TITLE VIII—BUILDING REGULATIONS

CHAPTER 1—BUILDING CODES Revised 3/26

Sec. 8000 Purpose. Revised 3/26

The purposes of this Chapter are to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and the public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location, and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the corporate limits of the City, to encourage and instruct people to build safely and economically, rather than to discourage building, and to provide a minimum of restrictive enforcement and a maximum of good building information and encouragement. This Chapter is designed to include technical code utilized by the City Building Division into one (1) chapter to increase understanding. (Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8001 Adoption. Revised 3/26

The following publications are hereby incorporated herein by reference and are adopted by the City of Arcata as the Building Code of the City of Arcata, except as expressly amended or superseded by the provisions of this Chapter:

A. 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24) including the following parts and appendices:

1. Part 1, California Administrative Code;

2. Part 2, California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2, including appendices B – Board of Appeals, G – Flood-Resistant Construction, H – Signs, I – Patio Covers, J – Grading, M – Tsunami-Generated Flood Hazards, O – Performance-Based Application, P – Sleeping Lofts, and Q – Emergency Housing;

2.5. Part 2.5, California Residential Code, Chapters 1 through 10, and including appendices AA – Board of Appeals, BB – Tiny Houses, BF – Patio Covers, BG – Sound Transmission, BI – Light Straw-Clay Construction, BJ – Strawbale Construction, BK – Cob Construction (Monolithic Adobe), BL – Hemp-Lime (Hempcrete) Construction, BM – 3D-Printed Building Construction, BO – Existing Buildings and Structures, CH – Private Sewage Disposal, CI – Swimming Pool Safety Act, and CJ – Emergency Housing;

3. Part 3, California Electrical Code;

4. Part 4, California Mechanical Code, including appendices B – Procedures to be Followed to Place Gas Equipment in Operation, C – Installation and Testing of Oil (Liquid) Fuel-Fired Equipment, and I – Indoor Horticultural Facilities;

5. Part 5, California Plumbing Code, including appendices A – Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System, B – Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems, C – Alternate Plumbing Systems, D – Sizing of Storm Water Drainage Systems, H – Private Sewage Disposal Systems, I – Installation Standards (only IAPMO IS 31-2022), J – Combination of Indoor and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation Opening Design, M – Peak Water Demand Calculator, N – Impact of Water Temperature on the Potential for Scalding and Legionella Growth, Q – Indoor Horticulture Facilities, R – Tiny Houses, and S – Onsite Stormwater Treatment Systems;

6. Part 6, California Energy Code, including appendices 1-A – Standards and Documents Referenced in the Energy Code, and 1-B – Energy Commission Documents Incorporated by Reference in Their Entirety;

7. Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including (informative only) appendices F – Characteristics of Fire-Smart Vegetation, G – Voluntary Home-Hardening, and H – Referenced California Documents;

8. Part 8, California Historical Building Code, including appendix A – Provision Applicability Tables;

9. Part 9, California Fire Code, including appendices B – Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings, C – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution, and D – Fire Apparatus Access Road;

10. Part 10, California Existing Building Code, including appendices A – Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings, B – Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities, and E – Temporary Emergency Uses;

11. Part 11, California Green Building Standards Code;

12. Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code;

B. The Uniform Housing Code, 1997 Edition, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials (see the California Health and Safety Code (HSC) Sections 17922, 18909, and 18938.3), subject to any state-specific amendments;

C. The Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials;

D. 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, as published by the International Code Council (ICC).

One (1) copy of said California Building Standards Code, the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Housing Code, the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the 2024 Property Maintenance Code, is on file and will be kept on file for use and examination by the public in the office of the Building Official in said City of Arcata, 736 F Street, Arcata, California. (Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8002 Finding of necessity for stricter standards. Revised 3/26

The Arcata City Council finds that the changes or modifications to the California Building Standards Code in this Chapter are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. Authority derived from Health and Safety Code Sections 13143.5, 13869.7, 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, 18941.5; and California Building Code Sections 1.1.8 and 1.8.6.2.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that a stricter standard than provided by the California Building Code, Section 105.2, 2025 Edition, and the California Residential Code, Section 105.2, 2025 Edition is necessary for alignment with existing local zoning and land use restrictions. The Arcata City Council finds because of local climatic, geographical, or topographical conditions that a higher standard is therefore necessary for proper enforcement of rules and regulations.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that a stricter standard than provided by the California Residential Code, Section R309.2, 2025 Edition, is necessary to provide equal protection to the future occupants of single-family homes on private lots, regardless of construction type. The Arcata City Council finds that a higher standard is therefore necessary to protect life and property. The change is an exception to AB 130 because it relates to home hardening.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that a stricter standard than provided by the California Mechanical Code, Section 1309.0, 2025 Edition, is necessary to protect life and property in the event of a significant earthquake by requiring the installation of automatic safety devices when certain permits are issued. Due to local geological conditions which exist in the City, the Arcata City Council finds that a higher standard is therefore necessary to protect life and property.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that additional exceptions in the California Plumbing Code, Sections 104.2 and 311.1, 2025 Edition, are necessary due to local geological conditions.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that a stricter standard than provided by the California Plumbing Code, Section 719.2, 2025 Edition, is necessary to protect health and property in the event of backflow conditions. Due to local geological conditions which exist in the City, the Arcata City Council finds that a higher standard is therefore necessary to protect health and property.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that a stricter standard than provided by the California Plumbing Code, Sections 1209.0 to 1209.5, 2025 Edition, is necessary to protect life and property in the event of a significant earthquake by requiring the installation of automatic safety devices when certain permits are issued. Due to local geological conditions which exist in the City, the Arcata City Council finds that a higher standard is therefore necessary to protect life and property. (Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8003 Amendments, additions, deletions and/or clarifications to the California Building Code. Revised 3/26

The following amendments, additions and/or clarifications are made to the California Building Code adopted by this Chapter:

A. Section 1.11.2.1.1, subdivision 1, shall be amended to read as follows:

1. The City of Arcata delegates to the Building Official the enforcement of the building standards relating to fire and panic safety and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal as they relate to Group R-3 occupancies, as described in Section 310.1 of Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code.

B. Section 103.1, Creation of enforcement agency, shall be amended to read as follows:

103.1 The Building Division is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Building Official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

C. Section 105.1 shall be amended to read as follows:

105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to occupy an existing building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.

D. Section 105.2, Building, subdivision 2 shall be amended to read as follows:

2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over six (6) feet (1,829 mm) high.

E. Section 105.8 shall be added to read as follows:

105.8 Responsibility of permittee. Building permits shall be presumed to incorporate the provisions that the applicant, the applicant’s agent, employees or contractors shall carry out the proposed work in accordance with the approved plans and with all requirements of this code and any other laws or regulations applicable thereto, whether specified or not. No approval shall relieve or exonerate any person from the responsibility of complying with the provisions and intent of this code.

F. Section 109.4 shall be amended to read as follows:

109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee set by the master fee schedule. This fee shall be in addition to any other required permit fees.

G. Section 110.3.13 shall be added as follows:

110.3.13 Reinspection Fee. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made.

Reinspection fees may be assessed when the inspection record is not available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official.

In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be carried out until the required fees have been paid.

(Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8004 Amendments, additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to the California Residential Code. Revised 3/26

The following amendments, additions and/or clarifications are made to the California Residential Code adopted by this Chapter:

A. Section 1.11.2.1.1, subdivision 1, shall be amended to read as follows:

1. The City of Arcata delegates to the Building Official the enforcement of the building standards relating to fire and panic safety and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal as they relate to Group R-3 occupancies as described in Section 1.1.3.1 or CCR Part 2, California Building Code, Section 310.1.

B. Section R101.1 shall be amended to read as follows:

R101.1 Title. These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings of the City of Arcata and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code”.

C. Section R105.2, Building subdivision 2 shall be amended to read as follows:

2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over six (6) feet (1,829 mm) high.

D. Section R108.6 shall be amended to read as follows:

R108.6 Work Commencing before Permit issuance. Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee set by the master fee schedule. This fee shall be in addition to any other required permit fees.

E. Table 301.2—Climactic and Geographic Design Criteria shall be amended to include the following:

Table R301.2—CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
Ground Snow Load	Wind Design				Seismic Design Category	Subject to Damage From:			Winter Design Temp	Ice Barrier Underlayment Required	Flood Hazards	Air Freeze Index	Mean Annual Temp
Ground Snow Load	Speed MPH	Topographic Effects	Special wind region	Windborne debris zone	Seismic Design Category	Weathering	Frost Line Depth	Termite	Winter Design Temp	Ice Barrier Underlayment Required	Flood Hazards	Air Freeze Index	Mean Annual Temp
10 lbs. (per square foot)	90mph	No	No	No	E	Negligible	0 (Zero)	Yes	n/a	No	June 2017	1	52 degrees F

MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIA
Elevation	Altitude Correction factor	Coincident wet bulb	Indoor winter design relative humidity	Indoor winter design dry-bulb temperature	Outdoor winter design dry-bulb temperature	Heating Temperature Difference
23 Feet	0.82	59	60%	70 degrees F	33 degrees F	37 degrees F
Latitude	Daily Range	Summer design gains	Indoor summer design relative humidity	Indoor summer design dry-bulb temperature	Outdoor summer design dry-bulb temperature	Cooling temperature difference
41 North	Low	Low	50%	75 degrees F	75 degrees F	0 degrees F

F. Section R309.2 shall be amended to read as follows:

R309.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic sprinkler systems. An Automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings. This includes new manufactured homes (as defined in Health and Safety Code sections 18007 and 18009) installed on private lots other than mobile home parks (as defined in Health and Safety Code section 18214).

(Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8005 Amendments, additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to the California Mechanical Code. Revised 3/26

A. Section 1309.0 shall be amended to read as follows:

1309.0 Automatic Gas Shut-Off Valves

1309.1 General. Where automatic excess flow valves are installed, they shall be listed to CSA Z21.93 and shall be sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:5.13]

1309.2 General Requirements for Automatic Gas Shut-Off Valves. Automatic gas shut-off valves shall:

1. Comply with all applicable requirements of the California Plumbing Code, including City of Arcata amendments.

2. Be tested and listed by recognized testing agencies such as the Independent Laboratory of the International Approval Services (IAS), Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) or any other agency approved by the Division of the State Architect (DSA).

3. Be installed on downstream side of the gas utility meter.

4. Be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Provide a method for expedient and safe gas shut-off in an emergency.

6. Provide a capability for ease of consumer or owner resetting in a safe manner.

1309.3 Definitions

For the purpose of this Section, terms shall be defined as follows:

“Automatic gas shut-off valve” means either a motion activated gas shut-off valve or device or an excess flow gas shut-off valve or device.

“Downstream of gas utility meter” means all gas piping on the property owner’s side of the gas meter and after the service tee.

“Motion activated gas shut off valve” means an approved gas valve activated by motion. Valves are set to activate in the event of a moderate or strong seismic event greater than 5.0 on the Richter scale.

“Upstream of gas utility meter” means all gas piping installed by the utility up to and including the meter and the utility’s service tee.

1309.4 Motion Activated Gas Shut-off Valve Required. For the purpose of this Section, excess flow valves are not permitted to be installed as a substitute for motion activated gas shut-off valves. A listed motion activated gas shut-off valve shall be installed as follows:

1309.4.1 New Construction (non-residential). In any newly constructed non-residential building or structure containing fuel gas piping.

1309.4.2 Existing Buildings (non-residential) with a single meter. In any existing building or structure containing fuel gas piping served by a single gas meter, when any addition, alteration or repair is made for which a permit with a valuation of over $30,000 is issued.

1309.4.3 Existing Buildings (non-residential) with separate meters serving individual units or tenant spaces. In any existing non-residential building or structure containing fuel gas piping served by multiple gas meters, when any addition, alteration or repair is made to an individual unit or tenant space for which a permit with a valuation of over $30,000 is issued. The requirement for a motion activated gas shut-off valve shall apply to the gas meter serving the individual unit or tenant space and the gas meter serving common area(s).

Exceptions:

1. Existing automatic gas shut-off valves installed prior to the effective date of this Section, provided the valves are maintained in operational condition.

2. Automatic gas shut-off valves installed on a gas distribution system owned or operated by a public utility.

1309.5 Mounting. Motion activated seismic gas shut-off valves shall be mounted rigidly to the building or structure containing the fuel gas piping, unless otherwise specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

(Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8006 Amendments, additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to the California Plumbing Code. Revised 3/26

A. Section 104.2 shall be amended to include subdivision 3:

104.2 Exempt Work. (3) Storm water management systems installed on private property with existing single-family homes provided that all storm water is retained on said private property and all work performed will comply with this code and all other rules and regulations.

B. Section 311.1, Exception subdivision, shall be amended to read as follows:

311.1 Exception 1: Where one building stands in the rear of another building on an interior lot, and no public or private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining court, yard, or driveway, the building drain from the front building shall be permitted to be extended to the rear building provided that an approved two-way cleanout and backflow protection assembly shall be installed within two (2) feet of the building. This assembly shall be readily accessible and comply with this code.

311.1 Exception 2: Where an independent connection is not available, and when approved by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), a shared connection shall be allowed provided that an approved two-way cleanout and backflow protection assembly shall be installed within two (2) feet of each building. This assembly shall be readily accessible and comply with this code.

C. Section 719.2 shall be amended to read as follows:

719.2 Additional Cleanouts (non-residential buildings only). When new building drain connections are made, or drainage connections are replaced, and in addition to all other cleanouts required by this code, an approved two-way cleanout and backflow protection assembly shall be installed within two (2) feet of the building. This assembly shall be readily accessible and comply with this code.

D. Section 1209.0 shall be amended to read as follows:

1209.0 Automatic Gas Shut-Off Valves

E. Section 1209.1 shall be amended to read as follows:

1209.1 General. Where automatic excess flow valves are installed, they shall be listed to CSA Z21.93 and shall be sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:5.13]

F. Section 1209.2 is hereby added and shall read:

1209.2 General Requirements for Automatic Gas Shut-Off Valves. Automatic gas shut-off valves shall:

1. Comply with all applicable requirements of the California Plumbing Code, including City of Arcata amendments.

3. Be installed on downstream side of the gas utility meter.

4. Be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Provide a method for expedient and safe gas shut-off in an emergency.

6. Provide a capability for ease of consumer or owner resetting in a safe manner.

G. Section 1209.3 is hereby added and shall read:

1209.3 Definitions

For the purpose of this Section, terms shall be defined as follows:

“Automatic gas shut-off valve” means either a motion activated gas shut-off valve or device or an excess flow gas shut-off valve or device.

“Downstream of gas utility meter” means all gas piping on the property owner’s side of the gas meter and after the service tee.

“Upstream of gas utility meter” means all gas piping installed by the utility up to and including the meter and the utility’s service tee.

H. Section 1209.4 is hereby added and shall read:

1209.4 Motion Activated Gas Shut-off Valve, Required. For the purpose of this Section, excess flow valves are not permitted to be installed as a substitute for motion activated gas shut-off valves. A listed motion activated gas shut-off valve shall be installed as follows:

1209.4.1 New Construction (non-residential). In any newly constructed building or structure containing fuel gas piping.

1209.4.2 Existing Buildings (non-residential) with a single meter. In any existing building or structure containing fuel gas piping served by a single gas meter, when any addition, alteration or repair is made for which a permit with a valuation of over Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) is issued.

1209.4.3 Existing Buildings (non-residential) with separate meters serving individual units or tenant spaces. In any existing building or structure containing fuel gas piping served by multiple gas meters, when any addition, alteration or repair is made to an individual unit or tenant space for which a permit with a valuation of over $30,000 is issued. The requirement for a motion activated gas shut off valve shall apply to the gas meter serving the individual unit or tenant space and the gas meter serving common area(s).

Exceptions:

1. Existing automatic gas shut-off valves installed prior to the effective date of this Section, provided the valves are maintained in operational condition.

2. Automatic gas shut-off valves installed on a gas distribution system owned or operated by a public utility.

I. Section 1209.5 is hereby added and shall read:

1209.5 Mounting. Motion activated seismic gas shut-off valves shall be mounted rigidly to the building or structure containing the fuel gas piping, unless otherwise specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

(Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8007 Amendments, additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Revised 3/26

A. Section 101.3.1 shall be amended to read as follows:

101.3.1 Application. New buildings located in any Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this code. This shall include all new buildings with residential, commercial, educational, institutional or similar occupancy type use, which shall be referred to in this code as "applicable buildings," as well as new buildings and structures accessory to those applicable buildings.

101.3.1.1 Application date and where required. New buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008, located in any Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Area designated by the enforcing agency shall comply with this code, including all of the following areas:

Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by cities and other local agencies.

Land designated as a wildland-urban interface area by cities and other local agencies.

Exceptions:

1. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area, for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after January 1, 2008, shall comply with this code.

2. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area or any wildland-urban interface area designated by cities and other local agencies for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after December 1, 2005, but prior to July 1, 2008, shall only comply with the following sections of this Chapter:

2.1. Section 507 - Replacement or Repair of Roof Coverings.

2.2. Section 504.10 - Vents.

(Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8008 Amendments, additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to the California Fire Code. Revised 3/26

Any inconsistent regulations and ordinances adopted pursuant to applicable law by the Arcata Fire District shall control within the Arcata Fire District’s jurisdictional area. (Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8009 Fees. Revised 3/26

The Council shall establish, by resolution, the fee amount for the permits, inspections, or other fees required or authorized by the provisions of this Chapter.

The Council shall, by resolution, fix the amount of fees for the applications, permits, licenses, impounding fees, inspections, and other fees required or authorized by the provisions of this Chapter.

Fees and deposits for appeals to the Board of Appeals shall be as follows:

A. Deposit for appeal to be paid to the City Clerk with the application of appeal shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00).

B. In the event that the applicant’s appeal of the Building Official’s decision is upheld by the Board of Appeals, no appeal fee shall be assessed, and all deposited funds shall be returned to the appellant. If the Building Official’s opinion is sustained by the Board of Appeals, the total assessed appeal fee shall be based on actual cost recovery. (Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8010 Exceptions to fees. Revised 3/26

The following-named owners of proposed buildings shall be required to secure a building permit where the provisions of this Chapter apply to such buildings, but they shall be exempt from the requirements for payment except where the City incurs an actual cost for any plan-checking or permit fee for such buildings: the Federal, State, and County governments and any municipality, school district or other district, agency, or jurisdiction supported by public taxation. (Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8011 Code defined. Revised 3/26

Wherever the word "code" is used in this Chapter, the same shall be deemed to mean and refer to those codes set forth in Section 8001. (Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8012 Licenses required. Revised 3/26

Nothing contained in this Chapter, or the codes adopted by this Chapter, shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of the applicable provisions of the Arcata Municipal Code requiring contractors, subcontractors, or specialty contractors to obtain licenses from the City of Arcata under the circumstances and conditions therein prescribed. (Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8013 Addresses to be posted.

All construction sites shall be clearly marked with a street address visible from the street. One (1) and two (2) family houses shall comply with California Residential Code Section R308, Site Address. All other buildings shall comply with California Fire Code Section 505.1.1 (Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)

Sec. 8014 Violation: Misdemeanor. Revised 3/26

Violation of any provision of this Chapter or any code adopted by the City Council shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Title I, Chapter 3. (Ord. 1583, eff. 1/16/2026)