Ordinance No. 1031 – Amending Title 15 Buildings & Construction & Adopting By Reference, 2025 CA Building Standards Code, As Amended & Adopted By Los Angeles County Including Building, Residential, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Green BuildingURGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 1031
AN URGENCY 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, AS AMENDED AND ADOPTED BY LOS ANGELES
COUNTY INCLUDING BUILDING, RESIDENTIAL, ELECTRICAL,
PLUMBING, MECHANICAL, GREEN BUILDING, EXISTING
BUILDINGS, ENERGY, AND HISTORICAL BUILDINGS CODES, 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; and
C. The City shall file the amendments, additions or deletions with the California
Building Standards Commission; and
D. On November 4, 2025, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors introduced
for first reading and on November 25, 2025 will adopt ordinances amending Titles 26, 27, 28, 29,
30, and 33 of the Los Angeles County Code, which adopts by reference the 2025 California
Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Existing Building Codes,
respectively, with amendments based upon express findings that such modifications are reasonably
necessary due to climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
E. The City Council desires to adopt 2025 California Building, Electrical, Plumbing,
Mechanical, Residential, and Existing Building Codes as amended and adopted by reference Titles
26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 33 of the Los Angeles County Code; and
F. The findings supporting the necessity for the Los Angeles County amendments to
California Building Standard Code 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; and
G. 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; and
H. 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, of the Los Angeles Building Code (Title 26), Los Angeles County
Residential Code (Title 30), Los Angeles County Electrical Code (Title 27), Los Angeles County
Mechanical Code (Title 29), Los Angeles County Plumbing Code (Title 28) as incorporated herein
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.
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 m Z), the height does not exceed 12 feet (3.69 m),
and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches (610 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 1 %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'/z times 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 (13 72 mm)
3
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 ml) 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.
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 z) 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.
10
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.
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 Fees and Refunds.
A. Fees. Notwithstanding the provisions of 15.04.010, fees for plan checks, inspections and
other miscellaneous services shall be as indicated per section 15.04.030.
B. Permit Fees. Permit fees shall be as specified per section 15.02.040 (A) of this code. Permit
fees shall be paid at the time of permit issuance. 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.
1. 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.
C. Inspection Fee. An inspection fee may be assessed for reinspection.
I. The Building Official makes the determination based on the following reasons:
a. The portion of work for which inspection is requested is not complete;
b. Corrections given are not completed;
c. There is inadequate work site access preventing inspection;
d. The inspection record card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site;
e. The approved plans are not available for the inspector; and/or.
f. Work has deviated from the approved plans and has not been approved by the
Building Official.
2. This Section is not to be interpreted as requiring additional inspection fees the first
time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this Code.
3. To obtain re -inspection, the applicant shall pay the re -inspection fee in advance as
determined by the City's fee resolution.
D. Plan Review fees for Buildings or Structures. When an application for a building permit is
submitted for review, a fee shall be paid to the Building Official. Said fee shall be equal to
85 percent of the building permit fee as specified per section 15.02.040(A) of this code. In
addition to the aforementioned fees, the Building Official may require additional charges
for review required by changes, additions or revisions of approved plans or reports, and for
services beyond the first and second check due to changes, omissions or errors on the part
of the applicant. The payment of said fees shall not exempt any person from compliance
with other provisions of this Code. The fees specified in this Section are separate fees from
the permit fees specified in Section 15.02.040(B).
E. 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; and
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.
F. 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 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.
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.
15.02.060 Definitions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010, the Building Code is amended by defining
certain terms.
Whenever any of the names or terms defined in this section are used in this code, each such name
or term shall be deemed and constructed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section.
"Board of Appeals" means the Board of Appeals established by Section 105 of the Building
Code.
"Building Department" means the City of Rosemead Building and Safety Division.
"City" means the city of Rosemead.
"County" or "County of Los Angeles" or "unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles"
means the City of Rosemead.
"County Engineer" means City Engineer of the City of Rosemead.
"Electrical Code" means the Electrical Code of the City of Rosemead as adopted by Chapter
15.08 of this code as amended.
"Fire Code" means the Fire Code as adopted by Section 8.24.010 as amended.
"General Fund" means the City Treasury of the City of Rosemead.
"Health Code" or "Los Angeles County Health Code" means the Health Code as adopted by
Section 8.04.010 as amended.
"Mechanical Code" means the Mechanical Code of the City of Rosemead as adopted by Chapter
15.16 of this code as amended.
"Occupancy" means the purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. The term
shall also include the building or room housing such use. "Change of occupancy" includes a
change of tenant or user in any commercial or industrial use.
"Plumbing Code" means the Plumbing Code of the City of Rosemead as adopted by Chapter
15.12 of this code as amended.
"Rehabilitation Appeals Board" per Section 99.06 shall mean the City Council of the City of
Rosemead.
"Special Inspector" means a person holding a valid certificate of registration.
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 Building Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Building Code, Title 24 Part 2 of California Code of Regulations, as
amended and adopted by the 2026 Los Angeles County Building Code (Title 26), is hereby
adopted by reference pursuant to the provisions of Sections 50022.1 through 50022.10 of
the Government Code of the State of California as though fully set forth herein, and made
a part of the City of Rosemead Municipal Code with the same force and effect as though
set out herein in full, including all of the regulations, revisions, conditions and terms
contained therein except as revised in this ordinance by Section 15.04.020.
B. The administration of the Building Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this Code.
C. In accordance with Section 50022.6 of the California Government Code, not less than one
copy of said code together with any and all amendments thereto proposed by the City of
Rosemead, has been and is now filed in the Building and Safety Division, shall remain on
file with the Building Official, shall collectively be known as the City of Rosemead
Building Code and may be cited as Section 15.04.010 of the City of Rosemead Municipal
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 Building Code Amendments.
A. The regulations of Section 10 1. 1 of the Los Angeles County 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 of the Building Code adopted in Section 15.04.010 are
deleted: 106.1, 106.2, 106.3, 106.4.1.1, 106.5.4, 107.1, 107.12, 107.19,109.3, 109.4
10
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 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 Electrical Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Electrical Code, Title 24 Part 3 of California Code of Regulations, as
amended and adopted by the 2026 Los Angeles County Electrical Code (Title 27), is hereby
adopted by reference pursuant to the provisions of Sections 50022.1 through 50022.10 of
the Government Code of the State of California as though fully set forth herein, and made
a part of the City of Rosemead Municipal Code with the same force and effect as though
set out herein in full, including all of the regulations, revisions, conditions and terms
contained therein.
B. The administration of the Electrical Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this Code.
C. In accordance with Section 50022.6 of the California Government Code, not less than one
copy of said code together with any and all amendments thereto proposed by the City of
Rosemead, has been and is now filed in the office of the Building and Safety Division,
shall remain on file with the Building Official, shall collectively be known as the City of
Rosemead Electrical Code and may be cited as Section 15.08.010 of the City of Rosemead
Municipal 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 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
11
shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a violation occurs shall
constitute a separate offense.
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 Plumbing Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Plumbing Code, Title 24 Part 5 of California Code of Regulations, as
amended and adopted by the 2026 Los Angeles County Plumbing Code (Title 28), is hereby
adopted by reference pursuant to the provisions of Sections 50022.1 through 50022.10 of
the Government Code of the State of California as though fully set forth herein, and made
a part of the City of Rosemead Municipal Code with the same force and effect as though
set out herein in full, including all of the regulations, revisions, conditions and terms
contained therein.
B. The administration of the Plumbing Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this
Code.
C. In accordance with Section 50022.6 of the California Government Code, not less than one
copy of said code together with any and all amendments thereto proposed by the City of
Rosemead, has been and is now filed in the office of the Building and Safety Division,
shall remain on file with the Building Official, shall collectively be known as the City of
Rosemead Plumbing Code and may be cited as Section 15.12.010 of the City of Rosemead
Municipal 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 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.
12
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 Mechanical Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Mechanical Code, Title 24 Part 4 of California Code of Regulations,
as amended and adopted by the 2026 Los Angeles County Mechanical Code (Title 29), is
hereby adopted by reference pursuant to the provisions of Sections 50022.1 through
50022.10 of the Government Code of the State of California as though fully set forth herein,
and made a part of the City of Rosemead Municipal Code with the same force and effect
as though set out herein in full, including all of the regulations, revisions, conditions and
terms contained therein.
B. The administration of the Mechanical Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this
Code.
C. In accordance with Section 50022.6 of the California Government Code, not less than one
copy of said code together with any and all amendments thereto proposed by the City of
Rosemead, has been and is now filed in the office of the Building and Safety Division,
shall remain on file with the Building Official, shall collectively be known as the City of
Rosemead Mechanical Code and may be cited as Section 15.16.010 of the City of
Rosemead Municipal 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 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 Residential Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Residential Code, Title 24 Part 2.5 of California Code of Regulations,
as amended and adopted by the 2026 Los Angeles County Residential Code (Title 30), is
hereby adopted by reference pursuant to the provisions of Sections 50022.1 through
13
50022.10 of the Government Code of the State of California as though fully set forth herein,
and made a part of the City of Rosemead Municipal Code with the same force and effect
as though set out herein in full, including all of the regulations, revisions, conditions and
terms contained therein.
B. The administration of the Residential Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 15.02 of this
Code.
C. In accordance with Section 50022.6 of the California Government Code, not less than one
copy of said code together with any and all amendments thereto proposed by the City of
Rosemead, has been and is now filed in the office of the Building and Safety Division,
shall remain on file with the Building Official, shall collectively be known as the City of
Rosemead Residential Code and may be cited as Section 15.18.010 of the City of
Rosemead Municipal Code.
SECTION 13. 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 Residential Code, adopted by reference in
Section 15.18.010, 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 14. 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 Green Building Standards Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24 Part 11 of California Code
of Regulations, as amended and adopted by the 2026 Los Angeles County Green Building
Standards Code (Title 31), is hereby adopted by reference pursuant to the provisions of
Sections 50022.1 through 50022.10 of the Government Code of the State of California as
though fully set forth herein, and made a part of the City of Rosemead Municipal Code
with the same force and effect as though set out herein in full, including all of the
regulations, revisions, conditions and terms contained therein.
B. In accordance with Section 50022.6 of the California Government Code, not less than one
copy of said code together with any and all amendments thereto proposed by the City of
Rosemead, has been and is now filed in the office of the Building and Safety Division,
14
shall remain on file with the Building Official, shall collectively be known as the City of
Rosemead Green Building Standards Code and may be cited as Section 15.20.010 of the
City of Rosemead Municipal Code.
SECTION 15. 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 Green Building Standards Code, adopted by
reference in Section 15.20.010, 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 16. 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 Existing Building Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Existing Building Code, Title 24 Part 10 of California Code of
Regulations, as amended and adopted by the 2026 Los Angeles County Existing Building
Code (Title 33), is hereby adopted by reference pursuant to the provisions of Sections
50022.1 through 50022.10 of the Government Code of the State of California as though
fully set forth herein, and made a part of the City of Rosemead Municipal Code with the
same force and effect as though set out herein in full, including all of the regulations,
revisions, conditions and terns contained therein.
B. In accordance with Section 50022.6 of the California Government Code, not less than one
copy of said code together with any and all amendments thereto proposed by the City of
Rosemead, has been and is now filed in the office of the Building and Safety Division,
shall remain on file with the Building Official, shall collectively be known as the City of
Rosemead Existing Building Code and may be cited as Section 15.22.010 of the City of
Rosemead Municipal Code.
SECTION 17. 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 Existing Building Code, adopted by reference
in Section 15.22.010, 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
15
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 18. 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 19. 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 Energy Code, adopted by reference in Section
15.24.010, 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 20. 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 Historical Building Code adopted.
A. The 2025 California Historical Building Code, Title 24 Part 8 of California Code of
Regulations, is hereby adopted by reference pursuant to the provisions of Sections 50022.1
through 50022.10 of the Government Code of the State of California as though fully set
forth herein, and made a part of the City of Rosemead Municipal Code with the same force
16
and effect as though set out herein in full, including all of the regulations, revisions,
conditions and terms contained therein.
B. In accordance with Section 50022.6 of the California Government Code, not less than one
copy of said code together with any and all amendments thereto proposed by the City of
Rosemead, has been and is now filed in the office of the Building and Safety Division,
shall remain on file with the Building Official, shall collectively be known as the City of
Rosemead Historical Building Code and may be cited as Section 15.26.010 of the City of
Rosemead Municipal Code.
SECTION 21. 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 Historical Buildings Code, adopted by
reference in Section 15.26.010, 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 22. 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 23. 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 24. 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.
17
SECTION 25. Declaration of Urgency. This ordinance is hereby declared to be an
urgency measure necessary for the immediate protection of the public health, safety and welfare.
This Council hereby finds that there is a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety
and welfare. Unless the City Council adopts an urgency ordinance effective on January 1, 2026,
the 2025 California Codes without amendments necessary to preserve the public peace, health,
safety and welfare of the City of Rosemead will go into effect until such time as the amendment
to the code can become legally effective through the standard process of Code adoption. This will
result in a gap in the implementation of the more stringent Code regulations necessary for the City
of Rosemead due to its unique climatic, geological and topographical characteristics. The City
Council hereby finds that such a gap in the implementation of said more stringent Code regulations
will result in an immediate threat to the public health, safety and welfare of the City of Rosemead.
The City Council hereby finds, determines and declares that the immediate preservation of the
public peace, health, safety and welfare necessitates the enactment of this ordinance as an urgency
ordinance and hereby shall become enforceable on January 1, 2026.
SECTION 26. 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 27. Filing. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with
the California Building Standards Commission.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 9TH day of December, 2025.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
& i —
Rachel Richman, Attorney
Attachment A: Local Amendment Findings
18
Margaret tlark, 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 Urgency Ordinance
No. 1031 was approved at the regular meeting of December 9, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: ARMENTA, CLARK, DANG, LOW, LY
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE -
Ericka Hernandez, City Clerk.
19
ATTACHMENT "A"
LOCAL AMENDMENT FINDINGS
BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
113.5,
Administrative
This is an administrative amendment to clarify that
113.5.1,
structures meeting the conditions specified and
113.5.2
affected by the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fire are
not required under the Alquist-Priolo Act to conduct
an active fault study.
701A.1
Climatic
Clarifies the application of Chapter 5 of the
California Wildland Interface Code to harden
70'fA.2
additions, alterations, and/or relocated buildings.
Many areas of the County have been designated as
Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to the increased risk
of fire caused by low humidity, strong winds, and dry
vegetation. Additions, alterations, and/or relocated
buildings have the same fire risk as new buildings.
701A.3
Climatic
Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs
due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused
701A.5
by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in
high fire severity zones in order to further harden
701A.6
residential buildings against fire risk.
701 A.7
Climatic
Disallows the use of Class B wood-shingle/wood-
shake roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the
County caused by low humidity, strong winds, and
dry vegetation in high fire severity zones in order to
further harden residential buildings against fire risk.
1031.2.1
Geological
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a
densely populated area having buildings constructed
over and near a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.
The proposed amendment is intended to prevent
occupants from being trapped in a building and to
allow rescue workers to easily enter after an
earthquake.
Table
Geological
Table amended to require proper anchorage for clay
1507.3.7
or concrete tiles from sliding or rotating due to the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County. This amendment incorporates the design
20
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
provisions developed based on detailed study of the
1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes.
1613.8
Geological
Observed damages to one- and two-family dwellings
and
of light frame construction after the Northridge
1613.8.1
Earthquake may have been partially attributed to
vertical irregularities common to this type of
occupancy and construction. In an effort to improve
quality of construction and incorporate lesson
learned from studies after the Northridge
Earthquake, the proposed modification to ASCE 7-
22, Section 12.2.3.1, Exception 3, by limiting the
number of stories and height of the structure to two
stories will significantly minimize the impact of
vertical irregularities and concentration of inelastic
behavior from mixed structural systems. This
proposed amendment is a continuation of an
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1613.8.2
Geological
A joint Structural Engineers Association of Southern
California (SEAOSC), Los Angeles County and
Los Angeles City Task Force investigated the
performance of concrete and masonry construction
with flexible wood diaphragm failures after the
Northridge earthquake. It was concluded at that
time that continuous ties are needed at specified
spacing to control cross grain tension in the interior
of the diaphragm. Additionally, there was a need to
limit subdiaphragm allowable shear loads to control
combined orthogonal stresses within the diaphragm.
Recognizing the importance and need to continue
the recommendation made by the task force while
taking into consideration the improved performances
and standards for diaphragm construction today, this
proposal increases the continuous tie spacing limit
to 40 ft in lieu of 25 ft and to use 75% of the
allowable code diaphragm shear to determine the
depth of the sub -diaphragm in lieu of the 300 plf and
is deemed appropriate and acceptable. Due to the
frequency of this type of failure during the past
significant earthquakes, various jurisdictions within
the Los Angeles region have taken this additional
step to prevent roof or floor diaphragms from pulling
21
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
away from concrete or masonry walls. This
proposed amendment is a continuation of an
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles.
1613.8.3
Geological
The inclusion of the importance factor in the
referenced Section equation has the unintended
consequence of reducing the minimum seismic
separation distance for important facilities such as
hospitals, schools, police, and fire stations from
adjoining structures. The proposal to omit the
importance factor from the referenced equation in
Section 12.8.6 will ensure that a safe seismic
separation distance is provided. This proposed
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles.
1613.9
Geological
Section is added to improve seismic safety of
Topographical
buildings constructed on or into hillsides. Due to the
local topographical and geological conditions of the
sites within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach
region and their probabilities for earthquakes, this
technical amendment is required to address and
clarify special needs for buildings constructed on
hillside locations. A SEAOSC and Los Angeles City
Joint Task Force investigated the performance of
hillside building failures after the Northridge
earthquake. Numerous hillside failures resulted in
loss of life and millions of dollars in damage. These
criteria were developed to minimize the damage to
these structures and have been in use by both the
City and County of Los Angeles for several years
with much success. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1613.10
Geological
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a
densely populated area having buildings constructed
over and near a vast array of fault systems capable
of producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The proposed
modification requiring safe design and construction
requirements for ceiling suspension systems to
resist seismic loads is intended to minimize the
amount of damage within a building and therefore
22
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
needs to be incorporated into the code to assure
that new buildings and additions to existing buildings
are designed and constructed in accordance with
the scope and objectives of the California Building
Code.
1704.6
Geological
The language in section 1704.6 of the California
Administrative
Building Code permits the owner to employ any
registered design professional to perform structural
observations with minimum guidelines. However, it
is important that the registered design professional
responsible for the structural design has thorough
knowledge of the building he/she designed. By
requiring the registered design professional
responsible for the structural design, or their
designee, who was involved with the design to
observe the construction, the quality of the
observation for major structural elements and
connections that affect the vertical and lateral load
resisting systems of the structure will be greatly
increased. Additional requirements are provided to
help clarify the role and duties of the structural
observer and the method of reporting and correcting
observed deficiencies to the Building Official. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
1704.6.1
Geological
With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings
and structures in this region, the language in section
1704.6.1, Item 3, of the California Building Code
would permit many low-rise buildings and structures
with complex structural elements to be constructed
without the benefit of a structural observation. By
requiring a registered design professional to observe
the construction, the quality of the observation for
major structural elements and connections that
affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems
of the structure will be greatly increased. An
exception is provided to permit simple structures and
buildings to be excluded. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
23
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
in the County.
1705.3
Geological
Results from studies after the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake indicated that a significant portion of the
damage was attributable to lack of quality control
during construction resulting in poor performance of
the building or structure. Therefore, the amendment
restricts the exceptions to the requirement for
special inspection. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
1705.13
Geological
In Southern California, very few detached one- or
two-family dwellings not exceeding two stories
above grade plane are built as "box -type" structures
specially for those in hillside areas and near the
oceanfront. Many with steel moment frames or
braced frames, and/or cantilevered columns, can still
be shown as "regular" structures by calculations.
With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings
and structures in this region, the language in
section 1705.13, Item 3, of the California Building
Code would permit many detached one- or two-
family dwellings not exceeding two stories above
grade plane with complex structural elements to be
constructed without the benefit of special
inspections. By requiring special inspections, the
quality of major structural elements and connections
that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting
systems of the structure will be greatly increased.
The exception should only be allowed for detached
one- or two-family dwellings not exceeding two
stories above grade plane assigned to Seismic
Design Categories A, B, and C.
1807.1.4
Climatic
No substantiating data has been provided to show
Geological
that a wood foundation is effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effect of constant moisture in
the soil and wood -destroying organisms. Wood
retaining walls, when they are not properly treated
and protected against deterioration, have performed
very poorly and have led to slope failures. Most
24
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or
eliminate potential problems that may result by using
wood foundations that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wood -
destroying organisms. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
1807.1.6
Geological
With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings
and structures in this region, it is necessary to take
precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential
problems that may result by following prescriptive
design provisions that do not take into consideration
the surrounding environment. Plain concrete
performs poorly in withstanding the cyclic forces
resulting from seismic events. In addition, no
substantiating data has been provided to show that
under -reinforced foundation walls are effective in
resisting seismic loads, and may potentially lead to a
higher risk of failure. It is important that the benefit
and expertise of a registered design professional be
obtained to properly analyze the structure and take
these issues into consideration. This amendment is
a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1807.2
Climatic,
No substantiating data has been provided to show
Geological
that wood foundation systems are effective in
supporting buildings and structures during a seismic
event while being subject to deterioration caused by
the combined detrimental effects of constant
moisture in the soil and wood -destroying organisms.
Wood foundation systems not properly treated and
protected against deterioration have performed very
poorly and have led to slope failures. Most
25
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate
potential problems that may result in using wood
foundation systems that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wood -
destroying organisms. This proposed amendment is
a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1807.3.1
Climatic,
No substantiating data has been provided to show
Geological
that wood foundation systems are effective in
supporting buildings and structures during a seismic
event while being subject to deterioration caused by
the combined detrimental effects of constant
moisture in the soil and wood -destroying organisms.
Wood foundation systems not properly treated and
protected against deterioration have performed very
poorly and have led to slope failures. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate
potential problems that may result in using wood
foundation systems that experience relatively rapid
decay due to the fact that the region does not
experience temperatures cold enough to destroy or
retard the growth and proliferation of wood -
destroying organisms. This proposed amendment is
a continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1809.3 and
Geological
With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings
Figure
and structures in this region, it is necessary to take
1809.3
precautionary steps to reduce or eliminate potential
problems that may result for under -reinforced
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
footings located on sloped surfaces. Requiring
minimum reinforcement for stepped footings is
intended to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under -reinforced footings
during a seismic event. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles.
1809.7 and
Geological
No substantiating data has been provided to show
Table 1809.7
that under -reinforced footings are effective in
resisting seismic loads, and therefore they may
potentially lead to a higher risk of failure. This
amendment requires minimum reinforcement in
continuous footings to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under -reinforced footings
during a seismic event. With the higher seismic
demand placed on buildings and structures in this
region, it is necessary to take precautionary steps to
reduce or eliminate potential problems that may
result by following prescriptive design provisions for
footings that do not take into consideration the
surrounding environment. It is important that the
benefit and expertise of a registered design
professional be obtained to properly analyze the
structure and take these factors into consideration.
This amendment reflects the recommendations by
the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task
Force, which investigated the performance
deficiencies observed in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of
an amendment adopted during previous code
adoption cycles.
1809.12
Climatic
No substantiating data has been provided to show
Geological
that timber footings are effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in
the soil and wood -destroying organisms. Timber
footings, when they are not properly treated and
protected against deterioration, have performed very
poorly. Most contractors are typically accustomed to
construction in dry and temperate weather in the
Southern California region and are not generally
familiar with the necessary precautions and
27
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both
seismic events and wet applications. The proposed
amendment takes the necessary precautionary
steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems,
which may result by using timber footings that
experience relatively rapid decay due to the fact that
the region does not experience temperatures cold
enough to destroy or retard the growth and
proliferation of wood -destroying organisms. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the local climate and the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County.
1810.3.2.4
Climatic
No substantiating data has been provided to show
Geological
that timber footings are effective in supporting
buildings and structures during a seismic event while
being subject to deterioration caused by the
combined detrimental effects of constant moisture in
the soil and wood -destroying organisms. Timber
footings, when they are not properly treated and
protected against deterioration, have performed very
poorly. Most contractors are typically accustomed to
construction in dry and temperate weather in the
Southern California region and are not generally
familiar with the necessary precautions and
treatment of wood that makes it suitable for both
seismic events and wet applications. The proposed
amendment takes the necessary precautionary
steps to reduce or eliminate potential problems that
may result by using timber footings that experience
relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region
does not experience temperatures cold enough to
destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of
wood -destroying organisms. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the local climate and the increased risk of
si nificant earthquake intheCounty.
1905.1
Geological
This amendment is intended to carry over critical
provisions for the design of concrete columns in
moment frames from the legacy 1997 Uniform
Building Code. Increased confinement is critical to
28
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
the integrity of such columns and these
modifications ensure that it is provided when certain
thresholds are exceeded. In addition, this
amendment carries over from the legacy 1997
Uniform Building Code a critical provision for the
design of concrete shear walls. It essentially limits
the use of very highly gravity -loaded walls in being
included in the seismic load resisting system, since
their failure could have catastrophic effect on the
building. Furthermore, this amendment was
incorporated in the code based on observations from
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Rebar placed in
very thin concrete topping slabs have been
observed in some instances to have popped out of
the slab due to insufficient concrete coverage. This
modification ensures that critical boundary and
collector rebars are placed in sufficiently thick
topping slab to prevent buckling of such
reinforcements. This proposed amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
1905.6.2
Geological
This amendment requires minimum reinforcement in
continuous footings to address the problem of poor
performance of plain or under -reinforced footings
during a seismic event. This amendment reflects
the recommendations by the SEAOSC and the
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which
investigated the poor performance observed in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
1905.8
Geological
These amendments are intended to carry over
through
critical provisions for the design of concrete columns
1905.10
in moment frames from the Uniform Building Code
(UBC). Increased confinement is critical to the
integrity of such columns and these modifications
ensure that it is provided when certain thresholds
are exceeded. In addition, this amendment carries
over from the UBC a critical provision for the design
29
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
of concrete shear walls. It essentially limits the use
of very highly gravity -loaded walls from being
included in the seismic load resisting system, since
their failure could have a catastrophic effect on the
building. Furthermore, this amendment was
incorporated into this Code based on observations
from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Rebar placed
in very thin concrete topping slabs has been
observed in some instances to have popped out of
the slab due to insufficient concrete coverage. This
modification ensures that critical boundary and
collector rebars are placed in sufficiently thick slabs
to prevent buckling of such reinforcements. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
2304.10.2
Geological
Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern
and Table
California area and the expected higher level of
2304.10.2
performance on buildings and structures, this
proposed local amendment limits the use of staple
fasteners in resisting or transferring seismic forces.
In September 2007, limited cyclic testing data was
provided to the ICC, Los Angeles Chapter Structural
Code Committee, showing that stapled wood
structural shear panels do not exhibit the same
behavior as nailed wood structural shear panels.
The test results of stapled wood structural shear
panels demonstrated much lower strength and drift
than nailed wood structural shear panel test results.
Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners to resist
or transfer seismic forces shall not be permitted
without being substantiated by cyclic testing. This
amendment is a continuation of a similar
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles, and is necessary due to the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
2304.10.3.1
Geological
The overdriving of nails into the structural wood
panels still remains a concern when pneumatic nail
guns are used for wood structural panel shear wall
nailing. Box nails were observed to cause massive
and multiple failures of the typical 3/8 -inch thick
plywood during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.
30
Code
Section
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
The use of clipped head nails continues to be
restricted from use in wood structural panel shear
walls where the minimum nail head size must be
maintained in order to minimize nails from pulling
through sheathing materials. Clipped or
mechanically driven nails used in wood structural
panel shear wall construction were found to perform
much worse in previous wood structural panel shear
wall testing done at the University of California
Irvine. The existing test results indicated that, under
cyclic loading, the wood structural panel shear walls
were less energy absorbent and less ductile. The
panels reached ultimate load capacity and failed at
substantially less lateral deflection than those using
same -size hand -driven nails. This amendment
reflects the recommendations by the SEAOSC and
the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force, which
investigated the poor performance observed in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
2304.12.2.8
Climatic
No substantiating data has been provided to show
Geological
that wood used in retaining or crib walls is effective
in supporting buildings and structures during a
seismic event while being subject to deterioration
caused by the combined detrimental effect of
constant moisture in the soil and wood -destroying
organisms. Wood used in retaining or crib walls,
when it is not properly treated and protected against
deterioration, has performed very poorly. Most
contractors are typically accustomed to construction
in dry and temperate weather in the Southern
California region and are not generally familiar with
the necessary precautions and treatment of wood
that makes it suitable for both seismic events and
wet applications. The proposed amendment takes
the necessary precautionary steps to reduce or
eliminate potential problems that may result by using
wood in retaining or crib walls, which experience
relatively rapid decay due to the fact that the region
does not experience temperatures cold enough to
31
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
destroy or retard the growth and proliferation of
wood -destroying organisms. This amendment is a
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the local climate and the increased risk of
significant earthquakes in the County.
2305.4
Geological
Many of the hold-down connectors currently in use
do not have any acceptance report based on
dynamic testing protocols. This amendment
continues to limit the allowable capacity to 75% of
the acceptance report value to provide an additional
factor of safety for statically tested anchorage
devices. Cyclic forces imparted on buildings and
structures by seismic activity cause more damage
than equivalent forces that are applied in a static
manner. Steel plate washers will reduce the
additional damage that can result when hold-down
connectors are fastened to wood framing members.
This amendment reflects the recommendations by
the SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task
Force, which investigated the poor performance
observed in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This
amendment is a continuation of an amendment
adopted during previous code adoption cycles, and
is necessary due to the increased risk of significant
earthquakes in the County.
2306.2
Geological
The SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task
2306.3
Force that investigated damage to buildings and
2307.2
structures during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake
2308.10.5.1
recommended reducing allowable shear values in
2308.10.5.2
wood structural panel shear walls or diaphragms
Figure
that were not substantiated by cyclic testing. That
2308.10.5.1
recommendation was consistent with a report to the
and Figure
Governor from the Seismic Safety Commission of
2308.10.5.2
the State of California recommending that code
requirements be "more thoroughly substantiated with
testing." The allowable shear values for wood
structural panel shear walls or diaphragms fastened
with staples are based on monotonic testing and do
not take into consideration that earthquake forces
load shear wall or diaphragm in a repeating and fully
reversible manner. In September 2007, limited
cyclic testing was conducted by a private
32
Code
Section
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
engineering firm to determine if wood structural
panels fastened with staples would exhibit the same
behavior as wood structural panels fastened with
common nails. The test result revealed that wood
structural panels fastened with staples demonstrated
much lower strength and stiffness than wood
structural panels fastened with common nails. It
was recommended that the use of staples as
fasteners for wood structural panel shear walls or
diaphragms not be permitted to resist seismic forces
in structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories
D, E, and F unless it can be substantiated by cyclic
testing. Furthermore, the cities and unincorporated
areas within the greater Los Angeles/Long Beach
region have taken extra measures to maintain the
structural integrity of the framing of shear walls and
diaphragms designed for high levels of seismic
forces by requiring wood sheathing be applied
directly over the framing members and prohibiting
the use of panels placed over gypsum sheathing.
This amendment is intended to prevent the
undesirable performance of nails when gypsum
board softens due to cyclic earthquake
displacements and the nail ultimately does not have
any engagement in a solid material within the
thickness of the gypsum board. This amendment
continues the previous amendment adopted during
the 2007 code adoption cycle.
2308.10.8.1
Geological
With the higher seismic demand placed on buildings
and structures in this region, interior walls can easily
be called upon to resist over half of the seismic
loading imposed on simple buildings or structures.
Without a continuous foundation to support the
braced wall line, seismic loads would be transferred
through other elements such as non-structural
concrete slab floors, wood floors, etc. The purpose
of this amendment is to limit the use of the exception
to structures assigned to Seismic Design Category
A, B, or C where lower seismic demands are
expected. Requiring interior braced walls be
supported by continuous foundations is intended to
reduce or eliminate the poor performance of
buildings or structures. This amendment is a
33
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
continuation of an amendment adopted during
previous code adoption cycles, and is necessary
due to the increased risk of significant earthquakes
in the County.
Table
Geological
This amendment specifies minimum sheathing
2308.10.1
thickness and nail size and spacing so as to provide
a uniform standard of construction for designers and
buildings to follow. This is intended to improve the
performance level of buildings and structures that
are subject to the higher seismic demands placed on
buildings or structure in this region. This proposed
amendment reflects the recommendations by the
SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City Joint Task
Force, which investigated the performance
deficiencies observed in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. This amendment is a continuation of
an amendment adopted during previous code
adoption cycles, and is necessary due to the
increased risk of significant earthquakes in the
County.
2308.10.9
Geological
Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern
California area and the required higher level of
performance of buildings and structures, this
amendment limits the use of staple fasteners in
resisting or transferring seismic forces. In
September 2007, limited cyclic testing data was
provided to the ICC, Los Angeles Chapter Structural
Code Committee, showing that stapled wood
structural shear panels do not exhibit the same
behavior as nailed wood structural shear panels.
The test results of stapled wood structural shear
panels demonstrated much lower strength and drift
than nailed wood structural shear panel test results.
Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners to resist
or transfer seismic forces shall not be permitted
without being substantiated by cyclic testing. This
amendment is a continuation of a similar
amendment adopted during previous code adoption
cycles.
3114;
Climatic,
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is
Geologic
situated over a vast array of earthquake fault
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
34
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.
The region is further impacted by construction of
buildings and structures utilizing traditional
construction materials that impact the amount of
energy, air quality, greenhouse gas emission and
construction waste in the area. The proposed
amendment addresses structural design
requirements specific to intermodal shipping
containers, reduce environmental impact of unused
and unrecycled intermodal shipping containers, and
increase sustainability by reducing consumption of
traditional construction materials. The proposed
modification needs to be incorporated into the code
to assure that new buildings and additions to
existing buildings utilizing intermodal shipping
containers are designed and constructed in
accordance with the scope and objectives of the
California Building Code and California Green
Building Standards Code
Appendix C
Climatic,
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
Geologic,
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
Voluntary
various agricultural and animal husbandry
appendix
establishments. Many areas of the County have
been designated as Fire Hazard Severity Zones due
to the increased risk of fire caused by low humidity,
strong winds, and dry vegetation, particularly the
rural areas, which are often used for agricultural
purposes. Furthermore, the greater Los
Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a vast
array of earthquake fault systems capable of
producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Due to the need
for agricultural buildings to perform appropriately in
the County due to its geology and climate, adoption
of building standards for such structures is required.
Appendix H
Climatic,
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
Geologic,
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
Voluntary
various signs used in the County. The Los Angeles
appendix
region is situated over a vast array of earthquake
fault systems capable of producing major
earthquakes, similar to or exceeding the geologic
activities occurring during the 1994 Northridge
35
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
Earthquake. In addition, weather events occur
seasonally with high winds such as the Santa Ana
Winds. Due to the need for signs to perform well in
the County due to its climate and geology, adoption
of building standards for signs is required.
H103.1
Geologic,
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
Administrative,
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
Voluntary
various signs used in the County. The greater
appendix
Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a
vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of
producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This provision is
amended to cross-reference to applicable legal
provisions and also to ensure that signs are located
in such a way as to avoid damage to adjacent
structures and people given the potential for
earthquakes in the County.
H103.2
Geologic,
Los Angeles County is a diverse region with both
Administrative,
densely populated urban areas and rural areas with
Voluntary
various signs used in the County. The greater
appendix
Los Angeles/Long Beach region is situated over a
vast array of earthquake fault systems capable of
producing major earthquakes, similar to or
exceeding the geologic activities occurring during
the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. This provision is
amended to cross-reference to applicable legal
provisions and also to ensure that sign projections
and clearances are located in such a way as to
avoid damage to adjacent structures and people
given the potential for earthquakes in the County.
H104.1
Geologic,
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is
Voluntary
situated over a vast array of earthquake fault
appendix
systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
similar to or exceeding the geologic activities
occurring during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.
Due to the risk of geologic activities in the Southern
California area, buildings and structures require a
high level of performance, which is directly
proportional to the weight of a structure. By adding
the weight of a sign to the identification placard, it
will improve the ability to provide structural
verification in the event of damage or future
36
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
modifications.
H105.1
Administrative,
The amendment provides a cross reference to
Voluntary
Chapter 24 for user convenience.
appendix
H106.1,
Administrative,
This change corrects a call out from the model
H 106.2
Voluntary
electrical code to the relevant local electrical code
appendix
and clarifies that a separate electrical permit is
required for user convenience.
H110.1
Climatic,
Due to the potential for severe local weather
Voluntary
conditions with torrential rain, it is necessary to
appendix
clarify that no portions of the roof sign and
supporting members may interfere with proper roof
drainage to prevent the potential for roof collapse
due to water accumulation.
H116
Climatic,
Due to the potential for severe local weather with
Voluntary
high speed winds and hot, dry conditions, it is
appendix
necessary that the most recent test standards as
specified in Chapter 35 are adopted in lieu of the
older test standards specified in Section H116. This
ensures that the risk from fires is minimized.
J101.1 to
Geological
Sections revised to include erosion and sediment
J101.9
Topographical
control measures to address the complex and
Climatic
diverse set of soil types and geologic conditions that
exist in the greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach
region.
J101.10
Geological
Section revised to maintain safety and integrity of
Topographical
public or private property adjacent to grading sites
Climatic
due to the complex and diverse set of soil types,
climates, and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long County/LongBeach region.
J103.1 —
Geological
Sections revised to provide adequate control of
J103.2 and
Topographical
grading operations typical to the greater Los
Figure
Climatic
Angeles County/Long Beach region due to the
J103.2
complex and diverse set of soil types, climates, and
geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long County/LongBeach region.
J104.2.1 —
Geological
Sections revised or added to provide adequate
J104.4
Topographical
control of grading operations typical to the greater
Climatic
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region due to the
complex and diverse set of soil types, climates, and
geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long County/LongBeach region.
37
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
J105.1-
Geological
Sections revised or added to provide adequate
J105.14
Topographical
control of grading operations typical to the greater
Climatic
Los Angeles County/Long Beach region due to the
complex and diverse set of soil types, climates, and
geologic conditions that exist in the greater
Los Angeles County/Long County/LongBeach region.
J106.1
Geological
Section revised to require more stringent cut slope
Topographical
ratios to address the complex and diverse set of soil
Climatic
types and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long County/LongBeach region.
J107.1-
Geological
Sections revised to provide more stringent fill
J107.7
Topographical
requirements for slope stability and settlement due
Climatic
to the complex and diverse set of soil types,
climates, and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long County/LongBeach region.
J107.8 —
Geological
Sections revised to provide more stringent
J107.9
Topographical
inspection and testing requirements for fill slope
Climatic
stability due to the complex and diverse set of soil
types, climates, and geologic conditions that exist in
the greater Los Angeles County/Long County/LongBeach region.
J108.1 —
Geological
Sections revised to provide more stringent slope
J108.4
Topographical
setback requirements to address the complex and
Climatic
diverse set of soil types, climates, and geologic
conditions that exist in the greater Los Angeles
County/LongCounty/Long Beach region.
J109.1 —
Geological
Sections revised to provide more stringent drainage
J109.3
Topographical
and terracing requirements to address the complex
Climatic
and diverse set of soil types, climates, and geologic
conditions that exist in the greater Los Angeles
County/LongCounty/Long Beach region.
J109.5
Geological
Subsection added to provide for adequate outlet of
Topographical
drainage flows due to the diverse set of soil types,
Climatic
climates, and geologic conditions that exist in the
greater Los Angeles County/Long County/LongBeach region.
J110.1 -
Geological
Sections revised or added to provide for State
J110.8.5
Topographical
requirements of storm water pollution prevention and
Climatic
more stringent slope planting, and slope stability
requirements to control erosion due to the complex
and diverse set of soil types, climates, and geologic
conditions that exist in the greater Los Angeles
County/LongCounty/Long Beach region.
J111
Geological
Section revised to reference additional standards for
Topographical
soils testing due to the complex and diverse set of
38
Code
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
Section
Climatic
soil types, climates, and geologic conditions that
exist in the greater Los Angeles County/Long Beach
region.
Appendix Q
Administrative,
Adoption of this appendix is necessary because
Q101.1,
Voluntary
strict compliance with State and local standards and
Q102.1,
appendix
laws would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of
Q103.1,
Climatic
the effects of a declared shelter crisis, local
Q103.4,
Geologic
emergency or state of emergency. The
Q107.1
Topographical
modifications to this appendix are administrative in
nature, to provide clarification of various provisions
of the language of this voluntary Appendix.
Q106.1
Climatic
Los Angeles County is subject to extreme
temperatures, and many of these membrane
structures will be erected and occupied during
severe weather events. It is necessary to include
this amendment to ensure the safety, health, and
comfort of the occupants is maintained during
extreme heat and cold.
Q110.1.1,
Administrative
These sections are a cross reference to the State
Q110.1.2
Plumbing Code requirement for user convenience
and is not adding a new building standard nor
enacting a more restrictive requirement. To the
extent findings are requested, see prefatory
language in this Section.
Q110.3
Climatic,
The County may utilize mobile restroom facilities
Voluntary
that are physically separate from the living facilities.
appendix
Due to the potential for severe local weather
conditions, with extreme temperatures or torrential
rain, the distance to the restroom facilities required
for the comfort, safety, and health of displaced
people should be reduced to 300 feet or as
determined by the Building Official.
39
PLUMBING CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE SECTION
CONDITION
EXPLANATION
Section 304.1
Geological
The County of Los Angeles is a densely
Topographical
populated area with buildings constructed
Climatic
within a region where water is scarce and
domestic water service is impacted by
immoderate and varying weather conditions,
including periods of extended drought. The
proposed measures will require buildings to
be more water efficient and allow greater
conservation of domestic water due to these
local conditions.
Sections 601.2.3
Geological
The County of Los Angeles is a densely
Topographical
populated area with buildings constructed
Climatic
within a region where water is scarce and
domestic water service is impacted by
immoderate and varying weather conditions,
including periods of extended drought. The
proposed measures will require buildings to
be more water efficient and allow greater
conservation of domestic water due to these
local conditions.
Section 721.3
Geological
To allow for the proper operation of existing
Topographical
Los Angeles County sewer infrastructure and
establish consistency with Title 20 — Utilities
of the Los Angeles County Code, Division 2
(Sanitary Sewers and Industrial Waste) due
to local soil conditions and topography.
Sections 728.1 to
Geological
To allow for the proper operation of existing
728.6
Topographical
Los Angeles County sewer infrastructure and
establish consistency with Title 20 — Utilities
of the Los Angeles County Code, Division 2
(Sanitary Sewers and Industrial Waste) due
to local soil conditions and topography.
Table H 101.8
Geological
To establish more restrictive requirements for
Topographical
protection of local groundwater due to local
soil conditions and to provide protections for
native, protected oak trees that are consistent
with Title 22 — Zoning and Planning — of the
Los Angeles County Code, Chapter 22.174
(Oak Tree Permits).
,N
Table H 201.1(1)
Geological
To establish more restrictive requirements for
Topographical
protection of local groundwater due to local
soil conditions, sewer capacity, and sewage
treatment.
Table H 201.1(2)
Geological
To establish consistency with requirements o
Topographical
the County Health Department for sewer
capacity and sewage treatment due to local
soil conditions.
Table H 201.1(3)
Geological
To establish consistency with requirements o
Topographical
the County Health Department for sewer
capacity and sewage treatment due to local
soil conditions.
Table H 201.1(4)
Geological
To establish consistency with requirements o
Topographical
the County Health Department for sewer
capacity and sewage treatment due to local
soil conditions.
Section H 301.1
Geological
To establish more restrictive requirements for
Topographical
protection of local groundwater due to local
soil conditions.
Section H 401.3
Geological
To establish more restrictive requirements for
Topographical
protection of local groundwater due to local
soil conditions.
Section H 601.5
Geological
To establish more restrictive requirements for
Topographical
protection of local groundwater due to local
soil conditions.
Section H 601.8
Geological
To establish more restrictive requirements for
Topographical
protection of local groundwater due to local
soil conditions.
Section H 701.2
Geological
To establish more restrictive requirements for
Topographical
protection of local groundwater due to local
soil conditions.
Section H 1001.1
Geological
To establish more restrictive requirements to
prevent earth movement based on local soil
and seismic conditions.
Section H 1101.6
Geological
To establish more restrictive requirements to
prevent earth movement based on local soil
and seismic conditions.
41
Appendix P
CODE SECTION
CONDITION
Appendix S
Climatic
To establish requirements for solar thermal
Additional Health
energy systems based on provisions in the
Department requirements
Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal
are necessary due to local
Code (USHGC), which is developed by the
air uali concerns.
510.1.6
International Association of Plumbing and
High geologic activities,
Mechanical Officials. The County of
such as seismic events, in
Los Angeles is a densely populated area,
the Southern California
with elevated levels of greenhouse gas
area necessitate this local
emissions. Standards to regulate the
amendment for bracing
installation of solar thermal energy systems
and support.
603.7.1.1
will facilitate safe and efficient installations of
High geologic activities,
these systems to improve local air quality,
such as seismic events, in
thereby improving the health of the County's
the Southern California
residents, businesses and visitors.
MECHANICAL CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE SECTION
CONDITION
EXPLANATION
501.1
Climatic
Additional Health
Department requirements
are necessary due to local
air uali concerns.
510.1.6
Geological
High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment for bracing
and support.
603.7.1.1
Geological
High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment for bracing
and support.
42
MECHANICAL CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE SECTION CONDITION
EXPLANATION
1114.4
Geological
High geologic activities,
such as seismic events, in
the Southern California
area necessitate this local
amendment to reduce
damage and potential for
toxic refrigerant release
during a seismic event
caused by shifting
equipment and to minimize
impacts to the sewer
system in such an event.
M—Dri l DQ11 Y /:\ 1[K1] 17 �I:\u I �1►1Ilu 1 �l�ll lf.�
Code Section
Condition
Explanation of Amendment
R301.1.3.2
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
After the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, the Wood Frame
Construction Joint Task Force recommended that the
quality of woodframe construction needed to be greatly
improved. The Task Force recommended that structural
plans be prepared by the engineer or architect so that plan
examiners, building inspectors, contractors, and special
inspectors may logically follow and construct the seismic
force -resisting systems as presented in the construction
documents. For buildings or structures located in Seismic
Design Category Do, Di, D2, or E that are subject to a
greater level of seismic forces, the requirement to have a
California licensed architect or engineer prepare the
construction documents is intended to minimize or reduce
structural deficiencies that may cause excessive damage or
injuries in woodframe buildings. Involvement of a
registered professional will minimize the occurrence of
structural deficiencies such as plan and vertical
irregularities, improper shear transfer of the seismic force -
resisting system, missed details or connections important to
the structural system, and the improper application of the
prescriptive requirements of the California Residential
Code.
43
R301.1.5
Geological
Due to the local topographical and geological conditions of
Topographical
the sites within the greater Los Angeles region and their
susceptibility to earthquakes, this technical amendment is
required to address and clarify special needs for buildings
constructed on hillside locations. A joint Structural
Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC)
and Los Angeles City Joint Task Force investigated the
performance of hillside building failures after the
Northridge Earthquake. Numerous hillside failures
resulted in loss of life and millions of dollars in damage.
These criteria were developed to minimize the damage to
these structures and have been in use by the City and
County of Los Angeles for several years.
R301.2.2.6
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern
California area and the necessary higher level of
performance required for buildings and structures, this
local amendment limits the type of irregular conditions as
specified in the California Residential Code. Such
limitations are recommended to reduce structural damage
in the event of an earthquake. The County of Los Angeles
and cities in this region have implemented these extra
measures to maintain the structural integrity of the framing
of the shear walls and all associated elements when
designed for high levels of seismic loads.
R301.2.2.11
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
Due to the high geologic activity in the Southern California
area and the necessary higher level of performance
required for buildings and structures, this local amendment
limits the potential anchorage and supporting frame failure
resulting from additional weight. There is no limitation for
weight of mechanical and plumbing fixtures and
equipment in the International Residential Code.
Requirements from ASCE 7 and the International Building
Code would permit equipment weighing up to 400 lbs.
when mounted at 4 feet or less above the floor or attic level
without engineering design. Where equipment exceeds
this requirement, it is the intent of this amendment that a
registered design professional be required to analyze if the
floor support is adequate and structurally sound.
Table
Climatic
This amendment will not allow unprotected openings
R302.1(2)
(openings that do not resist the spread of fire) to be in the
exterior wall of a residential building that is located on a
property line. This amendment is necessary due to local
44
R401.1
Geological
climatic conditions. The hot, dry weather conditions of
late summer in combination with the Santa Ana winds
creates an extreme fire danger. Residential buildings with
unprotected openings located on a property line may
permit fires to spread from the inside of the building to
adjacent properties and likewise from exterior properties to
the interior of the building.
R337.1.1
Climatic
Clarifies the application of Chapter 5 of the California
Wildland Interface Code to also harden additions,
R337.1.2
alterations, and/or relocated buildings. Many areas of the
County have been designated as Fire Hazard Severity
Zones due to the increased risk of fire caused by low
humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation. Additions,
alterations, and/or relocated buildings have the same fire
risk as new buildings.
R337.1.3
Climatic
Disallows the use of wood-shingle/wood-shake roofs due
to the increased risk of fire in the County caused by low
R337.1.5
humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in high fire
severity zones in order to further harden residential
R337.1.6
buildings against fire risk.
R337.1.7
Climatic
Disallows the use of Class B wood-shingle/wood-shake
roofs due to the increased risk of fire in the County caused
by low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation in high
fire severity zones in order to further harden residential
buildings against fire risk.
R401.1
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
Wood foundations, even those that are preservative -treated,
encounter a higher risk of deterioration when contacting
the adjacent ground. The required seismic anchorage and
transfer of lateral forces into the foundation system
necessary for 2 -story structures and foundation walls could
become compromised at varying states of wood decay. In
addition, global structure overturning moment and sliding
resistance is reduced when utilizing wood foundations as
opposed to conventional concrete or masonry systems.
However, non -occupied, single -story storage structures
pose significantly less risk to human safety and may utilize
the wood foundation guidelines specified in this Chapter.
45
R403.1.2
Climatic
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
R403.1.3.6
Geological
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
R403.1.5
These amendments require minimum reinforcement in
Figure
continuous footings and stepped footings to address the
R403.1.5
problem of poor performance of plain or under -reinforced
footings during a seismic event. These amendments
implement the recommendations of SEAOSC and the Los
Angeles City Joint Task Force resulting from their
investigation of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Interior
walls can easily be called upon to resist over half of the
seismic loading imposed on simple buildings or structures.
Without a continuous foundation to support the braced wall
line, seismic loads would be transferred through other
elements such as non-structural concrete slab floors, wood
floors, etc. Requiring interior braced walls to be supported
by continuous foundations is intended to reduce or
eliminate the poor performance of buildings or structures.
R404.2
Climatic
No substantiating data has been provided to show that
Geological
wood foundations are effective in supporting structures and
buildings during a seismic event while being subject to
deterioration caused by the presence of water and other
materials detrimental to wood foundations in the soil.
Wood foundations, when they are not properly treated and
protected against deterioration, have performed very
poorly and have led to slope failures. Most contractors are
typically accustomed to construction in dry weather in the
Southern California region and are not generally familiar
with the necessary precautions and treatment of wood that
makes it suitable for both seismic events and wet
applications. With the higher seismic demand placed on
buildings and structures in this region, coupled with the
dryer weather conditions, it is the intent of this amendment
to reduce or eliminate potential problems resulting from
the use of wood footings and foundations.
M
R501.2
Geological
Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern
California area and the necessary higher level of
performance required for buildings and structures, this
local amendment limits the potential anchorage and
supporting frame failure resulting from additional weight.
There is no limitation for weight of mechanical and
plumbing fixtures and equipment in the International
Residential Code. Requirements from ASCE 7 and the
International Building Code would permit equipment
weighing up to 400 lbs. when mounted at 4 feet or less
above the floor or attic level without engineering design.
Where equipment exceeds this requirement, it is the intent
of this amendment that a registered design professional be
required to analyze if the floor support is adequate and
structurally sound.
R503.2.4
Geological
Section R502.10 of the Code does not provide any
Figure
prescriptive criteria to limit the maximum floor opening
R503.2.4
size, nor does Section R503 provide any details to address
the issue of shear transfer near larger floor openings. With
the higher seismic demand placed on buildings and
structures in this region, it is important to ensure that a
complete load path is provided to reduce or eliminate
potential damage caused by seismic forces. Requiring
blocking with metal ties around larger floor openings and
limiting opening size is consistent with the requirements of
Section R301.2.2.6.
Table
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
R602.3(1)
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
Table
In September 2007, limited cyclic testing data was
R602.3(2)
provided to the ICC Los Angeles Chapter Structural Code
Committee showing that stapled wood structural shear
panels do not exhibit the same behavior as the nailed wood
structural shear panels. The test results of the stapled
wood structural shear panels demonstrated lower strength
and drift than the nailed wood structural shear panel test
results. Therefore, the use of staples as fasteners for shear
walls sheathed with other materials shall not be permitted
without being substantiated by cyclic testing.
47
R602.3.2
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
Table
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
R602.3.2
The County of Los Angeles and cities in this region have
taken extra measures to maintain the structural integrity of
the framing of the shear walls when designed for high
levels of seismic loads by eliminating single top plate
construction. The performance of modern day braced wall
panel construction is directly related to an adequate load
path extending from the roof diaphragm to the foundation
system.
R602.10.2.3
Geological
The greater Los Angeles region is a densely populated area
having buildings and structures constructed over and near a
vast array of fault systems capable of producing major
earthquakes, including, but not limited, to the 1994
Northridge Earthquake. Plywood shear walls with high
aspect ratio experienced many failures during the
Northridge Earthquake. This proposed amendment
specifies a minimum braced wall length to meet an aspect
ratio consistent with other sections of the California
Residential Code, and to assure that new buildings and
additions to existing buildings are designed and
constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of
the California Residential Code. This is intended to
improve the performance level of buildings and structures
that are subject to the higher seismic demands and reduce
and limit potential damage to property. This proposed
amendment reflects the recommendations by SEAOSC and
the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force that investigated the
poor performance observed during the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake.
48
Table
Geological
Due to the high geologic activities in the Southern
R602.10.3(3)
California area and the necessary higher level of
performance of buildings and structures, this local
amendment reduces or eliminates the allowable shear
values for shear walls sheathed with lath, plaster, or
gypsum board. The poor performance of such shear walls
sheathed with other materials in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC and the
Los Angeles City Joint Task Force. The County of Los
Angeles and cities in this region have taken extra measures
to maintain the structural integrity of the framing of the
shear walls when designed for high levels of seismic loads.
Table
Geological
3/8" thick 3 ply -plywood shear walls experienced many
R602.10.4
failures during the Northridge Earthquake. This
amendment specifies minimum WSP sheathing thickness
and nail size and spacing, so as to provide a uniform
standard of construction to improve the performance level
of buildings and structures, given the potential for higher
seismic demands placed on buildings or structure in this
region. This proposed amendment reflects the
recommendations by SEAOSC and the Los Angeles City
Joint Task Force following the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake. In September 2007, cyclic testing data was
provided to the Los Angeles Chapter Structural Code
Committee showing that stapled wood structural shear
panels underperformed nailed wood structural shear
panels. Test results of the stapled wood structural shear
panels appeared much lower in strength and drift than the
nailed wood structural shear panel test results.
Table
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
R602.10.5
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
The poor performance of such shear walls sheathed in the
1994 Northridge Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC
and the Los Angeles City Joint Task Force. The County of
Los Angeles and cities in this region have taken extra
measures to maintain the structural integrity with respect to
the "maximum shear wall aspect ratios" of the framing of
the shear walls when designed for high levels of seismic
loads. This amendment is consistent with the shear wall
aspect ratio provision of Section 4.3.3 of AWC SDPWS-
2021.
Figure
Geological
3/8" thick 3 ply -plywood shear walls experienced many
R602.10.6.1
failures during the Northridge Earthquake. The poor
performance of shear walls in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC and the Los
m
50
Angeles City Joint Task Force. Box nails were observed to
cause massive and multiple failures of the typical 3/8"
thick 3 ply -plywood during the Northridge Earthquake.
The County of Los Angeles and cities in this region have
taken extra measures to maintain the structural integrity of
the framing of the shear walls when designed for high
levels of seismic loads. The performance of modern day
braced wall panel construction is directly related to an
adequate load path extending from the roof diaphragm to
the foundations stem.
Figure
Geological
3/8" thick 3 ply -plywood shear walls experienced many
R602.10.6.2
failures during the Northridge Earthquake. The poor
performance of such shear walls in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC and the Los
Angeles City Joint Task Force. The County of Los
Angeles and cities in this region have taken extra measures
to maintain the structural integrity of the framing of the
shear walls when designed for high levels of seismic loads.
Box nails were observed to cause massive and multiple
failures of typical 3/8 -inch thick plywood during the
Northridge Earthquake. This change to the minimum lap
splice requirement is consistent with Section 25.5 of ACI
318-19.
Figure
Geological
3/8" thick 3 ply -plywood shear walls experienced many
R602.10.6.4
failures during the Northridge Earthquake. The poor
performance of such shear walls in the 1994 Northridge
Earthquake was investigated by SEAOSC and the Los
Angeles City Joint Task Force. The County of Los
Angeles and cities in this region have taken extra measures
to maintain the structural integrity of the framing of the
shear walls when designed for high levels of seismic loads.
The proposal in which "washers shall be a minimum of
0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches in size" is consistent
with Section R602.11.1 of the California Residential Code
and Section 2308.7.1 of the California Building Code.
R606.4.4
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
The addition of the word "or" will prevent the use of
unreinforced parapets in Seismic Design Category Do, Di,
or D2, or on townhouses in Seismic Design Category C.
R606.12.2.2.3
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
Reinforcement using longitudinal wires for buildings and
structures located in high seismic areas is not as ductile as
deformed rebar. Having vertical reinforcement closer to
the ends of masonry walls helps to improve the seismic
50
R1001.3.1
Geological
performance of masonry buildings and structures.
R803.2.4
Geological
Section R802 of the Code does not provide any
prescriptive criteria to limit the maximum size of roof
openings, nor does Section R803 provide any details to
address the issue of shear transfer near larger roof
openings. With the higher seismic demand placed on
buildings and structures in this region, it is important to
Appendix BJ
Geological
ensure that a complete load path is provided to reduce or
BJ106.1
eliminate potential damage caused by seismic forces.
Requiring blocking with metal ties around larger roof
openings and limiting the size of openings is consistent
with the requirements of Section R301.2.2.6.
R1001.3.1
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
The performance of fireplaces/chimneys without
anchorage to the foundation has been observed to be
inadequate during major earthquakes. The lack of
anchorage to the foundation results in overturn or
displacement.
Appendix BJ
Geological
Los Angeles County is prone to seismic activity due to the
BJ106.1
existence of active faults in the Southern California area.
Due to the limited seismic performance information on
strawbale construction, this amendment is intended to limit
the higher risk strawbale construction poses in a high
seismic region.
Appendix CJ
Administrative,
Adoption of this appendix is necessary because strict
CJ101.1,
Climatic,
compliance with state and local standards and laws would
0102.1,
Geologic,
prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the effects of a
0103.1,
Topographical
declared shelter crisis or other emergency. The
CJ103.4,
modifications to this appendix are administrative in nature,
0107.1
to provide clarification of various provisions of the
language of this voluntary Appendix.
CJ106.1
Climatic
Los Angeles County is subject to extreme temperatures,
and many of these membrane structures will be erected and
occupied during severe weather events. It is necessary to
include this amendment to ensure the safety, health, and
comfort of the occupants is maintained during extreme heat
and cold.
Cil 10.1.1,
Administrative
These sections are simply a cross reference to the State
CJI 10.1.2
Plumbing Code requirement for user convenience and is
not adding a new building standard nor enacting a more
restrictive requirement. To the extent findings are
requested, see prefatory language in this Section.
0110.3
Climatic
The County may utilize mobile restroom facilities that are
physically separate from the living facilities. Due to the
51
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE
potential for severe local weather conditions, with extreme
SECTION
temperatures or torrential rain, the distance to the restroom
EXPLANATION
301.1, 301.1.1
facilities required for the comfort, safety, and health of
Environmental resources in the County of
displaced people should be reduced to 300 feet or as
Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and
determined by the Building Official.
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE
SECTION
CONDITION
EXPLANATION
301.1, 301.1.1
Climatic and
Environmental resources in the County of
Topographic
Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and
occasionally immoderate, temperatures and
weather conditions. Expanding the scope of the
mandatory requirements of this Code for all
residential additions and alterations, and for
residential buildings of seven stories or greater in
height, will achieve a greater reduction in
greenhouse gases, higher efficiencies of energy,
water, and material usage, and improved
environmental air quality.
301.3, 301.3.3
Climatic and
Environmental resources in the County of
Topographic
Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and
occasionally immoderate, temperatures and
weather conditions. Expanding the scope of the
mandatory requirements of this Code for
nonresidential buildings and residential buildings
of seven stories or greater in height that are
greater than or equal to 25,000 square feet in
floor area will achieve a greater reduction in
greenhouse gases, higher efficiencies of energy,
water, and material usage, and improved
environmental air quality.
4.106.4.1,
Climatic
The County of Los Angeles is a densely
4.106.4.1.1,
populated area with elevated levels of
greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed
modification to increase the number of EV
charging spaces and stations will help to
promote the use of electric vehicles and
significantly reduce local air and noise pollution
and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby
improving the health of the County's residents,
businesses, and visitors.
4.106.5
Climatic and
The County of Los Angeles is a densely
Topographic
populated area having residential buildings
constructed within a region where water is
scarce and maintaining storm water runoff quality
52
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE
SECTION
CONDITION
EXPLANATION
is required. The proposed low -impact
development measures will allow greater
conservation of rain water, increase in
groundwater recharge, reduction of storm water
runoff, and improvement in storm water runoff
quality.
4.106.6,
Climatic
Environmental resources in the County of
4.106.6.1,
Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and
4.106.6.2,
occasionally immoderate, temperatures and
4.106.6.3,
weather conditions. Adding mandatory
Table
requirements for cool roofs for residential
4.106.6(1)
occupancies will achieve a greater reduction in
Table
greenhouse gases, higher efficiencies of energy,
4.106.6(2)
and improved environmental air quality.
5.106.3
Climatic and
The County of Los Angeles is a densely
Topographic
populated area having buildings constructed
within a region where water is scarce and
maintaining storm water runoff quality is
required. The proposed low -impact development
measures will allow greater conservation of rain
water, increase in groundwater recharge,
reduction of storm water runoff, and
improvement in storm water runoff quality.
5.106.11,
Climatic
Environmental resources in the County of
5.106.11.1,
Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and
5.106.11.2,
occasionally immoderate, temperatures and
5.106.11.3,
weather conditions. Adding mandatory
Table 5.106.11
requirements for cool roofs for nonresidential
occupancies will achieve a greater reduction in
greenhouse gases, higher efficiencies of energy,
and improved environmental air quality.
A5.601.1
Climatic and
Environmental resources in the County of
Topographic
Los Angeles are scarce due to varying, and
occasionally immoderate, temperatures and
weather conditions. Expanding the scope of the
mandatory requirements of this Code for
nonresidential buildings and residential buildings
of seven stories or greater in height that are
greater than or equal to 25,000 square feet in
floor area will achieve a greater reduction in
greenhouse gases, higher efficiencies of energy,
water, and material usage, and improved
53
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE
SECTION
CONDITION
EXPLANATION
SECTION
CONDITION
environmental air quality.
EXISTING BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
CODE
SECTION
CONDITION
EXPLANATION
302.6.1 to
Geologic
The greater Los Angeles/Long Beach region is a
302.6.3
densely populated area having buildings
constructed over and near a vast array of fault
systems capable of producing major
earthquakes, including, but not limited to, the
1994 Northridge Earthquake. The purpose of
the amendments is to prevent inadequate
construction or bracing to increase resistance to
horizontal forces, thus minimizing hazards to life
or property in the event of an earthquake.
M