CC – Item 6B – Consideration of Introduction of Title 15 of the Rosemead Municipal Code on Building Standards Code UpdatesROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BEN KIM, CITY MANAGER
DATE: OCTOBER 28, 2025
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF INTRODUCTION OF TITLE 15 OF THE
ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE ON BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
UPDATES
SUMMARY
On October 14, 2025, the City Council discussed the proposed building code updates to Title 15
of the Rosemead Municipal Code. After hearing all testimony, the City Council continued the
discussion to the next City Council meeting and directed staff to provide an analysis of the 2025
Los Angeles County's Building Standards Code updates against the 2025 California Building
Standards Code. The analysis would assist the City Council in determining which code adoption
is best for the City of Rosemead. The City Council Staff Report and Meeting Minutes Excerpt
from October 14, 2025 could be found in Attachments "A" and `B", respectively.
DISCUSSION
Every three (3) years, the State of California Building Standards Commission publishes revised
Building Standards Code (Title 24, Parts 1 through 12), effective statewide beginning January 1St
of the code cycle.
Historically, the City adopts the California Building Standards Code as amended by Los Angeles
County. For the 2025 cycle, staff is recommending that the City Council adopt the California
Building Standards Code directly as it would effectively serve and streamline processes for
residents, property owners, and design professionals in the City of Rosemead. The comparison
analysis of the 2025 Los Angeles County Amendments to 2025 California Building Standards
Code can be found in Attachment "C".
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Executive Summary and Comparison of the 2025 Los Angeles County
Amendments to 2025 California Building Standards Code in Attachment "C"; and
AGENDA ITEM 6.11
City Council Meeting
October 28, 2025
Page 2 of 3
2. Adopt by reference, Title 24 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code as
recommended by staff during the Council meeting dated October 14, 2025, and
a. Move to INTRODUCE for FIRST READING, by title only, Ordinance 1030
(Attachment "A"), an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Rosemead
adopting by reference, pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.2, the 2025
California Building Standards Code, including the California Building Code, the
California Electrical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California
Mechanical Code, the California Residential Code, the California Green Building
Code, the California Existing Buildings Code, the California Energy Code, and the
California Historical Buildings Code, with certain amendments, additions, and
deletions thereto, and
b. Direct staff to schedule a public hearing on December 9, 2025, to consider the
adoption and second reading of Ordinance 1030 and Urgency Ordinance 1031.
Or
3. Direct staff to draft an urgency and regular ordinance, and schedule a public hearing on
December 9, 2025 to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code as amended by
the Los Angeles County.
FISCAL IMPACT — None.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section
15061(b)(3) as a project that has no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
This action involves updates and revisions to existing regulations consistent with State law and
will not result in any direct or indirect physical changes to the environment.
STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT — None.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
City Council Meeting
October 28, 2025
Page 3 of 3
Prepared by:
Ayla Jefferson, Contract Building Official
Submitted by:
A�Z_
Lily . Valenzuela, Director of Community Development
Attachment A: City Council Staff Report, dated October 14, 2025
Attachment B: City Council Meeting Minutes Excerpt, dated October 14, 2025
Attachment C: Executive Summary and Comparison of Los Angeles County Amendments to
California Codes
Attachment A
City Council Staff Report Dated
October 14, 2025 with
Ordinance No. 1030
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BEN KIM, CITY MANAGER
DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2025
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1030
AMENDING TITLE 15 TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE TITLE 24 OF THE
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
SUMMARY
Every three (3) years, the State of California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) publishes
revised Building Standards Code (Title 24, Parts 1 through 12), effective statewide beginning
January 1St of the code cycle. Whether or not the City takes formal adoption action, the City is
required by law to enforce these provisions. Ordinance No. 1030 proposes the adoption of State
codes directly.
DISCUSSION
The CBSC continually monitors and revises the California Building Standards through a process
of review which involves input from local chapters of the International Code Council (ICC), the
California Association of Building Officials (CALBO), professional design associations, trade
groups, and the general public. Every three (3) years the Building Standards Commission compiles
these observations into a revised tri -annual version of the California Building Standards which are
incorporated into the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 1 through 12. The most recent
revisions were published on July 1, 2025 and mandated to become effective and enforceable by all
California jurisdictions on January 1, 2026.
Historically, the City has adopted the California Building Standards Code as amended by Los
Angeles County. For the 2025 cycle, staff recommends adopting the California Building Standards
Code directly as published by the State, with limited local amendments specific to Rosemead.
Adopting the 2025 California Building Codes including the California Energy Code and California
Historical Buildings Code would effectively serve to communicate the design and construction
requirements on projects throughout the City of Rosemead. In addition, Contractors and Design
Professionals would benefit from a consistent regional application of the codes. The CBSC
continually refines Title 24 to address seismic safety, energy efficiency, fire safety, and green
building standards. Adoption of State codes balances safety with cost-effectiveness also avoiding
unnecessary restrictive provisions supports the City's strategic goals of encouraging housing
AGENDA ITEM 4.E
City Council Meeting
October 14, 2025
Page 2 of 3
production, supporting small businesses, and maintaining a business -friendly regulatory
environment.
Local jurisdictions are enabled per California Building Code Section 1.1.8, to make amendments
to the California Codes based on local geographic, topographic, climatic, and environmental
conditions. However, the process to make these local amendments requires express findings to be
made on each issue, and for those findings to be filed and approved by the State prior to becoming
effective at the local level.
The revisions to Title 15 of the Rosemead Municipal Code that are herein recommended include:
• Adopting the 2025 editions of the California Building Standards Codes with less local
amendments carried forward from the prior cycle.
• Adding Chapter 15.02 — Administration of Building Codes to the Municipal Code. Based
on administrative needs identified in prior years, this would consolidate local provisions
for permit expirations, extensions, refunds, valuation, and certificates. Chapter 15.02
supplements the administrative provisions of the California Building Code, Chapter 1,
Division II, without altering the technical requirements of the State codes.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
1. Move to INTRODUCE for FIRST READING, by title only, Ordinance No. 1030
(Attachment "A"), an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Rosemead adopting by
reference, pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.2, the 2025 California Building
Standards Code, including the California Building Code, the California Electrical Code,
the California Plumbing Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Residential
Code, the California Green Building Code, the California Existing Buildings Code, the
California Energy Code, and the California Historical Buildings Code, with certain
amendments, additions, and deletions thereto.
2. Schedule a public hearing on October 28, 2025, to consider the adoption and second
reading of Ordinance No. 1030.
FISCAL IMPACT — None.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed Ordinance No. 1030 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) as a project that has no potential for causing a significant
effect on the environment. This action involves updates and revisions to existing, regulations
consistent with State law and will not result in any direct or indirect physical changes to the
environment.
City Council Meeting
October 14, 2025
Page 3 of 3
STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT None.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Prepared by:
Ayla Jefferson, Contract Building Official
Submitted by:
Lily T Valenzuela, Director of Community Development
Attachment A: Ordinance No. 1030
Attachment B: Due to the size of the California Building Standards Code, these documents can be
viewed at https://w,Nw.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Codes
ORDINANCE NO. 1030
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING TITLE 15 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION AND
ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING
STANDARDS CODE, INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE,
THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, THE CALIFORNIA
PLUMBING CODE, THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, THE
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, THE CALIFORNIA GREEN
BUILDING CODE, THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDINGS CODE,
THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, AND THE CALIFORNIA
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS CODE, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS,
ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS THERETO
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD HEREBY ORDAINS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. FINDINGS AND LOCAL CONDITIONS:
A. California law requires that on January 1, 2026, all portions of the 2025 California
Code of Regulations Title 24 will be effective within the City: and,
B. The City may amend the provisions of the California Code of Regulations Title 24
provided express findings for each amendment; addition or deletion is made based upon climatic,
topographical or geological conditions.
C. The City shall file the amendments, additions or deletions shall be filed with
California Building Standards Commission.
D. The Building Official has recommended modifying certain parts of California Code
of Regulations Title 24 due to local climatic, topographical and geological conditions in the City
of Rosemead.
E. The findings supporting the necessity for the amendments to building standards
herein are contained in Attachment A to this ordinance in accordance with California Health and
Safety Code Section 18941.5 and are incorporated by reference herein.
F. The City of Rosemead City Council hereby finds, determines and declares that
those certain amendments to the State Code are appropriate and necessary to meet local conditions
existing in the City of Rosemead, and this Council hereby further finds, determines and declares
that each such change is required for the protection of the public safety and is reasonably necessary
because of local climatic, geological conditions.
G. In accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) of Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations, the adoption of local amendments to the California Building Standards Code, and
amending the City of Rosemead Municipal Code, are exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act. This action involves updates and revisions to existing regulations
consistent with State law and will not result in any direct or indirect physical changes to the
environment.
SECTION 2. Addition of Chapter 15.02 — Administration of Building Codes to Title
15 of the Rosemead Municipal Code. Chapter 15.02 is added to read as follows:
Chapter 15.02 -Administration of Building Codes
15.02.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to establish certain administrative procedures for the enforcement of
building standards specific to the City. All other administrative provisions not addressed herein
shall be governed by Chapter 1, Division II of the California Building Code, as incorporated by
reference.
15.02.020 Permit required.
No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, connect, convert,
demolish, or equip any building, structure, or portion thereof, perform any grading, or cause the
same to be done, without first obtaining a separate permit for each such building, structure or
grading from the Building Official.
The issuance of a permit without first requiring a plan review shall not prevent the Building
Official from requesting plans deemed necessary to verify that the work performed under said
permit complies with this Code and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
No person shall install, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, connect any automatic fire -protection
system regulated by this Code, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate
permit for each such building or structure from the Building Official. All structures and devices
installed for the protection of pedestrians, regardless of location, are subject to the permit
requirements of this section.
A. 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, other laws, ordinances, or regulations, or required approvals from
other City Departments and State and federal agencies.
B. A building permit shall not be required for the following:
1. Work not regulated by the Building Code, except where deemed necessary by the
Building Official to enforce other Federal and/or State Laws, State disabled access
requirements, or to enforce City ordinances or policies.
2. Painting; wallpapering; installing carpet, vinyl, tile, and similar floor coverings,
cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work where disabled access requirements
do not apply.
2
3. Repairing broken window glass not required by the Building Code to be safety or
security glazing.
4. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, shade
structures, pump houses, and similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not
exceed 120 square feet (11.15 in 2), the height does not exceed 12 feet (3.69 m),
and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches (6 10 mm).
5. Chain-link, wrought -iron and similar fences not more than 12 feet in height.
6. Masonry, concrete, wood and similar fences not more than 6 feet in height.
a. Exception: Wood fences not more than 8 feet in height with 60 percent or more
of the fence open and incapable of being loaded by wind.
7. Retaining walls that retain not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the
bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or
impounding a Class I, II, or III -A liquids.
8. Ground -mounted radio and television antenna towers that do not exceed 45 feet in
height and ground -supported dish antennas not exceeding 15 feet in height above
finished grade in any position.
9. Light standards which do not exceed 30 feet (9,144 mm) in height.
10. Flagpoles not erected upon a building and not more than 15 feet (4,572 mm) high.
11. Tanks not storing hazardous material as defined in the Fire Code provided that:
a. Steel tanks are supported on a foundation not more than 2 feet (610 mm) above
grade and the overall height to diameter or width does not exceed 11/2 times the
diameter.
b. Water tanks constructed of materials other than steel, including cisterns and rain
barrels, are supported directly on grade, the overall height to diameter or width
does not exceed 1 1/2times the diameter, and the capacity does not exceed 5000
gallons (18925 L).
12. Gantry cranes and similar equipment.
13. Motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery. Buildings or structures
constructed as part of a set or as scenery shall not be occupied or used for any other
purpose.
14. A playhouse or tree house provided that:
a. It does not exceed 64 square feet (5.94 m2) in area nor 8 feet (2438 mm) in
height from floor to roof.
b. The ceiling height as established by door height or plate line does not exceed
6 feet (1829 mm).
15. Canopies or awnings, completely supported by the exterior wall, attached to a
Group R-3 or U Occupancy, and extending not more than 54 inches (1372 mm)
from the exterior wall of the building, and not encroaching into the public right-of-
way or any required fire separation distance specified by this Code.
16. Sheds, office or storage buildings, and other structures that are less than 1,500
square feet (139 m2) and incidental to work authorized by a valid grading or
building permit. Such structures must be removed upon expiration of the permit or
completion of the work covered by the permit.
17. Oil derricks.
18. Decks, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and
not over any basement or story below, and which are not part of an accessible route.
N
19. Prefabricated swimming pools and other bodies of water accessory to a Group R-3
Occupancy that are less than 18 inches (0.46 m) deep, or do not exceed 5,000
gallons (18,927 L) and are installed entirely above adjacent grade.
20. Playground equipment.
21. One-story detached animal cages and kennels, chicken coops, and animal pens
provided the gross floor area does not exceed 300 square feet (37.2 m 2) and the
height does not exceed 6 feet (1.8 m) and at least one horizontal dimension does
not exceed 12 feet (3.69 m).
22. Non-combustible livestock shelters provided that the gross floor area does not
exceed 300 square feet (27.9 m 2), the height does not exceed 12 feet (3.69 m), and
at least 3 sides are each a minimum of 65 percent open.
23. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet
9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
C. Electrical. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following:
1. Minor repair work, such as the replacement of lamps, switches, receptacle devices,
sockets, and the like, or the connection of portable motor and appliances to suitable
receptacles which have been permanently installed.
2. The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture or television stage sets.
3. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment operating at less
than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
4. Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits are not an integral part of an
appliance and in which the power is limited from a source having a rated output of
not more than 30 volts and 1,000 volt-amperes.
5. Temporary decorative lighting.
6. The installation of temporary wiring for testing or experimental purposes within
suitable facilities.
7. Replacement of over -current devices of the same type and the same rating.
8. Portable generators, portable motors, appliances, tools, power outlets, and other
portable equipment connected by means of a cord or cable having an attachment
plug.
9. Private telephone, intercom, sound and communication systems; provided,
however, that the above system(s) do not exceed the value as indicated in (c) and
(d) of this section. A permit shall be obtained for the power supplies required by the
above systems.
D. Mechanical. A mechanical permit shall not be required for the following:
1. Any portable heating appliance.
2. Any portable ventilating equipment.
3. Any portable cooling unit.
4. Any steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment
regulated by this Code.
5. Replacement of any component part or assembly of an appliance which does not
alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of this
Code.
6. Any portable evaporative cooler.
4
7. Any refrigerating equipment which is a part of the equipment for which a permit
has been issued pursuant to the requirements of this Code.
8. Any unit refrigerating system.
E. Plumbing. A Plumbing permit shall not be required for the following:
1. Clearing of stoppages and stopping of leaks which do not involve the replacement
of any plumbing (including fixtures, traps, tailpieces and valves), drainage piping,
vent piping, waste piping, soil piping, water piping or gas piping.
2. Change of residential plumbing fixtures which do not involve the replacement of
the existing waste and vent piping excluding the trap, to include, residential toilets,
residential bathroom hand sinks, bathtub and residential kitchen sinks.
3. Connection of any appliance approved for and intended to be connected by flexible
gas piping to a gas shutoff valve which was previously permitted and inspected
under a valid Plumbing permit.
15.02.030 Expiration and Extension of Applications
A. Expiration of Applications. A plan check application shall expire and become null and void
if a permit is not issued within one (1) year from the date of application. Upon expiration,
the Building Official may dispose of the submitted plans, calculations, and related
documents. The Building Official may, at their discretion, grant one or more extensions of
time, each not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days, provided that:
1. The applicant submits a written request demonstrating that the delay was due to
circumstances beyond the applicant's control.
2. For extensions requested prior to expiration, the request is submitted before the
expiration date.
3. For extensions requested after expiration, the request is submitted within twelve
(12) months following the date of expiration.
4. An extension fee, in an amount determined by the Building Official, not to exceed
twenty-five percent (25%) of the original plan check fee, is paid for each extension;
and
5. The total cumulative extension period shall not exceed two (2) years from the
original expiration date, with extensions issued only in increments not exceeding
one hundred eighty (180) days, and a separate extension fee required for each
extension granted.
6. Any extension granted after expiration shall be deemed a continuation of the
original application and shall not constitute a reissuance or a new application.
7. Once an application, including any extension thereof, has expired without further
extension, the applicant shall file a new application, submit new plans and
calculations, and pay all applicable fees in accordance with the codes and
regulations then in effect.
B. Expiration of Permits. Every permit issued under the provisions of this Code shall expire
by limitation and become null and void if any of the following conditions occur:
1. The work authorized by such permit is not commenced within one (1) year from
the date of permit issuance; or
2. No required building inspection, as defined in this Code and as identified on the
Job Record issued with the permit, is approved by the Building Official within one
(1) year from the date of the last approved inspection.
3. Partial inspections, or inspections related solely to electrical, mechanical,
plumbing, grading, or reroofing, shall not constitute a required building inspection
unless such work is integral to the primary building permit.
4. Supplemental permits for electrical, grading, mechanical, plumbing, or reroofing
shall remain valid so long as the associated primary building permit remains active.
5. The Building Official may, at their discretion, grant one or more extensions of time,
each not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days, to prevent or cure the expiration
of a permit, provided that:
a. The permittee submits a written request demonstrating that the delay in
progress was due to circumstances beyond the permittee's control;
b. For extensions requested prior to expiration, the request is submitted before
the expiration date;
c. For extensions requested after expiration, the request is submitted within
twelve (12) months following the date of expiration; and
d. An extension fee, in an amount determined by the Building Official, not to
exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the original permit fee, is paid for each
extension.
6. Multiple extensions may be granted to cover the requested period of time; however,
each extension shall be issued in increments not exceeding one hundred eighty
(180) days, and a separate extension fee shall apply to each extension granted.
7. Any extension granted after expiration shall be deemed a continuation of the
original permit and shall not constitute a reissuance or issuance of a new permit.
8. If no extension is granted, the permit shall remain expired and no further work shall
be performed under that permit. The permittee shall be required to submit a new
permit application, including all required plans and calculations, and pay all
applicable fees in accordance with the codes and regulations then in effect.
15.02.040 Refunds.
A. Plan Check Fee Refunds. Plan check fees may be refunded up to a maximum of eighty
percent (80%) of the original plan check fee, provided that:
1. No plan review has been performed;
2. A written request for a refund is submitted to the Building Official within one (1)
year from the date of payment;
3. The refundable amount exceeds the equivalent of the minimum fee for the review
of drawings and data which are sufficient to determine nature and scope of work in
lieu of submittal of plans and specifications, as determined by the current adopted
fee schedule.
4. The Building Official shall determine eligibility and the amount of any refund in
accordance with these provisions.
B. Permit Fee Refunds. Permit fees may be refunded to a maximum of eighty percent (80%)
of the original permit fee, provided that:
1. No portion of the work authorized by the permit has commenced;
2. The permit has been cancelled; and
3. A written request for refund is submitted to the Building Official within one (1)
year from the date of permit cancellation or expiration.
4. The refundable amount exceeds the equivalent of the minimum fee for the review
of drawings and data which are sufficient to determine nature and scope of work in
lieu of submittal of plans and specifications, as determined by the current adopted
fee schedule.
5. Permit issuance fees are non-refundable. The Building Official shall determine
eligibility and the amount of any refund in accordance with these provisions.
15.02.050 Valuation.
The 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.
15.02.060 Certificates.
A. Certificate of Occupancy. Upon passing final inspection and demonstrating compliance
with this Code, applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, and upon full payment
of all required fees, the Building Official may issue a Certificate of Occupancy upon
written request by the permit holder.
1. The Certificate of Occupancy shall include the following information:
a. The building permit number;
b. The address of the building or structure;
c. A description of the portion of the building covered by the certificate;
d. A statement that the described portion was inspected and found to comply with
applicable codes and regulations for the intended occupancy and use
classification;
e. The date of final approval; and
f. Any additional information deemed necessary by the Building Official.
B. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. The Building Official may issue a Temporary
Certificate of Occupancy for the use or occupancy of any portion of a building or structure
prior to the completion of all permitted work, provided it is determined that no substantial
hazard will result from such use or occupancy.
1. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy shall:
a. Specify the portion of the building or premises to be occupied;
b. Be valid for an initial period of thirty (30) calendar days; and
c. Be subject to a fee per 30 -day period, as established by the adopted fee
schedule.
2. If additional time is needed, the Building Official may, upon written request and
justification, approve a longer duration by allowing multiple 30 -day periods to be
purchased in advance. The total authorized time shall be based on project -specific
conditions and shall remain at the discretion of the Building Official.
3. Upon expiration of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy and any approved
extensions, no portion of the building or premises shall be occupied until final
approval, or a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
SECTION 3. Amendment to Section 15.04.010. Section 15.04.010 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.04.010 California Building Code adopted by reference.
A. Chapter 1, Division II through Chapter 35 and Appendices C, F, H, I, J, O, P and Q of
2025 California Building Code, Title 24 Part 2 of California Code of Regulations, which
regulate the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal,
conversion, demolition, occupancy, use, equipment, height, area, security, abatement, and
maintenance of buildings or structures within the City, provide for the issuance of permits
and collection of fees therefor, and provide for penalties for violations thereto, are hereby
adopted by reference, and conflicting ordinances are hereby repealed.
B. All of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of said codes, together with their
appendices, one copy of which will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at
the City Clerk's office, are hereby referred to, adopted and made part of this chapter as if
fully set forth in this chapter with the exceptions, deletions, additions, and amendments
thereto as set forth in this subchapter.
C. The administration of the Building Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this Code.
SECTION 4. Amendment to Section 15.04.020. Definitions are omitted from this
section since they are defined in the California Building Code. Section 15.04.020 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.04.20 California Building Code Amendments.
A. The regulations of Section 101.1 of the California Building Code shall be known as the
Building Code of City of Rosemead, hereinafter referred as "this code".
B. The administration of the Building Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this Code.
C. The following sections of Chapter 1, Division II of the California Building Code are
deleted: 104.7, 105.2, 105.3.2, 105.5, 107.5, 109.3, 111.1, 111.2, 111.3
SECTION 5. Amendment to Section 15.04.060. Section 15.04.060 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.04.060 Violations — Penalties.
Every person violating any provision of the California Building Code adopted by reference
in Section 15.04.010, or of any permit or license granted thereunder, or any rules or regulations
promulgated pursuant thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction thereof he or she shall
be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or imprisonment not to exceed six
months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of such penalty for any violation
shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a violation occurs shall
constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 6. Amendment to Section 15.08.010. Section 15.08.010 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.08.010 California Electrical Code adopted.
A. Article 89, Article 90, Chapters 1 through 9, and Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, and J of
the 2025 California Electrical Code, Title 24 Part 3 of the California Code of Regulations,
which provides minimum requirements and standards for the protection of the public
health, safety and welfare by regulating the installation or alteration of electrical wiring,
equipment, materials, and workmanship in the City, provides for the issuance of permits
and collection of fees therefor and provides penalties for violations thereof, with all
changes and amendments thereto, is hereby adopted by reference, and all conflicting
ordinances are hereby repealed.
B. All of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of said codes, together with their
appendices, one copy of which will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at
the City Clerk's office, are hereby referred to, adopted and made part of this chapter as if
fully set forth in this chapter with the exceptions, deletions, additions, and amendments
thereto as set forth in this subchapter.
C. The administration of the Electrical Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this Code.
SECTION 7. Amendment to Section 15.08.040. Section 15.08.040 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.08.040 Violations - Penalties
Every person violating any provision of the California Electrical Code, adopted by
reference in Section 15.08.010, or of any permit or license granted thereunder, or any rules or
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction thereof he
or she shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or imprisonment not to
exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of such penalty for
any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a violation
occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
�9
SECTION 8. Amendment to Section 15.12.010. Section 15.12.010 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.12.010 California Plumbing Code adopted.
A. Chapter 1, Division II through Chapter 17 and Appendices A, B, D, H, I, and J of the 2025
California Plumbing Code, Title 24 Part 5 of the California Code of Regulations, which
provide minimum requirements and standards for the protection of the public health, safety
and welfare by regulating the installation or alteration of plumbing and drainage, materials,
venting, wastes, traps, interceptors, water systems, sewers, gas piping, water heaters and
other related products, and workmanship in the City, provides for the issuance of permits
and collection of fees therefor and provides for penalties the violations thereof, with certain
changes and amendments thereto, is hereby adopted by reference, and all conflicting
ordinances are hereby adopted by reference, and all conflicting ordinances are hereby
repealed.
B. All of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of said codes, together with their
appendices, one copy of which will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at
the City Clerk's office, are hereby referred to, adopted and made part of this chapter as if
fully set forth in this chapter with the exceptions, deletions, additions, and amendments
thereto as set forth in this subchapter.
C. The administration of the Plumbing Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this
Code.
SECTION 9. Amendment to Section 15.12.040. Section 15.12.040 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.12.040 Violations — Penalties.
Every person violating any provision of the California Plumbing Code, adopted by
reference in Section 15.12.010, or of any permit or license granted thereunder, or any rules or
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction thereof he
or she shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or imprisonment not to
exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of such penalty for
any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a violation
occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 10. Amendment to Section 15.16.010. Section 15.16.010 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.16.010 California Mechanical Code adopted.
A. Chapter 1, Division II through Chapter 17 and Appendices B, C, and D of the 2025
California Mechanical Code, Title 24 Part 4 of the California Code of Regulations, which
regulates and controls the design, construction, quality of materials, erection, installation,
alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of
10
heating, venting, cooling, refrigeration systems, or other miscellaneous heat -producing
appliances in the City, provide for the issuance of permits and collection of fees thereof,
and provides for penalties for violations thereof, with certain changes and amendments
thereto, are hereby adopted by reference, and conflicting ordinances are hereby repealed.
B. All of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of said codes, together with their
appendices, one copy of which will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at
the City Clerk's office, are hereby referred to, adopted and made part of this chapter as if
fully set forth in this chapter with the exceptions, deletions, additions, and amendments
thereto as set forth in this subchapter.
C. The administration of the Mechanical Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this
Code.
SECTION 11. Amendment to Section 15.16.040. Section 15.16.040 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.16.040 Violations — Penalties.
Every person violating any provision of the California Mechanical Code adopted by
reference in Section 15.16.010, or of any permit or license granted thereunder, or any rules or
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction thereof he
or she shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or imprisonment not to
exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of such penalty for
any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a violation
occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 12. Amendment to Section 15.18.010. Section 15.18.010 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.18.010 California Residential Code adopted.
A. Chapter 1, Division II through Chapter 10, Chapter 44 and Appendices BB, BF, BJ, and
CJ of the 2025 California Residential Code, Title 24 Part 2.5 of the California Code of
Regulations, which regulate the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair,
moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, use, equipment, height, area,
security, abatement, and maintenance of one and two -dwelling buildings or structures
within the City, provide for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor, and
provide for penalties for violations thereto, are hereby adopted by reference, and
conflicting ordinances are hereby repealed.
B. All of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of said codes, together with their
appendices, one copy of which will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at
the City Clerk's office, are hereby referred to, adopted and made part of this chapter as if
fully set forth in this chapter with the exceptions, deletions, additions, and amendments
thereto as set forth in this subchapter.
11
C. The administration of the Residential Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this
Code.
SECTION 13. Addition of Section 15.18.020 — California Residential Code
Amendments to Title 15 of the Rosemead Municipal Code. Section 15.18.020 is added to read
as follows:
15.18.020 California Residential Code Amendments.
A. R301.1.3.2 Wood Frame Structures. The Building Official shall require construction
documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for
all dwellings of wood frame construction more than two stories and basement in height
located in Seismic Design Category A, B, or C. Notwithstanding other sections of law, the
law establishing these provisions is found in Business and Professions Code Sections 5537
and 6737.1.
B. The Building Official shall require construction documents to be approved and stamped by
a licensed California architect or engineer for all dwellings of wood frame construction
more than one story in height or with a basement located in Seismic Design Category D0,
D1, or D2 or E.
SECTION 14. Amendment to Section 15.18.040. Section 15.18.040 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.18.040 Violations — Penalties.
Every person violating any provision of the California Residential Code, adopted by
reference in Section 15.18.010, or of any permit or license granted there under, or any rules or
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction thereof he
or she shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or imprisonment not to
exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of such penalty for
any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a violation
occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 15. Amendment to Section 15.20.010. Section 15.20.010 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.20.010 California Green Building Standards Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11 of California Code
of Regulations together with their appendices, which regulate the erection, construction,
enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, use,
equipment, height, area, security, abatement, and maintenance of buildings or structures
within the City, provide for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor, and
12
provide for penalties for violations thereto, are hereby adopted by reference, and
conflicting ordinances are hereby repealed.
B. All of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of said codes, together with their
appendices, one copy of which will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at
the City Clerk's office, are hereby referred to, adopted and made part of this chapter as if
fully set forth in this chapter with the exceptions, deletions, additions, and amendments
thereto as set forth in this subchapter.
SECTION 16. Amendment to Section 15.20.040. Section 15.20.040 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.20.040 Violations — Penalties.
Every person violating any provision of the California Green Building Standards Code,
adopted by reference in Section 15.20.010, or of any permit or license granted there under, or any
rules or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction
thereof he or she shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or imprisonment
not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of such penalty
for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a violation
occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 17. Amendment to Section 15.22.010. Section 15.22.010 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.22.010 California Existing Building Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Existing Building Code, Title 24 Part 10 of the California Code of
Regulations together with their appendices, which regulate the erection, construction,
enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, use,
equipment, height, area, security, abatement, and maintenance of buildings or structures
within the City, provide for the issuance of permits and collection of fees thereof, and
provide for penalties for violations thereto, are hereby adopted by reference, and
conflicting ordinances are hereby repealed.
B. All of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of said codes, together with their
appendices, one copy of which will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at
the City Clerk's office, are hereby referred to, adopted and made part of this chapter as if
fully set forth in this chapter with the exceptions, deletions, additions, and amendments
thereto as set forth in this subchapter.
SECTION 18. Amendment to Section 15.22.040. Section 15.22.040 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
15.22.040 Violations — Penalties.
Every person violating any provision of the California Existing Building Code, adopted by
13
reference in Section 15.22.010, or of any permit or license granted there under, or any rules or
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction thereof he
or she shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or imprisonment not to
exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of such penalty for
any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a violation
occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 19. Amendment to Section 15.24.010. Section 15.24.010 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:
15.24.010 California Energy Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Energy Code, Title 24 Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations
together with their appendices, which regulate the energy efficient design of newly
constructed or altered buildings or structures within the City, provide for the issuance of
permits and collection of fees thereof, and provide for penalties for violations thereto, are
hereby adopted by reference, and conflicting ordinances are hereby repealed.
B. All of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of said codes, together with their
appendices, one copy of which will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at
the City Clerk's office, are hereby referred to, adopted and made part of this chapter as if
fully set forth in this chapter with the exceptions, deletions, additions, and amendments
thereto as set forth in this subchapter.
SECTION 20. Amendment to Section 15.24.040. Section 15.24.040 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:
15.24.040 Violations — Penalties.
Every person violating any provision of the California Energy Code, adopted by reference
in Section 15.24.010, or of any permit or license granted there under, or any rules or regulations
promulgated pursuant thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction thereof he or she shall
be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or imprisonment not to exceed six
months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of such penalty for any violation
shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a violation occurs shall
constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 21. Amendment to Section 15.26.10. Section 15.26.010 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:
15.26.010 California Historical Buildings Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Historical Buildings Code, Title 24 Part 8 of the California Code of
Regulations together with their appendices, which regulate the design, construction, and
alterations to historical buildings or structures within the City, provide for the issuance of
14
permits and collection of fees thereof, and provide for penalties for violations thereto, are
hereby adopted by reference, and conflicting ordinances are hereby repealed.
B. All of the regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of said codes, together with their
appendices, one copy of which will be on file and accessible to the public for inspection at
the City Clerk's office, are hereby referred to, adopted and made part of this chapter as if
fully set forth in this chapter with the exceptions, deletions, additions, and amendments
thereto as set forth in this subchapter.
SECTION 22. Amendment to Section 15.26.040. Section 15.26.040 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:
15.26.040 Violations — Penalties.
Every person violating any provision of the California Historical Buildings Code, adopted
by reference in Section 15.26.010, or of any permit or license granted there under, or any rules or
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction thereof he
or she shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or imprisonment not to
exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of such penalty for
any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a violation
occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 23. Construction. This Ordinance must be broadly constructed in order to
achieve the purposes stated in this Ordinance. It is the City Council's intent that the provisions of
this Ordinance be interpreted or implemented by the City and others in a manner that facilitates
the purposes set forth in this Ordinance.
SECTION 24. Enforceability. Repeal of any provision of the RMC does not affect any
penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred before, or preclude prosecution and imposition of penalties
for any violation occurring before this Ordinance's effective date. Any such repealed part will
remain in full force and effect for sustaining action or prosecuting violations occurring before the
effective date of this Ordinance.
SECTION 25. Severability. The City Council hereby declares that, should any provision,
section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Ordinance or any part
thereof, be rendered or declared invalid or unconstitutional by any final court action in a court of
competent jurisdiction or by reason of any preemptive legislation, such decision or action shall not
affect the validity of the remaining section or portions of the Ordinance or part thereof. The City
Council hereby declares that it would have independently adopted the remaining provisions,
sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, phrases, or words of this Ordinance
irrespective of the fact that any one or more provisions, sections, subsections, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, phrases, or words may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 26. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its
adoption.
15
SECTION 27. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance
and shall publish a summary of this Ordinance and post a certified copy of the full Ordinance in
the office of the City Clerk at least five days prior to the adoption and within 15 days after adoption
of the Ordinance, the City Clerk shall publish a summary of the Ordinance with the names of the
Council Members voting for and against the Ordinance. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty
(30) days after the date of its adoption.
SECTION 28. Filing. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with
the California Building Standards Commission.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ORDAINED on this day of 2025.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Rachel Richman, City Attorney
Attachment A: Local Amendment Findings
HEI
Margaret Clark, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES)
CITY OF ROSEMEAD )
I, Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk of the City of Rosemead, County of Los Angeles, State of
California, hereby attest to the above signature and certify that City Council Ordinance No. 1030
was first introduced at the regular meeting of , 2025, by first reading. Said Ordinance
was approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Rosemead at a regular meeting held
on the day of 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
17
Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT "A"
2025
LOCAL AMENDMENT FINDINGS
I. Geological Conditions
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 wood frame 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 wood frame 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.
CODE
SECTION
TITLE (Clarification)
FINDINGS
R301.1.3.2
Wood Frame Structures
I. Geological Conditions
18
Attachment B
City Council Meeting Excerpt
Dated October 14, 2025
Attachment B
City Council Meeting Excerpt
Dated October 14, 2025
MAYOR:
MARGARET CLARK
MAYOR PRO TEM:
SANDRA ARMENTA
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
SEAN DANG
POLLY LOW
STEVEN LY
Citi' of &smead
8838 E. VALLEY BOULEVARD
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA 91770
TELEPHONE (626) 569-2100
SUMMARY EXCERPT
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 14, 2025
The following is a draft summary excerpt from the Regular Meeting of the Rosemead City Council
held on October 14, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Hall Council Chamber located at 8838
East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
Present: Mayor Pro Tem Armenta, Council Members Dang, and Low
Absent: Mayor Clark and Council Member Ly
Staff Present: City Manager Kim, City Attorney Richman, Assistant City Manager/Finance
Director Chua, Director of Community Development Valenzuela, Director of Parks
and Recreation Boecking, Director of Public Works Gutierrez and City Clerk
Hernandez
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION
E. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 1030, Amending Title 15 to Adopt
by Reference Title 24 of the 2025 California Building Standards Code
Every three (3) years, the State of California Building Standards Commission
publishes revised Building Standards Code (Title 24, Parts 1 through 12), effective
statewide beginning January 1" of the code cycle. Whether or not the City takes
formal adoption action, the City is required by law to enforce these provisions.
Ordinance No. 1030 proposes the adoption of State codes directly.
Recommendation: That the City Council take the following actions:
1. Move to introduce for first reading, by title only, Ordinance No. 1030, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 15 BUILDINGS AND
CONSTRUCTION AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, THE
Page 1 of 7
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE,
INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, THE
CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, THE CALIFORNIA
PLUMBING CODE, THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL
CODE, THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, THE
CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING CODE, THE CALIFORNIA
EXISTING BUILDINGS CODE, THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY
CODE, AND THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
CODE, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND
DELETIONS THERETO
2. Schedule a public hearing on October 28, 2025, to consider the adoption and
second reading of Ordinance No. 1030.
Contract Building Official Ayla Jefferson, stated this is the first reading of the
ordinance amending the City of Rosemead's Municipal Code by modifying Title 15
to adopt by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Codes. Every three
years, the California Building Standards Commission establishes new statewide
construction codes. Cities are allowed to amend provisions of the California Codes
provided that findings are made based on topographical, geographical or climatic
conditions. With this ordinance, staff is recommending that the City Council adopt
the 2025 California Construction Codes with certain amendments necessary for the
protection of public health, safety and welfare. At this time, we respectfully request
the City Council to read by title only for the first reading, waive further reading,
and schedule a public hearing and consideration of second reading for October 28,
2025.
Council Member Dang stated the normal process has been that we adopt the LA
County Building Code and its references such as electrical, mechanical, HVAC,
etc. Opined that this particular item is sort of out of the norm as we don't usually
adopt the State Code, rather we adopt the County's Code. Asked if the Building
team could give us a matrix showing the California Code versus the current LA
County Building Code versus the 2026 Building Code; commented by itemizing
the changes, it will provide clarity on how it will impact us and what specifically is
not beneficial to our economic development. Council Member Dang suggested
instead of going this route, perhaps we could consider looking at the 2026 LA
County Code and see what amendments we find in that code to be very difficult
and challenging, and perhaps we introduce our own Rosemead amendments.
Clarified we're going to create a 2026 Rosemead Code amending the LA County
Building Code, which would be an easier task as opposed to going the first route.
Building Official Jefferson replied we can prepare an analysis comparing the 2025
California Codes and the current County Codes versus future County Codes that
they will adopt November 26th. We will bring back the analysis to you and if
Council wishes to proceed with that route, then we can repeal this ordinance and
put in place another ordinance. Emphasized whether we do or don't do anything
tonight, the California Codes will be in effect January 1st, no matter what. This
Page 2 of 7
amendment that we're bringing to you is more of a how we administrate the
Building Code, which is almost identical to the County Codes and our current
practices. Explained there are several reasons that we are shifting away from LA
County's Code — the State Codes are becoming more and more comprehensive
compared to the past, they are refining the California Codes every three years and
many issues that County once required amendments for are now incorporated in the
California Codes. Another reason is we frequently hear from developers,
homeowners, and contractors, at the counter asking us not to enforce certain County
Codes requirements that are more restrictive, but unfortunately, even though it's not
really 100% applicable to a Rosemead case, our hands are tied because we have
adopted County Codes, so we have to go to that more difficult and restrictive route.
Highlighted one of the reasons that we are proposing to go directly to the California
Code is to streamline the process to be more business friendly and more friendly to
the developers and homeowners by avoiding unnecessary restrictive provisions;
also the biggest challenge that we have this year is with Assembly Bill (AB) 130
the state gave a very clear message to jurisdictions to go easy on applicants on
constructions because of the residential housing shortage. Ms. Jefferson asserted, if
you want, we can still do the analysis and come back in January once the
County publishes theirs; stating if you prefer to go that route, either to adopt LA
County Code or to create a Rosemead Code with lengthy amendments, we can
certainly repeal this ordinance and move forward 30 days after the passage of the
other as well.
Council Member Dang thanked Building Official Jefferson for that overview.
Ascertained what I'm understanding is even if we do absolutely nothing tonight,
we're going to be operating with the California code by January 1, 2026, by default.
Ms. Jefferson replied that's correct, but the caveat is we're not going to be able to
operate because we don't have administration in our Municipal Code. So, we won't
have the necessary tools to regulate the permitting issuance process.
Mayor Clark interjected, asking why we must wait until January? Would the
Building team be able to give us the comparison that Council Member Dang is
requesting by the next Council meeting so we can decide then. Opined we don't
want to tie our hands so we can't approve building permits.
Building Official Jefferson responded Mayor Clark is right, we really don't need to
wait unless the County had their ordinance in place, however, they're not going
to have their ordinance in place until mid-November. That being said, we don't have
anything to compare with at this time.
In response to Mayor Clark's question, Council Member Dang explained what our
Building Official is saying in order to provide a comprehensive matrix that
compares the California C -ersus the future LA County Code, that she has to
have a copy of that future LA County Code, but it will not be ready until January.
So, without that publication, she will not have a means to produce that comparison.
Page 3 of 7
Building Official Jefferson affirmed that is correct.
Council Member Dang responded that it also creates a separate question for me.
If you don't have a future code to read and compare, then how do you know it's
more restrictive than what you are doing now?
Ms. Jefferson answered we know that based on their past practices and then we
building officials talk to each other. So, they kept certain reach code items within
their municipal code, which creates more cost prohibition for most of the
developers that we are being told to go easy on them.
Council Member Dang expressed that I'm fully supportive of the development
industry and if there's a way to make it safer and more cost effective, you have my
support. Shared that I am still very curious about what these future amendments
are, that are sort of punitive, that makes it more difficult as you say. Asked if there
is a way to ask your Building Official colleagues that you trade notes with, to give
us some of that draft language that perhaps you could come back to council and say
these are the things that's being proposed and most likely are going to get passed
and at least we could optically see those challenges and once we see it, we can
decide whether to just adopt the California Code or create our own Rosemead City
Code.
Building Oficial Jefferson responded that they're going to have their first reading
on October 21st, so I will keep an eye on the amendments. Asserted that we can
certainly do a comparison and analysis, but probably I'm going to leave to City
Attorney to chime in about the timing of sequence of things. If we defer tonight's
to another date, then we may end up doing an urgency.
City Attorney Richman stated that's often what we will do if we decide to follow
the County's Code because they are a little further along. If Council wants to wait
to see what the County's looks like at their first reading since that will most likely
be what's adopted, then we can bring back the document with whatever changes
and then we would adopt it as an urgency ordinance to make sure we have
something in effect for January 1St
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta stated with the expertise of Council Member Dang as he
is a Planning Official in LA City. I understand where you're coming from because
we do want to compare, but when it's in a draft form, I don't think it's fair because
anything could change. I think I heard that we could adopt it now and amend it
later, so we don't have to go through an urgency ordinance.
City Attorney Richman affirmed that's what they're recommending.
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta opined that's what we should do, but of course, we've
always respected anybody pulling an item and looking into it further. If we're able
Page 4 of 7
to do that, and then once you have not just a draft, but the actual concrete
amendments, then we could compare it to do amendments then.
Building Official Jefferson replied absolutely, we can do that. The state doesn't
prohibit cities from making an amendment to their codes; noted we can make
amendments any time of the year, all we need is two readings and maybe a study
session.
Council Member Dang stated the reason why I'm a little hesitant right now is that
we have a mentioning of the Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code,
Green Code, etc. But the Fire Code is deliberately missing from here because the
Fire Code is actually enforced by LA County Fire Department. The potential issue
is that the LA County Fire Code, that's checked by the LA County Fire Plan
Checkers, in their amendments, it references back to a lot of times the LA County
Code, and that's where the disconnect might be. Opined they might be referencing
something which in 2026, if we just adopt the California Code, there's going to be
a missing link. That's why I want to see those draft language to see if any of those
triggers is related to a fire component. So that's why it's important to see it. If there
isn't any, by all means, I really support the building industry. If you could make it
easier, quicker, you have my support, but I just want to make sure that there's no
disconnect.
Building Official Jefferson clarified that the Fire Code amendments are mostly
related to fire and especially this year there are more restrictive California Fire
Codes, but on the other hand the amendments of the LA County Fire Code and the
LA County Building Code amendments as long as also the California Codes, they
align each other. Since the LA County code amendments are mostly structural or
reach code or seismic related. So, the fire portion is not changing and impacting the
coordination. They haven't done there, so typically Los Angeles County Fire
Department completes their amendments in January, and then we will come back
after they do their amendments. But come January 1 st, the City of Rosemead Fire
Code also will be California Code. The good part is that since we are not issuing
any permitting on the Fire Code, we really don't need any administration. So it is
the County administration that anybody who's going to pulling their permits from
the fire department for fire sprinkler or fire alarms in that sense.
Council Member Dang commented you touch on a good point. I'm not familiar with
County, but I'm familiar with LA City; for instance, the LA City Fire Code, they
don't allow partial sprinkler buildings. The California Fire Code does, and that's
where the disconnect is. Reiterated I want to make sure that the LA County Fire
Code doesn't have that same reading where it doesn't align with the California
Building Code.
Ms. Jefferson stated if I'm not mistaken, I believe LA County Fire Code doesn't
allow partial sprinkler buildings either.
Page 5 of 7
Council Member Dang replied but the State Fire Code does.
Ms. Jefferson pointed out but we're not adopting State Fire.
Mr. Dang stated I understand, but that's just one thing. So, if the LA County Fire
Code makes reference to the LA County Plumbing Code for the sprinklers for
instance, for sprinkler heads or the pressure or the flow, you're going to have that
disconnect.
Ms. Jefferson answered yes, you're right in that analogy, but in the definitions, in
the administration of the California Code, everything refers to the jurisdiction,
electric code, plumbing code, mechanical code, and building code. And when we
are adapting California Code, we are making some administrative changes and
we're naming them City of Rosemead Building Code, City of Rosemead Plumbing
Code, etc.; emphasizing everything refers back to what we are adapting tonight.
Council Member Dang stated correct, but the base code is California base. I think
we're talking strategically about the same mission goal here. Asked the City
Attorney if the Building Official comes back in November would that provide
enough time.
City Attorney Richman responded we only have one meeting in November and
that's a special meeting, and then we have one more meeting in December. Indicated
she has to verify if the rules for adopting codes by reference need to be done at a
regular meeting versus a special meeting. Because it will be a special meeting since
we can't meet on Veterans Day, we're meeting on a non -Council meeting day.
Council Member Dang inquired if we have another meeting in October?
Mayor Pro Tem Armenta answered yes, we have one on October 28th.
City Attorney Richman stated we would bring this back on the 28th for a first
reading, followed by the second reading at this first meeting of December and then
passage 30 days after that; noted that would still put us a little past January 1St, so
we'd also have to adopt a second urgency ordinance alongside that. The other
recommendation is to adopt this to get us through the January 1St timeline and then
we'll have the time to look at it and make amendments later.
Mayor Clark commented that I tend to agree with Council Member Dang that I
want to see the differences and the options. Expressed my fear is if we just adopt it
today and then we decide we might want to change it, but somebody could say,
well, you already adopted it. So, I would like to see if they can bring back the
comparison to the next meeting in October, and then we could decide.
Council Member Dang stated I think what Mayor Clark is saying that if, for
instance, if we decide on January 1 st to enforce the California Code, and once they
Page 6 of 7
pay the fee, they are locked into that code based that we agreed upon it. If something
that is more lenient than we normally do, we're actually obligated to have the
designer have those leniency.
Building Official Jefferson affirmed that is correct.
By consensus, the City Council directed staff to bring back this item to the October
28th meeting for first reading, which will include the analysis requested by Council
Member Dang, followed by the second reading at the first meeting of December.
End of minute excerpt
The following Draft Minute Excerpt is a summary of the discussion, approval, and action taken
during the California Buildings Standards Code presented before the Rosemead City Council on
October 14, 2025.
Page 7 of 7
Attachment C
Executive Summary and Comparison of
Los Angeles County Amendments to
California Code
Page 1 of 311
City of Rosemead Building Code
Adoption Report – 2025 Cycle
Prepared by: City of Rosemead Building & Safety Division
Date: October 28, 2025
Page 2 of 311
Executive Summary – California Code Adoption and
Comparison with Los Angeles County Amendments
Background: How Codes Are Adopted
The California Building Standards Code (Title 24) sets uniform construction and safety
standards statewide. Local governments adopt these codes every three years to make them
enforceable through permitting, plan review, and inspections.
Code Adoption Process at a Glance
Step Level of
Government
Action Purpose / Example
1. Model Codes
Published
National ICC, NFPA, and
IAPMO publish model
codes (e.g., IBC,
UPC, UMC).
Establish baseline
safety standards used
nationwide.
2. State Adoption
(Title 24)
State of
California
California Building
Standards
Commission (CBSC)
adopts the model
codes with California-
specific amendments.
Adds State
requirements for
seismic, energy
efficiency, accessibility,
and wildfire protection.
3. Local Adoption
(by Reference)
City / County Local ordinances
adopt the California
Building Standards
Code by reference.
Makes the State code
enforceable locally
through building
permits, plan review,
and inspections.
4. Optional Local
Amendments
City / County Local governments
may add amendments
justified by geologic,
climatic, or
topographic
conditions.
Example: hillside
retaining wall design or
wind exposure near
mountains.
5. Filing and
Enforcement
City & State City Council adopts by
ordinance, files with
the CBSC, and
enforces through
Building & Safety.
Ensures consistency
with State law while
addressing local needs.
The City of Rosemead enforces the same safety codes as every other jurisdiction in California.
Adoption by reference does not rewrite codes, it authorizes local enforcement.
Optional amendments are the only points where cities can tailor requirements for specific local
conditions.
Page 3 of 311
The State establishes the building rules, the City adopts them, and the Building & Safety
Division enforces them locally to ensure that construction is performed safely, meets minimum
standards, and remains consistent throughout California.
Why This Comparison Was Prepared
During the City Council meeting dated October 14, 2025, Council asked staff to review Los
Angeles County’s amendments and provide a side-by-side comparison to ensure that the City’s
direct adoption of the 2025 California Codes would not reduce public safety and that any
differences between the County’s and State’s standards were clearly understood.
This document responds to that request by analyzing Los Angeles County amendments line by
line and assessing whether they are relevant to Rosemead’s local conditions.
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Findings in Brief
The review found that Los Angeles County’s amendments are primarily tailored to address
conditions unique to large portions of unincorporated County areas such as hillside
development, wildland-urban interface fire hazards, and high-wind zones. The California Codes
already contain robust statewide safety provisions, and those provisions remain fully in effect for
Rosemead. Where the County’s amendments go beyond the State Code, they typically do so
for conditions that do not occur within Rosemead’s built-out, urban environment.
➢ Accessibility and life safety clarifications, generally restating State requirements
in local format. These do not materially change technical outcomes.
➢ Administrative routing and submittal layers, County specific forms, multiple
departmental sign offs, and procedures that extend beyond the State building
administration chapter. These can lengthen review times without changing safety
outcomes in a built out urban city.
➢ Grading and drainage in sensitive terrain, additional soils reports, slope stability
studies, erosion and sediment control measures, and expanded site monitoring in
areas subject to debris flow or slide risk.
➢ High wind exposure detailing, roof sheathing and nailing patterns, connections
and uplift resistance that reflect mountain and canyon conditions.
➢ Wildland urban interface related measures administered by the Fire Authority,
ignition resistant exterior materials, defensible space expectations, coordination
on access and water supply. These are enforced through the County Fire Code
and remain coordinated when the city adopts State building codes directly.
➢ Hillside and slope related construction, stricter anchorage and lateral bracing,
enhanced retaining wall detailing, additional field verification and special
inspections in steep terrain.
The County’s amendments are comprehensive; they are designed for large and diverse
unincorporated areas. Below is a plain language summary of the most significant groups of
amendments and what they usually mean in practice.
Page 5 of 311
Quick Comparison Matrix
LACO Amendments vs. 2025 California Codes
Topic Area Los Angeles County
Amendment (LACO)
2025 California
Code (State)
Impact/Comment for
Rosemead
Seismic &
Structural
Adds stricter
anchorage, hillside
bracing, and
geotechnical
verification
requirements tailored
for hillside and
mountain areas.
Follows ASCE 7,
CBC Chapter 16,
already accounts for
high seismic design
statewide.
LACO provisions
mainly address steep
slope areas, not
applicable in
Rosemead’s flat
terrain.
Fire Safety &
Wildland Areas
Expands Wildland-
Urban Interface (WUI)
requirements, adds
exterior ignition-
resistant materials for
hillside homes.
State CBC Chapter
7A and CFC already
include mandatory
WUI protections.
Rosemead has no
WUI zones, County’s
extra layers
unnecessary locally.
Energy &
Sustainability
No unique County
energy standards,
references Title 24,
Part 6.
State Energy Code
(Part 6) and
CalGreen (Part 11)
apply statewide.
Same standards, no
difference in safety or
efficiency.
Grading &
Drainage
Adds hillside grading
permits, slope stability
reports, and additional
erosion control
provisions.
CBC and CMC
already include
grading and
drainage standards,
City can regulate
through Engineering
and Public Works.
LACO provisions
redundant,
Rosemead’s terrain
does not require
these.
Administrative
Procedures
Includes additional
County-specific
approval layers and
departmental routing.
State Building Code
Chapter 1 covers
local administrative
authority.
Rosemead already
enforces through its
Building Division,
extra County
procedures would
slow reviews.
Accessibility & Life
Safety
Mirrors State CBC
Chapter 11B, adds no
significant deviation.
Fully covered by
State Codes.
Identical, no change
to accessibility
enforcement.
Summary of the Matrix:
Safety remains equivalent, applicability of County amendments is minimal, cost impact is
reduced, and regional alignment improves consistency and fairness.
Page 6 of 311
Public Safety
All essential safety elements including fire protection, seismic resistance, structural integrity,
energy conservation, and accessibility are preserved under the direct adoption of the California
Codes. No reduction in safety is expected. The city will continue to enforce seismic design
standards under ASCE 7 and CBC Chapter 16, fire-resistant construction under CBC Chapter
7A and the California Fire Code, and energy efficiency and sustainability under Title 24, Parts 6
and 11.
Coordination with Los Angeles County Fire Department
The City of Rosemead contracts fire prevention and emergency response services through the
Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACOFD), which enforces the California Fire Code (CFC)
with County-specific amendments. While the City proposes to adopt the 2025 California Building
Standards Code directly, this approach does not create any conflict or gap in enforcement. The
Building Code and Fire Code are both based on the same State foundation (Title 24, Parts 2
and 9) and are designed to function in coordination rather than duplication. Under this structure,
LACOFD continues to review and approve fire protection systems, access, hydrants, and
emergency response features per the County Fire Code. City Building & Safety continues to
enforce structural, egress, and construction safety standards per the State Building Code. Both
agencies coordinate through the same plan review and inspection process using consistent
cross-references between codes. This dual-framework model is successfully used by many
other contract cities in Los Angeles County, ensuring consistent regional safety standards while
allowing the City to avoid unnecessary County-level building amendments. In summary,
maintaining direct adoption of the State Building Codes alongside the County Fire Code e nsures
continued full compatibility, coordination, and life-safety compliance with no duplication or
enforcement issues.
Methodology of Comparison
In preparing this report, the first section reproduces verbatim the Los Angeles County
amendments to the 2025 California Codes. The second section presents, also verbatim, the
corresponding base California Code provisions. The third section identifies any amendments
proposed by the City of Rosemead. Finally, the fourth section provides a comparative analysis
and commentary on the County amendments, noting areas where Rosemead may align with or
diverge from those provisions. The Building and Residential Codes were analyzed chapter by
chapter, while the Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes were reviewed by individual
trade sections.
Page 7 of 311
COMPARISON OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY AMENDMENTS TO CALIFORNIA CODES AND
IMPACT ON CITY OF ROSEMEAD
BUILDING CODE
Los Angeles County Code Amendments to California Code
100 Adoption Of California Code By Reference and amendments to Section 104 Alternate
Materials, Designs and Methods of Construction.
Except as hereinafter changed or modified, Sections 1.2 through 1.14 of Chapter 1 of
Division I of that certain building code known and designated as the 2025 California Building
Code, as published by the California Building Standards Commission, are adopted and
incorporated by reference into this Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code as if fully set forth
below, and shall be known as Sections 119.1.2 through 119.1.14, respectively, of Chapter 1 of
Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code.
Except as hereinafter changed or modified, Chapters 2 through 35, and Appendices C,
H, I, J, P, and Q of that certain building code known and designated as the 2025 California
Building Code, as published by the California Building Standards Commission, are adopted and
incorporated by reference into this Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code as if fully set forth
below, and shall be known as Chapters 2 through 35, and Appendices C, H, I, J, P, and Q of
Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code.
Projects to repair, restore, demolish, or replace residential structures or facilities
substantially damaged or destroyed as a result of the 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires may
comply with the 2022 Building Standards Code, as adopted by Los Angeles Coun ty, provided
that the plans and specifications for the project comply with the 2025 fire and public safety
requirements and minimum elevation requirements for the National Flood Insurance Program,
consistent with the Governor's Executive Order N-29-25, or subsequent applicable legal
authorities.
104.2.8.1 Reports.
Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of any material, appliance,
Page 8 of 311
installation, device, arrangement, design, or method of construction not specifically provided for in
this Code, shall comply with Sections 104.2.8.1.1 and 104.2.8.1.2.
104.2.8.1.1 Evaluation reports.
Evaluation reports shall be issued by an approved agency as defined in Chapter 2 and use
of the evaluation report shall require approval by the Building Official for the installation. The
alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, design or method of construction
shall be within the scope of the Building Official’s recognition of the approved agency's expertise.
Criteria used for the evaluation shall be identified within the report and, where required, provided
to the Building Official.
104.2.8.1.2 Other reports.
Reports not complying with Section 104.2.8.1 shall describe criteria, including but not
limited to any referenced testing or analysis, used to determine compliance with code intent and
justify code equivalence. The report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory
or specialty organization acceptable to the Building Official. The Building Official is authorized to
require design submittals to be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, a registered design
professional.
104.2.8.2 Peer review.
In addition to the evaluation report, the Building Official is authorized to require submittal of
a peer review report in conjunction with a request to use an alternative material, appliance,
installation, device, arrangement, design or method of construction, prepared by a qualified peer
reviewer that is approved by the Building Official.
California Code Section
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of [NAME OF
JURISDICTION], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
City of Rosemead Code Section
Chapter 1, Division II through Chapter 35 and Appendices C, F, H, I, J, O, P and Q of
Page 9 of 311
2025 California Building Code, Title 24 Part 2 of California Code of Regulations, which regulate
the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion,
demolition, occupancy, use, equipment, height, area, security, abatement, and maintenance of
buildings or structures within the City, provide for the issuance of permits and collection of fees
therefor, and provide for penalties for violations thereto, are hereby adopted by reference, and
conflicting ordinances are hereby repealed.
Adoption of Appendix O PERFORMANCE-BASED APPLICATION
Appendix O provides an optional design, review and approval framework for use by the
building official. Typical uses would include cases of alternate methods in Chapter 1, select
areas of the code that require a rational analysis such as Section 909 and elsewhere. It simply
extracts the relevant administrative provisions from the ICC Performance Code into a more
concise, usable appendix format for a jurisdiction confronted with such a need. Currently there
are multiple, varying jurisdictional rules and procedures in many communities regarding
procedure and none in even more. The building official is often left alone to reach decisions not
just on the merits of a design but must first also decide on the submittal and review process. As
an appendix, the provisions herein are entirely optional to a jurisdiction. This appendix can be
adopted, adopted with local modifications, or even used on a case-by-case basis as part of a
Memorandum of Understanding or similar legal agreement between the jurisdiction and the
owner/design team. It simply represents another tool for the jurisdiction to reach for in cases of
need; it neither encourages nor creates any additional opportunity for performance-based
design.
Comparison Analysis:
Both Los Angeles County and the City of Rosemead are adopting the same core
chapters (Chapters 1 through 35) of the 2025 California Building Code and most of the same
Page 10 of 311
appendices. The only difference is that Rosemead also adopts Appendix O, which provides a
Performance-Based Application option. Appendix O allows design professionals to use
analytical and engineering performance methods, rather than prescriptive code provisions, to
demonstrate that a building meets the intent of the code. This provides flexibility for complex or
innovative designs while maintaining equivalent levels of safety.
In contrast, Los Angeles County’s Title 26 adoption incorporates new administrative
provisions in Chapter 1 Section 104 Alternate Materials, Designs and Methods of Construction.
That govern how Performance-Based designs under Appendix O must be reviewed,
documented, and approved by the County Building Official. These administrative requirements
are unique to the County and are not adopted by the City of Rosemead, as the City will apply
the Appendix O process directly under the standard procedures of the California Building Code.
Additionally, L.A. County’s Title 26 includes special provisions for rebuilding structures
damaged in the 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires, which are not applicable to Rosemead’s
urban environment.
By adopting the State code directly, including Appendix O but excluding County-specific
administrative and wildfire provisions, the City of Rosemead maintains full consistency with the
California Building Standards Code while keeping its Building Code clear, efficient, and
appropriately tailored to local conditions.
Los Angeles County Administration amended
SECTION 113 EARTHQUAKE FAULTS
113.5 Construction Limitations.
. . .
The Building Official may waive the requirements for an active earthquake fault
investigation for additions to existing one- or two-family dwelling units when all of the
following conditions are met:
Page 11 of 311
1. There is no increase in the number of bedrooms or bedroom equivalent rooms
in the dwelling unit;
2. The addition does not increase the permitted gross floor area of the structure
by more than 20 percent as it existed on January 1, 2017, or 400 square feet, whichever
is less;
3. The Building Official has determined that the addition is not located over or
upon the trace of a known active earthquake fault as shown on the aforementioned
maps; and
4. The owner shall record in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a
statement acknowledging that the owner is aware that the records of the Building
Official indicate that the property is potentially subject to a hazard from a known active
earthquake fault. The owner shall also record in the office of the Department of
Registrar-Recorder an agreement relieving the County and all officers and employees
thereof of any liability for any damage or loss which may result from the issuance of
such a permit. This agreement shall provide that it is binding on all successors in
interest of the owner and shall continue in effect until the Building Official records in the
office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a statement that the Building Official has
determined that a hazard from a known active earthquake fault no longer exists.
. . .
113.5.1 Additions to One- or Two-Family Dwellings
The Building Official may waive the requirements for an active earthquake fault
investigation for additions to existing one- or two-family dwelling units when all of the
following conditions are met:
Page 12 of 311
1. There is no increase in the number of bedrooms or bedroom equivalent
rooms in the dwelling unit;
2. The addition does not increase the permitted gross floor area of the structure
by more than 20 percent as it existed on January 1, 2017, or 400 square feet, whichever
is less;
3. The Building Official has determined that the addition is not located over or
upon the trace of a known active earthquake fault as shown on the aforementioned
maps; and
4. The owner shall record in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder
a statement acknowledging that the owner is aware that the records of the Building
Official indicate that the property is potentially subject to a hazard from a known active
earthquake fault. The owner shall also record in the office of the Department of
Registrar-Recorder an agreement relieving the County and all officers and employees
thereof of any liability for any damage or loss which may result from the issuance of
such a permit. This agreement shall provide that it is binding on all successors in
interest of the owner and shall continue in effect until the Building Official records in the
office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a statement that the Building Official has
determined that a hazard from a known active earthquake fault no longer exists.
113.5.2 Repair of single-family dwellings, their accessory
dwelling units, or accessory structures destroyed by the wildfires.
The Building Official may waive the requirements for an active earthquake fault
investigation for the repair of a single-family dwelling, its accessory dwelling units, or
accessory structures that were damaged or destroyed by wildfires as expressly
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designated by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through a declared state of
emergency, motion or resolution, when all of the following conditions are met:
1. The structure is a wood-frame or steel-frame structure not exceeding two
stories and a basement.
2. The structure is not part of a development of four or more dwellings.
3. The permit applicant is the owner of the property at the time of the loss, the
owner’s immediate heir(s), or their authorized representative.
4. The application for a permit is filed no later than ten (10) years following the
date of the loss.
5. The repaired structure does not exceed the area of the previously existing,
permitted structure, plus 10%.
6. The owner shall record in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a
statement acknowledging that the owner is aware that the records of the Building
Official indicate that the property is potentially subject to a hazard from a known active
earthquake fault. The owner shall also record in the office of the Department of
Registrar-Recorder an agreement relieving the County and all officers and employees
thereof of any liability for any damage or loss which may result from the issuance of
such a permit. This agreement shall provide that it is binding on all successors in
interest of the owner and shall continue in effect until the Building Official records in the
office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a statement that the Building Official has
determined that a hazard from a known active earthquake fault no longer exists.
Page 14 of 311
7. In this section, repair shall be defined as the reconstruction, replacement, or
renewal of any part or the whole of an existing building for the purpose of either
maintenance related to the fire or to correct damage caused by the fire.
113.5.2.1. In addition to the work allowed under 113.5.2, the Building
Official may permit the construction of a new accessory dwelling unit on a property
where a single-family dwelling was destroyed by wildfires as part of a project permitted
under 113.5.2.
113.5.2.2. The provisions of this Section may also apply to other
disasters as expressly designated by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
through a declared state of emergency, motion or resolution.
California Code
California Building Code Chapter 18, Section 1803 (Geotechnical
Investigations).Rosemead Administrative Sections :
Comparison Analysis:
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.
Soils report requirements are established under California Building Code Chapter 18,
Section 1803 (Geotechnical Investigations). These provisions ensure that building
foundations and grading work are based on proper evaluation of soil conditions. The City of
Rosemead follows these State requirements and may require a soils report where site or design
conditions warrant additional geotechnical evaluation.
Page 15 of 311
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code Chapter 7A
701A MODIFICATIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-
URBAN INTERFACE CODE
Chapter 5 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall be modified as
indicated in Sections 701A.1 through 701A.7 and shall apply to all buildings and
structures as provided in this section.
SECTION 12. Section 701A.1 is hereby added to read as follows:
701A.1 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section 501.1.
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 501.1 to read as
follows:
501.1 Scope and Application.
New bBuildings and structures in a wildland-urban interface area shall be
constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and this Code. Additions,
alterations, or repairs made to existing buildings erected, constructed, or moved within a
Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface area shall be constructed in
accordance with the Building Code and this Code. New buildings for which an
application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008, and any additions,
alterations, or repairs made to existing buildings for which an application for a building
permit is submitted on or after January 1, 2026, located in any Fire Hazard Severity
Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface area shall comply with all sections of the Building
Code and this Code.
Exceptions:
Page 16 of 311
1. Group U accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet (11m2) in
floor area where located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable buildings.
2. Group U agricultural buildings not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from
applicable buildings.
501.1.1 Alternates for materials, design, tests, and methods of
construction.
The Building Official is permitted to modify the provisions of this Chapter for site-
specific conditions in accordance with Chapter 1, Section 104.2.2.
SECTION 13. Section 701A.2 is hereby added to read as follows:
701A.2 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section 503.1
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 503.1 to read as
follows:
503.1 General.
Buildings and structures hereafter constructed, modified or relocated into or
within wildland-urban interface areas shall meet the construction requirements in
accordance with Chapter 5. Materials required to be ignition-resistant building materials
shall comply with the requirements of Section 503.2.
Exceptions:
1. New accessory buildings and miscellaneous structures complying with
Section 504.11.
2. Reserved. Additions to and remodels of buildings originally constructed
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prior to July 1, 2008.
3. Group C occupancy special buildings conforming to the limitations
specified in Section 450.4.1 of the California Building Code.
SECTION 14. Section 701A.3 is hereby added to read as follows:
701A.3 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section
503.2.3
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 503.2.3 to read as
follows:
503.2.3 Reserved. Fire-retardant-treated wood roof coverings.
Roof assemblies containing fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes
shall comply with the requirements of Section 1505.6 of the California Building Code
and shall be classified as Class A roof assemblies as required in Section 1505.2 of the
California Building Code.
SECTION 15. Section 701A.4 is hereby added to read as follows:
701A.4 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section
503.3.1
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 503.3.1 to read as
follows:
503.3.1 Qualification by testing.
Material and material assemblies tested in accordance with the requirements of
Section 503 shall be accepted for use when the results and conditions of those tests are
Page 18 of 311
met. Product evaluation testing of material and material assemblies shall be approved
or listed by the State Fire Marshal, the Building Official, or identified in a current report
issued by an approved agency.
SECTION 16. Section 701A.5 is hereby added to read as follows:
701A.5 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section
503.3.4
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 503.3.4 to read as
follows:
503.3.4 Reserved. Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and
shakes.
Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes shall be approved and listed by
the State Fire Marshal in accordance with Section 208(c), Title 19 California Code of
Regulations.
SECTION 17. Section 701A.6 is hereby added to read as follows:
701A.6 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section
504.2.1
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 504.2.1 to read as
follows:
504.2.1 Roof covering voids.
Where there is a void under the roof covering it shall comply with Section
504.2.1.1 or 504.2.1.2. Roof coverings shall be Class A as specified in the Building
Page 19 of 311
Code. Wood shingles and wood shakes are prohibited in any Fire Hazard Severity
Zone regardless of classification.
SECTION 18. Section 701A.7 is hereby added to read as follows:
701A.7 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section
504.5.2
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 504.5.2 to read as
follows:
504.5.2 Exterior wall coverings.
Exterior wall coverings shall comply with one or more of the following
requirements:
1. Noncombustible material.
2. Ignition-resistant building material labeled for exterior use.
3. Fire-retardant treated wood labeled for exterior use and complying with the
requirements of Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code.
4. Reserved.Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes which have been
qualified in accordance with Section 1505.6 of the California Building Code for use as
“Class B” roof covering shall be an acceptable alternative wall covering material where
installed over solid sheathing.
Page 20 of 311
Exception:
Exterior wall coverings which are a component of an approved wall assembly
complying with Section 504.5.
California Code
Chapter 7A refers to California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis:
Los Angeles County added local amendments to CBC Chapter 7A, which
governs construction requirements in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fire hazard
areas. The County’s justification was to clarify how Chapter 5 of the California
Wildland-Urban Interface Code applies to additions, alterations, and relocated
buildings, not just new construction. This was necessary because many
unincorporated areas of the County are mapped as Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zones (VHFHSZs) due to low humidity, high winds (Santa Anas), dry vegetation,
and steep terrain. The County determined that older or modified buildings in those
areas face the same wildfire exposure as new ones.
The base California Building Code Chapter 7A already provides adequate standards,
should any small portion of the City of Rosemead ever be mapped under a fire hazard
designation. Rosemead, being flat, urban, and fully built out, does not face those conditions, so
adopting the County’s wildfire amendments would add unnecessary requirements without
improving safety.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code Chapter 10
1031.2.1 Operational constraints and opening control devices.
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. . .
Where security bars (burglar bars) are installed on emergency egress and rescue
windows or doors, on or after July 1, 2000, such devices shall comply with California
Building Standards Code, Part 12, Chapter 12-3 and other applicable provisions of
Part 2.
California Code
1031.2.1 Operational constraints and opening control devices
…..
Where security bars (burglar bars) are installed on emergency egress and rescue
windows or doors, on or after July 1, 2000, such devices shall comply with California Building
Standards Code, Part 12, Chapter 12-3 and other applicable provisions of Part 2.
Exception: Group R-1 occupancies provided with a monitored fire sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.2.8 and designed in accordance with NFPA 13 may have
openable windows permanently restricted to a maximum 4-inch (102 mm) open position.
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis:
The State version of Section 1031.2.1 allows that exception for fully sprinklered
R-1 occupancies. It recognizes that where a comprehensive fire protection system is
installed and monitored, permanently limited-opening windows may still meet life-safety
intent. Since Rosemead is not adopting the Los Angeles County amendment, the State
exception remains in effect.
That means:
Page 22 of 311
R-1 buildings (such as hotels or similar transient housing) with NFPA 13
monitored sprinkler systems may restrict window openings to 4 inches;
All other occupancies must maintain operable emergency egress per the CBC.
Rosemead’s approach keeps the State flexibility for modern fire-protected
buildings while maintaining full safety compliance for other uses.
Los Angeles County removed a State-allowed exception for certain fully sprinklered
hotels, requiring all egress windows to open completely. Rosemead is keeping the State’s
original language, which continues to allow that limited exception when a monitored NFPA 13
sprinkler system is provided.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code Chapter 15
TABLE 1507.3.7
CLAY AND CONCRETE TILE ATTACHMENT a, b, c
GENERAL – CLAY OR CONCRETE ROOF TILE
Maximum
Allowable
Stress Design
Wind Speed,
Vasdf (mph)
Mean roof
height (feet) Roof slope <3:12 Roof slope 3:12 and over
85 0 - 60 Minimum slope: 2.5:12
One fastener per tile. Flat
tile without vertical laps,
Ttwo fasteners per tile.
Two fasteners per tile. Only one
fastener on slopes of 7:12 and less
for tiles with installed weight
exceeding 7.5 lbs/sq. ft. having a
width no greater than 16 inches.
100 0 - 40
. . . . . . . . .
INTERLOCKING CLAY OR CONCRETE ROOF TILE WITH PROJECTING ANCHOR LUGS d, e
(Installations on spaced/solid sheathing with battens or spaced sheathing)
Maximum
Allowable
Stress Design
Wind Speed,
Vasdf (mph)
Mean roof
height (feet) Roof slope <5:12 Roof slope
5:12<12:12
Roof slope
12:12 and
over
Page 23 of 311
85 0 - 60
Fasteners are not
required. Tiles with
installed weight less than
9 lbs/sq. ft. require not
fewer thanMinimum slope
is 4:12. Oone fastener
per tile.
One fastener per
tile every other
row. Perimeter
tiles require one
fastener. Tiles
with installed
weight less than
9 lbs/sq.ft.
require not fewer
than one fastener
per tile.
One fastener
required for
every tile.
Tiles with
installed
weight less
than 9 lbs./sq.
ft. require not
fewer than one
fastener per
tile.
100 0 - 40
. . . . . . . . .
INTERLOCKING CLAY OR CONCRETE ROOF TILE WITH PROJECTING ANCHOR LUGS
(Installations on solid sheathing without battens)
Maximum
Allowable
Stress Design
Wind Speed,
Vasdf (mph)
Mean roof
height (feet)
All Minimum roof slopes 4 units vertical in 12 units
horizontal
Maximum slope 7 units vertical in 12 units horizontal
. . . . . . . . .
California Code
Same above table without the strike out and additions
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis:
The Los Angeles County amendment to Table 1507.3.7 increases roof tile
attachment requirements for wind and seismic safety. While the California Building
Code allows a single fastener under some conditions, the County requires two fasteners
per tile across most situations, and adds explicit installation details such as clips and
mastic at eaves, rakes, hips, and ridges.
These local modifications reflect the County’s higher risk for strong Santa Ana winds
Page 24 of 311
and seismic events, aiming to reduce property damage and public hazards.
In short, state code meets minimum safety, while County code raises the standard for
local conditions.
The City of Rosemead does not experience extreme wind hazards that would
justify more restrictive roof tile attachment requirements. According to the City’s Local
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2017), “since the writing of the 2012 Mitigation Plan, there have
been no significant windstorms in the City of Rosemead.” The community is located
within the San Gabriel Valley, where wind speeds are generally lower than the foothill
and canyon areas more directly affected by strong Santa Ana winds.
Finding: Local wind conditions in Rosemead do not exceed those already
addressed by the California Building Code, and therefore the additional fastening
provisions of Los Angeles County’s amendment to Table 1507.3.7 are not warranted for
adoption.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code Chapter 16
1613.8 Modifications to ASCE 7.
The text of ASCE 7 shall be modified as indicated in Sections 1613.8.1 through
1613.5.3.
1613.8.1 ASCE 7, 12.2.3.1, Exception 3.
Modify ASCE 7, Section 12.2.3.1, Exception 3, to read as follows:
3. Detached one- and two-family dwellings up to two stories in height of light
frame construction.
1613.8.2 ASCE 7, Section 12.11.2.2.3.
Modify ASCE 7, Section 12.11.2.2.3, to read as follows:
12.11.2.2.3 Wood diaphragms.
Page 25 of 311
The anchorage of concrete or masonry structural walls to wood diaphragms shall
be in accordance with AWC SDPWS 4.1.5.1 and this sSection. Continuous ties
required by this sSection shall be in addition to the diaphragm sheathing. Anchorage
shall not be accomplished by use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal, nor shall
wood ledgers or framing be used in cross-grain bending or cross-grain tension. The
diaphragm sheathing shall not be considered effective as providing ties or struts
required by this Section.
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, wood
diaphragms supporting concrete or masonry walls shall comply with the following:
1. The spacing of continuous ties shall not exceed 40 feet. Added chords of
diaphragms may be used to form subdiaphragms to transmit the anchorage forces to
the main continuous crossties.
2. The maximum diaphragm shear used to determine the depth of the
subdiaphragm shall not exceed 75 percent of the maximum diaphragm shear.
1613.8.3 ASCE 7, 12.12.3.
Modify ASCE 7, Section 12.12.2, to read as follows:
All portions of the structure shall be designed and constructed to act as an
integral unit in resisting seismic forces unless separated structurally by a distance
sufficient to avoid damaging contact as set forth in this section.
Separations shall allow for the Maximum Design Earthquake Displacements,
δMDE, as determined in accordance with Section 12.8.6Equation 12.12-1:
MDE = Cd e + di
(Equation 12.12-1)
Page 26 of 311
SECTION 22. Section 1613.9 is hereby added to read as follows:
1613.9 Seismic design provisions for hillside buildings.
1613.9.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this Section is to establish minimum regulations for the design
and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when constructing
such buildings on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal
(33.3 percent). These regulations establish minimum standards for seismic force
resistance to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of earthquakes.
1613.9.2 Scope.
The provisions of this Section shall apply to the design of the lateral-force-
resisting system for hillside buildings at and below the base level diaphragm. The
design of the lateral-force-resisting system above the base level diaphragm shall be in
accordance with the provisions for seismic and wind design as required elsewhere in
this Chapter.
Exceptions:
1. Non-habitable accessory buildings and decks not supporting or supported
from the main building are exempt from these regulations.
2. Additions to existing buildings that do not exceed 10 percent of the
existing floor area provided that the addition is being supported completely by the
existing foundation.
1613.9.3 Definitions.
For the purposes of this Section certain terms are defined as follows:
BASE LEVEL DIAPHRAGM is the floor at, or closest to, the top of the highest
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level of the foundation.
DIAPHRAGM ANCHORS are assemblies that connect a diaphragm to the
adjacent foundation at the uphill diaphragm edge.
DOWNHILL DIRECTION is the descending direction of the slope approximately
perpendicular to the slope contours.
FOUNDATION is concrete or masonry that supports a building, including
footings, stem walls, retaining walls, and grade beams.
FOUNDATION EXTENDING IN THE DOWNHILL DIRECTION is a foundation
running downhill and approximately perpendicular to the uphill foundation.
HILLSIDE BUILDING is any building or portion thereof constructed on or into a
slope steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3 percent). If only a
portion of the building is supported on or into the slope, these regulations apply to the
entire building.
PRIMARY ANCHORS are diaphragm anchors designed for and providing a
direct connection as described in Sections 1613.9.5 and 1613.9.7.3 between the
diaphragm and the uphill foundation.
SECONDARY ANCHORS are diaphragm anchors designed for and providing a
redundant diaphragm to foundation connection, as described in Sections 1613.9.6 and
1613.9.7.4.
UPHILL DIAPHRAGM EDGE is the edge of the diaphragm adjacent and closest
to the highest ground level at the perimeter of the diaphragm.
UPHILL FOUNDATION is the foundation parallel and closest to the uphill
diaphragm edge.
Page 28 of 311
1613.9.4 Analysis and design.
1613.9.4.1 General.
Every hillside building within the scope of this Section shall be analyzed,
designed, and constructed in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. When the
code-prescribed wind design produces greater effects, the wind design shall govern, but
detailing requirements and limitations prescribed in this Section and all referenced
Sections shall be followed.
1613.9.4.2 Base level diaphragm-downhill direction.
The following provisions shall apply to the seismic analysis and design of the
connections for the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction.
1613.9.4.2.1 Base for lateral force design defined.
For seismic forces acting in the downhill direction, the base of the building shall
be the floor at, or closest to, the top of the highest level of the foundation.
1613.9.4.2.2 Base shear.
In developing the base shear for seismic design, the response modification
coefficient (R) shall not exceed 5 for bearing wall and building frame systems. The total
base shear shall include the forces tributary to the base level diaphragm, including
forces from the base level diaphragm.
1613.9.5 Base shear resistance for primary anchors.
1613.9.5.1 General.
The base shear in the downhill direction shall be resisted through primary
anchors from diaphragm struts provided in the base level diaphragm to the foundation.
1613.9.5.2 Location of primary anchors.
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A primary anchor and diaphragm strut shall be provided in line with each
foundation extending in the downhill direction. Primary anchors and diaphragm struts
shall also be provided where interior vertical lateral-force-resisting elements occur
above and in contact with the base level diaphragm. The spacing of primary anchors
and diaphragm struts or collectors shall in no case exceed 30 feet (9,144 mm).
1613.9.5.3 Design of primary anchors and diaphragm struts.
Primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with the
requirements of Section 1613.9.8.
1613.9.5.4 Limitations.
The following lateral-force-resisting elements shall not be designed to resist
seismic forces below the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction:
1. Wood structural panel wall sheathing;
2. Cement plaster and lath;
3. Gypsum wallboard; and
4. Tension-only braced frames.
Braced frames designed in accordance with the requirements of
Section 2205.2.2 may be used to transfer forces from the primary anchors and
diaphragm struts to the foundation provided lateral forces do not induce flexural
stresses in any member of the frame or in the diaphragm struts. Deflections of frames
shall account for the variation in slope of diagonal members when the frame is not
rectangular.
1613.9.6 Base shear resistance for secondary anchors.
1613.9.6.1 General.
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In addition to the primary anchors required by Section 1613.9.5, the base shear
in the downhill direction shall be resisted through secondary anchors in the uphill
foundation connected to diaphragm struts in the base level diaphragm.
Exception: Secondary anchors are not required where foundations extending in
the downhill direction spaced at not more than 30 feet (9,144 mm) on center extend up
to and are directly connected to the base level diaphragm for at least 70 percent of the
diaphragm depth.
1613.9.6.2 Secondary anchor capacity and spacing.
Secondary anchors at the base level diaphragm shall be designed for a minimum
force equal to the base shear, including forces tributary to the base level diaphragm, but
not less than 600 pounds per lineal foot (8.76 kN/m). The secondary anchors shall be
uniformly distributed along the uphill diaphragm edge and shall be spaced at a
maximum of four feet (1,219 mm) on center.
1613.9.6.3 Design.
Secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with
Section 1613.9.8.
1613.9.7 Diaphragms below the base level for downhill direction.
The following provisions shall apply to the lateral analysis and design of the
connections for all diaphragms below the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction.
1613.9.7.1 Diaphragm defined.
Every floor level below the base level diaphragm shall be designed as a
diaphragm.
1613.9.7.2 Design force.
Page 31 of 311
Each diaphragm below the base level diaphragm shall be designed for all
tributary loads at that level using a minimum seismic force factor not less than the base
shear coefficient.
1613.9.7.3 Design force-resistance for primary anchors.
The design force described in Section 1613.9.7.2 shall be resisted through
primary anchors from diaphragm struts provided in each diaphragm to the foundation.
Primary anchors shall be provided and designed in accordance with the requirements
and limitations of Section 1613.5.5.
1613.9.7.4 Design force-resistance for secondary anchors.
1613.9.7.4.1 General.
In addition to the primary anchors required in Section 1613.9.7.3, the design
force in the downhill direction shall be resisted through secondary anchors in the uphill
foundation connected to diaphragm struts in each diaphragm below the base level.
Exception: Secondary anchors are not required where foundations extending in
the downhill direction, spaced at not more than 30 feet (9,144 mm) on center, extend up
to and are directly connected to each diaphragm below the base level for at least
70 percent of the diaphragm depth.
1613.9.7.4.2 Secondary anchor capacity.
Secondary anchors at each diaphragm below the base level diaphragm shall be
designed for a minimum force equal to the design force but not less than 300 pounds
per lineal foot (4.38 kN/m). The secondary anchors shall be uniformly distributed along
the uphill diaphragm edge and shall be spaced at a maximum of four feet (1,219 mm)
on center.
Page 32 of 311
1613.9.7.4.3 Design.
Secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with
Section 1613.9.8.
1613.9.8 Primary and secondary anchorage and diaphragm strut
design.
Primary and secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in
accordance with the following provisions:
1. Fasteners. All bolted fasteners used to develop connections to wood
members shall be provided with square plate washers at all bolt heads and nuts.
Washers shall be minimum 0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.82 mm by 76 mm by
76 mm) in size. Nuts shall be tightened to finger tight plus one-half (1/2) wrench turn
prior to covering the framing.
2. Fastening. The diaphragm to foundation anchorage shall not be
accomplished by the use of toenailing, nails subject to withdrawal, or wood in cross-
grain bending or cross-grain tension.
3. Size of Wood Members. Wood diaphragm struts, collectors, and other
wood members connected to primary anchors shall not be less than three-inch (76 mm)
nominal width. The effects of eccentricity on wood members shall be evaluated as
required per Item 9.
4. Design. Primary and secondary anchorage, including diaphragm struts,
splices, and collectors shall be designed for 125 percent of the tributary force.
5. Allowable Stress Increase. The one-third allowable stress increase
permitted under Section 1605.2 shall not be taken when the working (allowable) stress
Page 33 of 311
design method is used.
6. Steel Element of Structural Wall Anchorage System. The strength design
forces for steel elements of the structural wall anchorage system, with the exception of
anchor bolts and reinforcing steel, shall be increased by 1.4 times the forces otherwise
required.
7. Primary Anchors. The load path for primary anchors and diaphragm struts
shall be fully developed into the diaphragm and into the foundation. The foundation
must be shown to be adequate to resist the concentrated loads from the primary
anchors.
8. Secondary Anchors. The load path for secondary anchors and diaphragm
struts shall be fully developed in the diaphragm but need not be developed beyond the
connection to the foundation.
9. Symmetry. All lateral force foundation anchorage and diaphragm strut
connections shall be symmetrical. Eccentric connections may be permitted when
demonstrated by calculation or tests that all components of force have been provided
for in the structural analysis or tests.
10. Wood Ledgers. Wood ledgers shall not be used to resist cross-grain
bending or cross-grain tension.
1613.9.9 Lateral-force-resisting elements normal to the downhill
direction.
1613.9.9.1 General.
In the direction normal to the downhill direction, lateral-force-resisting elements
shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of this Section.
Page 34 of 311
1613.9.9.2 Base shear.
In developing the base shear for seismic design, the response modification
coefficient (R) shall not exceed 5 for bearing wall and building frame systems.
1613.9.9.3 Vertical distribution of seismic forces.
For seismic forces acting normal to the downhill direction the distribution of
seismic forces over the height of the building using Section 12.8.3 of ASCE 7 shall be
determined using the height measured from the top of the lowest level of the building
foundation.
1613.9.9.4 Drift limitations.
The story drift below the base level diaphragm shall not exceed 0.007 times the
story height at strength design force level. The total drift from the base level diaphragm
to the top of the foundation shall not exceed 3/4 inch (19 mm). Where the story height
or the height from the base level diaphragm to the top of the foundation varies because
of a stepped footing or story offset, the height shall be measured from the average
height of the top of the foundation. The story drift shall not be reduced by the effect of
horizontal diaphragm stiffness.
1613.9.9.5 Distribution of lateral forces.
1613.9.9.5.1 General.
The design lateral force shall be distributed to lateral-force-resisting elements of
varying heights in accordance with the stiffness of each individual element.
1613.9.9.5.2 Wood structural panel sheathed walls.
The stiffness of a stepped wood structural panel shear wall may be determined
by dividing the wall into adjacent rectangular elements, subject to the same top of wall
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deflection. Deflections of shear walls may be estimated by AWC SDPWS Section 4.3.2.
Sheathing and fastening requirements for the stiffest section shall be used for the entire
wall. Each section of wall shall be anchored for shear and uplift at each step. The
minimum horizontal length of a step shall be 8 feet (2438 mm) and the maximum
vertical height of a step shall be 2 feet, 8 inches (813 mm).
1613.9.9.5.3 Reinforced concrete or masonry shear walls.
Reinforced concrete or masonry shear walls shall have forces distributed in
proportion to the rigidity of each section of the wall.
1613.9.9.6 Limitations.
The following lateral force-resisting-elements shall not be designed to resist
lateral forces below the base level diaphragm in the direction normal to the downhill
direction:
1. Cement plaster and lath;
2. Gypsum wallboard; and
3. Tension-only braced frames.
Braced frames designed in accordance with the requirements of
Section 2202.2.1.2 of this Code may be designed as lateral-force-resisting elements in
the direction normal to the downhill direction, provided lateral forces do not induce
flexural stresses in any member of the frame. Deflections of frames shall account for
the variation in slope of diagonal members when the frame is not rectangular.
1613.9.10 Specific design provisions.
1613.9.10.1 Footings and grade beams.
All footings and grade beams shall comply with the following:
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1. Grade beams shall extend at least 12 inches (305 mm) below the lowest
adjacent grade and provide a minimum 24-inch (610 mm) distance horizontally from the
bottom outside face of the grade beam to the face of the descending slope.
2. Continuous footings shall be reinforced with at least two No. 4 reinforcing
bars at the top and two No. 4 reinforcing bars at the bottom.
3. All main footing and grade beam reinforcement steel shall be bent into the
intersecting footing and fully developed around each corner and intersection.
4. All concrete stem walls shall extend from the foundation and be reinforced
as required for concrete or masonry walls.
1613.9.10.2 Protection against decay and termites.
All wood to earth separation shall comply with the following:
1. Where a footing or grade beam extends across a descending slope, the
stem wall, grade beam, or footing shall extend up to a minimum 18 inches (457 mm)
above the highest adjacent grade.
Exception: At paved garage and doorway entrances to the building, the stem
wall need only extend to the finished concrete slab, provided the wood framing is
protected with a moisture proof barrier.
2. Wood ledgers supporting a vertical load of more than 100 pounds per
lineal foot (1.46 kN/m) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels and located
within 48 inches (1219 mm) of adjacent grade are prohibited. Galvanized steel ledgers
and anchor bolts, with or without wood nailers, or treated or decay resistant sill plates
supported on a concrete or masonry seat, may be used.
1613.9.10.3 Sill plates.
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All sill plates and anchorage shall comply with the following:
1. All wood framed walls, including nonbearing walls, when resting on a
footing, foundation, or grade beam stem wall, shall be supported on wood sill plates
bearing on a level surface.
2. Power-driven fasteners shall not be used to anchor sill plates except at
interior nonbearing walls not designed as shear walls.
1613.9.10.4 Column base plate anchorage.
The base of isolated wood posts (not framed into a stud wall) supporting a
vertical load of 4,000 pounds (17.8 kN) or more based on ASD levels, and the base
plate for a steel column shall comply with the following:
1. When the post or column is supported on a pedestal extending above the
top of a footing or grade beam, the pedestal shall be designed and reinforced as
required for concrete or masonry columns. The pedestal shall be reinforced with a
minimum of four No. 4 bars extending to the bottom of the footing or grade beam. The
top of exterior pedestals shall be sloped for positive drainage.
2. The base plate anchor bolts or the embedded portion of the post base,
and the vertical reinforcing bars for the pedestal, shall be confined with two No. 4 or
three No. 3 ties within the top 5 inches (127 mm) of the concrete or masonry pedestal.
The base plate anchor bolts shall be embedded a minimum of 20 bolt diameters into the
concrete or masonry pedestal. The base plate anchor bolts and post bases shall be
galvanized and each anchor bolt shall have at least two galvanized nuts above the base
plate.
1613.9.10.5 Steel beam to column supports.
Page 38 of 311
All steel beam to column supports shall be positively braced in each direction.
Steel beams shall have stiffener plates installed on each side of the beam web at the
column. The stiffener plates shall be welded to each beam flange and the beam web.
Each brace connection or structural member shall consist of at least two 5/8 inch
(15.9 mm) diameter machine bolts.
SECTION 23. Section 1613.7 is hereby added to read as follows:
1613.10 Suspended ceilings.
Minimum design and installation standards for suspended ceilings shall be
determined in accordance with the requirements of Section 2506.2.1 and this Section.
1613.10.1 Scope.
This part contains special requirements for suspended ceilings and lighting
systems. Provisions of Section 13.5.6 of ASCE 7 shall apply except as modified herein.
1613.10.2 General.
The suspended ceilings and lighting systems shall be limited to 6 feet (1828 mm)
below the structural deck unless the lateral bracing is designed by a licensed engineer
or architect.
1613.10.3 Sprinkler heads.
All sprinkler heads (drops) except fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling
assemblies, shall be designed to allow for free movement of the sprinkler pipes with
oversize rings, sleeves or adaptors through the ceiling tile. Sprinkler heads and other
penetrations shall have a 2-inch (50mm) oversize ring, sleeve, or adapter through the
ceiling tile to allow for free movement of at least 1 inch (25mm) in all horizontal
directions. Alternatively, a swing joint that can accommodate 1 inch (25 mm) of ceiling
Page 39 of 311
movement in all horizontal directions is permitted to be provided at the top of the
sprinkler head extension.
Sprinkler heads penetrating fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling
assemblies shall comply with Section 714.
1613.10.4 Special requirements for means of egress.
Suspended ceiling assemblies located along means of egress serving an
occupant load of 30 or more and at lobbies accessory to Group A Occupancies shall
comply with the following provisions.
1613.10.4.1 General.
Ceiling suspension systems shall be connected and braced with vertical hangers
attached directly to the structural deck along the means of egress serving an occupant
load of 30 or more and at lobbies accessory to Group A Occupancies. Spacing of
vertical hangers shall not exceed 2 feet (610 mm) on center along the entire length of
the suspended ceiling assembly located along the means of egress or at the lobby.
1613.10.4.2 Assembly device.
All lay-in panels shall be secured to the suspension ceiling assembly with two
hold-down clips minimum for each tile within a 4-foot (1219 mm) radius of the exit lights
and exit signs.
1613.10.4.3 Emergency systems.
Independent supports and braces shall be provided for light fixtures required for
exit illumination. Power supply for exit illumination shall comply with the requirements of
Section 1008.2.4 of this Code.
1613.10.4.4 Supports for appendages.
Page 40 of 311
Separate support from the structural deck shall be provided for all appendages
such as light fixtures, air diffusers, exit signs, and similar elements.
California Code
Not applicable
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis:
Los Angeles County’s Modifications:
Los Angeles County expanded Section 1613 – Earthquake Loads of the
California Building Code to add several detailed amendments:
ASCE 7 Clarifications – The County modified specific ASCE 7 provisions
governing seismic design:
Exception 3 of 12.2.3.1 limits the simplified seismic design exemption strictly to
detached one- and two-story light-frame dwellings, clarifying scope for smaller buildings.
12.11.2.2.3 (Wood Diaphragms) restates and reinforces anchorage requirements
between masonry or concrete walls and wood diaphragms, prohibiting toenails and
requiring continuous ties—ensuring stronger load paths in earthquakes.
12.12.3 (Seismic Separation) clarifies calculation of building separations and drift
limits to avoid pounding between structures.
New Section 1613.9 – Seismic Design for Hillside Buildings
Adds an entirely new County-specific section establishing stringent design
standards for buildings constructed on slopes steeper than 1 vertical in 3 horizontal
(≈33%). It requires specialized anchorage, diaphragm tie systems, and defined load
paths to prevent downhill sliding or rotation during seismic events.
Page 41 of 311
New Section 1613.10 – Suspended Ceilings
Adds requirements for bracing and independent support of ceiling systems and
light fixtures, particularly in means-of-egress corridors, to minimize collapse or
detachment during an earthquake.
Rosemead is generally flat and urbanized, with no steep-slope construction
areas. Therefore, the County’s hillside seismic design section (1613.9) is not
applicable.
The California Building Code already contains robust seismic design and
diaphragm anchorage provisions through ASCE 7. Rosemead enforces these State
standards directly, which provide adequate safety without adopting additional County
layers. The State code also addresses suspended ceilings and non-structural
components under ASCE 7 §13.5 and CBC §2506.2.1. The County’s extra detailing is
useful for large public facilities but not essential for Rosemead’s typical building stock.
Los Angeles County strengthened Chapter 16 to address steep-slope
construction, complex anchorage conditions, and large ceiling systems common in its
hillside and coastal regions.
The City of Rosemead, being flat and fully developed, does not face those site-
specific seismic challenges.
By adopting the State’s unmodified Chapter 16, Rosemead maintains full compliance
with the California Building Standards Code while avoiding unnecessary local provisions
that do not reflect its geological conditions.
Page 42 of 311
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code Chapter 17
1704.6 Structural observations.
Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1 the owner or the owner's
authorized agent shall employ a registered design professionalstructural observer to
perform structural observations. The structural observer shall visually observe
representative locations of structural systems, details and load paths for general
conformance to the approved construction documents. Structural observation does not
include or waive the responsibility for the inspections in Section 110108 or the special
inspections in Section 1705 or other sections of this cCode. The structural observer
shall be one of the following individuals:
1. The registered design professional responsible for the structural design, or
2. A registered design professional designated by the registered design
professional responsible for the structural design.
Prior to the commencement of observations, the structural observer shall submit
to the bBuilding oOfficial a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of
structural observations.
At the conclusion of the work included in the permit, the structural observer shall
submit to the building official a written statement that the site visits have been made and
identify any reported deficiencies that, to the best of the structural observer's
knowledge, have not been resolved.
The owner or owner's authorized agent shall coordinate and call a
preconstruction meeting between the structural observer, contractors, affected
subcontractors, and special inspectors. The structural observer shall preside over the
meeting. The purpose of the meeting shall be to identify the major structural elements
Page 43 of 311
and connections that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the
structure and to review scheduling of the required observations. A record of the
meeting shall be included in the report submitted to the Building Official.
Observed deficiencies shall be reported in writing to the owner or owner's
authorized agent, special inspector, contractor, and the Building Official. Upon the form
prescribed by the Building Official, the structural observer shall submit to the Building
Official a written statement at each significant construction stage stating that the site
visits have been made and identifying any reported deficiencies which, to the best of the
structural observer's knowledge, have not been resolved. A final report by the structural
observer, which states that all observed deficiencies have been resolved, is required
before acceptance of the work by the Building Official.
SECTION 26. Section 1704.6.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1704.6.1 Structural observations for structures.
. . .
3. The structure is assigned to Seismic Design Category E, and is greater
than two stories above the grade planeA lateral design is required for the structure or
portion thereof.
Exception: One-story wood framed Group R-3 and Group U Occupancies less
than 2,000 square feet in area, provided the adjacent grade is not steeper than 1 unit
vertical in 10 units horizontal (10 percent sloped), assigned to Seismic Design
Category D.
. . .
SECTION 27. Section 1705.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Page 44 of 311
1705.3 Concrete Construction.
Special inspections and tests of concrete construction shall be performed in
accordance with this section and Table 1705.3.
Exception: Special inspections and tests shall not be required for:
1. Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above
grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock where the structural design of the
footing is based on a specified compressive strength (f'c) not greater than 2,500 pounds
per square inch (psi) (17.2 Mpa) regardless of the compressive strength specified in the
construction documents or used in the footing construction.
. . .
4. Concrete foundation walls constructed in accordance with Table
1807.1.6.2.
54. Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade.
SECTION 28. Section 1705.13 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1705.13 Special inspections for seismic resistance.
. . .
Exception: The special inspections specified in Sections 1705.13.1 through
1705.13.9 are not required for structures designed and constructed in accordance with
one of the following:
. . .
3. The structure is a detached one- or two-family dwelling not exceeding two
stories above grade plane, provided the structure is not assigned to Seismic Design
Page 45 of 311
Category D, E, or F and does not have any of the following horizontal or vertical
irregularities in accordance with Section 12.3 of ASCE 7:
California Code
1704.2.3 Statement of special inspections. The applicant shall submit a
statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 107.1 as a condition for
permit issuance. This statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704.3.
Exception: A statement of special inspections is not required for portions of
structures designed and constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-
frame construction provisions of Section 2206.1.2 or the conventional light-frame
construction provisions of Section 2308. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.
1704.6 Structural observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1,
the owner or the owner’s authorized agent
shall employ a registered design professional to perform structural observations. The
structural observer shall visually observe
representative locations of structural systems, details and load paths for general
conformance to the approved construction documents.
Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the inspections in
Section 110 or the special
inspections in Section 1705 or other sections of this code. Prior to the commencement
of observations, the structural observer shall
submit to the building official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of
structural observations. At the conclusion
of the work included in the permit, the structural observer shall submit to the building
official a written statement that the site visits
have been made and identify any reported deficiencies that, to the best of the structural
observer’s knowledge, have not been
resolved.
Page 46 of 311
1704.6.1 Structural observations for structures. Structural observations shall be
provided for those structures where one or
more of the following conditions exist:
1. The structure is classified as Risk Category III or IV.
2. The structure is a high-rise building.
3. The structure is assigned to Seismic Design Category E, and is greater than two
stories above grade plane.
4. Such observation is required by the registered design professional responsible for the
structural design.
5. Such observation is specifically required by the building official.
1705.3 Concrete construction. Special inspections and tests of concrete construction
shall be performed in accordance with this
section and Table 1705.3.
Exceptions: Special inspections and tests shall not be required for: [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]
Exceptions 1 through 4 are not permitted by OSHPD.
1. Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade plane
that are fully supported on earth or rock.
2. Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less above
grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock where:
2.1. The footings support walls of light-frame construction.
2.2. The footings are designed in accordance with Table 1809.7.
2.3. The structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength,
f′c, not more than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 MPa), regardless of the
compressive strength specified in the approved construction documents or used in the
footing construction. 3. Nonstructural concrete slabs supported directly on the ground,
including prestressed slabs on grade, where the effective prestress in the concrete is
less than 150 psi (1.03 MPa).
4. Concrete foundation walls constructed in accordance with Table 1807.1.6.2.
5. Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade.
1705.13 Special inspections for seismic resistance. Special inspections for seismic
resistance shall be required as specified in
Page 47 of 311
Sections 1705.13.1 through 1705.13.9, unless exempted by the exceptions of Section
1704.2.
Exception: The special inspections specified in Sections 1705.13.1 through 1705.13.9
are not required for structures designed and
constructed in accordance with one of the following:
1. The structure consists of light-frame construction; the design spectral response
acceleration at short periods, SDS, as
determined in Section 1613.2.4, does not exceed 0.5; and the building height of the
structure does not exceed 35 feet (10
668 mm).
2. The seismic force-resisting system of the structure consists of reinforced masonry or
reinforced concrete; the design
spectral response acceleration at short periods, SDS, as determined in Section
1613.2.4, does not exceed 0.5; and the
building height of the structure does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm).
3. The structure is a detached one- or two-family dwelling not exceeding two stories
above grade plane and does not have
any of the following horizontal or vertical irregularities in accordance with Section 12.3
of ASCE 7:
3.1. Torsional or extreme torsional irregularity.
3.2. Nonparallel systems irregularity.
3.3. Stiffness-soft story or stiffness-extreme soft story irregularity.
3.4. Discontinuity in lateral strength-weak story irregularity.
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis:
Los Angeles County amended several provisions of California Building Code
Chapter 17, which governs special inspections, testing, and structural observations. The
County’s amendments expand administrative oversight and add coordination
Page 48 of 311
requirements among engineers, contractors, and inspectors—particularly for projects in
higher seismic design categories (D, E, or F) and for complex hillside or multi-story
structures.
Key County changes include:
Requiring preconstruction coordination meetings led by the structural observer
(Section 1704.6) to identify key structural elements and load paths prior to construction.
Expanding reporting obligations and frequency of observation statements
throughout construction, not only at completion.
Broadening the conditions that trigger mandatory structural observations,
including any project requiring a lateral design in Seismic Design Category E.
Adjusting concrete inspection exceptions (Section 1705.3) and seismic special
inspection thresholds (Section 1705.13) to remove certain exemptions allowed under
the State code.
These amendments are intended to address the County’s extensive hillside
development, taller structures, and higher seismic risk zones, where construction
irregularities or deficient anchorage could pose greater life-safety concerns.
The California Building Code, as published by the California Building Standards
Commission, already requires comprehensive special inspections and structural
observations for critical facilities, high-rise buildings, and all structures within higher
seismic design categories. These State standards are widely recognized and sufficient
for flat, urban communities like Rosemead, where buildings are typically of low to mid-
rise light-frame or conventional construction.
Page 49 of 311
The City of Rosemead continues to require engineered design under ASCE 7
and Section 1613.8.2 for seismic anchorage and diaphragm design, and compliance
with CBC Section 1704 for special inspections. These provisions ensure structural
integrity without imposing the additional administrative steps or expanded reporting
processes included in the County’s amendments.
The Los Angeles County amendments to Chapter 17 enhance structural
oversight in response to the County’s complex hillside and high-seismic environments.
For Rosemead ,where development conditions are moderate and primarily low-
rise, direct adoption of the California Building Code provides an equivalent level of
public safety with a more straightforward, consistent, and cost-effective process for
applicants and staff.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code Chapter 18
1807.1.4 Permanent wood foundations systems.
Permanent wood foundation systems shall be designed and installed in
accordance with AWC PWF. Lumber and plywood shall be preservative treated in
accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Special Requirement 4.2), and
shall be identified in accordance with Section 2303.1.9.1. Permanent wood foundation
systems shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or
F.
SECTION 30. Section 1807.1.6 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1807.1.6 Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation
walls.
Concrete and masonry foundation walls that are laterally supported at the top
Page 50 of 311
and bottom shall be permitted to be designed and constructed in accordance with this
section. Prescriptive design of foundation walls shall not be used for structures
assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
SECTION 31. Section 1807.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1807.2 Retaining walls.
Retaining walls shall be designed in accordance with Section 1807.2.1 through
1807.2.4. Retaining walls assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F shall not be
partially or wholly constructed of wood.
SECTION 32. Section 1807.3.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1807.3.1 Limitations.
The design procedures outlined in this section are subject to the following
limitations:
1. The frictional resistance for structural walls and slabs on silts and clays
shall be limited to one-half of the normal force imposed on the soils by the weight of the
footing or slab.
2. Posts embedded in earth shall not be used to provide lateral support for
structural or nonstructural materials such as plaster, masonry or concrete unless
bracing is provided that develops the limited deflection required.
Wood poles shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 for sawn timber posts
(Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B) and for round timber posts (Commodity
Specification B, Use Category 4B). Wood poles and posts embedded in direct contact
with soil shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or
F.
Page 51 of 311
Wood poles and posts embedded in accordance with Methods 2 and 3 of Section
1807.3.3 shall not be permitted for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D,
E, or F, except when used to support nonhabitable, nonoccupiable structures such as
fences when approved by the Building Official.
SECTION 33. Section 1809.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1809.3 Stepped footings.
. . .
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, the stepping
requirement shall also apply to the top surface of continuous footings supporting walls.
Footings shall be reinforced with four No. 4 reinforcing bars. Two bars shall be located
at the top and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure 1809.3.
Page 52 of 311
SECTION 34. Figure 1809.3 is hereby added to read as follows:
FIGURE 1809.3
STEPPED FOOTING
SECTION 35. Section 1809.7 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1809.7 Prescriptive footings for light-frame construction.
Where a specific design is not provided, concrete or masonry-unit footings
supporting walls of light-frame construction shall be permitted to be designed in
accordance with Table 1809.7. Prescriptive footings in accordance with Table 1809.7
shall not be used to support structures that exceed one story above grade plane and
are assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
Page 53 of 311
SECTION 36. Table 1809.7 is hereby amended to read as follows:
TABLE 1809.7
PRESCRIPTIVE FOOTINGS SUPPORTING WALLS OF
LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION a, b, c, d, e
NUMBER OF FLOORS
SUPPORTED BY THE FOOTINGf
WIDTH OF
FOOTING (inches)
THICKNESS OF
FOOTING (inches)
1 12 6
2 15 6
3 18 8g
. . .
c. Interior stud-bearing walls shall be permitted to be supported by isolated
footings. The footing width and length shall be twice the width shown in this table, and
footings shall be spaced not more than 6 feet on center.[Reserved].
. . .
g. Plain concrete footings for Group R-3 occupancies shall be permitted to
be 6 inches thick[Deleted].
SECTION 37. Section 1809.12 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1809.12 Timber footings.
Timber footings shall be permitted for buildings of Type V construction and as
otherwise approved by the bBuilding oOfficial. Such footings shall be treated in
accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B). Treated
timbers are not required where placed entirely below permanent water level, or where
used as capping for wood piles that project above the water level over submerged or
marsh lands. The compressive stresses perpendicular to grain in untreated timber
footings supported upon treated piles shall not exceed 70 percent of the allowable
Page 54 of 311
stresses for the species and grade of timber as specified in the ANSI/AWC NDS.
Timber footings shall not be used in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D,
E, or F.
SECTION 38. Section 1810.3.2.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1810.3.2.4 Timber.
Timber deep foundation elements shall be designed as piles or poles in
accordance with ANSI/AWC NDS. Round timber elements shall conform to ASTM D25.
Sawn timber elements shall conform to DOC PS-20. Timber shall not be used in
structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
California Code Chapter 18
1807.1.4 Permanent wood foundation systems. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not
permitted by OSHPD. Permanent wood foundation systems shall be designed and
installed in accordance with AWC PWF. Lumber and plywood shall be preservative
treated in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Special Requirement
4.2) and shall be identified in accordance with Section 2303.1.9.1.
1807.1.6 Prescriptive design of concrete and masonry foundation walls. [OSHPD
1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. Concrete and masonry foundation walls that are
laterally supported at the top and bottom shall be permitted to be designed and
constructed in accordance with this section.
1807.2 Retaining walls. Retaining walls shall be designed in accordance with
Sections 1807.2.1 through 1807.2.4.
1807.3.1 Limitations. The design procedures outlined in this section are subject
to the following limitations:
1. The frictional resistance for structural walls and slabs on silts and clays shall
Page 55 of 311
be limited to one-half of the normal force imposed on the soil by the weight of the
footing or slab.
2. Posts embedded in earth shall not be used to provide lateral support for
structural or nonstructural materials such as plaster, masonry or concrete unless
bracing is provided that develops the limited deflection required.
Wood poles shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 for sawn timber posts
(Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B) and for round timber posts (Commodity
Specification B, Use Category 4B).
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).
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Individual steps in continuous footings shall not exceed 18
inches (457 mm) in height and the slope of a series of such steps shall not exceed 1
unit vertical to 2 units horizontal (50-percent slope) unless otherwise recommended by a
geotechnical report.
The steps shall be detailed on the drawings. The local effects due to the
discontinuity of the steps shall be considered in the design of the foundation.
1809.7 Prescriptive footings for light-frame construction. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not
permitted by OSHPD. Where a specific design is not provided, concrete or masonry-unit
footings supporting walls of light-frame construction shall be permitted to be designed in
accordance with Table 1809.7.
Page 56 of 311
TABLE 1809.7—PRESCRIPTIVE FOOTINGS SUPPORTING WALLS OF LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTIONa, b, c, d, e
NUMBER OF FLOORS SUPPORTED BY THE FOOTINGf WIDTH OF FOOTING (inches) THICKNESS OF FOOTING (inches)
1 12 6
2 15 6
3 18 8g
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Depth of footings shall be in accordance with Section 1809.4.
b. The ground under the floor shall be permitted to be excavated to the elevation of the top of the footing.
c. Interior stud-bearing walls shall be permitted to be supported by isolated footings. The footing width and length shall be twice the width shown in this table, and footings
shall be spaced not more than 6 feet on center.
d. See Section 1905 for additional requirements for concrete footings of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.
e. For thickness of foundation walls, see Section 1807.1.6.
f. Footings shall be permitted to support a roof in addition to the stipulated number of floors. Footings supporting roof only shall be as required for supporting one floor.
g. Plain concrete footings for Group R-3 occupancies shall be permitted to be 6 inches thick.
1809.12 Timber footings. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. Timber
footings shall be permitted for buildings of Type V construction and as otherwise
approved by the building official. Such footings shall be treated in accordance with
AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B). Treated timbers are not
required where placed entirely below permanent water level, or where used as capping
for wood piles that project above the water level over submerged or marsh lands. The
compressive stresses perpendicular to grain in untreated timber footings supported on
treated piles shall not exceed 70 percent of the allowable stresses for the species and
grade of timber as specified in the ANSI/AWC NDS.
1810.3.2.4 Timber. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. Timber deep
foundation elements shall be designed as piles or poles in accordance with ANSI/AWC
NDS. Round timber elements shall conform to ASTM D25. Sawn timber elements shall
conform to DOC PS-20.
Comparison Analysis:
Los Angeles County’s amendments to California Building Code (CBC) Chapter
18 – Soils and Foundations primarily tighten restrictions for foundation systems and
materials in high seismic design categories (D, E, and F). The County’s revisions
Page 57 of 311
prohibit the use of wood-based foundation systems, prescriptive foundation walls,
and timber footings in such seismic zones, and add reinforcement requirements for
stepped footings and retaining walls.
The amendments reflect the County’s unique hillside and high-risk terrain,
where soil movement, slope instability, and deep foundation systems are more
common. In these environments, additional prescriptive safeguards against foundation
failure and material degradation are prudent due to steep slopes and variable soil
conditions.
By contrast, the California Building Code already establishes minimum
geotechnical and structural standards that require engineered foundation design for
buildings in Seismic Design Categories D, E, and F. The State Code also references
ASCE 7, AWC, and AWPA standards for treated wood and concrete design, which are
sufficient to ensure durability and seismic safety when properly enforced through plan
review and inspection.
The City of Rosemead is a built-out, predominantly low-rise community with
level terrain and minimal hillside development. The risk factors that motivated the
County’s amendments, such as steep slopes, expansive soils, or deep foundations, are
not typically present in Rosemead’s development context.
The Los Angeles County amendments to Chapter 18 provide additional
restrictions on foundation materials and prescriptive construction methods tailored to
hillside or high-seismic areas.
For Rosemead, direct adoption of the California Building Code already provides a
sufficient framework for geotechnical safety, structural integrity, and foundation design,
Page 58 of 311
without imposing the additional prohibitions or detailing requirements intended for more
complex terrain.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code Chapter 19
1905.6.2 Seismic Design Categories C, D, E, and F.
Structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F shall not have
elements of structural plain concrete, except as follows:
1. Structural plain concrete basement, foundation or other walls below the base
as defined in ASCE/SEI 7 are permitted in detached one- and two-family dwellings three
stories or less in height constructed with stud-bearing walls. In dwellings assigned to
Seismic Design Category D or E, the height of the wall shall not exceed 8 feet (2438
mm), the thickness shall not be less than 7½ inches (190 mm), and the wall shall retain
no more than 4 feet (1219 mm) of unbalanced fill. Walls shall have reinforcement in
accordance with 14.6.1 of ACI318.Concrete used for fill with a minimum cement content
of 2 sacks of Portland cement or cementious material per cubic yard.
2. Isolated footings of plain concrete supporting pedestals or columns are
permitted, provided that the projection of the footing beyond the face of the supported
member does not exceed the footing thickness.
Exception: In detached one- and two-family dwellings three stories or less in
height, the projection of the footing beyond the face of the supported member is
permitted to exceed the footing thickness.
3. Plain concrete footings supporting walls are permitted, provided that the
footings have at least two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars. Bars shall not be
smaller than No. 4 and shall have a total area of not less than 0.002 times the gross
Page 59 of 311
cross-sectional area of the footing. For footings that exceed 8 inches (203 mm) in
thickness,nNot fewer than one bar shall be provided at the top and bottom of the
footing. Continuity of reinforcement shall be provided at corners and intersections.
Exceptions:
1. Where assigned to Seismic Design Category C, dDetached one- and two-
family dwellings three stories or less in height and constructed with stud-bearing walls
are permitted to have plain concrete footings without longitudinal reinforcementwith at
least two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars not smaller than No. 4 and a total area
of less than 0.002 times the gross cross-sectional area of the footing.
2. For foundation systems consisting of a plain concrete footing and a plain
concrete stemwall, not fewer than one bar shall be provided at the top of the stemwall
and at the bottom of the footing.
3. Footings cast monolithically with a slab-on-ground shall have not fewer
than one No. 4 bar at the top and bottom of the footing or one No. 5 bar or two No. 4
bars in the middle third of the footing depth.
SECTION 41. Section 1905.7 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1905.7 Design requirements for anchors.
For the design requirements for anchors, Sections 1905.7.1 and 1905.7.2
provide exceptions that are permitted to ACI 318. These requirements shall be
applicable to all buildings.
. . .
SECTION 42. Section 1905.8 is hereby added to read as follows:
1905.8 ACI 318, Section 18.7.5.
Page 60 of 311
Modify ACI 318, Section 18.7.5, by adding Sections 18.7.5.8 and 18.7.5.9 as
follows:
18.7.5.8 Where the calculated point of contraflexure is not within the middle
half of the member clear height, provide transverse reinforcement as specified in
ACI 318, Section 18.7.5.1, Items (a) through (c), over the full height of the member.
18.7.5.9 At any section where the design strength, Pn, of the column is less
than the sum of the shears Ve computed in accordance with ACI 318, Sections 18.7.6.1
and 18.6.5.1, for all the beams framing into the column above the level under
consideration, transverse reinforcement as specified in ACI 318, Sections 18.7.5.1
through 18.7.5.3, shall be provided. For beams framing into opposite sides of the
column, the moment components may be assumed to be of opposite sign. For the
determination of the design strength, Pn, of the column, these moments may be
assumed to result from the deformation of the frame in any one principal axis.
SECTION 43. Section 1905.9 is hereby added to read as follows:
1905.9 ACI 318, Section 18.10.4.
Modify ACI 318, Section 18.10.4, by adding Section 18.10.4.7 as follows:
18.10.4.7 Walls and portions of walls with Pu > 0.35Po shall not be considered
to contribute to the calculated shear strength of the structure for resisting earthquake-
induced forces. Such walls shall conform to the requirements of ACI 318,
Section 18.14.
SECTION 44. Section 1905.10 is hereby added to read as follows:
1905.10 ACI 318, Section 18.12.6.
Modify ACI 318, by adding Section 18.12.6.2, as follows:
Page 61 of 311
18.12.6.2 Collector and boundary elements in topping slabs placed over
precast floor and roof elements shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) or 6 db in
thickness, where db is the diameter of the largest reinforcement in the topping slab.
California Code
1905.1 General. In addition to the provisions of ACI 318, structural concrete shall
comply with the requirements of Section 1905.
1905.6.2 Seismic Design Categories C, D, E and F. Structures assigned to
Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F shall not have elements of structural plain
concrete, except as follows:
1. Structural plain concrete basement, foundation or other walls below the base
as defined in ASCE/SEI 7 are permitted in detached one- and two-family dwellings three
stories or less in height constructed with stud-bearing walls. In dwellings assigned to
Seismic Design Category D or E, the height of the wall shall not exceed 8 feet (2438
mm), the thickness shall be not less than 71/2 inches (190 mm), and the wall shall
retain not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) of unbalanced fill. Walls shall have reinforcement
in accordance with Section 14.6.1 of ACI 318.
2. Isolated footings of plain concrete supporting pedestals or columns are
permitted, provided that the projection of the footing beyond the face of the supported
member does not exceed the footing thickness.
Exception: In detached one- and two-family dwellings three stories or less in
height, the projection of the footing beyond the face of the supported member is
permitted to exceed the footing thickness.
Page 62 of 311
3. Plain concrete footings supporting walls are permitted, provided that the
footings have not fewer than two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars. Bars shall not
be smaller than No. 4 and shall have a total area of not less than 0.002 times the gross
cross-sectional area of the footing. For footings that exceed 8 inches (203 mm) in
thickness, not fewer than one bar shall be provided at the top and bottom of the footing.
Continuity of reinforcement shall be provided at corners and intersections.
Exceptions:
1. Where assigned to Seismic Design Category C, detached one- and two-family
dwellings three stories or less in height constructed with stud-bearing walls are
permitted to have plain concrete footings without longitudinal reinforcement.
2. For foundation systems consisting of a plain concrete footing and a plain
concrete stemwall, not fewer than one bar shall be provided at the top of the stemwall
and at the bottom of the footing.
3. Footings cast monolithically with a slab-on-ground shall have not fewer than
one No. 4 bar at the top and bottom of the footing or one No. 5 bar or two No. 4 bars in
the middle third of the footing depth.
1905.7 Design requirements for anchors. For the design requirements for anchors,
Sections 1905.7.1 and 1905.7.2 provide exceptions that are permitted to ACI 318.
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis:
Los Angeles County has adopted amendments to California Building Code
Page 63 of 311
Chapter 19 – Concrete, adding several expanded design and reinforcement
requirements primarily aimed at improving seismic performance of concrete elements in
Seismic Design Categories C, D, E, and F.
Key County modifications include:
Added reinforcement provisions for footings, plain concrete walls, and stemwalls
even where the State Code already allows such elements under limited seismic
categories.
New requirements for preconstruction meeting coordination between design
professionals, contractors, and inspectors to verify observation scope.
Additional detailing provisions for reinforced concrete columns, walls, and
collectors that modify the ACI 318 standard, requiring more stringent confinement and
reinforcement conditions than the base California Code.
Restrictions on structural plain concrete elements and expansion of ACI 318
provisions to address complex lateral load conditions and frame-column behavior.
These amendments reflect Los Angeles County’s high seismic risk areas, where
large and irregular buildings, soft soils, and hillside developments create higher
demands on lateral systems and concrete performance.
By contrast, the California Building Code already incorporates ACI 318 (Building
Code Requirements for Structural Concrete) and ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads for
Buildings and Other Structures), which provide comprehensive criteria for seismic
design and ductility. For cities like Rosemead, which are generally characterized by flat
topography and low- to mid-rise construction, the State standards already ensure
adequate life-safety and structural integrity when applied under normal plan review and
Page 64 of 311
inspection procedures.
The Los Angeles County amendments to Chapter 19 impose higher design and
detailing requirements that address conditions typically found in complex, high-rise, or
hillside projects.
Rosemead’s local building profile and site conditions do not warrant these additional
layers of prescriptive detailing, as the City’s developments are generally low-rise and
reviewed through engineered design consistent with State standards.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code Chapter 23
Table 2304.10.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
TABLE 2304.10.2
FASTENING SCHEDULEh
. . .
h. Staples shall not be used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures
assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
SECTION 47. Section 2304.10.3.1 is hereby added to read as follows:
2304.10.3.1 Quality of nails.
In Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, mechanically-driven nails used in wood
structural panel shear walls shall meet the same dimensions as that required for hand-
driven nails, including diameter, minimum length, and minimum head diameter. Clipped
head or box nails are not permitted in new construction. The allowable design value for
clipped head nails in existing construction may be taken at no more than the nail-head-
area ratio of that of the same size hand-driven nails.
Page 65 of 311
SECTION 48. Section 2304.12.2.8 is hereby amended to read as follows:
2304.12.2.8 Wood used in retaining walls and cribs.
Wood installed in retaining or crib walls shall be preservative treated in
accordance with AWPA U1 for soil and freshwater use. Wood shall not be used in
retaining or crib walls for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
SECTION 49. Section 2305.4 is hereby added to read as follows:
2305.4 Hold-down connectors.
In Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, hold-down connectors shall be designed
to resist shear wall overturning moments using 75 percent of the allowable seismic load
values. Such values shall be established in a valid research report from approved
sources or by accepted engineering practice and the provisions of this Code.
Exception: Values established by specialized cyclic and dynamic testing may be
used when approved by the Building Official in accordance with Section 104.2.8.
Connector bolts into wood framing shall require steel plate washers on the post
on the opposite side of the anchorage device. Plate size shall be a minimum of
0.229 inches by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.82 mm by 76 mm by 76 mm) in size. Hold-
down connectors shall be tightened to finger tight plus one-half (1/2) wrench turn just
prior to covering the wall framing.
SECTION 50. Section 2306.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
2306.2 Wood-frame diaphragms.
Wood-frame diaphragms shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
AWC SDPWS. Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples,
requirements and limitations of AWC SDPWS shall be met and the allowable shear
Page 66 of 311
values set forth in Table 2306.2(1) or 2306.2(2) shall only be permitted for structures
assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.
Exception: Allowable shear values where panels are fastened to framing
members with staples may be used if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing
and approved by the Building Official.
The allowable shear values in Tables 2306.2(1) and 2306.2(2) are permitted to
be increased 40 percent for wind design.
Wood structural panel diaphragms used to resist seismic forces in structures
assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F shall be applied directly to the framing
members.
Exception: Wood structural panel diaphragms are permitted to be fastened over
solid lumber planking or laminated decking, provided the panel joints and lumber
planking or laminated decking joints do not coincide.
SECTION 51. Section 2306.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
2306.3 Wood-frame shear walls.
Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
AWC SDPWS. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F,
application of Tables 4.3A and 4.3B of AWC SDPWS shall include the following:
1. Wood structural panel thickness for shear walls shall not be less than
3/8 inch thick and studs shall not be spaced at more than 16 inches on center.
2. The maximum nominal unit shear capacities for 3/8 inch wood structural
panels resisting seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E,
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or F is 560 pounds per linear foot (plf).
Exception: Other nominal unit shear capacities may be permitted if such values
are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the Building Official.
3. Nails shall be placed not less than 1/2 inch from the panel edges and not
less than 3/8 inch from the edge of the connecting members for shears greater
than 350 plf using ASD or 500 plf using LRFD. Nails shall be placed not less
than 3/8 inch from panel edges and not less than 1/4 inch from the edge of the
connecting members for shears of 350 plf or less using ASD or 500 plf or less
using LRFD.
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, application of
Table 4.3B of ANSI/AWC SDPWS shall not be allowed.
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, application of
Table 4.3C of ANSI/AWC SDPWS shall not be used below the top level in a multi-level
building.
Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples, requirements and
limitations of AWC SDPWS shall be met and the allowable shear values set forth in
Table 2306.3(1), 2306.3(2) or 2306.3(3) shall only be permitted for structures assigned
to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.
Exception: Allowable shear values where panels are fastened to framing
members with staples may be used if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing
and approved by the Building Official.
Page 68 of 311
The allowable shear values in Tables 2306.3(1) and 2306.3(2) are permitted to
be increased 40 percent for wind design. Panels complying with ANSI/APA PRP-210
shall be permitted to use design values for Plywood Siding in the AWC SDPWS.
Wood structural panel shear walls used to resist seismic forces in structures
assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F shall be applied directly to the framing
members.
SECTION 52. Section 2307.2 is hereby added to read as follows:
2307.2 Wood-frame panel shear walls.
Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
Section 2306.3 as applicable.
SECTION 53. Table 2308.10.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
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SECTION 54. Section 2308.10.5.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
TABLE 2308.10.1
Page 70 of 311
2308.10.5.1 Alternate braced wall (ABW).
An ABW shall be constructed in accordance with this section and
Figure 2308.6.5.1. In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less
than 2 feet 8 inches (813 mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Each
panel shall be sheathed on one face with 3/8-inch (3.2 mm) minimum-thickness wood
structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance
with Table 2304.10.2 and blocked at wood structural panel edges. For structures
assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E, each panel shall be sheathed on one face
with 15/32-inch minimum-thickness (11.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed
with 8d common nails spaced 3 inches on panel edges, 3 inches at intermediate
supports. Two anchor bolts installed in accordance with Section 2308.7.1 shall be
provided in each panel. Anchor bolts shall be placed at each panel outside quarter
points. Each panel end stud shall have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation,
capable of providing an approved uplift capacity of not less than 1,800 pounds (8006 N).
The hold-down device shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations. The ABW shall be supported directly on a foundation or on floor
framing supported directly on a foundation that is continuous across the entire length of
the braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4
bar top and bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth
greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm)
continuous footing or turned-down slab edge is permitted at door openings in the braced
wall line. This continuous footing or turned-down slab edge shall be reinforced with not
less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped 1524
Page 71 of 311
inches (381610 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation
located directly under the braced wall line.
. . .
SECTION 55. Figure 2308.10.5.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION 56. Section 2308.10.5.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
2308.10.5.2 Portal frame with hold-downs (PFH).
A PFH shall be constructed in accordance with this section and Figure
2308.10.5.2. The adjacent door or window opening shall have a full-length header.
In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 16 inches
(406 mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Each panel shall be
sheathed on one face with a single layer of 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) minimum-thickness wood
structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance
with Figure 2308.10.5.2. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E,
each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch minimum-thickness
FIGURE 2308.10.5.1
Page 72 of 311
(11.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common nails spaced
3 inches on panel edges, 3 inches at intermediate supports and in accordance with
Figure 2308.10.5.2. The wood structural panel sheathing shall extend up over the solid
sawn or glued-laminated header and shall be nailed in accordance with
Figure 2308.10.5.2. A built-up header consisting of at least two 2-inch by 12-inch (51
mm by 305 mm) boards, fastened in accordance with Item 24 of Table 2304.10.1 shall
be permitted to be used. A spacer, if used, shall be placed on the side of the built-up
beam opposite the wood structural panel sheathing. The header shall extend between
the inside faces of the first full-length outer studs of each panel. The clear span of the
header between the inner studs of each panel shall be not less than 6 feet (1829 mm)
and not more than 18 feet (5486 mm) in length. A strap with an uplift capacity of not
less than 1,000 pounds (4,400 N) shall fasten the header to the inner studs opposite the
sheathing. One anchor bolt not less than 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) diameter and installed in
accordance with Section 2308.3.1 shall be provided in the center of each sill plate. The
studs at each end of the panel shall have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation
with an uplift capacity of not less than 3,500 pounds (15 570 N).
Where a panel is located on one side of the opening, the header shall extend
between the inside face of the first full-length stud of the panel and the bearing studs at
the other end of the opening. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than
1,000 pounds (4400 N) shall fasten the header to the bearing studs. The bearing studs
shall also have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of
not less than 1,000 pounds (4400 N). The hold-down devices shall be an embedded
strap type, installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The PFH
Page 73 of 311
panels shall be supported directly on a foundation that is continuous across the entire
length of the braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one
No. 4 bar top and bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth
greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm)
continuous footing or turned-down slab edge is permitted at door openings in the braced
wall line. This continuous footing or turned-down slab edge shall be reinforced with not
less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped not less
than 1524 inches (381610 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous
foundation located directly under the braced wall line.
. . .
Page 74 of 311
SECTION 57. Figure 2308.10.5.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION 58. Section 2308.10.8.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
2308.10.8.1 Foundation requirements.
. . .
Exception: For structures with a maximum plan dimension not more than
50 feet (15 240 mm), continuous foundations are required at exterior walls only for
structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.
For structures in Seismic Design Categories D and E, exterior braced wall panels
shall be in the same plane vertically with the foundation or the portion of the structure
containing the offset shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering
practice and Section 2308.3.
FIGURE 2308.10.5.2
Page 75 of 311
Exceptions:
1. Exterior braced wall panels shall be permitted to be located not more than
4 feet (1219 mm) from the foundation below where supported by a floor constructed in
accordance with all of the following:
1.1. Cantilevers or setbacks shall not exceed four times the nominal
depth of the floor joists.
1.2. Floor joists shall be 2 inches by 10 inches (51 mm by 254 mm) or
larger and spaced not more than 16 inches (406 mm) on center.
1.3. The ratio of the back span to the cantilever shall be not less than 2
to 1.
1.4. Floor joists at ends of braced wall panels shall be doubled.
1.5. A continuous rim joist shall be connected to the ends of cantilevered
joists. The rim joist is permitted to be spliced using a metal tie not less than 0.058
inch (1.47 mm) (16 galvanized gage) and 11/2 inches (38 mm) in width fastened with
six 16d common nails on each side. The metal tie shall have a yield stress not less
than 33,000 psi (227 MPa).
1.6. Joists at setbacks or the end of cantilevered joists shall not carry
gravity loads from more than a single story having uniform wall and roof loads nor
carry the reactions from headers having a span of 8 feet (2438 mm) or more.
2. The end of a required braced wall panel shall be allowed to extend not more
than 1 foot (305 mm) over an opening in the wall below. This requirement is applicable to
braced wall panels offset in plane and braced wall panels offset out of plane as permitted
by Exception 1. Braced wall panels are permitted to extend over an opening not more
Page 76 of 311
than 8 feet (2438 mm) in width where the header is a 4-inch by 12-inch (102 mm by 305
mm) or larger member.
SECTION 59. Section 2308.10.9 is hereby amended to read as follows:
2308.10.9 Attachment of sheathing.
Fastening of braced wall panel sheathing shall not be less than that prescribed in
Tables 2308.10.1 or 2304.10.2. Wall sheathing shall not be attached to framing
members by adhesives. Staple fasteners in Table 2304.10.2 shall not be used to resist
or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.
Exception: Staples may be used to resist or transfer seismic forces when the
allowable shear values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the Building
Official.
All braced wall panels shall extend to the roof sheathing and shall be attached to
parallel roof rafters or blocking above with framing clips (18 gauge minimum) spaced at
maximum 24 inches (6096 mm) on center with four 8d nails per leg (total eight 8d nails
per clip). Braced wall panels shall be laterally braced at each top corner and at
maximum 24-inch (6096 mm) intervals along the top plate of discontinuous vertical
framing.
Page 77 of 311
California Code
2304.12.8 Separate wood framing. [SPCB] Correct the conditions in frame and stucco
walls and similar appurtenant construction so that the wood framing is separate from the
main structure by a complete concrete or masonry plug with no voids that will allow
infestations to enter the structure from the wall. If there is no plug, the foundation shall
be 2 inches (51 mm) or more above the grade
levels and at least as high as the adjoining slabs or 4-inch (102 mm) concrete barrier
seat off installed.
2306.2 Wood-frame diaphragms. Wood-frame diaphragms shall be designed and
constructed in accordance with AWC SDPWS.
Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples, requirements and
limitations of AWC SDPWS shall be met and the
allowable shear values set forth in Table 2306.2(1) or 2306.2(2) shall be permitted. The
allowable shear values in Tables 2306.2(1) and
2306.2(2) are permitted to be increased 40 percent for wind design.
2306.3 Wood-frame shear walls. Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and
constructed in accordance with AWC SDPWS.
Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples, requirements and
limitations of AWC SDPWS shall be met and the allowable shear values set forth in
Table 2306.3(1), 2306.3(2) or 2306.3(3) shall be permitted. The allowable shear values
in Tables 2306.3(1) and 2306.3(2) are permitted to be increased 40 percent for wind
design. Panels complying with ANSI/APA PRP-210 shall be permitted to use design
values for Plywood Siding in the AWC SDPWS.
Page 78 of 311
TABLE 2308.10.1—WALL BRACING REQUIREMENTSa
SEISMIC
DESIGN
CATEGORY
STORY CONDITION
(SEE SECTION 2308.2)
MAXIMUM
SPACING OF
BRACED WALL
LINES
BRACED PANEL LOCATION,
SPACING (O.C.) AND MINIMUM PERCENTAGE (X)
MAXIMUM DISTANCE
OF BRACED WALL
PANELS FROM EACH
END OF BRACED
WALL LINE
Bracing methodb
LIB DWB, WSP SFB, PBS, PCP, HPS, GBc, d
A and B
35′ - 0″
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
12′- 6″
35′- 0″
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
12′- 6″
35′- 0″
NP
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
12′- 6″
C
35′- 0″
NP
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
12′- 6″
35′- 0″
NP
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
(minimum 25% of
wall length)e
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
(minimum 25% of wall
length)e
12′- 6″
D and E
25′- 0″
NP
SDS < 0.50: Each end
and ≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
(minimum 21% of
wall length)e
SDS < 0.50: Each end and ≤
25′- 0″ o.c. (minimum
43% of wall length)e
8′- 0″
0.5 ≤ SDS < 0.75: Each
end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
(minimum 32% of
wall length)e
0.5 ≤ SDS< 0.75: Each end
and ≤ 25′- 0″ o.c. (mini-
mum 59% of wall length)e
0.75 ≤ SDS ≤ 1.00:
Each end and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
(minimum 37% of
wall length)e
0.75 ≤ SDS ≤ 1.00: Each end
and
≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
(minimum 75% of wall
length)
SDS > 1.00: Each end
and ≤ 25′- 0″ o.c.
(minimum 48% of
wall length)e
SDS > 1.00: Each end and ≤
25′- 0″ o.c. (minimum
100% of wall length)e
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
NP = Not Permitted.
h. This table specifies minimum requirements for braced wall panels along interior or exterior braced wall lines.
i. See Section 2308.10.3 for full description of bracing methods.
j. For Method GB, gypsum wallboard applied to framing supports that are spaced at 16 inches on center.
k. The required lengths shall be doubled for gypsum board applied to only one face of a braced wall panel.
l. Percentage shown represents the minimum amount of bracing required along the building length (or wall length if the structure has an irregular shape).
Page 79 of 311
2308.10.5.1 Alternate braced wall (ABW). An ABW shall be constructed in accordance
with this section and Figure 2308.10.5.1. In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a
length of not less than 2 feet 8 inches (813 mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet
(3048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 3/8-inch (3.2 mm) minimum-
thickness wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box
nails in accordance with Table 2304.10.2 and blocked at wood structural panel edges.
Two anchor bolts installed in accordance with Section 2308.7.1 shall be provided in
each panel. Anchor bolts shall be placed at each panel outside quarter points. Each
panel end stud shall have a hold-down device fastened to the foundation, capable of
providing an approved uplift capacity of not less than 1,800 pounds (8006 N). The hold-
down device shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The ABW shall be supported directly on a foundation or on floor framing supported
directly on a foundation that is continuous across the entire length of the braced wall
line.
This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom.
Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than 12 inches
(305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous footing or
turned-down slab edge is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This
continuous footing or turneddown slab edge shall be reinforced with not less than one
No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped 15 inches (381 mm) with
the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation located directly under the
braced wall line.
Where the ABW is installed at the first story of two-story buildings, the wood structural
panel sheathing shall be provided on both faces, three anchor bolts shall be placed at
one-quarter points and tie-down device uplift capacity shall be not less than 3,000
pounds (13 344 N).
Page 80 of 311
2308.10.5.2 Portal frame with hold-downs (PFH). A PFH shall be constructed in
accordance with this section and Figure 2308.10.5.2. The adjacent door or window
opening shall have a full-length header.
In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 16 inches (406
mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on
one face with a single layer of 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) minimum-thickness wood
structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance
with Figure 2308.10.5.2. The wood structural panel sheathing shall extend up over the
solid sawn or glued-laminated header and shall be nailed in accordance
with Figure 2308.10.5.2. A built-up header consisting of not fewer than two 2-inch by 12-
inch (51 mm by 305 mm) boards, fastened in accordance with Item 24 of Table
2304.10.2 shall be permitted to be used. A spacer, if used, shall be placed on the side
of the built-up beam opposite the wood structural panel sheathing. The header shall
extend between the inside faces of the first full-length outer studs of each panel. The
clear span of the header between the inner studs of each panel shall be not less than 6
feet (1829 mm) and not more than 18 feet (5486 mm) in length. A strap with an uplift
capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4,400 N) shall fasten the header to the inner
studs opposite the sheathing. One anchor bolt not less than 5/8 inch (15.9 mm)
Page 81 of 311
diameter and installed in accordance with Section 2308.7.1 shall be provided in the
center of each sill plate. The studs at each end of the panel shall have a hold-down
device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 3,500 pounds
(15 570 N).
Where a panel is located on one side of the opening, the header shall extend between
the inside face of the first full-length stud of the panel and the bearing studs at the other
end of the opening. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4400
N) shall fasten the header to the bearing studs. The bearing studs shall have a hold-
down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000
pounds (4400 N). The hold-down devices shall be an embedded strap type, installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The PFH panels shall be
supported directly on a foun- dation that is continuous across the entire length of the
braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top
and bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than
12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous
footing or turned-down slab edge is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line.
This continuous footing or turned-down slab edge shall be reinforced with not less than
one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be lapped not less than 15
inches (381 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous foundation located
directly under the braced wall line.
Where a PFH is installed at the first story of two-story buildings, each panel shall have a
length of not less than 24 inches (610 mm)
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2308.10.8.1 Foundation requirements. Braced wall lines shall be supported by
continuous foundations.
Exception: For structures with a maximum plan dimension not more than 50 feet (15
240 mm), continuous foundations are
required at exterior walls only.
For structures in Seismic Design Categories D and E, exterior braced wall panels shall
be in the same plane vertically with
the foundation or the portion of the structure containing the offset shall be designed in
accordance with accepted engineering
practice and Section 2308.3.
Exceptions:
1. Exterior braced wall panels shall be permitted to be located not more than 4 feet
(1219 mm) from the foundation
below where supported by a floor constructed in accordance with all of the following:
1.1. Cantilevers or setbacks shall not exceed four times the nominal depth of the floor
joists.
1.2. Floor joists shall be 2 inches by 10 inches (51 mm by 254 mm) or larger and
spaced not more than 16
inches (406 mm) on center.
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1.3. The ratio of the back span to the cantilever shall be not less than 2 to 1.
1.4. Floor joists at ends of braced wall panels shall be doubled.
1.5. A continuous rim joist shall be connected to the ends of cantilevered joists. The rim
joist is permitted to be spliced using a metal tie not less than 0.058 inch (1.47 mm) (16
galvanized gage) and 11/2 inches (38 mm) in width fastened with six 16d common nails
on each side. The metal tie shall have a yield stress not less than 33,000 psi (227 MPa).
1.6. Joists at setbacks or the end of cantilevered joists shall not carry gravity loads from
more than a single story having uniform wall and roof loads nor carry the reactions from
headers having a span of 8 feet (2438 mm) or more.
2. The end of a required braced wall panel shall be allowed to extend not more than 1
foot (305 mm) over an opening in the wall below. This requirement is applicable to
braced wall panels offset in plane and braced wall panels offset out of plane as
permitted by Exception 1. Braced wall panels are permitted to extend over an opening
not more than 8 feet (2438 mm) in width where the header is a 4-inch by 12-inch (102
mm by 305 mm) or larger member.
2308.10.9 Attachment of sheathing. Fastening of braced wall panel sheathing shall be
not less than that prescribed in Tables 2308.10.1 and 2304.10.2. Wall sheathing shall
not be attached to framing members by adhesives.
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis:
Fasteners & staples: Bans using staples to resist/transfer seismic forces in SDC D/E/F
and limits their use in diaphragms and shear walls unless backed by cyclic testing.
Requires mechanically-driven nails to match hand-driven nail dimensions; no clipped-
head/box nails in new work.
Page 84 of 311
Retaining/crib walls: Prohibits wood retaining/crib walls in SDC D/E/F; requires AWPA-
treated wood where allowed.
Hold-downs: Sets design of hold-downs for overturning at 75% of allowable seismic
values, mandates steel plate washers and specific tightening prior to cover.
Diaphragms & shear walls (SDPWS):
Require panels resisting seismic forces to be applied directly to framing (limited
exceptions).
Minimum 3/8 in panel thickness; studs ≤ 16" o.c.; cap unit shear for 3/8 in panels at 560
plf unless cyclic testing.
Restrict the use of certain SDPWS tables in SDC D/E/F and limit staples to SDC A–C
unless tested.
Conventional bracing details (ABW/PFH/2308): More prescriptive sheathing, anchor,
hold-down, and foundation continuity requirements; added rules for offsets, cantilevers,
and panel-over-openings; explicit no adhesives for wall sheathing.
What the base CBC already does:
Adopts AWC SDPWS for design of wood diaphragms and shear walls, including
fastener schedules, edge distances, nail types, and staple limitations by testing.
Provides robust SDC-based design paths; requires engineering where conventional
prescriptive limits are exceeded.
Page 85 of 311
Allows staples and certain prescriptive methods when they meet SDPWS and testing
criteria.
Rosemead is a predominantly low- to mid-rise, built-out urban community. Typical
projects are conventional light-frame or engineered per CBC/SDPWS.
The State CBC + SDPWS already provides a complete, enforceable framework for
seismic wood design, plan check, and inspection.
LACO’s added limits (e.g., broad staple prohibitions, mandatory direct-to-framing
application, ABW/PFH upgrades) are calibrated to higher-risk scenarios and a broad
countywide policy posture. The citywide adoption here would raise prescriptive
stringency and costs with limited marginal safety benefit for Rosemead’s project profile.
Both approaches maintain full State compliance. Given Rosemead’s built environment and
standard project types, direct adoption of the California Building Code, administered
through AWC SDPWS and normal plan review ,appears sufficient.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code Chapter 31
SECTION 3114 INTERMODAL SHIPPING CONTAINERS
3114.1 General.
. . .
Exceptions:
. . .
6. Single-unit stand-alone intermodal shipping containers used as temporary
storage or construction trailer on active construction sites. Construction support
Page 86 of 311
facilities for uses and activities not directly associated with the actual processes of
construction, including, but not limited to, offices, meeting rooms, plan rooms, other
administrative or support functions shall not be exempt from Section 3114.
. . .
3114.8.4 Detailed structural design procedure.
A structural analysis meeting the requirements of this Section shall be provided
to the building official to demonstrate the structural adequacy of the intermodal shipping
containers.
3114.8.4.2 Seismic design parameters.
The seismic force-resisting system shall be designed and detailed in accordance
with ASCE 7 and one of the following:
. . .
3. Where all or portions of the profiled steel panel elements are retained and
integrated into a seismic force-resisting system other than as permitted by Section
3114.8.4.2, Item 1, seismic design parameters shall be developed from testing and
analysis in accordance with Section 104.2.39 and ASCE 7, Section 12.2.1.1 or 12.2.1.2.
. . .
3114.8.5.2 Structural design assumptions.
Where permitted by Section 3114.8.5.1, single-unit, stand-alone intermodal
shipping containers shall be designed using the following assumptions for the profiled
steel panel lateral-force resisting system side walls and end walls:
1. The appropriate detailing requirements contained in Chapters 16
through 23.
Page 87 of 311
2. Response modification coefficient, R = 2,
3. Over strength factor, Ω0 = 2.5,
4. Deflection amplification factor, Cd = 2, and
5. Limits on structural height, hn = 9.5 feet (2900 mm).
3114.8.5.3 Allowable shear.
The allowable shear for the profiled steel panel side walls (longitudinal) and end
walls (transverse) for wind design and seismic design using the coefficients of Section
3114.8.5.2 shall be in accordance with Table 3114.8.5.3, provided that all of the
following conditions are met:
. . .
3. All side walls or end walls used as part of the lateral force-resisting system
shall have an existing or new boundary element on all sides to form a continuous load
path, or paths, with adequate strength and stiffness to transfer all forces from the point
of application to the final point of resistance, as shown in Figure 3114.8.5.3(3). The
existing door interlocking mechanism shall not be considered as a component of the
required load path.
California Code
3114.1 General. The provisions of Section 3114and other applicable sections of this
code shall apply to intermodal shipping containers
that are repurposed for use as buildings or structures, or as a part of buildings or
structures.
Exceptions: [DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] Not permitted by DSA.
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1. Intermodal shipping containers previously approved as existing relocatable buildings
complying with Chapter 14 of the California Existing Building Code.
2. Stationary storage battery arrays located in intermodal shipping containers complying
with Chapter 12 of the California Fire Code.
3. Intermodal shipping containers that are listed as equipment complying with the
standard for equipment, such as air chillers, engine generators, modular data centers,
and other similar equipment.
3114.8.4 Detailed design procedure. A structural analysis meeting the requirements of
this section shall be provided to the building official to demonstrate the structural
adequacy of the intermodal shipping containers.
Exception: Structures using an intermodal shipping container designed in accordance
with Section 3114 8.5.
3114.8.4.2 Seismic design parameters. The seismic force-resisting system shall be
designed and detailed in accordance with ASCE 7 and one of the following:
1. Where all or portions of the profiled steel panel elements are considered to be the
seismic force-resisting system, design and detailing shall be in accordance with the AISI
S100 and ASCE 7, Table 12.2-1 requirements for steel systems
not specifically detailed for seismic resistance, excluding cantilever column systems.
[DSA-SS & DSA-SS/CC] Not permitted by DSA.
2. Where all or portions of the profiled steel panel elements are not considered to be
part of the seismic force-resisting system, an independent seismic force-resisting
system shall be selected and detailed in accordance with ASCE 7, Table 12.2-1.
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3. Where all or portions of the profiled steel panel elements are retained and integrated
into a seismic force-resisting system other than as permitted by Item 1, seismic design
parameters shall be developed from testing and analysis in accordance with Section
104.2.3 and ASCE 7, Section 12.2.1.1 or 12.2.1.2
3114.8.5.2 Structural design assumptions. Where permitted by Section 3114.8.5.1,
single-unit, stand-alone intermodal shipping containers shall be designed using the
following assumptions for the profile steel panel lateral-force resisting system:
1. The appropriate detailing requirements contained in Chapters 16 through 23.
2. Response modification coefficient, R = 2.
3. Overstrength factor, Ω0 = 2.5.
4. Deflection amplification factor, Cd = 2.
5. Limits on structural height, hn = 9.5 feet (2900 mm).
3114.8.5.3 Allowable shear. The allowable shear for the profiled steel panel side walls
(longitudinal) and end walls (transverse) for wind design and seismic design using the
coefficients of Section 3114.8.5.2 shall be in accordance with Table 3114.8.5.3,
provided that all of the following conditions are met:
1. The total linear length of all openings in any individual side wall or end wall shall be
limited to not more than 50 percent of the length of that side wall or end wall, as shown
in Figure 3114.8.5.3(1).
2. Any full-height wall length, or portion thereof, less than 4 feet (305 mm) shall not be
considered as a portion of the lateral force-resisting system, as shown in Figure
3114.8.5.3(2).
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3. All side walls or end walls used as part of the lateral force-resisting system shall have
an existing or new boundary element on all sides to form a continuous load path, or
paths, with adequate strength and stiffness to transfer all forces from the point of
application to the final point of resistance, as shown in Figure 3114.8.5.3(3).
4. Where openings are made in intermodal shipping container walls, floors or roofs, for
doors, windows and other openings:
4.1. The openings shall be framed with steel elements that are designed in accordance
with Chapters 16 and 22.
4.2. The cross section and material grade of any new steel element shall be equal to or
greater than the steel element removed.
5. A maximum of one penetration not greater than 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter for
conduits, pipes, tubes or vents, or not greater than 16 square inches (10 323 mm2) for
electrical boxes, is permitted for each individual 8-foot (2438 mm) length of lateral force-
resisting wall. Penetrations located in walls that are not part of the lateral force-resisting
system shall not be limited in size or quantity. Existing intermodal shipping container
vents shall not be considered a penetration, as shown in Figure 3114.8.5.3(4).
Page 91 of 311
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis:
Overview of County Amendments:
Los Angeles County retained the base provisions of CBC Section 3114 but introduced
additional local clarifications focused on temporary use restrictions, seismic detailing,
and structural load path integrity.
Key local changes include:
Narrowing the exemption for single-unit intermodal containers—only those used strictly
for temporary on-site storage or active construction may be exempt. Support or
administrative uses (e.g., offices or plan rooms) now fall under full building code
compliance.
Enhanced seismic detailing: Requires site-specific structural analysis with reference to
ASCE 7, including testing-based verification where containers are integrated into lateral-
force resisting systems.
Defined lateral design parameters (R = 2, Ω₀ = 2.5, Cd = 2, height limit = 9.5 ft) and
mandatory continuous boundary elements to ensure full load transfer.
Explicit prohibition on relying on container door interlocks as structural components.
Base California Code Provisions (CBC 2025):
Page 92 of 311
The state code already regulates intermodal shipping containers through Section 3114,
incorporating structural, seismic, and safety criteria aligned with ASCE 7 and AISI S100.
It distinguishes between containers used as structures versus equipment or relocatable
storage.
It provides detailed structural assumptions, response factors, and boundary conditions
consistent with national standards.
Seismic design parameters and allowable shear limits are already prescribed, including
the same coefficients (R = 2, Ω₀ = 2.5, Cd = 2).
Rosemead is a fully urbanized, non-wildland interface city with limited use of intermodal
containers beyond short-term construction storage or small-scale conversions.
The County’s added language is primarily administrative and redundant, restating
design requirements already covered by CBC 3114 and ASCE 7-based analysis.
The narrowing of temporary use exemptions may impose additional plan review for low-
risk site storage containers that are otherwise permitted under CBC oversight.
Enforcement of container design per state code already ensures adequate seismic
performance consistent with Rosemead’s Seismic Design Category D and engineered
design review process.
Since the California Building Code already includes structural, seismic, and detailing
standards equivalent to the County amendments, and given Rosemead’s limited
exposure to complex container projects, maintaining direct CBC adoption without
additional local amendments appears sufficient and efficient for the City’s needs.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Appendix H
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SECTION 62. Section H103.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H103.1 Location restrictions.
Signs shall not be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire
escape or any window or door or opening used as part of a means of egress or as part
of the accessible route, except as permitted by Chapters 10, 11A, and 11B, or so as to
prevent free passage from one part of a roof to any other part thereof. A sign shall not
be attached in any form, shape or manner to a fire escape, nor be placed in such
manner as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
SECTION 63. Section H103.2 is hereby added as follows:
H103.2 Projections and clearances.
Signs extending beyond the exterior wall of the building shall comply with
Section 705.2 and the following requirements.
Signs may project over a public street, public sidewalk or building line in
accordance with Section 3202 and a distance as determined by the clearance of the
bottoms thereof above the level of the sidewalk or grade immediately below, whichever
is more restrictive, as follows:
Clearance less than 8 feet (2438 mm) shall be prohibited.
Clearance 8 feet (2438 mm) and above, a 1-foot (305 mm) projection is
permitted; and for each additional 2-foot clearance (610 mm), an additional 1-foot (305
mm) projection is permitted.
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No structure shall have a projection of more than 5 feet (1524 mm). A projecting
sign built above and in connection with a marquee may have such a projection of 5 feet
(1524 mm) without clearance between sign and marquee. No structure shall project
beyond the curb line, regardless of clearance above grade.
Signs projecting more than 6 inches (152 mm) from the face of building over
private property used or intended to be used by the general public shall have a
minimum clearance of 8 feet (2438 mm) above said sidewalk or grade.
No sign shall project into any alley whatsoever below a height of 14 feet (4267
mm) above grade, and no sign shall project into any alley by more than 6 inches (152
mm) when its height is 14 feet (4267 mm) or more above grade.
SECTION 64. Section H104.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H104.1 Identification.
Every outdoor advertising display sign other than wall signs hereafter erected,
constructed or maintained, for which a permit is required, shall be plainly marked with
the name of the person, firm or corporation erecting and maintaining such sign, and the
weight of the sign, and shall have affixed on the front thereof the permit number issued
for said sign or other method of identification approved by the bBuilding oOfficial.
SECTION 65. Section H105.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H105.1 General requirements.
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Signs shall be designed and constructed to comply with the provisions of this
cCode for use of materials, loads and stresses. Glass panels used in signs shall
comply with the requirements of Chapter 24.
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SECTION 66. Section H106.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H106.1 Illumination.
A sign shall not be illuminated by other than electrical means, and electrical
devices and wiring shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the
California Electrical Code (Title 27) of the Los Angeles County Code, and a separate
electrical permit shall be obtained. Any open spark or flame shall not be used for
display purposes unless specifically approved.
SECTION 67. Section H106.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H106.2 Electrical service.
Signs that require electrical service shall comply with NFPA 70the Electrical Code
(Title 27) of the Los Angeles County Code.
SECTION 68. Section H110.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H110.1 General.
Roof signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or other approved
noncombustible material except as provided for in Sections H106.1.1 and H107.1.
Provisions shall be made for electric grounding of metallic parts. Where combustible
materials are permitted in letters or other ornamental features, wiring and tubing shall
be kept free and insulated therefrom. Roof signs shall be so constructed as to leave a
clear space of not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) between the roof level and the lowest part
of the sign and shall have not less than 5 feet (11524 mm) clearance between the
vertical supports thereof. Roof sign structures shall not project beyond an exterior wall.
Page 97 of 311
Exception: Signs on flat roofs with every part of the roof accessible shall not be
required to provide clear space between the roof level and the lowest part of the sign.
Blocks, angles, or supports fastened to the roof shall be located so as not to
interfere with the drainage of the roof and, where necessary, flashing or counter flashing
shall be placed.
SECTION 69. Section H116 is hereby deleted in its entirety:
SECTION H116 REFERENCED STANDARDS
H.116.1 General. See Table H116.1 for standards that are
referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the
standard definition with the effective date, standard title, and the section or
sections of this appendix that reference the standard.
TABLE H116.1
REFERENCED STANDARDS
ASTM D635-18 Test Method for Rate of
Burning and/or Extent
and Time of Burning of
Plastics in a Horizontal
Position
H107.1.1
CEC - 25 California Electrical Code H106.1, H106.2
NFPA 701-23 Methods of Fire Test for
Flame Propagation of
Textiles and Films
H106.1.1
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California Code
H103.1 Location restrictions. Signs shall not be erected, constructed or maintained so
as to obstruct any fire escape or any window or door or opening used as a means of
egress or so as to prevent free passage from one part of a roof to any other part
thereof. A sign shall not be attached in any form, shape or manner to a fire escape, nor
be placed in such manner as to interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
H104.1 Identification. Every outdoor advertising display sign hereafter erected,
constructed or maintained, for which a permit is required, shall be plainly marked with
the name of the person, firm or corporation erecting and maintaining such sign and shall
have affixed on the front thereof the permit number issued for said sign or other method
of identification approved by the building official.
H105.1 General requirements. Signs shall be designed and constructed to comply with
the provisions of this code for use of materials, loads and stresses.
H106.1 Illumination. A sign shall not be illuminated by other than electrical means, and
electrical devices and wiring shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of
the California Electrical Code. Any open spark or flame shall not be used for display
purposes unless specifically approved.
H106.2 Electrical service. Signs that require electrical service shall comply with NFPA
70.
H110.1 General. Roof signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or other approved
noncombustible material except as provided for in Sections H106.1.1 and H107.1.
Provisions shall be made for electric grounding of metallic parts. Where combustible
materials are permitted in letters or other ornamental features, wiring and tubing shall
Page 99 of 311
be kept free and insulated therefrom. Roof signs shall be so constructed as to leave a
clear space of not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) between the roof level and the lowest part
of the sign and shall have not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) clearance between the vertical
supports thereof. Roof sign structures shall not project beyond an exterior wall.
Exception: Signs on flat roofs with every part of the roof accessible.
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis:
The state code already addresses structural design, illumination, and safety of signs
with sufficient clarity for most jurisdictions:
Ensures noncombustible construction, grounding, and clearances for roof and wall
signs.
Requires all electrical work to comply with the California Electrical Code (NFPA 70).
Includes provisions preventing signs from blocking egress or ventilation and mandates
permit identification.
Rosemead’s sign regulations are typically further governed by the City’s Planning and
Zoning Code, which already regulates placement, projection, height, and illumination.
Therefore, adopting the additional construction-related restrictions under the County’s
Appendix H may be unnecessary or duplicative.
The County amendments primarily restate or relocate existing safety provisions already
covered by the CBC and local zoning controls.
Page 100 of 311
Electrical and clearance specifications in the County’s version are more suitable for
unincorporated areas with varied site conditions.
The City’s commercial corridors already manage sign clearances, heights, and
projections through planning entitlements and engineering encroachment permits,
providing sufficient oversight.
Los Angeles County Amendments to Appendix J
J101 GENERAL
J101.1 Scope.
The provisions of this chapterAppendix apply to grading, excavation, and
earthwork construction, including fills and embankments, and the control of runoff from
graded sites, including erosion sediments and construction-related pollutants. Where
conflicts occur between the technical requirements of this chapter and the geotechnical
report, the geotechnical report shall govern The purpose of this Appendix is to
safeguard life, limb, property, and the public welfare by regulating grading on property
subject to this Code.
J101.2 Flood hazard areas.
Unless the applicant has submitted an engineering analysisahydrology and
hydraulic analysis, prepared in accordance with standard engineering practice by a
registered design professionalCalifornia licensed civil engineer, that demonstrates the
proposed work will not result in any increase in the level of the base flood, grading,
excavation and earthwork construction, including fills and embankments, shall not be
permitted in floodways designated in Chapter 11.60 of Title 11 – Health and Safety – of
Page 101 of 311
the Los Angeles County Code, or in floodways that are in flood hazard areas
established in Section 1612.3 or in flood hazard areas where design flood elevations
are specified but floodways have not been designated.
J101.3 General hazards.
Whenever the Building Official determines that any existing excavation,
embankment, or fill on property subject to this Code has become a hazard to life and
limb, or endangers property, or adversely affects the safety, use, or stability of a public
way or drainage channel, the Building Official may give written notice thereof to the
owner of the property upon which the excavation, embankment, or fill is located, or
other person or agent in control of said property. Upon receipt of said notice, the owner
or other person or agent in control of the property shall repair, eliminate, or secure such
excavation, embankment, or fill so as to eliminate the hazard, in conformance with the
requirements of this Code, within the period specified in said notice.
J101.4 Safety precautions.
If at any stage of the work the Building Official determines by inspection that
unpermitted grading or grading work pursuant to a grading permit is likely to endanger
any public or private property, or result in the deposition of debris on any public way, or
interfere with any existing drainage course, the Building Official may order the work
stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in doing such work or
causing such work to be done, and any such person shall immediately stop such work.
The Building Official may authorize the work to proceed if the Building Official finds that
adequate safety precautions can be taken or corrective measures incorporated in the
work to avoid likelihood of such danger, deposition, or interference.
Page 102 of 311
If the grading work as done was performed without a grading permit or has
created or resulted in a hazardous condition, the Building Official shall give written
notice requiring correction thereof as specified in Section J103 and Section J101 of this
Code.
J101.5 Protection of utilities.
Both the permittee and the owner of the property on which the grading is
performed shall be responsible for the prevention of damage to any public and/or
private utilities or services.
J101.6 Protection of adjacent property.
Both the permittee and owner of the property on which the grading is performed
shall be responsible for the prevention of damage to adjacent property. No person shall
excavate on land sufficiently close to the property line to endanger any adjoining public
street, sidewalk, alley, or other public or private property without taking adequate
measures to support and protect such property from settling, cracking, or other damage
that might result from the proposed work. Any person performing any grading that
involves imported or exported materials shall take special precautions, as approved by
the Building Official, to prevent such materials from being deposited on adjacent
properties, any public way, and/or any drainage course.
J101.7 Storm water control measures.
Both the permittee and the owner of the property on which the grading is
performed shall put into effect and maintain all precautionary measures necessary to
protect adjacent water courses and public or private property from damage by erosion,
flooding, and deposition of mud, debris, and construction-related pollutants originating
Page 103 of 311
from the site during grading and related construction activities.
J101.8 Maintenance of protective devices and rodent control.
All drainage structures and other protective devices and all burrowing rodent
control measures, as shown on the grading plans approved by the Building Official,
shall be maintained in a good condition and, when necessary, promptly repaired by the
permittee or the owner of the property on which grading has been performed or by any
other person or agent in control of such property.
J101.9 Correlation with other sections.
The provisions of this Appendix are independent of the provisions of Chapter 99
– Building and Property Rehabilitation – of Title 26 of this Code. This Section may be
applied even though the same facts have been used to determine that there is a
building, structure, or substandard property subject to the provisions of Chapter 99.
J101.10 Conditions of approval.
In granting any permit under this Code, the Building Official may include such
conditions as may be reasonably necessary to prevent the creation of a nuisance or
hazard to public or private property. Such conditions may include, but shall not be
limited to:
1. Improvement of any existing grading to comply with the standards of this
Code.
2. Requirements for securing of excavations or fills that would otherwise be
hazardous.
3. Requirements for temporary excavations and shoring that are to be
implemented on site and shown on the plans.
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4. Requirements for mitigating, stabilizing, or eliminating unpermitted grading
conducted on site.
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SECTION 71. Section J102.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
J102.1 Definitions.
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this appendix, have the
meanings shown herein. Refer to Chapter 2 of this code for general definitionsFor the
purposes of this Appendix, the terms, phrases, and words listed in this Section and their
derivatives shall have the indicated meanings.
APPROVAL. When the proposed work or completed work conforms to this
Appendix, as determined by and to the satisfaction of the Building Official.
AS-BUILT. See Section J105.12.
BEDROCK. The relatively solid, undisturbed rock in place either at the ground
surface or beneath superficial deposits of alluvium, colluvium, and/or soil.
BENCH. A relatively level step excavated into earth material on which fill is to be
placed.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP). Practices, prohibitions of practices,
or other activities to reduce or eliminate the discharge of pollutants to surface waters.
BMPs include structural and nonstructural controls, management practices, operation
and maintenance procedures, and system, design, and engineering methods that are
required to be employed in order to comply with the requirements of the National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued to the County of
Los Angeles (see Section 106.4.3 and Title 31 – Green Building Standards Code – of
the Los Angeles County Code).
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BORROW. Earth material acquired from an off-site location for use in grading on
a site.
CIVIL ENGINEER. A professional engineer licensed in the State of California to
practice in the field of civil works.
CIVIL ENGINEERING. The application of the knowledge of the forces of nature,
principles of mechanics, and the properties of materials to the evaluation, design, and
construction of civil works.
COMPACTION. The densification of a fill by mechanical means.
CUT. See "Excavation."
DESILTING BASINS. Physical structures, constructed for the removal of
sediments from surface water runoff.
DESIGN ENGINEER. The Civil Engineer responsible for the preparation of the
grading plans for the site grading work.
DOWN DRAIN. A device for collecting water from a swale or ditch located on or
above a slope, and safely delivering it to an approved drainage facility.
EARTH MATERIAL. Any rock, natural soil, or fill, or any combination thereof.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST. A geologist experienced and knowledgeable in
engineering geology, holding a license as a geologist in the specialty of engineering
geology issued by the State of California under the applicable provisions of the
Geologist and Geophysicist Act of the Business and Professions Code.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY. The application of geologic knowledge and
principles in the investigation and evaluation of naturally occurring rock and soil for use
in the design of civil works.
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EROSION. The wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement
of wind, water, or ice.
EXCAVATION. The removal of earth material by artificial means, also referred
to as a cut.
FIELD ENGINEER. The Civil Engineer responsible for performing the functions
as set forth in Section J105.3.
FILL. Deposition of earth materials by artificial means.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER. See "Soils Engineer."
GEOTECHNICAL HAZARD. An adverse condition due to landslide, settlement,
and/or slippage. These hazards include, but are not limited to, loose debris, slopewash,
and mud flows from natural or graded slopes.
GRADE. The vertical location of the ground surface.
GRADE, EXISTING. The grade prior to grading.
GRADE, FINAL. See Section J105.7.
GRADE, FINISHED. The grade of the site at the conclusion of all grading efforts.
GRADE, INITIAL. See Section J105.7.
GRADE, ROUGH. See Section J105.7.
GRADING. An excavation or fill or combination thereof.
KEY. A compacted fill placed in a trench excavated in earth material beneath the
toe of a slope.
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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. A person who holds a certificate to practice
landscape architecture in the State of California under the applicable landscape
architecture provisions of Division 3, Chapter 3.5, of the Business and Professions
Code.
LINE. The horizontal location of the ground surface.
PERMITTEE. See Section J105.6.
PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM. A septic tank with effluent
discharging into a subsurface disposal field, into one or more seepage pits, or into a
combination of a subsurface disposal field and a seepage pit or of such other facilities
as may be permitted in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in
Title 28 – Plumbing Code – of the Los Angeles County Code and as required by the
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
PROJECT CONSULTANTS. The professional consultants required by this
Code, which may consist of the Design Engineer, Field Engineer, Soils Engineer,
Engineering Geologist, and Landscape Architect as applicable to this Appendix.
PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION. The inspection required by this Code to be
performed by the Project Consultants. Such inspections shall be sufficient to form an
opinion relating to the conduct of the work.
QSD. Qualified SWPPP Developer as defined in the California State
Construction General Permit.
QSP. Qualified SWPPP Practitioner as defined in the California State
Construction General Permit.
SITE. A lot or parcel of land or contiguous combination thereof, under the same
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ownership, where grading is performed or permitted.
SLOPE. An inclined surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of
horizontal distance to vertical distance.
SOIL. Naturally occurring superficial deposits overlying parent bedrock.
SOILS ENGINEER (GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER). A licensed civil engineer
experienced and knowledgeable in the practice of soils engineering.
SOILS ENGINEERING (GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING). The application of
the principles of soils mechanics in the investigation, evaluation, and design of civil
works involving the use of earth materials and the inspection or testing of construction
thereof.
STORM DRAIN SYSTEM. A conveyance or system of conveyances, including
roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches,
and man-made channels, designed or used for collecting and conveying storm water.
STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP). A site drawing
with details, notes, and related documents that identify the measures proposed by the
permittee to: (1) control erosion and prevent sediment and construction-related
pollutants from being carried offsite by storm water, and (2) prevent non-storm-water
discharges from entering the storm drain system.
SURFACE DRAINAGE. Flows over the ground surface.
SOIL TESTING AGENCY. An agency regularly engaged in the testing of soils
and rock under the direction of a Civil Engineer experienced in soil testing.
TERRACE. A relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope for
drainage and maintenance purposes.
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SECTION 72. Section J103 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION J103 PERMITS REQUIRED
J103.1 Permits required.
Except as exempted in Section J103.2, grading shall not be performed without
first having obtained a permit therefor from the bBuilding oOfficial. A grading permit
does not include the construction of retaining walls or other structures. A separate
permit shall be obtained for each site and may cover both excavations and fills. Any
engineered grading as described in Section J104.2.3 shall be performed by a contractor
licensed by the State of California to perform the work described hereon. Regular
grading less than 5,000 cubic yards may require a licensed contractor if the Building
Official determines that special conditions or hazards exist.
J103.2 Exemptions.
A grading permit shall not be required for the following:
1. When approved by the Building Official, Ggrading in an isolated, self-
contained area, provided that the public is not endangered and that such grading will
not adversely affect adjoining properties or public rights of way.
. . .
7. Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered
design professionalGeotechnical Engineer or Engineering Geologist. This shall not
exempt grading of access roads or pads created for exploratory excavations.
Exploratory excavations must not create a hazardous condition to adjacent properties or
the public in accordance with Section J101.3. A restoration plan must be provided and
approved by the Building Official for all grading of access roads or pads. Restoration
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shall be completed within 90 days after the completion of soils testing unless otherwise
approved by the Building Official.
8. An excavation that does not exceed 50 cubic yards (38.3 m3) and
complies with one of the following conditions and as shown in Figure J103.2:
(a) Is less than 2 feet (0.6 m) in depth.
(b) Does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet (1.5 m) measured
vertically upward from the cut surface to the surface of the natural grade and is not
steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope).
9. A fill not intended to support a structure that does not obstruct a drainage
course and complies with one of the following conditions and as shown in Figure
J103.2:
(a) Is less than 1 foot (0.3 m) in depth and is placed on natural terrain
with a slope flatter than 5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (20 percent slope).
(b) Is less than 3 feet (0.9 m) in depth at its deepest point measured
vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 50 cubic
yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical
(50 percent slope).
(c) Is less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in depth at its deepest point measured
vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 20 cubic
yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical
(50 percent slope).
Exemption from the permit requirements of this aAppendix shall not be
deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the
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provisions of this cCode or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
J103.3 Unpermitted grading.
A person shall not own, use, occupy, or maintain any site containing unpermitted
grading. For the purposes of this Code, unpermitted grading shall be defined as either
of the following:
(1) Grading that was performed, at any point in time, without the required
permit(s) having first been obtained from the Building Official, pursuant to
Section J103.1;
(2) Grading for which a permit was obtained pursuant to this Section, but
which was not completed, pursuant to Section J105, prior to the expiration of the permit,
pursuant to Section 106.5.4, or
(3) Grading for which a permit was obtained pursuant to this Section, but where
grading was performed outside the scope of the permit, pursuant to Section J105.
If the Building Official has determined that unpermitted grading was performed or
has created or resulted in a hazardous condition, the Building Official shall give written
notice requiring correction thereof as specified in Section 103, and in accordance with
J101 of this Code.
The Building Official may require such conditions as may be reasonably
necessary to prevent creation of a nuisance or hazard to public or private property.
Such conditions may include, but shall not be limited to, conditions set forth in Section
J101.10.
J103.4 Availability of permit at site.
No person shall perform any grading that requires a permit under this Appendix
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unless a copy of the grading permit and approved grading plans are in the possession
of a responsible person and available at the site for the Building Official's reference.
J103.5 Grading fees.
Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of this Section. The
amount of the fees shall be as specified in Section 107.
1. Plan Review Fees. When a plan or other data are required to be
submitted, a plan review fee 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 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 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 shall be paid to the
Building Official at the time of submitting plans and specifications for review.
J103.6 Compliance with zoning code.
The Building Official may refuse to issue a grading permit for work on a site if
either the proposed grading or the proposed land use for the site shown on the grading
plan application does not comply with the provisions of Title 22 – Planning and Zoning –
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of the Los Angeles County Code.
J103.7 Grading security.
J103.7.1 Scope and purpose.
The Building Official may require a permittee or the owner(s) of the property on
which the grading is proposed to occur to provide security as a condition of the issuance
of a grading permit for any grading involving more than 1,000 cubic yards (764.6 m3).
Where unusual conditions or special hazards exist, the Building Official may require
security for grading involving less than 1,000 cubic yards (764.6 m3). The purpose of
the security shall be to guarantee the permittee's obligation to mitigate any hazardous
conditions, including flood and geotechnical hazards, that may be created if the grading
is not completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, and to
complete any work that the Building Official determines is necessary to bring the
property into compliance with this Appendix.
Security required by this Section may include incidental off-site grading on
property contiguous with the site to be developed, provided written consent of the owner
of such contiguous property is filed with the Building Official.
The Building Official may waive the requirements for security for the following:
1. Grading being done by or for a governmental agency.
2. Grading necessary to remove a geotechnical hazard, where such work is
covered by an agreement and security is posted pursuant to the provisions of Title 21 –
Subdivisions – of the Los Angeles County Code.
3. Grading on a site, not exceeding a slope of 3 units horizontal to 1 unit
vertical, provided such grading as determined by the Building Official will not affect
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drainage from or to adjacent properties.
4. Filling of holes or depressions, provided such grading will not affect the
drainage from or to adjacent properties.
J103.7.2 Form of security.
The security referred to in Section J103.7.1 shall be in one of the following forms:
1. A bond furnished by a corporate surety authorized to do business in this
state.
2. Cash.
3. Savings and loan certificates or shares deposited and assigned to the
County as provided in Chapter 4.36 of Title 4 – Revenue and Finance – of the
Los Angeles County Code.
4. An instrument of credit from a financial institution subject to regulation by
the State or federal government and pledging that funds in the amount required by the
Building Official are on deposit and guaranteed for payment, or a letter of credit is
issued by such a financial institution.
J103.7.3 Amount of security.
The amount of security shall be based on the number of cubic yards of material
in either excavation or fill, whichever is greater, and the cost of all drainage or other
protective devices or work necessary to eliminate potential flooding and geotechnical
hazards. That portion of the security valuation based on the volume of material in either
excavation or fill shall be computed as follows:
100,000 cubic yards or less – 50 percent of the estimated cost of grading work.
Over 100,000 cubic yards – 50 percent of the estimated cost of the first 100,000
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cubic yards plus 25 percent of the estimated cost of that portion in excess of 100,000
cubic yards.
When the rough grading has been completed in conformance with the
requirements of this Code, the Building Official may, at his or her discretion, consent to
a proportionate reduction of the security to an amount estimated to be adequate to
ensure completion of the grading work, site development, or planting remaining to be
performed. The costs referred to in this Section shall be as estimated by the Building
Official.
J103.7.4 Conditions.
All security shall include conditions that the principal shall:
1. Comply with all of the provisions of this Code, applicable laws, and
ordinances;
2. Comply with all of the terms and conditions of the grading permit; and
3. Complete all of the work authorized by the permit.
J103.7.5 Term of security.
The term of each security shall begin upon the filing with the Building Official, and
the security shall remain in effect until the work authorized by the grading permit is
completed and approved by the Building Official.
J103.7.6 Default procedures.
In the event any grading for which a permit has been issued is not completed in
accordance with the approved plans and specifications for said work or with all terms
and conditions of the grading permit, the Building Official may declare that a default has
occurred. The Building Official shall give notice thereof to the principal and surety or
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financial institution executing the security, or to the owner in the case of a cash bond or
assignment.
The Building Official may thereafter determine the work that is necessary to
mitigate any hazardous or unsafe conditions on the site and cause such work to be
performed.
Where the security consists of a bond or instrument of credit, the surety or
financial institution executing the security shall be responsible for the payment of all
costs and expenses incurred by the Building Official in causing such work to be
performed, up to the full amount of the security. In the case of cash security or
assignment, the Building Official may pay all costs and expenses incurred in causing
such work to be performed from the funds deposited and return any unused portion of
such deposit or funds to the person making said deposit or assignment.
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J103.7.7 Right of entry.
The Building Official or the authorized representative of any surety company or
financial institution furnishing the security shall have access to the premises described
in the permit for the purpose of inspecting the work.
In the event of default, as described in Section J103.7.6, the surety or financial
institution furnishing the security, or the Building Official, or any person employed or
engaged on the behalf of any of these parties, shall have the right to go upon the
premises to perform the mitigation work, as described in Section J103.7.6.
Neither the permittee, owner, or any other person shall interfere with or obstruct
the ingress into or egress from any such premises of any authorized representative of
the surety or financial institution executing the security or the Building Official engaged
to perform the mitigation work, as described in Section J103.7.6.
SECTION 73. Figure J103.2 is hereby added to read as follows:
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FIGURE J103.2
GRADING EXEMPTION CASES
SECTION 74. Section J104 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION J104 PERMIT APPLICATION AND SUBMITTALS
J104.1 Submittal requirements.
In addition to the provisions of Section 105.3 and 1.8.4, as applicable106.4, the
applicant shall state the estimated quantities of excavation and fillfollowing:
1. The estimated quantities of excavation, fill, borrow, removal, or
combination thereof.
2. The proposed land use for the site on which the grading is to be
performed.
J104.2 Site plan requirements.
In addition to the provisions of Section 107106, a grading plan shall show the
existing grade and finished grade in contour intervals of sufficient clarity to indicate the
nature and extent of the work and show in detail that it complies with the requirements
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of this cCode. The plans shall show the existing grade on adjoining properties in
sufficient detail to identify how grade changes will conform to the requirements of this
cCode.
J104.2.1 Grading designation.
Grading in excess of 5,000 cubic yards (3,825 m3), or that is proposed to support
any structure, shall be designated as "engineered grading." All engineered grading
shall be performed in accordance with an approved grading plan and specifications
prepared by a Civil Engineer, unless otherwise required by the Building Official.
Grading involving less than 5,000 cubic yards (3,825 m3), and that will not
support any structure, shall be designated "regular grading" unless the permittee
chooses to have the grading be designated as engineered grading, or the Building
Official determines that, due to the existence of special conditions or unusual hazards,
the grading should be designated as engineered grading.
J104.2.2 Regular grading requirements.
In addition to the provisions of Sections 106 and J104.2, an application for a
regular grading permit shall be accompanied by plans of sufficient clarity to indicate the
nature and extent of the work. The plans shall give the location of the work, the name
of the owner, and the name of the person who prepared the plan. The plan shall
include the following information:
1. General vicinity of the proposed site.
2. Limits and depths of cut and fill.
3. Location of any buildings or structures where work is to be performed, and
the location of any buildings or structures within 15 feet (4.6 m) of the proposed grading.
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4. Contours, flow areas, elevations, or slopes that define existing and
proposed drainage patterns.
5. Storm water mitigation measures in accordance with the requirements of
Section 106.4.3 of this Code. See Section J110.8 for specific requirements.
6. Location of existing and proposed utilities, drainage facilities, and
recorded public and private easements and restricted use areas.
7. Location of all recorded floodways as established by Chapter 11.60 of
Title 11 – Health and Safety – of the Los Angeles County Code.
8. Location of all Special Flood Hazard Areas as designated and defined in
Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
J104.2.3 Engineered grading requirements.
In addition to the provisions of Sections 106 and J104.2, an application for a
permit for engineered grading shall be accompanied by plans and specifications and
supporting data consisting of a geotechnical report and engineering geology report.
Specifications shall contain information covering construction and material
requirements. Plans shall be drawn to scale on paper and shall be of sufficient clarity to
indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed and shall show in detail that the
proposed work will conform to the provisions of this Code and all relevant laws,
ordinances, rules, and regulations. The first sheet of the plans shall depict the location
of the proposed work, the name and address of the owner, and the name and address
of the person who prepared the plans.
The plans shall include or be accompanied by the following information:
1. General vicinity of the proposed site.
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2. Property limits and accurate contours of existing ground and details of
terrain and area drainage.
3. Limiting dimensions, elevations, or finish contours to be achieved by the
grading, proposed drainage channels, and related construction.
4. Detailed plans of all surface and subsurface drainage devices, walls,
cribbing, dams, and other protective devices to be constructed with, or as a part of, the
proposed work. In addition, a map showing the drainage area and the estimated runoff
of the area served by any drains.
5. Location of any existing or proposed buildings or structures located on the
property on which the work is to be performed and the location of any buildings or
structures on adjacent properties that are within 15 feet (4.6 m) of the property or that
may be affected by the proposed grading operations.
6. Recommendations in the geotechnical report and the engineering geology
report shall be incorporated into the grading plans or specifications. When approved by
the Building Official, specific recommendations contained in the soils engineering report
and the engineering geology report, that are applicable to grading, may be included by
reference.
7. The dates of the geotechnical and engineering geology reports together
with the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the firms or individuals who
prepared the reports.
8. A statement of the quantities of material to be excavated and/or filled.
Earthwork quantities shall include quantities for geotechnical and geological
remediation. In addition, a statement of the quantities of material to be imported or
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exported from the site.
9. A statement of the estimated starting and completion dates for proposed
work.
10. A statement signed by the owner, acknowledging that a Design Engineer,
Field Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, and Engineering Geologist, when appropriate,
will be employed to perform the services required by this Code, when the Building
Official requires that such professional persons be so employed. These
acknowledgments shall be on a form furnished by the Building Official.
11. Storm water mitigation measures are required to be shown on the grading
plan in accordance with the requirement of Section 106.4.3 of this Code. See
Section J110.8 for specific requirements.
12. A drainage plan for those portions of property proposed to be utilized as a
building site (building pad), including elevations of floors with respect to finish site grade
and locations of proposed stoops, slabs, and fences that may affect drainage.
13. Location and type of any proposed private sewage disposal system,
including the location of the expansion area.
14. Location of existing and proposed utilities, drainage facilities, and
recorded public and private easements and restricted use areas.
15. Location of all recorded floodways as established by Chapter 11.60 of
Title 11 – Health and Safety – of the Los Angeles County Code.
16. Location of all Special Flood Hazard Areas as designated and defined in
Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
J104.3 Geotechnical and engineering geology reports.
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A geotechnical report prepared by registered design professionals shall be
provided. The report shall contain not less than the following:
1. The nature and distribution of existing soils.
2. Conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures.
3. Soil design criteria for any structures or embankments required to
accomplish the proposed grading.
4. Where necessary, slope stability studies, and recommendations and
conclusions regarding site geology.
The geotechnical report required by Section J104.2.3 shall include data
regarding the nature, distribution, and strength of existing soils, conclusions, and
recommendations for grading procedures and design criteria for corrective measures,
including buttress fills, when necessary, and an opinion on the adequacy for the
intended use of sites to be developed by the proposed grading as affected by
geotechnical factors, including the stability of slopes. All reports shall conform with the
requirements of Section 111 and shall be subject to review by the Building Official.
Supplemental reports and data may be required as the Building Official may deem
necessary. Recommendations included in the reports and approved by the Building
Official shall be incorporated in the grading plan or specifications.
The engineering geology report required by Section J104.2.3 shall include an
adequate description of the geology of the site, conclusions, and recommendations
regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development, and an
opinion on the adequacy for the intended use of sites to be developed by the proposed
grading, as affected by geologic factors. The engineering geology report shall include a
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geologic map and cross sections utilizing the most recent grading plan as a base. All
reports shall conform with the requirements of Section 111 and shall be subject to
review by the Building Official. Supplemental reports and data may be required as the
Building Official may deem necessary. Recommendations included in the reports and
approved by the Building Official shall be incorporated in the grading plan or
specifications.
Exception: A geotechnical or engineering geology report is not required where
the bBuilding code oOfficial determines that the nature of the work applied for is such
that a report is not necessary.
J104.4 Liquefaction study.
For sites with maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations
at short periods (Ss) greater than 0.5g as determined by Chapter 11 of ASCE 7, a study
of the liquefaction potential of the site shall be provided and the recommendations
incorporated in the plans. A geotechnical investigation will be required when the
proposed work is a "Project" as defined in Public Resources Code section 2693, and is
located in an area designated as a "Seismic Hazard Zone" as defined in section 3722 of
Title 14 of the Code of Regulations and on Seismic Hazard Zone Maps issued by the
State Geologist under Public Resources Code section 2696.
Exception: A liquefaction study is not required where the bBuilding oOfficial
determines from established local data that the liquefaction potential is low.
SECTION 75. Section J105 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION J105 INSPECTIONS
J105.1 General.
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Grading Iinspections shall be governed by Section 110, Chapter 1, Division II108
and as indicated herein. Grading operations for which a permit is required shall be
subject to inspection by the Building Official. In addition, professional inspection of
grading operations shall be performed by the Field Engineer, the Geotechnical
Engineer, and the Engineering Geologist retained to provide such services in
accordance with this Section for engineered grading and as required by the Building
Official for regular grading.
J105.2 Special and supplemental inspections.
The special inspection requirements of Section 1705.6 shall apply to work
performed under a grading permit where required by the bBuilding oOfficial. In addition
to the called inspections specified in Section J105.7, the Building Official may make
such other inspections as may be deemed necessary to determine that the work is
being performed in conformance with the requirements of this Code. The Building
Official may require investigations and reports by an approved soil testing agency,
Geotechnical Engineer and/or Engineering Geologist, and Field Engineer. Inspection
reports shall be provided when requested in writing by the Building Official.
The Building Official may require continuous inspection of drainage devices by
the Field Engineer in accordance with this Section when the Building Official determines
that the drainage devices are necessary for the protection of the structures in
accordance with Section 110.
J105.3 Field engineer.
The Field Engineer shall provide professional inspection of those parts of the
grading project within such engineer's area of technical specialty, oversee and
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coordinate all field surveys, including setting grade stakes, and provide site inspections
during grading operations to ensure the site is graded in accordance with the approved
grading plan and the appropriate requirements of this Code. During site grading, and at
the completion of both rough grading and final grading, the Field Engineer shall submit
statements and reports as required by Sections J105.11 and J105.12. If revised
grading plans are required during the course of the work, they shall be prepared by a
Civil Engineer and approved by the Building Official.
J105.4 Geotechnical engineer.
The Geotechnical Engineer shall provide professional inspection of those parts of
the grading project within such engineer's area of technical specialty, which shall
include observation during grading and testing for required compaction. The
Geotechnical Engineer shall provide sufficient observation during the preparation of the
natural ground and placement and compaction of the fill to verify that such work is being
performed in accordance with the conditions of the approved plan and the appropriate
requirements of this Appendix. If conditions differing from the approved geotechnical
engineering and engineering geology reports are encountered during grading, the
Geotechnical Engineer shall provide revised recommendations to the permittee, the
Building Official, and the Field Engineer.
J105.5 Engineering geologist.
The Engineering Geologist shall provide professional inspection of those parts of
the grading project within such engineer's area of technical specialty, which shall
include professional inspection of the bedrock excavation to determine if conditions
encountered are in conformance with the approved report. If conditions differing from
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the approved engineering geology report are encountered, the Engineering Geologist
shall provide revised recommendations to the Geotechnical Engineer.
J105.6 Permittee.
The permittee shall be responsible for ensuring that the grading is performed in
accordance with the approved plans and specifications and in conformance with the
provisions of this Code. The permittee shall engage project consultants, if required
under the provisions of this Code, to provide professional inspections on a timely basis.
The permittee shall act as a coordinator between the project consultants, the contractor,
and the Building Official. In the event of changed conditions, the permittee shall be
responsible for informing the Building Official of such change and shall provide revised
plans for approval.
J105.7 Required inspections.
The permittee shall call for and schedule an inspection by the Building Official at
the following various stages of work and shall obtain the approval of the Building Official
prior to proceeding to the next stage of work:
Pre-grade – Before any construction or grading activities occur at the site. The
permittee shall ensure that all project consultants are present at the pre-grade
inspection.
Initial grade – When the site has been cleared of vegetation and unapproved fill,
and has been scarified, benched, or otherwise prepared for fill. No fill shall have been
placed prior to this inspection.
Rough grade – When approximate final elevations have been established,
drainage terraces, swales, and other drainage devices necessary for the protection of
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the building sites from flooding have been installed, berms have been installed at the
top of the slopes, and the statements required by Section J105.12 have been received.
Final grade – When grading has been completed, all drainage devices
necessary to drain the building pad have been installed, slope planting has been
established, irrigation systems have been installed, and the as-built plans and required
statements and reports have been submitted.
J105.8 Notification of noncompliance.
If, in the course of fulfilling their respective duties under this Appendix, the Field
Engineer, the Geotechnical Engineer, or the Engineering Geologist determines that the
work is not being done in conformance with this Appendix or the approved grading
plans, the Field Engineer, the Geotechnical Engineer, or the Engineering Geologist shall
immediately report, in writing, the discrepancies and the recommended corrective
measures to the permittee and to the Building Official.
J105.9 Transfer of responsibility.
If the Field Engineer, the Geotechnical Engineer, or the Engineering Geologist of
record is changed at any time after the grading plans required pursuant to
Section J104.2.2 or J104.2.3 have been approved by the Building Official, the permittee
shall immediately provide written notice of such change to the Building Official. The
Building Official may stop the grading from commencing or continuing until the permittee
has identified a replacement and the replacement has agreed in writing to assume
responsibility for those parts of the grading project that are within the replacement's
area of technical competence.
J105.10 Non-inspected grading.
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No person shall own, use, occupy, or maintain any non-inspected grading. For
the purposes of this Code, non-inspected grading shall be defined as any grading for
which a grading permit was first obtained, pursuant to Section J103, above, but which
has progressed beyond any point requiring inspection and approval by the Building
Official without such inspection and approval having been obtained.
J105.11 Routine field inspections and reports.
Unless otherwise directed by the Building Official, the Field Engineer for all
engineered grading projects shall prepare routine inspection reports and shall file these
reports with the Building Official as follows:
1. Bi-weekly during all times when grading of 400 cubic yards or more per
week is occurring on the site;
2. Monthly, at all other times; and
3. At any time when requested in writing by the Building Official.
Such reports shall certify to the Building Official that the Field Engineer has
inspected the grading site and related activities and has found them in compliance with
the approved grading plans and specifications, this Code, all grading permit conditions,
and all other applicable ordinances and requirements. The reports shall conform to a
standard "Report of Grading Activities" form, which shall be provided by the Building
Official.
J105.12 Completion of work.
Upon completion of the rough grading work and at the final completion of the
work, the following reports and drawings and supplements thereto are required for
engineered grading or when professional inspection is otherwise required by the
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Building Official:
1. An "as-built" grading plan prepared by the Field Engineer retained to
provide such services in accordance with Section J105.3 showing all plan revisions as
approved by the Building Official. This shall include original ground surface elevations,
as-built ground surface elevations, lot drainage patterns, and the locations and
elevations of surface drainage facilities and the outlets of subsurface drains. As-built
locations, elevations, and details of subsurface drains shall be shown as reported by the
Geotechnical Engineer.
The as-built grading plan shall be accompanied by a certification by the Field
Engineer that to the best of his or her knowledge, the work within the Field Engineer's
area of responsibility was done in accordance with the final approved grading plan.
2. A report prepared by the Geotechnical Engineer retained to provide such
services in accordance with Section J105.4, including locations and elevations of field
density tests, summaries of field and laboratory tests, other substantiating data, and
comments on any changes made during grading and their effect on the
recommendations made in the approved geotechnical engineering investigation report.
The report shall include a certification by the Geotechnical Engineer that, to the best of
his or her knowledge, the work within the Geotechnical Engineer's area of responsibility
is in accordance with the approved geotechnical engineering report and applicable
provisions of this Appendix. The report shall contain a finding regarding the safety of
the completed grading and any proposed structures against hazard from landslide,
settlement, or slippage.
3. A report prepared by the Engineering Geologist retained to provide such
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services in accordance with Section J105.5, including a final description of the geology
of the site and any new information disclosed during the grading and the effect of such
new information, if any, on the recommendations incorporated in the approved grading
plan. The report shall contain a certification by the Engineering Geologist that, to the
best of his or her knowledge, the work within the Engineering Geologist's area of
responsibility is in accordance with the approved engineering geology report and
applicable provisions of this Appendix. The report shall contain a finding regarding the
safety of the completed grading and any proposed structures against hazard from
landslide, settlement, or slippage. The report shall contain a final as-built geologic map
and cross-sections depicting all the information collected prior to and during grading.
4. The grading contractor shall certify, on a form prescribed by the Building
Official, that the grading conforms to said as-built plan and the approved specifications.
5. When a landscape permit is required by Section 490.1 of the California
Department of Water Resources Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the
Landscape Architect shall certify on a form prescribed by the Building Official that the
landscaping conforms to approved landscape plans and specifications.
J105.13 Notification of completion.
The permittee shall notify the Building Official when the grading operation is
ready for final inspection. Final approval shall not be given until all work, including
installation of all drainage facilities and their protective devices, and all erosion-control
measures, have been completed in accordance with the final approved grading plan,
and all required reports have been submitted and approved.
J105.14 Change of ownership.
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Unless otherwise required by the Building Official, when a grading permit has
been issued on a site and the owner sells the property prior to final grading approval,
the new property owner shall be required to obtain a new grading permit.
SECTION 76. Section J106.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
J106.1 Maximum cut slope.
The slope of cut surfaces shall be not steeper than is safe for the intended use,
and shall be not more than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope)
unless the owner or the owner's authorized agent furnishes a geotechnical or an
engineering geology report, or both, justifying a steeper slope. The reports must
contain a statement by the Geotechnical Engineer or Engineering Geologist that the site
was investigated and an opinion that a steeper slope will be stable and will not create a
hazard to public or private property, in conformance with the requirements of
Section 111. The Building Official may require the slope of the cut surfaces to be flatter
in slope than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50-percent slope) if the Building Official
finds it necessary for the stability and safety of the slope.
Exceptions:
1. A cut surface shall be permitted to be at a slope of 1.5 units horizontal to
one unit vertical (67-percent slope) provided that all of the following are met:
1.1. It is not intended to support structures or surcharges.
1.2. It is adequately protected against erosion.
1.3. It is no more than 8 feet (2438 mm) in height.
1.4. It is approved by the bBuilding code oOfficial.
1.5. Ground water is not encountered.
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2. A cut surface in bedrock shall be permitted to be at a slope of 1 unit
horizontal to 1 unit vertical (100 percent slope).
SECTION 77. Section J107 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION J107 FILLS
J107.1 General.
Unless otherwise recommended in the geotechnical report, fills shall comply with
the provisions of this sSection.
Exception: The Building Official may permit a deviation from the provisions of
this Appendix for minor fills not intended to support structures, where no geotechnical
report has been prepared.
J107.2 Surface Preparation.
Fill slopes shall not be constructed on natural slopes steeper than 2 units
horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope). The ground surface shall be prepared to
receive fill by removing vegetation, topsoil, and other unsuitable materials (including any
existing fill that does not meet the requirements of this Appendix), and scarifying the
ground to provide a bond with the fill material.
Subdrains shall be provided under all fills placed in natural drainage courses and
in other locations where seepage is evident, except where the Geotechnical Engineer or
Engineering Geologist recommends otherwise. Such sub-drainage systems shall be of
a material and design approved by the Geotechnical Engineer and acceptable to the
Building Official. The Geotechnical Engineer shall provide continuous inspection during
the process of subdrain installations. The location of the subdrains shall be shown on a
plan prepared by the Geotechnical Engineer. Excavations for the subdrains shall be
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inspected by the Engineering Geologist when such subdrains are included in the
recommendations of the Engineering Geologist.
J107.3 Benching.
Where existing grade is at a slope steeper than one unit vertical in five units
horizontal (20-percent slope) and the depth of the fill exceeds 5 feet (1524 mm),
benching shall be provided into sound bedrock or other competent material as
determined by the Geotechnical Engineer in accordance with Figure J107.3, or as
determined by the Geotechnical Engineer. When fill is to be placed over a cut, Aa key
shall be provided that is not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in width and 2 feet (610 mm) in
depth. The area beyond the toe of fill shall be sloped for sheet overflow or a paved
drain shall be constructed thereon. The Geotechnical Engineer or Engineering
Geologist, or both, shall inspect and approve the cut as being suitable for the foundation
and placement of fill material before any fill material is placed on the excavation.
. . .
J107.4 Fill material.
Fill material shall not include organic, frozen, or other deleterious materials.
Rock or similar irreducible material greater than 12 inches (305 mm) in any dimension
shall not be included in fills.
Exception: The Building Official may permit placement of larger rock when the
Geotechnical Engineer properly devises and recommends a method of placement, and
continuously inspects the placement and approves the fill stability. The following
requirements shall also apply:
1. Prior to issuance of the grading permit, potential rock disposal areas shall
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be delineated on the grading plan.
2. Rock sizes greater than 12 inches (0.3 m) in maximum dimension shall be
10 feet (3.0 m) or more below grade, measured vertically.
3. Rocks shall be placed so as to assure filling of all voids with well-graded
soil.
4. The reports submitted by the Geotechnical Engineer shall acknowledge
the placement of the oversized material and whether the work was performed in
accordance with the engineer's recommendations and the approved plans.
5. The location of oversized rock dispersal areas shall be shown on the as-
built plan.
J107.5 Compaction.
All fill material shall be compacted to a minimum of 90 percent of maximum
density as determined by ASTM D1557, Modified Proctor, in lifts not exceeding
12 inches (305 mm) in depth within 40 feet (12.2 m) below finished grade and
93 percent of maximum dry density deeper than 40 feet (12.2 m) below finished grade,
unless a lower relative compaction (not less than 90 percent of maximum dry density) is
justified by the Geotechnical Engineer and approved by the Building Official. Where
ASTM D1557, Modified Proctor, is not applicable, a test acceptable to the Building
Official shall be used.
Field density shall be determined by a method acceptable to the Building Official.
However, not less than ten percent of the required density tests, uniformly distributed,
shall be obtained by the Sand Cone Method.
Fill slopes steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50-percent slope)
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shall be constructed by the placement of soil a sufficient distance beyond the proposed
finish slope to allow compaction equipment to operate at the outer surface limits of the
final slope surface. The excess fill is to be removed prior to completion or rough
grading. Other construction procedures may be utilized when it is first shown to the
satisfaction of the Building Official that the angle of slope, construction method, and
other factors will comply with the intent of this Section.
J107.6 Maximum slope.
The slope of fill surfaces shall be not steeper than is safe for the intended use.
Fill slopes steeper than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope) shall
be justified by a geotechnical reports or engineering dataconforming to the requirements
of Section 111, containing a statement by the Geotechnical Engineer that the site has
been investigated and an opinion that a steeper fill slope will be stable and will not
create a hazard to public or private property. Substantiating calculations and supporting
data may be required where the Building Official determines that such information is
necessary to verify the stability and safety of the proposed slope. The Building Official
may require the fill slope to be constructed with a face flatter in slope than 2 units
horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50-percent slope) if the Building Official finds it necessary
for stability and safety of the slope.
J107.7 Slopes to receive fill.
Where fill is to be placed above the top of an existing slope steeper than 3 units
horizontal to 1 unit vertical (33-percent slope), the toe of the fill shall be set back from
the top edge of the existing slope a minimum distance of 6 feet (1.8 m) measured
horizontally or such other distance as may be specifically recommended by a
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Geotechnical Engineer or Engineering Geologist and approved by the Building Official.
J107.8 Inspection of fill.
For engineered grading, the Geotechnical Engineer shall provide sufficient
inspections during the preparation of the natural ground and the placement and
compaction of the fill to ensure that the work is performed in accordance with the
conditions of plan approval and the appropriate requirements of this Appendix. In
addition to the above, the Geotechnical Engineer shall provide continuous inspection
during the entire fill placement and compaction of fills that will exceed a vertical height
or depth of 30 feet (9.1 m) or result in a slope surface steeper than 2 units horizontal to
1 unit vertical (50-percent slope).
J107.9 Testing of fills.
Sufficient tests of the fill soils shall be made to determine the density and to verify
compliance of the soil properties with the design requirements. This includes soil types
and shear strengths in accordance with Section J111 Referenced Standards.
SECTION 78. Section J108 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION J108 SETBACKS
J108.1 General.
Cut and fill slopes shall be set back from the property lines in accordance with
this sSection. Setback dimensions shall be measured perpendicular to the property line
and shall be as shown in Figure J108.1, unless substantiating data is submitted
justifying reduced setbacks, and reduced setbacks are recommended in a geotechnical
engineering and engineering geology report approved by the Building Official.
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J108.2 Top of slope
The setback at the top of a cut slope shall be not less than that shown in Figure
J108.1, or than is required to accommodate any required interceptor drains, whichever
is greater. For graded slopes, the property line between adjacent lots shall be at the
apex of the berm at the top of the slope. Property lines between adjacent lots shall not
be located on a graded slope steeper than 5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical
(20-percent slope).
J108.3 Toe of fill sSlope protection.
The setback from the toe of a fill slope shall not be less than that shown by
Figure J108.1. Where required to protect adjacent properties at the toe of a slope from
adverse effects of the grading, additional protection, approved by the bBuilding oOfficial,
shall be included. Examples of such protection may include but shall not be limited to:
1. Setbacks greater than those required by Figure J108.1.
2. Provisions for retaining walls or similar construction.
3. Erosion protection of the fill slopes.
4. Provision for the control of surface waters.
J108.4 Alternate setbacks.
The Building Official may approve alternate setbacks if he or she determines that
no hazard to life or property will be created or increased. The Building Official may
require an investigation and recommendation by a qualified engineer or Engineering
Geologist to justify any proposed alternate setback.
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SECTION 79. Figure J108.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
FIGURE J108.1
DRAINAGESETBACK DIMENSIONS
SECTION 80. Section J109 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION J109 DRAINAGE AND TERRACING
J109.1 General.
Unless otherwise recommended by a registered design professionallicensed Civil
Engineer and approved by the Building Official, drainage facilities and terracing shall be
provided in accordance with the requirements of this sSection J109.2 for all cut and fill
slopes 3 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (33-percent slope) and steeper.
EXCEPTION: Drainage facilities and terracing need not be provided where the
ground slope is not steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33-percent
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slope).
For slopes flatter than 3 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (33-percent slope) and
steeper than 5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (20-percent slope), a paved swale or
ditch shall be installed at 30-foot (9.1 m) vertical intervals to control surface drainage
and debris. Swales shall be sized based on contributory area and have adequate
capacity to convey intercepted waters to the point of disposal as defined in
Section J109.5. Swales must be paved with reinforced concrete not less than 3 inches
(0.08 m) in thickness, reinforced with 6-inch (0.2 m) by 6-inch (0.2 m) No. 10 by No. 10
welded wire fabric or equivalent reinforcing centered in the concrete slab or an
equivalent approved by the Building Official. Swales must have a minimum flow line
depth of 1 foot (0.3 m) and a minimum paved width of 18 inches (0.5 m). Swales shall
have a minimum gradient of not less than 5 percent. There shall be no reduction in
grade along the direction of flow unless the velocity of flow is such that slope debris will
remain in suspension on the reduced grade.
J109.2 Drainage Tterraces.
Drainage tTerraces not less than 6 feet (1829 mm)8 feet (2.4 m) in width shall be
established at not more than 30-foot (9144 mm) vertical intervals on all cut or fill slopes
to control surface drainage and debris. Suitable access shall be provided to allow for
cleaning and maintenance.
Where more than two terraces are required, one terrace, located at
approximately mid-height, shall be at least 12 feet (3658 mm) in width.
Swales or ditches shall be provided on terraces. They shall have a minimum
gradient of one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope) and shall be paved
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with concrete not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in thickness, or with other materials
suitable to the application. They shall have a depth not less than 12 inches (305 mm)
and a width not less than 5 feet (1524 mm).
A single run of swale or ditch shall not collect runoff from a tributary area
exceeding 13,500 square feet (1256 m2) (projected) without discharging into a down
drainWhen only one terrace is required, it shall be at mid-height. For cut or fill slopes
greater than 100 feet (30.5 m) and up to 120 feet (36.6 m) in vertical height, one terrace
at approximately mid-height shall be 20 feet (6.1 m) in width. Terrace widths and
spacing for cut and fill slopes greater than 120 feet (36.6 m) in height shall be designed
by the Civil Engineer and approved by the Building Official. Suitable access shall be
provided to permit proper cleaning and maintenance.
Drainage swales on terraces shall have a longitudinal grade of not less than
5 percent nor more than 12 percent and a minimum depth of 1 foot (0.3 m) at the flow
line. There shall be no reduction in grade along the direction of flow unless the velocity
of flow is such that slope debris will remain in suspension on the reduced grade.
Drainage swales must be paved with reinforced concrete not less than 3 inches (0.8 m)
in thickness, reinforced with 6-inch (0.2 m) by 6-inch (0.2 m) No. 10 by No. 10 welded
wire fabric or equivalent reinforcing centered in the concrete slab or an approved equal
paving. Drainage swales shall have a minimum depth at the deepest point of 1 foot
(0.3 m) and a minimum paved width of 5 feet (1.5 m). Drainage swales on terraces
shall be sized based on contributory area and have adequate capacity to convey
intercepted waters to the point of disposal as defined in Section J109.5. Downdrains or
drainage outlets shall be provided at approximately 300 foot (91.4 m) intervals along the
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drainage terrace or at equivalent locations. Down drains and drainage outlets shall be
of approved materials and of adequate capacity to convey the intercepted waters to the
point of disposal as defined in Section J109.5.
J109.3 Interceptor drains and overflow protection.
Berms, Iinterceptor drains, swales, or other devices shall be installed along the
top of cut slopes receiving drainage from a tributary width greater than 40 feet (12 192
mm), measured horizontallyto prevent surface waters from overflowing onto and
damaging the face of a slope. Berms used for slope protection shall not be less than
12 inches (0.3 m) above the level of the pad and shall slope back at least 4 feet (1.2 m)
from the top of the slope.
Interceptor drains shall be installed along the top of graded slopes greater than
5 feet in height receiving drainage from a slope with a tributary width greater than
30 feet (9.1 m), measured horizontally. They shall have a minimum depth of 1 foot
(305 mm) and a minimum width of 3 feet (915 mm). The slope shall be approved by the
bBuilding oOfficial, but shall be not less than one unit vertical in 50 units horizontal (2-
percent slope). The drain shall be paved with concrete not less than 3 inches (76mm)
in thickness, or by other materials suitable to the application, and reinforced as required
for drainage terraces. Discharge from the drain shall be accomplished in a manner to
prevent erosion and shall be approved by the bBuilding oOfficial.
. . .
J109.5 Disposal.
All drainage facilities shall be designed to convey waters to the nearest-
practicable street, storm drain, or natural watercourse or drainage way approved by the
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Building Official or other appropriate governmental agency, provided that the discharge
of such waters at that location will not create or increase a hazard to life or property.
Erosion of the ground in the area of discharge shall be prevented by installation of non-
erosive down drains or other devices. Desilting basins, filter barriers, or other methods,
as approved by the Building Official, shall be utilized to remove sediments from surface
waters before such waters are allowed to enter streets, storm drains, or natural
watercourses. If the drainage device discharges onto natural ground, riprap or a similar
energy dissipator may be required.
Building pads shall have a minimum drainage gradient of 2 percent toward an
approved drainage facility or a public street unless otherwise directed by the Building
Official. A lesser slope may be approved by the Building Official for sites graded in
relatively flat terrain, or where special drainage provisions are made, when the Building
Official finds such modification will not result in a hazard to life or property.
SECTION 81. Section J110 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION J110 SLOPE PLANTING AND EROSION CONTROL
J110.1 General.
The faces of cut and fill slopes shall be prepared and maintained to control
erosion. This control shall be permitted to consist of effective planting, erosion control
blankets, soil stabilizers, or other means as approved by the Building Official.
Exception: Erosion control measures need not be provided on cut slopes not
subject to erosion due to the erosion-resistant character of the materials, as approved
by the Project Consultants to the satisfaction of the Building Official.
. . .
Page 145 of 311
J110.3 Planting.
The surface of all cut slopes more than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height and fill slopes
more than 3 feet (0.9 m) in height shall be protected against damage from erosion by
planting with grass or ground cover plants. Slopes exceeding 15 feet (4.6 m) in vertical
height shall also be planted with shrubs, spaced at not to exceed 10 feet (3 m) on
center, or trees, spaced at not to exceed 20 feet (6.1 m) on center; or a combination of
shrubs and trees at an equivalent spacing, in addition to grass or ground cover plants.
The plants selected and planting methods used shall be suitable for the soil and climatic
conditions of the site.
Plant material shall be selected that will produce a coverage of permanent
planting to effectively control erosion. Consideration shall be given to deep-rooted plant
material needing limited watering, maintenance, high root to shoot ratio, wind
susceptibility, and fire-retardant characteristics. All plant materials must be approved by
the Building Official.
Planting may be modified for the site if specific recommendations are provided by
both the Geotechnical Engineer and a Landscape Architect. Specific recommendations
must consider soils and climatic conditions, irrigation requirements, planting methods,
fire-retardant characteristics, water efficiency, maintenance needs, and other regulatory
requirements. Recommendations must include a finding that the alternative planting will
provide a permanent and effective method of erosion control. Modifications to planting
must be approved by the Building Official prior to installation.
J110.4 Irrigation.
Slopes required to be planted by Section J110.3 shall be provided with an
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approved system of irrigation that is designed to cover all portions of the slope.
Irrigation system plans shall be submitted to and approved by the Building Official prior
to installation. A functional test of the system may be required.
For slopes less than 20 feet (6.1 m) in vertical height, hose bibs to permit hand
watering will be acceptable if such hose bibs are installed at conveniently accessible
locations where a hose no longer than 50 feet (15.2 m) is necessary for irrigation.
Irrigation requirements may be modified for the site if specific recommendations
are provided by both the Geotechnical Engineer and a Landscape Architect. Specific
recommendations must consider soils and climatic conditions, plant types, planting
methods, fire-retardant characteristics, water efficiency, maintenance needs, and other
regulatory requirements. Recommendations must include a finding that the alternative
irrigation method will sustain the proposed planting and provide a permanent and
effective method of erosion control. Modifications for irrigation systems must be
approved by the Building Official prior to installation.
J110.5 Plans and specifications.
Planting and irrigation plans shall be submitted for slopes that are required to be
planted and irrigated pursuant to Sections J110.3 and J110.4. Except as otherwise
required by the Building Official for minor grading, the plans for slopes 20 feet (6.1 m) or
more in vertical height shall be prepared and signed by a Civil Engineer or Landscape
Architect. If requested by the Building Official, planting and irrigation details shall be
included on the grading plan.
J110.6 Rodent control.
Fill slopes shall be protected from potential slope damage by a preventative
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program of rodent control.
J110.7 Release of security.
The planting and irrigation systems required by this Section shall be installed as
soon as practical after rough grading. Prior to final approval of grading and before the
release of the grading security, the planting shall be well established and growing on the
slopes, and there shall be evidence of an effective rodent control program.
J110.8 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) compliance.
J110.8.1 General.
All grading plans and permits and the owner of any property on which such
grading is performed shall comply with the provisions of this Section for NPDES
compliance.
All best management practices shall be installed before grading begins or as
instructed in writing by the Building Official for unpermitted grading as defined by
Section J103.3. As grading progresses, all best management practices shall be
updated as necessary to prevent erosion and to control construction-related pollutants
from discharging from the site. All best management practices shall be maintained in
good working order to the satisfaction of the Building Official until final grading approval
has been granted by the Building Official and all permanent drainage and erosion
control systems, if required, are in place. Failure to comply with this Section is subject
to "Noncompliance Penalties" pursuant to Section J110.8.5. Payment of a penalty shall
not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements of this Code in the
execution of the work.
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J110.8.2 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
The Building Official may require a SWPPP. The SWPPP shall contain details of
best management practices, including desilting basins or other temporary drainage or
control measures, or both, as may be necessary to control construction-related
pollutants that originate from the site as a result of construction-related activities. When
the Building Official requires a SWPPP, no grading permit shall be issued until the
SWPPP has been submitted to and approved by the Building Official.
For unpermitted grading as defined by Section J103.3, upon written request, a
SWPPP in compliance with the provisions of this Section and Section 106.4.3 for
NPDES compliance shall be submitted to the Building Official. Failure to comply with
this Section is subject to "Noncompliance Penalties" per Section J110.8.5. Payment of
a penalty shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements of this
Code in the execution of the work.
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J110.8.3 Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP).
Where a grading permit is issued and the Building Official determines that the
grading will not be completed prior to November 1, the owner of the site on which the
grading is being performed shall, on or before October 1, file or cause to be filed with
the Building Official an ESCP. The ESCP shall include specific best management
practices to minimize the transport of sediment and protect public and private property
from the effects of erosion, flooding, or the deposition of mud, debris, or construction-
related pollutants. The best management practices shown on the ESCP shall be
installed on or before October 15. The plans shall be revised annually or as required by
the Building Official to reflect the current site conditions.
The ESCP shall be accompanied by an application for plan checking services
and plan-checking fees in an amount determined by the Building Official, up to but not
exceeding 10 percent of the original grading permit fee.
Failure to comply with this Section is subject to "Noncompliance Penalties"
pursuant to Section J110.8.5. Payment of a penalty shall not relieve any persons from
fully complying with the requirements of this Code in the execution of the work.
J110.8.4 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), effect
of noncompliance.
Should the owner fail to submit the SWPPP or the ESCP as required by
Section J110.8, or fail to install the best management practices, it shall be deemed that
a default has occurred under the conditions of the grading permit security. The Building
Official may thereafter enter the property for the purpose of installing, by County forces
or by other means, the drainage, erosion control, and other devices shown on the
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approved plans, or if there are no approved plans, as the Building Official may deem
necessary to protect adjoining property from the effects of erosion, flooding, or the
deposition of mud, debris, or constructed-related pollutants.
The Building Official shall also have the authority to impose and collect the
penalties imposed by Section J110.8.5. Payment of a penalty shall not relieve any
persons from fully complying with the requirements of this Code in the execution of the
work.
J110.8.5 Noncompliance penalties.
The amount of the penalties shall be as follows:
1. If a SWPPP or an ESCP is not submitted as prescribed in
Sections J110.8.2 and J110.8.3:
Grading Permit Volume Penalty
1-10,000 cubic yards (1-7645.5 m3) $50.00 per day
10,001-100,000 cubic yards (7646.3-76455 m3) $250.00 per day
More than 100,000 cubic yards (76455 m3) $500.00 per day
2. If the best management practices for storm water pollution prevention and
wet weather erosion control, as approved by the Building Official, are not installed as
prescribed in this Section J110.8:
Grading Permit Volume Penalty
1-10,000 cubic yards (1-7645.5 m3) $100.00 per day
10,001-100,000 cubic yards (7646.3-76455 m3) $250.00 per day
More than 100,000 cubic yards (76455 m3) $500.00 per day
NOTE: See Section 108 for inspection request requirements.
SECTION 82. Section J111 is hereby amended to read as follows:
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SECTION J111 REFERENCED STANDARDS
J111.1 General. See Table J111.1 for standards that are referenced
in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification
with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections of this appendix that
reference the standard.
TABLE J111.1 – REFERENCED STANDARDS
ASTM D1557-12E1 Test Method for Laboratory Compaction
Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort
[56,000 ft-lb/ft3 (2,700kN-m/m3)].
J 107.5
ASCE/SEI 7-22 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings
and Other Structures
J104.4
These regulations establish minimum standards and are not intended to prevent
the use of alternate materials, methods, or means of conforming to such standards,
provided such alternate has been approved by the Building Official.
The Building Official shall approve such an alternate provided they determine
that the alternate is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed
in this Code in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability, and safety.
The Building Official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to
substantiate any claims regarding the alternate.
The standards listed below are recognized standards. Compliance with these
recognized standards shall be prima facie evidence of compliance with the standards
set forth in Sections J104 and J107.
ASTM D 1557
– Latest
Revision
Laboratory Characteristics Compaction of Soil Using
Modified Effort J107.5
ASTM D 1556
– Latest
Revision
Density and Unit Weight of Soils In Place by the
Sand Cone Method
J104.2.3,
J104.3 and
J107.9
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ASTM D 2167
– Latest
Revision
Density and Unit Weight of Soils In Place by the
Rubber Balloon Method
J104.2.3
J104.3 and
J107.9
ASTM D 2937
– Latest
Revision
Density of Soils in Place by the Drive Cylinder
Method
J104.2.3
J104.3 and
J107.9
ASTM D 2922
– Latest
Revision
Density of Soil and Soil Aggregate In Place by
Nuclear Methods
J104.2.3
J104.3 and
J107.9
ASTM D 3017
– Latest
Revision
Water Content of Soil and Rock in Place by
Nuclear Methods
J104.2.3,
J104.3 and
J107.9
California Code
J101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter apply to grading, excavation and
earthwork construction, including fills and embankments.
Where conflicts occur between the technical requirements of this chapter and the
geotechnical report, the geotechnical
report shall govern.
J101.2 Flood hazard areas. Unless the applicant has submitted an engineering
analysis, prepared in accordance with standard
engineering practice by a registered design professional, that demonstrates the
proposed work will not result in any increase in the
level of the base flood, grading, excavation and earthwork construction, including fills
and embankments, shall not be permitted in
floodways that are in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 or in flood
hazard areas where design flood elevations are
specified but floodways have not been designated.
SECTION J102—DEFINITIONS
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J102.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this
appendix, have the meanings shown herein. Refer to Chapter 2 of this code for general
definitions.
BENCH. A relatively level step excavated into earth material on which fill is to be
placed.
COMPACTION. The densification of a fill by mechanical means.
CUT. See “Excavation.”
DOWN DRAIN. A device for collecting water from a swale or ditch located on or above
a slope, and safely delivering it to an approved
drainage facility.
EROSION. The wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement of
wind, water or ice.
EXCAVATION. The removal of earth material by artificial means, also referred to as a
cut.
FILL. Deposition of earth materials by artificial means.
GRADE. The vertical location of the ground surface.
GRADE, EXISTING. The grade prior to grading.
GRADE, FINISHED. The grade of the site at the conclusion of all grading efforts.
GRADING. An excavation or fill or combination thereof.
KEY. A compacted fill placed in a trench excavated in earth material beneath the toe of
a slope.
SLOPE. An inclined surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of
horizontal distance to vertical distance.
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TERRACE. A relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope for drainage
and maintenance purposes.
SECTION J103—PERMITS REQUIRED
J103.1 Permits required. Except as exempted in Section J103.2, grading shall not be
performed without first having obtained a
permit therefor from the building official. A grading permit does not include the
construction of retaining walls or other structures.
J103.2 Exemptions. A grading permit shall not be required for the following:
1. Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided that the public is not
endangered and that such grading will not
adversely affect adjoining properties.
2. Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code.
3. Cemetery graves.
4. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
5. Excavations for wells, or trenches for utilities.
6. Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing or stock-piling rock, sand, gravel,
aggregate or clay controlled by other regulations,
provided that such operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly
increase stresses in, soil on
adjoining properties.
7. Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered design
professional.
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Exemption from the permit requirements of this appendix shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in
any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of
this jurisdiction.
SECTION J104—PERMIT APPLICATION AND SUBMITTALS
J104.1 Submittal requirements. In addition to the provisions of Section 105.3 and
1.8.4, as applicable, the applicant shall state the
estimated quantities of excavation and fill.
J104.2 Site plan requirements. In addition to the provisions of Section 107, a grading
plan shall show the existing grade and
finished grade in contour intervals of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of
the work and show in detail that it
complies with the requirements of this code. The plans shall show the existing grade on
adjoining properties in sufficient detail to
identify how grade changes will conform to the requirements of this code.
J104.3 Geotechnical report. A geotechnical report prepared by a registered design
professional shall be provided. The report shall
contain not less than the following:
1. The nature and distribution of existing soils.
2. Conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures.
3. Soil design criteria for any structures or embankments required to accomplish the
proposed grading.
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4. Where necessary, slope stability studies, and recommendations and conclusions
regarding site geology.
Exception: A geotechnical report is not required where the building official determines
that the nature of the work applied
for is such that a report is not necessary.
J104.4 Liquefaction study. For sites with maximum considered earthquake spectral
response accelerations at short periods (Ss)
greater than 0.5g as determined by Chapter 11 of ASCE 7, a study of the liquefaction
potential of the site shall be provided and the
recommendations incorporated in the plans.
Exception: A liquefaction study is not required where the building official determines
from established local data that the liquefaction
potential is low.
SECTION J105—INSPECTIONS
J105.1 General. Inspections shall be governed by Section 110, Chapter 1, Division II.
J105.2 Special inspections. The special inspection requirements of Section 1705.6
shall apply to work performed under a grading
permit where required by the building official.
SECTION J106—EXCAVATIONS
J106.1 Maximum slope. The slope of cut surfaces shall be not steeper than is safe for
the intended use, and shall be not more than
one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope) unless the owner or the
owner’s authorized agent furnishes a geotechnical
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report justifying a steeper slope.
Exceptions:
1. A cut surface shall be permitted to be at a slope of 1.5 units horizontal to 1 unit
vertical (67-percent slope) provided that
all of the following are met:
1.1. It is not intended to support structures or surcharges.
1.2. It is adequately protected against erosion.
1.3. It is not more than 8 feet (2438 mm) in height.
1.4. It is approved by the building code official.
1.5. Ground water is not encountered.
2. A cut surface in bedrock shall be permitted to be at a slope of 1 unit horizontal to 1
unit vertical (100-percent slope).
SECTION J107—FILLS
J107.1 General. Unless otherwise recommended in the geotechnical report, fills shall
comply with the provisions of this section.
J107.2 Surface preparation. The ground surface shall be prepared to receive fill by
removing vegetation, topsoil and other unsuitable
materials, and scarifying the ground to provide a bond with the fill material.
J107.3 Benching. Where existing grade is at a slope steeper than one unit vertical in
five units horizontal (20-percent slope) and the
depth of the fill exceeds 5 feet (1524 mm) benching shall be provided in accordance
with Figure J107.3. A key shall be provided that is
not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in width and 2 feet (610 mm) in depth.
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J107.4 Fill material. Fill material shall not include organic, frozen or other deleterious
materials. Rock or similar irreducible material
greater than 12 inches (305 mm) in any dimension shall not be included in fills.
J107.5 Compaction. All fill material shall be compacted to 90 percent of maximum
density as determined by ASTM D1557, Modified
Proctor, in lifts not exceeding 12 inches (305 mm) in depth.
J107.6 Maximum slope. The slope of fill surfaces shall be not steeper than is safe for
the intended use. Fill slopes steeper than one
unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope) shall be justified by a geotechnical
report or engineering data.
J108.1 General. Cut and fill slopes shall be set back from the property lines in
accordance with this section. Setback dimensions
shall be measured perpendicular to the property line and shall be as shown in Figure
J108.1, unless substantiating data is submitted
justifying reduced setbacks.
J108.2 Top of slope. The setback at the top of a cut slope shall be not less than that
shown in Figure J108.1, or than is required to
accommodate any required interceptor drains, whichever is greater.
J108.3 Slope protection. Where required to protect adjacent properties at the toe of a
slope from adverse effects of the grading,
additional protection, approved by the building official, shall be included. Examples of
such protection include but are not be limited
to:
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1. Setbacks greater than those required by Figure J108.1.
2. Provisions for retaining walls or similar construction.
3. Erosion protection of the fill slopes.
4. Provision for the control of surface waters.
J109.1 General. Unless otherwise recommended by a registered design professional,
drainage facilities and terracing shall be
provided in accordance with the requirements of this section.
Exception: Drainage facilities and terracing need not be provided where the ground
slope is not steeper than one unit vertical in
three units horizontal (33-percent slope).
J109.2 Terraces. Terraces not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) in width shall be established
at not more than 30-foot (9144 mm) vertical
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intervals on all cut or fill slopes to control surface drainage and debris. Suitable access
shall be provided to allow for cleaning and
maintenance.
Where more than two terraces are required, one terrace, located at approximately mid-
height, shall be not less than 12 feet (3658
mm) in width.
Swales or ditches shall be provided on terraces. They shall have a minimum gradient of
one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-
percent slope) and shall be paved with concrete not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in
thickness, or with other materials suitable to the
application. They shall have a depth not less than 12 inches (305 mm) and a width not
less than 5 feet (1524 mm).
A single run of swale or ditch shall not collect runoff from a tributary area exceeding
13,500 square feet (1256 m2) (projected) without
discharging into a down drain.
J109.3 Interceptor drains. Interceptor drains shall be installed along the top of cut
slopes receiving drainage from a tributary width
greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm), measured horizontally. They shall have a minimum
depth of 1 foot (305 mm) and a minimum width
of 3 feet (915 mm). The slope shall be approved by the building official, but shall be not
less than one unit vertical in 50 units horizontal
(2-percent slope). The drain shall be paved with concrete not less than 3 inches (76
mm) in thickness, or by other materials
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suitable to the application. Discharge from the drain shall be accomplished in a manner
to prevent erosion and shall be approved by
the building official.
J110.1 General. The faces of cut and fill slopes shall be prepared and maintained to
control erosion. This control shall be permitted
to consist of effective planting.
Exception: Erosion control measures need not be provided on cut slopes not subject to
erosion due to the erosion-resistant character
of the materials.
Erosion control for the slopes shall be installed as soon as practicable and prior to
calling for final inspection.
J111.1 General. See Table J111.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections
of this appendix. Standards are listed by the
standard identification with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections
of this appendix that reference the standard.
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis
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Los Angeles County made extensive revisions to Appendix J to establish broader
administrative authority, add new definitions, expand grading permit requirements, and
incorporate NPDES stormwater compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
Key areas of amendment include:
Expanded administrative provisions under J101 allowing the Building Official to order
work stoppage, corrective actions, and hazard mitigation for unpermitted grading.
Flood hazard restrictions (J101.2) referencing Title 11 – Health and Safety – and
requiring licensed civil engineer hydrology and hydraulic studies.
Additional definitions in J102 for roles such as “Geotechnical Engineer,” “Engineering
Geologist,” “Field Engineer,” and stormwater compliance terms “QSD/QSP” and
“SWPPP.”
Permit procedures (J103–J104) now require:
Differentiation between regular and engineered grading.
Security bonds for projects exceeding 1,000 cubic yards (J103.7).
Formalized unpermitted grading enforcement process.
Detailed plan submittals including geotechnical and engineering geology reports
(J104.2–J104.3).
Mandatory liquefaction and slope stability studies (J104.4).
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Inspection and professional oversight requirements (J105) expanded to mandate
certified Field Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, and Engineering Geologist inspections
at multiple grading stages (pre-grade, rough grade, final grade).
New erosion control, terracing, and drainage requirements (J109–J110) with specific
dimensions, paved terrace slopes, subdrains, and interceptor drain standards.
NPDES stormwater compliance section (J110.8) newly added, including mandatory
SWPPP and ESCP submittals, inspection timelines, and penalties for noncompliance.
Referenced Standards (J111) expanded to include ASTM and ASCE references and
authorization for equivalent alternates approved by the Building Official.
California Building Code Overview
The base California Building Code (CBC) Appendix J already regulates grading,
excavation, and earthwork construction to safeguard life, property, and drainage
stability. It includes:
Requirements for geotechnical reports and liquefaction studies for higher-risk seismic
zones.
Inspection and permit procedures for both regular and engineered grading.
Provisions for maximum slope, compaction, benching, setbacks, and erosion control.
References to the statewide Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
requirements under the Construction General Permit, enforceable through other
regulatory frameworks.
Local Impact and Applicability
Rosemead’s grading activities primarily occur on small or moderate-size parcels,
generally in fully urbanized and previously engineered terrain.
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The County’s expanded Appendix J provisions were tailored for unincorporated hillside
and rural areas with significant topographic variations, open-channel drainage systems,
and large earthwork operations.
For Rosemead:
The City already enforces NPDES compliance through Public Works and Engineering
permits, making a second enforcement layer under Building redundant.
The security bond and inspection provisions are rarely applicable given the City’s limited
volume of large-scale grading.
Existing procedures under the CBC and local stormwater ordinance adequately address
erosion control and slope stability for small-scale urban grading.
The extensive County definitions and inspection stages add administrative overhead
without enhancing public safety or environmental benefit within Rosemead’s built-out
urban context.
Both the County-amended and California Building Code versions of Appendix J protect
public safety and ensure geotechnical integrity.
However, given that Rosemead’s grading activity is typically limited in scope and
already regulated under local stormwater, zoning, and subdivision requirements, direct
adoption of the California Building Code Appendix J would:
Simplify administration and eliminate overlapping County provisions;
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code Appendix Q
PQ101.1 Scope.
This appendix shall be applicableapplies to emergency housing and emergency
housing facilities, as defined in Section Q102, when and to the extent that the County of
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Los Angeles Board of Supervisors ("Board") finds, by motion, resolution, or otherwise,
that this appendix applies to a specific state of emergency, local emergency, or
declaration of shelter crisis.
SECTION 84. Section Q102.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Q102.1 General.
. . .
ENFORCING AGENCY. The Building Official as defined in Section 104.3 of this
Code.
. . .
SECTION 85. Section Q103.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Q103.1 General.
Emergency sleeping cabins, emergency transportable housing units, membrane
structures and tents constructed and/or assembled in accordance with this appendix,
shall be occupied only during the duration of the declaration of state of emergency, local
emergency, or shelter crisis.
. . .
SECTION 86. Section Q103.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Q103.4 Fire and life safety requirements not addressed in this
appendix.
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If not otherwise addressed in this appendix, fire and life safety measures,
including, but not limited to, means of egress, fire separation, fire sprinklers, smoke
alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms, shall be determined and enforced by the
enforcing agency in consultation with the County Departments of Public Health, Fire,
and other pertinent County departments, as applicable.
SECTION 87. Section Q106.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Q106.1 General.
. . .
Tents and membrane structures shall be provided with means of ventilation
(natural and/or mechanical) allowing for adequate air replacement, as determined by
the enforcing agency.
SECTION 88. Section Q107.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Q107.1 General.
Emergency housing shall comply with the applicable requirements in Chapter
11B and/or the US Access Board Final Guidelines for Emergency Transportable
Housing as determined by the enforcing agency.
. . .
SECTION 89. Section Q110.1.1 is hereby added to read as follows:
Q110.1.1 Backflow prevention.
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Backflow prevention devices shall be provided in accordance with Section 602.3
of the Plumbing Code.
SECTION 90. Section Q110.1.2 is hereby added to read as follows:
Q110.1.2 Drinking fountains.
An adequate number of drinking fountains, bottle fillers, or drinking facilities shall
be provided as determined by the enforcing agency.
SECTION 91 Section Q110.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Q110.3 Toilet and bathing facilities.
. . .
The maximum travel distance from any sleeping and/or living area to the toilet
facility shall not exceed 300 feet (91.4 m) or as determined by the enforcing agency.
California Code
Q103.1 General. Emergency sleeping cabins, emergency transportable housing units,
membrane structures and tents constructed and/ or assembled in accordance with this
appendix, shall be occupied only during declaration of state of emergency, local
emergency or shelter crisis.
Q103.4 Fire and life safety requirements not addressed in this appendix. If not
otherwise addressed in this appendix, fire and life safety measures, including, but not
limited to, means of egress, fire separation, fire sprinklers, smoke alarms and carbon
monoxide alarms, shall be determined and enforced by the enforcing agency.
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Q106.1 General. Tents shall not be used to house occupants for more than 7 days
unless such tents are maintained with tight wooden floors raised at least 4 inches (101.6
mm) above the ground level and are equipped with baseboards on all sides to a height
of at least 6 inches (152.4 mm). Tents may be maintained with concrete slabs with the
finished surface at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) above grade and equipped with curbs on
all sides at least 6 inches (152.4 mm) high.
A tent shall not be considered a suitable sleeping place when it is found necessary to
provide heating facilities in order to maintain a minimum temperature of 50 degrees
Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) within such tent during the period of occupancy.
Membrane structures installed and/or assembled in accordance with Chapter 31 of this
code, may be permitted to be used as emergency housing and emergency housing
facilities, as determined by the enforcing agency.
SECTION Q107—ACCESSIBILITY
Q107.1 General. Emergency housing shall comply with the applicable requirements in
Chapter 11B and/or the US Access Board Final Guidelines for Emergency
Transportable Housing.
Note: The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (US Access
Board) issued the Final Guidelines for Emergency Transportable Housing on May 7,
2014. The final guidelines amended the 2004 ADA Accessibility Guidelines (2004
ADAAG) and the 2004 Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines (2004
ABAAG) to specifically address emergency transportable housing units
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provided to disaster survivors by entities subject to the ADA or ABA. The final rule
ensures that the emergency transportable housing units are readily accessible to and
usable by disaster survivors with disabilities.
Q110.3 Toilet and bathing facilities. When dependent units are used as emergency
housing, the emergency housing site shall be provided with one toilet and one bathing
facility for every 15 occupants of each gender. The enforcing agency may permit
different types and ratios of toilet and bathing facilities. The approval shall be based
upon a finding that the type and ratio of toilet and bathing facilities
are sufficient to process the anticipated volume of sewage and waste water, while
maintaining sanitary conditions for the occupants of the emergency housing.
Bathing facilities shall be provided with heating equipment which shall be capable of
maintaining a temperature of 70 degrees F (21.0 degrees Celsius) within such facilities.
Lavatories with running water shall be installed and maintained in the toilet facilities or
adjacent to the toilet facilities.
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis
Los Angeles County expanded Appendix Q to provide the Board of Supervisors with
flexibility to activate emergency housing provisions during declared crises, and to grant
local discretion to multiple departments for enforcement.
The State’s Appendix Q already establishes a comprehensive framework for temporary
emergency housing, It provides uniform statewide standards suitable for local
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jurisdictions without modification, ensuring that emergency shelters remain safe and
accessible.
Rosemead is a fully urbanized community with limited open space and relatively few
sites suitable for large-scale temporary shelter operations.
In emergency situations—such as fire evacuations, earthquakes, or regional shelter
crises—temporary sheltering needs are typically coordinated through County OEM
(Office of Emergency Management), the Red Cross, or regional emergency shelters, not
through City-led construction of emergency housing under the Building Code.
RESIDENTIAL CODE
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Code
Except as hereinafter changed or modified, Chapters 2 through 10, Chapter 44,
and Appendices AH, AQ, AS, and AZBB, BF, BJ, and CJ, of that certain code known
and designated as the 20222025 California Residential Code as published by the
California Building Standards Commission are adopted and incorporated by reference
into this Title 30 as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as Chapters 2 through 10,
Chapter 44, and Appendices AH, AQ, AS, and AZBB, BF, BJ, and CJ, of Title 30 of the
Los Angeles County Code. A copy of the 20222025 California Residential Code shall
be at all times maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
California Code
R101.1 Title. These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One- and
Two-family Dwellings of [NAME OF JURISDICTION], and shall be cited as such and will
be referred to herein as “this code.”
Rosemead Code
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Chapter 1, Division II through Chapter 10, Chapter 44 and Appendices BB, BF, BJ, and
CJ of the 2025 California Residential Code, Title 24 Part 2.5 of the California Code of
Regulations, which regulate the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair,
moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, use, equipment, height, area,
security, abatement, and maintenance of one and two-dwelling buildings or structures
within the City, provide for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor, and
provide for penalties for violations thereto, are hereby adopted by reference, and
conflicting ordinances are hereby repealed.
Comparison Analysis
Both Los Angeles County and the City of Rosemead are adopting the same core
technical chapters of the 2025 California Residential Code (CRC) (Chapters 2–10 and
Chapter 44). The key differences are administrative coverage and which appendices
are included. Rosemead also adopts Chapter 1, Division II (Administration) of the CRC
and will administer permitting/inspections under the City’s authority, while Los Angeles
County relies on its own Title 30 administrative provisions rather than CRC Chapter 1.
By adopting the State code chapters directly (including CRC Chapter 1, Division II) and a
focused set of appendices, the City of Rosemead remains fully consistent with the
California Building Standards Code while keeping its Residential Code clear and
appropriately scaled to local conditions.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Residential Code Chapter 3
R301.1.3.2 Woodframe structures greater than two-stories.
The bBuilding oOfficial shall require construction documents to be approved and
stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for all dwellings of woodframe
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construction more than two stories and basement in height located in Seismic Design
Category A, B, or C. Notwithstanding other sections of law, the law establishing these
provisions is found in Business and Professions Code Sections 5537 and 6737.1.
The Building Official shall require construction documents to be approved and
stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for all structural aspects of
dwellings of woodframe construction more than one story in height or with a basement
located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2 or E.
R301.1.5 Seismic design provisions for buildings constructed on
or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3 percent
slope).
The design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings
when constructed on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units
horizontal (33.3 percent slope) shall comply with Section 1613.6 of the Los Angeles
County Building Code.
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SECTION 5. Section R301.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R301.2 Climatic and geographic design criteria.
Buildings shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of this cCode as
limited by the provisions of this sSection. Additional criteria shall be established by the
local jurisdiction and set forthConsult with the Building Official regarding additional
criteria in Table R301.2.
SECTION 6. Section R301.2.2.6 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R301.2.2.6 Irregular buildings.
. . .
1. Shear wall or braced wall offsets out of plane. Conditions where
exterior shear wall lines or braced wall panels are not in one plane vertically from the
foundation to the uppermost story in which they are required.
Exception: For wood light-frame construction, floors with cantilevers or
setbacks not exceeding four times the nominal depth of the wood floor joists are
permitted to support braced wall panels that are out of plane with braced wall panels
below provided that all of the following are satisfied:
1. Floor joists are nominal 2 inches by 10 inches (51 mm by 254 mm) or
larger and spaced not more than 16 inches (406 mm) on center.
2. The ratio of the back span to the cantilever is not less than 2 to 1.
3. Floor joists at ends of braced wall panels are doubled.
4. For wood-frame construction, a continuous rim joist is connected to ends
of cantilever joists. Where spliced, the rim joists shall be spliced using a galvanized
metal tie not less than 0.058 inch (1.5 mm) (16 gage) and 11/2 inches (38 mm) wide
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fastened with six 16d nails on each side of the splice; or a block of the same size as the
rim joist and of sufficient length to fit securely between the joist space at which the
splice occurs, fastened with eight 16d nails on each side of the splice.
5. Gravity loads carried at the end of cantilevered joists are limited to uniform
wall and roof loads and the reactions from headers having a span of 8 feet (2438 mm)
or less.
2. Lateral support of roofs and floors. Conditions where a section of floor
or roof is not laterally supported by shear walls or braced wall lines on all edges.
Exception: Portions of floors that do not support shear walls, braced wall panels
above, or roofs shall be permitted to extend not more than 6 feet (1829 mm) beyond a
shear wall or braced wall line.
3. Shear wall or braced wall offsets in plane. Conditions where the end of
a braced wall panel occurs over an opening in the wall below and extends more than 1
foot (305 mm) horizontally past the edge of the opening. This provision is applicable to
shear walls and braced wall panels offset in plane and to braced wall panels offset out
of plane in accordance with the exception to Item 1.
Exception: For wood light-frame wall construction, one end of a braced wall
panel shall be permitted to extend more than 1 foot (305 mm) over an opening not more
than 8 feet (2438 mm) in width in the wall below provided that the opening includes a
header in accordance with all of the following:
1. The building width, loading condition and framing member species
limitations of Table R602.7(1) shall apply.
2. The header is composed of:
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2.1 Not less than one 2x12 or two 2x10 for an opening not more than 4 feet
(1219 mm) wide.
2.2. Not less than two 2x12 or three 2x10 for an opening not more than 6 feet
(1829 mm) in width.
2.3. Not less than three 2x12 or four 2x10 for an opening not more than 8 feet
(2438 mm) in width.
3. The entire length of the braced wall panel does not occur over an opening
in the wall below.
4. Floor and roof opening. Conditions where an opening in a floor or roof
exceeds the lesser of 12 feet (3658 mm) or 50 percent of the least floor or roof
dimension.
5. Floor level offset. Conditions where portions of a floor level are vertically
offset.
Exceptions:
1. Framing supported directly by continuous foundations at the perimeter of
the building.
2. For wood light-frame construction, floors shall be permitted to be vertically
offset where the floor framing is lapped or tied together as required by section R502.6.1.
. . .
SECTION 7. Section R301.2.2.11 is hereby added to read as follows:
R301.2.2.11 Anchorage of mechanical, electrical, or plumbing
components and equipment.
Mechanical, electrical, or plumbing components and equipment shall be
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anchored to the structure. Anchorage of the components and equipment shall be
designed to resist loads in accordance with the Los Angeles County Building Code and
ASCE 7, except where the component is positively attached to the structure and flexible
connections are provided between the component and associated ductwork, piping, and
conduit; and either:
1. The component weighs 400 pounds (1,780 N) or less and has a center of
mass located 4 feet (1.22 m) or less above the supporting structure; or
2. The component weighs 20 pounds (89N) or less or, in the case of a
distributed system, 5 pounds per foot (73 N/m) or less.
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SECTION 8. Table R302.1(2) is hereby amended as follows:
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm
NA = Not Applicable.
a. Reserved.For residential subdivisions where all dwellings and townhouses are equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section R309, the fire
separation distance for exterior walls not fire-resistance rated and for fire-resistance-rated
projections shall be permitted to be reduced to 0 feet, and unlimited unprotected openings and
penetrations shall be permitted, where the adjoining lot provides an open setback yard that is 6
feet or more in width on the opposite side of the property line.
. . .
SECTION 9. Section R337.1 is hereby added to read as follows:
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R337.1 Modifications to the California Wildland-Urban Interface
Code.
Chapter 5 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall be modified as
indicated in Sections 337.1.1 through 337.1.7 and shall apply to all buildings and
structures as provided in this section.
SECTION 10. Section R337.1.1 is hereby added to read as follows:
337.1.1 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section 501.1.
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 501.1 to read as
follows:
501.1 Scope and Application.
New bBuildings and structures in a wildland-urban interface area shall be
constructed in accordance with the California Building Residential Code and this Code.
Additions, alterations, or repairs made to existing buildings erected, constructed, or moved
within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface area shall be constructed in
accordance with the Residential Code and this code. New buildings for which an
application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008, and any additions,
alterations, or repairs made to existing buildings for which an application for a building
permit is submitted on or after January 1, 2026, located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or
Wildland-Urban Interface area shall comply with all sections of the Residential Code and
this Code.
Exceptions:
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1. Group U accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet (11m2) in fioor area
where located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable buildings.
2. Group U agricultural buildings not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from applicable
buildings.
501.1.1 Alternates for materials, design, tests, and methods of
construction.
The Building Official is permitted to modify the provisions of this Chapter for site-
specific conditions in accordance with Chapter 1, Section 104.2.2 of the California
Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
SECTION 11. Section R337.1.2 is hereby added to read as follows:
337.1.2 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section 503.1
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 503.1 to read as
follows:
503.1 General.
Buildings and structures hereafter constructed, modifled or relocated into or within
wildland-urban interface areas shall meet the construction requirements in accordance
with Chapter 5. Materials required to be ignition-resistant building materials shall comply
with the requirements of Section 503.2.
Exceptions:
1. New accessory buildings and miscellaneous structures complying with Section
504.11.
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2. Reserved.Additions to and remodels of buildings originally constructed prior to
July 1, 2008.
3. Group C occupancy special buildings conforming to the limitations specifled in
Section 450.4.1 of the California Building Code.
SECTION 12. Section R337.1.3 is hereby added to read as follows:
337.1.3 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section 503.2.3
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 503.2.3 to read as
follows:
503.2.3 Reserved.Fire-retardant-treated wood roof coverings.
Roof assemblies containing fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes
shall comply with the requirements of Section 1505.6 of the California Building Code
and shall be classified as Class A roof assemblies as required in Section 1505.2 of the
California Building Code.
SECTION 13. Section R337.1.4 is hereby added to read as follows:
337.1.4 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section 503.3.1
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 503.3.1 to read as
follows:
503.3.1 Qualification by testing.
Material and material assemblies tested in accordance with the requirements of
Section 503 shall be accepted for use when the results and conditions of those tests are
met. Product evaluation testing of material and material assemblies shall be approved or
Page 181 of 311
listed by the State Fire Marshal, the Building Official, or identifled in a current report issued
by an approved agency.
SECTION 14. Section R337.1.5 is hereby added to read as follows:
337.1.5 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section 503.3.4
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 503.3.4 to read as
follows:
503.3.4 Reserved.Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and
shakes.
Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes shall be approved and listed by
the State Fire Marshal in accordance with Section 208(c), Title 19 California Code of
Regulations.
SECTION 15. Section R337.1.6 is hereby added to read as follows:
337.1.6 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section 504.2.1
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 504.2.1 to read as
follows:
504.2.1 Roof covering voids.
Where there is a void under the roof covering it shall comply with Section 504.2.1.1
or 504.2.1.2. Roof coverings shall be Class A as specifled in the Building Code. Wood
shingles and wood shakes are prohibited in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone regardless of
classiflcation.
SECTION 16. Section R337.1.7 is hereby added to read as follows:
Page 182 of 311
337.1.7 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Section 504.5.2
Modify the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 504.5.2 to read as
follows:
504.5.2 Exterior wall coverings.
Exterior wall coverings shall comply with one or more of the following
requirements:
1. Noncombustible material.
2. Ignition-resistant building material labeled for exterior use.
3. Fire-retardant treated wood labeled for exterior use and complying with the
requirements of Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code.
4. Reserved.Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes which have been
qualifled in accordance with Section 1505.6 of the California Building Code for use as
“Class B” roof covering shall be an acceptable alternative wall covering material where
installed over solid sheathing.
Exception:
Exterior wall coverings which are a component of an approved wall assembly
complying with Section 504.5.
California Code
R301.1.3.2 Woodframe structures greater than two-stories. The building official shall
require construction documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed
architect or engineer for all dwellings of woodframe construction more than two stories
Page 183 of 311
and basement in height. Notwithstanding other sections of law, the law establishing
these provisions is found in Business and Professions Code Sections 5537 and 6737.1.
R301.2 Climatic and geographic design criteria. Buildings shall be constructed in
accordance with the provisions of this code as
limited by the provisions of this section. Additional criteria shall be established by the
local jurisdiction and set forth in Table R301.2
R301.2.2.6
…..
Shear wall or braced wall offsets in plane. Conditions where the end of a braced wall
panel occurs over an opening in the wall below and extends more than 1 foot (305 mm)
horizontally past the edge of the opening. This provision is applicable to shear walls and
braced wall panels offset in plane and to braced wall panels offset out of plane in
accordance with the exception to Item 1.
Exception: For wood light-frame wall construction, one end of a braced wall panel shall
be permitted to extend more than 1 foot (305 mm) over an opening not more than 8 feet
(2438 mm) in width in the wall below provided that the opening includes a header in
accordance with all of the following:
1. The building width, loading condition and framing member species limitations of
Table R602.7(1) shall apply.
2. The header is composed of:
2.1. Not less than one 2 × 12 or two 2 × 10 for an opening not more than 4 feet (1219
mm) wide.
Page 184 of 311
2.2. Not less than two 2 × 12 or three 2 × 10 for an opening not more than 6 feet (1829
mm) in width.
2.3. Not less than three 2 × 12 or four 2 × 10 for an opening not more than 8 feet (2438
mm) in width.
3. The entire length of the braced wall panel does not occur over an opening in the wall
below.
Rosemead Code
15.18.020 California Residential Code Amendments.
A. R301.1.3.2 Wood Frame Structures. The Building Official shall require construction
documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for
all dwellings of wood frame construction more than two stories and basement in height
located in Seismic Design Category A, B, or C. Notwithstanding other sections of law, the
law establishing these provisions is found in Business and Professions Code Sections 5537
Page 185 of 311
and 6737.1.
B. The Building Official shall require construction documents to be approved and stamped by
a licensed California architect or engineer for all dwellings of wood frame construction
more than one story in height or with a basement located in Seismic Design Category D0,
D1, or D2 or E.
Comparison Analysis
Rosemead aligns with County on the one item that matters locally (seismic LDP stamps
in SDC D/E) and keeps the rest at the State CRC level. That preserves safety, simplifies
submittals, and avoids County overlays (hillside, blanket residential MEP anchorage,
broad WUI expansions) that don’t add clear value for typical Rosemead homes.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Residential Code Chapter 4
SECTION 11. Section R403.1.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R403.1.2 Continuous footing in seismic design categories D0, D1
and D2.
Exterior walls and required interior braced wall panels of buildings located in
Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 shall be supported by continuous solid or fully
grouted masonry or concrete footings in accordance with Table R403.1.2. Other footing
materials or systems shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering
practice.
SECTION 12. Section R403.1.3.6 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R403.1.3.6 Isolated concrete footings.
In detached one- and two-family dwellings located in Seismic Design Category A,
Page 186 of 311
B, or C that are three stories or less in height and constructed with stud bearing walls,
isolated plain concrete footings supporting columns or pedestals are permitted.
SECTION 13. Section R403.1.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R403.1.5 Slope.
The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall
not have a slope 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 footings or where the slope of the bottom surface of the footings will
exceed one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).
For structures located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2, stepped footings
shall be reinforced with two No. 4 reinforcing bars. Two bars shall be located at the top
and bottom of the footings as shown in Figure R403.1.5.
SECTION 14. Figure R403.1.5 is hereby added to read as follows:
SECTION 15. Section R404.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Page 187 of 311
R404.2 Wood foundation walls.
Wood foundation walls shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of
Sections R404.2.1 through R404.2.6 and with the details shown in Figures R403.1(2)
and R403.1(3). Wood foundation walls shall not be used for structures located in
Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2.
California Code
R401.1 Application. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and
construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for buildings. In addition to the
provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in flood hazard
areas as established by Table R301.2 shall meet the provisions of Section R306. Wood
foundations shall be designed and installed in accordance
with AWC PWF.
Exception: The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be used for wood
foundations only in the following situations:
1. In buildings that have not more than two floors and a roof.
2. Where interior basement and foundation walls are constructed at intervals not
exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm).
Wood foundations in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2 shall be designed in
accordance with accepted engineering practice.
R403.1.2 Continuous footing in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1and D2
. Exterior walls and required interior braced wall panels of buildings located in Seismic
Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 shall be supported by continuous solid or fully
grouted masonry or concrete footings in accordance with Table R403.1.2. Other footing
Page 188 of 311
materials or systems shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering
practice.
R403.1.3.6 Isolated concrete footings. In detached one- and two-family dwellings that
are three stories or less in height and constructed with stud bearing walls, isolated plain
concrete footings supporting columns or pedestals are permitted.
R403.1.5 Slope. The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of
footings shall not have a slope 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 footings or where the slope of the bottom surface of the
footings will exceed 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).
R404.2 Wood foundation walls. Wood foundation walls shall be constructed in
accordance with the provisions of Sections R404.2.1 through R404.2.6 and with the
details shown in Figures R403.1(2) and R403.1(3).
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis
Los Angeles County overlays add extra reinforcement for stepped footings and prohibit
wood foundations in higher seismic zones, and they limit prescriptive isolated plain
footings to lower SDCs. Rosemead retains the engineered pathway; County bans wood
foundations outright in higher SDCs. Rosemead’s approach keeps State fiexibility and
standard practice while still meeting seismic safety through existing CBC/CRC
requirements.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Residential Code Chapter 5
Page 189 of 311
SECTION 16. Section R501.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R501.2 Requirements.
Floor construction shall be capable of accommodating all loads in accordance with
Section R301 and of transmitting the resulting loads to the supporting structural elements.
Mechanical or plumbing flxtures and equipment shall be attached or anchored to the
structure in accordance with Section R301.2.2.11.
SECTION 17. Section R503.2.4 is hereby added to read as follows:
R503.2.4 Openings in horizontal diaphragms.
Openings in horizontal diaphragms with a dimension perpendicular to the joist that is
greater than 4 feet (1.2 m) shall be constructed in accordance with Figure R503.2.4.
SECTION 18. Figure R503.2.4 is hereby added to read as follows:
FIGURE R503.2.4
OPENING IN HORIZONTAL DIAPHRAGMS
Notes:
a. Blockings shall be provided beyond headers.
b. Metal ties not less than 0.058 inch [1.47 mm (16 galvanized gage)] by 1.5 inches (38
mm) wide with eight 16d common nails on each side of the header-joist intersection. The
metal ties shall have a minimum yield of 33,000 psi (227 MPa).
c. Openings in diaphragms shall be further limited in accordance with Section
R301.2.2.6.
California Code
Page 190 of 311
R502.1 General. Wood and wood-based products used for load-supporting purposes
shall conform to the applicable provisions of this section.
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis
County adds specific hardware and blocking details intended for hillside or large-span
framing typical of complex terrain. Rosemead’s omission avoids adding hardware and
inspection steps not typically needed in flat-lot residential construction.
The City of Rosemead keeps the State language, maintaining standard residential load-
path design without new prescriptive anchorage or hardware provisions.
This keeps construction simpler and lower-cost, while safety remains fully ensured
under the State’s structural design and seismic provisions.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Residential Code Chapter 6
SECTION 19. Table R602.3(1) is hereby amended to read as follows:
TABLE R602.3(1) -- FASTENING SCHEDULE
. . .
a. Nails are smooth-common, box or deformed shanks except where otherwise stated. Nails used
for framing and sheathing connections are carbon steel and shall have minimum average bending
yield strengths as shown: 80 ksi for shank diameter of 0.192 inch (20d common nail), 90 ksi for
shank diameters larger than 0.142 inch but not larger than 0.177 inch, and 100 ksi for shank
diameters of 0.142 inch or less. Connections using nails and staples of other materials, such as
stainless steel, shall be designed by accepted engineering practice or approved under Section
R104.2.2104.2.8. Use of staples in roof, floor, subfloor, and braced wall panels shall be
prohibited in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2.
. . .
SECTION 20. Table R602.3(2) is hereby amended to read as follows:
TABLE R602.3(2)
ALTERNATE ATTACHMENTS TO TABLE R602.3(1)
Page 191 of 311
. . .
b. Staples shall have a minimum crown width of 7/16-inch except as noted. Use of staples in roof,
floor, subfloor, and braced wall panels shall be prohibited in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or
D2.
. . .
SECTION 21. Section R602.3.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R602.3.2 Top plate.
. . .
Exception: In other than Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2, aA single top
plate used as an alternative to a double top plate shall comply with the following:
. . .
SECTION 22. Table R602.3.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION 23. Section R602.10.2.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R602.10.2.3 Minimum number of braced wall panels.
Braced wall lines with a length of 16 feet (4877 mm) or less shall have not less
than two braced wall panels of any length or one braced wall panel equal to 48 inches
(1219 mm) or more. Braced wall lines greater than 16 feet (4877 mm) shall have not
less than two braced wall panels. In Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2, no braced
wall panel shall have a contributing length less than 48 inches in length or as required in
Section R602.10.3, whichever is greater.
Page 192 of 311
SECTION 24. Table R602.10.3(3) is hereby amended to read as follows:
TABLE R602.10.3(3)
BRACING REQUIREMENTS BASED ON SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY
Page 193 of 311
For SI: 1 inch – 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
NP – Not Permitted
. . .
i. Methods GB and PCP braced wall panel h/w ratio shall not exceed 1:1 in SDC D0, D1 and D2. Methods
Page 194 of 311
DWB, SFB, PBS, and HPS are not permitted in D0, D1 or D2.
SECTION 25. Table R602.10.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
TABLE R602.10.4
BRACING METHODS
Page 195 of 311
SECTION 26. Table R602.10.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
TABLE R602.10.5
MINIMUM LENGTH OF BRACED WALL PANELS
Page 196 of 311
. . .
SECTION 27. Figure R602.10.6.1 is amended to read as follows:
TABLE R602.10.5
MINIMUM LENGTH OF BRACED WALL PANELS
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
NP = Not Permitted.
METHOD
(See Table R602.10.4)
MINIMUM LENGTHa
(inches)
CONTRIBUTING LENGTH
(inches) Wall Height
8 feet 9 feet 10 feet 11 feet 12 feet
DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP, HPS, BV-WSP 48 48 48 53 58 Actualb
GB 48 48 48 53 58 Double sided = Actual
Single sided = 0.5 × Actual
LIB 55 62 69 NP NP Actualb
ABW
SDC A, B and C, ultimate
design
wind speed < 140 mph
28
32
34
38
42
48 SDC D0, D1 and D2, ultimate
design
wind speed < 140 mph
32
32
34
NP
NP
CS-G 24 27 30 33 36 Actualb
CS-WSP, CS-SFB
Adjacent clear opening height
(inches)
64 24 27 30 33 36
Actualb
68 26 27 30 33 36
72 27 27 30 33 36
76 30 29 30 33 36
80 32 30 30 33 36
84 35 32 32 33 36
88 38 35 33 33 36
92 43 37 35 35 36
96 48 41 38 36 36
100 — 44 40 38 38
104 — 49 43 40 39
108 — 54 46 43 41
112 — — 50 45 43
116 — — 55 48 45
120 — — 60 52 48
124 — — — 56 51
128 — — — 61 54
132 — — — 66 58
136 — — — — 62
140 — — — — 66
144 — — — — 72
METHOD
(See Table R602.10.4)
Portal header height
8 feet 9 feet 10 feet 11 feet 12 feet
PFH Supporting roof only 16 24 16 24 16 24 Note c Note c 48 Supporting one story and roof 24 24 24 Note c Note c
PFG 24 27 30 Note d Note d 1.5 × Actualb
CS-PF SDC A, B and C 16 18 20 Note e Note e 1.5 × Actualb
SDC D0, D1 and D2 16 24 18 24 20 24 Note e Note e Actualb
Page 197 of 311
Page 198 of 311
SECTION 28. Figure R602.10.6.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Page 199 of 311
SECTION 29. Figure R602.10.6.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
SECTION 30. Section R606.4.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R606.4.4 Parapet walls.
Page 200 of 311
Unreinforced solid masonry parapet walls shall not be less than 8 inches
(203 mm) thick and their height shall not exceed four times their thickness.
Unreinforced hollow unit masonry parapet walls shall be not less than 8 inches
(203 mm) thick, and their height shall not exceed three times their thickness. Masonry
parapet walls in areas subject to wind loads of 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa), or
located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2, or on townhouses in Seismic Design
Category C shall be reinforced in accordance with Section R606.12.
SECTION 31. Section R606.12.2.2.3 is hereby amended to read as
follows:
R606.12.2.2.3 Reinforcement requirements for masonry elements.
Masonry elements listed in Section R606.12.2.2.2 shall be reinforced in either the
horizontal or vertical direction as shown in Figure R606.11(2) and in accordance with
the following:
1. Horizontal reinforcement. Horizontal joint reinforcement shall consist of
not less than two longitudinal W1.7 wires spaced not more than 16 inches (406 mm) for
walls greater than 4 inches (102 mm) in width and not less than one longitudinal W1.7
wire spaced not more than 16 inches (406 mm) for walls not exceeding 4 inches (102
mm) in width; ornot less than one No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches
(1219 mm). Where two longitudinal wires of joint reinforcement are used, the space
between these wires shall be the widest that the mortar joint will
accommodate.Horizontal reinforcement shall be provided within 16 inches (406 mm) of
the top and bottom of these masonry elements.
2. Vertical reinforcement. Vertical reinforcement shall consist of not less
Page 201 of 311
than one No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1219 mm). Vertical reinforcement
shall be located within 168 inches (406203 mm) of the ends of masonry walls.
California Code
TABLE R602.3(1)—FASTENING SCHEDULE
….
a. Nails are smooth-common, box or deformed shanks except where otherwise stated.
Nails used for framing and sheathing connections are carbon steel and shall have
minimum average bending yield strengths as shown: 80 ksi for shank diameter of 0.192
inch (20d common nail), 90 ksi for shank diameters larger than 0.142 inch but not larger
than 0.177 inch, and 100 ksi for shank diameters of 0.142 inch or less. Connections
using nails and staples of other materials, such as stainless steel, shall be designed by
accepted engineering practice or approved under Section R104.2.2.
TABLE R602.3(2)
ALTERNATE ATTACHMENTS TO TABLE R602.3(1)
Staples shall have a minimum crown width of 7/16-inch except as noted.
R602.3.2 Top plate. Wood stud walls shall be capped with a double top plate installed to
provide overlapping at corners and
intersections with bearing partitions. End joints in top plates shall be offset not less than
24 inches (610 mm). Joints in plates need
not occur over studs. Plates shall be not less than 2-inches (51 mm) nominal thickness
and have a width not less than the width of
the studs.
Page 202 of 311
Exception: A single top plate used as an alternative to a double top plate shall comply
with the following:
1. The single top plate shall be tied at corners, intersecting walls, and at in-line splices
in straight wall lines in accordance with Table R602.3.2.
2. The rafters or joists shall be centered over the studs with a tolerance of not more than
1 inch (25 mm).
3. Omission of the top plate is permitted over headers where the headers are
adequately tied to adjacent wall sections in accordance with Table R602.3.2.
Page 203 of 311
Page 204 of 311
Page 205 of 311
TABLE R602.10.4
Page 206 of 311
Page 207 of 311
TABLE R602.10.5
Page 208 of 311
Page 209 of 311
Figure R602.10.6.1
Page 210 of 311
Page 211 of 311
R606.4.4 Parapet walls. Unreinforced solid masonry parapet walls shall be not less than
8 inches (203 mm) thick and their height shall not exceed four times their thickness.
Unreinforced hollow unit masonry parapet walls shall be not less than 8 inches (203
mm) thick, and their height shall not exceed three times their thickness. Masonry
parapet walls in areas subject to wind loads of 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa)
located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2, or on townhouses in Seismic Design
Category C shall be reinforced in accordance with Section R606.12.
Page 212 of 311
R606.12.2.2.3 Reinforcement requirements for masonry elements. Masonry elements
listed in Section R606.12.2.2.2 shall be reinforced in either the horizontal or vertical
direction as shown in Figure R606.11(2) and in accordance with the following:
1. Horizontal reinforcement. Horizontal joint reinforcement shall consist of not less than
two longitudinal W1.7 wires spaced not more than 16 inches (406 mm) for walls greater
than 4 inches (102 mm) in width and not less than one longitudinal W1.7 wire spaced
not more than 16 inches (406 mm) for walls not exceeding 4 inches (102 mm) in
width; or not less than one No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1219 mm).
Where two longitudinal wires of joint reinforcement are used, the space between these
wires shall be the widest that the mortar joint will accommodate. Horizontal
reinforcement shall be provided within 16 inches (406 mm) of the top and bottom of
these masonry elements.
2. Vertical reinforcement. Vertical reinforcement shall consist of not less than one No. 4
bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1219 mm). Vertical reinforcement shall be located
within 16 inches (406 mm) of the ends of masonry walls.
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis
The County modified several structural tables and figures, adding restrictions and
strengthening requirements to address seismic performance in hillside and high-seismic
regions typical of unincorporated Los Angeles County.
Page 213 of 311
The State code already establishes fastening schedules, bracing standards, and
reinforcement provisions that meet minimum safety for all seismic categories. The State
provisions allow limited flexibility in fastening materials (e.g., staples or alternate
connectors) and top plate configurations, provided they meet tested design values and
performance standards.
Given Rosemead’s flat terrain and typical low-rise residential construction, the County’s
heightened restrictions provide minimal additional safety benefit but could add
unnecessary construction costs and detailing complexity.
The Los Angeles County amendments in Chapter 6 are targeted for high-seismic hillside
conditions and specialized bracing environments that do not characterize Rosemead’s
built environment.
By adopting the unmodified State code, Rosemead maintains full compliance with State
seismic standards while reducing construction and plan review burden, resulting in a
cost-neutral or modestly cost-saving outcome for local homeowners and builders.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Residential Code Chapter 8
Section R803.2.4 is hereby added to read as follows:
R803.2.4 Openings in horizontal diaphragms.
Openings in horizontal diaphragms shall conform with Section R503.2.4.
California Code
N/a
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis
Page 214 of 311
Los Angeles County added one new section (R803.2.4) to reference diaphragm opening
requirements for roofs. Los Angeles County added this section to explicitly cross-reference
Section R503.2.4 (from the fioor framing chapter) for roof diaphragms.
The amendment clarifles that large openings in roof or ceiling diaphragms, such as skylight
clusters or roof access hatches,must comply with the same framing and tie requirements
that apply to fioor openings.
Los Angeles County’s addition of Section R803.2.4 is a clarifying amendment, not a
substantive change to construction requirements. It mainly reiterates design practices
already recognized under State code.
Rosemead’s adoption of the unmodified California Residential Code maintains
compliance while avoiding redundant cross-references.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Residential Code Chapter 10
Section R1001.3.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
R1001.3.1 Vertical reinforcing.
For chimneys up to 40 inches (1016 mm) wide, four No. 4 continuous vertical
bars adequately anchored into the concrete foundation shall be placed between wythes
of solid masonry or within the cells of hollow unit masonry and grouted in accordance
with Section R606. Grout shall be prevented from bonding with the flue liner so that the
flue liner is free to move with thermal expansion. For chimneys more than 40 inches
(1016 mm) wide, two additional No. 4 vertical bars adequately anchored into the
concrete foundation shall be provided for each additional flue incorporated into the
chimney or for each additional 40 inches (1016 mm) in width or fraction thereof.
Page 215 of 311
California Code
R1001.3.1 Vertical reinforcing. For chimneys up to 40 inches (1016 mm) wide, four No.
4 continuous vertical bars shall be placed between wythes of solid masonry or within the
cells of hollow unit masonry and grouted in accordance with Section R606. Grout shall
be prevented from bonding with the flue liner so that the flue liner is free to move with
thermal expansion. For chimneys more than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide, two additional
No. 4 vertical bars shall be provided for each additional flue incorporated into the
chimney or for each additional 40 inches (1016 mm) in width or fraction thereof.
Rosemead Code
No amendment to California Code proposed
Comparison Analysis
The County re-states the State’s vertical-reinforcement requirements for masonry
chimneys (four No. 4 bars for chimneys up to 40 inches wide and two additional bars for
each extra flue or 40-inch width). The added phrase “adequately anchored into the
concrete foundation” makes the anchorage expectation explicit and clarifies grouting in
accordance with Section R606.
Rosemead did not amend this section. Under State code, chimney reinforcement and
anchorage are adequately regulated through the combination of Sections R1001 and
R606. Re-stating the anchorage language is unnecessary for flat-terrain urban contexts
such as Rosemead.
Page 216 of 311
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Plumbing Code
100 ADOPTION AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE.
Except as hereinafter changed or modified, Sections 1.2.0 through 1.14.0 of
Chapter 1, Division I, of that certain Plumbing Code known and designated as the
20222025 California Plumbing Code, as published by the California Building Standards
Commission, are adopted and incorporated by reference into this Title 28 of the
Los Angeles County Code as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as
Sections 119.1.2.0 through 119.1.14.0, respectively, of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the
Los Angeles County Code.
Except as hereinafter changed or modified, Chapters 2 through 17 and
Appendices A, B, D, H, I, and J, of that certain Plumbing Code known and designated
as the 20222025 California Plumbing Code as published by the California Building
Standards Commission, are adopted and incorporated by reference into this Title 28 of
the Los Angeles County Code as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as
Chapters 2 through 17, and Appendices A, B, D, H, I, and J, of Title 28 of the
Los Angeles County Code.
A copy of the 20222025 California Plumbing Code shall be at all times
maintained by the Chief Plumbing Inspector for use and examination by the public.
. . .
SECTION 3. Section 204.0 is hereby amended to read as follows:
204.0 – B –
. . .
Page 217 of 311
Building Code. The most recent edition of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County
Code.
. . .
SECTION 4. Section 206.0 is hereby amended to read as follows:
206.0 – D –
. . .
Demand Hot Water Recirculation System. A hot water recirculation system
requiring manual activation and equipped with a thermostat that will automatically shut
off the recirculation pump when the water temperature reaches a preset level at the
point of use.
. . .
SECTION 5. Section 207.0 is hereby amended to read as follows:
207.0 – E –
. . .
Electrical Code. The most recent edition of Title 27 of the Los Angeles County
Code.
. . .
SECTION 6. Section 210.0 is hereby amended to read as follows:
210.0 – H –
Page 218 of 311
. . .
Hot Water Recirculation System. A hot water distribution system that reduces
the time needed to deliver hot water to fixtures that are distant from the water heater,
boiler, or other water heating equipment. The recirculation system is comprised of hot
water supply and return piping with shutoff valves, balancing valves, and circulating
pumps, and a method of controlling the circulating system.
. . .
SECTION 7. Section 215.0 is hereby amended to read as follows:
215.0 – M –
. . .
Mechanical Code. The most recent edition of Title 29 of the Los Angeles
County Code.
. . .
SECTION 8. Section 301.2.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
301.2.2 Standards. Standards listed or referred to in this cChapter
or other chapters cover materials that will conform to the requirements of this cCode,
where used in accordance with the limitations imposed in this or other chapters thereof
and their listing. Where a standard covers materials of various grades, weights, quality,
or configurations, the portion of the listed standard that is applicable shall be used.
Design and materials for special conditions or materials not provided for herein shall be
permitted to be used only by special permission of the Authority Having Jurisdiction after
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the Authority Having Jurisdiction has been satisfied as to their adequacy. A list of
plumbing standards that appear in specific sections of this cCode is referenced in
Table 1701.1. Standards referenced in Table 1701.1 shall be applied as indicated in the
applicable referenced section. A list of additional approved standards, publications,
practices, and guides that are not referenced in specific sections of this cCode appear
in Table 1701.2. Solar thermal energy systems and material standards are referenced in
Tables S 18.1 and S 18.2 of Appendix S. AnIAPMO Installation Standards isare referenced
in Appendix I for the convenience of the users of this cCode. It is not considered as a
part of this cCode unless formally adopted as such by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
SECTION 9. Section 301.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
301.3 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction
Equivalency and Modifications.
301.3.1 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction.
Nothing in this cCode is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or
devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness,
durability, and safety over those prescribed by this cCode. Technical documentation
shall be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency prior
to installation. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to approve or
disapprove the system, method, or device for the intended purpose on a case-by-case
basis. [HCD 1] (See Section 1.8.7).
. . .
301.3.1.1 Testing.
. . .
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301.3.1.1.1 Tests.
. . .
301.3.1.2.1.2 Request by Authority Having Jurisdiction.
. . .
301.3.2 Modifications. Whenever there are practical difficulties
involved in carrying out the provisions of this Code, the Authority Having Jurisdiction
shall have the authority to grant modifications on a case-by-case basis, upon application
of the owner or the owner's authorized agent, provided the Authority Having Jurisdiction
shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of this Code
impractical, that the modification is in conformity with the spirit and purpose of this
Code, and that such modification does not lessen any health, fire-protection, or other
life-safety-related requirements. The details of any action granting modifications shall
be recorded and entered in the files of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Application for
approval of a modification shall be in accordance with Section 103.12.2.
SECTION 10. Section 304.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
304.1 General. Plumbing fixtures, drains, appurtenances, and
appliances, used to receive or discharge liquid wastes or sewage, shall be connected
properly to the drainage system of the building or premises, in accordance with the
requirements of this cCode.
Exception: [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings. Where
conventional plumbing, in all or in part, is installed within the structure, it shall be
installed in accordance with the provisions of this cCode. Alternative materials and
methods shall be permitted provided that the design complies with the intent of the
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cCode, and that such alternatives shall perform to protect health and safety for the
intended purpose.
Dual waste piping shall be installed to permit the discharge from clothes
washers, bathtubs, showers, and bathroom/restroom wash basins to be used for a
graywater irrigation system. Partial connection of plumbing fixtures to the graywater
system, based on accepted engineering practices and required volume of water for
irrigation, shall be accepted. Graywater systems shall be designed and installed in
accordance with Chapter 15 and other parts of this Code.
Exceptions:
(1) Buildings with a graywater system, rain catchment system, or recycled
water system.
(2) Sites with landscape areas not exceeding 500 square feet.
(3) Projects where graywater systems are not permitted due to geological
conditions.
(4) Additions and alterations that use the existing building drain.
SECTION 11. Section 601.2.3 is hereby added to read as follows:
601.2.3 Hot Water Recirculation Systems. A hot water
recirculation system shall be installed, as defined in Chapter 2, and shall not allow more
than 0.6 gallons of water to be delivered to any fixture before hot water arrives. Hot
water recirculation systems may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Timer-initiated systems.
(2) Temperature sensor-initiated systems.
(3) Occupancy sensor-initiated systems.
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(4) Smart hot water recirculation systems.
(5) Demand hot water recirculation systems.
(6) Other systems acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Exception: Minor additions and alterations as determined by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction that use the existing water distribution pipe system and which does
not contain a hot water recirculation system.
SECTION 12. Section 609.7 is hereby amended to read as follows:
609.7 Abutting Lot. Nothing contained in this cCode shall be
construed to prohibit the use of all or part of an abutting or adjacent lot or lots to:
. . .
SECTION 13. Section 721.3 is hereby added to read as follows:
721.3 Public Sewer. If the public sewer does not extend to a point
from which each building on a lot or parcel of land large enough to permit future
subdivision can be independently served, the property owner shall construct a public
sewer as required by Title 20 – Utilities – of the Los Angeles County Code, Division 2
(Sanitary Sewer and Industrial Waste), to provide adequate sewerage for each such
possible parcel.
Exception: When the Authority Having Jurisdiction finds that the character of a
lot is such that no further subdivision can be reasonably anticipated, or the use is such
as to preclude subdivision, or where the owner has executed a covenant stating that the
lot or parcel of land, together with all improvements thereon, will be maintained as a unit
and that before any subdivision is made or any portion of said lot is transferred to
another owner, separate sewerage facilities as hereinbefore required in this Section will
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be installed, the drainage system of all buildings may be connected to a common
building sewer or private sewage disposal system. The covenant shall be recorded by
the owner in the office of the Registrar-Recorder as part of the conditions of ownership
of said property. Such agreement shall be binding on all heirs, successors, and assigns
to said property.
This exception shall apply only while the whole of such lot remains in one
undivided ownership. Upon the transfer of any portion of such lot other than the whole
thereof to another owner, whether such transfer is made before or after the operative
date of the ordinance adding this provision, the exception shall cease and a person
shall not use or maintain any building or structure except in compliance with the
provisions of this Code. As used in this Section, a sale, foreclosure, or contract to sell
by the terms of which the purchaser is given the right of possession shall be deemed a
transfer.
SECTION 14. Section 728.0 is hereby added to read as follows:
728.0 Building Sewer Connection Requirements.
728.1 Size. That portion of the building sewer extending from the
public sewer to the property line shall be not less than 4 inches (100 mm) in internal
diameter.
728.2 Depth. When laid within the limits of any public
thoroughfare when the public sewer is sufficiently deep, no building sewer shall be less
than 6 feet (1.8 m) below grade. Whenever practicable, the alignment and grade of
each building sewer shall be straight from the public sewer to the property line.
728.3 Taps and Saddles. Whenever it becomes necessary to
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connect a building sewer to a public sewer at a point where no branch fitting has been
installed in the public sewer, such connection shall be made as required by Title 20 –
Utilities – of the Los Angeles County Code, Division 2 (Sanitary Sewer and Industrial
Waste).
728.4 Connection to Trunks. Whenever required, an approved-
type unvented running trap shall be installed in each building sewer, which is connected
directly to a trunk sewer by any means whatsoever. Each such running trap shall be
installed in the building sewer between the house drain or drains and the connection to
the trunk sewer. A T-type cleanout shall be installed in the building sewer immediately
below the running trap. This cleanout need not be extended to grade. Every running
trap and cleanout shall be located on the lot served by the building sewer.
728.5 Street Widening. Where a future street or road-widening
area has been established by the master plan of highways or in any other manner, all
work installed in such area shall conform to the requirements established in this or other
related ordinances for work on public property.
728.6 Main Line Required. Building sewer construction shall
conform to the requirements of main line sewers as set forth in Title 20 – Utilities – of
the Los Angeles County Code, Division 2 (Sanitary Sewer and Industrial Waste), when
either of the following conditions exists:
1. Where the Authority Having Jurisdiction requires such construction
because of the character or quantity of the sewage or industrial waste to be discharged.
2. Where the sewer is designed to be, or proposed to be, dedicated to the
County of Los Angeles at the present or any future time.
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SECTION 15. Table H 101.8 of Appendix H is hereby amended to read as
follows:
TABLE H 101.8
LOCATION OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
MINIMUM HORIZONTAL
DISTANCE BUILDING SEWER SEPTIC
TANK DISPOSAL FIELD SEEPAGE PIT
OR
CESSPOOL
Building or structures1 2 feet 5 feet 8 feet 8 feet
Property line adjoining private
property
Clear2 5 feet 5 feet 8 feet
Water supply wells9 50 feet3 50 feet 100 feet 150 feet
Streams and other bodies of water9 50 feet 50 feet 100 feet7 150 feet7
Trees10 10 feet 10 feet
Seepage pits or cesspools8 5 feet 5 feet 12 feet
Disposal field8 5 feet 4 feet4 5 feet
On-site domestic water service line 1 foots 5 feet 5 feet 5 feet
Distribution box 5 feet 5 feet
Pressure public water main 10 feet6 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet
For SI units: 1 foot = 304.8 mm
Notes:
1 Including porches and steps, whether covered or uncovered, breezeways, roofed porte cocheres, roofed patios,
carports, covered walks, covered driveways, and similar structures or appurtenances.
2 See Section 312.3.
3 Drainage piping shall clear domestic water supply wells by not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm). This distance shall
be permitted to be reduced to not less than 25 feet (7620 mm) where the drainage piping is constructed of
materials approved for use within a building.
4 Plus 2 feet (610 mm) for each additional 1 foot (305 mm) of depth in excess of 1 foot (305 mm) below the bottom
of the drain line. (See Section H 601.0)
5 See Section 720.0.
6 For parallel construction -- For crossings, approval by the Health Department shall be required.
7 These minimum clear horizontal distances shall also apply between disposal fields, seepage pits, and the mean
high-tide line.
8 Where disposal fields, seepage pits, or both are installed in sloping ground, the minimum horizontal distance
between any part of the leaching system and ground surface shall be 15 feet (4572 mm).
9 Where special hazards are involved, the distance required shall be increased as may be directed by the
Authority Having Jurisdiction.
10 The septic tank and seepage pit shall not be within the protected zone of an oak tree as defined by Section
22.14.150 of Title 22 – Planning and Zoning – of the Los Angeles County Code.
SECTION 16. Table H 201.1(1) of Appendix H is hereby amended to read
as follows:
TABLE H 201.1(1)
CAPACITY OF SEPTIC TANKS1, 2, 3, 4, 5
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SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS - NUMBER OF BEDROOMS
MULTIPLE DWELLING UNITS OR APARTMENTS - ONE BEDROOM EACH
OTHER USES: MAXIMUM FIXTURE UNITS SERVED PER TABLE 702.1
MINIMUM SEPTIC TANK CAPACITY (gallons)
1 or 2 — 15 750
3 — 20 1000
4 2 units 25 1200
5 or 6 3 33 1500
— 4 45 2000
— 5 55 2250
— 6 60 2500
— 7 70 2750
— 8 80 3000
— 9 90 3250
— 10 100 3500
For SI units: 1 gallon = 3.785 L
Notes:
1 Extra bedroom, 150 gallons (568 L) each.
2 Extra dwelling units over 10:250 gallons (946 L) each.
3 Extra fixture units over 100: 25 gallons (94.6 L) per fixture unit.
4 Septic tank sizes in this table include sludge storage capacity and the connection of domestic food waste
disposers without further volume increase.
5 Applies to mobile homes not installed in a mobile home park.
SECTION 17. Table H 201.1(2) of Appendix H is hereby amended to read
as follows:
TABLE H 201.1(2)
DESIGN CRITERIA OF FIVESIX TYPICAL SOILS
TYPE OF SOIL REQUIRED SQUARE FEET OF
LEACHING
AREA PER 100 GALLONS
MAXIMUM ABSORPTION
CAPACITY IN
GALLONS PER SQUARE FEET
OF
LEACHING AREA FOR A 24
HOUR PERIOD
Coarse sand or gravel 20 5.0
Fine sand 25 4.0
Sandy loam or sandy clay 40 2.5
Sandy clay 60 1.66
Clay with considerable sand or gravel 90 1.1
Clay with small amount of sand or gravel 120 0.8
For SI units: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 gallon per square foot = 40.7 L/m2
SECTION 18. Table H 201.1(3) of Appendix H is hereby amended to read
as follows:
Page 227 of 311
TABLE H 201.1(3)
LEACHING AREA SIZE BASED ON SEPTIC TANK CAPACITY
REQUIRED SQUARE FEET OF LEACHING
AREA
PER 100 GALLONS SEPTIC TANK CAPACITY
(square feet per 100 gallons)
MAXIMUM SEPTIC TANK SIZE ALLOWABLE
(gallons)
20-25 7500
40 5000
60 3500
90 35003000
120 30002500
For SI units: 1 square foot per 100 gallons = 0.000245 m2/L, 1 gallon = 3.785 L
SECTION 19. Table H 201.1(4) of Appendix H is hereby amended to read
as follows:
TABLE H 201.1(4)
ESTIMATED WASTE SEWAGE FLOW RATES1, 2, 3
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TYPE OF OCCUPANCY GALLONS PER DAY
Airports (per employee) 15
Airports (per passenger) 5
Auto washers – check with equipment manufacturer -
Bowling alleys – with snack bar only (per lane) 75
Campground – with central comfort station (per person) 35
Campground – with flush toilets - no showers (per person) 25
Camps (day) – no meals served (per person) 15
Camps (summer and seasonal camps) – (per person) 50
Churches – sanctuary (per seat) 5
Churches – with kitchen waste (per seat) 7
Dance halls – (per person) 5
Factories – no showers (per employee) 25
Factories – with showers (per employee) 35
Factories – with cafeteria (per employee) 5
Hospitals – (per bed) 250
Hospitals – kitchen waste only (per bed) 25
Hospitals – laundry waste only (per bed) 40
Hotels – no kitchen waste (per bed) 60
Institutions – resident (per person) 75
Nursing home – (per person) 125
Rest home – (per person) 125
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Laundries – self-service with minimum 10 hours per day
(per wash cyclemachine) 30050
Laundries – commercial check with manufacturer’s
specification -
Motel (per bed space) 50
Motel – with kitchen (per bed space) 60
Offices – (per employee) 20
Parks – mobile homes (per space) 250
Parks (picnic) – with toilets only (per parking space) 20
Parks (recreational vehicles) – without water hook-up
(per space) 75
Parks (recreational vehicles) – with water and sewer
hook-up (per space) 100
Restaurants – cafeteria (per employeeseat) 5020
Restaurants – with toilet waste (per customer) 7
Restaurants – with kitchen waste (per meal) 6
Restaurants – with kitchen waste disposable service
(per meal) 2
Restaurants – with garbage disposal (per meal) 1
Restaurants – with cocktail lounge (per customer) 2
Schools staff and office (per person) 20
Schools – elementary (per student) 15
Schools – intermediate and high (per student) 20
Schools – with gym and showers (per student) 5
Schools – with cafeteria (per student) 3
Schools (boarding) – total waste (per person) 100
Service station – with toilets for 1st bay 1000
Service station – with toilets for each additional bay 500
Stores – (per employee) 20
Stores – with public restrooms (per 10 square feet of
floor space) 1
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Swimming pools – (per person) 10
Theaters – auditoriums (per seat) 5
Theaters – with drive-in (per space) 10
For SI units: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 gallon per day 3.785
L/day
Notes:
1 Sewage disposal systems sized using the estimated waste/sewage flow rates shall be calculated as follows:
(a) Waste/sewage flow, up to 1500 gallons per day (5678 L/day)
Flow x 1.5 = septic tank size
(b) Waste/sewage flow, over 1500 gallons per day (5678 L/day)
Flow x 0.75 + 1125 = septic tank size
(c) Secondary system shall be sized for total flow per 24 hours.
21 See Section H 201.1.
32 Because of the many variables encountered, it is not possible to set absolute values for waste/sewage flow rates for
all situations. The designer should evaluate each situation and, where figures in this table need modification, they
should be made with the concurrence of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
SECTION 20. Section H 301.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H 301.1 General.
. . .
(3) No excavation for a leach line or leach bed shall be located within 5 feet
(1524 mm) of thegroundwater table nor to a depth where sewage is capable of
contaminatingmay contaminate the underground water stratum that is useable for
domestic purposes.
Exception: In areas where the records or data indicate that the groundwaters
are grossly degraded, the 5 foot (1524 mm) separation requirement shall be permitted
to be reduced by the Authority Having JurisdictionWhen approved by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction, this distance may be reduced to 5 feet (1524 mm) from ocean
water. The applicant shall supply evidence of groundwater depth to the satisfaction of
the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
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(4) The minimum effective absorption area in any seepage pit shall be
calculated as the excavated sidewall area below the inlet exclusive of any hardpan,
rock, clay, or other impervious formations. The minimum required area of porous
formation shall be provided in one or more seepage pits. No excavation shall extend
within 10 feet (3048 mm) of thegroundwater table nor to a depth where sewage is
capable of contaminatingmay contaminate the underground water stratum that is
useable for domestic purposes.
Exception: In areas where the records or data indicate that the groundwaters
are grossly degraded, the 10 foot (3048 mm) separation requirement shall be permitted
to be reduced by the Authority Having JurisdictionWhen approved by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction, this distance may be reduced to 5 feet (1524 mm) from ocean
water.
. . .
SECTION 21. Section H 401.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H 401.3 Absorption Rates. Where a percolation test is required, the
proposed system shall have the capability to absorb a quantity of clear water in a 24-
hour period equal to at least five times the liquid capacity of the proposed septic tank.
nNo private disposal system shall be permitted to serve a building if that test shows the
absorption capacity of the soil is less than 0.83 gallons per square foot (gal/ft2)
(33.8 L/m2) or more than 5.12 gal/ft2 (208.6 L/m2) of leaching area per 24 hours. Where
the percolation test shows an absorption rate greater than 5.12 gal/ft2 (208.6 L/m2)
per 24 hours, a private disposal system shall be permitted where the site does not
overlie groundwaters protected for drinking water supplies, a minimum thickness of 2
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feet (610 mm) of the native soil below the entire proposed system is replaced by loamy
sand, and the system design is based on percolation tests made in the loamy sand.
SECTION 22. Section H 601.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H 601.5 Distribution Boxes. Where two or more drain lines are
installed, an approved distribution box of sufficient size to receive lateral lines shall be
installed at the head of each disposal field. The inverts of outlets shall be level, and the
invert of the inlet shall be not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) above the outlets. Distribution
boxes shall be designed to ensure equal flow and shall be installed on a level concrete
slab in natural or compacted soil. Distribution boxes shall be coated on the inside with a
bituminous coating or other approved method acceptable to the Authority Having
Jurisdiction.
SECTION 23. Section H 601.8 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H 601.8 Dosing Tanks. Where the quantity of sewage exceeds the
amount that is permitted to be disposed in 500 lineal feet (152.4 m) of leach line, a
dosing tank shall be used. Dosing tanks shall be equipped with an automatic siphon or
pump that discharges the tank once every 3 or 4 hours. The tank shall have a capacity
equal to 60 to 75 percent of the interior capacity of the pipe to be dosed at one time.
Where the total length of pipe exceeds 1000 lineal feet (305 m), the dosing tank shall be
provided with two siphons or pumps dosing alternately and each serving one-half of the
leach fieldAutomatic syphon or dosing tanks shall be installed when required or as
permitted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
SECTION 24. Section H 701.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H 701.2 Multiple Installations. Multiple seepage pit installations
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shall be served through an approved distribution box or be connected in series using
watertight connection laid on undisturbed or compacted soil. The outlet from the pit
shall have. When connected in series, the effluent shall leave each pit through an
approved vented leg fitting extending not less than 12 inches (305 mm) below the inlet
fittingdownward into such existing pit and having its outlet flow line at least 6 inches
below the inlet. All pipe between pits shall be laid with approved watertight joints.
SECTION 25. Section H 1001.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
H 1001.1 Inspection. Inspection requirements shall comply with the
following:
(1) Applicable provisions of Section 105.0104.0 of this cCode and this
aAppendix shall be required. Plans shall be required in accordance with
Section 103.3102.1 of this cCode.
. . .
(5) Disposal fields and seepage pits shall not be installed in uncompacted fill.
SECTION 26. Section H 1101.6 is hereby added to read as follows:
H 1101.6 Excavation. No excavation for an abandoned sewer or
sewage facility shall be left unattended at any time, unless the permittee shall have first
provided a suitable and adequate barricade to assure public safety.
SECTION 27. Appendix M is hereby amended to be Appendix P as follows:
APPENDIX MP
SWIMMING POOLS
MP 1.0 Swimming pool waste water shall be disposed of as hereinafter set
forth in this Section and the type of disposal proposed shall be approved by the
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Authority Having Jurisdiction prior to the commencement of any work. A means of
disposal of the total contents of the pool (periodic emptying) without surface runoff shall
be established to the satisfaction of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
M 2.0 The following are legal methods of swimming pool waste water disposal.
(1) To a public sewer.
(2) On the property if the property is large enough to ensure that runoff will
not encroach on abutting property.
(3) To a tank truck.
(4) In the case where none of the above can be accomplished, alternate
methods of disposal acceptable to the State Regional Water Quality Control Board
(SRWQCB) may be used. Prior to discharge, the swimming pool water must be tested
by the owner to insure that it is within all water quality standards established by the
SRWQCB. Contact Department of Public Works, Environmental Programs Division for
information.
M 3.0 No direct connection shall be made between any storm drain, sewer,
drainage system, drywell or subsoil irrigation line and any line connected to a swimming
pool.
M 4.0 Waste water from any filter, scum gutter overflow, pool emptying line or
similar apparatus or appurtenance when discharging to any part of a drainage system,
shall be provided with a three (3) inch (76.2 mm) trap.
Page 235 of 311
M 5.0 Except as provided in Section M 6, the discharge outlet terminal from any
pool or filter shall be protected from backflow by an air gap at least six (6) inches (152.4
mm) above the flood rim of the receptor.
M 6.0 No scum gutter drain, overflow drain, backwash discharge drain, or pool
emptying line shall enter any receptor below the rim unless the pool piping at its
deepest point, the bottom of the filters, and the bottom of the scum gutter drain trough
or overflow inlets are at least six (6) inches (152.4 mm) above the overflow rim of the
receptor.
M 7.0 A positive point of potable water supply to each swimming pool shall be
established and shall be installed as required by Chapter 6 of this Code.
M 8.0 Plans for other than private swimming pools shall be approved by the
Health Officer before any water supply or waste discharge permit is issued.
Note: The forgoing applies only to outdoor swimming, bathing, or wading pools. Plans
and specifications for all indoor installations shall be submitted to the Authority Having
Jurisdiction for approval prior to the commencement of any work, and all piping,
equipment and construction shall be equal to the types prescribed in the Installation
Requirements of this Code for indoor work.
M 9.0 All new swimming pools constructed or installed in Fire Zone 4 or in a Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and having a capacity of 5000 gallons or more shall
have a minimum four (4) inch diameter drain and discharge line connected to a draft
hydrant, the type, location, and installation of which shall be approved by the chief of the
fire department. Materials used for the discharge line shall be as approved in this Code
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for potable water systems except that brass, cast iron, galvanized wrought iron, and
copper shall not be used. If PVC is used, it shall be a minimum of Schedule 40.
Exception: Swimming pools constructed or installed with the bottom of the pool
more than 15 feet below the proposed draft hydrant connection elevation,
measured vertically, need not be provided with a draft hydrant system.
To identify that pool draft system, an appropriate sign (as designated by the fire
department) including the location of the swimming pool shall be posted on the pool
safety fence and/or at the draft hydrant location.
M 10.0 For one- and two-family dwellings, any new permanently installed
outdoor in-ground swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with an automatic cover.
For irregular-shaped pools where it is infeasible to cover 100 percent of the pool due to
its irregular shape, the largest possible area of the pool (minimum 80 percent) shall be
covered. For additions and alterations, non-automatic covers shall be accepted.
SECTION 28. Appendix P is hereby added as follows:
APPENDIX P
SWIMMING POOLS
P 1.0 Swimming pool waste water shall be disposed of as hereinafter set forth in
this Section and the type of disposal proposed shall be approved by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction prior to the commencement of any work. A means of disposal of the
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total contents of the pool (periodic emptying) without surface runoff shall be established
to the satisfaction of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
P 2.0 The following are legal methods of swimming pool waste water disposal.
(1) To a public sewer.
(2) On the property if the property is large enough to ensure that runoff will
not encroach on abutting property.
(3) To a tank truck.
(4) In the case where none of the above can be accomplished, alternate
methods of disposal acceptable to the State Regional Water Quality Control Board
(SRWQCB) may be used. Prior to discharge, the swimming pool water must be tested
by the owner to insure that it is within all water quality standards established by the
SRWQCB. Contact Department of Public Works, Environmental Programs Division for
information.
P 3.0 No direct connection shall be made between any storm drain, sewer,
drainage system, drywell or subsoil irrigation line and any line connected to a swimming
pool.
P 4.0 Waste water from any filter, scum gutter overflow, pool emptying line or
similar apparatus or appurtenance when discharging to any part of a drainage system,
shall be provided with a three (3) inch (76.2 mm) trap.
P 5.0 Except as provided in Section P 6, the discharge outlet terminal from any
pool or filter shall be protected from backflow by an air gap at least six (6) inches (152.4
mm) above the flood rim of the receptor.
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P 6.0 No scum gutter drain, overflow drain, backwash discharge drain, or pool
emptying line shall enter any receptor below the rim unless the pool piping at its
deepest point, the bottom of the filters, and the bottom of the scum gutter drain trough
or overflow inlets are at least six (6) inches (152.4 mm) above the overflow rim of the
receptor.
P 7.0 A positive point of potable water supply to each swimming pool shall be
established and shall be installed as required by Chapter 6 of this Code.
P 8.0 Plans for other than private swimming pools shall be approved by the
Health Officer before any water supply or waste discharge permit is issued.
Note: The forgoing applies only to outdoor swimming, bathing, or wading pools. Plans
and specifications for all indoor installations shall be submitted to the Authority Having
Jurisdiction for approval prior to the commencement of any work, and all piping,
equipment and construction shall be equal to the types prescribed in the Installation
Requirements of this Code for indoor work.
P 9.0 All new swimming pools constructed or installed in Fire Zone 4 or in a Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and having a capacity of 5000 gallons or more shall
have a minimum four (4) inch diameter drain and discharge line connected to a draft
hydrant, the type, location, and installation of which shall be approved by the chief of the
fire department. Materials used for the discharge line shall be as approved in this Code
for potable water systems except that brass, cast iron, galvanized wrought iron, and
copper shall not be used. If PVC is used, it shall be a minimum of Schedule 40.
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Exception: Swimming pools constructed or installed with the bottom of the pool
more than 15 feet below the proposed draft hydrant connection elevation,
measured vertically, need not be provided with a draft hydrant system.
To identify that pool draft system, an appropriate sign (as designated by the fire
department) including the location of the swimming pool shall be posted on the pool
safety fence and/or at the draft hydrant location.
P 10.0 For one- and two-family dwellings, any new permanently installed
outdoor in-ground swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with an automatic cover.
For irregular-shaped pools where it is infeasible to cover 100 percent of the pool due to
its irregular shape, the largest possible area of the pool (minimum 80 percent) shall be
covered. For additions and alterations, non-automatic covers shall be accepted.
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SECTION 28. Appendix S is hereby added to read as follows:
APPENDIX S
SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
S 1.0 General.
In addition to the requirements of this Appendix, the provisions of this Code and
Title 29 – Mechanical Code – of the Los Angeles County Code shall apply to the
erection, installation, alteration, relocation, replacement, addition to, use, maintenance
and repair of solar thermal energy systems, including, but not limited to, equipment and
appliances intended to utilize solar thermal energy for water heating and swimming pool
heating.
S 2.0 Definitions.
For the purpose of this Appendix, certain terms, words, phrases, and their
derivatives shall be construed as set forth in this Section. Whenever terms are not
defined, their ordinary dictionary meaning shall apply.
Absorber. That part of the solar collector that receives the incident radiation
energy.
Absorptance. The collecting of heat, measured as percent of total radiation
available.
Ambient Temperature. Surrounding temperature.
Anchors. See Supports.
Antifreeze. An additive used in water-based heat transfer fluids to decrease the
freezing temperature of the fluids and protect hydronic systems from freezing.
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Appliance. A device that utilizes an energy source to produce light, heat, power,
refrigeration, or air conditioning. This definition also includes electric storage or tankless
water heaters.
Area, Absorber. The total projected heat transfer area from which the absorbed
solar irradiation heats the transfer media.
Area, Aperture. The maximum projected area of a solar collector through which
the unconcentrated solar radiant energy is admitted.
Automatic. That which provides a function without the necessity of human
intervention.
Auxiliary Heating System. Equipment using non-solar energy sources to
supplement or back up the output provided by a solar thermal energy system.
Closed Loop System. A system where the fluid is enclosed in a piping system
that is not vented to the atmosphere.
Collector. See Solar Collector.
Collector System. That section of the solar collector system that includes the
collector and piping or ducts from the collector to the storage system.
Combustible Liquid. A liquid having a flash point at or above 100°F (38°C).
Combustible liquids shall be divided into the following classifications:
(1) Class II liquids having a flash point above 100°F (38°C) and below
140°F (60°C).
(2) Class IIIA liquids having a flash point at or above 140°F (60°C) and
below 200°F (93°C).
(3) Class IIIB liquids having a flash point at or above 200°F (93°C).
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The classifications of combustible liquids do not include compressed gases or
cryogenic fluids.
Concentrating Solar Collector. A solar collector that uses reflectors, lenses, or
other optical elements to concentrate the radiant energy passing through the aperture
onto an absorber of which the surface area is smaller than the aperture area.
Corrosion. The gradual degradation and destruction of metals and other natural
and synthetic materials typically resulting from and/or electrochemical reactions with
their environment including, but not limited to, weathering, dissolution, and direct
photochemical attach.
Cover, Collector (Glazing). The material covering the aperture to provide
thermal and environmental protection.
Design Pressure. The maximum allowable pressure for which a specific part of
a system is designed.
Design Temperature. The maximum allowable continuous or intermittent
temperature for which a specific part of a solar energy system is designed to operate
safely and reliably.
Distribution System. That section of the solar energy system from the storage
system to the point of use.
Drainback System. A closed loop system which allows gravity draining of the
heat transfer fluid into lower portions of the solar loop under prescribed circumstances.
Draindown (Drainback). An active solar energy system in which the fluid in the
solar collector is drained from the solar energy system under prescribed circumstances.
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Energy Collector Fluid. That fluid used to transfer energy from the collector to
the storage system or point of use.
Energy Storage Fluid (or Media). That fluid (or media) used in the storage
container for storing collected energy.
Energy Transfer Fluid. That fluid used within a closed system either from the
collector to the storage system or from the storage system to the point of use.
Essentially Nontoxic Transfer Fluid. Fluid generally recognized as safe by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as food grade.
External Auxiliary Heating. Auxiliary heating device located outside the
storage. The heat is transferred to the storage by direct or indirect charging via a
charge loop.
Flammable Liquid. Any liquid that has a flash point below 100°F (38°C), and
has a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psi (276 kPa) at 100°F (38°C). Flammable
liquids shall be known as Class I liquids and shall be divided into the following
classifications:
(1) Class IA liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C) and a boiling point
below 100°F (38°C).
(2) Class IB liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C) and a boiling point
at or above 100°F (38°C).
(3) Class IC liquids having a flash point at or above 73°F (23°C) and below
100°F (38°C).
Flash Point. The minimum temperature corrected to a pressure of 14.7 psi (101
kPa) at which a test flame causes the vapors of a portion of the sample to ignite under
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the conditions specified by the test procedures and apparatus. The flash point of a
liquid shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 56, ASTM D 93, or ASTM D
3278.
Freeze Protection. Any method for protecting solar thermal systems from
damage due to freezing conditions where installed in locations where freezing ambient
temperature conditions exist.
Freeze Protection, Fail-Safe. A freeze-protection method that does not rely on
the activation or continued operation of any mechanical or electrical component.
Heat Exchanger. A device that transfers heat from one medium to another.
Heat Transfer Medium. The medium used to transfer energy from the solar
collectors to the thermal storage or load.
Immersed Heat Exchanger. Heat exchanger, which is completely surrounded
with the fluid in the storage tank.
Instantaneous Efficiency. The amount of energy removed by the transfer fluid
per gross collector area, during a specified time period, divided by the total solar
radiation incident on the collector per unit area during the same test period, under
steady state or quasi-steady state.
Integral Collector Storage. A solar thermal heating system that uses a solar
collector that has all or most of its heat transfer medium inside the collector.
Langelier Saturation Index. A formula used to measure water balance or
mineral saturation control of pool, spa, or hot tub water. Total alkalinity, calcium
hardness, pH, water temperature, and total dissolved solids are measured, given a
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factor, and calculated to determine whether water has a tendency to be corrosive or
scale forming.
Open Loop System. A system where the fluid is enclosed in a piping system
that is vented to the atmosphere.
Out-Gassing. As applied to thermal energy, the thermal process by which
materials expel gas.
Passive Solar Systems. As used in these requirements, are solar energy
systems that utilize elements of a building, without augmentation by mechanical
components such as blowers or pumps, to provide for the collections, storage, or
distribution of solar energy for heating, cooling, or both.
Rock Storage. A bin, basement, or other container filled with rock to act as an
energy reservoir for a solar energy system.
Solar Collector. A device used to absorb energy from the sun.
Solar Energy System. A configuration of equipment and components to collect,
convey, store, and convert the sun's energy for a purpose.
Solar Energy System Components. Any appliance, assembly, device,
equipment, or piping used in the conversion of solar energy into thermal energy for
service water heating, pool water heating, space heating and cooling, and electrical
service.
Solar Thermal Energy System. See Solar Thermal System.
Solar Thermal System. A complete assembly of subsystems which convert
solar energy into thermal energy and utilize this energy for service water heating, pool
water heating, space heating and cooling purposes.
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Storage Temperature. Temperature of the storage medium.
Thermal Energy. The amount of sensible heat energy stored within a material
or fluid. The product of the mass, specific thermal capacity, and temperature
increase/decrease of the material or fluid. Also known as sensible heat energy.
Thermal Storage. A tank or vessel used in a solar thermal, hydronic, or
geothermal system, in which thermal energy is stored.
Thermosiphon. The natural circulation of fluids due to temperature differential.
Total Alkalinity. The sum of all alkaline minerals in the water that is primarily in
bicarbonate form, but also as sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium carbonates, and
hydroxides. It is a measure of the water's ability to resist changes in pH.
S 3.0 Permits Required.
It shall be unlawful for a person, firm, or corporation to construct, install, alter,
repair, replace, or remodel a solar thermal energy system regulated by this Code or
cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate permit for each separate
system or interconnected set of systems as specified in Section 103.0 of this Code.
S 4.0 Plans and Specifications.
Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams, and other data shall be submitted in
one or more sets with each application for a permit. Where required by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction, the plans, computations, diagrams, specifications, and other data
shall be prepared by, and the solar thermal energy system designed by, an engineer, an
architect, or both, who shall be licensed by the state to practice as such.
Exception: The submission of plans, calculations, or other data may be waived
where the Authority Having Jurisdiction determines that the nature of the work applied
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for is such that reviewing of plans is not necessary to obtain compliance within the
Code.
S 5.0 Installation.
S 5.1 Listed Appliances. Except as otherwise provided in this Code, the
installation of appliances regulated by this Code shall be in accordance with the
conditions of the listing. The appliance installer shall leave the manufacturer's
installation and operating instructions attached to the appliance. Clearances of listed
appliances from combustible materials shall be as specified in the listing or on the rating
plate.
S 5.2 Standards. Standards listed or referred to in this Appendix or
other provisions of this Code cover materials that will conform to the requirements of
this Code, where used in accordance with the limitations prescribed in this Code and
their listing. Where a standard covers materials of various grades, weights, quality, or
configurations, the portion of the listed standard that is applicable shall be used. Design
and materials for special conditions or materials not provided for herein may be
permitted as authorized by Section 301.3. A list of standards that appear in specific
sections of this Appendix are referenced in Table S 18.1. A list of additional standards,
publications, practices, and guides that are not referenced in specific sections of this
Appendix appear in Table S 18.2. The documents indicated in Table S 18.2 shall be
permitted in accordance with Section 301.3.
S 6.0 Inspection and Testing.
S 6.1 General. Solar thermal energy systems for which a permit is
required by this Code shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. No solar
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thermal energy system or portion thereof shall be covered, concealed, or put into use
until it first has been tested, inspected, and approved as prescribed in this Code.
Neither the Authority Having Jurisdiction nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense
entailed in the removal or replacement of material required to permit inspection. Solar
thermal energy systems regulated by this Code shall not be connected to the water, the
energy fuel supply, or the sewer system until authorized by the Authority Having
Jurisdiction. Installation of a solar thermal energy system shall comply with other parts
of this Code, including Section 104.0.
S 6.2 Required Inspection. New solar thermal energy system work and
such portions of existing systems as affected by new work, or changes, shall be
inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the
requirements of this Code and to ensure that the installation and construction of the
solar thermal energy system is in accordance with approved plans. The Authority
Having Jurisdiction shall make the following inspections and other such inspections as
necessary. The permittee or the permittee's authorized agent shall be responsible for
the scheduling of such inspections as follows:
(1) Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are
excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before backfill is put in place.
(2) Rough-in inspection shall be made prior to the installation of wall or ceiling
membranes.
(3) Final inspection shall be made upon completion of the installation.
S 6.3 Testing. Solar thermal energy systems shall be tested and
approved as required by this Code or the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
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S 6.3.1 Piping. The piping of the solar thermal system shall be tested with
water, air, a heat transfer medium, or as recommended by the manufacturer's
instructions, except that plastic pipe shall not be tested with air. The Authority Having
Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require the removal of plugs, etc., to ascertain where
the pressure has reached all parts of the system.
S 6.3.2 System Requirements. Prior to the installation of insulation and
startup, a solar thermal system, including piping, collectors, heat exchangers, and other
related equipment, shall be tested and proved airtight.
S 6.3.2.1 Direct (Open Loop) Systems. Direct (open loop) systems shall
be tested under a water pressure not less than one and one-half times the maximum
design operating pressure or 150 pounds force per square inch (psi) (1034 kPa),
whichever is more. Systems shall withstand the test without leaking for a period of not
less than 15 minutes.
S 6.3.2.2 Indirect (Closed Loop) Systems. Indirect (closed loop) systems
shall be hydrostatically tested at one and one-half times the maximum designed
operating pressure in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Systems shall withstand the test without leaking for a period of not less than 15 minutes.
S 6.3.3 Test Pressure for Storage Tanks. The test pressure for storage
tanks that are subject to water pressure from utility mains (with or without a pressure
reducing valve) shall be two times the working pressure but not less than 300 psi (2068
kPa).
S 6.3.3.1 Pressure Type. Pressure-type storage tanks exceeding 15 psi
(103 kPa) shall be tested in accordance with ASME BPVC Section VIII. Pressure-type
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storage tanks not exceeding 15 psi (103 kPa) shall be hydrostatically tested at one and
one-half times the maximum design operating pressure.
S 6.3.3.2 Atmospheric-Type. Atmospheric-type thermal storage tanks shall
be tested by filling with water for a period of 24 hours prior to inspection and shall
withstand the test without leaking. No thermal storage tank or portion thereof shall be
covered or concealed prior to approval.
S 6.3.4 Connection to Service Utilities. No person shall make
connections from a source of energy or fuel to a solar thermal energy system or
equipment regulated by this Code and for which a permit is required until approved by
the Authority Having Jurisdiction. No person shall make connection from a water-supply
line nor shall they connect to a sewer system regulated by this Code and for which a
permit is required until approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The Authority
Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to authorize temporary connection of the solar
thermal energy system equipment to the source of energy or fuel for the purpose of
testing the equipment.
S 7.0 Water Heating Systems.
S 7.1 Solar Water Heating System. Solar water heating systems shall
be in accordance with IAPMO S1001.1 or ICC 900/SRCC 300. Where solar collectors
are capable of being isolated from the remainder of the system, a suitable pressure
relief valve shall be installed in the isolatable section.
S 7.2 Auxiliary Heating System. An auxiliary heating system shall be
installed in conjunction with the solar thermal system and shall be adequate to provide
service in the absence of solar thermal energy input. An auxiliary heating system that
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utilizes electricity as the energy source shall be in accordance with Section S 15.0.
Auxiliary heating systems that utilize solid fuel or fuel gas as the energy source shall be
in accordance with Title 29 – Mechanical Code – of the Los Angeles County Code.
S 8.0 Abandonment.
S 8.1 General. An abandoned solar thermal energy system or part
thereof shall be disconnected from remaining systems, drained, plugged, and capped in
a manner satisfactory to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
S 8.2 Storage Tank. An underground water storage tank that has been
abandoned or discontinued otherwise from use in a solar thermal energy system shall
be completely drained and filled with earth, sand, gravel, concrete, or other approved
material or removed in a manner satisfactory to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
S 9.0 Tanks.
S 9.1 Storage Tanks.
S 9.1.1 Plans. Plans for tanks shall be submitted to the Authority Having
Jurisdiction for approval, unless listed by an approved listing agency. Such plans shall
show dimensions, reinforcing, structural calculations, and such other pertinent data as
required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
S 9.1.2 Atmospheric Tanks. Atmospheric storage tanks shall be vented
to the atmosphere and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
S 9.1.2.1 Overflow. Gravity tanks shall be installed with an overflow opening
of not less than 2 inches in diameter. The openings shall be above ground and installed
with a screened return bend.
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S 9.1.2.2 Makeup Water. Makeup water from a potable water system to an
atmospheric tank shall be protected by an air gap.
S 9.1.2.3 Draining. An overflow shall be provided for an atmospheric tank.
The overflow shall be provided with a means of drainage in accordance with Section
303.0 of this Code. The overflow for an atmospheric tank containing nonpotable water
shall be emptied into an approved container.
S 9.1.3 Prefabricated Storage Tanks. Prefabricated tanks shall be listed
by an approved agency and labeled.
S 9.1.4 Pressure Vessels. A pressure-type storage tank exceeding an
operating pressure of 15 psi (103kPa) shall be constructed in accordance with ASME
BPVC Section VIII.1. Fiber-reinforced plastic storage tanks shall be constructed in
accordance with ASME BPVC Section X.
S 9.1.5 Devices. Devices attached to or within a tank shall be accessible
for repair and replacement.
S 9.1.5.1 Safety Devices. Pressure-type thermal storage tanks shall be
installed with a listed combination temperature and pressure relief valve in accordance
with Section S 14.3.1. The temperature setting shall not exceed 210°F (99°C) and the
pressure setting shall not exceed 150 percent of the maximum designed operating
pressure of the system, or 150 percent of the established normal operating pressure of
the piping materials, or the labeled maximum operating pressure of a pressure-type
storage tank, whichever is less. The pressure and temperature setting shall not exceed
the pressure and temperature rating of the tank or as recommended by the tank
manufacturer.
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Storage tanks and bottom fed tanks connected to a water heater shall be
designed to withstand vacuum induced pressure, or shall be provided with a vacuum
relief in accordance with Section S 14.3.4. The vacuum relief valve shall be installed at
the top of the tank and shall have an operating pressure not to exceed 200 psi (1379
kPa) and a temperature rating not to exceed 250°F (121°C). The size of such vacuum
relief valves shall have a minimum rated capacity for the equipment served. This
Section shall not apply to pressurized captive air diaphragm or bladder tanks.
S 9.1.6 Separate Storage Tanks. For installations with separate storage
tanks, a pressure relief valve and temperature relief valve or combination thereof shall be
installed on both the main storage tank and auxiliary tank.
S 9.1.6.1 Isolation Valves. Storage tanks shall be provided with isolation
valves for servicing.
S 9.1.7 Underground Storage Tanks. Tanks shall be permitted to be
buried underground where designed and constructed for such installation.
S 9.1.8 Tank Covers. Tank covers shall be structurally designed to
withstand anticipated loads and pressures in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
S 9.1.9 Drainage Pan. Where water heater, boiler, or other thermal storage
tank is installed in an attic, attic-ceiling assembly, floor-ceiling assembly, or floor subfloor
assembly where damage could result from a leaking water heater, boiler or tank, a
watertight pan of corrosion-resistant materials shall be installed beneath the water
heater, boiler, or tank, with not less than 3/4 of an inch (20 mm) diameter drain to an
approved location. Such pan shall be not less than 1 ½ inches (38mm) in depth.
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S 9.1.10 Storage Tank Construction and Materials.
S 9.1.10.1 Construction. Storage tanks shall be constructed of durable
materials not subject to excessive corrosion or decay and shall be watertight. Each
such tank shall be structurally designed to withstand anticipated loads and pressures
and shall be installed level and on a solid bed.
S 9.1.10.2 Concrete. The walls and floor of each poured-in-place, concrete
tank shall be monolithic. The exterior walls shall be double-formed so as to provide
exposure of the exterior walls during the required water test. The compressive strength
of a concrete tank wall, top and covers, or floor shall be not less than 2500 pounds-
force per square inch (psi) (lb/in2) (1.7236 E+04, kPa). Where required by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction, the concrete shall be sulfate resistant (Type V Portland Cement).
S 9.1.10.3 Metal Tanks. Metal tanks shall be welded, riveted and caulked,
brazed, bolted, or constructed using a combination of these methods.
S 9.1.10.4 Filler Metal. Filler metal used in brazing shall be non-ferrous metal
or an alloy having a melting point above 1000°F (538°C) and below that of the metal
joined.
S 9.1.10.5 Insulation. Tank insulation shall have a thermal resistance not
less than as shown in Table S 9.1.10.5. The temperature difference shall be calculated
as the difference between the design operating temperature of the tank and the
temperature of the surrounding air, or soil where the tank is installed underground.
Where such data is not available, a temperature difference of 50°F (28°C) shall be
used.
TABLE S 9.1.10.5
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TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE(°F)
THERMAL RESISTANCE
(R)[°F•h•ft2 /(Btu)]
50 6
100 12
150 18
200 24
250 30
For SI units: °C = °F(0.5555556), 1 degree Fahrenheit hour square foot per British thermal
unit = [0.176 (m2•K)/W], 1 British thermal unit inch per degree Fahrenheit hour square
feet = 0.1441 W/(m•K)* Based on thermal conductivity (k) of 0.20 [(Btu•inch)/(°F•h•ft2)]
(0.03 W/(m•K)
S 9.2 Expansion Tanks.
S 9.2.1 Where Required. An expansion tank shall be installed in a solar
thermal energy system as a means for controlling increased pressure caused by thermal
expansion. Expansion tanks shall be of the closed type and securely fastened to the
structure. Tanks shall be rated for the pressure of the system. Supports shall be
capable of carrying twice the weight of the tank filled with water without placing strain on
the connecting piping.
Solar thermal energy systems incorporating hot water tanks or fluid relief
columns shall be installed to prevent freezing under normal operating conditions.
Exception: An engineered fluid expansion storage system shall be permitted to
incorporate fluid storage in vessels open to the atmosphere. Storage tanks and
components for such systems shall be constructed of non-corrosive materials, or the
system fluid shall be treated to inhibit corrosion. [See Figure S 9.2.1(2) for an example
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of an engineered fluid expansion storage system which incorporates fluid storage in a
vessel open to the atmosphere.]
FIGURE S 9.2.1(1)1,2
EXAMPLE OF A CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM WITH
DIAPHRAGM TYPE EXPANSION TANK
(SIMPLIFIED SCHEMATIC)
Notes:
1 This schematic does not include all system components, and configurations may vary based on design.
2 A makeup supply may be provided using any type of fluid source. The makeup supply is not considered part of the closed-loop.
FIGURE S 9.2.1(2)1,2
EXAMPLE OF AN ENGINEERED FLUID EXPANSION
STORAGE SYSTEM (ATMOSPHERIC)
(SIMPLIFIED SCHEMATIC)
Notes:
1 This schematic does not include all system components, and configurations may vary based on design.
2 The atmospheric expansion tank accommodates thermal expansion and, or contraction of the system fluid.
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S 9.2.2 Closed-Type Solar Thermal Energy Systems. Closed-type
systems shall have an airtight tank or other approved air cushion that will be consistent
with the volume and capacity of the system, and shall be designed for a hydrostatic test
pressure of two and one-half times the allowable working pressure of the system.
Expansion tanks for systems designed to operate at more than 30 pounds-force per
square inch (psi) (207 kPa) shall comply with ASME BPVC Section VIII.1. Provisions
shall be made for draining the tank without emptying the system.
S 9.2.3 Minimum Capacity of Closed-Type Expansion Tanks. The
minimum capacity for a gravity-type hot water system expansion tank shall be in
accordance with Table S 9.2.3(1). The minimum capacity for a forced-type hot water
system expansion tank shall be in accordance with Table S 9.2.3(2) or Equation S
9.2.3(1). The minimum capacity for diaphragm tanks shall be in accordance with Table
S 9.2.3(2) or Equation S 9.2.3(2).
Equation S 9.2.3(1)
Vt(forced type) =
Equation S 9.2.3(2)
Vt(diaphram) =
Where:
C1 = 0.00041
C2 = 0.0466
Vt = Minimum volume of expansion tank, gallons (L)
Vs = Volume of system, not including expansion tank, gallons (L)
t = Average operating temperature, °F (°C).
Pa = Atmospheric pressure, pounds per square inch (kPa)
Pf = Fill pressure, pounds per square inch (kPa)
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Po = Maximum operating pressure, pounds per square inch (kPa)
For SI units: C1 = 0.000738, C2 = 0.03348, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, °C = (°F-32)/1.8,
1 pound per square inch = 6.8947 kPa
TABLE S 9.2.3(1)
EXPANSION TANK CAPACITIES FOR GRAVITY
HOT WATER SYSTEMS1
INSTALLED EQUIVALENT DIRECT
RADIATION2
(square feet)
TANK CAPACITY
(gallons)
Up to 350 18
Up to 450 21
Up to 650 24
Up to 900 30
Up to 1100 35
Up to 1400 40
Up to 1600 2 to 30
Up to 1800 2 to 30
Up to 2000 2 to 35
Up to 2400 2 to 40
For SI units: 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2
Notes:
1 Based on a two-pipe system with an average operating water temperature of 170°F
(77°C), using cast-iron column radiation with a heat emission rate of 150 British thermal
units per square foot hour [Btu/(ft2•h)] (473 W/m2) equivalent direct radiation.
2 For systems exceeding 2400 square feet (222.9 m2) of installed equivalent direct
water radiation, the required capacity of the cushion tank shall be increased on the
basis of 1 gallon (4 L) tank capacity per 33 square feet (3.1 m2) of additional equivalent
direct radiation.
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TABLE S 9.2.3(2)
EXPANSION TANK CAPACITIES FOR FORCED
WATER SYSTEMS1
SYSTEM VOLUME2
(gallons)
TANK CAPACITY
DIAPHRAGM TYPE
(gallons)
TANK CAPACITY
(gallons)
100 9 15
200 17 30
300 25 45
400 33 60
500 42 75
1000 83 150
2000 165 300
For SI units: 1 gallon = 3.785 L
Notes:
1 Based on an average operating water temperature of 195°F (91°C), a fill pressure of 12
psig (83 kPa), and an operating pressure of not more than 30 psig (207 kPa).
2 Includes volume of water in boiler, radiation, and piping, not including expansion tank.
S 10.0 Solar Collectors.
S 10.1 General. Frames and braces exposed to the weather shall be
constructed of materials for exterior locations, and protected from corrosion or
deterioration, in accordance with the requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
S 10.1.1 Construction. Collectors shall be designed and constructed to
prevent interior condensation, out-gassing, or other processes that will reduce the
transmission properties of the glazing, reduce the efficiency of the insulation, or
otherwise adversely affect the performance of the collector.
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S 10.1.2 Flat Plate Collector Glass. Flat plate collector glass shall be
tempered.
S 10.1.3 Plastic. Plastic used in collector and other parts of the solar
thermal energy system construction shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
S 10.1.4 Listing. Collectors that are manufactured as a complete
component shall be listed or labeled by an approved listing agency in accordance with
ICC 901/SRCC 100, UL 1279, or equivalent standard.
S 10.1.5 Air Collectors. Materials exposed within air collectors shall be
noncombustible or shall have a flame spread index not to exceed 25 and a smoke
developed index not to exceed 50 where tested as a composite product in accordance
with ASTM E 84 or UL 723.
S 10.1.5.1 Testing. Materials used within an air collector shall not smoke,
smolder, glow, or flame where tested in accordance with ASTM C 411 at temperatures
exposed to in service. In no case shall the test temperature be less than 250°F
(121°C).
S 10.2 Solar Collector Installation.
S 10.2.1 General. Solar collectors shall be ballasted or anchored to roof
structures or other surfaces in accordance with the manufacturer's installation
instructions and Title 26 – Building Code – of Los Angeles County. Collectors shall be
mounted to minimize the accumulation of debris. Connecting pipes shall not be used to
provide support for a solar collector.
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S 10.2.2 Roof Installations. Anchors secured to and through a roofing
material shall be made to maintain the water integrity of the roof covering. Roof
drainage shall not be impaired by the installation of collectors. Solar collectors that are
not an integral part of the roofing system shall be installed to preserve the integrity of
the roof surface.
S 10.2.3 Protection Against Decay. Wood shall not be used in the construction
of collector or system mounting.
S 10.2.4 Above Or On The Roof. Collectors located above or on roofs, and
functioning as building components, shall not reduce the required fire-resistance and
fire-retardance classification of the roof covering materials.
Exceptions:
(1) Collectors located on one- and two-family dwellings.
(2) Collectors located on buildings not exceeding three stories in height or
9,000 square feet (836.13 m2) total floor area, or both, provided:
(a) The collectors are noncombustible.
(b) Collectors with plastic covers have noncombustible sides and
bottoms, and the total area covered and the collector shall not exceed the following:
(i) Plastic CC1 – 33 1/3 percent of the roof area;
(ii) Plastic CC2 – 25 percent of the roof area; and
(c) Collectors with plastic film covers having a thickness of not more
than 0.010 of an inch (0.25 mm) shall have noncombustible sides and bottoms, and the
total area covered by the collector shall not exceed 33 1/3 percent of the roof area.
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S 10.2.5 Ground Installations. Solar collectors shall terminate above
finished grade to avoid obstruction by vegetation, snow, or ice. The supporting columns
shall extend below the frost line.
S.10.2.6 Wall Mounted. Solar collectors mounted on a wall shall be
secured and fastened in accordance with Section 313.0 of this Code.
S 10.2.7 Access. Access shall be provided to collectors and components in
an approved manner. A work space adjacent to collectors for maintenance and repair
shall be provided in accordance with requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
S 10.2.8 Stagnation Condition. The collector and other parts of the solar
thermal assembly shall be capable of withstanding stagnant conditions in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions where high solar flux and no flow occurs.
S 10.2.9 Waterproofing. Joints between structural supports and buildings
or dwellings, including penetrations made by bolts or other means of fastening, shall be
made watertight with approved material.
S 10.2.10 Fasteners. Mountings and fasteners shall be made of corrosion-
resistant materials. Carbon steel mountings and fasteners shall be classified as
noncorrosive in accordance with ASME SA194.
S 10.2.11 Combustible Materials. Solar thermal energy systems
constructed with combustible materials shall not be located on or adjacent to
construction required to be of noncombustible materials or in Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone as defined in Title 32 - Fire Code – of the Los Angeles County Code,
unless approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
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S 10.2.12 Orientation. Collectors shall be located and oriented in
accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
S 10.3 Fire Safety Requirements.
S 10.3.1 Building Components. Collectors that function as building
components shall be in compliance with Title 26 – Building Code – of the Los Angeles
County Code and Title 32 – Fire Code – of the Los Angeles County Code.
S 11.0 Hazardous Heat Transfer Medium for Solar Thermal Energy
Systems. Heat-transfer mediums that are hazardous shall not be used in solar thermal
energy systems, except where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
S 11.1 Flash Points. The flash point of a heat-transfer medium shall be
50°F (10°C) or more above the design maximum temperature.
S 11.2 Discharge. The collector, collector manifold, and manifold relief
valve shall not discharge directly or indirectly into the building or toward an open flame
or other source of ignition.
S 12.0 Heat Exchangers.
S 12.1 General. Solar thermal energy systems utilizing heat exchangers
shall protect the potable water system from being contaminated by the heat transfer
medium. Systems that incorporate a single-wall heat exchanger to separate potable
water from the heat transfer fluid shall meet all of the following requirements:
(1) The heat transfer medium is either potable water or contains fluids
recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as food grade.
(2) A tag or label shall be securely affixed to the heat source with the word
"CAUTION" and the following statements:
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(a) The heat transfer medium shall be water or other nontoxic fluid
recognized as safe by the FDA.
(b) The maximum operating pressure of the heat exchanger shall not
exceed the maximum operating pressure of the potable water supply.
(3) The word "CAUTION" and the statements listed above shall have an
uppercase height of not less than 0.120 of an inch (3.048 mm). The vertical spacing
between lines of type shall be not less than 0.046 of an inch (1.168 mm). Lowercase
letters shall be not less than compatible with the uppercase letter size specification.
Systems that do not comply with the requirements for a single-wall heat
exchanger shall install a double-wall heat exchanger. Double-wall heat exchangers
shall separate the potable water from the heat transfer medium by providing a space
between the two walls vented to the atmosphere.
S 13.0 Valves.
S 13.1 General. Valves shall be rated for the operating temperature and
pressures of the solar thermal energy system and shall be compatible with the type of
heat transfer medium and piping materials. Valves shall be installed in accordance with
this Section.
S 13.2 Heat Exchanger. Shutoff valves and isolation valves shall be
installed on the supply and return side of the heat exchanger.
Exception: Where a heat exchanger is an integral part of a boiler or is a part of
a manufactured boiler and heat exchanger packaged unit, and is capable of being
isolated from the hydronic system by supply and return valves.
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S 13.3 Pressure Vessels. Isolation valves shall be installed on
connections to pressure vessels.
S 13.4 Pressure Reducing Valves. Isolation valves shall be installed on
both sides of a pressure reducing valve.
S 13.5 Equipment, Components, and Appliances. Serviceable
equipment, components, and appliances within the system shall have isolation valves
installed upstream and downstream of such devices.
S 13.6 Expansion Tanks. Isolation valves shall be installed at
connections to non-diaphragm-type expansions tanks.
S 13.7 Flow Balancing Valves. Where flow balancing valves are
installed, such valves shall be capable of increasing or decreasing the amount of flow
by means of adjustment.
S 13.7.1 Location. Balancing valves shall be installed at the outlet of each
group of collectors.
S 13.8 Control Valves. An approved three-way valve shall be permitted
to be installed for manual control systems. An approved electric control valve shall be
permitted to be installed for automatic control systems. The installation and operation of
automatic control valves shall comply with the manufacturer's instructions.
S 13.8.1 Mixing or Temperature Control Valves. Where mixing or
temperature control valves are installed, such valves shall be capable of obtaining the
design water temperature and design flow requirements.
S 13.9 Thermosiphoning. An approved type check valve shall be
installed on liquid heat transfer piping to control thermosiphoning of heated liquids.
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S 13.10 Air Removal Device or Air Vents. Isolation valves shall be
installed where air removal devices or automatic air vents are utilized to permit cleaning,
inspection, or repair without shutting the system down.
S 13.11 Closed Loop Systems. Closed loop systems, where hose bibbs
or similar valves are used to charge or drain the system, shall be of loose key type;
have valve outlets capped; or have handles removed where the system is operational.
S 13.12 Fullway Valves. A fullway valve shall be installed in the following
locations:
(1) On the water supply to a solar thermal energy system.
(2) On the water supply pipe to a gravity or pressurized water tank.
(3) On the water supply pipe to a water heater.
S 13.13 Accessible. Required fullway or shutoff valves shall be accessible.
S 14.0 Piping and Cross-connection Control For Solar Thermal
Energy Systems.
S 14.1 Cross Connection Control. No piping installation, or part thereof,
shall be made in such a manner that it will be possible for used, unclean, polluted, or
contaminated water, mixtures, or substances to enter a portion of the potable water
system from a pipe, tank, receptor, or any other equipment by reason of
backsiphonage, suction, or any other cause, either during normal use and operation
thereof, or where such pipe, tank, receptor, or equipment is subject to pressure
exceeding the operating pressure in the potable water system.
S 14.2 Materials.
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S 14.2.1 Piping Materials. Piping, tubing, and fittings materials shall
comply with Table S 14.2. Joining methods shall be in accordance with Section 605.0.
Materials in contact with the heat transfer medium shall be approved for such use.
Galvanized steel shall not be used for solar thermal piping systems containing
antifreeze. Black steel shall not be used in systems with entrapped or entrained air.
Unions between dissimilar metals shall comply with Sections 310.6 and 605.15. The
material used shall be capable of withstanding the maximum temperature and pressure
of the system.
S 14.2.1.1 Plastic. Plastic used in the construction of a solar thermal system
shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
S 14.2.1.2 Combustible Materials. Combustible materials shall not be
located on or adjacent to construction required to be of noncombustible materials or in
fire areas, unless approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
S 14.2.1.3 Adhesives. Adhesives used in a solar collector shall not vaporize
at the design temperature and shall be identified and approved for the intended use.
S 14.2.1.4 Potable Water. Materials in contact with potable water shall
comply with NSF 61/ANSI/CAN 61. Piping in solar thermal systems designed to convey
potable water shall be flushed and disinfected in accordance with this Code.
S 14.2.1.5 Racks. Dissimilar metals used for racking shall be isolated to
prevent galvanic corrosion. Paint shall not be used as a method of isolation.
S 14.2.1.6 Fasteners. Mountings and fasteners shall be made of corrosion-
resistant materials. Carbon steel mountings and fasteners shall be classified as
noncorrosive in accordance with ASME SA194.
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S 14.2.2 Storage Tank Connectors. Flexible metallic storage tank
connectors or reinforced flexible storage tank connectors connecting a storage tank to
the piping system shall be in accordance with the applicable standards referenced in
Table S 18.1. Copper or stainless steel flexible connectors shall not exceed 24 inches
(610 mm). PEX, PE-AL-PE, or PE-RT tubing shall not be installed within the first
18 inches (457 mm) of piping connected to a storage tank.
S 14.2.2.1 Flexible Connectors. Listed flexible connectors shall be installed
in readily accessible locations, unless otherwise indicated in the listing.
S 14.3 Safety Devices.
S 14.3.1 Pressure Relief Valves. Solar thermal energy system
components containing pressurized fluids shall be protected against pressures
exceeding design limitations with a pressure relief valve. Each section of the system in
which excessive pressures are capable of developing shall have a relief device located
so that a section cannot be isolated from a relief device. Pressure and temperature
relief valves shall be installed in accordance with the terms of their listing and the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
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TABLE S 14.2
MATERIALS FOR SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEM, PIPING, TUBING, AND FITTINGS
MATERIAL STANDARDS
PIPING/TUBING FITTINGS
Copper and Copper Alloys ASTM B42, ASTM B43, ASTM B75,
ASTM B88, ASTM B135, ASTM
B2512, ASTM B302, ASTM B447
ASME B16.15, ASME B16.18, ASME
B16.22, ASME B16.23, ASME
B16.24, ASME B16.26, ASME
B16.29,
ASME B16.51, ASSE 1061, ASTM
F3226, IAPMO/ANSI/CAN Z1117
Ductile Iron AWWA C115/A21.15, AWWA
C151/A21.51
AWWA C110/A21.101, AWWA
C153/A21.53
Steel ASTM A53, ASTM A106, ASTM A254 ASME B16.5, ASME B16.9, ASME
B16.11, ASTM A420, ASTM F3226,
IAPMO IGC 353, IAPMO/ANSI/CAN
Z1117
Gray Iron –– ASTM A126
Malleable Iron –– ASME B16.3
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) ASTM D2846, ASTM F441, ASTM
F442, CSA B137.6
ASSE 1061, ASTM D2846, ASTM
F437, ASTM F438, ASTM F439,
ASTM F1970, CSA B137.6
Polyethylene (PE) ASTM D1693,
ASTM D2683, ASTM D2737, ASTM
D3035, ASTM D3350,
ASTM F714, ASTM F2165, AWWA
C901, CSA B137.1, NSF/ANSI 358-1
ASTM D2609, ASTM D2683, ASTM
D3261, ASTM F1055, ASTM F2165,
CSA B137.1, NSF/ANSI 358-1
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) ASTM F876, ASTM F2165, ASTM
F3253, CSA B137.5, NSF/ANSI 358-
3
ASSE 1061, ASTM F877, ASTM
F1055, ASTM F1807, ASTM F1960,
ASTM F2080, ASTM F2098, ASTM
F2159, ASTM F2165, ASTM F2735,
ASTM F3253, ASTM F3347, ASTM
F3348, CSA B137.5,
NSF/ANSI 358-3
Polypropylene (PP) ASTM F2165, ASTM F2389, CSA
B137.11, NSF/ANSI 358-2
ASTM F2165, ASTM F2389, CSA
B137.11, NSF/ANSI 358-2
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ASTM D1785, ASTM D2241, CSA
B137.3
ASTM D2464, ASTM D2466, ASTM
D2467, ASTM F1970, CSA B137.2,
CSA B137.3
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Polyethylene of Raised Temperature
(PE-RT)
ASTM F2165, ASTM F2623, ASTM
F2769, CSA B137.18
ASSE 1061, ASTM D3261, ASTM
F1055, ASTM F1807, ASTM F2159,
ASTM F2165, ASTM F2735, ASTM
F2769, ASTM F3347, ASTM F3348,
CSA B137.18
Cross-Linked Polyethylene/Aluminum/
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX-AL-
PEX)
ASTM F1281, ASTM F2165, CSA
B137.10
ASTM F1281, ASTM F1974, ASTM
F2165, ASTM F2434, CSA B137.10
Polyethylene/Aluminum/Polyethylene
(PE-AL-PE)
ASTM F1282, ASTM F2165, CSA
B137.9
ASTM F1282, ASTM F1974, ASTM
F2165, CSA B137.9
Stainless Steel ASTM A269, ASTM A312, ASTM
A554, ASTM A778
ASTM F1476, ASTM F1548, ASTM
F3226, IAPMO IGC 353,
IAPMO/ANSI/CAN Z1117
Chlorinated Polyvinyl
Chloride/Aluminum/ Chlorinated
Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC/AL/CPVC)
ASTM F2855 ASTM D2846
Notes:
1 Ductile and gray iron.
2 Only Type K, L, or M shall be permitted to be installed.
S 14.3.2 Pressurized Vessels. Pressurized vessels shall be provided with
overpressure protection by means of a listed pressure relief valve installed in
accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
S 14.3.3 Discharge Piping. The discharge piping serving a temperature
relief valve, pressure relief valve, or combination of both shall have no valves,
obstructions, or means of isolation and comply with the following:
(1) The discharge pipe shall equal the size of the valve outlet and shall
discharge full size to the flood level of the area receiving the discharge and pointing
down.
(2) Materials shall be rated at not less than the operating temperature of the
system and approved for such use or shall comply with ASME A112.4.1.
(3) The discharge pipe shall discharge independently by gravity through an air
gap into the drainage system or outside of the building with the end of the pipe not
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exceeding 2 feet (610 mm) and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the ground and
pointing downwards.
(4) The discharge pipe shall discharge in such a manner that does not cause
personal injury or structural damage.
(5) No part of such discharge pipe shall be trapped or subject to freezing.
(6) The terminal end of the pipe shall not be threaded.
(7) Discharge from a relief valve into a water heater pan is prohibited.
(8) The discharge termination point shall be readily observable.
S 14.3.4 Vacuum Relief Valves. System components that are subjected to
a vacuum while in operation or during shutdown shall be protected with vacuum relief
valves. Where the piping configuration, equipment location, and valve outlets are
located below the storage tank elevation, the system shall be equipped with a vacuum
relief valve at the highest point.
S 14.3.5 Temperature Regulation. Where a system is capable of providing
potable water at temperatures that exceed 140°F (60°C), a thermostatic mixing valve
that is in accordance with ASSE 1017 shall be provided to limit the water supplied to the
potable hot water distribution system to a temperature of 140°F (60°C) or less.
S 14.4 Protection of System Components.
S 14.4.1 Materials. System components in contact with heat-transfer
mediums shall be approved for such use. Components installed outdoors shall be
resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
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S 14.4.2 Corrosion. Solar thermal energy systems and components subject
to corrosion shall be protected in an approved manner. Metal parts exposed to
atmospheric conditions shall be of corrosion-resistant material.
S 14.4.3 Mechanical Damage. Portions of a solar thermal energy system
installed where subjected to mechanical damage shall be guarded against such
damage by being installed behind approved barriers or, where located within a garage,
be elevated or located out of the normal path of a vehicle, defined as a line
perpendicular to the garage vehicle opening to the back wall extending 36 inches (914
mm) to either side along the back wall and to a height of 48 inches (1219 mm).
Protective barriers for energy storage systems (ESS) shall be designed to resist,
deflect, or visually deter vehicle impact in accordance with Section S 14.4.3.1 through
Section S 14.4.3.3. (See Figure S 14.4.3).
Exception: Where the clear height of the vehicle garage opening is equal to or
less than 90 inches (2286 mm), ESS installed at least 36 inches (914 mm) above the
finished floor shall not be subject to vehicle impact protection requirements.
S 14.4.3.1 Bollards. Where installed, construction of bollards shall be in
accordance with one of the following:
(1)48 inches (1219 mm) in length by 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter, Schedule 80
steel pipe embedded in a concrete pier 12 inches (305 mm) deep and 6 inches (152
mm) in diameter, with 36 inches (914 mm) of pipe exposed, filled with concrete, and
spaced at intervals not exceeding 60 inches (1524 mm). Each bollard shall be located
not less than 6 inches (152 mm) from an ESS.
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(2)36 inches (914 mm) in height by 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter, Schedule 80
steel pipe fully welded to an 8 inch (203 mm) by 8 inch (203 mm) by 1⁄4 of an inch (6.4
mm) thick steel plate and bolted to a concrete floor by means of four ½ inch (12.7 mm)
concrete anchors with not less than 3 inches (76 mm) of embedment. Spacing shall not
exceed 60 inches (1524 mm), and each bollard shall be located not less than 6 inches
(152 mm) from the ESS.
(3)Pre-manufactured steel pipe bollards shall be filled with concrete and
anchored in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Spacing
between bollards shall not exceed 60 inches (1524 mm). Each bollard shall be located
not less than 6 inches (152 mm) from the ESS.
S 14.4.3.2 Wheel Barriers. Where installed, construction of wheel barriers shall
be in accordance with one of the following:
(1) 6 inches (152 mm) in height by 6 inches (152 mm) in width, wheel stop made
of concrete or polymer, anchored to the concrete floor at intervals of not less than 36
inches (914 mm) and located not less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the ESS. Not less
than two ½ inch (12.7 mm) diameter concrete anchors with 3 inches (76 mm) of
embedment per wheel stop shall be used. Spacing between wheel stops shall not
exceed 36 inches (914 mm).
(2) Pre-manufactured wheel stops shall be anchored in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions.
S 14.4.3.3 Other Approved Methods. Protective barriers installed 24 inches
(610 mm) above grade and designed to resist a 2000 pound-force (8896 N) impact in
the direction of vehicle travel shall be permitted.
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Figure S 14.3.3
PROTECTIVE BARRIERS FOR ESS
S 14.4.4 Freeze Protection. Unless designed for such conditions, solar
thermal energy systems and components that contain liquid as the heat transfer
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medium shall be protected from freezing, by means of fail-safe freeze protection in
accordance with this Section, where the ambient temperature may be less than 46°F
(8°C).
S 14.4.4.1 Antifreeze. Antifreeze shall be used in accordance with the solar
thermal system manufacturer’s instructions.
S 14.4.4.2 Drainback. Drainback systems shall drain by gravity and shall be
permitted to be installed in applications where the ambient temperature may not be less
than -60°F (-51°C).
S 14.4.4.3 Integral Collector Storage. Integral collector storage systems
shall be permitted to be installed in applications where the ambient temperature may not
be less than 23°F (-5°C) and the duration of below-freezing episodes exceeding 18
hours. Exposed piping in a solar thermal energy system shall be protected with
insulation having a thermal resistance of not less than R-5.0.
S 14.4.4.4 Indirect Thermosiphon. Indirect thermosiphon systems shall be
permitted to be installed in applications where the ambient temperature may not be less
than 23°F (-5°C). Exposed piping in a solar thermal energy system shall be protected
with insulation having a thermal resistance of not less than R-5.
S 14.4.4.5 Air Heating Systems. Air solar heating systems shall be permitted
to be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
S 14.4.4.6 Labeling. A label indicating the method of freeze protection for the
system shall be attached to the system in a visible location.
S 14.4.4.7 Piping. Fittings, pipe slope, and collector shall be designed to
allow for manual gravity draining and air filling of solar thermal energy system
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components and piping. Pipe slope for gravity draining shall be not less than 1⁄4 inch
per foot (20.8 mm/m) of horizontal length. Collector header pipes or absorber plate riser
tubes internal to the collector shall be sloped in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions. Where a means to drain the system is provided, a drain valve shall be
installed.
S 14.4.5 Water Hammer Protection. The flow of the hydronic piping
system shall be designed to prevent water hammer.
S 14.4.6 Heat Transfer Fluid Quality. Heat transfer fluids used in closed-loop
hydronic systems shall be in accordance with IAPMO/ANSI H1001.1.
S 14.4.6.1 Ethylene Glycol. Ethylene glycol shall not be used in one- and two-
unit residential systems. In existing systems, where ethylene glycol is used, there shall
be no direct or permanent potable water connections. Where a temporary potable water
connection is required, a backflow preventer shall be installed.
S 14.4.7 Heat Transfer Fluid. Solar thermal piping shall be identified with
an orange background with black uppercase lettering, with the words "CAUTION:
HEAT TRANSFER FLUID, DO NOT DRINK." Each solar thermal energy system shall
be identified to designate the medium being conveyed. The minimum size of the letters
and length of the color field shall comply with Table S 14.4.7.
Each outlet on the solar thermal piping system shall be posted with black
uppercase lettering as follows:
"CAUTION: HEAT TRANSFER FLUID, DO NOT DRINK."
TABLE S 14.4.7
MINIMUM LENGTH OF COLOR FIELD AND SIZE OF LETTERS
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OUTSIDE DIAMETER OF
PIPE OR COVERING
(inches)
MINIMUM LENGTH OF
COLOR FIELD
(inches)
MINIMUM SIZE OF
LETTERS
(inches)
½ to 1¼ 8 ½
1½ to 2 8 ¾
2½ to 6 12 1¼
8 to 10 24 2½
Over 10 32 3½
For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm
S 14.4.8 Identification of Chemical Additives. In systems where chemical
additives are used, documentation including the following information shall be readily
accessible and maintained onsite:
(1) Concentrations
(2) Maintenance requirements
(3) Maintenance log
(4) Safety data sheet (SDS)
S 14.4.9 Insulation.
S 14.4.9.1 General. The temperature of surfaces within reach of building
occupants shall not exceed 140°F (60°C) unless the surfaces are protected by
insulation. Where sleeves are installed, the insulation shall continue full size through
them. Coverings and insulation used for piping shall be of material approved for the
operating temperature of the system and the installation environment. Where installed
in a plenum, the insulation, jackets and lap-seal adhesives, including pipe coverings and
linings, shall have a flame spread index not to exceed 25 and a smoke-developed index
not to exceed 50 where tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
S 14.4.9.2 Heat Loss. Insulation shall be installed on interconnecting solar
and hot water piping. The final 5 feet (1524 mm) of the cold water supply line, or the
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entire length where less than 5 feet (1524 mm), shall be insulated. The insulation shall
have an R-value of not less than R-2.6 degree Fahrenheit hour square foot per British
thermal unit (°F•h•ft2/Btu) (R-0.46 m2•K/W). Piping, storage tanks, and circulating air
ductwork shall be insulated. Ductwork and piping shall be permitted to not be insulated
where exposed in conditioned spaces, and the heat loss from such ducts or piping does
not otherwise contribute to the heating or cooling load within such space.
Exception: Low temperature, aboveground piping installed for swimming pools,
spas, and hot tubs in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions unless
such piping is located within a building.
S 14.4.9.3Piping. Pipes and fittings, other than unions, flanges, or valves, shall be
insulated. Insulation material shall be approved for continuous operating temperatures
of not less than 220°F (104°C).
S 14.4.9.4 Fittings. Fittings shall be insulated with mitered sections, molded
fittings, insulating cement, or flexible insulation.
S 14.4.9.5 Installation. Insulation shall be finished with a jacket or facing with
the laps sealed with adhesives or staples so as to secure the insulation on the pipe.
Insulation jacket seams shall be on the underside of the piping and shall overlap in
accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Joints and seams shall be
sealed with a sealant that is approved for both the material and environmental
conditions. In lieu of jackets, molded insulation shall be permitted to be secured with 16
gauge galvanized wire ties not exceeding 9 inches (229 mm) on center.
S 14.4.9.5.1 Exterior Applications. Insulation for exterior applications
shall be finished with an approved jacket, coating or facing with the surfaces and laps
sealed. Jacketing, coating, facing, and tape used for exterior applications shall be
designed for such use. Where flexible insulation is used, it shall be wrapped and sealed
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against water penetration. Insulation used for exterior applications shall be resistant to
extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and moisture.
S 15.0 Specific Requirements.
S 15.1 Electrical.
S 15.1.1 Wiring. Electrical connections, wiring, and devices shall be
installed in accordance with NFPA 70. Electrical equipment, appliances, and devices
installed in areas that contain flammable vapors or dusts shall be of a type approved for
such environment.
S 15.1.2 Controls. Required electrical, mechanical, safety, and operating
controls shall be listed or labeled by a listing agency. Electrical controls shall be of such
design and construction as to be suitable for installation in the environment in which
they are located.
S 15.2 Flow Directions. Flow directions shall be permanently affixed on
the solar thermal energy system.
S 15.3 Attic Installations. An attic space in which solar energy system
components are installed shall comply with Section 508.4 of this Code.
S 15.4 Connections to Drainage System Required. Receptors, drains,
appurtenances, and appliances, used to receive or discharge liquid waste, shall be
connected to the drainage system of the building or premises in accordance with the
requirements of this Code.
S 15.5 Dry Storage Systems.
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S 15.5.1 Waterproofing. The containment structure for dry thermal storage
systems shall be constructed in an approved manner to prevent the infiltration of water
or moisture.
S 15.5.2 Detecting Water Intrusion. The containment structure shall be
capable of fully containing spillage or moisture accumulation that occurs. The structure
shall have a means, such as a sight glass, to detect spillage or moisture accumulation,
and shall be fitted with a drainage device to eliminate spillage.
S 15.5.3 Rock as Storage Material. Systems utilizing rock as the thermal
storage material shall use clean, washed rock that is free of organic material.
S 15.5.4 Odor and Particulate Control. Thermal storage materials and
containment structures, including interior protective coating, shall not impart toxic
elements, particulate matter, or odor to areas of human occupancy.
S 15.6 Heat Pumps. Heat pumps shall comply with UL 1995
or UL 60335-2-40. Air-source heat pumps shall also comply with AHRI 210/240. In
addition, ground-source heat pumps shall comply with AHRI/ASHRAE/ISO 13256-1 for
water-to-air heat pumps and AHRI/ASHRAE/ISO 13256-2 for water-to-water heat pumps.
Heat pumps shall be fitted with a means to indicate that the compressor is locked out.
S 16.0 Solar Thermal Energy Systems for Swimming Pool, Spas, and
Hot Tubs.
S 16.1 Water Chemistry. Where water from a swimming pool, spa, or hot
tub is heated by way of circulation through solar collectors, the chemistry of such water
shall comply with the requirements of Section S 16.2 and shall be filtered in accordance
with Section S 16.3 and Section S 16.3.1 of this Code.
S 16.2 Parameters. Parameters for chemicals used within a swimming
pool, spa, or hot tub shall be in accordance with Table S 16.2.
TABLE S 16.2
Page 281 of 311
WATER CHEMISTRY
PARAMETER ACCEPTABLE RANGE
Calcium hardness 200 – 400 parts per million (ppm)
Langelier Saturation Index 0 (+ or - 0.3 acceptable)
pH 7.2 – 7.8
TDS < 1500 ppm
Total alkalinity 80 – 120 ppm
For SI Units: 1 part per million = 1 mg/L
S 16.3 Filter. A filter shall be provided to remove debris from the water
entering the solar loop.
Exception: A solar swimming pool, spa, or hot tub heating system with a heat
exchanger.
S 16.3.1 Location. A filter shall be located upstream of a pump used to
direct water to solar collectors.
S 16.4 Corrosion Resistant. Glazed solar collectors made of copper
shall not be used for solar pool, spa, or hot tub heating.
Exception: Where a heat exchanger is provided between the collector circuit
and the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub water.
S 17.0 Certificate of Compliance. Upon completion of the solar thermal
energy system, the permittee shall sign a Certificate of Compliance with this Code. The
Certificate of Compliance shall also list the following information:
(1) Type of freeze protection;
(2) Mixing valve setting degrees Fahrenheit (º F);
(3) Subsystem working pressure (if applicable) pounds per square inch;
(4) Subsystem test pressure (if applicable) pounds per square inch;
Page 282 of 311
(5) Heat exchanger make and model number (if applicable);
(6) Circulating pump over temperature protection shut-off setting degrees
Fahrenheit (º F) for one-tank systems where the water heater controls utilize fusible-link
type over temperature protection.
This Certificate shall be posted in a conspicuous location at or near the water
heater.
S 18.0 General.
S 18.1 Referenced Standards. The standards listed in Table S 18.1 are
referenced in various sections of this Appendix and shall be considered part of the
requirements of this Code. The standards are listed herein by the standard number and
Page 283 of 311
effective date, the title and application. The application of the referenced standard(s)
shall be as specified in Section S 5.2.
TABLE S 18.1
REFERENCED STANDARDS
STANDARD NUMBER STANDARD TITLE APPLICATION REFERENCED
SECTIONS
AHRI
AHRI 210/240-2020 Performance
Rating of Unitary Air-
conditioning & Air- source
Heat Pump Equipment
Air-Source Heat
Pumps
407.5
AHRI 870-2016 Performance
Rating of Direct
Geoexchange Heat
Pumps
Equipment 706.1
AHRI/ASHRAE/ISO 13256-
1-1998 (R2012)
Water-Source Heat
Pumps – Testing and
Rating for Performance –
Part 1: Water-to-Air and
Brine-to-Air Heat Pumps
Water-Source Heat
Pumps
407.5, 706.1, Table
706.1, 716.3.1
AHRI/ASHRAE/ISO 13256-
2-1998 (R2012)
Water-Source Heat
Pumps – Testing and
Rating for Performance –
Part 2: Water-to-Water and
Brine-to-Water Heat
Pumps
Water-Source Heat
Pumps
407.5, 706.1, Table
706.1, 716.3.1
ASHRAE
AHRI/ASHRAE/ISO 13256-
1-1998 (R2012)
Water-Source Heat
Pumps – Testing and
Rating for Perform- ance –
Part 1: Water-to-Air and
Brine-to-Air Heat Pumps
Water-Source Heat
Pumps
407.5, 706.1, Table
706.1, 716.3.1
AHRI/ASHRAE/ISO 13256-
2-1998 (R2012)
Water-Source Heat
Pumps – Testing and
Rating for Perform- ance –
Part 2: Water-to-Water and
Brine-to-Water Heat
Pumps
Water-Source Heat
Pumps
407.5, 706.1, Table
706.1, 716.3.1
Page 284 of 311
ASHRAE 34-2022 Designation and
Safety Classiflcation of
Refrigerants
Refrigerant
Classiflcations
706.3
ASHRAE 194-2017 Method of Test for
Direct-Expansion Ground-
Source Heat Pumps
Ground-Source Heat
Pumps
706.1
ASME
ASME A112.1.2-2012
(R2022)
Air Gaps in
Plumbing Systems (for
Plumbing Fixtures and
Water-Connected
Receptors)
Backfiow Protection 402.2
ASME A112.1.3-2000
(R2019)
Air Gap Fittings for
Use with Plumbing
Fixtures, Appliances, and
Appurtenances
Backfiow Protection 402.2
ASME A112.4.1-2009
(R2019)
Water Heater
Relief Valve Drain Tubes
Discharge Piping 311.3(2)
ASSE 1070/ASME
A112.1070/CSA B125.70- 2020
Water Temperature
Limiting Devices
Valves 402.5
ASME B1.20.1-2013
(R2018)
Pipe Threads,
General Purpose (Inch)
Joints 410.3(3), 410.5(7),
410.13(3), 410.14(2)
ASME B16.3-2021 Malleable Iron
Threaded Fittings: Classes
150 and 300
Fittings Table 409.1
ASME B16.5-2020 Pipe Flanges and
Flanged Fittings: NPS 1⁄2
Through NPS 24
Metric/Inch
Fittings Table 409.1
ASME B16.9-2018 Factory-Made
Wrought Buttwelding
Fittings
Fittings Table 409.1
ASME B16.11-2021 Forged Fittings,
Socket-Welding and
Threaded
Fittings Table 409.1
ASME B16.15-2018 Cast Copper Alloy
Threaded Fittings: Classes
125 and 250
Fittings Table 409.1
Page 285 of 311
ASME B16.18-2021 Cast Copper Alloy
Solder Joint Pressure
Fittings
Fittings Table 409.1
ASME B16.22-2021 Wrought Copper
and Copper Alloy Solder-
Joint Pressure Fit- tings
Fittings Table 409.1, 715.3
ASME B16.23-2021 Cast Copper Alloy
Solder Joint Drainage
Fittings: DWV
Fittings Table 409.1
ASME B16.24-2021 Cast Copper Alloy
Pipe Flanges, Flanged
Fittings, and Valves:
Classes 150, 300, 600,
900, 1500, and 2500
Fittings Table 409.1
ASME B16.26-2018 Cast Copper Alloy
Fittings for Flared Copper
Tubes
Fittings Table 409.1
ASME B16.29-2017 Wrought Copper
and Wrought Copper Alloy
Solder-Joint Drainage
Fittings – DWV
Fittings Table 409.1
ASME B16.51-2021 Copper and
Copper Alloy Press-
Connect Pressure Fittings
Fittings Table 409.1
ASME BPVC Section VIII.1-
2021
Rules for
Construction of Pressure
Vessels Division 1
Miscellaneous 408.3, 601.2.1,
603.6,
605.2
ASME BPVC Section X-
2021
Fiber-Reinforced
Plastic Pressure Vessels
Pressure Vessel
Construction, Pressure
Vessels
603.6
ASME SA194-2021 Carbon and Alloy
Steel Nuts for Bolts for
High Pressure or High
Temperature Service, or
Both
Mounting 501.5.6
ASSE
ASSE 1013-2021 Performance Requirements for Reduced Pressure
Principle Backfiow Prevention Assemblies
Backfiow Prevention 402.2
ASSE 1017-2009 Performance Requirements for Temperature
Actuated Mix- ing Valves for Hot Water
Distribution Systems
Valves 311.5, 407.3.1
Page 286 of 311
ASSE 1061-2020 Performance Requirements for Push-Fit Fittings Fittings Table 409.1,
410.3(1),
410.5(5)
ASSE 1070/ASME
A112.1070/CSA
B125.70- 2020
Water Temperature Limiting Devices Valves 402.5
ASSE 1079-2012
(R2021)
Performance Requirements for Dielectric Pipe
Unions
Fittings 410.16.1
ASTM
ASTM A53/A53M-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Pipe, Steel, Black
and Hot- Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and
Seamless
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM A106/A106M-
2019a
Standard Speciflcation for Seamless Carbon
Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM A126-
2004 (R2019)
Standard Speciflcation for Gray Iron Castings for
Valves, Flanges, and Pipe Fittings
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM A254/A254M-
2012 (R2019)
Standard Speciflcation for Copper-Brazed Steel
Tubing
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM A269/A269M-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Seamless and Welded
Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General
Service
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM A312/A312M-
2022a
Standard Speciflcation for Seamless, Welded,
and Heavily Cold Worked Austenitic Stainless
Steel Pipes
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM A420/A420M-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Piping Fittings of
Wrought Car- bon Steel and Alloy Steel for Low-
Temperature Service
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM A554-2021 Standard Speciflcation for Welded Stainless Steel
Mechanical Tubing
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM A778/A778M-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Welded, Unannealed
Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubular Products
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM B32-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Solder Metal Joints 410.5(6)
ASTM B42-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Seamless Copper Pipe,
Standard Sizes
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM B43-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Seamless Red Brass
Pipe, Standard Sizes
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM B75/B75M-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Seamless Copper
Tube
Piping Table 409.1
Page 287 of 311
ASTM B88-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Seamless Copper
Water Tube
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM B135/B135M-
2017
Standard Speciflcation for Seamless Brass Tube Piping Table 409.1
ASTM B251/B251M-
2017
Standard Speciflcation for General Requirements
for Wrought Seamless Copper and Copper-Alloy
Tube
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM B280-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Seamless Copper Tube
for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field
Service
Piping 715.3
ASTM B302-2017 Standard Speciflcation for Threadless Copper
Pipe, Standard Sizes
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM B447-2012a
(R2021)
Standard Speciflcation for Welded Copper Tube Piping Table 409.1
ASTM B813-2016 Standard Speciflcation for Liquid and Paste
Fluxes for Soldering of Copper and Copper Alloy
Tube
Joints 410.5(6)
ASTM B828-2016 Standard Practice for Making Capillary Joints by
Soldering of Copper and Copper Alloy Tube and
Fittings
Joints 410.5(6)
ASTM C411-2019 Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface
Performance of High- Temperature Thermal
Insulation
Duct Coverings and
Linings
502.4.1
ASTM D1693-2021 Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress-
Cracking of Ethylene Plastics
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM D1785-2021a Standard Speciflcation for Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
(PVC) Plas- tic Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM D2241-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
(PVC) Pres- sure-Rated Pipe (SDR Series)
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM D2464-2015 Standard Speciflcation for Threaded Poly(Vinyl
Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM D2466-2021 Standard Speciflcation for Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
(PVC) Plas- tic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM D2467-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
(PVC) Plas- tic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM D2564-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Solvent Cements for
Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Piping Systems
Joints 410.13(2)
ASTM D2609-2021 Standard Speciflcation for Plastic Insert Fittings
for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe
Fittings Table 409.1
Page 288 of 311
ASTM D2683-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Socket-Type
Polyethylene Fittings for Outside Diameter-
Controlled Polyethylene Pipe and Tubing
Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.3
ASTM D2737-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Polyethylene (PE)
Plastic Tubing
Piping Table 409.1, Table
703.2
ASTM D2846/D2846M-
2019a
Standard Speciflcation for Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl
Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Hot- and Cold-Water
Distribution Systems
Piping Table 409.1,
410.3(2),
410.4(2)
ASTM D3035-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Polyethylene (PE)
Plastic Pipe (DR-PR) Based on Controlled Outside
Diameter
Piping Table 409.1, Table
703.2
ASTM D3138-2021 Standard Speciflcation for Solvent Cements for
Transition Joints Between Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-
Styrene (ABS) and Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Non-
Pressure Piping Components
Joints 410.16.2.1
ASTM D3139-2019 Standard Speciflcation for Joints for Plastic
Pressure Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals
Joints 410.13(1)
ASTM D3261-2016 Standard Speciflcation for Butt Heat Fusion
Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Fittings for Polyethylene
(PE) Plastic Pipe and Tubing
Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.3
ASTM D3350-2021 Standard Speciflcation for Polyethylene Plastics
Pipe and Fittings Materials
Piping Table 409.1, 703.4.1,
703.4.2
ASTM E84-2023 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning
Characteristics of Building Materials
Miscellaneous 401.2, 502.4, 503.1,
606.5
ASTM F437-2021 Standard Speciflcation for Threaded Chlorinated
Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings,
Schedule 80
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM F438-2017 Standard Speciflcation for Socket-Type
Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic
Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM F439-2019 Standard Speciflcation for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl
Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule
80
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM F441/F441M-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl
Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40 and
80
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM F442/F442M-2020 Standard Speciflcation for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl
Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe (SDR-PR)
Piping, Plastic Table 409.1, 410.3(2)
Page 289 of 311
ASTM F493-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Solvent Cements for
Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic
Pipe and Fittings
Joints 410.3(2), 410.4(2)
ASTM F656-2021 Standard Speciflcation for Primers for Use in
Solvent Cement Joints of Poly (Vinyl Chloride)
(PVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
Joints 410.3(2), 410.4(2),
410.13(2)
ASTM F714-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Polyethylene (PE)
Plastic Pipe (DR-PR) Based on Outside Diameter
Piping Table 409.1, Table
703.2
ASTM F876-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing
Piping Table 409.1, 410.6,
Table 703.2
ASTM F877-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX) Hot- and Cold-Water
Distribution Systems
Piping Table 409.1, Table
703.3
ASTM F1055-2016a
(R2022)
Standard Speciflcation for Electrofusion Type
Polyethylene Fittings for Outside Diameter
Controlled Polyethylene and Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe and Tubing
Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.3, 703.4.1.1(3)
ASTM F1281-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Crosslinked
Polyethylene/ Aluminum/Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Pressure Pipe
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM F1282-2017 Standard Speciflcation for
Polyethylene/Aluminum/Poly- ethylene (PE-AL-
PE) Composite Pressure Pipe
Piping Table 409.1
ASTM F1476-2007
(R2019)
Standard Speciflcation for Performance of
Gasketed Mechanical Couplings for Use in Piping
Applications
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM F1548-2001
(R2018)
Standard Speciflcation for Performance of Fittings
for Use with Gasketed Mechanical Couplings
Used in Piping Applications
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM F1807-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Metal Insert Fittings
Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring, or Alternate
Stainless Steel Clamps, for SDR9 Cross-linked
Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene
of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.3
ASTM F1960-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Cold Expansion Fittings
with PEX Reinforcing Rings for Use with Cross-
linked Polyethylene (PEX) and Polyethylene of
Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.3
ASTM F1970-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Special Engineered
Fittings, Appurtenances or Valves for Use in Poly
Piping Table 409.1
Page 290 of 311
(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) or Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl
Chloride) (CPVC) Systems
ASTM F1974-2009
(R2020)
Standard Speciflcation for Metal Insert Fittings for
Polyethylene/Aluminum/Polyethylene and
Crosslinked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Crosslinked
Polyethylene Composite Pressure Pipe
Fittings Table 409.1,
410.7(1),
410.10(1)
ASTM F2080-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Cold-Expansion
Fittings with Metal Compression-Sleeves for
Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe and SDR9
Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Pipe
Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.3
ASTM F2098-2018 Standard Speciflcation for Stainless Steel Clamps
for Securing SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene
(PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised
Temperature (PE-RT) to Metal Insert and Plastic
Insert Fittings
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM F2159-2023a Standard Speciflcation for Plastic Insert Fittings
Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring, or Alternate
Stainless Steel Clamps for SDR9 Cross-linked
Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene
of Raised Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.3
ASTM F2165-2019 Standard Speciflcation for Flexible Pre-Insulated
Plastic Piping
Fittings, Piping and
Tubing
Table 409.1
ASTM F2389-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Pressure-Rated
Polypropylene (PP) Piping Systems
Piping Table 409.1,
410.12(1), Table
703.2, Table 703.3
ASTM F2434-2019 Standard Speciflcation for Metal Insert Fittings
Utilizing a Copper Crimp Ring for SDR9 Cross-
linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Cross-
linked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Cross-linked
Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Tubing
Fittings Table 409.1,
410.7(1),
Table 703.3
ASTM F2620-2020ae2 Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Joining of
Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings
Joints 410.9(1), 410.9(3),
703.4.1.1(1),
703.4.1.1(2)
ASTM F2623-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Polyethylene of Raised
Temperature (PE-RT) Systems for Non-Potable
Water Applications
Piping Table 409.1, Table
703.2
ASTM F2735-2021 Standard Speciflcation for Plastic Insert Fittings
for SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) and
Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT)
Tubing
Fittings Table 409.1
Page 291 of 311
ASTM F2769-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Polyethylene of Raised
Temperature (PE-RT) Plastic Hot and Cold-Water
Tubing and Distribution Systems
Piping, Fitting Table 409.1, Table
703.2, Table 703.3
ASTM F2855-2019 Standard Speciflcation for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl
Chlo- ride)/Aluminum/Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl
Chloride) (CPVC- AL-CPVC) Composite Pressure
Tubing
Piping, Plastic Table 409.1
ASTM F3226/F3226M-
2019
Standard Speciflcation for Metallic Press-
Connect Fittings for Piping and Tubing Systems
Fittings Table 409.1
ASTM F3253-2019 Standard Speciflcation for Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing with Oxygen Barrier for
Hot- and Cold-Water Hydronic Distribution
Systems
Piping, Fittings Table 409.1, 410.6
ASTM F3347-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Metal Press Insert
Fittings with Factory Assembled Stainless Steel
Press Sleeve for SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene
(PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised
Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.3
ASTM F3348-2023 Standard Speciflcation for Plastic Press Insert
Fittings with Factory Assembled Stainless Steel
Press Sleeve for SDR9 Cross-linked Polyethylene
(PEX) Tubing and SDR9 Polyethylene of Raised
Temperature (PE-RT) Tubing
Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.3
AWS
AWS A5.8M/A5.8-2019 Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding Joints 410.5(1), 715.3,
715.5
AWS A5.9/A5.9M-
2022 (ISO 14343-
2017 MOD)
Speciflcation for Bare Stainless Steel Welding
Electrodes and Rods
Joints 410.15.2
AWWA
AWWA
C110/A21.10- 2021
Ductile-Iron and Gray-Iron Fittings Fittings Table 409.1
AWWA
C111/A21.11- 2017
Rubber-Gasket Joints for Ductile-Iron Pressure
Pipe and Fit- tings
Joints 410.8
AWWA
C115/A21.15- 2020
Flanged Ductile-Iron Pipe with Ductile-Iron or Gray-
Iron Threaded Flanges
Piping Table 409.1
AWWA
C151/A21.51- 2017
Ductile-Iron Pipe, Centrifugally Cast Piping Table 409.1
Page 292 of 311
AWWA C153/A21.53-
2019
Ductile-Iron Compact Fittings Fittings Table 409.1
AWWA C901-2020 Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe and Tubing, 3⁄4 In.
(19 mm) Through 3 In. (76 mm), for Water Service
Piping Table 409.1, Table
703.2, 703.4.1
CSA
ASSE 1070/ASME
A112.1070/CSA
B125.70- 2020
Water Temperature Limiting Devices Valves 402.5
CSA B137.1-2020 Polyethylene (PE) Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings for
Cold-Water Pressure Services
Piping Table 409.1, Table
703.2, Table 703.3
CSA B137.2-2020 Polyvinylchloride (PVC) Injection-Moulded
Gasketed Fittings for Pressure Applications
Fittings Table 409.1
CSA B137.3-2020 Rigid Polyvinylchloride (PVC) Pipe and Fittings for
Pressure Applications
Piping, Fittings Table 409.1
CSA B137.5-2020 Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing Systems for
Pres- sure Applications
Piping Table 409.1, Table
703.2, Table 703.3
CSA B137.6-2020 Chlorinated Polyvinylchloride (CPVC) Pipe, Tubing,
and Fittings for Hot- and Cold-Water Distribution
Systems
Piping, Fittings Table 409.1
CSA B137.9-2020 Polyethylene/Aluminum/Polyethylene (PE-AL-PE)
Composite Pressure-Pipe Systems
Piping Table 409.1
CSA B137.10-2020 Crosslinked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Composite Pressure-
Pipe Systems
Piping Table 409.1
CSA B137.11-2020 Polypropylene (PP-R & PP-RCT) Pipe and Fittings for
Pres- sure Applications
Piping Table 409.1,
410.12(1), Table
703.2, Table 703.3
CSA B137.18-2020 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature Resistance
(PE-RT) Tubing Systems for Pressure Applications
Piping, Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.2, Table 703.3
CSA C22.2 No. 108-
2014 (R2019)
Liquid Pumps Pumps 308.1.1
ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA
C448 Series-2016
(R2021)
Design and Installation of Ground Source Heat
Pump Systems for Commercial and Residential
Buildings
Ground-Source
Heat Pumps
701.11.1, Table
703.2,
Table 703.3, 708.7,
Page 293 of 311
709.1, 710.7,
710.7.2,
715.4
CSA/ANSI
Z21.10.1-
2019/CSA 4.1-
2019
Gas Water Heaters, Volume I, Storage Water
Heaters with Input Ratings of 75,000 Btu Per Hour
or Less
Fuel Gas,
Appliances
Table 403.2
CSA/ANSI
Z21.10.3-
2019/CSA 4.3-
2019
Gas-Fired Water Heaters, Volume III, Storage Water
Heaters with Input Ratings Above 75,000 Btu Per
Hour, Circulating and Instantaneous
Fuel Gas,
Appliances
Table 403.2
IAPMO
IAPMO/ANSI H1001.1-
2021
Standard for Quality of Heat Transfer Fluids Used
in Hydronics Systems
Heat Transfer Fluid 401.6, 701.11.1
IAPMO/ANSI/CAN
Z1117-2022
Standard for Press Connections Fittings Table 409.1
IAPMO IGC 353-2019e1 Branch Connectors Fittings Table 409.1
IAPMO S1001.1-2013
(R2019)
Design and Installation of Solar Water Heating
Systems
Solar Thermal
Systems
501.7
ICC
ICC 900/SRCC 300-2020 Solar Thermal System Standard Solar Thermal
Systems
501.7
ICC 901/SRCC 100-2020 Solar Thermal Collector Standard Collectors 502.6
IGSHPA
ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448
Series-2016 (R2021)
Design and Installation of Ground Source Heat
Pump Systems for Commercial and Residential
Buildings
Ground-Source
Heat Pumps
701.11.1, Table
703.2,
Table 703.3, 708.7,
709.1, 710.7,
710.7.2,
715.4
ISO
AHRI/ASHRAE/ISO
13256-1-1998
(R2012)
Water-Source Heat Pumps – Testing and Rating
for Performance – Part 1: Water-to-Air and Brine-
to-Air Heat Pumps
Water-Source
Heat Pumps
407.5, 706.1, Table
706.1, 716.3.1
Page 294 of 311
AHRI/ASHRAE/ISO
13256-2-1998
(R2012)
Water-Source Heat Pumps – Testing and Rating
for Performance – Part 2: Water-to-Water and
Brine-to-Water Heat Pumps
Water-Source
Heat Pumps
407.5, 706.1, Table
706.1, 716.3.1
NFPA
NFPA 70-2023 National Electrical Code Miscellaneous 304.4.5, 315.1,
717.1,
801.1, 804.1,
806.1.3(4)(d),
806.4.1(2), 807.2,
809.1.1, 812.2.2(2),
812.3.2, 812.3.3,
812.3.4, 812.3.5,
812.3.6, 812.4.2(8),
812.4.2(11),
812.4.2(12), 812.6,
818.1, 818.1.3.1,
818.1.4, 819.1,
819.2.1, 819.2.3,
Table
819.1, 820.1.9(3),
820.2, 820.2.2,
820.3,
826.1, 827.1,
830.2(2),
830.4, B 104.1
NGWA
NGWA-01-2014 Water Well Construction Standard Geothermal 712.2, 712.3, 713.4,
713.6
NSF
NSF/ANSI/CAN 60-2021 Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals-Health
Effects
Backflll 710.7.1
NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2022 Drinking Water System Components - Health
Effects
Miscellaneous 501.5.4, 712.1
Page 295 of 311
NSF/ANSI 358-1-2021 Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings for Water-Based
Ground- Source “Geothermal” Heat Pump
Systems
Piping, Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.2, Table 703.3
NSF/ANSI 358-2-2017 Polypropylene Pipe and Fittings for Water-Based
Ground- Source “Geothermal” Heat Pump
Systems
Piping, Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.2, Table 703.3
NSF/ANSI 358-3-2021 Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe and
Fittings for Water- Based Ground-Source
(Geothermal) Heat Pump Systems
Piping, Fittings Table 409.1, Table
703.2, Table 703.3
NSF/ANSI 358-4-2022 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT)
Tubing and Fittings for Water-Based Ground-
Source (Geothermal) Heat Pump Systems
Piping, Fittings Table 703.2, Table
703.3
NSF/ANSI/CAN 372-2022 Drinking Water System Components - Lead
Content
Miscellaneous 712.1
SRCC
ICC 900/SRCC 300-
2020
Solar Thermal System Standard Solar Thermal
Systems
501.7
ICC 901/SRCC 100-
2020
Solar Thermal Collector Standard Collectors 502.6
UL
UL 98B-2015 Outline of Investigation for Enclosed and Dead-
front Switches for use in Photovoltaic Systems
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 248-2019 Low-Voltage Fuses – Part 19: Photovoltaic Fuses
(with revisions through February 28, 2020)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 489B-2016 Molded-Case Circuit Breakers, Molded-Case
Switches, and Circuit-Breaker Enclosures for
Use with Photovoltaic (PV) Systems (with
revisions through May 19, 2021)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 508I-2015 Outline of Investigation for Disconnect Switches
Intended for Use in Photovoltaic Systems
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 723-2018 Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials
Miscellaneous 401.2, 502.4, 503.1,
606.5
UL 778-2016 Motor-Operated Water Pumps (with revisions
through June 29, 2021)
Pumps 308.1.1, 310.1
UL 834-2004 Heating, Water Supply, and Power Boilers –
Electric (with revisions through July 17, 2019)
Appliances Table 403.2
UL 1279-2010 Outline of Investigation for Solar Collectors Electrical 502.6
Page 296 of 311
UL 1699B-2018 Photovoltaic (PV) DC Arc-Fault Circuit Protection
(with revisions through May 18, 2021)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 1703-2002 Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels (with
revisions through November 25, 2019)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 1741-2021 Inverters, Converters, Controllers and
Interconnection System Equipment for Use With
Distributed Energy Resources (with revisions
through October 18, 2022)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 1995-2022 Heating and Cooling Equipment Heat Pumps 407.5, 706.1
UL 2523-2009 Solid Fuel-Fired Hydronic Heating Appliances,
Water Heaters, and Boilers (with revisions through
October 20, 2022)
Fuel Gas,
Appliances
Table 403.2
UL 2703-2015 Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices,
Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for
Use with Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and
Panels (with revisions through March 24, 2021)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 2846-2014 Fire Test of Plastic Water Distribution Plumbing
Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke
Characteristics (with revisions through January
14, 2021)
Piping 606.5
UL 2989-2022 Outline of Investigation for Tracer Wire Tracer Wire 707.18.8
UL 3703-2015 Solar Trackers (with revisions through April 7,
2020)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 3730-2014 Photovoltaic Junction Boxes (with revisions through
June 11, 2021)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 3741-2020 Photovoltaic Hazard Control Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 4703-2014 Photovoltaic Wire (with revisions through August
11, 2020)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 6703-2014 Connectors for Use in Photovoltaic Systems (with
revisions through June 10, 2021)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 7103-2019 Outline of Investigation for Building-Integrated
Photovoltaic Roof Coverings
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 8703-2011 Outline of Investigation for Concentrator
Photovoltaic Mod- ules and Assemblies
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 60335-2-40-2022 Household and Similar Electrical Appliances-
Safety-Part 2- 40: Particular Requirements for
Electrical Heat Pumps, Air- Conditioners and
Dehumidiflers
Heat Pumps 407.5, 706.1
Page 297 of 311
UL 61730-1-2022 Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualiflcation - Part
1: Requirements for Construction
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 61730-2-2022 Photovoltaic (PV) Module Safety Qualiflcation - Part
2: Requirements for Testing
Electrical Table 802.2.1
UL 62109-1-2014 Safety of Power Converters for Use in Photovoltaic
Power Sys- tems - Part 1: General Requirements
(with revisions through April 30, 2019)
Electrical Table 802.2.1
TABLE S 18.2
STANDARDS, PUBLICATIONS, PRACTICES, AND GUIDES
DOCUMENT NUMBER DOCUMENT TITLE APPLICATION
ASHRAE
ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential
Buildings
Energy
ASHRAE 93-2010
(RA2014)
Methods of Testing to Determine the Thermal Performance of Solar
Collectors
Testing
ASHRAE 95-1981
(RA1987)
Methods of Testing to Determine the Thermal Performance of Solar
Domestic Water Heating Systems
Testing
ASHRAE Handbook-2021 Fundamentals Electrical
ASHRAE 96-1980
(RA1989)
Thermal Performance of Unglazed Flat-Plate Liquid-Type Solar
Collectors
Testing, Collector
ASME
ASME A13.1-2020 Scheme for the Identiflcation of Piping Systems Piping
ASME B16.21-2021 Nonmetallic Flat Gaskets for Pipe Flanges Joints
ASME B16.34-2020 Valves - Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End Valves
ASME B16.47-2020 Large Diameter Steel Flanges: NPS 26 Through NPS 60 Metric/Inch Fittings
ASME BPVC Section IV-
2021
Rules for Construction of Heating Boilers Miscellaneous
ASME BPVC Section IX-
2021
Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualiflcations Certiflcation
ASSE
ASSE 1010-2021 Performance Requirements for Water Hammer Arresters Water Supply Component
Page 298 of 311
ASTM
ASTM A377-2018
(R2022)e1
Standard Index of Speciflcations for Ductile Iron Pressure Pipe Piping, Ferrous
ASTM A733-2016 (R2022) Standard Speciflcation for Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel and
Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipe Nipples
Piping, Ferrous
ASTM D56-2022 Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester Testing
ASTM D93-2020 Standard Test Method for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed
Cup Tester
Testing
ASTM D635-2022 Standard Test Methods for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time
of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
Testing
ASTM D2235-2022 Standard Speciflcation for Solvent Cement for Acrylonitrile-
Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic Pipe and Fittings
Joints
ASTM D2672-2020e1 Standard Speciflcation for Joints for IPS PVC Pipe Using Solvent
Cement
Joints
ASTM D2855-2020 Standard Practice for the Two-Step (Primer and Solvent Cement)
Method of Joining Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) or Chlorinated Poly
(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Pipe and Piping Components with Tapered
Sockets
Joints
ASTM D3278-2021 Standard Test Method for Flash Point of Liquids by Small Scale
Closed-Cup Apparatus
Testing
ASTM E136-2022 Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials
Using a Ver- tical Tube Furnace at 750°C
Furnace
ASTM F480-2014 (R2022) Standard Speciflcation for Thermoplastic Well Casing Pipe and
Couplings Made in Standard Dimension Ratios (SDR), SCH 40 and
SCH 80
Piping, Plastic
ASTM F891-2016 Standard Speciflcation for Coextruded Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
Plastic Pipe with a Cellular Core
Piping, Plastic
AWS
AWS B2.2/B2.2M-2016 Brazing Procedure and Performance Qualiflcation Certiflcation
AWWA
AWWA C507-2018 Ball Valves, 6 In. through 60 In. (150 mm Through 1,500 mm) Valves
BS
BS EN 12975-1-2006
(R2010)
Thermal Solar Systems and Components – Solar Collectors – Part
1: General Requirements
Collector
BS EN 12976-1-2021 Thermal Solar Systems and Components – Factory Made Systems
– Part 1: General Requirements
Solar Thermal Systems
Page 299 of 311
BS EN 12976-2-2019 Thermal Solar Systems and Components – Factory Made
Systems – Part 2: Test Methods
Solar Thermal Systems
BS EN ISO 9806-2017 Solar Energy – Solar Thermal Collectors – Test Methods Collector
BS EN ISO 9488-2022 Solar Energy – Vocabulary Miscellaneous
CSA
ANSI Z21.22-2015
(R2020)/CSA 4.4-
2015 (R2020)
Relief Valves for Hot Water Supply Systems Valves
CSA/ANSI Z21.24-
2022/CSA 6.10-
2022
Connectors for Gas Appliances Fuel Gas
IAPMO
IAPMO IGC 332-2017a Hydronic Radiators Hydronic Systems
IAPMO IS 34-2020 Installation Standard for Residential Solar Photovoltaic and Energy
Storage Systems
Solar PV Systems
IAPMO/ANSI
WE•Stand- 2020
Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard for the Built Environment Water Conservation
IEEE
IEEE 937-2019 Installation and Maintenance of Lead-Acid Batteries for
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Installation and
Maintenance,
Photovoltaic
IEEE 1013-2019 Sizing Lead-Acid Batteries for Stand-Alone Photovoltaic (PV)
Systems
Photovoltaic, Sizing
IEEE 1361-2014 Selecting, Charging, Testing, and Evaluating Lead-Acid
Batteries Used in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Testing, Evaluation
IEEE 1526-2020 IEEE Recommended Practice for Testing the Performance of Stand-
Alone Photovoltaic Systems
Testing, Photovoltaic
IEEE 1547-2018 Interconnection and Interoperability of Distributed Energy
Resources with Associated Electric Power Systems Interfaces
Connections,
Photovoltaic
IEEE 1562-2021 Sizing of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Array, Battery,
Photovoltaic
IEEE 1661-2019 Test and Evaluation of Lead-Acid Batteries Used in Photovoltaic
(PV) Hybrid Power Systems
Testing and Evaluation,
Photovoltaic
MSS
MSS SP-58-2018 Pipe Hangers and Supports – Materials, Design, Manufacture,
Selection, Application, and Installation (including Amendment 1,
dated October 17, 2019)
Fuel Gas
Page 300 of 311
MSS SP-80-2019 Bronze Gate, Globe, Angle, and Check Valves Valves
NEMA
ANSI/NEMA 250-2020 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 Volts Maximum) Electrical
NFPA
NFPA 13D-2022 Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings
and Manufactured Homes
Fire Safety
NFPA 54/Z223.1-2021 National Fuel Gas Code Fuel Gas
NFPA 70E-2021 Electrical Safety in the Workplace Electrical Safety
NFPA 274-2018 Standard Test Method to Evaluate Fire Performance
Characteristics of Pipe Insulation
Pipe Insulation
NSF
NSF/ANSI 14-2022 Plastics Piping System Components and Related Materials Piping, Plastic
UL
UL 174-2004 Household Electric Storage Tank Water Heaters (with revisions
through December 16, 2021)
Appliances
UL 916-2015 Energy Management Equipment (with revisions through October
21, 2021)
Electrical
UL 1453-2016 Electric Booster and Commercial Storage Tank Water Heaters (with
revisions through May 18, 2018)
Appliances
UL 60730-1 2016 Automatic Electrical Controls – Part 1: General Requirements (with
revisions through October 18, 2021)
Electrical
Page 301 of 311
ABBREVIATIONS IN TABLE S 18.1 AND TABLE S 18.2
AHRI Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, 2311 Wilson Boulevard,
Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201.
ANSI American National Standards Institute, Inc., 25 W. 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New
York, NY 10036.
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning
Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2305.
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Two Park Avenue, New York, NY
10016-5990.
ASSE American Society of Sanitary Engineering, 18927 Hickory Creek Drive, Suite
220, Mokena, IL 60448.
ASTM ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-
2959.
AWS American Welding Society, 8669 NW 36 Street, # 130, Miami, FL 33166-6672.
AWWA American Water Works Association, 6666 W. Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO
80235.
BSI (BS EN) British Standard International, 12950 Worldgate Drive, Suite 800 Herndon,
VA 20170.
CSA Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Boulevard, Toronto, ON, Canada
M9W 1R3.
IAPMO International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, 4755 E.
Philadelphia Street, Ontario, CA 91761.
ICC International Code Council, 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 6th Floor, Washington,
DC 20001.
IEEE The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 445 and 501 Hoes
Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854.
IGSHPA International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, 312 S. 4th Street,
Suite 100, Springfield, IL 62701.
ISO International Organization for Standardization, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401
- 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland.
MSS Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, 127
Park Street NE, Vienna, VA 22180.
Page 302 of 311
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association, 1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 900,
Rosslyn, VA 22209.
NFPA National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-
7471.
NGWA National Ground Water Association, 601 Dempsey Road, Westerville, OH
43081.
NSF NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
SRCC Solar Rating and Certification Corporation, 3060 Saturn Street, Suite 100, Brea,
CA 92821.
UL Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.
Los Angeles County Amendments To California Plumbing Code
Establishes statewide plumbing design, materials, installation, and on-site wastewater
standards (including Appendix H).
Does not mandate city/county-specific sewer extension obligations, hot-water
recirculation to ≤0.6 gal wait, graywater-ready dual waste rough-ins, pool draft
hydrant connections, or the County’s administrative fee/record processes.
State graywater systems, pool plumbing, private sewage disposal, and backflow
protection are covered, but without the County’s added triggers, distances, or
operational requirements.
Rosemead Code
No amendment proposed
Comparison Analysis
Page 303 of 311
The City adopts the 2025 California Plumbing Code, Chapters 2–17 and applicable
appendices, without adding County-style local amendments.
No mandatory hot-water recirculation wait-limit, no graywater-ready dual piping
mandate, no pool draft hydrant requirement, and no County sewer extension/main-line
construction triggers are added by the City’s ordinance.
Alternate Materials & Methods requests are handled under the standard State
framework (i.e., the CPC and CBC administrative provisions), without added local fees
or modified procedures.
County adds process controls (local alternates/modifications procedures; Title cross-
references), conservation/performance measures (mandatory hot-water recirculation
with ≤0.6 gal wait; graywater-ready dual piping), sewer infrastructure obligations tied to
future subdivision potential, expanded on-site wastewater criteria, and pool
wastewater/backflow/fire-support/cover rules.
The California Plumbing Code sets the technical baseline without these County-specific
mandates.
County also adopted Uniform Solar Hydronics & Geothermal Code as appendix S .
Adopting the Uniform Solar, Hydronics & Geothermal Code (USHGC) sets explicit,
stand-alone rules for solar-thermal (and hydronic/geothermal) installs. While California
Title 24 codes (Plumbing/Mechanical/Energy) plus referenced standards govern the
installation of those equipment’s.
Page 304 of 311
Rosemead adopts the California Plumbing Code directly (no local additions), keeping
requirements clear and uniform, and avoiding the County’s added procedural steps and
project-level mandates.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Mechanical Code
Except as hereinafter changed or modified, Sections 1.2.0 through 1.14.0 of
Chapter 1, Division I, of that certain Mechanical Code known and designated as the
20222025 California Mechanical Code as published by the California Building
Standards Commission are adopted and incorporated by reference into this Title 29 of
the Los Angeles County Code, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as
Sections 119.1.2.0 through 119.1.14.0, respectively, of Chapter 1 of Title 29 of the
Los Angeles County Code.
Section 302.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
302.2 ALTERNATE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF
CONSTRUCTION EQUIVALENCYAND MODIFICATIONS.
302.2.1 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction.
Nothing in this cCode is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or
devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness,
durability, and safety over those prescribed by this cCode. Technical documentation
shall be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The
Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to approve or disapprove the
system, method, or device for the intended purpose on a case-by-case basis.
. . .
302.2.1.1 Testing.
Page 305 of 311
. . .
302.2.1.1.1 Tests.
. . .
302.2.1.21.2 Requests by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
. . .
302.2.1.2 Application. Application for the use of an alternate material
or method of construction shall be submitted in writing to the Chief Mechanical Inspector
together with a filing fee of $317.26. When staff review exceeds two hours, an
additional fee of $158.63 per hour shall be charged for each hour, or fraction thereof, in
excess of two hours.
302.2.2 Modifications. Whenever there are practical difficulties
involved in carrying out the provisions of this Code, the Authority Having Jurisdiction
shall have the authority to grant modifications on a case-by-case basis, upon application
of the owner or the owner's authorized agent, provided that the Authority Having
Jurisdiction shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of this
Code impractical, and that the modification is in conformity with the spirit and purpose of
this Code, and that such modification does not lessen any health, fire-protection, or
other life-safety-related requirements. The details of any action granting modifications
shall be recorded and entered in the files of the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The
application for approval of a modification shall be in accordance with Section 302.2.1.2.
SECTION 7. Section 501.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
501.1 Applicability. This Chapter includes requirements for
environmental air ducts, product-conveying systems, and commercial hoods and
Page 306 of 311
kitchen ventilation. Part I addresses environmental air ducts and product-conveying
systems. Part II addresses commercial hoods and kitchen ventilation. Ventilation
systems installed to control occupational health hazards shall comply with the
requirements of the Health Officer.
SECTION 8. Section 510.1.6 is hereby amended to read as follows:
510.1.6 Bracing and Supports. Duct bracing and supports shall be
of noncombustible material, securely attached to the structure, not less than the gauge
required for grease-duct construction, and designed to carry gravity and lateral loads
within the stress limitations of the bBuilding cCode. Bolts, screws, rivets, and other
mechanical fasteners shall not penetrate duct walls.
SECTION 9. Section 603.7.1.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
603.7.1.1 Rectangular Ducts. Supports for rectangular ducts shall be
installed on two opposite sides of each duct and shall be welded, riveted, bolted, or
metal screwed to each side of the duct at intervals specified.
SECTION 10. Section 1114.4 is hereby added to read as follows:
1114.4 Approvals Required. The method of discharge of systems
containing other than group A1 refrigerants shall comply with the pertinent requirements
of Title 32 (Fire Code) and Division 2 of Title 20 (Sanitary Sewer and Industrial Waste)
of the Los Angeles County Code.
Page 307 of 311
California Code
Rosemead Code
Chapter 1, Division II through Chapter 17 and Appendices B, C, and D of the 2025
California Mechanical Code, Title 24 Part 4 of the California Code of Regulations, which
regulates and controls the design, construction, quality of materials, erection,
Page 308 of 311
installation, alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or
maintenance of heating, venting, cooling, refrigeration systems, or other miscellaneous
heat-producing appliances in the City, provide for the issuance of permits and collection
of fees thereof, and provides for penalties for violations thereof, with certain changes
and amendments thereto, are hereby adopted by reference, and conflicting ordinances
are hereby repealed.
Comparison Analysis
Los Angeles County adopts the 2025 California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) with
additional administrative and technical modifications, primarily to support County-
specific permitting processes and coordination with other County departments.
The State code establishes the general design, installation, and performance standards
for mechanical systems statewide.
It does not include any local fee schedule, administrative procedures, or inter-
departmental coordination references found in the County’s Title 29 amendments.
All performance and safety provisions cited by the County (duct construction, supports,
bracing, and refrigerant discharge) already exist under the corresponding national
model standards (e.g., ASHRAE, SMACNA, IMC references) adopted in the California
Mechanical Code.
Los Angeles County’s amendments are administrative and jurisdiction-specific, focusing
on process control, cross-departmental coordination, and local fees.
They do not introduce new mechanical system performance standards beyond those
already required by the State.
Page 309 of 311
By adopting the California Mechanical Code directly, Rosemead maintains full
compliance with State safety and design requirements, while avoiding additional fees,
procedural steps, and inter-departmental dependencies unique to the County.
This approach supports a more efficient plan review and permit processing framework,
minimizes administrative cost burdens on applicants, and maintains consistency
between City procedures and those of other State-adopting jurisdictions.
Los Angeles County Amendments to California Electrical Code
Sections 89.102 through 89.114 of Article 89, Article 90, Chapters 1 through 9,
and Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J, which incorporate by reference and modify
portions of the 2022 California Electrical Code, are hereby repealed.
SECTION 2. Section 80-1.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 80-1.5. California Electrical Code (CEC) Adoption by Reference.
Except as hereinafter changed or modified, Sections 89.102 through 89.114 of
Article 89, Article 90, Chapters 1 through 9, and Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J
of that certain Electrical Code known and designated as the 2022 2025 California
Electrical Code as published by the California Building Standards Commission are
adopted and incorporated by reference into this Title 27 of the Los Angeles County
Code as if fully set forth below, as Sections 89.102 through 89.114 of Article 89,
Article 90, Chapters 1 through 9, and Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J of Title 27
of the Los Angeles County Code.
Page 310 of 311
Rosemead Code
Article 89, Article 90, Chapters 1 through 9, and Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, and J of
the 2025 California Electrical Code, Title 24 Part 3 of the California Code of
Regulations, which provides minimum requirements and standards for the protection of
the public health, safety and welfare by regulating the installation or alteration of
electrical wiring, equipment, materials, and workmanship in the City, provides for the
issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor and provides penalties for violations
thereof, with all changes and amendments thereto, is hereby adopted by reference, and
all conflicting ordinances are hereby repealed.
Comparison Analysis
Both Los Angeles County and the City of Rosemead are adopting the technical
provisions of the 2025 California Electrical Code (CEC) in its entirety (Article 90;
Chapters 1–9).
Page 311 of 311