HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 2025-2551 - Chapter 15.08 Amendment - Adoption of Volumes I & II of the 2025 California Building CodeORDINANCE NO. 2025 - 2551
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING VOLUMES I AND II AND APPENDICES B, C, D, F, G, H, 1, J, K, L, M, N AND O
OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THAT
CODE, AND AMENDING CHAPTER 15.08 OF THE NATIONAL CITY MUNICIPAL CODE.
WHEREAS, the ordinance updates the locally adopted building and construction codes (last
updated in 2023) to incorporate the 2025 California Building Code; 2025 California Residential
Code; 2025 California Existing Building Code; 2025 California Electrical Code and 2023 National
Eclectic Code; 2025 California Mechanical Code; 2025 California Plumbing Code; 2025 California
Energy Code; 2025 California Green Building Code; and all appendices related to these codes with
minor modifications to reflect local conditions; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958 requires that cities adopt
building regulations that are substantially the same as those adopted by the California Building
Standards Commission and contained in the California Building Standards; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code section 17958.5 permits local jurisdictions to
make changes or modifications to the California Building Standards Code as are reasonably
necessary due to local climatic, geological or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the minor modifications and changes to the California
Building Standards Code are reasonably necessary to ensure consistent application of the codes
throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to a published 10-day notice of the adoption of said ordinance, a public
hearing was held by the City Council on November 4, 2025, and at said public hearing, all persons
interested were given the opportunity to appear and be heard before the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of National City hereby adopts Volumes I and
II, and Appendices B, C, D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, AND O of the 2025 California Building Code,
except as amended in Chapter 15.08 of the National City Municipal Code.
Section 2. That the City Council of the City of National City hereby deletes, adds, or
modifies certain provisions of the 2025 California Building Code based on local climatic,
topographic, or geological conditions that justify deviating from that code.
Section 3. That the City Council of the City of National City hereby amends Chapter 15.08
of the National City Municipal Code to read as follows:
CHAPTER 15.08 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
Sections:
15.08.010 2025 California Building Code - Adopted.
15.08.020 Chapter 2, Definitions - Amended.
15.08.025 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 104 "Duties and Powers of Building Official"
Subsection 104.6 "Right of entry" - Amended.
15.08.030 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105 "Permits", Subsection 105.2 "Work
exempt from permit - Building" - Amended.
15.08.040 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105 "Permits", Subsection 105.5"Expiration"
- Amended.
15.08.045 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105 "Permits", Subsection 105.7"Placement
of permit" - Amended.
15.08.050 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105 "Permits", Subsection 105.8 "Permit
denial" - Added.
Chapter 1, Division II, Section 109 "Fees", Subsection 109.2 "Schedule of
permit fees" - Amended.
Chapter 1, Division II, Section 109 "Fees," Subsection 109.7 "Plan review
fees" - Added.
15.08.060 Chapter 1, Division 11, Section 109 "Fees", Subsection 109.4 "Work
commencing before permit issuance" - Amended.
15.08.065 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 110 "Inspections", Subsection 110.3.8.1 "Re -
inspections" - Added.
15.08.070 Chapter 1, Division 11, Section 111 "Certificate of Occupancy", Subsection
111.3 "Temporary occupancy" - Amended.
15.08 .075 Chapter 1, Division 11, Section 113 "Board of Appeals ", Subsection 113.1
"General" - Amended.
15.08.080 Chapter 1, Division 11, Section 114 "Violations", Subsection 114.1 "Unlawful
acts" - Amended.
15.08.085 Section 501 "General', Subsection 501.2 "Address identification" -
Amended.
15.08.087 Survey required
15.08.090 Table 1505.1 "Minimum roof covering classification for types of construction" -
Amended.
Chapter 18, Division II, Section 1803 "Geotechnical Investigations",
Subsection 18.1.1.1 —Added.
Chapter 31, Division Il, Section 3109 Swimming Pool Enclosures and Safety
Devices, Subsection 3109.4.4.8 "Construction requirements for building a
pool or spa" - Amended.
15.08.095 Appendix Chapters B, C, D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, and O - Adopted.
15.08.010 2025 California Building Code - Adopted. The City Council adopts, for the
purpose of prescribing regulations governing the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration
, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, use, height, area, fire resistance
and maintenance of all buildings and/or structures, Volumes I and II of the 2025 California
Building Code, including both Administration Divisions I and II, published in the California
Building Standards Commission 2025 Edition, based on the International Building Code 2024
Edition, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, Part 2.5 of Division 13 of the California
Health and Safety Code beginning with section 18901, and Appendices B, C, D, F, G, H, I, J,
K, L, M, N, and O, save and except such portions as are deleted, added, or modified. The City
Council does specifically and expressly find and declare that the nature and uniqueness of the
dry Southern California climate, and the geographical and topographical conditions in the City
of National City, including the age and concentration of structures, and differences in elevation
throughout the City, do reasonably necessitate and demand changes in and variations from
the 2025 California Building Code. Copies of all the codes are filed in the office of the Building
Official and are adopted and incorporated as fully set out in this chapter, and the provisions
thereof shall be controlling within the city limits.
15.08.020 Chapter 2. Definitions - Amended. Section 202 "Building, Existing" of
the 2025 California Building Code is amended by amending the following definition
202 Building, Existing. An "existing building" is a building erected prior to
the adoption of the 2025 California Building Code, or one for which a legal building
permit has been issued.
15.08.025 Chapter 1. Division II, Section 104 "Duties and Powers of Building Official",
Subsection 104.6 "Right of Entry" - Amended. Subsection 104.6 of the 2025 California Building
Code is amended to read as follows:
104.5 Right of Entry. When necessary to make an inspection to enforce
any of the provision of this code, or when the Building Official has reasonable
cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises a condition
which makes such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the
Building Official, or his or her designee, may request entry as specified in Chapter
1.12 of the National City Municipal Code.
15.08.030 Chapter 1. Division II Section 105 "Permits, "Subsection 105.2" Work Exempt
from Permit - Building" - Amended. Subsection 105.2 Building: Item 4 of the 2025 California
Building Code is amended to read as follows:
(Items 1 - 3 unchanged)
4. Permits for retaining walls shall be as specified in the National City
Municipal Code, Chapter 15.70.
(Items 5 - 13 unchanged)
Subsection 105.2 "Work exempt from permit - Building" of the 2025 California Building
Code is amended by adding the following Subsections 14 through 17:
14. Playground, gymnastic and similar equipment and structures use for
recreation and athletic activities accessory to Group R Division 3 structures.
15. Repairs to lawfully existing Group R Division 3 structures and Group
U occupancy structures accessory to Group R Division 3 structures
constructed pursuant to a building permit which involves only the
replacement of component parts or existing work completed with
similar materials only for the purpose of maintenance and do not
affect any structural components or plumbing, mechanical or
electrical installations. Repairs exempt from permit requirements
shall not include any addition, change, or modification in
construction, exit facilities or permanent fixtures or equipment.
Specifically exempt from permit requirements are:
1) Painting and decorating including refinishing Exterior stucco
finishes.
2) Of Installation of floor covering.
3) Cabinet Work
4) Outside paving on private property not within the public right-of-
way.
16. Ground mounted satellite antennas not exceeding ten feet in
diameter and roof mounted satellite antennas not exceeding eight
feet in diameter.
17. Painted wall signs and Styrofoam or other foam mounted wall signs.
15.08.040 Chapter 1. Division II, Section 105 "Permits". Subsection 105.5 "Expiration" -
Amended. Subsection 105.5 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions
of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work
authorized by such permit is not commenced within twelve calendar months from the date
of such permit issuance, or if the building or work authorized by such permit is stopped at
any time after work has commenced for a period of six calendar months, or if the building
or work authorized by such permit exceeds three calendar years from the issuance date of
the permit. Work shall be presumed to have commenced if the permittee has obtained a
required inspection approval of work authorized by the permit by the Building Official within
twelve calendar months of the date of permit issuance.
Work shall be presumed to be stopped if the permittee has not obtained a required
inspection approval of work by the Building Official within each six months period upon
commencement of work authorized by such permit.
In order for work to be recommenced, a Permit Extension Request must be
submitted in writing and approved by the Building Official. Eligibility for a permit extension
is specified below.
For permits for which work has not commenced in the first twelve calendar
months from the date of permit issuance, a permit extension may be obtained
provided that:
A. No changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and
specifications for such work;
B. The expiration has not exceeded three years from the original issuance
date;
C. The same edition of the adopted codes is in effect as used in the
initial plan check;
D. A fee equal to one-half the amount required for a new permit is
paid.
E. The permit, even if extended, shall still expire three calendar years
from thedate of the initial permit issuance.
2. For permits where work was commenced and was subsequently
stopped as defined herein, a permit extension may be obtained
provided that:
A. No changes have been made or will be made in the original
plans and specifications for such work;
B. The expiration has not exceeded three years from the original
issuance date;
C. A fee equal to one-half the amount required for a new permit is
paid, except that where construction has progressed to the point
of requiring only a final inspection, a fee equal to one -quarter of
the amount required for new permit shall be paid; and
D. A renewal permit shall expire three calendar years from the date
of the initial permit issuance.
3. Extension of an unexpired permit. For an extension of an unexpired
permit, the permittee may apply for an extension of time within which
work under that permit may be continued when for good and
satisfactory reasons, by the Building Official in his or her sole discretion, the
permittee is unable to continue work within the time required by section
15.08.040. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the
permittee for a period not exceeding six calendar months beyond the
expiration date in effect at the time of the extension application, upon written
request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the
permittee have prevented action being taken.
4. Permits issued where the permittee has been deployed to a foreign
country may be held in abeyance until six months after the return of
the permittee from his/her deployment, if necessary, upon application
for such relief by the permittee.
15.08.045 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105 "Permits", Subsection 105.7 "Placement of
Permit" - Amended. Subsection 105.7 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended to read
as follows:
105.7 Placement of Permit. The building permit or a copy, the inspection
record, and the approved plans shall all be kept on site until the completion of the
project. The inspection record is to be kept on the job unless removed by the
Building Official.
15.08.050 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105 "Permits", Subsection 105.8 "Permit Denial"
Added. Subsection 105.8 is added to the 2025 California Building Code to read as follows:
105.8 Permit Denial. The Authority Having Jurisdiction may deny the
issuance of a building permit on any property where there exists an unsafe or a
substandard building as provided in Chapter 15.10 and 15.16 of the National City
Municipal Code, or where there exists unlawful construction, or where there exists
a violation of the National City Municipal Code.
15.8.55 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 109 "Fees", Subsection 109.2 "Schedule of Permit
Fees" - Amended. Subsection 109.2 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended to read as
follows:
109.2 Schedule of Permit Fees. Permit fees, including plan review fees,
shall be assessed in accordance with the current City of National City Fee
Schedule.
15.8.55 Chapter 1, Division II. Section 109 "Fees." Subsection 109.7 "Plan Review Fees"
_ Added. Subsection 109.7 is added to the 2025 California Building Code to read as follows
109.7 Plan Review Fees. Where a plan or other data is required to be
submitted in accordance with Section 104.3.1, a plan review fee shall be paid at
the time of submitting construction documents for review.
The plan review fees for mechanical system work shall be assessed in
accordance with the current City of National City Fee Schedule.
The plan review fees specified in this subsection are separate fees from
the permit fees.
Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan
review, an additional plan review fee shall be charged in accordance with the
current City of National City Fee Schedule.
15.08.060 Chapter 1, Division 11. Section 109 "Fees", Subsection 109.4 "Work
commencing before permit issuance" - Amended. Subsection 109.4 of the 2025 California
Building Code is amended to read as follows:
109.4 Work Commencinq before permit issuance. Any person who
commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or
plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to an
administrative penalty equal to the inspection fee portion of the permit fee that
would be required by this code if a permit were to be issued. The administrative
penalty is in addition to a permit fee.
When a plan review is required for issuance of such permit, the plan review
fee portion will not be subject to said penalty. The payment of such administrative
penalty shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of
this code or from any penalty prescribed by law.
15.08.065 Chapter 1. Division II, Section 110 "Inspections". Subsection 110.3.8.1 "Re -
inspections" - Added. Subsection 110.3.8.1 is added to the 2025 California Building Code to read
as follows:
Re -inspections. A re -inspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or
re -inspection when any of the following occurs:
1. The portion of work for which the inspection was called is not
complete or the corrections previously required and called for are not made;
2. Calling for an inspection before the job is ready for such
inspection or re -inspection;
3. The inspection record card or the approved plans are not
posted or otherwise available to the inspector;
4. Failure to provide access on the date for which the
inspection is requested; or
5. Deviating from the approved plans when such deviation or
change required approval of the Building Official.
To obtain a re -inspection, the permittee shall pay the re -inspection fee in
accordance with the current City of National City Fee Schedule. In instances where a re -
inspection fee has been assessed, no further inspections shall be performed until the fees
have been paid.
15.08.070 Chapter 1. Division II, Section 111 "Certificate of Occupancy", Subsection 111.3
"Temporary Occupancy "- Amended. Subsection 111.3 of the 2025 California Building Code is
amended to read as follows:
111.3 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. Where a project or a major
portion thereof is substantially complete and can be safely occupied, but practical
difficulties delay completion of work, the Building Official may issue a Temporary
Certificate of Occupancy for the use of a portion or portions of the building or
structure prior to the completion of the entire project.
Prior to issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, the premises
shall be inspected by all affected city departments who shall prepare a list of work
required to be completed and shall forward the list along with a recommendation
for approval or disapproval of the issuance of a Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy to the Building Official.
Upon receipt of a recommendation for approval from all affected City
departments, the Building Official may prepare a Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy granting temporary occupancy that shall include the following:
1. Work yet to be completed;
2. Maximum time allotted for completion of said work;
3. Property owner's signature and the signature of the contractor agreeing
to complete the work within the prescribed time or vacate the premises
upon order of the Building Official until such work is completed;
4. Evidence that a faithful performance bond has been posted if required
by any affected city department; and
5. A copy of the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy granting temporary
occupancy shall be provided to all affected city departments.
15.08.075 Chapter 1. Division II, Section 113 "Means of Appeals ", Subsection 113.1
"General" - Amended. Subsection 113.1 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended to read
as follows:
113.1 Means of Appeals. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders,
decisions, or determinations of the Building Official relative to the application and
interpretation of this code, the City Council shall appoint an ad hoc Board of
Appeals comprised of three (3) members who are qualified by experience and
training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction and who are not
employees of the City. Board members shall serve at the pleasure of the City
Council. The board shall comply with Rosenberg's Rules of Order in conducting
their business, and shall render written decisions and findings to the appellant
with a copy to the Building Official. Decisions of the Board may be appealed to
the City Council by the appellant or by the Building Official within thirty (30) days
of the decision of the Board, by the filing of a written notice of appeal with the
Director of Community Development stating the reasons for the appeal. The
person filing the appeal and the opposing party shall be given at least ten (10)
days' written notice of the time and place of the hearing on the appeal.
15.08.080 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 114 "Violations ", Subsection 114.1 "Unlawful
acts" — Amended. Subsection 114.1 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended to read as
follows:
114.1 Unlawful Acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation
to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or
demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or cause or
permit the same to be done in violation of this code.
Violation of any provision of this code shall be punishable as a misdemeanor
and shall carry the penalties as prescribed in Chapter 1.20 of the National City
Municipal Code.
15.08.085 Section 501 "General", Subsection 501.2 "Address identification" - Amended.
Subsection 501.2 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
501.2 Address identification. Every principal building or structure within the
incorporated limits of the City of National City shall be identified by a designated
street number as issued by the Engineering Department.
Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing
buildings, adjacent to the principal entrance to the premises or at a point that is
highly visible and legible from the street. If necessary, directional signs shall be
posted showing proper access to the given address from a point where the Fire
Department access roadway leaves the dedicated street, to the entrance of each
addressed building. All such numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabetical
letters and shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102mm) high with a minimum stroke
width of 0.5 inches (12.7mm), and shall be placed on a contrasting background.
15.08.087 Survey required.
When any proposed building will be constructed up to the minimum front, side, or
rear yard setback, and no monuments exist, a survey from a State of California
licensed surveyor shall be required as part of the plan review submittal.
15.08.090 Table 1505.1 "Minimum roof covering classification for types of construction" -
Amended. Table 1505.1 of the 2025 California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
Due to climatic and geographical conditions within the City of National City,
Table 1505.1 is amended as follows:
IA
L-?
Table 1505.1
Minimum Roof Covering
Classification for Types of Construction
IB IIA IIB IIIA
B B B ;B
11113
IV
VA
VB
B
B
B
B
15.8.92 Chapter 18, Division 11, Section 1803 "Geotechnical Investigations", Subsection
1803.1. 1. 1 - Added. Subsection 1803.1.1.1 is added to the 2025 California Building Code to
read as follows:
1803.1.1.1 A geotechnical investigation shall be submitted with each
application for a building permit for a new building or addition 500 square feet
and larger. The investigation and report shall comply with the requirements of
Section 1803.
15.8.93 Chapter 31, Division 11, Section 3109 "Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs,"
Subsection 3109.1 "Construction requirements for building a pool or spa" — Added. Subsection
3109.1 is added to the 2025 California Building Code to read as follows:
3109.1 General. The design and construction of swimming pools, spas,
and hot tubs shall comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
Swimming pools utilized for public school purposes shall also be designed,
constructed and inspected in accordance with this code.
Whenever any building permit is issued and there is an existing
swimming pool, toddler pool or spa, the permit shall require that the suction
outlet of the existing swimming pool, toddler pool or spa be updated so as to be
equipped with an anti -entrapment cover meeting current standards of the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
15.08.095 Appendix Chapters B, C, D, F, G, H, I, J, K. L, M, N and O - Adopted. Appendix
Chapters B, C, D, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N and O of the 2025 California Building Code are adopted.
Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days from the
date of its passage, and before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after its passage, it or a
summary of it, shall be published once, with the names of the members of the City Council
voting for and against the same in the Star News, a newspaper of general circulation published
in the County of San Diego, California.
INTRODUCED this 4th day of November, 2025.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 18th day of November, 2025.
i
Ran Morrison, Mayor
ATTEST:
��
elley Ch I, MMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
JC�u
Barry J. S t , City Attorney
Passed and adopted by the Council of the City of National City, California, on November
18, 2025 by the following vote, to -wit. -
Ayes: Molina, Rodriguez, Yamane, Bush, Morrison
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
AUTHENTICATED BY: Ron Morrison
Mayor of the City of National City, California
Shelley Chapel
City Clerk of the
City of National City, California
By:
„ City erk
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was not finally adopted until seven
calendar days had elapsed between the day of its introduction and the day of its final
passage, to wit, on November 4, 2025 and on November 18, 2025.
I FURTHER CERTIFY THAT said Ordinance was read in full prior to its final passage or
that the reading of said Ordinance in full was dispensed with by a vote of not less than a
majority of the members elected to the Council and that there was available for the
consideration of each member of the Council and the public prior to the day of its
passage a written or printed copy of said Ordinance.
I FURTHER CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-2551 of the City Council of the City of National City, passed
and adopted by the Council of said City on November 18, 2025.
Shelley Chapel
City Clerk of the
City of National City, California
By: l
City rk