Chapter 15.10 FREMONT BUILDING CODE

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Fremont building code” or “FBC” and will be referred to in this chapter as “this code.” (Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.020 Adoption of the 2025 CBC with amendments.

The 2025 Edition of the California Building Code (“CBC”) as published by the International Code Council is adopted as the building code of the city of Fremont, California, as if fully set out in this chapter, and is amended as provided in this chapter. A copy of the 2025 CBC shall be maintained on file in the office of the building official. (Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.030 Adoption of certain 2025 CBC appendices.

The following appendices of the 2025 California Building Code are adopted by the city of Fremont. The remaining appendices are not adopted.

(a) Appendix A (Employee Qualifications).

(b) Appendix C Group U (Agricultural Buildings).

(d) Appendix G (Flood-Resistant Construction).

(e) Appendix I (Patio Covers).

(f) Appendix Q (Emergency Housing), which shall apply so long as the chapter remains in effect, as it may be amended from time to time by the California Building Standard Commission, and during the pendency of a shelter crisis declaration. (Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.040 Adoption of 2025 CBC Chapter 1, Division II.

Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 California Building Code is adopted by the city of Fremont and made a part of the Fremont building code, unless amended in this chapter. References to model codes in the adopted sections shall mean the corresponding California Codes as adopted by the city of Fremont. (Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.050 Amendment of 2025 CBC Section 101 (General).

Section 101 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

101.4 – 101.4.8 {CBC text not modified}

101.4.9 Green Building Standards. The provisions of the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code shall apply to all matters governing the “green building” related planning, design construction, operation, use and occupancy of newly constructed buildings.

101.4.10 Residential Buildings. The provisions of the 2025 California Residential Code shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of detached, 1 and 2 family dwellings, townhouses not more than 3 stories and separate means of egress, and structural accessory thereto.

101.4.11 Electrical. The provisions of the 2025 California Electrical Code shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.

101.4.12 Historical Buildings. The provisions of the 2025 California Historical Code Part 8 shall apply to the alteration, addition, and relocation to qualified historical buildings or properties.

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.060 Amendment of 2025 CBC Section 104 (Duties and Powers of the Building Official).

Section 104 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

104.1 – 104.9.1 {CBC text not modified}

104.10 Authority to condemn building service equipment. Whenever the building official ascertains that any building service equipment regulated in the technical codes has become hazardous to life, health, property, or becomes unsanitary, he or she shall order in writing that such equipment either be removed or restored to a safe or sanitary condition, whichever is appropriate. The written notice itself shall fix a time limit for compliance with such order. No person shall use or maintain defective building service equipment after receiving such notice.

When such equipment or installation is to be disconnected, a written notice of the disconnection and causes therefore shall be given within 24 hours to the serving utility, the owner and occupant of such building, structure or premises.

When any building or the associated service equipment is maintained in violation of the technical codes and in violation of any notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this section, the building official may institute any appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate the violation. The building official shall be authorized to affix an approved placard to said building or equipment stating the date, corrections required, address and allowable time for repairs if any. Damage or removal of said placard shall be a violation of this code.

104.11 Connection after order to disconnect. No person shall make connections from any energy, fuel or power supply nor supply energy or fuel to any building service equipment which has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the building official or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the building official until the building official authorizes the reconnection and use of the equipment.

104.12 Authority having jurisdiction. Whenever the term “Authority Having Jurisdiction” is used, it shall be construed to mean the building official or his or her authorized representative.

104.13 Limits on repair/remodel for R-3 and U occupancies. When the scope of work for R-3 and U occupancies involves the removal or replacement of 50 percent or greater of the linear length of the walls of the building (exterior plus interior) and 50 percent of the roof within a 1-year period, the project shall be considered as new construction; and the entire building shall comply with all current codes including local ordinances. For automatic fire extinguishing system requirements, see FMC Section 15.35.150.

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.070 Amendment of 2025 CBC Section 105 (Permits).

Section 105 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

105.1 {CBC text not modified}

105.1.1 – 105.1.2 – deleted

105.2 Work exempt from permit

Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws which are enforced by the city of Fremont. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

1. {CBC text not modified}

2. Wood fences not over 7 feet (2,134 mm) high or concrete or masonry wall not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) high when not subject to specific city of Fremont planning and zoning regulations.

3. {CBC text not modified}

4. {CBC text not modified}

5. {CBC text not modified}

6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route, accessible parking spaces, or required exits.

7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets (that do not have electrical, mechanical, or plumbing), countertop and similar finishes.

8. {CBC text not modified}

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.

10. {CBC text not modified}

11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to single detached 1- and 2-family dwellings and not considered a public playground.

12. {CBC text not modified}

13. {CBC text not modified}

Electrical:

1. {CBC text not modified}

2. {CBC text not modified}

3. {CBC text not modified}

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

5. Repair or replacement of motors, transformers and controls within fixed approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location.

6. Temporary decorative lighting for residential dwellings.

7. Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch, contactor or control device.

8. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlet boxes thereof.

9. Replacement of any overcurrent device less than 1,200 amps of the same capacity in the same location.

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

11. Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable experimental laboratories.

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

13. Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits of Classes II and III as defined in the Electrical Code.

14. A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment or the generation, transmission, distribution or metering of electrical energy or in the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or private utility in the exercise of its function as a serving utility.

Gas: {CBC text not modified}

Mechanical: {CBC text not modified}

Plumbing: {CBC text not modified}

105.2.1 – 105.3.1 {CBC text not modified}

105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 365 days after the date of filing unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that the building official is authorized to grant one extension of time for an additional period not exceeding 180 days. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated and accepted by the building official.

105.3.3 Who may be issued a permit. Permits shall be issued only to State licensed Architect, Engineer, or contractor or their respective authorized representative but only to the extent and to the work the person is licensed by the State of California to do so.

Exception: Permits may be issued to owners certifying proof of exemption under the exemptions specified in California Business and Professions Code Section 7044.

105.3.4 Withhold permit. The building official may withhold the issuance of a permit if the proposed work is in conjunction with construction requiring the issuance of a building permit where no building permit has been issued.

105.4 {CBC text not modified}

105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued by the building official under the provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 365 days from the date of such permit, or if the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 180 days. The construction is deemed suspended or abandoned unless an inspection indicating substantial progress in construction has been requested every 180 days or sooner. Before work may resume on a construction project declared suspended or abandoned, a new permit must first be obtained. Where suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year and no changes have been made or will be made to the original plans and specifications for the work, the renewal fee shall be 1/2 the amount required for a new permit for the work otherwise, the renewal fee shall be the full amount required for a new permit.

Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may commence under that permit when the permittee is unable to perform work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The building official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days on written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken.

105.6 {CBC text not modified}

105.7 Placement of Permit. The building permit, along with all plans and documentation approved by the building official, shall be kept on the site of the work until final approval has been granted by the building official.

105.8 Change of contractor or of ownership. A permit issued hereunder shall expire upon a change of ownership or a change of contractor regarding the building, structure or grading for which said permit was issued if the work thereon has not been completed, and a new permit shall be required for the completion of the work. If no changes have been made to the plans and specifications last submitted to the building official, no charge, other than the permit issuance fee and applicable State fees, shall be made for the issuance of the new permit under such circumstances. If, however, changes have been made to the plans and specifications last submitted to the building official, a permit fee based upon the proposed changes may be levied.

105.9 Surrender of permit. If no portion of the work or construction covered by the issued permit has commenced, the permit holder may deliver such permit and approved documents to the building official with written request that such permit is to be canceled. The building official shall make note on the permit with or with like wording “Canceled at the request of the Permit holder.” Thereupon the permit and documents shall become null and void.

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.080 Amendment of 2025 CBC Section 107 (Construction Documents).

Section 107 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

107.1 – 107.2.8 {CBC text not modified}

107.2.9 Required plat of survey. Any person, firm or corporation applying for a permit for the erection or construction of a building or structure, or moving an existing building to a new location shall, when required by the building official, file with the set of plans and specifications required by the foregoing provisions of this section a minimum of three copies of a plat of a survey of the property proposed to be improved by said building or structure, on which plat shall be delineated the accurate location of said proposed improvement and the grades at which it is to be constructed, the location of every existing building on the lot, all easements, utility locations and directions, existing curbs, sidewalks, and main sewers and the location of waterways, storm drains, inlets, and culverts affecting the lot. Said plat shall be drawn to a scale of not smaller than 20 feet to 1 inch, unless authorized by the building official, and shall show the contours at 1-foot intervals for predominant ground slopes between level and 4 percent and 5-foot contours for predominant ground slopes over four percent which contours shall extend to the center of the street when said street is unimproved, or to the curb line when the street is improved. All grades and contours shall be based on United States Coast and Geodetic Survey datum (mean sea level) except when authorized otherwise by the building official. The survey shall have been made by a licensed land surveyor or registered civil engineer in the State of California and the map of said survey shall be signed and certified with their license or certificate number, and the property shall be located thereon by map or deed distance to the nearest street intersection. The exterior boundaries of said property shall be clearly outlined on the ground by appropriate permanent stakes or monuments. The location of said stakes or monuments shall be shown on the survey map with elevations thereon.

107.3 {CBC text not modified}

107.3.1. Approval of construction documents. When the building official issues a permit, the construction documents shall be approved, in writing or by stamp, as “Approved”. One set of construction documents so reviewed shall be retained by the building official. The other set shall be returned to the applicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the building official or a duly authorized representative.

107.3.2 – 107.5 {CBC text not modified}

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.090 Amendment of 2025 CBC Section 109 (Fees).

Section 109 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

109.1 {CBC text not modified}

109.2 Schedule of permit fees. On buildings, structures, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems or alterations requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as required in accordance with the schedule of fees established by resolution of the city council. Where issuance of a permit for the construction of part of a building or structure has been approved, the fees shall be established by resolution adopted by the city council.

109.3 Permit Valuations. The value to be used in computing the building permit and building plan review fees shall be the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued, including materials and labor, as well as all roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire-extinguishing systems and any other permanent equipment. If, in the opinion of the building official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, the permit shall be denied, unless the applicant can show detailed estimates to meet the approval of the building official. Final building permit valuation shall be set by the building official.

109.3.1 Plan review fees. When submittal documents are required by Section 107, a plan review fee shall be paid at the time of submitting the documents for plan review. Said plan review fee shall be as established by resolution of the city council.

The plan review fees specified in this section are separate fees from the permit fees specified in Section 109.2 and are in addition to the permit fees.

When submittal documents are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan review or when the project involves deferred submittal items as defined in Section 107.3.4.1, an additional plan review fee shall be charged at the rate established by resolution of the city council.

109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, the fee for necessary permits shall be double the fee established by resolution of the city council.

109.4.1 An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee required by this code. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor from any penalty prescribed by law.

109.5 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal of demolition for work done in connection to or concurrently with the work authorized by a building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are established by resolution of the city council.

109.6 Refunds. The building official is authorized to establish a refund policy. As part of the policy, the building official may authorize refunding a portion of the fee equal to 80 percent of the permit fee paid, less the application fee and any services provided, when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.

109.7 Additional plan review fees. Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan checking, an additional plan checking fee shall be paid to the city based upon the value of construction of the proposed change or redesign. In establishing said fee, no allowance for a decreased valuation shall be permitted due to the replacement, omission or lessening of any member or portion of the building shown in the original plans. Said fee may be waived when in the opinion of the building official the additional fee is not warranted. No additional fees shall be charged for checking corrections required by the building official; except where excessive plan reviews beyond three review cycles are performed, additional fees may be levied as established by city council.

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.100 Amendment to 2025 CBC Section 110 (Inspections).

Section 110 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

110.1 – 110.6 {CBC text not modified}

110.6.1 Gas or electrical utilities. There shall be no clearance for connection of gas or electrical utilities until final building, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, security, and zoning inspections are made and approval has been given on any building sought to be connected to such utilities unless approval has first been obtained from the building official, as provided by the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy in Section 111.3.

110.7 Re-inspection fee. When re-inspection is required, an additional inspection fee shall be charged at the fee rate established by resolution of the city council.

110.8 Inspection Card. Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder has posted or otherwise made available the inspection record card issued by the building official such as to allow the building official to conveniently make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. This card shall be maintained and available by the permit holder until final approval has been granted by the building official.

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.110 Amendment of 2025 CBC Section 111 (Certificate of Occupancy).

Section 111 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

111.1 {CBC text not modified}

Exception: Single-family homes, townhomes, and U occupancies. The final and signed building permit by the building inspector will act as a certificate of occupancy.

Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of the codes or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of the codes or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.

111.1.1 Change in Use. Where a change of occupancy and use is proposed and approved by the building official, an inspection of the premises by the building official to determine that the provisions of Section 111.1 are met before issuance of said certificate is required. Said certificate of occupancy shall be obtained from the building official upon completion of an application for the certificate and the payment of a fee as established by resolution of the city council.

111.2 Certificate issued. After final inspection when it is found that the building or structure complies with the provisions of this code and other laws which are enforced by the city of Fremont, and, when required by the building official, the engineer or architect of record shall state, in writing, that based on field observation conducted by him or her, or his or her designee, the building or structure is in general conformance with the approved plan, then the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy which shall contain the following:

1. The building permit number.

2. The address of the building.

3. The name and address of the owner.

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

5. A statement that the described portion of the building complies with the requirements of this code for the group and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.

6. The name of the building official.

7. The use and occupancy.

8. The type of construction.

9. The design occupant load.

10. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.

11. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.

12. Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.

111.3 {CBC text not modified}

111.3.1 Limitations. An application for temporary certificate of occupancy must be obtained for connection of gas and electrical utilities. The required fees as established in a city of Fremont resolution shall be paid before the temporary certificate of occupancy is issued.

111.3.2 Discontinuance of temporary occupancy. In the event the building is not completed and ready for final inspection in the time prescribed by the building official, the building shall be vacated and the utilities disconnected until such time as the building is completed and final inspection is made and a certificate of occupancy is issued as set forth above.

111.4 {CBC text not modified}

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.120 Amendment of 2025 CBC Section 112 (Service Utilities).

Section 112 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

112.1 Connection of utility service. No person shall make a connection from a source of electrical energy or fuel gas to any electric wiring system, gas piping system, device, appliance or equipment for the installation of which a permit is required, unless such wiring system, gas piping system, devices, appliance or equipment has first been inspected by the building official and found to comply with all applicable codes and ordinances of the city.

112.2 Temporary Connection. The building official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection to any electric wiring system, gas piping system, device, appliance or equipment to the utility source of energy, fuel or power.

112.3 Authority to disconnect utilities. The building official or his or her authorized representative shall have the authority to disconnect any utility service or energy supplied to the building, structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this code or the technical codes in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property, or where such connections have been made without the approval and required inspections. Work that has been performed without the benefit of building permits and inspections shall be considered to be a hazardous condition until otherwise verified. The building official shall whenever reasonably possible notify the serving utility, the owner and occupant of the building, structure or building service equipment of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action, and shall notify such serving utility, owner and occupant of the building, structure or building service equipment, in writing, of such disconnection immediately thereafter.

112.4 All utility connections in areas prone to liquefaction shall be flexible and designed for differential settlement.

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.130 Amendments of 2025 CBC Section 113 (Means of Appeals) and 114 (Violations).

Sections 113 and 114 of the 2025 California Building Code are deleted. (Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.140 Amendment to 2025 CBC Section 406 (Motor-Vehicle-Related Occupancies).

Section 406 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

406.1 – 406.3.2 {CBC text not modified}

406.3.2.1 Dwelling unit separation. The private garage shall be separated from the dwelling unit and its attic area by means of gypsum board, not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) thick Type X, or equivalent applied to the garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms shall be separated from all habitable rooms above by not less than a 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board or equivalent. Door openings between a private garage and the dwelling unit shall be equipped with either solid wood doors or solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 1 3/8 inches (34.9 mm) thick, or doors in compliance with Section 716.5.3 with a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes. Doors shall be self-closing and self-latching.

406.3.2.2 {CBC text not modified}

406.3.2.3 Garage flammable vapor ventilation. In enclosed private garages attached to R occupancies, provide 1 square foot of ventilation area located at the lower 12 inches of garage wall. Said ventilation areas shall be directly communicated with the exterior but shall not be installed where protection of openings is required.

406.3.3 – 406.9.3 {CBC text not modified}

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.145 Amendment to 2025 CBC Section 903 (Automatic Sprinkler System).¹

Section 903 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided as set forth in Section 903 of the California Fire Code as adopted and amended by FMC Section 15.35.150.

903.1.1 – 903.4.3 deleted

903.5 {CBC text not modified}

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.150 Amendment to 2025 CBC Section 1507 (Requirements for Roof Coverings).

Section 1507 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

1507.1 – 1507.1.2 {CBC text not modified}

1507.1.3 Certification. The installer of the roof covering shall provide certification of the roof covering classification to the building owner and to the city when roof covering installation is subject to the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Chapter 5.

Exceptions:

1. The certification requirements of this section shall not apply to any building which is subject to addition, repair, alterations, roof installation, or replacement of less than 50 percent of the existing building’s roof area over the life of the building commencing on or after the effective date of February 15, 1991.

2. For accessory building, refer to Section 105.2, Exception 1.

1507.2 – 1507.3 {CBC text not modified}

1507.3.1 Deck requirements. Concrete and clay tile shall be installed only over solid structural sheathing boards.

Exception: {CBC text not modified}

1507.3.2 – 1507.17.7 {CBC text not modified}

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.160 Amendment to the 2025 CBC Section 1612 (Flood Loads).

Section 1612 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

1612.1 – 1612.2 {CBC text not modified}

1612.3 Establishment of flood hazard areas. To establish flood hazard areas, the governing body shall adopt a flood hazard map and supporting data. The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in an engineering report entitled “The Flood Insurance Study for Alameda County, California”, revision dated December 21, 2018, as amended, with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and related supporting data along with any revisions thereto. The adopted flood hazard map and supporting data are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this section.

Exception: {CBC text not modified}

1612.3.1. – 1612.4 {CBC text not modified}

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.170 Amendment to 2025 CBC Section 1803 (Geotechnical Investigations).

Section 1803 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

1803.1 – 1803.1.1.5 {CBC text not modified}

1803.2 {CBC text not modified}

Exceptions: The following occupancies are exempt:

1. Group U occupancies;

2. Additions to R3 occupancies:

a. First floor additions;

a.1 Existing building has a continuous foundation (spread footing); and

a.2 New foundation dimensions at minimum meets requirements from CBC Table 1809.7 and are 15” embedded into undisturbed soil; and

a.3 Building site is not within seismic induced landslide hazard zone.

b. First floor additions;

b.1 Existing buildings have pier and grade beam foundation system; and

b.2 New piers and grade beam system shall be designed by an Architect, Civil, or Structural engineer registered in the State of California; and

b.3 New piers shall be minimum of 16 inches in diameter, and eight feet in depth; and

b.4 Building site is not within seismic induced landslide hazard zone.

c. Second-story additions over existing structure;

c.1 The Architect or Engineer of Record certifies in writing that any new foundation type matches existing foundation; and

c.2 When an Architect, Civil or Structural engineer registered in the State of California provides the structural design; and

c.3 Building site is not within seismic induced landslide hazard zone.

3. A new soil report is not required when an existing soil report is available for the original construction of the existing structure and the soil engineer allows extension of the existing report for the proposed addition construction. An amended soil report is required to meet the investigated conditions (CBC Section 1803.5) and reporting requirements (CBC Section 1803.6).

4. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s), accessory buildings, and minor additions may be exempted by the building official.

1803.3 – 1803.5.12 {CBC text not modified}

1803.6 {CBC text not modified}

1. – 11. {CBC text not modified}

12. Drainage and erosion control recommendations.

13. Minimum building setbacks to slope tops or toes.

14. Equivalent-fluid-density lateral loads used in design of retaining walls or basement walls.

15. Ground response evaluation by geologist licensed in California for:

a. Flexible structures located on site having soft to medium cohesion less soils in upper 50 feet and depth to bedrock is 400 feet or greater; and

b. Structures having irregular shapes, framing systems, or other unusual features as determined by the building official.

16. Liquefaction evaluation for the following uses:

a. Subdivisions of Group R-3 occupancy having four units or more;

b. Apartment or condominium complexes of Group R- 2 occupancy having 50 or more units;

c. Structure of four or more stories or over 35 feet high;

d. Commercial, industrial, and institutional projects having 250 occupants or more;

e. Essential facilities.

17. Slope stability evaluation in areas subject to localized or major landslides.

18. Surface rupture evaluation by geologist licensed in California for all projects for human occupancy located with a Geologic Hazards Special Studies Zone, as mapped by the California Division of Mines and Geology.

19. Soil corrosive analysis and long-term corrosion control design recommendations.

1803.7 {CBC text not modified}

1803.8 Review. Before issuing a permit for a building where soil and foundation investigation is required, the Geotechnical Engineer or Civil Engineer who prepared the soil investigation shall state in writing (must be signed and stamped):

1. The plans and specifications substantially conform to the recommendations in the soil investigation.

2. The Geotechnical Engineer or Civil Engineer who prepared the soil investigation has been retained to provide soil site observation and provide periodic and final reports to the city.

1803.9 Field Report. Before requesting a foundation inspection from the city, the Geotechnical Engineer or Civil Engineer who prepared the soil investigation shall provide a written field report stating:

1. The building pad was prepared and compacted in accordance with the soil report and specification.

2. The foundation or pier excavation, depth, backfill materials, and drainage (if applicable) substantially conforms with the soil report and approved plans.

1803.10 Final Report. Before final inspection for any building or structure, the Geotechnical Engineer or Civil Engineer who prepared the soil investigation shall issue a final report stating the completed pad, foundation, finish grading, drainage, and associated site work substantially conforms to the approved plans, specifications, and investigation.

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.180 Amendment to 2025 CBC Section 1809 (Shallow Foundations).

Section 1809 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

1809.1 – 1809.2 {CBC text not modified}

1809.3 Stepped footings. The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall be permitted to have a slope not exceeding 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10 percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footing or where the surface of the ground slopes more than 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10 percent slope).

For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, the stepping requirement shall also apply to the top surface of grade beams supporting walls. Footings shall be reinforced with four No. 4 bars. Two bars shall be place at the top and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure 1809.3.

FIGURE 1809.3

STEPPED FOOTING

1809.4 – 1809.15 {CBC text not modified}

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.190 Amendment to 2025 CBC Section 1907 (Slabs-on-Ground).

Section 1907 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended as follows:

1907.1 {CBC text not modified}

1. – 2. {CBC text not modified}

3. Slabs shall have 6 x 6 x 10/-10 wire mesh or equal at mid-height.

1907.2 – 1907.4.1 {CBC text not modified}

(Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

15.10.200 Supplemental building codes.

The provisions of this title (Buildings and Construction), Chapter 15.50 (Building Security) supplement the 2025 California Building Code as adopted by this chapter as provided in Cal. Penal Code § 14051. (Ord. 13-2025 § 3, 11-18-25.)

Code reviser’s note: Ord. 13-2025 includes this section as 15.10.140. It has been editorially renumbered to prevent duplication of numbering.