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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 39 - Resolution and Ordinance Adopting the Updated California and International Building Standars Code Adoption Planning and Building Agency www.santa-ana.org/pb Item # 39 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report December 2, 2025 TOPIC: California Building Standards Code Adoption AGENDA TITLE Resolution and Ordinance Adopting the Updated California and International Building and Fire Codes with Local Conditions Amendments and Requisite Findings RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 1. Find that the proposed Ordinance is exempt under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). 2. Adopt a resolution of the City Council setting forth findings for required amendments, modifications, and changes with respect to the local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions within the City of Santa Ana to the California Building, Residential, Green Standards, Energy, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Codes as amended by the State of California. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA SETTING FORTH FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO LOCAL CONDITIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF SANTA ANA THAT JUSTIFY CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES TO THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, AND INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, AS AMENDED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA 3. Introduce an ordinance amending Chapters 8 and 14 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code adopting the State Building Regulations, including the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, and certain modifications and changes with respect to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions with the City of California Building Standards Code Adoption December 2, 2025 Page 2 5 4 2 1 Santa Ana to the California Building, Existing Building, Residential, Green Standards, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Historical Building, and Fire Codes as amended by the State of California. ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING CHAPTERS 8 AND 14 OF THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT AND AMEND THE MOST RECENTLY ENACTED CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, AND INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE 4. Authorize and direct the City Clerk to schedule a public hearing on said Ordinance for January 20, 2026, and to publish notice of said public hearing pursuant to Section 50022.3 of the California Government Code. GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No DISCUSSION The State’s Health and Safety Code (Section 17958) mandates that the California Building Standards Commission adopt and publish the California Building Standard Code (Title 24 California Code of Regulations) every three years. The 2025 Edition of the California Code of Regulations Title 24, which incorporates the model codes, becomes effective statewide on January 1, 2026. The proposed Ordinance would amend the Santa Ana Municipal Code to implement the new Construction Codes and repeal references to the prior editions of the Construction Codes. The Construction Codes proposed for adoption by reference with amendments include the following: 1. 2025 California Building Code 2. 2025 California Residential Code 3. 2025 California Green Building Standards Code 4. 2025 California Electrical Code 5. 2025 California Mechanical Code 6. 2025 California Plumbing Code 7. 2025 California Energy Code 8. 2025 California Fire Code 9. 2025 California Existing Building Code 10.2025 California Historical Building Code 11.2024 International Property Maintenance Code California Building Standards Code Adoption December 2, 2025 Page 3 5 4 2 1 The proposed Ordinance also includes administrative and procedural amendments not covered by the above Construction Codes. As part of the adoption of Construction Codes, it will also be necessary to include certain changes and modifications that are reasonably necessary due to local conditions within the City of Santa Ana. Exhibit 2 is the Resolution delineating the necessary findings and substantiating the necessary amendments to the Residential, Fire, and Building Codes to address specific local conditions. The separate adoption of the Resolution is necessary in order to include the local changes in the proposed Ordinance. The changes to the 2025 California Codes as adopted by the State include revisions to enhance clarity and consistency in the application of the Codes and to include provisions for green and sustainable alternatives. Major changes in the 2025 California Building Code include new seismic design standards based on updated data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), new rules for lithium-ion battery storage facilities triggering fire protection requirements, and updates to the Energy Code to encourage electric-ready buildings for future adoption of electric technologies. Further, with the passage of Assembly Bill 130 (“AB 130”), effective on June 30, 2025, for a six-year period beginning October 1, 2025 and ending June 1, 2031, cities and counties are prohibited from making changes to building standards that are applicable to residential units, unless one of several conditions can be met. Section 17958(b)(1) provides that re-adoption of changes or modifications that are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications previously adopted by a city and in effect on September 30, 2025 is permissible. In compliance with AB 130, changes or modifications applicable to residential units that have been included as part of the City’s 2025 update are substantially equivalent to those previously adopted by the City and that were in place on September 30, 2025. A finding to this effect has also been included in Exhibit 2. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The proposed action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA guidelines, as amended, in that it is not a Project which has the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. No further environmental review is necessary. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. EXHIBITS 1. Exhibit 1 - Ordinance 2. Exhibit 2 - Resolution California Building Standards Code Adoption December 2, 2025 Page 4 5 4 2 1 Submitted By: Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP, Executive Director – Planning and Building Agency Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 1 of 26 ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXX AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING CHAPTERS 8 AND 14 OF THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT AND AMEND THE MOST RECENTLY ENACTED CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, AND INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Section 8-43 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-43. - Adoption by reference. There is adopted by the city that certain code known as the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council, (hereinafter referred to in this article as the "Building Code," "building code," or "California Building Code"), consisting of "Volume 1", "Volume 2" and the 2025 California Existing Building Code (together with subsequent supplements or amendments to any volume, each of which shall become effective, adopted, and incorporated by reference into this Code on the date specified by the state building standards commission, unless otherwise specified), of which not less than one (1) copy of said Code has been and is now on file in the office of the clerk of the council of the city pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1) and are made available for public inspection. The building code is adopted and incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length herein as provided for in section 419 of the Charter of the city, except for the changes to the building code set forth in this chapter that specifically amends the Building Code. Any previously enacted, unrepealed provision of the Santa Ana Municipal Code that amended a pre-2025 edition of the "Building Code" shall also be construed as amending the applicable provision of the 2025 or later edition of the building code. The building Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 2 of 26 code, as thus amended, together with all other provisions of this article, shall be known as the city building code. Appendices which are adopted pursuant to this section are as follows: Appendix I, Patio Covers Appendix J, Grading Section 2. Section 8-60 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-60. – Title (Volume 1, Chapter 1, Division II, Section 101.1) Insert City of Santa Ana into the text as the name of the jurisdiction in Section 101.1 of Division II of Chapter 1. Section 3. Section 8-61 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-61. – Enforcement Agency (Volume 1, Chapter 1, Division II, Section 103.1) Insert Building Safety Division into the text as the name of the department in Section 103.1 of Division II of Chapter 1. Section 4. Section 8-96 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-96. - Time limitation of application (Volume 1, Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105.3.2) Section 105.3.2 is amended to read as a follows: Sec. 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 the permit has been issued; except that the Building Official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding one hundred and eighty (180) days upon request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. No application shall be extended more than once. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee. Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 3 of 26 An application for a certificate of occupancy shall be deemed to have been abandoned 12 months after the date of filing, unless the certificate of occupancy has been issued or the building permit associated with the certificate of occupancy has not expired; except that the Building Official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding one hundred and eighty (180) days upon request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall pay a new certificate of occupancy application fee. Section 5. Section 8-85 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-85. - Seismic loads (California Existing Building Code, Chapter 5Section 506.5.3, Chapter 10 Section 1006.3). Chapter 5 Section 506.5.3 and Chapter 10 Section 1006.3 of the California Existing Building Code is amended by adding the following paragraph thereto: The conversion of any portion of an existing building to residential use shall be analyzed for 75 percent of the Design Earthquake Ground motion, as defined in Section 202 of the California Building Code and as specified in Section 1613.1 of the California Building Code, but in no event shall there be a reduction in the capacity of the seismic force resisting system where such system provides a greater level of protection than the minimum requirements established by this code. Performance-based engineering analysis and design procedures may be used to evaluate the existing structure and the design of strengthening elements when approved by the Building Official. All new structural elements shall meet current detailing requirements of Section 1604 of the California Building Code. Section 6. Sections 8-101 through 8-110 and Sections 8-150 through 8-157 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code are hereby deleted in its entirety and amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-102. - Fire protection systems. Section 903.2 Where required is hereby revised as follows: 903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be provided when one of the following conditions exists: 1. New buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21, an automatic sprinkler system shall also be installed in all occupancies when the total building area exceeds 5,000 Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 4 of 26 square feet as defined in Section 202, regardless of fire areas or allowable area, or is more than two stories in height. Exception: Subject to approval by the Fire Code Official, open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code that are smaller than the area specified in section 903.2.10 (3) or 903.2.10.1 of the California Fire Code. 2. Existing Buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and one of the following conditions exists: 2.1. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, and the resulting building area exceeds 5000 square feet. 2.2. When an addition exceeds 2000 square feet, and the resulting building area exceeds 5000 square feet. 2.3. An additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area. Exception: Additions to Group R-3 occupancies shall comply with Section 903.2.8. Section 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems is hereby added as follows: 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity. Exception: When static pressure exceeds 100 psi, and when required by the fire code official, the sprinkler system shall not exceed the water supply capacity specified by Table 903.3.5.3. 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 PSI 85 80 75 Design % TABLE 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically Calculated Systems Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 5 of 26 Section 7. Section 8-290 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-290. - Adoption by reference. There is adopted by the city that certain code known as the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, including the following appendices thereto: A, B, D, I and J, (hereinafter referred to in this article as the "Plumbing Code"), together with subsequent supplements or amendments, which shall become effective, adopted and incorporated by reference into this Code on the date specified by the state building standards commission, unless otherwise specified. The plumbing code is adopted and incorporated by reference as fully set forth at length herein as provided for in section 419 of the Charter of the city, except for the changes to the plumbing code set forth in this chapter of this Code that specifically amend the plumbing code. Any previously enacted, unrepealed provision of this Code that amended a pre-2025 edition of the "Plumbing Code" shall also be construed as amending the applicable provision of the 2025 or later edition of the plumbing code. The plumbing code as amended, together with all other provisions of this article, shall be known as the city plumbing code. Section 8. Section 8-556 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-556. - Adoption by reference. There is adopted by the city that certain code known as the California Mechanical Code, 2025 edition (hereinafter referred to in this article as the "California Mechanical Code" "Mechanical Code" or "mechanical code"), together with subsequent supplements, amendments, or editions, which shall become effective, adopted, and incorporated by reference into this Code on the date specified by the state building standards commission, unless otherwise specified. The mechanical code is adopted and incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length herein as provided for in section 419 of the Charter of the city, except for the changes to the mechanical code set forth in this chapter of this Code that specifically amend the mechanical code. Any previously enacted, unrepealed provision of this Code that amended a pre-2025 edition of the "Mechanical Code" shall also be construed as amending the applicable provision of the 2025 or later edition of the mechanical code. The mechanical code as amended, together with all other provisions of this article, shall be known as the city mechanical code. Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 6 of 26 Section 9. Section 8-667 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-667. - Adoption by reference. There is adopted by the city that certain code known as the California Electrical Code 2025 Edition and the administrative provisions set forth herein, (hereinafter referred to in this article as the "Electrical Code") together with subsequent supplements, amendments, or editions, which shall become effective, adopted, and incorporated by reference into this Code on the date specified by the state building standards commission, unless specifically adopted prior to that date, of which not less than one (1) copy of said Code has been and is now on file in the office of the clerk of the council of the city pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1) and are made available for public inspection. The electrical code is adopted and incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length herein as provided for in section 419 of the Charter of the city, except for the changes to the electrical code set forth in this chapter of this code that specifically amend the electrical code. Any previously enacted, unrepealed provision of this Code that amended a pre-2025 edition of the "Electrical Code" shall also be construed as amending the applicable provision of the 2025 or later edition of the electrical code. The electrical code as amended, together with all other provisions of this article, shall be known as the city electrical code. Annex which are adopted pursuant to this section are as follows: Informative Annex A, Product Safety Standards Section 10. Section 8-2000 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-2000. - Adoption by reference. There is adopted by the city that certain code known as the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (hereinafter referred to as the "Property Maintenance Code"), together with subsequent supplements, amendments, or editions, which shall become effective, adopted, and incorporated by reference into this Code on each new official publication date of the International Property Maintenance Code, of which not less than one (1) copy of said Code has been and is now on file in the office of the clerk of the council of the city pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1) and are made available for public inspection. The said Code is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set forth at length herein as provided for in section 419 of the Charter of the city, except for the changes to the property maintenance code set forth in this chapter of Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 7 of 26 this Code that specifically amends the property maintenance code. Any previously enacted, unrepealed provision of this Code that amended a pre-2024 edition of the "Property Maintenance Code" shall also be construed as amending the applicable provision of the 2024 or later edition of the property maintenance code. The property maintenance code, as thus amended, together with all other provisions of this article, shall be known as the city property maintenance code. Section 11. Section 8-2800 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-2800. - Adoption by reference. There is adopted by the city that certain code known as the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council, (hereinafter referred to in this article as the "Residential Code" or "California Residential Code"), (together with subsequent supplements or amendments shall become effective, adopted, and incorporated by reference into this Code on the date specified by the state building standards commission, unless otherwise specified), of which not less than one (1) copy of said Code has been and is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the Council of the city pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1) and are made available for public inspection. The Residential code is adopted and incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length herein as provided for in section 419 of the Charter of the city, except for the changes to the Residential code set forth in this chapter that specifically amends the Residential Code. The Residential code, as thus amended, together with all other provisions of this article, shall be known as the city residential code. Appendices which are adopted pursuant to this section, are as follows: Appendix H, Patio Covers Section 12. Section 8-2810 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-2810. - Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (Table R301.2). Table R301.2 is revised to read: TABLE R301.2 CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA GROUND SNOW LOADo WIND DESIGN SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYf SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM ICE BARRIER UNDERLAY- MENT FLOOD HAZARDS g AIR FREEZING INDEX i MEAN ANNUAL TEMP j Speedd (mph) Topo- graphic Special wind Windborne debris Weather- inga Frost line Termitec Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 8 of 26 effectsk regionl zonem Depthb REQUIRED h Zero 95 No No No D2 or E Negligible 12-24” Very Heavy No NFIP Date: 09/14/1979 Current Map Date: 12/03/2009 0 60 MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIAn Elevation Altitude correction factore Coincident wet bulb Indoor winter design relative humidity Indoor winter design dry- bulb temperature Outdoor winter design dry-bulb temperature Heating temperature difference 115 1.00 69 70 38 Latitude Daily range Summer design gains Indoor summer design relative humidity Indoor summer design dry- bulb temperature Outdoor summer design dry-bulb temperature Cooling temperature difference 34 26 75 88 For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s. a. Where weathering requires a higher strength concrete or grade of masonry than necessary to satisfy the structural requirements of this code, the frost line depth strength required for weathering shall govern. The weathering column shall be filled in with the weathering index, “negligible,” “moderate” or “severe” for concrete as determined from Figure R301.2(1). The grade of masonry units shall be determined from ASTM C34, ASTM C55, ASTM C62, ASTM C73, ASTM C90, ASTM C129, ASTM C145, ASTM C216 or ASTM C652. b. Where the frost line depth requires deeper footings than indicated in Figure R403.1(1), the frost line depth strength required for weathering shall govern. The jurisdiction shall fill in the frost line depth column with the minimum depth of footing below finish grade. c. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table to indicate the need for protection depending on whether there has been a history of local subterranean termite damage. d. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the wind speed from the ultimate design wind speeds map [Figure R301.2(2)]. Wind exposure category shall be determined on a site-specific basis in accordance with Section R301.2.1.4. e. The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the table to establish the design criteria using Table 10A from ACCA Manual J or established criteria determined by the jurisdiction. f. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the seismic design category determined from Section R301.2.2.1. g. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with: the date of the jurisdiction’s entry into the National Flood Insurance Program (date of adoption of the first code or ordinance for management of flood hazard areas); and the title and date of the currently effective Flood Insurance Study or other flood hazard study and maps adopted by the authority having jurisdiction, as amended. Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 9 of 26 h. In accordance with Sections R905.1.2, R905.4.3.1, R905.5.3.1, R905.6.3.1, R905.7.3.1 and R905.8.3.1, where there has been a history of local damage from the effects of ice damming, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES.” Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “NO.” i. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403.3(2) or from the 100-year (99 percent) value on the National Climatic Data Center data table “Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°F).” j. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the mean annual temperature from the National Climatic Data Center data table “Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°F).” k. In accordance with Section R301.2.1.5, where there is local historical data documenting structural damage to buildings due to topographic wind speed-up effects, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES.” Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table. l. In accordance with Figure R301.2(2), where there is local historical data documenting unusual wind conditions, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES” and identify any specific requirements. Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table. m. In accordance with Section R301.2.1.2 the jurisdiction shall indicate the wind- borne debris wind zone(s). Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table. n. The jurisdiction shall fill in these sections of the table to establish the design criteria using Table 1a or 1b from ACCA Manual J or established criteria determined by the jurisdiction. o. The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the allowable stress design table using the Ground Snow Loads in Figure R301.2(3). Section 13. Section 8-2900 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-2900. - Adoption by reference. There is adopted by the city that certain code known as the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, (hereinafter referred to in this article as the "California Green Building Standards Code"), (effective, adopted, and incorporated by reference into this Code on the date specified by the state building standards commission, unless otherwise specified), of which not less than one (1) copy of said Code has been and is now on file in the office of the clerk of the council of the city pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1) and are made available for public inspection. Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 10 of 26 The Green Building Standards code is adopted and incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length herein as provided for in section 419 of the Charter of the city. The California Green Building Standards code, as thus amended, together with all other provisions of this article, shall be known as the city Green Building Standards code. Section 14. Section 8-3000 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 8-3000. - Adoption by reference. There is adopted by the city that certain code known as the California Energy Code, 2025 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, (hereinafter referred to in this article as the "California Energy Code"), (effective, adopted, and incorporated by reference into this Code on the date specified by the state building standards commission, unless otherwise specified), of which not less than one (1) copy of said Code has been and is now on file in the office of the clerk of the council of the city pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1) and are made available for public inspection. The California Energy Code is adopted and incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length herein as provided for in section 419 of the Charter of the city. The California Energy Code, as thus amended, together with all other provisions of this article, shall be known as the city Energy code. Section 15. Section 8-3300 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: ARTICLE. XX – CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE Sec. 8-3300. - Adoption by reference. There is adopted by the city that certain code known as the California Historical Building Code, 2025 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, (hereinafter referred to in this article as the "California Historical Building Code"), (effective, adopted, and incorporated by reference into this Code on the date specified by the state building standards commission, unless otherwise specified), of which not less than one (1) copy of said Code has been and is now on file in the office of the clerk of the council of the city pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1) and are made available for public inspection. The California Historical Building Code is adopted and incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length herein as provided for in section 419 of the Charter of the city. The California Historical Building Code, as thus amended, together with all other provisions of this article, shall be known as the city Historical Building code. Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 11 of 26 Section 16. Section 14-1 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 14-1. Adoption by reference. There is adopted by the city that certain code known as the California Fire Code 2025 Edition, based on the 2024 International Fire Code as published by the International Code Council, (hereinafter referred to in this article as the “California Fire Code” or “fire code”) and the whole thereof including the Appendices therein, errata issued during and after the publishing date, save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted or amended, of which code not less than one (1) copy has been and is now on file in the office of the clerk of the council of the city pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d)(1) and are made available for public inspection. Said code is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set forth at length herein and, subject to all amendments set forth in this article, shall be in effect within the city from the effective date of this article. Any provision of this article amending the above mentioned codes shall be construed as amending the 2024 and 2025 editions thereof including such provisions enacted prior to this adoption of the said 2024 and 2025 editions and not thereafter repealed. The International Fire Code, 2024 edition and the California Fire Code 2025 edition, as thus amended, together with all other provisions of this article, shall be known as the "Fire Code of the City of Santa Ana." Section 17. Section 14-3.1 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 14-3.1. - Violation penalties. Section 113.4 is amended to read as a follows: Section 113.4 Violation penalties. 113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or shall fail to comply with any issued orders or notices or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties assessed as prescribed in the OCFA Prevention Field Services adopted fee schedule. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense. (a) Section 113.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor is hereby added as follows: Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 12 of 26 113.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor. Persons operating or maintaining any occupancy, premises or vehicle subject to this code that shall permit any fire or life safety hazard to exist on premises under their control shall be guilty of an infraction. Persons who fail to take immediate action to abate a fire or life safety hazard when ordered or notified to do so by the chief or a duly authorized representative are guilty of a misdemeanor. Section 18. Division 2 Amendments of Chapter 14, including Sections 14-17 through 14-50, of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety and amended to read as follows: Sec. 14-17 Chapter 2 Definitions - amendments Chapter 2 DEFINITIONS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments: Sections 202 GENERAL DEFINITIONS is hereby revised by adding “OCFA” and “Spark Arrester” as follows: OCFA: Orange County Fire Authority, authority having jurisdiction. SPARK ARRESTER. A listed device constructed of noncombustible material specifically for the purpose of meeting one of the following conditions: 1. Removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles/debris from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 38366. 2. Fireplaces that burn solid fuel in accordance with California Building Code Chapter 28. Sec. 14-18 Chapter 3 General Requirements – amendments Chapter 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS is adopted in only those sections and subsections adopted by the SFM with the following amendments: Section 304.1.3 Vegetation is hereby revised as follows: 304.1.3 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Vegetation clearance requirement in urban-wildland interface areas shall be in accordance with Part 7, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. Type, amount, arrangement, and maintenance of vegetation in a fuel modification area, interior slope, or similarly hazardous area shall be in accordance with OCFA Guideline C-05 “Vegetation Management Guideline: Technical Design for New Construction, Fuel Modification Plans, and Maintenance Program.” Section 305.6 Hazardous conditions is hereby added as follows: 305.6 Hazardous conditions. Outdoor fires burning wood or other solid fuel are not allowed when any of the following conditions applies: Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 13 of 26 1. When predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH and relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared. 2. When an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or a public announcement is made. No outdoor fires using any fuel type are permitted when predicted sustained winds exceed 20 MPH or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official. Section 305.7 Disposal of rubbish is hereby added as follows: 305.7 Disposal of rubbish. Rubbish, trash or combustible waste material shall be burned only within an approved incinerator and in accordance with Section 307.2.1. Section 307 Open Burning, Recreational Fires And Portable Outdoor Fireplaces is hereby revised as follows: Section 307 Open Burning, Recreational Fires, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, And Portable Outdoor Fireplaces Sections 307.6 Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar devices used at Group R occupancies is hereby added as follows: 307.6 Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar devices used at Group R occupancies. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar exterior devices used at Group R occupancies shall comply with this section. Exception: Barbeques, grills, and other portable devices intended solely for cooking. Section 307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices is hereby added as follows: 307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and similar devices fueled by natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas are allowed when approved by the Building Department and the device is designed to only burn a gas flame and not wood or other solid fuel. At R-3 occupancies, combustible construction and vegetation shall not be located within three feet of an atmospheric column that extends vertically from the perimeter of the device. At other R occupancies, the minimum distance shall be ten feet. Where a permanent Building Department approved hood and vent is installed, combustible construction may encroach upon this column between the bottom of the hood and the vent opening. Where chimneys or vents are installed, they shall have a spark arrester as defined in Section 202. Section 307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas is hereby added as follows: 307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas. Permanent outdoor fireplaces burning wood or other solid fuel shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code with clearance from combustible construction and building openings as required therein. Fires in a fireplace shall be contained within a firebox with an attached chimney. The opening in the face of the firebox shall have an installed and maintained method of arresting sparks. The burning of wood or other solid fuel in a device is not allowed within 25 feet of combustible structures unless within an approved permanent fireplace. Conditions which could cause a fire to Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 14 of 26 spread within 25 feet of a structure or to vegetation shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Fires in devices burning wood or solid fuel shall be in accordance with Sections 305, 307, and 308. Exceptions: 1. Portable fireplaces and fire rings/pits equipped with a device to arrest sparks shall be located at least 3 feet from combustible construction at R-3 occupancies, 2. Portable fireplaces, and fire pits/rings equipped with a device to arrest sparks, shall be located at least 15 feet from combustible structures at other R occupancies. Section 307.6.2.1 Where prohibited is hereby added as follows: 307.6.2.1 Where prohibited. The burning of wood and other solid fuels shall not be conducted within a fuel modification zone, Wildfire Risk Area (WRA), Wildland-Urban Interface Area (WUI), or in locations where conditions could cause the spread of fire to the WRA or WUI. Exceptions: 1. Permanent fireplaces that are not located in a fuel modification zone. 2. Where determined by the Fire Code Official that the location or design of the device should reasonably prevent the start of a wildfire. SECTION 324 FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION is hereby added as follows: 324.1 Fuel Modification Requirements For New Construction. All new structures and facilities adjoining land containing hazardous combustible vegetation shall be approved and in accordance with the requirements of OCFA Guideline C-05 “Vegetation Management Guideline: Technical Design for New Construction Fuel Modification Plans and Maintenance Program.” SECTION 325 CLEARANCE OF BRUSH OR VEGETATION GROWTH FROM ROADWAYS is hereby added as follows: 325.1 Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways. The fire code official is authorized to cause areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side of portions of highways and private streets which are improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic, to be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth. Measurement shall be from the flow-line or the end of the improved edge of the roadway surfaces. Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground covers, provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire. SECTION 326 UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES is hereby added as follows: 326.1 Unusual circumstances. The fire code official may suspend enforcement of the vegetation management requirements and require reasonable alternative measures designed to advance the purpose of this code if determined that in any specific case that any of the following conditions exist: 1. Difficult terrain. 2. Danger of erosion. Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 15 of 26 3. Presence of plants included in any state and federal resources agencies, California Native Plant Society and county-approved list of wildlife, plants, rare, endangered and/or threatened species. 4. Stands or groves of trees or heritage trees. 5. Other unusual circumstances that make strict compliance with the clearance of vegetation provisions undesirable or impractical. SECTION 327 USE OF EQUIPMENT is hereby added as follows: 327.1 Use of equipment. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall use, operate, or cause to be operated in, upon or adjoining any hazardous fire area any internal combustion engine which uses hydrocarbon fuels, unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester as defined in Section 202 maintained in effective working order, or the engine is constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire. Exceptions: 1. Engines used to provide motor power for trucks, truck tractors, buses, and passenger vehicles, except motorcycles, are not subject to this section if the exhaust system is equipped with a muffler as defined in the Vehicle Code of the State of California. 2. Turbocharged engines are not subject to this section if all exhausted gases pass through the rotating turbine wheel, there is no exhaust bypass to the atmosphere, and the turbocharger is in good mechanical condition. Section 327.2 Use of equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames is hereby added as follows: 327.2 Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames. During any time of the year within Wildfire Risk Areas, within or immediately adjacent to any forest- or brush-covered land or non-irrigated grass-covered land, no person shall use or operate any welding equipment, cutting torches, tar pots, grinding devices, or other tools or equipment that may produce a spark, fire, or flame that could result in a wildfire without doing the following: 1. First clearing away all flammable material, including snags, from the area around such operation for a distance of 30 feet or other approved method to reduce fire spread into the wildlands. If a 30-foot clearing cannot be achieved, then an alternate method shall be approved by the AHJ prior to work starting. 2. Maintain one serviceable round point shovel with an overall length of not less than forty-six (46) inches and one backpack pump water-type fire extinguisher fully equipped and ready for use at the immediate area during the operation. 3. Stop work when winds are 8 MPH or greater during periods when relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared or public announcement is made, when an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official. 4. Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of fire. Section 327.3 Spark arresters is hereby added as follows: 327.3 Spark arresters. Spark arresters shall comply with Section 202, and when affixed to the exhaust system of engines or vehicles subject to Section 327 shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material. Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 16 of 26 Sec. 14-19 Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness - amendments Chapter 4 EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS is adopted in only those sections and subsections adopted by the SFM with the following amendment: Section 407.5 is hereby revised as follows: 407.5 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement. Where required by the fire code official, each application for a permit shall follow OCFA Guideline G-04 “Completion of the Chemical Classification” in accordance with Section 5001.5.2. Sec. 14-20 Chapter 5 Fire Service Features - amendments Chapter 5 FIRE SERVICE FEATURES is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments: SECTION 501.1 Scope is hereby revised as follows: 501.1 Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this chapter and, where required by the fire code official, with OCFA Guideline B-01 “Fire Master Plans for Commercial & Residential Development.” Section 510.1 Emergency responder communications enhancement systems in new buildings is hereby deleted and replaced as follows: 510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage in new buildings. All new buildings shall have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building based upon the existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems of the jurisdiction at the exterior of the building. This section shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communication systems. The Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System shall comply with the requirements of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Communications and Technology Division, and where the functionality of performance requirements in the California Fire Code are more stringent, this code. Exceptions: 1. In buildings or structures where it is determined by the fire code official that the radio coverage system is not needed, including but not limited to the following: a. Existing buildings or structures, unless required by the Building Official and OCFA for buildings and structures undergoing extensive remodel and/or expansion. b. Elevators. c. Structures that meet all of the following: i. Three stories or less, and ii. Do not have subterranean storage or parking, and iii. Do not exceed 50,000 square feet on any single story. d. Structures that meet all of the following: i. Residential structures four stories or less, and Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 17 of 26 ii. Constructed of wood, and iii. Do not have subterranean storage or parking, and iv. Are not built integral to an above ground multi-story parking structure. Should a structure that is three stories or less and 50,000 square feet or smaller on any single story include subterranean storage or parking, then this ordinance shall apply only to the subterranean areas. 2. In facilities where emergency responder radio coverage is required and such systems, components or equipment required could have a negative impact on the normal operations of the facility, the fire code official shall have the authority to accept an automatically activated emergency radio coverage system. Sec. 14-21 Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems - amendments Chapter 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments: Section 903.2 Where required is hereby revised as follows: 903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be provided when one of the following conditions exists: 1. New buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21, an automatic sprinkler system shall also be installed in all occupancies when the total building area exceeds 5,000 square feet as defined in Section 202, regardless of fire areas or allowable area, or is more than two stories in height. Exception: Subject to approval by the Fire Code Official, open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code that are smaller than the area specified in section 903.2.10 (3) or 903.2.10.1 of the California Fire Code. 2. Existing Buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and one of the following conditions exists: 2.1. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, and the resulting building area exceeds 5000 square feet. 2.2. When an addition exceeds 2000 square feet, and the resulting building area exceeds 5000 square feet. 2.3. An additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area. Exception: Additions to Group R-3 occupancies shall comply with Section 903.2.8. Section 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems is hereby added as follows: Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 18 of 26 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity. Exception: When static pressure exceeds 100 psi, and when required by the fire code official, the sprinkler system shall not exceed the water supply capacity specified by Table 903.3.5.3. Sec. 14-22 Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings- amendments Chapter 11 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS is adopted in only those sections and subsections adopted by the SFM. Sec. 14-23 Chapter 25 Fruit and Crop Ripening - amendments Chapter 25 FRUIT AND CROP RIPENING is not adopted. Sec. 14-24 Chapter 26 Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging - amendments Chapter 26 FUMIGATION AND INSECTICIDAL FOGGING is not adopted. 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 PSI 85 80 75 Design % TABLE 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically Calculated Systems Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 19 of 26 Sec. 14-25 Chapter 28 Lumber Yards and Agro-Industrial, Solid Biomass and Woodworking Facilities - amendments Chapter 28 LUMBER YARDS AND AGRO-INDUSTRIAL, SOLID BIOMASS AND WOODWORKING FACILITIES is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments: Section 2801.2 Permit is hereby revised as follows: 2801.2 Permit. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5. and 105.5.31. Section 2808.2 Storage site is hereby revised as follows: 2808.2 Storage site. Storage sites shall be level and on solid ground, elevated soil lifts or other all-weather surface. Sites shall be thoroughly cleaned, and approval obtained from the fire code official before transferring products to the site. Section 2808.3 Size of piles is hereby revised as follows: 2808.3 Size of piles. Piles shall not exceed 15 feet in height, 50 feet in width and 100 feet in length. Exception: The fire code official is authorized to allow the pile size to be increased where a fire protection plan is provided for approval that includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Storage yard areas and materials-handling equipment selection, design and arrangement shall be based upon sound fire prevention and protection principles. 2. Factors that lead to spontaneous heating shall be identified in the plan, and control of the various factors shall be identified and implemented, including provisions for monitoring the internal condition of the pile. 3. The plan shall include means for early fire detection and reporting to the public fire department; and facilities needed by the fire department for fire extinguishment including a water supply and fire hydrants. 4. Fire apparatus access roads around the piles and access roads to the top of the piles shall be established, identified, and maintained. 5. Regular yard inspections by trained personnel shall be included as part of an effective fire prevention maintenance program. Additional fire protection called for in the plan shall be provided and shall be installed in accordance with this code. The increase of the pile size shall be based upon the capabilities of the installed fire protection system and features. Section 2808.3.1 Increase in pile or stack size is hereby deleted in its entirety. Section 2808.4 Pile separation is hereby revised as follows: 2808.4. Pile separation. Piles shall be separated from adjacent piles by a minimum distance of 20 feet. Additionally, piles shall have a minimum separation of 100 feet from combustible vegetation. Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 20 of 26 Section 2808.7 Pile fire protection is hereby revised as follows: 2808.7 Pile fire protection. Automatic sprinkler protection shall be provided in conveyor tunnels and combustible enclosures that pass under a pile. Combustible conveyor systems and enclosed conveyor systems shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system. Oscillating sprinklers with a sufficient projectile reach are required to maintain a 40% to 60% moisture content and wet down burning/smoldering areas. Section 2808.9 Material-handling equipment is hereby revised as follows: 2808.9 Material-handling equipment. All material-handling equipment operated by an internal combustion engine shall be provided and maintained with an approved spark arrester. Approved material-handling equipment shall be available for moving wood chips, hogged material, wood fines and raw product during fire-fighting operations. Section 2808.11 Temperature control is hereby added as follows: 2808.11 Temperature control. The temperature shall be monitored and maintained as specified in Sections 2808.11.1 and 2808.11.2. Section 2808.11.1 Pile temperature control is hereby added as follows: 2808.11.1 Pile temperature control. Piles shall be rotated when internal temperature readings are in excess of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Section 2808.11.2 New material temperature control is hereby added as follows: 2808.11.2 New material temperature control. New loads delivered to the facility shall be inspected and tested at the facility entry prior to taking delivery. Material with temperature exceeding 165 degrees Fahrenheit shall not be accepted on the site. New loads shall comply with the requirements of this chapter and be monitored to verify that the temperature remains stable. Section 2808.12 Water availability is hereby added as follows: 2808.12 Water availability. Facilities with over 2500 cubic feet shall provide a water supply. The minimum fire flow shall be no less than 500 GPM @ 20 psi for a minimum of 1 hour duration for pile heights up to 6 feet and 2-hour duration for pile heights over 6 feet. If there is no water purveyor, an alternate water supply with storage tank(s) shall be provided for fire suppression. The water supply tank(s) shall provide a minimum capacity of 2500 gallons per pile (maximum 30,000 gallons) for piles not exceeding 6 feet in height and 5000 gallons per pile (maximum 60,000) for piles exceeding 6 feet in height. Water tank(s) shall not be used for any other purpose unless the required fire flow is left in reserve within the tank at all times. An approved method shall be provided to maintain the required amount of water within the tank(s). Section 2808.13 Tipping areas is hereby added as follows: 2808.13 Tipping areas shall comply with the following: 1. Tipping areas shall not exceed a maximum area of 50 feet by 50 feet. 2. Material within a tipping area shall not exceed 5 feet in height at any time. 3. Tipping areas shall be separated from all piles by a 20-foot-wide fire access lane. Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 21 of 26 4. A fire hydrant or approved fire water supply outlet shall be located within 150 feet of all points along the perimeter of the tipping area. 5. All material within a tipping area shall be processed within 5 days of receipt. Section 2808.14 Emergency contact is hereby added as follows: 2808.14 Emergency contact. The contact information of a responsible person or persons shall be provided to the Fire Department and shall be posted at the entrance to the facility for responding units. The responsible party should be available to respond to the business in an emergency situation. Section 2808.15 Maximum grid of piles and rows is hereby added as follows: 2808.15 Maximum grid of piles and rows. Rows of Piles shall not exceed 500 feet by 500 feet. Grids shall be separated by a minimum 50-foot clear space used for no other purpose. 2808.16 Push-out / clear area is hereby added as follows: 2808.16 Push-out / clear area. Piles exceeding 20 cubic yards shall be provided with push-out areas. Push-out areas shall be maintained clear at all times to allow for the largest pile to be spread out to a depth of 2 feet in height. Push-out areas shall be located within 250 feet of all edges of any pile and shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from any building. Sec. 14-26 Chapter 50 Hazardous Materials – General Provisions - amendments Chapter 50 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS – GENERAL PROVISIONS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments: Section 5001.5.2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) is hereby revised as follows: 5001.5.2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS). Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall follow OCFA Guideline G-04 “Completion of the Chemical Classification”, which shall be completed and approved prior to approval of plans, and/or the storage, use or handling of chemicals on the premises. Section 5003.1.1.1 Extremely hazardous substances is hereby added as follows: 5003.1.1.1 Extremely hazardous substances. No person shall use or store any amount of extremely hazardous substances (EHS) in excess of the disclosable amounts (see Health and Safety Code Section 25500 et al) in a residential zoned or any residentially developed property. Sec. 14-27 Chapter 56 Explosives and Fireworks - amendments Chapter 56 EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments: Section 5608.2 Firing is hereby added as follows: Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 22 of 26 5608.2 Firing. All fireworks display, regardless of mortar, device, or shell size, shall be electrically fired. Section 5608.3 Application for permit is hereby added as follows: Section 5608.3 Application for permit. A diagram of the grounds on which the display is to be held showing the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged, the fallout area based on 100 feet per inch of shell size, the location of all buildings, roads, and other means of transportation, the lines behind which the audience will be restrained, the location of all nearby trees, telegraph or telephone line, or other overhead obstructions shall be provided to OCFA. Sec. 14-28 Chapter 80 Referenced Standards - amendments Chapter 80 REFERENCED STANDARDS is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments: NFPA 13, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems is hereby amended as follows: Section 9.2.1.7 is hereby revised as follows: 9.2.1.7 Concealed spaces filled with noncombustible insulation shall not require sprinkler protection when approved by the fire code official. Section 9.4.3.1 is hereby revised as follows: 9.4.3.1 When fire sprinkler systems are installed in shell buildings of undetermined use (Spec Buildings) other than warehouses (S occupancies), fire sprinklers of the quick-response type shall be used. Use is considered undetermined if a specific tenant/occupant is not identified at the time the fire sprinkler plan is submitted. Sprinklers in light hazard occupancies shall be one of the following: (1) Quick-response type as defined in 3.3.223.4.16 (2) Residential sprinklers in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 12 (3) Quick-response CMSA sprinklers (4) ESFR sprinklers (5) Standard-response sprinklers used for modifications or additions to existing light hazard systems equipped with standard-response sprinklers. (6) Standard-response sprinklers used where individual standard-response sprinklers are replaced in existing light hazard systems Section 16.12.3.3 is hereby revised as follows: 16.12.3.3 Fire department connections (FDC) shall be of an approved type. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public hydrant. The FDC may be located within 150 feet of a private fire hydrant when approved by the fire code official. The size of piping and the number of 2½” inlets shall be approved by the fire code official. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 23 of 26 installed on the backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red or as approved. When the fire sprinkler density design requires more than 500 gpm (including inside hose stream demand), or a standpipe system is included, four 2½” inlets shall be provided. NFPA 13D 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes is hereby amended as follows: Section 7.1.2 is hereby revised as follows: 7.1.2 The sprinkler system piping shall not have separate control valves installed unless supervised by a central station, proprietary, or remote station alarm service. NFPA 24, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances is hereby amended as follows: Section 6.2.8.1 is hereby added as follows: 6.2.8.1 All indicating valves controlling fire suppression water supplies shall be painted OSHA red. Exceptions: 1. Brass or bronze valves on sprinkler risers mounted to the exterior of the building may be left unpainted. 2. Where OS&Y valves on the detector check assembly are the only control valves, at least one OS&Y valve shall be painted red. Section 6.2.9 is hereby revised as follows: All connections to private fire service mains for fire protection systems shall be arranged in accordance with one of the following so that they can be isolated: (1) A post indicator valve installed not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building a. For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a post indicator valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the post indicator valve. b. Post indicating valves shall be allowed to be closer than 40 ft (12 m) to the building when a property line or other physical barriers make it impossible to have a post indicating valve 40 ft (12m) away. c. Post indicating valves shall be allowed to be closer than 40 ft (12 m) to the building when building driveway or fire access roadways or other building traffic make it impractical to be 40 ft (12 m). (2) A wall post indicator valve on risers located within the building, either a nonrising stem gate valve with a wall post indicator or a listed butterfly valve with an indicating handle extending out through the building wall. (3) A backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 24 of 26 (a) For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the backflow preventer. (b) Backflow preventer valves shall be allowed to be closer than 40 ft (12 m) to the building when a property line or other physical barriers make it impossible to have a backflow preventer valve 40 ft (12 m) away. (c) Backflow preventer valves shall be allowed to be closer than 40 ft (12 m) to the building when building driveway or fire access roadways or other building traffic make it impractical to be 40 ft (12 m). (4) Indicating control valves installed in a fire-rated room accessible from the exterior (5) Indicating control valves in a fire-rated stair enclosure accessible from the exterior as permitted by the AHJ (6) Any other valve type or location as permitted by the AHJ Section 10.1.5 is hereby added as follows: 10.1.5 All ferrous pipe and joints shall be polyethylene encased per AWWA C150, Method A, B, or C. All fittings shall be protected with a loose 8-mil polyethylene tube or sheet. The ends of the tube or sheet shall extend past the joint by a minimum of 12 inches and be sealed with 2-inch-wide tape approved for underground use. Galvanizing does not meet the requirements of this section. Exception: 304 or 316 Stainless Steel pipe and fittings Section 10.4.1.1 is hereby revised as follows: 10.4.1.1 All bolted joint accessories shall be cleaned and thoroughly coated with asphalt, bituminous, or other corrosion-retarding material after installation. Exception: Bolted joint accessories made from 304 or 316 stainless steel. Section 10.4.1.1.1 is hereby added as follows: 10.4.1.1.1 All bolts used in pipe-joint assembly shall be 316 stainless steel. Section 10.4.3.2 is hereby deleted and replaced as follows: 10.4.3.2 Where fire service mains enter the building adjacent to the foundation, the pipe may run under a building to a maximum of 24 inches, as measured from the interior face of the exterior wall to the center of the vertical pipe. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall be 304 or 316 stainless steel and shall not contain mechanical joints or it shall comply with 10.4.3.2.1 through 10.4.3.2.4. Sec. 14-29 Appendices - amendments Appendix A is not adopted. Appendix B is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM. Appendix BB is adopted in its entirety. Appendix C is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM. Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 25 of 26 Appendix CC is adopted in its entirety. Appendix D is not adopted. Appendix E is not adopted. Appendix F is not adopted. Appendix G is not adopted. Appendix H is adopted in its entirety. Appendix I is not adopted. Appendix J is not adopted. Appendix K is not adopted. Appendix L is not adopted. Appendix M is not adopted. Appendix N is not adopted. Appendix O is not adopted. Appendix P is not adopted. Appendix Q is not adopted. Section 19. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional. Section 20. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after its adoption. Section 21. The Clerk of the Council shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and shall cause the same to be published as required by law. ADOPTED this ____ day of ________, 2025. _______________________ Valerie Amezcua Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho City Attorney By:________________________ Melissa Crosthwaite Senior Assistant City Attorney Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 26 of 26 AYES: Councilmembers ___________________________________ NOES: Councilmembers ___________________________________ ABSTAIN: Councilmembers ___________________________________ NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers ___________________________________ CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, ___________, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify that the attached Ordinance No. NS-XXX to be the original ordinance adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on ____________, _____ and that said ordinance was published in accordance with the Charter of the City of Santa Ana. Date: ________________ ____________________________________ Clerk of the Council City of Santa Ana Resolution 2025-XXX Page 1 of 8 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA SETTING FORTH FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO LOCAL CONDITIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF SANTA ANA THAT JUSTIFY CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES TO THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, AND INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, AS AMENDED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council hereby finds, determines, and declares as follows: A. Health and Safety Code Section 17958 provides that the City of Santa Ana shall adopt Ordinances and regulations imposing the same or modified or changed requirements as are contained in the regulations adopted by the State pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922. B. The State of California is mandated by Health and Safety Code Section 17922 to impose the same requirements as are contained in the most recent edition of the California Building Code, California Existing Building Code, California Plumbing Code, California Mechanical Code, California Electrical Code, California Residential Code, California Fire Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Historical Building Code, and the California Energy Code (hereinafter referred to collectively as "Codes"). C. Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 permits the City to make modifications or changes to the Codes, which are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. D. Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that the City Council, before making any modifications or changes to the Codes, shall make an express finding that such changes or modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. E. Further, Assembly Bill 130 (“AB 130”), effective June 30, 2025, placed a moratorium on state and local building standards affecting residential units, beginning Resolution 2025-XXX Page 2 of 8 October 1, 2025 and ending June 1, 2031. As a result, cities and counties are prohibited from making changes to standards that are applicable to residential units, unless one of several conditions can be met. Section 17958(b)(1) provides that one such condition allows changes or modifications that are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the city or county and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Section 2. The Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) have recommended that changes and modifications be made to the Codes and have advised that certain said changes and modifications to the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition, California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition, California Energy Code, 2025 Edition, California Historical Building Code, 2025 Edition, and the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, are reasonably necessary due to local conditions in the City of Santa Ana. Section 3. Amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code, the 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code, the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, and the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority, are hereby found to be reasonably necessary based upon the following findings: I. Climatic Conditions A. The jurisdiction of Santa Ana is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. Hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds, which may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater, are also common to the area. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructi ve fires (conflagration). In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the County. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. B. The climate alternates between extended periods of drought and brief flooding conditions. Flood conditions may affect the Orange County Fire Authority’s ability to respond to a fire or emergency condition. Floods also disrupt utility services to buildings and facilities within the County. C. Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the already-taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a Resolution 2025-XXX Page 3 of 8 century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall, future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features. D. These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features will supplement normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as 50 to 75 percent. II. Topographical conditions A. Natural; slopes of 15 percent or greater generally occur throughout the foothills of Orange County. The elevation change cause by the hills creates the geological foundation on which communities within Orange County are built and will continue to build. With much of the populated flatlands already built upon, future growth will occur on steeper slopes and with greater constraints in terrain. B. Traffic and circulation congestion is an artificially created, obstructive topographical condition, which is common throughout Orange County. C. These topographical conditions combine to create a situation, which places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk, and makes it necessary to provide automatic on -site fire-extinguishing systems and other protection measures to protect occupants and property. III. Geological Conditions The Orange County region is a densely populated area that has buildings constructed over and near a vast and complex network of faults that are believed to be capable of producing future earthquakes similar or greater in size than the 1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes. Earthquake faults run along the northeast and southwest boundaries of Orange County. The Newport-Inglewood Fault, located within Orange County, was the source of the destructive 1933 Long Beach earthquake (6.3 magnitude) which took 120 lives and damaged buildings in an area from Laguna Beach to Marina Del Rey to Whittier. In December 1989, another earthquake occurred in the jurisdiction of Irvine at an unknown fault line. Regional planning for reoccurrence of earthquakes is recommended by the State of California, Department of Conservation. Resolution 2025-XXX Page 4 of 8 A. Previous earthquakes have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. With the probability of strong aftershocks, there exists a need to provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors of buildings. The October 17, 1989, Santa Cruz earthquake resulted in one major fire in the Marina District (San Francisco). When combined with the 34 other fires locally and over 500 responses, the department was taxed to its fullest capabilities. The Marina fire was difficult to contain because mains supplying water to the district burst during the earthquake. This situation creates the need for both additional fire pro tection and automatic on-site fire protection for building occupants. State Department of Conservation noted in their 1988 report (Planning Scenario on a Major Earthquake on the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone, page 59): “unfortunately, barely meeting the minimum earthquake standards of building codes places a building on the verge of being legally unsafe.” B. Road circulation features located throughout the County also make amendments reasonably necessary. Located through the County are major roadways, highways and flood control channels that create barriers and slow response times. Hills, slopes, street and storm drain design accompanied with occasional heavy rainfall, cause roadway flooding and landslides and at times may make an emergency access route impassable. There are areas in Orange County that naturally have extended emergency response times exceeding the 5 minute goal. C. Soils throughout the County possess corrosive properties that reduce the expected usable life of water services when metallic pipes in contact with soils are utilized. Due to the topographical conditions of sprawling development separated by waterways and narrow and congested streets and the expected infrastructure damage inherent in seismic zone described above, it is prudent to rely on automatic fire sprinkler systems to mitigate extended fire department response time and keep fires manageable with reduced fire flow (water) requirements for a given structure. Additional fire protection is also justified to match the current resources of firefighting equipment and personnel within the Orange County Fire Authority. Section 4. The following specific amendments to the sections of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code, as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority, are reasonably necessary based upon the corresponding findings in Section 3 of this Resolution: Resolution 2025-XXX Page 5 of 8 BUILDING CODE SECTION TITLE (Clarification) FINDINGS I,II,III 101.1 Title Administrative 103.1 Enforcement Agency Administrative 105.3.2 Time Limitation of Application Administrative 903.2 Where required (Sprinklers) II & III-B 903.2.8 Group R (Sprinklers) II & III-B 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems I & II 506.5.3 (CEBC) Seismic Loads (California Existing Building Code) II & III 1006.3 (CEBC) Seismic Loads (California Existing Building Code) II & III Appendix I Patio Covers Admin, I, II & III Appendix J Grading Admin, I, II & III Section 5. The following specific amendments to the sections of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code, as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority, are reasonably necessary based upon the corresponding findings in Section 3 of this Resolution: RESIDENTIAL CODE SECTION TITLE (Clarification) FINDINGS I,II,III Table R301.2 Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria Admin, I, II & III Appendix H Patio Covers Admin, I, II & III Section 6. The following specific amendments to the sections of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority, are reasonably necessary based upon the corresponding findings in Section 3 of this Resolution: FIRE CODE SECTION TITLE (Clarification) FINDINGS I,II,III 113.4 Violation penalties Administrative 113.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor Administrative 202 General definitions Administrative 304.1.3 OCFA vegetation management I 305.6 Hazardous conditions (outdoor fires) I & II 305.7 Disposal of rubbish I & II 307 Open burning, recreational fires, fire pits, fire rings, and outdoor fireplaces Administrative 307.6 Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings Administrative 307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices (outdoor fires) I & II 307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or LPG I & II 307.6.2.1 Where prohibited (burning of solid fuels) I & II Resolution 2025-XXX Page 6 of 8 324.1 Fuel modification requirements for new construction I 325.1 Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways I 326.1 Unusual circumstances (vegetation management) Administrative 327.1 Use of equipment (IC engines and spark arresters) I 327.2 Use of equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames I 327.3 Spark arresters I 407.5 Hazardous material inventory statement I & II 501.1 Scope (fire service features) Administrative, I, II & III 510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage Administrative 903.2 Where required (sprinklers) I, II & III 903.2.8 Group R (sprinklers) I, II & III 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems I, II & III 2801.2 Permit (biomass storage and handling) Administrative 2808.2 Storage site Administrative 2808.3 Size of piles I 2808.4 Pile separation I 2808.7 Pile fire protection I 2808.9 Material-handling equipment I 2808.11 Temperature control I 2808.11.1 Pile temperature control I 2808.11.2 New material temperature control I 2808.12 Water availability (for piles) I 2808.13 Tipping area I 2808.14 Emergency contact information Administrative 2808.15 Maximum grid of piles and rows Administrative, I 2808.16 Push-out / clear area Administrative, I 5001.5.2 Hazardous materials inventory statement Administrative 5003.1.1.1 Extremely hazardous substances I, II & III 5608.2 Firing (commercial fireworks) Administrative 5608.3 Application for permit (commercial fireworks) Administrative Chapter 80 Reference Standards N/A 2025 NFPA 13 (commercial sprinkler systems) Administrative, II & III 2025 NFPA 13D (single family sprinkler systems) I & II 2025 NFPA 24 (underground water supply systems) Administrative & III Section 7. The aforementioned amendments have been incorporated in detail in Ordinance NS-________. Section 8. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17 958(b)(1), the City Resolution 2025-XXX Page 7 of 8 finds that any changes or modifications affecting residential units contained in Ordinance NS- ____are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the City of Santa Ana and were in effect as of September 30, 2025. Section 9. Additional amendments have been made to the relevant California Building Code, California Existing Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Existing Building Code, Residential Code, Green Building Standards Code, Fire Code, and International Property Maintenance Code. On the recommendation of the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority, such amendments are hereby found to be either administrative or procedural in nature or concern themselves with subjects not covered in the aforementioned Codes. The changes made include provisions making each of said Codes compatible with other Codes enforced by the City. Resolution 2025-XXX Page 8 of 8 Section 10. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby approves and authorizes the Planning and Building Agency to file copies of Resolution 2025-_____ and Ordinance NS-_______ with the California Building Standards Commission, as required by Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7. Section 11. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify th e vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this ____ day of ______________, 2025. ___________________________ Valerie Amezcua Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney By: ________________________ Melissa M. Crosthwaite Senior Assistant City Attorney AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, _________________, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2025-___ to be the original Resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on _____________, 2025. Date: ___________________ ____________________________ Clerk of the Council City of Santa Ana