CC SR 20251021 03 - Building Code Update 2025
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 10/21/2025
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration to introduce by title only an ordinance adopting the 2025 California Building
Standards Code
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Introduce by title only ORDINANCE NO. ___, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025
CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE WHICH INCLUDES THE 2025
EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING, RESIDENTIAL, GREEN
BUILDING STANDARDS, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL
CODES, WHICH ARE CODIFIED IN TITLE 24 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE
OF REGULATIONS; PART 7 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE
CODE; THE UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS
BUILDINGS 1997 EDITION; THE UNIFORM HOUSING CODE 1997 EDITION;
AND THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 2024
EDITION, WITH APPENDICES AND AMENDMENTS THERETO; AMENDING
TITLE 15 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE; AND
ADOPTING THE 2023 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE TITLE 32.
FISCAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact to cover the cost of the new 2025 Building Codes
Books is $1,500, which is budgeted every three years to purchase
the required code books that align with the mandatory Building Code
updates. This amount is included in the FY 2025-26 budget for this
purpose. VR
Amount Budgeted: $1,500
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 101-400-4130-6102
(General Fund – Building & Safety Publications/Journals) VR
ORIGINATED BY: David Rasor, Building Official D.R.
REVIEWED BY: Brandy Forbes, AICP, Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Draft Ordinance No. __ (page A-1)
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BACKGROUND:
Every three years, the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) updates the
Uniform Codes governing construction practices in the State of California. Affected state
agencies review these codes, amend them, and the CBSC adopts them in Title 24 of the
California Code of Regulations (hereafter referred to as the “State Building Code”). After
the State Building Code is published, every City and County throughout the state must
adopt these Codes, with an opportunity to include more stringent local amendments
based on local geological, topographical and/or climatic conditions.
DISCUSSION:
On July 1, 2025, the CBSC published the new California Building Standards Code (2025
Code). The 2025 Code is a compilation of building standards that apply to all types of
construction in California.
Some of the new noteworthy requirements contained in the 2025 Code include:
• California has adopted a new Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code, which
replaces Chapter 7A of the California Residential building code. The reorganization
is intended to streamline the process for all parties involved in building in wildland -
urban interface areas.
• Fire rated vents - New vents leading into homes must be designed to resist embers
and tested to specific ASTM E2886 standards. New standards mandate fire-rated,
ember-resistant vents for attics and soffits, as well as approved exterior wall and
decking materials.
• New residential buildings must use heat pumps for space and water heating to
meet prescriptive requirements. The code mandates highly efficient electric heat
pumps for space and water heating in new single-family and multifamily residential
construction. Prescriptive compliance options no longer allow gas space heating.
A City may establish more restrictive building standards than those in the 2025 Code, if it
finds that a more stringent standard, called a “local amendment”, is necessary to address
local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. However, if a City fails to adopt its
own more restrictive standards, the State Building Code becomes the City’s code
provisions on January 1, 2025. Therefore, a City has until December 31, 2025 to adopt
the 2025 Code with its own local amendments.
As required by the State, the staff is proposing to adopt the 2025 Code. However, the
Building Official also recommends to repeal and replace a few existing local building
regulations to establish more stringent standards deemed reasonably necessary due to
local conditions, including seismic activity, soil instability, and other geotechnical factors
that pose potential risks to life and property. They include:
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• 107A.1 Offsite geotechnical and geological hazards.
No certificate of occupancy or permit under this title shall be issued under
the provisions of this chapter when the building official finds that the
proposed work on, or change in use of, the site for which the permit is
requested could activate or accelerate a geological or geotechnical hazard
that could damage other property.
• 111A.2 Hazard Eliminated.
A certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued only if the
reports required by Section 107A.3 contain sufficient information to satisfy
the building official that all geological or geotechnical hazards will be
eliminated, prior to use or occupancy of the land or structure, by
modification of topography, reduction of subsurface water, buttresses, or by
other means or combination of means sufficient to provide a factor of safety
of not less than 1.5.
When adopting a code by reference, State law requires that the City Council schedule a
public hearing after the first reading of the ordinance. This public hearing can occur in
conjunction with the second reading of the ordinance. Pursuant to Government Co de
Section 50022.3, the public hearing notice must be published once a week for two
successive weeks, with at least five days between the publication dates. If there is no
newspaper of general circulation (as is the case in the City), the notice is posted for two
consecutive weeks. Accordingly, after the first reading of the ordinance, by title only, at
this meeting, the public hearing and scheduled adoption will be scheduled for the
November 18, 2025 City Council meeting. The public hearing notice will be published in
the Palos Verdes Peninsula News on October 23, 2025 and on October 30, 2025. In
addition, the City Clerk is required to keep on file a copy of the code to be adopted for at
least 15-days before the public hearing. The copy of the code to be adopted will be made
available to the public upon request.
CONCLUSION:
The introduction of the ordinance adopting the 2025 California Residential Building Code
with local amendments is presented to the City Council this evening, with the public
hearing and scheduled adoption set for November 1 8, 2025. Any changes to the
ordinance requested by the City Council will be presented for adoption at the public
hearing.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for the
City Council’s consideration:
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1. Direct Staff to add, modify, or eliminate specific local amendments to 2025 Code.
2. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
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ORDINANCE NO. __
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING
STANDARDS CODE WHICH INCLUDES THE 2025 EDITION OF
THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING,RESIDENTIAL, GREEN BUILDING
STANDARDS, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL
CODES, WHICH ARE CODIFIED IN TITLE 24 OF THE
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS; PART 7 CALIFORNIA
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE; THE UNIFORM CODE
FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS 1997
EDITION; THE UNIFORM HOUSING CODE 1997 EDITION; AND
THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 2024
EDITION, WITH APPENDICES AND AMENDMENTS THERETO;
AMENDING TITLE 15 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE; AND ADOPTING THE 2023 LOS ANGELES
COUNTY FIRE CODE TITLE 32.
WHEREAS, Section 17958 of the California Health and Safety Code provides that if a city
does not amend, add, or repeal ordinances or regulations to impose the same requirements as
are contained in the provisions adopted pursuant to Section 17922 of said He alth and Safety
Code and published in the State Building Standards Code and the other regulations adopted
pursuant to Section 17922, or make changes or modifications in those requirements upon
express findings, the provisions promulgated pursuant to Section 17922 shall be applicable to it
and shall become effective 180 days after publication; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (the “City”) will, by virtue of the above -
referenced state law, automatically adopt various state codes that make up the California
Building Standards Code including the California Building Code, the California Elec trical Code,
the Mechanical Code and the California Plumbing Code; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958 provides that the City may adopt
ordinances and regulations imposing the same or modified requirements as are contained in the
regulations adopted by the State pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922; and
WHEREAS, the City now desires to amend the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to
reflect the adoption of these state codes and amendments as contained herein.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this
reference.
Section 2. The Building Official has recommended that changes and modifications be made to
the 2025 Codes, and has advised that certain of said changes and modifications to the California
Building Code, 2025 Edition, are reasonably necessary due to local conditions w ithin the City,
and has further advised that the remainder of the said changes and modifications are of an
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administrative or procedural nature, or concern themselves with subjects not covered by the
Codes, or are reasonably necessary to safeguard life and property within the City as follows:
A. Climatic Conditions: The local climate of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is characterized
by hot, dry summers, often resulting in drought conditions, followed by strong Santa Ana
winds, often resulting in hazardous fire conditions, and heavy winter rains, often resulting in
expansive soil conditions. Furthermore, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is adjacent to the
Pacific Ocean, and the salt air is carried by the winds off the ocean. The salt has proven to
be extremely corrosive to aluminum wiring.
B. Geologic Conditions: The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is characterized by local instability.
C. Topographical Conditions: The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is located in Southern
California and has a relatively hilly topography.
Section 3. Section 15.04.010 (Building Code Adopted) of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code is repealed and replaced with the following:
15.04.010 Building Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Building Code, 2025 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24
of the California Code of Regulations), based on the 2025 International Building Code as
published by the International Code Council, including Appendices F and J thereto, the
California Residential Code, 2025 Edition (Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations), based on the 2021 International Residential Code as published by the
International Code Council which incorporates and amends the Interna tional Residential
Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition (Part 11 of Title 24 of the
California Code of Regulations), as published by the California Building Standards
Commission, and Chapter 7 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE A ([For
SFM] Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure) of Title 26
(Building Code) of the Los Angeles County Code, are hereby collectively adopted by
reference as the Building Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. A copy of the Building
Code shall be maintained in the office of the city clerk and shall be made available for public
inspection while the code is in force.
Section 4. Section 15.08.010 (Electrical Code Adopted) of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code is repealed and replaced with the following:
15.08.010 Electrical Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition (Part 3 of Title
24 of the California Code of Regulations), which incorporates and amends the National
Electrical Code, 2026 Edition, published by the National Fire Protection Ass ociation, is
hereby adopted by reference as the Electrical Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
A copy of the Electrical Code of the city shall be maintained in the office of the city clerk
and shall be made available for public inspection while the co de is in force.
Section 5 Section 15.12.010 (Plumbing Code Adopted) of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code is repealed and replaced with the following:
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15.12.010 Plumbing Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition (Part 5 of Title
24 of the California Code of Regulations), which incorporates and amends the Uniform
Plumbing Code, 2024 Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials, is hereby adopted by reference as the Plumbing Code of the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes. A copy of the Plumbing Code of the city shall be maintained in the
office of the city clerk and shall be made available for public inspection while the code is
in force.
Section 6. Section 15.16.010 (Mechanical Code Adopted) of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code is repealed and replaced with the following:
15.16.010 Mechanical Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition (Part 4 of
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), which incorporates and amends the
Uniform Mechanical Code, 2024 Edition, published by the International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is hereby adopted by reference as the Mechanical
Code of the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. A copy of the Mechanical Code of the city shall
be maintained in the office of the city clerk and shall be made available for publi c
inspection while the code is in force.
Section 7. Chapter 15.18.010 (Administrative Code) of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code is repealed and replaced with the following:
Chapter 15.18 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
SECTIONS:
15.18.010 Administrative Code adopted.
15.18.020 Administrative Code amended Liability.
15.18.030 Administrative Code amended Appeals.
15.18.040 Administrative Code amended Violations and penalties.
15.18.050 Administrative Code amended Expiration of permits.
15.18.060 Administrative Code amended—Section 109.2
15.18.070 Administrative Code amended—Required
building inspections.
15.18.080 Administrative Code amended Certificate of occupancy.
15.18.090 Administrative Code amended—Prohibited use of
building sites.
15.18.100 Administrative Code amended—Use and occupancy.
15.18.110 Administrative Code amended Conduct of
construction and landscaping activities
15.18.120 Administrative Code amended―Work exempt from permit.
15.18.010 Administrative Code adopted.
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Except as hereinafter provided, Division II of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code,
2025 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), based on the 2024
International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, is hereby
adopted by reference as the Administrative Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. A
copy of the Administrative Code shall be maintained in the office of the city clerk and shall
be made available for public inspection while the code is in force.
15.18.020 Administrative Code amended — Liability.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this chapter, Section 104.8 is
amended to read:
104.8 Liability. The building official, or his or her authorized representative charged with
the enforcement of this Code and the technical codes, acting in good faith and without
malice in the discharge of his or her duties, shall not thereby be rendered personally
liable, nor shall the City be vicariously liable, for any damage that may accrue to persons
or property as a result of any act or omission or by reason of any act or omission in the
discharge of his or her duties.
Any suit brought against the building official or other employee of the City because of
such act or omission performed in the enforcement of any provision of such Codes or
other pertinent laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this Code or
enforced by the City shall be defended by the City until final termination of such
proceedings, and any judgment resulting therefrom, other than punitive damages, shall
be assumed by the City. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply only if the bui lding
official, or his or her authorized representative, is an employee of the City.
Such codes shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any
person owning, operating or controlling any building, structure or building service
equipment therein for any damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall
the City or any of City's agents or employees be held as assuming any such liability by
reason of the inspections authorized by this Code or any permits or certificates issued
under this Code.
15.18.030 Administrative Code amended — Appeals.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18 010 of this chapter, Section 112 is
amended to read:
SECTION 112 APPEALS
112.1 General.
In the event that an appeal from a decision of the building official regarding interpretation
of the technical codes is requested, the building official shall seek a code interpretation
by the appropriate code writing organization. The Building Code shall be interpreted by
the International Code Council. The Mechanical Code shall be interpreted by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. The Plumbing Code shall
be interpreted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials or its
designated agent. The Electrical Code shall be interpreted by the National Fire Protection
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Association. The interpretation of the code writing organization shall govern. The cost of
obtaining the interpretation shall be paid by the applicant.
15.18.040 Administrative Code amended — Violations and penalties.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this chapter, Sections 113.1 and
113.4 are amended to read and Section 113.5 is added to read:
113.1 Violations.
No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve remove, convert,
demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building, structure or building service
equipment or perform any grading in the City or cause or permit the same to be don e
contrary to, or in violation of, any of the provisions of this code or any of the technical
codes.
113.4 Penalties.
Any person who violates any provision of this code or any of the technical codes shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for
each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation continued or was
permitted, and upon conviction is punishable as set forth in Section 1.08.010 of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code.
113.5 Penalty fees.
The permit fees and charges made pursuant to Title 15 of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code shall be tripled (not including fees for nonstructural fixture) when work
requiring a permit has been started or continued or finished prior to obtaining permit. The
triple fee shall be based on the structural permit fee, or square footage of remodel area,
or a minimum fee as established pursuant to city council resolution.
15.18.050 Administrative Code amended — Expiration of permits.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this chapter, Sections 105.3.2 a nd
105.5 are amended to read:
105.3.2 Time limitation of application.
An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been
abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in
good faith or a permit has been issued; except that the building official is authorized to
grant up to two extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 90 days each. The
extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated.
Plan checks for development projects where permits have expired for a period of less
than one year shall be assessed a fee equal to ½ of the amount of the applicable plan
check fee, as set forth in the resolution establishing said fee, if the plans that ar e being
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resubmitted are identical to the prior plans. Said fee shall be paid when the plans are
resubmitted for review by the building official.
105.5 Expiration.
Every permit issued by the building official under the provisions of the technical codes
shall expire by limitation and become null and void, if the building or work authorized by
such permit is not completed through final inspection within the allowed tim e from the
date of issuance of such permit, which time shall be as follows: up to 5,000 square feet,
18 months; 5,000 to 10,000 square feet, 24 months; over 10,000 square feet, 30 months.
For good cause, upon initial application for a permit, the building official may establish a
different expiration date when it is anticipated such date will be necessary to complete
construction due to extenuating circumstances. Upon expiration, before work under the
permit can be recommenced, a new permit shall be obtaine d. Such new permit shall be
valid for 24 months, and the fee therefor shall be one half the amount required for a new
permit for such work, if no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans
and specifications for the work and not more than one year has passed since the
expiration of the permit; otherwise, such new permit shall be subject to all terms and
conditions applicable to new permits.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within
which the permittee may complete work under that permit when the permittee is unable
to complete the work within the time required by this section although proceeding w ith
due diligence. Application for extension shall be filed on resolution. The building official
may extend the time for completion of work under the permit by the permittee for a period
of time not exceeding 180 days upon finding the permittee has been proceeding with due
diligence and that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented
action from being completed. No permit shall be so extended more than once.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any property where construction has been performed
pursuant to one or more unexpired permits for a period of at least four years and is
adversely affecting adjacent properties or the owners or occupants thereof, as
documented in written complaints submitted to the Building Official or Director of
Community Development, the Building Official shall not issue a new building permit for
any new work or an extension of an existing unexpired permit until all work being
performed pursuant to any unexpired building permit has been completed and the City
has issued a final approval or a certificate of occupancy therefor. This provision shall not
apply to: 1. emergency work; 2. work that is necessary to preserve the integrity of the
structure; or 3. work that, in the opinion of the Building Official, will mitigate impacts to an
adjacent property. Application for extension shall be filed on forms prescribed by the
building official and be accompanied by payment of the fee as established by city council
resolution. The building official may extend the time for completion of work under the
permit by the permittee for a period of time not exceeding 180 days upon finding the
permittee has been proceeding with due diligence and that circumst ances beyond the
control of the permittee have prevented action from being completed. No permit shall be
so extended more than once.
15.18.060 Administrative Code amended — Section 109.2.
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Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this chapter, Section 109.2 is
amended by adding the following sentences to the end of the paragraph:
A site investigation will be conducted, and a fee will be charged for the investigation, for
permits that have expired two times, or have expired for more than two years, or any other
expired permit as required by the building official. The minimum fee sha ll be as
established pursuant to city council resolution.
15.18.070 Administrative Code amended — Required building inspections.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this chapter, Section 110.1 is
amended to read:
110.1 Approval required.
Work shall not be done on any part of the building or structure beyond the point indicated
in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official.
Such approval shall be given only after an inspection has been made on each successive
step in the construction as indicated in subsection 110.3.
There shall be a final inspection and approval on all buildings, when completed and ready
for occupancy, provided however that no such approval shall be given to any new dwelling
unit, new commercial building, or new industrial building until there has bee n full
compliance with all requirements of this Code and of Chapter 3.20 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code, including payment of the environmental excise tax provided for
therein. Upon such compliance, the final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy
shall be issued concurrently by the building official.
15.18.080 Administrative Code amended — Certificate of occupancy.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this chapter, Section 111.1 is
amended to read:
111.1 Use and occupancy.
Buildings or structures shall not be used or occupied nor shall a change in the existing
occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof be made until the
building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefore as provided herein.
Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation
of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates
presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the pr ovisions of this code or of other
ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
15.18.090 Administrative Code amended—Prohibited use of building sites.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this chapter, Section 107A is
added to read:
SECTION 107A GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS
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107A.1 Offsite geotechnical and geological hazards.
No certificate of occupancy or permit under this title shall be issued under the provisions
of this chapter when the building official finds that the proposed work on, or change in use
of, the site for which the permit is requested could activate or accele rate a geological or
geotechnical hazard that could damage other property.
107A.2 Geological and geotechnical hazards.
Work requiring a certificate of occupancy or permit under this title is not permitted in an
area determined by the building official to be subject to hazard from any variety of land
sliding or settlement or slippage except as allowed by Sections 111A.1 thr ough 111A.6.
These hazards include, but are not limited to, loose debris, slope wash, and potential
mudflows from natural or graded slopes.
107A.3 Geological and geotechnical reports.
The building official may require a geological or geotechnical report, or both, where, in the
building official's opinion, such reports are essential for the proper evaluation of the
proposed work or use of the site. As part of this evaluation, the building official may require
a site visit in order to evaluate the need for such reports. A fee for this site visit shall be
collected at this time. A geological report shall be prepared by a Certified Engineering
Geologist licensed by the State of California. A geotechnical report shall be prepared by
a registered Civil Engineer qualified to perform this work. Every report shall contain a
finding regarding the safety of the site, for the proposed structure or use against hazard
from any variety of land sliding or settlement or slippage and a finding regarding the effect
the proposed building, grading, and/or construction and use of the site will have on the
geological stability of the site and/or property outside the site. When both a geological
and a geotechnical report are required for the evaluation of the safety of a building site,
the two reports shall be coordinated before submission to the building official.
15.18.100 Administrative Code amended — Use and occupancy.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this chapter, Sections 111A, 111B
and 111C are added to read:
SECTION 111A USE AND OCCUPANCY
111A.1 Safe Site.
Subject to the conditions of subsection 111A.1, a certificate of occupancy or permit
under this title may be issued in the following cases:
1. When the applicant has submitted a report(s) required by Section 107A.3 that
contains sufficient information to satisfy the building official that all geological or
geotechnical hazards will be eliminated prior to use or occupancy of the land or structure
by modifications of topography, reduction of subsurface water, buttresses, or by other
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means or combination of means and that the proposed work on or use of the site will not
adversely affect the subject property or neighboring properties.
2. When the applicant has submitted a report(s) required by Section 107A.3 that
contains sufficient information to satisfy the building official that the site is not subject to
geological or geotechnical hazard.
3. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Subsection, the building official may, at his
or her discretion, deny a permit for any building, structure or grading subject to a hazard
of a geological nature which cannot be mitigated and may endanger the health or safety
of the occupants, adjoining property, or the public.
111A.2 Hazard Eliminated.
A certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued only if the reports
required by Section 107A.3 contain sufficient information to satisfy the building official that
all geological or geotechnical hazards will be eliminated, prior to use or occupancy of the
land or structure, by modification of topography, reduction of subsurface water,
buttresses, or by other means or combination of means sufficient to provide a factor of
safety of not less than 1.5.
111A.3 Pools and Spas.
Subject to the provision of Section 111A.2, a certificate of occupancy or permit under this
title may be issued for pools, spas or fishponds with a capacity less than 2,000 gallons of
water provided:
1. The applicant signs and records with the Los Angeles County Registrar- Recorder
a statement in a form approved by the City Attorney that he or she is the owner of the
real property and that he or she is aware that the records of the building official indic ate
the property is subject to a physical hazard of a geological nature; and
2. The applicant signs and records an agreement in a form approved by the City
Attorney releasing the City and all officers, employees, consultants and agents thereof
from any liability for any damage or loss which may result from issuance of such permit.
111A.4 Outdoor Improvements.
Subject to the provisions of Section 111A.2, a certificate of occupancy or permit under
this title may be issued for outdoor improvements including, but not limited to, patios,
decks or gazebos covering not more than 400 square feet (37.16 m2)).
111A.5 Repairs and Alterations in Areas of Potential Geological Hazard.
Subject to the provisions of Section 111A.2, a certificate of occupancy or permit under
this title may be issued in the following cases when the applicant seeks only to alter,
repair, or replace existing facilities with no change in grade:
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1. Minor alterations or repairs which are not due to geological conditions but which
may be due to geotechnical conditions: A certificate of occupancy or permit under this title
may be issued when the application is for alteration or repair or both not exceed ing 25
percent of the value of the existing structure, where there is no increased water use or
enlargement, expansion, or extension of the structure and the alterations or repairs are
not required due to damage from a geological hazard
2. Major alterations or repairs of conditions which are not due to geological conditions
but which may be due to geotechnical conditions: Subject to the conditions set forth in
section 111A.2, a certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issue d when
the application is for alteration or repair work exceeding 25 percent of the value of the
existing structure, where there is no increased water use or enlargement, expansion, or
extension of the structure and the alterations or repairs are not requi red due to damage
from a geological conditions: Subject to the conditions set forth in section 111A.2, a
certificate of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued when the application is
for repair work not exceeding 25 percent of the value of the existing structure, where there
is no increased water use or enlargement, expansion, or extension of the structure and
repairs are required due to damage from a geological hazard.
111A.6 Expert Advice.
In carrying out his or her duties pursuant to this chapter, the building official may consult
with and rely upon the advice of a certified engineering geologist, geotechnical engineer,
or other person with relevant expertise.
SECTION 111B
FILLS CONTAINING DECOMPOSABLE MATERIAL
111B.1 Building or grading permits shall not be issued for buildings or structures regulated
by this code located within 1,000 feet (304 800 mm) of fills containing rubbish or other
decomposable material unless the fill is isolated by approved natural or man - made
protective systems or unless designed according to the recommendation contained in a
report prepared by a licensed civil engineer. Such report shall contain a description of the
investigation, study and recommendation to minimize the possible intrusion, and to
prevent the accumulation, of explosive concentrations of decomposition gases within or
under enclosed portions of such buildings or structures.
At the time of the final inspection, a licensed civil engineer shall furnish a signed statement
attesting that the building or structure has been constructed in accordance with his or her
recommendations as to decomposition gases.
111B.2 Buildings or structures regulated by this code shall not be constructed on fills
containing rubbish or other decomposable material unless provision is made to prevent
damage to structures, floors, underground piping, and utilities due to uneven settlemen t
of the fill.
SECTION 111C FLOOD HAZARDS
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111C.1 Buildings are not permitted in an area determined to be subject to flood hazard
by reason of inundation, overflow, or erosion.
111C.2 Buildings and other structures shall be placed on a site so that water or mud flow
will not be a hazard to the building or structure or to adjacent property.
111C.3 Minor structures that do not require a permit and are not intended for human
habitation such as fences, trellises, patios, decks and sheds may be placed in flood
hazard areas provided:
1. Such placement will not increase the hazard to adjacent property from inundation,
erosion, or related causes.
2. Prior to issuance of a permit for such minor structure the owner shall sign and
record with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder a statement in a form approved
by the City Attorney that the applicant is the owner of the property and is aware that the
records of the Building Official indicate that the property is subject to flood hazard by
reason of inundation, overflow, or erosion; and,
3. The applicant signs and records an agreement in a form approved by the City
Attorney releasing the City and all officers, employees, and agents thereof from any
liability for damage or loss which may result from issuance of such permit including
damage to the minor structure authorized by the permit.
15.18.110 Administrative Code amended Conduct of construction and landscaping
activities.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this chapter, all construction
projects in the city shall adhere to the regulations for dust control, hours of operation
temporary construction fencing, construction site maintenance, construction related cargo
containers and construction vehicle staging set forth in Section 17.56.020 of the city of
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code.
15.18.120 Administrative Code amended ― Work exempt from permit.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this chapter, Paragraph No. 2
under the heading “Building” in Section 105.2 is amended to read:
1. Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high, provided the fences meet the requirements
of Section 17.76.030.B of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code.”
Section 8. Chapter 15.28.010 (Housing Code) of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal
Code is amended to read:
Except as hereinafter provided, the Uniform Housing Code, 1997 Edition, and the International
Property Maintenance Code, 2024 Edition, published by the International Code Council, are
hereby collectively adopted by reference as the Housing Code of the City of Rancho Palos
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Verdes. A copy of the Housing Code of the city shall be maintained in the office of the city clerk
and shall be made available for public inspection while the code is in force.
Section 9. Section 8.08.010 (Fire code adopted) of Chapter 8.08 (Fire Code) of Title 8 (Health
Code) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 32, Fire Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as
amended and in effect on January 2, 2025, adopting the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition
(California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9), is hereby incorporated here in by reference as
if fully set forth herein, and shall be known and may be cited as the fire code of the city of Rancho
Palos Verdes. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Fire Code, 2025
Edition, Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the fire code contained
in the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, the provision contained in the latter listed document
shall control. A copy of Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Fire Code,
2025 Edition, has been deposited in the office of the city clerk and shall be at all times maintained
by the city clerk for use and examination by the public.
Section 10. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or
portion of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or place, is for any reason held
to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of compe tent jurisdiction, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance. The City Council hereby
declares that it would have adopted this ordinance, and each and every section, subsection,
subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or
more sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be
declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 11 . Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Ordinance, all other provisions of
Title 15 remain the same.
Section 12. The City Clerk shall cause this Ordinance to be posted in three (3) public places
in the City within fifteen (15) days after its passage, in accordance with the provisions of Section
36933 of the Government Code. The City Clerk shall further certify to the adoption and posting
of this Ordinance, and shall cause this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof of
posting, to be entered in the Book of Ordinances of the Council of this City of Rancho Palos
Verdes.
Section 13. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect ___days after its adoption.
Section 14. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause a copy
hereof to be forthwith transmitted to the California Building Standards Commission.
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PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 18th day of November 2025.
Mayor
ATTEST
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that
the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
Ordinance No. ___ passed first reading on November 18, 2025, was duly and regu larly
adopted by the City Council of said City at a regular meeting thereof held on November
18, 2025, and that the same was passed and adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
CITY CLERK
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