Title 8 — Buildings and Construction

§ 8.01.010 Codes Adopted by Reference

The following codes are adopted by reference as currently published and as amended by the California Building Standards Commission, effective January 1, 2026:

1. California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations)
2. California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5, California Code of Regulations)
3. California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3, California Code of Regulations)
4. California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4, California Code of Regulations)
5. California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, California Code of Regulations)
6. California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6, California Code of Regulations)
7. California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9, California Code of Regulations)
8. California Green Building Standards Code (Title 24, Part 11, California Code of Regulations)

Three copies of each code shall be maintained on file in the Building Division and shall be made available for public inspection during business hours.

§ 8.01.020 Local Amendments

The following local amendments to the adopted codes are hereby established based on local climatic, topographic, and geological conditions:

1. All new residential construction and additions over 500 square feet shall install a Class A fire-rated roof covering;
2. All new residential construction shall be equipped with automatic fire sprinklers;
3. Foundation design for hillside construction shall comply with Appendix J of the California Building Code as locally amended for McLainberg's soil conditions;
4. All new construction in designated High Wind Zones shall comply with wind exposure Category C or D requirements as determined by the Building Official.

§ 8.02.010 Permit Required

No person shall erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure, or install mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems, without first obtaining a permit from the Building Division, except for minor repairs and maintenance as listed in the exemptions adopted by the Building Official.

§ 8.02.020 Application and Plan Check

Applications for building permits shall be submitted on the form provided by the Building Division and shall be accompanied by two sets of plans, specifications, and other data as required. Plans shall be prepared and stamped by a licensed California architect or engineer for projects exceeding the thresholds established by state law.

§ 8.02.030 Inspections Required

The holder of a building permit shall arrange for inspections at the stages of work specified in the permit. Work shall not proceed past a required inspection point until the inspection has been approved by the Building Inspector. Required inspection stages shall include, at minimum: foundation, framing, insulation, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, and final inspection.

§ 8.02.040 Certificate of Occupancy

No building or structure newly erected or changed in occupancy shall be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the Building Official certifying that the work has been inspected and complies with all applicable codes and permit conditions.

§ 8.03.010 Grading Permit Required

No person shall perform any grading, excavation, or filling of earth material exceeding 50 cubic yards or creating a cut or fill slope exceeding four (4) feet in height without first obtaining a grading permit from the Building Division. Grading in areas of known geological hazard, including landslide-prone areas and areas of expansive soils, shall require a soils and geology report prepared by a licensed geotechnical engineer.

§ 8.03.020 Stormwater Management

All grading and construction projects shall comply with the City's Stormwater Management Plan and applicable NPDES permit requirements. Projects disturbing one (1) or more acres shall prepare and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as required by the State Water Resources Control Board.

§ 8.04.010 Demolition Permit Required

No person shall demolish any building or structure without first obtaining a demolition permit from the Building Division. The application shall include a site plan, description of the structure, and a plan for debris removal and disposal. All utility services shall be properly disconnected before demolition begins.

§ 8.04.020 Hazardous Materials Survey

Prior to issuance of a demolition permit, the applicant shall provide a report by a certified inspector documenting the presence or absence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and lead-based paint. Any ACMs or lead-based paint shall be abated by a licensed contractor prior to demolition.

§ 8.05.010 Minimum Standards

All residential and commercial structures within the City shall be maintained in a structurally sound, safe, and sanitary condition. Minimum standards include: weathertight roofs and exterior walls; functional heating systems capable of maintaining 68°F in habitable rooms; working plumbing and electrical systems; absence of pest infestations; and maintained exterior surfaces free from peeling paint, rot, and damage.

§ 8.05.020 Enforcement

The Building Official shall investigate complaints of substandard conditions and may issue notices of violation and orders to repair. Owners who fail to make required repairs within the time specified in the order may be subject to administrative citations, civil penalties, or City-initiated abatement with cost recovery.