the California Residential Code. This is
intended to improve the performance level of
buildings and structures that are subject to the higher seismic demands and reduce and limit potential
damage to property. This proposed amendment
reflects the recommendations by SEAOSC and the
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force that investigated
the poor performance observed during the 1994
Northridge Earthquake.

Table
R602.10.3(3)
Geological Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern California area and the necessary higher level of
performance of buildings and structures, this local
amendment reduces or eliminates the allowable
shear values for shear walls sheathed with lath,
plaster, or gypsum board. The poor performance of
such shear walls sheathed with other materials in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake was investigated by
SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force.

The County of Los Angeles and cities in this region
have taken extra measures to maintain the structural
integrity of the framing of the shear walls when
designed for high levels of seismic loads.

Table
R602.10.4
Geological 3/8" thick 3 ply-plywood shear walls experienced many failures during the Northridge Earthquake. This
amendment specifies minimum WSP sheathing
thickness and nail size and spacing, so as to provide
a uniform standard of construction to improve the
performance level of buildings and structures, given
the potential for higher seismic demands placed on
buildings or structure in this region. This proposed
amendment reflects the recommendations by
SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force
following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. In
September 2007, cyclic testing data was provided to
the Los Angeles Chapter Structural Code Committee
showing that stapled wood structural shear panels
underperformed nailed wood structural shear panels.

Test results of the stapled wood structural shear
panels appeared much lower in strength and drift
than the nailed wood structural shear panel test
results.

Table
R602.10.5
Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. The poor performance of such shear
walls sheathed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake
was investigated by SEAOSC and the Los Angeles
City Joint Task Force. The County of Los Angeles
and cities in this region have taken extra measures to
maintain the structural integrity with respect to the
"maximum shear wall aspect ratios" of the framing of
the shear walls when designed for high levels of
seismic loads. This amendment is consistent with the
shear wall aspect ratio provision of Section 4.3.3 of
AWC SDPWS-2021.

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

Figure
R602.10.6.2
Geological 3/8" thick 3 ply-plywood shear walls experienced many failures during the Northridge Earthquake. The
poor performance of such shear walls in the 1994
Northridge Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC
and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force. The
County of Los Angeles and cities in this region have
taken extra measures to maintain the structural
integrity of the framing of the shear walls when
designed for high levels of seismic loads. Box nails
were observed to cause massive and multiple failures
of typical 3/8-inch thick plywood during the Northridge Earthquake. This change to the minimum lap splice
requirement is consistent with Section 25.5 of ACI
318-19.

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

0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches in size" is
consistent with Section R602.11.1 of the California
Residential Code and Section 2308.7.1 of the
California Building Code.

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

R606.12.2.2.3 Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. Reinforcement using longitudinal
wires for buildings and structures located in high
seismic areas is not as ductile as deformed rebar.

Having vertical reinforcement closer to the ends of
masonry walls helps to improve the seismic
performance of masonry buildings and structures.

R803.2.4 Geological Section R802 of the Code does not provide any prescriptive criteria to limit the maximum size of roof openings, nor does Section R803 provide any details
to address the issue of shear transfer near larger roof openings. With the higher seismic demand placed on
buildings and structures in this region, it is important to ensure that a complete load path is provided to
reduce or eliminate potential damage caused by
seismic forces. Requiring blocking with metal ties
around larger roof openings and limiting the size of
openings is consistent with the requirements of
Section R301.2.2.6.

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

Appendix BJ
BJ106.1
Geological Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the existence of active faults in the Southern
California area. Due to the limited seismic
performance information on strawbale construction,
this amendment is intended to limit the higher risk
strawbale construction poses in a high seismic
region.

Appendix CJ
CJ101.1,
CJ102.1,
CJ103.1,
CJ103.4,
CJ107.1
Administrative,
Climatic,
Geologic,
Topographical
Adoption of this appendix is necessary because strict
compliance with state and local standards and laws
would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the
effects of a declared shelter crisis or other
emergency. The modifications to this appendix are
administrative in nature, to provide clarification of
various provisions of the language of this voluntary
Appendix.

CJ106.1 Climatic Los Angeles County is subject to extreme temperatures, and many of these membrane
structures will be erected and occupied during severe
weather events. It is necessary to include this
amendment to ensure the safety, health, and comfort
of the occupants is maintained during extreme heat
and cold.

CJ110.1.1,
CJ110.1.2
Administrative These sections are simply a cross reference to the State Plumbing Code requirement for user
convenience and is not adding a new building
standard nor enacting a more restrictive requirement.

To the extent findings are requested, see prefatory
language in this Section.

CJ110.3 Climatic The County may utilize mobile restroom facilities that are physically separate from the living facilities. Due to the potential for severe local weather conditions,
with extreme temperatures or torrential rain, the
distance to the restroom facilities required for the
comfort, safety, and health of displaced people
should be reduced to 300 feet or as determined by
the Building Official.

EXISTING BUILDING CODE

EXISTING BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE

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

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

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

MECHANICAL CODE
TABLE

MECHANICAL CODE AMENDMENTS

CODE SECTION CONDITION EXPLANATION
501.1 Climatic Additional Health
Department requirements
are necessary due to local
air quality concerns.
510.1.6 Geological High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment for bracing
and support.
603.7.1.1 Geological High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment for bracing
and support.
1114.4 Geological High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment to reduce
damage and potential for
toxic refrigerant release
during a seismic event
caused by shifting
equipment and to minimize
impacts to the sewer
system in such an event.

PLUMBING CODE

PLUMBING CODE AMENDMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

Table H 201.1(1) Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for
protection of local groundwater due to local
soil conditions, sewer capacity, and sewage
treatment.

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

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

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

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

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

Section H 601.5 Geological
Topographical
To establish more restrictive requirements for
protection of local groundwater due to local
soil conditions.

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

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

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

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

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

DRAFT
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
ORDINANCE NO. 2536

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTERS 7
AND 9 OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2026 LOS ANGELES
COUNTY BUILDING CODE (TITLE 26), ELECTRICAL
CODE (TITLE 27), PLUMBING CODE (TITLE 28),
MECHANICAL CODE (TITLE 29), RESIDENTIAL CODE
(TITLE 30), AND EXISTING BUILDING CODE (TITLE 33),
WHICH ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA

BUILDING CODE, ELECTRICAL CODE, PLUMBING CODE,

MECHANICAL CODE, RESIDENTIAL CODE, AND

EXISTING BUILDING CODE, WITH CERTAIN

AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO
The City Council of the City of West Covina hereby finds and declares as follows:

WHEREAS, on July 1, 2025, the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) published the 2025 California Building Standards Code, which includes the 2025 Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Existing Building Codes (the “2025 California Codes”); and
WHEREAS, the 2025 California Codes will be effective on January 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, Section 17958.5 of the California Health and Safety Code permits the City to make changes or modifications to the 2025 California Codes as such changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geographical or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, prior to making any modifications or changes pursuant to Section 17958.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, Section 17958.7 of the Health and Safety Code requires the City to make express findings that such modifications or changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the findings and local amendments apply to all occupancy classifications, unless specified otherwise; and
WHEREAS, historically, the City of West Covina has adopted by reference the Los Angeles County Codes, which include amendments to the California Building Standards Code that address regional and local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2025, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors DRAFT
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adopted ordinances amending Titles 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 33 of the Los Angeles County Code, which adopt by reference the 2025 California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Existing Building Codes, respectively, with amendments based upon express findings that such modifications are reasonably necessary due to climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt Titles 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 33 of the Los Angeles County Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of West Covina has determined that modifications to the 2025 California Codes are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions, as detailed in Resolution No. 2026-03; and WHEREAS, pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 17958 of the California Health and Safety Code, commencing October 1, 2025 and ending June 1, 2031, the City is prohibited from making changes to the 2025 California Codes that are applicable to residential units unless one of the specified conditions is met, including the changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the City Council and were in effect as of September 30, 2025; and WHEREAS, the local amendments applicable to residential units are substantially equivalent to changes that were previously filed by the City with the CBSC and were in effect as of September 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, all legal requirements prior to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.

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

SECTION 1. Recitals. The City Council makes and adopts as findings the facts and conclusions set forth in the recitals of this Ordinance and, for the reasons set forth in the recitals and Resolution No. 2026-03, finds that the modifications to the 2025 California Building Standards Code are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

SECTION 2. Amendment to Article I of Chapter 7. The definition of “health office” set forth in Section 7-1 of Article 1 of Chapter 7 of the West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Health office means the city or county department responsible for administering and enforcing all laws, ordinances and regulations dealing with public health and sanitation.

SECTION 3. Amendment to Article I of Chapter 7. Section 7-1 of Article 1 of Chapter 7 of the West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended to add a definition for DRAFT
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“person” to read as follows:

Person has the meaning set forth in section 1-19 of this Code.

SECTION 4. Amendment to Article I of Chapter 7. Article I of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended to add a new Section 7-3 to read as follows:

Sec. 7-3. - Refunds.
(a) The building official may authorize refunding of a fee paid pursuant to this chapter which was erroneously paid or collected, provided that a written application for a refund is submitted to the building official within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date the permit fee was paid. (b) The building official may authorize the refunding of not more than eighty percent (80%) of the permit fee paid when:
(i) No work authorized by the building permit has been done under the permit issued in accordance with this Code; and
(ii) A written application for a refund is submitted to the building official within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date the permit fee was paid. (c) The building official shall not refund any portion of the plan review fee, unless no review has been performed on a set of plans, in which case the building official may authorize a refund of no more than eighty percent (80%) of the plan review fee.

SECTION 5. Amendment to Article I of Chapter 7. Article I of Chapter 7 of the West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended to add a new Section 7-4 to read as follows:

Sec. 7-4 - Violations and penalties.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, relocate, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure in the city, or cause the same to be done, in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any person violating any provision of this chapter or the Los Angeles County Codes adopted by reference herein is guilty of a misdemeanor. However, any such violation constituting a misdemeanor may, at his or her discretion, be cited by the issuing officer and prosecuted by the city attorney as an infraction.

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(c) Each day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this chapter or the Los Angeles County Codes adopted by reference herein is committed, continued or permitted shall constitute a separate offense. (d) Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or the Los Angeles County Codes adopted by reference herein may be punished as a criminal offense or by the issuance of an administrative citation in accordance with article X of chapter 15 of this Code. The administrative fines shall be in the amounts set forth in article X of chapter 15 of this Code, or such greater fine amounts as authorized by California law. In the event of an inconsistency between the authorized amount of such fines pursuant to article X of chapter 15 and of those authorized by California law, the greater fine amount may be imposed.
(e) The issuance or granting of a permit, or approval based on plans, specifications or other data shall not be deemed or construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this chapter shall be invalid, except insofar as the work or use which is authorized is lawful. (f) The issuance or granting of a permit, approval or certificate of occupancy based on submitted plans, specifications or other data shall not prevent the building official or his/her designee from:
(1) Thereafter requiring the correction of errors in such plans, specifications or other data; or
(2) Ordering cessation of construction, maintenance, operation, or occupancy when it is in violation of this chapter or of any other ordinance; or (3) Revoking any permit, approval or certificate of occupancy or completion when issued in; or
(4) Suspending or revoking any permit, approval, certificate of occupancy or completion when issued on the basis of incorrect information supplied or in violation of any section of this Code.

SECTION 6. Amendment to Article II of Chapter 7. Article II of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

Page 5 of 15 ends

2025 California Building Code with amendments, together with its appendices, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein. (b) One (1) complete copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and one (1) complete copy of the 2025 California Building Code will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment shall control.

Sec. 7-17. – Title.

Section 101.1 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

Chapter 7, Article II of the City of West Covina Municipal Code shall be known as the “Building Code” of the City of West Covina, and may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “these regulations” or “these building standards” or “this Code.” Sec. 7-18. - Board of appeals.

Section 105.1.1 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
105.1.1 General. Unless otherwise provided for below, in order to conduct the hearings provided for in this Code, there shall be a Building Board of Appeals consisting of five members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction. One member shall be a practicing architect, one a builder who is a licensed general contractor, one a lawyer, and two structural engineers, each of whom shall have had at least 10 years of experience as an architect, builder, lawyer, or structural engineer. The Building Official shall be an ex officio member and shall act as secretary to the Board. The members of the Building Board of Appeals shall be appointed by the City Manager and shall hold office at his/her pleasure. The board shall adopt rules of procedures for conducting its business.

Sec. 7-19. - Fees and refunds.

Section 107 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
107.1 Permit fees. A fee for each permit shall be paid to the Building Official as set forth in resolution of the City Council. Determination of value or valuation under any of the provisions of this Code shall be made by the Building Official. Valuation shall be based on the type of construction, occupancy classification, and size of the project, and shall include all components of the permitted work, including structural elements, finishes, roofing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection systems, and other permanently DRAFT
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installed features or equipment. In establishing valuation, the Building Official may reference the most current Building Valuation Data (BVD) published by the International Code Council or other similar industry data sources. These references are intended to provide a consistent and uniform basis for determining construction valuation for fee assessment purposes. The calculated valuation is not required to reflect actual or reported construction costs.
107.2 Plan review fee. When an application for a building permit is submitted for review, a plan review fee shall be paid to the Building Official. Said fee shall be equal to 85 percent of the building permit fee as set forth in resolution of the city council.

In addition to the aforementioned fee, the Building Official may require additional charges for review required by changes, additions or revisions of approved plans or reports, and for services beyond the first and second check due to changes, omissions or errors on the part of the applicant. The payment of said fees shall not exempt any person from compliance with other provisions of this Code.

The fees specified in this section are separate fees from the permit fees specified in Section 107.1.
107.3 Work without permit; investigation fee. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this chapter has been commenced without first obtaining a permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work. A special investigation fee shall be collected prior to the issuance of a permit. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee that would be required by this chapter if a permit were to be issued and shall be in addition to the permit fee if a permit is required. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this chapter nor from any penalty prescribed by law.
107.4 Refunds. Requests for refunds of permit fees shall be processed in accordance with the requirements set forth in section 7-3 of this chapter.

Sec. 7-20. - Use and occupancy.

Section 109 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
109.1 Use and occupancy. No building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, shall be made until the Building Official has approved the building, structure or premises or portion thereof for such use or occupancy and until all permits have been approved or a temporary certificate of occupancy has been issued.

Upon final inspection approval of a building permit and at the request of the DRAFT
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applicant, a certificate of occupancy may be issued by the Building Official for any structure which is ready to occupy.

Approval of a building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, for use or occupancy (including, but not limited to, final inspection approval and/or issuance of a certificate of occupancy or issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy) shall not be construed as approval of a violation of the provisions of this Code, relevant laws, ordinances, rules and/or regulations. Approvals presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this Code, relevant laws, ordinances, rules and/or regulations are not valid.

The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke any such approvals or certificates whenever the Building Official determines that the approval or certificate was issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or when it is determined that the building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, is in violation of any provision of this Code, relevant laws, ordinances, rules and/or regulations. 109.2 Change in use. Changes in the character or use of a building shall not be made except as specified in Existing Building Code.
109.3 Certificate issued. When the building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, has passed final inspection, and when the building, structure or premises complies with this Code, relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, and the required fees have been paid, the Building Official, upon request of the applicant, may issue a certificate of occupancy which shall contain the following:

1. The building permit number.

2. The address of the building or structure.

3. A description of that portion of the building for which the certificate is issued.

4. A statement that the described portion of the building was inspected and found to comply with the requirements of this Code, relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations for the group and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.

5. The date the permit was approved.

6. Any other information deemed necessary by the Building Official. 109.4 Temporary certificate. The Building Official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that the Building Official determines that such portion or portions will be occupied safely. The Building Official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid. Upon request of the owner or permittee, the DRAFT
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Building Official may, in writing, extend the temporary certificate of occupancy when it is determined that the circumstances so warrant. After the expiration of a temporary certificate of occupancy and any extension(s) thereof, the building or structure shall not be used or occupied until the Building Official has approved the building for such use or occupancy.
109.5 Live loads posted. A durable sign that indicates the “live load” shall be required in commercial or industrial buildings where the floor or roof or portion thereof is or has been designed with a live load that exceeds 50 psf. The live load sign shall be posted on that part of each story or roof to which it applies, in a conspicuous place. The live load sign shall be posted as a condition precedent to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

It shall be unlawful to remove or deface any such sign. 109.6 Revocation. The Building Official is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this Code, in writing, wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of the provisions of this Code or other ordinance of the city.

Sec. 7-21. - Swimming pool safety.

Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code is hereby amended to add Section 3109.3 to read as follows:

Section 3109.3 Swimming Pools, Emptying Upon Abandonment Or Vacation Of Premises.

1. No person in possession or control of any swimming pool on any land within the city as either owner, lessee, tenant, purchaser under contract, trustee, mortgagee or beneficiary of the land upon which such swimming pool is located shall abandon or vacate the premises upon which such swimming pool is located or is accessory or appurtenant, or cause or permit the same to be abandoned or vacated, without first having either:
a. Emptied all water from such swimming pool and left the same empty; or b. Completely covered said swimming pool with a safe and adequate pool cover or other protective device approved in writing by the Building Official as sufficient to protect persons, especially children, from falling into such pool.

2. The owner of any swimming pool on any land within the city, upon learning that the premises upon which such swimming pool is located or is accessory or appurtenant having been abandoned or vacated by the person in possession or control of such swimming pool, shall fail, within forty-eight (48) hours after so learning or so being advised by the Building Official, either:

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a. Empty all water from said swimming pool and leave the same empty until said premises are again occupied by a person in possession and control of such swimming pool; or
b. Completely cover said swimming pool with a safe and adequate pool cover or other protective device approved in writing by the building official as sufficient to protect persons, especially children, from falling into such pool, and keep said pool so covered until said premises are again occupied by a person in possession and control of such swimming pool.

3. “Abandon” and “abandoned,” as used in this section, shall mean the leaving of premises without actual, apparent and manifest intention to return thereto within a reasonable and foreseeable time unless definite provision has been made in writing prior to leaving the premises to have them actually occupied within thirty (30) days of such leaving by some other person who will be in possession and control of such swimming pool.

4. “Vacate” and “vacated,” as used in this section shall mean the leaving of premises without the bona fide intent to return and actually returning to said premises within a period of thirty (30) days or less (or such additional period not exceeding an aggregate of sixty (60) days from date of leaving as may be granted by the Building Official for good cause, such as extended vacation, emergency, etc.) unless during said period of absence some other person actually occupies said premises and is in possession and control of such swimming pool.

5. Every person who violates or fails to comply with any of the terms, provisions or requirements of this section shall thereby have agreed and consented and conclusively be deemed to have agreed and consented:
a. That the city may enter upon the premises and empty all water from such swimming pool or cause the same to be done; and
b. To reimburse the city on demand for the actual cost of emptying such pool or causing the same to be done, and that the city may collect the same from any such person by civil action or any other lawful means selected by or available to the city, including, where applicable, the means provided by Title 5, Division 1, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 9 (beginning at Section 50230) of the California Government Code.

SECTION 7. Amendment to Article III of Chapter 7. Article III of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

ARTICLE III. – RESIDENTIAL CODE
Sec. 7-30. - Adoption of Residential Code.

DRAFT
Ordinance No. 2536

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(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, Title 30 (Residential Code) of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the 2025 California Residential Code with amendments, together with its appendices, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein. (b) One (1) complete copy of Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code and one (1) complete copy of the 2025 California Residential Code will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment or addition shall control.

Sec. 7-31. - Automatic fire sprinkler systems.

Section R309 of Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with Section 903.2 of the Fire Code of the City of West Covina as adopted and amended by Chapter 10 of this Code.

SECTION 8. Amendment to Article IV of Chapter 7. Article IV of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

ARTICLE IV. - ELECTRICAL CODE
Sec. 7-40. - Adoption of Electrical Code.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, Title 27 (Electrical Code) of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the 2025 California Electrical Code with amendments, together with its appendices, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein. (b) One (1) complete copy of Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code and one (1) complete copy of the 2025 California Electrical Code will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment or addition shall control.

SECTION 9. Amendment to Article V of Chapter 7. Article V of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

ARTICLE V. - EXISTING BUILDING CODE
Sec. 7-50. - Adoption of Existing Building Code.

DRAFT
Ordinance No. 2536

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(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, Title 33 (Existing Building Code) of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the 2025 California Existing Building Code with amendments, together with its appendices, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein. (b) One (1) complete copy of Title 33 of the Los Angeles County Code and one (1) complete copy of the 2025 California Existing Building Code will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment or addition shall control.

SECTION 10. Amendment to Article VI of Chapter 7. Article VI of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

ARTICLES VI. - MECHANICAL CODE
Sec. 7-60.- Adoption of Mechanical Code.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, Title 29 (Mechanical Code) of the Los Angeles County Code, adopting the 2025 California Mechanical Code with amendments, together with its appendices, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein.
(b) One (1) complete copy of Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code and one (1) complete copy of the 2025 Mechanical Code will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment or addition shall control.

SECTION 11. Amendment to Article VII of Chapter 7. Article VII of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

DRAFT
Ordinance No. 2536

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(b) One (1) complete copy of Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code and one (1) complete copy of the California Plumbing Code will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment or addition shall control.

SECTION 12. Amendment to Article I of Chapter 9. Article I of Chapter 9 of the West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

ARTICLE I. - DRAINAGE AND GRADING
Sec. 9-1. - General.
(a) Except as set forth in this article, Appendix J “Grading” of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, is hereby adopted as if fully set forth herein and amended as shown below. (b) Within Appendix J, “Building Official” shall mean “City Engineer or his/her designee”.
(c) Within Appendix J, “County” or “Los Angeles County” depending on context may mean City of West Covina or Los Angeles County.
(d) Administration and permit issuance per Appendix J shall be as per the Building Code adopted and amended in Chapter 7, Article II of this Code.

Section 9.2. - Appendix J Amended.

Section J103.5 is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

Section J103.5 Grading fees.

1. Plan Review Fees. When a plan or other data are required to be submitted, a plan review fee in the amount established by resolution of the City Council shall be paid at the time of submitting plans and specifications for review. Separate plan review fees shall apply to retaining walls or major drainage structures as required elsewhere in this Code. For excavation and fill on the same site, the fee shall be based on the volume of excavation or fill, whichever is greater.

2. Permit Fees. A fee for each grading permit in the amount established by resolution of the City Council shall be paid to the Building Official at the time of issuance of the permit. Separate permits and fees shall apply to retaining walls or major drainage structures as required elsewhere in this Code.

3. Site Inspection Fee. When the Building Official finds that a visual inspection of the DRAFT
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site is necessary to establish drainage requirements for the protection of property, existing buildings, or the proposed construction, a site inspection shall be made during plan check of grading plans. A fee for such inspection in the amount established by resolution of the City Council shall be paid to the Building Official at the time of submitting plans and specifications for review.

4. Refunds. Requests for refunds of permit fees shall be process in accordance with the requirements set forth in Chapter 7, Article I, Section 7-3 of this Code.

Sec. 9-3. - Violations and penalties.
(a) Any person violating any provision of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor.

However, any such violation constituting a misdemeanor may, at his or her discretion, be cited by the issuing officer and prosecuted by the city attorney as an infraction.
(b) Each day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this article is committed, continued or permitted shall constitute a separate offense. (c) Violation of any of the provisions of this article may be punished as a criminal offense or by the issuance of an administrative citation in accordance with article X of chapter 15 of this Code. The administrative fines shall be in the amounts set forth in article X of chapter 15 of this Code, or such greater fine amounts as authorized by California law. In the event of an inconsistency between the authorized amount of such fines pursuant to article X of chapter 15 and of those authorized by California law, the greater fine amount may be imposed. (d) The issuance or granting of a permit, or approval based on plans, specifications or other data shall not be deemed or construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this article. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this article shall be invalid, except insofar as the work or use which is authorized is lawful.

SECTION 13. Environmental Compliance. The City Council hereby finds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption and implementation of this Ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. The Ordinance is therefore exempt from the environmental review requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 14. Severability. If any section, subsection, clause or 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 all other provisions of this Ordinance. The City Council of West Covina hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more of the sections, DRAFT
Ordinance No. 2536

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subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 15. Inconsistencies. Any provision of the West Covina Municipal Code or appendices thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary to affect the provisions of this Ordinance.

SECTION 16. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective 30 days after its adoption.

SECTION 17. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause this Ordinance to be published or posted as required by law.

SECTION 18. Certified Copy. The Building Official shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ___ day of ________, 2026.

Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor

APPROVED AS TO FORM ATTEST

Thomas P. Duarte Lisa Sherrick
City Attorney Assistant City Clerk
DRAFT
I, LISA SHERRICK, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK of the City of West Covina, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2536 was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 6th day of January, 2026, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the ____ day of _______, 2026 by the following vote of the City Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
ORDINANCE NO. 2536

BUILDING CODE, ELECTRICAL CODE, PLUMBING CODE,

MECHANICAL CODE, RESIDENTIAL CODE, AND

EXISTING BUILDING CODE, WITH CERTAIN

AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS THERETO
The City Council of the City of West Covina hereby finds and declares as follows:

WHEREAS, on July 1, 2025, the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) published the 2025 California Building Standards Code, which includes the 2025 Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Existing Building Codes (the “2025 California Codes”); and
WHEREAS, the 2025 California Codes went into effect on January 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, Section 17958.5 of the California Health and Safety Code permits the City to make changes or modifications to the 2025 California Codes as such changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, prior to making any modifications or changes pursuant to Section 17958.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, Section 17958.7 of the Health and Safety Code requires the City to make express findings that such modifications or changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the findings and local amendments apply to all occupancy classifications, unless specified otherwise; and
WHEREAS, historically, the City of West Covina has adopted by reference the Los Angeles County Codes, which include amendments to the California Building Standards Code that address regional and local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2025, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Ordinance No. 2536

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adopted ordinances amending Titles 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 33 of the Los Angeles County Code, which adopt by reference the 2025 California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Existing Building Codes, respectively, with amendments based upon express findings that such modifications are reasonably necessary due to climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt Titles 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 33 of the Los Angeles County Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that modifications to the 2025 California Codes are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions, as detailed in Resolution No. 2026-03; and WHEREAS, pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 17958 of the California Health and Safety Code, commencing October 1, 2025 and ending June 1, 2031, the City is prohibited from making changes to the 2025 California Codes that are applicable to residential units unless one of the specified conditions is met, including the changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the City Council and were in effect as of September 30, 2025; and WHEREAS, the local amendments applicable to residential units are substantially equivalent to changes that were previously filed by the City with the CBSC and were in effect as of September 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, all legal requirements prior to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.

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

Health office means the city or county department responsible for administering and enforcing all laws, ordinances and regulations dealing with public health and sanitation.

SECTION 3. Amendment to Article I of Chapter 7. Section 7-1 of Article 1 of Chapter 7 of the West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended to add a definition for Ordinance No. 2536

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“person” to read as follows:

Person has the meaning set forth in section 1-19 of this Code.

SECTION 4. Amendment to Article I of Chapter 7. Article I of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended to add a new Section 7-3 to read as follows:

Sec. 7-3. - Refunds.
(a) The building official may authorize the refunding of a fee paid pursuant to this chapter which was erroneously paid or collected, provided that a written application for a refund is submitted to the building official within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date the permit fee was paid. (b) The building official may authorize the refunding of not more than eighty percent (80%) of the permit fee paid when:
(i) No work authorized by the building permit has been done under the permit issued in accordance with this Code; and
(ii) A written application for a refund is submitted to the building official within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date the permit fee was paid. (c) The building official shall not refund any portion of the plan review fee, unless no review has been performed on a set of plans, in which case the building official may authorize a refund of no more than eighty percent (80%) of the plan review fee.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing subsections, no refund will be issued unless the refundable amount is at least one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). Commencing January 1, 2027 and on each January 1 thereafter, this amount may be increased by an escalation factor equal to changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area (“CPI-U”), published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shall be calculated using the June index.

SECTION 5. Amendment to Article I of Chapter 7. Article I of Chapter 7 of the West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended to add a new Section 7-4 to read as follows:

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the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any person violating any provision of this chapter or the Los Angeles County Codes adopted by reference herein is guilty of a misdemeanor. However, any such violation constituting a misdemeanor may be cited by the issuing officer and/or prosecuted by the city attorney as an infraction.
(c) Each day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this chapter or the Los Angeles County Codes adopted by reference herein is committed, continued or permitted shall constitute a separate offense. (d) Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or the Los Angeles County Codes adopted by reference herein may be punished as a criminal offense or by the issuance of an administrative citation in accordance with article X of chapter 15 of this Code. The administrative fines shall be in the amounts set forth in article X of chapter 15 of this Code, or such greater fine amounts as authorized by California law. In the event of an inconsistency between the authorized amount of such fines pursuant to article X of chapter 15 and of those authorized by California law, the greater fine amount may be imposed.
(e) The issuance or granting of a permit, or approval based on plans, specifications or other data shall not be deemed or construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this chapter shall be invalid, except insofar as the work or use which is authorized is lawful. (f) The issuance or granting of a permit, approval or certificate of occupancy based on submitted plans, specifications or other data shall not prevent the building official or his/her designee from:
(1) Thereafter requiring the correction of errors in such plans, specifications or other data; or
(2) Ordering cessation of construction, maintenance, operation, or occupancy when it is in violation of this chapter or of any other ordinance; or (3) Suspending or revoking any permit, approval, certificate of occupancy or completion when issued on the basis of incorrect information supplied or in violation of any section of this Code.

SECTION 6. Amendment to Article II of Chapter 7. Article II of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

Ordinance No. 2536

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ARTICLE II. - BUILDING CODE
Sec. 7-16. - Adoption of Building Code.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, Title 26 (Building Code) of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the 2025 California Building Code with amendments, together with its appendices, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein. (b) One (1) complete copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and one (1) complete copy of the 2025 California Building Code will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment shall control.

Sec. 7-17. - Title.

Section 101.1 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

Chapter 7, Article II of the City of West Covina Municipal Code shall be known as the Building Code of the City of West Covina, and may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “these regulations” or “these building standards” or “this Code.” Sec. 7-18. - Board of appeals.

Section 105.1.1 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
105.1.1 General. Unless otherwise provided for below, in order to conduct the hearings provided for in this Code, there shall be a Building Board of Appeals consisting of five members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction. One member shall be a practicing architect, one a builder who is a licensed general contractor, one a lawyer, and two structural engineers, each of whom shall have had at least 10 years of experience as an architect, builder, lawyer, or structural engineer. The Building Official shall be an ex officio member and shall act as secretary to the Board. The members of the Building Board of Appeals shall be appointed by the City Manager and shall hold office at his/her pleasure. The board shall adopt rules of procedures for conducting its business.

Sec. 7-19. - Fees and refunds.

Section 107 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

Ordinance No. 2536

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107.1 Permit fees. A fee for each permit shall be paid to the Building Official as established by resolution of the City Council. Determination of value or valuation under any of the provisions of this Code shall be made by the Building Official. Valuation shall be based on the type of construction, occupancy classification, and size of the project, and shall include all components of the permitted work, including structural elements, finishes, roofing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection systems, and other permanently installed features or equipment. In establishing valuation, the Building Official may reference the most current Building Valuation Data (BVD) published by the International Code Council or other similar industry data sources. These references are intended to provide a consistent and uniform basis for determining construction valuation for fee assessment purposes. The calculated valuation is not required to reflect actual or reported construction costs.
107.2 Plan review fee. When an application for a building permit is submitted for review, a plan review fee shall be paid to the Building Official. Said fee shall be equal to 85 percent of the building permit fee as established by resolution of the city council.

Sec. 7-20. - Use and occupancy.

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building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, shall be made until the Building Official has approved the building, structure or premises or portion thereof for such use or occupancy and until all permits have been approved or a temporary certificate of occupancy has been issued.

Upon final inspection approval of a building permit and at the request of the applicant, a certificate of occupancy may be issued by the Building Official for any structure which is ready to occupy.

The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke any such approvals or certificates whenever the Building Official determines that the approval or certificate was issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or when it is determined that the building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, is in violation of any provision of this Code, relevant laws, ordinances, rules and/or regulations. 109.2 Change in use. Changes in the character or use of a building shall not be made except as specified in the Existing Building Code. 109.3 Certificate issued. When the building, structure or premises, or portion thereof, has passed final inspection, and when the building, structure or premises complies with this Code, relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, and the required fees have been paid, the Building Official, upon request of the applicant, may issue a certificate of occupancy which shall contain the following:

1. The building permit number.

2. The address of the building or structure.

3. A description of that portion of the building for which the certificate is issued.

5. The date the permit was approved.

6. Any other information deemed necessary by the Building Official.

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109.4 Temporary certificate. The Building Official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that the Building Official determines that such portion or portions will be occupied safely. The Building Official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid. Upon request of the owner or permittee, the Building Official may, in writing, extend the temporary certificate of occupancy when it is determined that the circumstances so warrant. After the expiration of a temporary certificate of occupancy and any extension(s) thereof, the building or structure shall not be used or occupied until the Building Official has approved the building for such use or occupancy.
109.5 Live loads posted. A durable sign that indicates the “live load” shall be required in commercial or industrial buildings where the floor or roof or portion thereof is or has been designed with a live load that exceeds 50 psf. The live load sign shall be posted on that part of each story or roof to which it applies, in a conspicuous place. The live load sign shall be posted as a condition precedent to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Sec. 7-21. - Fire protection and life safety systems.

Chapter 9 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the Fire Code of the City of West Covina as set forth in Chapter 10 of this Code.

Sec. 7-22. - Swimming pool safety.

Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code is hereby amended to add Section 3109.3 to read as follows:

Section 3109.3 Swimming Pools, Emptying Upon Abandonment Or Vacation Of Premises.

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a. Emptied all water from such swimming pool and left the same empty; or b. Completely covered said swimming pool with a safe and adequate pool cover or other protective device approved in writing by the Building Official as sufficient to protect persons, especially children, from falling into such pool.

2. The owner of any swimming pool on any land within the city, upon learning that the premises upon which such swimming pool is located or is accessory or appurtenant has been abandoned or vacated by the person in possession or control of such swimming pool, shall, within forty-eight (48) hours after so learning or so being advised by the Building Official, either:
a. Empty all water from said swimming pool and leave the same empty until said premises are again occupied by a person in possession and control of such swimming pool; or
b. Completely cover said swimming pool with a safe and adequate pool cover or other protective device approved in writing by the Building Official as sufficient to protect persons, especially children, from falling into such pool, and keep said pool so covered until said premises are again occupied by a person in possession and control of such swimming pool.

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such person by civil action or any other lawful means selected by or available to the city, including, where applicable, the means provided by Title 5, Division 1, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 9 (beginning at Section 50230) of the California Government Code.

SECTION 7. Amendment to Article III of Chapter 7. Article III of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

ARTICLE III. – RESIDENTIAL CODE
Sec. 7-30. - Adoption of Residential Code.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, Title 30 (Residential Code) of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the 2025 California Residential Code with amendments, together with its appendices, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein. (b) One (1) complete copy of Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code and one (1) complete copy of the 2025 California Residential Code will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment or addition shall control.

Sec. 7-31. - Automatic fire sprinkler systems.

SECTION 8. Amendment to Article IV of Chapter 7. Article IV of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

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to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment or addition shall control.

SECTION 9. Amendment to Article V of Chapter 7. Article V of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

ARTICLE V. - EXISTING BUILDING CODE
Sec. 7-50. - Adoption of Existing Building Code.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, Title 33 (Existing Building Code) of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the 2025 California Existing Building Code with amendments, together with its appendices, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein. (b) One (1) complete copy of Title 33 of the Los Angeles County Code and one (1) complete copy of the 2025 California Existing Building Code will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment or addition shall control.

SECTION 10. Amendment to Article VI of Chapter 7. Article VI of Chapter 7 of the City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

SECTION 11. Amendment to Article VII of Chapter 7. Article VII of Chapter 7 of the Ordinance No. 2536

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City of West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

ARTICLES VII. - PLUMBING CODE
Sec. 7-70.- Adoption of Plumbing Code.
(a) Except, as otherwise provided in this article, Title 28 (Plumbing Code) of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the 2025 California Plumbing Code with amendments, together with its appendices, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein. (b) One (1) complete copy of Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code and one (1) complete copy of the California Plumbing Code will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at the office of the building official. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision contained in such codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this article or other provision of this Code, the amendment or addition shall control.

SECTION 12. Amendment to Article I of Chapter 9. Article I of Chapter 9 of the West Covina Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

Section 9.2. - Appendix J Amended.

Section J103.5 is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

Section J103.5 Grading fees.

1. Plan Review Fees. When a plan or other data are required to be submitted, a plan Ordinance No. 2536

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review fee in the amount established by resolution of the City Council shall be paid at the time of submitting plans and specifications for review. Separate plan review fees shall apply to retaining walls or major drainage structures as required elsewhere in this Code. For excavation and fill on the same site, the fee shall be based on the volume of excavation or fill, whichever is greater.

3. Site Inspection Fee. When the Building Official finds that a visual inspection of the site is necessary to establish drainage requirements for the protection of property, existing buildings, or the proposed construction, a site inspection shall be made during plan check of grading plans. A fee for such inspection in the amount established by resolution of the City Council shall be paid to the Building Official at the time of submitting plans and specifications for review.

4. Refunds. Requests for refunds of permit fees shall be processed in accordance with the requirements set forth in Chapter 7, Article I, Section 7-3 of this Code.

Sec. 9-3. - Violations and penalties.
(a) Any person violating any provision of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor.

However, any such violation constituting a misdemeanor may be cited by the issuing officer and/or prosecuted by the city attorney as an infraction. (b) Each day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this article is committed, continued or permitted shall constitute a separate offense. (c) Violation of any of the provisions of this article may be punished as a criminal offense or by the issuance of an administrative citation in accordance with article X of chapter 15 of this Code. The administrative fines shall be in the amounts set forth in article X of chapter 15 of this Code, or such greater fine amounts as authorized by California law. In the event of an inconsistency between the authorized amount of such fines pursuant to article X of chapter 15 and of those authorized by California law, the greater fine amount may be imposed. (d) The issuance or granting of a permit, or approval based on plans, specifications or other data shall not be deemed or construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this article. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this article shall be invalid, except insofar as the work or use which is authorized is lawful.

SECTION 13. Environmental Compliance. The City Council hereby finds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption and implementation of Ordinance No. 2536

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this Ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. The Ordinance is therefore exempt from the environmental review requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines.

SECTION 16. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective 30 days after its adoption.

SECTION 17. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause this Ordinance to be published or posted as required by law.

SECTION 18. Certified Copy. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of January, 2026.

Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor

APPROVED AS TO FORM ATTEST
Thomas P. Duarte Lisa Sherrick, CMC
City Attorney Assistant City Clerk
Ordinance No. 2536

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I, LISA SHERRICK, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK of the City of West Covina, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2536 was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 6th day of January, 2026, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 20th day of January, 2026 by the following vote of the City Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Lisa Sherrick, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7

COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT A CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT AND

ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION REGARDING LEGISLATIVE INTENT AND

IMPLEMENTATION
RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Introduce the following ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the West Covina Municipal Code to adopt a City Council Code of Conduct:

2. Adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-10 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF WEST COVINA,

CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING LEGISLATIVE INTENT, ACKNOWLEDGING PRIOR DIRECTION,

AND AUTHORIZING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT BACKGROUND:

Statewide and nationwide experience reflects that municipalities across the country have adopted widely varying approaches to addressing alleged misconduct by elected officials. In many jurisdictions, the absence of a clear, governance-based framework has resulted in reliance on ad hoc measures, judicial proceedings, recall elections, or other extreme mechanisms when conduct issues arise. While such approaches may be legally necessary in particular circumstances, they are often resource-intensive, disruptive to municipal operations, and limited in their ability to provide early, structured, and proportionate responses within the bounds of existing law.

Recent events in California illustrate these challenges. In the City of Poway, publicly reported information reflects that the City Council censured a sitting councilmember, pursued litigation related to compliance with state law, and ultimately experienced a recall election process that resulted in the councilmember’s resignation. These events are referenced solely for contextual purposes and are reflected in publicly available reporting included with the agenda materials.

In the City of Arcata, the city sought and obtained judicial relief under the California Workplace Violence Safety Act with respect to a then-sitting city councilmember. Following evidentiary hearings, the Humboldt County Superior Court issued a permanent workplace violence restraining order pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 527.8. The final court ruling is included as an attachment to this staff report as a primary-source judicial record.

These matters are not isolated. Public reporting and court records reflect that municipalities in multiple jurisdictions statewide and nationwide have confronted serious governance challenges involving elected officials, often in the absence of intermediate, governance-based tools to address conduct concerns before escalation to litigation, recall, or judicial intervention. The examples referenced herein are not cited to make findings regarding any individual or jurisdiction, but rather to illustrate a broader and recurring governance issue faced by public agencies operating within existing legal constraints.

Against this broader backdrop, on December 16, 2025, the West Covina City Council reviewed the City’s Rules of Decorum and provided direction to staff to develop a City Council Code of Conduct to promote orderly, respectful, and effective governance. The discussion focused on meeting conduct, interactions among City Council members, use of City resources, access to City facilities, and related governance concerns.

The City’s existing Rules of Decorum primarily address real-time conduct during City Council meetings and the participation of members of the public. While those provisions remain in effect, they do not provide a comprehensive governance framework for addressing alleged misconduct, as defined in the proposed ordinance, by City Council members occurring outside meetings or over time, nor do they establish structured procedures for review, non-coercive investigation, preservation of records, or proportionate governance-based response.

DISCUSSION:

Purpose and Scope
The proposed City Council Code of Conduct establishes governance-based standards of conduct applicable to City Council members and a structured framework for receiving information, conducting administrative review, authorizing non-coercive investigation or advisory proceedings where appropriate, preserving records, and imposing proportionate Governance-Based Measures designed to protect the lawful functioning and safety of City Governance and City Operations.

The Code is expressly adopted for governance and risk-management purposes only. It is intended to protect the integrity of City Governance, promote fairness and transparency, and reduce material adverse legal, operational, and public safety risk to the City. It does not create criminal, civil, or employment enforcement authority and does not require the City Council to make findings of criminal liability or civil fault.

The Code expressly recognizes that City Council members are elected officials and not employees of the City. It does not create an employment relationship, does not impose employment discipline, and does not alter the elective nature of public office.

Structure of the Ordinance
The proposed ordinance is organized into four divisions, each of which is designed to operate within existing constitutional and statutory limits applicable to elected officials:

Division 1 – General Provisions
Establishes the purpose and scope of the Article; applicability; limits on municipal authority; non-employee status of City Council members; defined terms; acknowledgment requirements; rules of construction; prospective application; and foundational governance principles.

Division 2 – Standards of Conduct
Identifies categories of conduct that may constitute misconduct, as defined in the ordinance, when related to City Business or City Governance and when such conduct creates a material adverse risk to the lawful functioning or safety of City Governance or City Operations. These standards include, among others, abuse of position or influence; improper conduct toward participants; ethics and conflicts of interest; material misrepresentations and concealment; misuse of City resources or information; election-related misconduct; public safety and threatening conduct; and narrowly applied residual governance concerns.

Division 3 – Reporting, Review, and Investigation
Establishes structured procedures for receipt of information, preliminary administrative review, City Council threshold consideration, preservation of documents and records, authorization of investigation or independent advisory proceedings where permitted by law, reliance on external findings or court orders, interim governance-based measures where reasonably necessary, indemnification considerations governed exclusively by state law, and safeguards against misuse of process.

Division 4 – Governance-Based Measures and Escalation
Provides a progressive, record-based framework for corrective and remedial measures, governance-based limitations and restrictions, referral to external authorities, formal censure, and removal-seeking action—including impeachment and disqualification—only where and if authorized by law, and only as a last resort.

Relationship to Existing Rules of Decorum
The proposed City Council Code of Conduct does not replace or modify the City’s Rules of Decorum governing public participation or the Presiding Officer’s authority to maintain order and decorum during City Council meetings. The Presiding Officer’s authority under the West Covina Municipal Code to manage meetings, address disruptions, and enforce decorum remains unchanged.

As applied to City Council members, the Code of Conduct supplements and, where applicable, supersedes decorum provisions by establishing governance-based standards and procedures for addressing alleged misconduct occurring both inside and outside City Council meetings and over time.

Rules of decorum applicable to members of the public remain fully in effect and are not altered by adoption of the Code of Conduct.

Legal Constraints and Safeguards
The ordinance is drafted to operate strictly within existing constitutional, statutory, and legal constraints applicable to elected officials. Certain provisions of the City Council Code of Conduct describe governance frameworks that would require express enabling legislation or constitutional authority to become operative, including, but not limited to, coercive investigations, suspension pending external adjudication, impeachment, and disqualification from future office. Those provisions are included solely as contingent, non-operative frameworks and shall not take effect unless and until such authority is granted.

The City Council Code of Conduct incorporates multiple safeguards designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and legal compliance, including notice and opportunity to respond, reliance on independent investigators or neutral fact-finders where authorized by law, preservation of constitutional and statutory rights, express limitations on employment-based discipline, and clear disclaimers regarding criminal or civil enforcement. In light of the constitutional and statutory limitations applicable to elected officials, the framework is intentionally detailed to ensure that governance-based responses are proportionate, defensible, and grounded in a documented administrative record.

Limits on Suspension, Impeachment, Removal, and Disqualification Authority Under California law, the authority of a general law city to compel testimony, suspend, remove, impeach, or disqualify an elected city councilmember is strictly limited. City councilmembers are elected officials whose tenure in office is governed by the California Constitution, state statutes, and applicable municipal law. Unlike city employees, elected officials are not subject to termination, suspension, compulsory investigation, or removal by their governing body absent express statutory or constitutional authority.

California law provides specific mechanisms by which an elected official may be removed from office or rendered ineligible to serve, including recall elections, judicial proceedings, forfeiture of office, or disqualification following certain criminal convictions or other legally defined disqualifying events. In limited circumstances, state law may also permit courts or other authorized bodies to impose temporary restrictions on an elected official’s exercise of duties. Absent express enabling legislation or constitutional authority, however, general law cities do not possess inherent authority to suspend elected officials, impose suspension pending adjudication, initiate operative impeachment proceedings, remove sitting councilmembers, or disqualify individuals from future elective office by local ordinance or resolution.

While some charter cities or other jurisdictions may possess express charter provisions authorizing coercive investigatory powers, suspension, impeachment, removal, or disqualification mechanisms, the City of West Covina is a general law city and is bound by the limits imposed by state law. Accordingly, the City Council may not create operative coercive investigation powers, suspension mechanisms, impeachment procedures, removal authority, or disqualification mechanisms by local ordinance alone, nor may it impose such actions as immediate or discretionary responses to alleged misconduct.

Consistent with these constraints, the City Council Code of Conduct does not purport to establish operative authority for suspension, coercive investigations, impeachment, removal, or disqualification where such authority does not presently exist. Instead, the ordinance is designed to operate within existing law by establishing standards of conduct, structured procedures for review and investigation where permitted by law, reliance on external findings or court orders, and proportionate, non-employment responses short of removal from office.

The ordinance separately describes, as contingent and non-operative frameworks only, the concepts of suspension, removal, and disqualification from future elective office. Suspension, where authorized by law, is described as a temporary and protective measure that would regulate the exercise of office rather than the holding of office and would not constitute a determination of misconduct or a removal from office.

Removal and disqualification are treated as distinct and extraordinary consequences, with disqualification recognized as separate from removal and requiring independent findings and separate action. All such provisions are expressly conditioned on the adoption of future enabling legislation or constitutional authority and have no operative effect unless and until such authority is granted.

This approach reflects the City Council’s intent to address governance risks responsibly, to avoid both overreach and inaction, and to preserve the elective nature of public office, constitutional protections, and judicial oversight, while providing a transparent and lawful framework for responding to serious governance concerns should future authority be conferred.

Prospective Enforcement and Pending Matters
The City Council Code of Conduct is intended to apply prospectively to all City Council members serving on or after its effective date, including current members of the City Council. The Code does not authorize governance-based responses, censure, escalation, impeachment, or disqualification based solely on conduct that was fully completed prior to the effective date.

At the same time, adoption of the Code of Conduct does not limit the City Council’s ability to act prospectively to protect city governance, public safety, or public confidence based on information, findings, or determinations that arise on or after the effective date, even where such findings relate in whole or in part to conduct that began or occurred prior to adoption.

Accordingly, the City Council may rely upon post-effective date investigative findings, advisory findings, external findings, or court orders to impose prospective responses authorized by the Code, provided that such responses are directed at addressing present or ongoing risk, ensuring compliance with lawful orders, or protecting city governance, and are not imposed as punishment for past conduct.

This prospective enforcement framework is intended to ensure that the City Council can act lawfully and promptly to address ongoing governance concerns, including matters already under review at the time of adoption, while preserving constitutional protections, avoiding retroactive application, and respecting the elective nature of public office.

Acknowledgment Requirement
The ordinance requires City Council members to execute a written acknowledgment confirming receipt of, and responsibility to comply with, the City Council Code of Conduct. The acknowledgment is intended to document notice and understanding and does not waive constitutional or statutory rights or expand the City’s authority beyond that provided by law.

Procedural Posture
As required by state law, ordinances amending the West Covina Municipal Code are adopted through a two-reading process. At this meeting, the City Council is asked to introduce the proposed ordinance and conduct a first reading. If introduced, the ordinance will return for a second reading and adoption at a subsequent City Council meeting.

The ordinance will become effective thirty (30) calendar days after adoption, unless otherwise specified by law. Provisions of the ordinance that are expressly conditioned on the existence of enabling legislation or constitutional authority will not become operative unless and until such authority is granted.

The accompanying resolution, if adopted, would take effect immediately upon adoption and is intended to affirm the City Council’s legislative intent, acknowledge prior direction provided by the City Council, and authorize administrative implementation of the City Council Code of Conduct consistent with its terms.

LEGAL REVIEW:

The ordinance and resolution were prepared by the City's outside employment counsel, Thomas M.

O'Connell of Buchalter LLP. The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the ordinance and resolution and approved them as to form.

OPTIONS:

The City Council has the following options:

1. Approve staff's recommendations; or

2. Provide alternative direction.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:

There is no possibility that the adoption and implementation of the ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. The ordinance is therefore exempt from the environmental review requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines.

Prepared by: Thomas M. O'Connell, Outside Employment Counsel, Buchalter LLP Fiscal Impact
FISCAL IMPACT:

The proposed action is administrative in nature and does not have a direct fiscal impact. Any future costs associated with investigations, advisory proceedings, or implementation would be brought forward for City Council consideration in accordance with applicable law.

Attachments
Attachment No. 1 - Rules of Decorum
Attachment No. 2 - Ordinance No, 2537
Attachment No. 3 - City Council Member Notice and Acknowledgement Attachment No. 4 - Resolution No. 2026-10
Attachment No. 5 City of Poway Article
Attachment No. 6 City of Arcata Court Ruling
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES: Maintain Good Intergovernmental Relations Enhance City Image and Effectiveness
ATTACHMENT NO. 1

RULES OF DECORUM
The following are excerpts from the West Covina Municipal Code:

Section 2-47. - Addressing the council.

Section 2-48. - Manner of addressing city council; time limit; persons addressing may be sworn.
(a) Each person wishing to address the city council shall submit a speaker card to the city clerk prior to the commencement of the time designated for oral communications. No speaker cards will be accepted after the commencement of oral communications, except at the discretion of the presiding officer.
(b) When called forward by the presiding officer or the city clerk, each person addressing the city council shall step up to the podium and give his or her name and city of residence in an audible tone of voice for the record.
(c) Each person addressing the city council during oral communications shall limit his or her comments to three (3) minutes, unless the time limit is modified by the presiding officer or the city council. In order to provide all speakers the opportunity to participate in oral communications, the presiding officer or the city council may reduce the time limit to allow reasonable time for all speakers to address the city council. (d) All remarks shall be addressed to the city council as a body and not to any member thereof. No person, other than the city council and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through a member of the city council, without the permission of the presiding officer. No question shall be asked of a council member except through the presiding officer.
(e) The presiding officer may require any person to be sworn as a witness before addressing the city council on any subject. Any such person who, having taken an oath that he or she will testify truthfully, willfully and contrary to such oath states as true any material matter which he knows to be false may be held to answer criminally and subject to the penalty prescribed for perjury by the provisions of the California Penal Code.

Section 2-50. - Decorum—Required.
(a) While the city council is in session, council members shall preserve order and decorum, and a council member shall neither, by conversation or otherwise, delay or disrupt the proceedings or the peace of the council nor interrupt any council member while speaking or refuse to obey the orders of the council or its presiding officer, except as otherwise herein provided.
(b) Members of the public shall not willfully disrupt the meeting or act in a manner that actually disrupts, disturbs, impedes, impairs, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting. For the purposes of this Code, “willfully disrupt” includes, but is not limited to, continuing to do any of the following after being warned by the presiding officer that the behavior is disrupting the meeting and failure to cease the behavior may result in removal from the meeting:
(1) Addressing the mayor or city council without first being recognized. (2) Persisting in addressing a subject or subjects, other than that before the mayor and city council.
(3) Repetitiously addressing the same subject.
(4) Failing to relinquish the podium when directed to do so. (5) From the audience, interrupting or attempting to interrupt, a speaker, the presiding officer, a council member, or a staff member, or shouting or attempting to shout over a speaker, the presiding officer, a council member or a staff member. (6) From the audience, engaging in disorderly, disruptive, or boisterous conduct, including, but not limited to, handclapping, stomping of feet, whistling, making noise, use of abusive, threatening or profane language or obscene gestures, yelling, obstructing the view of other audience members, or similar conduct which disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting.
(7) As a speaker, making slanderous or profane remarks or using loud, threatening, or abusive language which disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting; interrupting or attempting to interrupt the presiding officer, a council member, or a staff member; shouting over or attempting to shout over the presiding officer, a council member, or a staff member; or engaging in any other disorderly conduct which disrupts, disturbs, impedes, or renders infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting. Nothing in this section or any rules of the city council shall be construed to prohibit public criticism of the policies, procedures, programs, or services of the city or of the acts or omissions of the city council.
(8) Engaging in behavior that constitutes use of force or a true threat of force. (c) It shall be unlawful to violate the provisions of this section. A person violating this section may be removed and barred from further participation at the meeting at which the violation occurs.
(d) If any subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase or word of this section 2-50 is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this section. The city council hereby declares that it would have passed this section and each subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or words had been declared invalid or unconstitutional.

Section 2-51. - Enforcement of decorum.

Section 2-52. Persons authorized to be within council area.

No person, except city officials, their representatives and members of the news media shall be permitted within the rail in front of the council chamber without the express consent of the council.

The following are excerpts from the Penal Code:

Section 148. Resisting public or peace officers or emergency medical technicians in discharge of their duties; Removal of weapon from person or presence of public or peace officer.
(a) (1) Every person who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs any public officer, peace officer, or an emergency medical technician, as defined in Division 2.5 (commencing with Section 1797) of the Health and Safety Code, in the discharge or attempt to discharge any duty of his or her office or employment, when no other punishment is prescribed, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

Section 403. Disturbance of assembly or meeting other than religious or political.

ATTACHMENT NO. 2
Ordinance No. 2537

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ORDINANCE NO. 2537

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF

THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD ARTICLE
XII, ENTITLED “CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT”
The City Council of the City of West Covina hereby finds and declares as follows:

WHEREAS, the City of West Covina is a general law city organized and operating under the laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, City Council members are elected officials entrusted with legislative authority and public responsibilities distinct from those applicable to City employees; and WHEREAS, the City Council has previously adopted Standing Rules and Rules of Decorum governing the conduct of City Council meetings and the participation of members of the public; and
WHEREAS, the existing Rules of Decorum primarily address real-time conduct during City Council meetings and do not establish a comprehensive, codified framework for addressing alleged misconduct by City Council members occurring outside meetings or over time, nor do they provide structured procedures for review, investigation, preservation of records, or proportionate governance-based response; and WHEREAS, on December 16, 2025, the City Council reviewed the City’s Standing Rules and Rules of Decorum and provided direction to staff to develop a City Council Code of Conduct to promote orderly, respectful, and effective governance; and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the need for a governance-based framework that identifies standards of conduct applicable to City Council members, establishes structured procedures for reporting, review, investigation, and preservation of records, and provides proportionate, non-employment governance-based responses, short of removal from office, designed to protect the lawful operation and safety of City governance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that its authority to address alleged misconduct by elected officials is subject to constitutional, statutory, and legal limitations, including limitations on impeachment, removal, suspension (including suspension pending adjudication), recall, and criminal enforcement, and that general law cities may not create such authorities by local ordinance absent express enabling legislation or constitutional authority; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to codify a City Council Code of Conduct that operates within these legal constraints, preserves constitutional rights, respects the Ordinance No. 2537

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elective nature of public office, and does not create employment-based discipline or criminal or civil enforcement authority; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further desires to require written acknowledgement by City Council members confirming receipt of and responsibility to comply with the City Council Code of Conduct, in order to ensure notice, transparency, and consistent application of governance-based obligations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that adoption of a City Council Code of Conduct within the West Covina Municipal Code is reasonably necessary to promote effective governance, reduce legal and operational risk, and maintain public confidence in City institutions; and
WHEREAS, all legal requirements prior to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.

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

SECTION 1. Recitals. The City Council of the City of West Covina hereby makes and adopts as its legislative findings the facts and conclusions set forth in the recitals of this Ordinance.

SECTION 2. Amendment to Chapter 2 of the West Covina Municipal Code.

Chapter 2 of the West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended to add a new Article XII, entitled “City Council Code of Conduct,” to read in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE XII. - CITY COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT
DIVISION 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 2-700. - Purpose and scope.
(a) The city council adopts this article to promote sound city governance, protect the integrity of city operations, and reduce material adverse legal, financial, and operational risk to the city arising from alleged misconduct by members of the city council.
(b) Public agencies nationwide, including at the federal, state, and local levels, have increasingly adopted formal codes of conduct for elected officials in response to evolving legal standards, heightened public expectations, and increased reporting of conduct-related concerns affecting governmental operations. Such codes are intended to establish clear expectations and structured, transparent processes for addressing concerns involving elected officials in a manner consistent with applicable law and the elective nature of public office.

Ordinance No. 2537

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(c) While city council members do not manage day-to-day city operations, misconduct occurring while acting in an official capacity or in connection with city business may materially affect city operations and interactions among persons and entities, and may create material adverse risk to city governance.
(d) This article is adopted for governance and material adverse risk-management purposes only. It is intended to establish clear standards and lawful procedures for addressing alleged misconduct by city council members and to authorize measured, proportionate governance-based measures designed to protect the city and city governance from material adverse risk.
(e) Nothing in this article is intended to punish lawful political expression, alter the elective nature of public office, interfere with the good-faith exercise of legislative discretion, establish criminal, civil, or quasi-judicial enforcement authority, replace or supersede enforcement authority conferred by state or federal law, or require the City to make findings regarding criminal liability or civil fault.

Sec. 2-701. - Definitions.

For purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“City business” means any matter relating to the operations, functions, services, policies, contracts, proceedings, or official activities of the city. “City governance” means the legislative, policy-making, oversight, and decision-making functions of the city council, including participation in city council meetings, committees, appointments, and interactions undertaken in an official or representative capacity. “City operations” means the administrative, managerial, and operational activities of the city undertaken to implement, execute, or carry out city policies, programs, services, contracts, proceedings, and decisions, including the day-to-day functions performed by city officers, employees, contractors, and agents in support of city governance. “Communications” means any oral, written, electronic, visual, or digital transmission or dissemination of information, ideas, instructions, or messages, regardless of form or medium, including correspondence, emails, text messages, instant messages, direct messages, social media posts, comments, replies, reactions, shared content, livestreams, stories, voicemails, video messages, memoranda, notes, and any associated metadata.
“Documents” means all writings and recorded information, whether tangible or intangible, regardless of form or medium, including paper, electronic, digital, audio, visual, or databased materials. Documents include letters, memoranda, notes, reports, drafts, photographs, recordings, spreadsheets, presentations, calendars, logs, databases, electronically stored information, metadata, and versions thereof. Documents also include content generated, stored, transmitted, or relied upon through artificial intelligence tools, Ordinance No. 2537

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automated systems, or digital assistants, including prompts, queries, responses, outputs, drafts, summaries, or analyses, to the extent such content relates to city business or city governance.
“Entities” means any organization, body, association, business, governmental unit, agency, board, commission, partnership, corporation, nonprofit organization, or other collective or institutional body, whether public or private. “Governance-based measures” means non-employment actions authorized by this article that are intended to protect city governance, city operations, and city personnel, and that regulate the exercise of office rather than the holding of office. Governance-based measures may include limitations on participation in specified proceedings, removal from committee or liaison assignments, training or educational requirements, communication or contact parameters, or other lawful measures short of removal from office. “Misconduct” means conduct by a city council member that relates to city business or city governance and that violates the standards of conduct set forth in this article. “Official capacity” means actions taken by a city council member while performing official functions, acting in a representative role, exercising the authority or influence of office, or purporting to act on behalf of the city.
“Persons” means any individual, including city officials, city employees, appointed officials, contractors, consultants, volunteers, members of the public, or other natural persons.
“Personal gain” means any direct or indirect benefit, advantage, or interest, whether financial or non-financial, received or sought by a city council member or by another person or entity with whom the city council member has a personal, familial, business, or political relationship.
“Records” means any document, communication, or other recorded information, regardless of form or medium, that is prepared, generated, received, owned, used, retained, stored, transmitted, or maintained by a city council member in connection with city business or city governance, including copies, excerpts, drafts, and versions thereof.

Records include, but are not limited to, information stored in paper, electronic, digital, audio, visual, or data-based form; information stored on personal devices, personal accounts, cloud-based services, third-party platforms, or collaboration tools; and information generated, stored, transmitted, or relied upon through artificial intelligence tools, automated systems, or digital assistants. This includes prompts, queries, inputs, outputs, drafts, summaries, analyses, metadata, logs, and version histories, to the extent such information relates to city business or city governance. “Suspension” means a temporary restriction on the exercise of all city-related duties, authorities, and functions of a city council member during the pendency of a review, investigation, proceeding, or external matter, imposed solely to the extent authorized by Ordinance No. 2537

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law. Suspension does not constitute removal from office and is intended as a protective, non-final governance status rather than a determination of misconduct or imposition of punishment.

Sec. 2-702. - Applicability.
(a) This article applies to members of the city council with respect to misconduct occurring in an official capacity, in connection with city business, or that otherwise materially affects the integrity or safety of city governance or the lawful functioning of city operations, including misconduct involving or directed toward persons or entities participating in or affected by city governance or city operations. (b) This article authorizes governance-based measures reasonably necessary to protect city governance, the lawful functioning of city operations, city personnel, and members of the public, and operates independently of, and in addition to, any consequences imposed by state or federal law.

Sec. 2-703. - Acknowledgment.

As a condition of assuming office and as an ongoing obligation during service, each city council member shall execute a written acknowledgement confirming receipt of, familiarity with, and agreement to comply with the provisions of this article, the city’s rules of decorum and city policies regarding city council conduct.

The acknowledgement required by this section is intended to ensure that city council members are fully informed of the standards relating to misconduct, procedural obligations, preservation requirements, and the governance-based measures established by this article, and to document notice and acceptance of those obligations. (a) Timing of acknowledgement. Each city council member shall execute the acknowledgement required by this section at the following times:
(1) Upon filing nomination papers or other documentation required to qualify as a candidate for City Council, to the extent permitted by law; (2) As a condition of assuming office, contemporaneously with the execution of the oath of office required by law; and
(3) Upon re-election, appointment, or commencement of a new term of office.

Execution of the acknowledgement is intended to provide notice of, and assent to, the obligations set forth in this Code and city policies relating to city governance, city operations, and governance-based measures. To the extent permitted by law, execution of the acknowledgement may be required as a condition of participation in city council meetings and other city governance activities.

Ordinance No. 2537

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Failure to execute the acknowledgement shall not invalidate an election or appointment, but may delay assumption of duties or participation in city council meetings and other city governance activities and may be considered in determining appropriate governance-based measures under this article, consistent with applicable law.
(b) Form of acknowledgement. The acknowledgement shall be in the form set forth in subsection (c) of this section and shall be executed without modification, except as approved by the city attorney for non-substantive formatting purposes. (c) Required acknowledgement language. The acknowledgement executed by each City Council member shall state, verbatim, as follows:
“By executing this acknowledgement, I confirm that I have been provided notice of the obligations set forth in Article XII of Chapter 2 of the West Covina Municipal Code, the City’s Rules of Decorum, and City policies regarding City Council conduct and acknowledge my responsibility to comply with those obligations during my service as a City Council member, subject to applicable law.

I further acknowledge that I am executing this acknowledgement knowingly and voluntarily, without duress, coercion, or undue influence, and that I have had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of my choosing regarding this acknowledgement and the obligations described herein.”
(d) Retention of acknowledgement. Executed acknowledgements shall be retained by the city clerk as a public record to the extent permitted by law. (e) Effect of failure to execute. Failure to execute the acknowledgement required by this section shall not invalidate the applicability of this article but may be considered in determining appropriate governance-based measures under division 4 of this article, to the extent permitted by law.
(f) No waiver of rights. Nothing in this section or in the acknowledgement required hereby shall be construed to waive any constitutional, statutory, or common-law right, to create an employment relationship, or to expand the city’s authority beyond that provided by law.

Sec. 2-704. - Construction.

This article shall be construed and applied consistently with the California Constitution, applicable state and federal law, and the elective nature of public office. Nothing in this article shall be interpreted to expand municipal authority beyond that granted by law or to impair any right preserved by statute or constitution.
(a) Preservation of individual and constitutional rights. Nothing in this article shall be construed to waive, limit, or require the waiver of any constitutional, statutory, or Ordinance No. 2537

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common-law right or privilege of a city council member, including the right to seek judicial review of any action taken pursuant to this article or the right against selfincrimination.

The procedures established by this article are governance-based in nature and are intended to provide structured responses and minimum procedural protections.

They shall not be construed to create additional substantive rights, entitlements, causes of action, or adjudicatory proceedings.
(b) Elective nature of office; no employment relationship. Members of the city council are elected officials and are not employees of the city for any purpose.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to create an employment relationship between the city and any city council member, to subject city council members to personnel rules or employment discipline, or to alter the elective nature of city council office.
(c) Relationship to other laws, remedies, and enforcement authorities. This article does not replace, supersede, duplicate, or limit any remedy, enforcement mechanism, or proceeding otherwise available under state or federal law, including criminal prosecution, civil enforcement, administrative proceedings, recall, quo warranto, forfeiture, vacancy provisions, or enforcement authority vested in courts, the Fair Political Practices Commission, or other regulatory bodies.

Governance-based measures authorized by this article are cumulative and may be imposed independently of, and concurrently with, other lawful actions. Alleged misconduct may be referred to external authorities as provided in this article, and the city council may rely on external findings or orders to the extent authorized by law.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to convert city council action into a criminal, civil, or quasi-judicial enforcement mechanism. (d) Legislative discretion and protected activity. Nothing in this article shall be construed to regulate or prohibit lawful political disagreement, criticism of policy positions, robust debate during city council meetings, lawful political speech, campaign activity conducted in a personal capacity, or other expression protected by the United States or California Constitutions.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit lawful legislative inquiry, oversight, policy advocacy, or participation in authorized city governance activities, provided such activities are conducted through appropriate channels and do not involve misuse of city authority, resources, or access, or interference with the lawful functioning of city operations.

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The standards set forth in this article shall be applied narrowly and in a manner consistent with constitutional protections and the good-faith exercise of legislative judgment.
(e) Governance harm and construction standard. In applying this article, the city council may consider whether misconduct, viewed in context, creates a material adverse risk to the integrity, fairness, independence, or lawful functioning of city governance, even where such misconduct does not independently constitute a violation of criminal or civil law.

This article shall be interpreted and applied in a manner that favors its lawful application and effectuates its purpose of protecting city governance and the lawful functioning of city operations. Any ambiguity shall be resolved consistent with applicable law and the city council’s intent to act within the bounds of its authority. (f) Prospective application. This article shall apply prospectively to all city council members serving on or after its effective date, including members in office at the time of adoption.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to impose governance-based measures, censure, limitations, escalation, or removal-seeking action based solely on misconduct fully completed prior to the effective date. However, nothing shall preclude consideration of misconduct occurring on or after the effective date, or reliance on investigative findings, advisory findings, external findings, or court orders issued on or after the effective date, even where such findings relate in whole or in part to earlier conduct, provided that any governance-based measure is imposed prospectively and is reasonably necessary to address present or ongoing material adverse risk to city governance or the lawful functioning of city operations.
(g) Relationship to rules of decorum. Nothing in this article limits the authority of the presiding officer to maintain order and decorum during city council meetings pursuant to sections 2-47 through 2-52 of this Code.

As applied to city council members, the standards of conduct, review, investigation, and governance-based measures set forth in this article govern alleged misconduct occurring inside or outside city council meetings and supplement, and where applicable supersede, decorum provisions addressing council member conduct during meetings. Rules of decorum applicable to members of the public remain fully in effect and are not modified by this article. (h) Severability. If any provision of this article, or its application to any person or circumstance, is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions or applications of this article. The city council declares that it would have adopted this article and each provision thereof irrespective of the invalidity of any other provision.

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DIVISION 2 – STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
Sec. 2-705. - General standards of conduct.

Members of the city council shall conduct themselves in a manner that preserves lawful functioning and safety of city governance and city operations and that complies with applicable law and the obligations of public office.

For purposes of this division, misconduct may occur through direct action or through indirect action, including by acting through intermediaries, proxies, third parties, or other persons or entities, or by directing, encouraging, facilitating, or knowingly permitting another to engage or attempt to engage in conduct that the city council member could not lawfully undertake directly.

City council members shall not engage or attempt to engage in misconduct relating to city business or city governance that interferes with the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations, undermines the integrity or independence of city governance, impedes the ability of persons or entities to lawfully participate in or carry out city functions, or otherwise creates a foreseeable material adverse risk of legal or operational harm to the city.
(a) Governance-focused obligations. The standards set forth in this division are intended to address misconduct that affects city governance or the lawful functioning of city operations. These standards do not regulate personal morality or private conduct unrelated to city business or city governance. (b) Scope of application. Misconduct subject to this division includes actions taken by a city council member in an official capacity, under color of office, in connection with city business, or in circumstances where the use or misuse of city authority, resources, access, or influence materially affects city governance or the lawful functioning of city operations.
(c) Relationship to review, investigation, and escalation. The standards set forth in this division provide the substantive basis for review, investigation, and governancebased measures under divisions 3 and 4 of this article. A determination that misconduct may fall within one or more provisions of this division does not constitute a finding of misconduct, but may warrant review, investigation, interim governance-based measures, or other action pursuant to those divisions.

Sec. 2-706. - Abuse of position or influence.

A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in the misuse of the authority, prestige, access, or influence of elected office in a manner that exceeds lawful city council authority, interferes with or circumvents the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations, or is otherwise inconsistent with applicable law, adopted city policy, or the respective roles and responsibilities of city officials and staff.

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For purposes of this section, abuse of position or influence includes misconduct that exploits or attempts to exploit the unique powers, visibility, or perceived authority of city council office to obtain improper advantage or to coerce, pressure, or improperly influence persons or entities in connection with city business or city governance. (a) Improper direction or pressure. A city council member shall not direct, attempt to direct, pressure, attempt to pressure, or coerce persons or entities to take or refrain from action outside the lawful authority of the city council, or in a manner inconsistent with applicable law, adopted city policy, or the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations.
(b) Preferential treatment and improper advantage. A city council member shall not use or attempt to use the title, status, access, or perceived authority of city council office to obtain or attempt to obtain preferential treatment, special access, or other improper advantage for themselves or for any other person or entity in connection with city business or city governance.
(c) Interference with independent functions. A city council member shall not interfere or attempt to interfere with administrative, regulatory, enforcement, investigatory, or quasi-judicial matters in a manner inconsistent with applicable law or established city authority, including by attempting to influence outcomes outside authorized roles or channels.
(d) Misrepresentation of authority. A city council member shall not represent, state, imply, or attempt to represent, state, or imply that a personal position, directive, or demand reflects an official decision, policy, or position of the city or city council when no such authorization exists.

Sec. 2-707. - Improper conduct towards participants.

A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in misconduct relating to city business or city governance that is directed toward any person or entity, including another city council member, and that has the purpose or effect of obstructing, chilling, intimidating, coercing, or otherwise interfering with that person’s or entity’s lawful participation in city governance or the lawful functioning of city operations. (a) Improper conduct toward participants. A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in threatening, intimidating, abusive, demeaning, hostile, or coercive conduct toward any person or entity in connection with that person’s or entity’s lawful participation in city governance or involvement with city operations. (b) Adverse conduct in response to participation. A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in adverse conduct toward any person or entity because that person or entity raised concerns, made reports, provided information, participated in investigations or advisory proceedings, engaged in protected Ordinance No. 2537

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activity, or refused to take action that would be inconsistent with applicable law or adopted city policy.
(c) Misuse of office to target participants. A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in the misuse of the platform, authority, access, or visibility of city council office to single out, demean, threaten, pressure, or subject any person or entity, including another city council member, to adverse treatment in a manner that interferes with that person’s or entity’s lawful ability to participate in city governance or to carry out functions related to city operations.

Sec. 2-708. - Ethics, conflicts of interest, and self-dealing.

A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in misconduct relating to city business or city governance that involves conflicts of interest, self-dealing, or misuse of city office for personal gain, and that undermines the integrity, fairness, or lawful functioning of city governance or city operations.
(a) Conflicts of Interest. A city council member shall not participate in, influence, or attempt to influence any city decision, action, or matter in which the member has a financial interest or other disqualifying interest under applicable law, or where participation would materially compromise the integrity or impartiality of city governance. Failure to disclose a conflict of interest, failure to recuse where required, or participation notwithstanding a known conflict may constitute misconduct under this section.
(b) Gifts, benefits, and improper advantages. A city council member shall not solicit, accept, receive, or attempt to solicit, accept, or receive gifts, benefits, favors, services, or other things of value in connection with city business in a manner that violates applicable law or that involves personal gain in exchange for the exercise, attempted exercise, or misuse of city authority. Misconduct under this subsection may occur regardless of whether a gift or benefit is ultimately received or exceeds statutory thresholds.
(c) Self-dealing and preferential treatment. A city council member shall not use or attempt to use city office, authority, access, or influence to secure personal gain for themselves or to confer improper benefit on any person or entity in connection with city business or city governance. Self-dealing includes steering contracts, permits, approvals, or other city benefits; exerting pressure on representatives of city operations to favor particular outcomes; or intervening in city matters for private advantage.
(d) Use of insider or nonpublic information. A city council member shall not use, disclose, or attempt to use or disclose nonpublic, confidential, or privileged information obtained through city council office for personal gain, private advantage, or to benefit any person or entity, or in a manner that undermines the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations. This subsection includes, Ordinance No. 2537

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but is not limited to, the unlawful disclosure of information received or discussed during closed session meetings of the city council or its committees, to the extent such disclosure is prohibited by law.
(e) Circumvention of ethics safeguards. A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in actions intended to evade, circumvent, or nullify ethics, disclosure, or recusal requirements imposed by law or adopted by the city, including by acting through intermediaries, proxies, or other persons or entities.

Sec. 2-709. - Material misrepresentations and concealments.

A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in misconduct relating to city business or city governance that involves a knowing or intentional material misrepresentation or material concealment, and that undermines the integrity, transparency, or lawful functioning of city governance or city operations.

This section addresses governance harms arising from material false statements, material omissions, material concealment of information, or other conduct that materially interferes with the city’s ability to make informed decisions, carry out lawful review or investigation, or perform its governance functions, regardless of whether such conduct results in criminal, civil, or administrative enforcement action. (a) Material misrepresentation. A city council member shall not knowingly or intentionally make, cause to be made, or attempt to make a false or materially misleading statement, representation, or omission in an official capacity, under color of office, or in connection with city business, where the statement, representation, or omission is material to city governance, city operations, or city decision-making. This subsection applies to communications made to persons or entities, including city staff, other city council members, investigators, advisory factfinders, or members of the public, where such communications concern city business or city governance.
(b) Material concealment of information. A city council member shall not knowingly or intentionally conceal, withhold, delay, obscure, or attempt to conceal, withhold, delay, or obscure material information relevant to city business or city governance where disclosure is required by law, reasonably necessary for informed decisionmaking, or necessary to ensure the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations.
(c) Material interference with truth-finding. A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in conduct intended to materially interfere with the city’s ability to ascertain the truth or to reach lawful, informed outcomes in connection with city business or city governance. Material interference with truth-finding includes, but is not limited to, providing materially incomplete, misleading, or deceptive information; directing, encouraging, or knowingly permitting others to provide materially false or misleading information; intentionally delaying proceedings, Ordinance No. 2537

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disclosures, cooperation, or responses where such delay is material to obstructing review, investigation, or decision-making; attempting to influence, disrupt, or affect the scope, timing, process, or outcome of administrative, investigatory, regulatory, enforcement, or advisory matters through misuse of authority, access, or influence; using authority or influence to pressure, discourage, or manipulate participants, witnesses, investigators, or advisory fact-finders; or attempting to influence the material content, scope, timing, or outcome of investigative, advisory, or review findings through misrepresentation, concealment, delay, or other obstructive conduct.

Sec. 2-710. - Misuse of city resources or information.

A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in misconduct relating to city business or city governance that involves the misuse of city resources, city property, or city information in a manner inconsistent with applicable law, adopted city policy, or the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations. (a) Use of city resources. A city council member shall not use or attempt to use, or direct or attempt to direct the use of, city staff time, facilities, equipment, systems, funds, or other city resources for personal, political, campaign-related, or other noncity purposes, except where such use is expressly permitted by law or adopted city policy.
(b) Improper direction of city operations. City governance is exercised collectively by the city council, while the city manager is responsible for the administration of city operations and the management of city departments, officers, employees, and agents. A city council member shall not direct, request, encourage, or attempt to direct, request, or encourage any person or entity involved in city operations, including city employees, contractors, or consultants, to perform tasks unrelated to city business, outside the scope of lawful city operations, or in furtherance of personal, political, or other improper interests.
(c) Use and disclosure of city information. A city council member shall not use, disclose, rely upon, or attempt to use, disclose, or rely upon nonpublic, confidential, or privileged city information obtained through city council office for purposes unrelated to city business or in a manner that undermines the integrity, fairness, or lawful functioning of city governance or city operations. This subsection includes, but is not limited to, the unlawful disclosure or use of information received, reviewed, or discussed during closed session meetings of the city council or its committees, to the extent such disclosure or use is prohibited by law.

Sec. 2-711. - Election-related misconduct.

A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in misconduct that involves the misuse of the powers, privileges, resources, access, or visibility of elected office in Ordinance No. 2537

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connection with any election, ballot measure, or political campaign, and that undermines the integrity, neutrality, or lawful functioning of city governance or city operations. (a) Misuse of office in connection with elections. A city council member shall not use or attempt to use city authority, city resources, city information, or the status of elected office to support or oppose any candidate, ballot measure, or political campaign in a manner inconsistent with applicable law or adopted city policy. (b) Use of office for electoral advantage. A city council member shall not use or attempt to use the fact of holding city council office, or the authority, access, or visibility associated with that office, during an election cycle or in connection with electoral activity, to condition access to city governance or city operations, or the receipt of city services or benefits, on political support, opposition, or activity. (c) Adverse conduct based on political activity. A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in adverse conduct toward any person or entity because that person or entity engaged in lawful political activity, including supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot measure, participating in a campaign, or declining to engage in political activity.
(d) Campaign-related use of city information. A city council member shall not use, disclose, or attempt to use or disclose nonpublic, confidential, or privileged city information obtained through city council office for campaign-related purposes or to obtain political advantage. This subsection includes, but is not limited to, the unlawful disclosure or use of information received, reviewed, or discussed during closed session meetings of the city council or its committees, to the extent such disclosure or use is prohibited by law.
(e) Interference with impartial administration. A city council member shall not interfere or attempt to interfere with the impartial administration of city operations, including city services, programs, or regulatory functions, for the purpose of influencing electoral outcomes or conferring political advantage.

Sec. 2-712. - Public safety and threatening conduct.

A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in misconduct relating to city business or city governance that threatens, endangers, or reasonably places at risk the safety or security of persons or entities, including city officials, city employees, contractors, volunteers, other city council members, or members of the public who are lawfully participating in city governance or involved with city operations.

This section addresses conduct that jeopardizes public safety, impairs the city’s ability to maintain safe and secure city operations, or interferes with the lawful functioning of city governance through intimidation, coercion, or threatened or actual violence.

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(a) Threatening or violent conduct. A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in conduct involving threats of violence, acts of violence, stalking, intimidation, coercion, or other behavior that would reasonably be perceived as threatening when directed at any person or entity in connection with city business, city governance, or city operations.
(b) Credible threats and safety risks. A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in conduct that gives rise to a credible threat to the safety of any person or entity involved in city governance or city operations, including conduct that results in the issuance, consideration, or enforcement of a workplace violence restraining order, civil harassment restraining order, criminal protective order, or other court-ordered safety restriction.
(c) Use of authority to intimidate or coerce. A city council member shall not use or attempt to use the authority, access, or visibility of city council office to intimidate, pressure, or coerce any person or entity in a manner that creates reasonable fear, deters lawful participation in city governance or city operations, or compromises personal safety.
(d) Disruption of safe city operations. A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in conduct that interferes with the city’s ability to maintain safe workplaces, conduct meetings securely, or protect persons or entities participating in city governance or city operations, including conduct that necessitates extraordinary security measures or materially disrupts normal city operations. (e) Relationship to external safety orders. Where misconduct described in this section results in, or is subject to, a court-issued protective order, restraining order, or other legally binding safety directive, the city council may rely on such order pursuant to section 2-726 of this article and may take immediate governance-based measures where reasonably necessary to ensure compliance and protect public safety and the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations.

Sec. 2-713. – Conduct undermining the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations.

A city council member shall not engage or attempt to engage in misconduct relating to city business or city governance that, when viewed in context, undermines the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations, and that is not otherwise expressly addressed in sections 2-706 through 2-712 of this article.

This section addresses novel, emergent, or circumvention-based misconduct that poses a material adverse risk to the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations but does not fall squarely within a specifically enumerated standard of conduct. This section shall be applied narrowly and only in a manner consistent with the purposes and limitations of this article.

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(a) Residual application. This section applies only where the misconduct at issue is not expressly governed by another provision of division 2 of this article and where reliance on this section is reasonably necessary to protect the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations.
(b) Pattern-based or circumvention conduct. Misconduct undermining the lawful functioning of city governance or city operations may include repeated or patterned conduct that, taken as a whole, materially compromises the orderly and lawful functioning of city governance or city operations, or conduct intended to evade, circumvent, or nullify the application of this article or other lawful governance safeguards adopted by the city.
(c) Limitation on use. This section shall not be used as a substitute for establishing violations of specific standards of conduct where such standards are applicable, nor shall it be applied in a manner that expands the scope of this article beyond its governance-focused purposes.

DIVISION 3 – REPORTING AND REVIEW
Sec. 2-714. - Overview.
(a) This division establishes the procedures by which the city may receive, review, and respond to information regarding alleged misconduct by a city council member.

The purpose of this division is to provide a structured, transparent, and lawful framework for evaluating information, developing facts where appropriate, and determining whether governance-based measures are reasonably necessary to protect the integrity, safety, and lawful functioning of city governance or city operations.
(b) The provisions of this division are administrative and protective in nature. They are intended to ensure that concerns relating to misconduct described in division 2 of this article are addressed in an orderly, proportionate, and legally compliant manner. The receipt of information, initiation of review, authorization of early governance-based interventions, commencement of investigation, or consideration of action under this division does not constitute a finding of misconduct and does not require the imposition of any governance-based measure.
(c) This division is designed to operate progressively. Information may be screened, reviewed, addressed through early governance-based interventions, investigated, or escalated depending on the nature of the information received, the reliability and source of that information, the existence of external findings or court orders, and the degree of material adverse risk presented to city governance, city operations, or the safety of persons or entities. not every report or item of information will warrant investigation or further action.

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West Covina City CouncilJanuary 20, 2026

West Covina City Council
January 20, 2026