HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 5676
Ordinance No. 5676
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Repealing
Chapter 16.06 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and Adopting a
New Chapter 16.06, California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, and
Local Amendments and Related Findings
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 16.06 of Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended by
repealing the Chapter in its entirety and adopting a new Chapter 16.06 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 16.06
2025 California Residential Code,
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 2.5
Sections
16.06.010 2025 California Residential Code adopted and amended.
16.06.015 Local Amendments.
16.06.020 2025 California Residential Code Appendix Chapters adopted.
16.06.030 Cross - References to California Residential Code.
16.06.040 Administration of California Residential Code.
16.06.050 Section R202 Definitions.
16.06.060 Table 301.2 Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria.
16.06.070 Section R301.2.2.6 Irregular buildings.
16.06.075 Section R304.5 Dwelling unit and congregate residence superficial floor
area.
16.06.080 Section R319.1 Emergency escape and rescue openings.
16.06.090 Section R319.4.2.3 Window well fall protection.
16.06.100 Section R319.4.5 Security bars.
16.06.110 Section R309.1.1 Design and installation.
16.06.120 Section R309.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler
systems.
16.04.130 Section R309.2.1 Design and installation.
16.04.140 Section R309.2.2 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems increase in design
requirements.
16.04.150 Section R309.3 Dwelling unit fire sprinkler systems.
16.06.160 Section R310.1 Smoke detection and notification.
16.06.170 Section R310.1.3 Smoke alarms or detector end of life replacement
16.06.180 Section R311.7.5. Carbon Monoxide alarms
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16.06.190 Section R308 Address Identification
16.06.200 Section R306.1 General (Palo Alto Flood Hazard Regulations).
16.06.210 Reserved
16.06.220 Section R401 GENERAL
16.06.225 Section R402.2.1 Materials for concrete
16.06.230 Section R403 FOUNDATION.
16.06.240 Section R404.1.3 Concrete foundation walls.
16.06.250 Section R504.3.1 Projections exposed to weather
16.06.260 Section R506.1 General
16.06.270 Section R602.10.4.5 Limits on methods GB and PCP
16.06.280 Table R602.10.3(3) Bracing requirements based on seismic design category
16.06.290 Section R608.5 Materials
16.06.300 Section R703.8.5.1 Locations.
16.06.310 Reserved
16.06.320 Section R1003.9.2.1 Repairs, replacements, and alterations
16.06.330 Section BO109 Preliminary Meeting
16.06.010 2025 California Residential Code adopted and amended.
The California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, Title 24, Part 2.5 of the California Code of Regulations,
together with those omissions, amendments, exceptions and additions thereto, is adopted and
hereby incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof the same as if fully set
forth herein.
Unless superseded and expressly repealed, references in City of Palo Alto forms, documents and
regulations to the chapters and sections of the former California Code of Regulations, Title 24, 2019,
shall be construed to apply to the corresponding provisions contained within the California Code of
Regulations, Title 24, 2025. Ordinance No. 5566 of the City of Palo Alto and all other ordinances or
parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby suspended and expressly repealed.
Wherever the phrases "California Residential Code" or "Residential Code" are used in this
code or any ordinance of the city, such phrases shall be deemed and construed to refer and
apply to the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, Title 24, Part 2.5 of the California Code
of Regulations, as adopted by this Chapter.
One copy of the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, has been filed for use and examination of
the public in the Office of the Building Official of the City of Palo Alto.
16.06.015 Local Amendments.
The provisions of this Chapter shall constitute local amendments to the cross-referenced
provisions of the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, and shall be deemed to replace the
cross-referenced sections of said Code with the respective provisions set forth in this Chapter.
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Where used in this Chapter 16.06, ellipses shall indicate text of the California Residential
Code, 2025 Edition, that has been adopted without amendment but is omitted for brevity.
16.06.020 2025 California Residential Code Appendix Chapters adopted.
The following Appendix Chapters of the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, are adopted and
hereby incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof the same as if fully set
forth herein:
A. Appendix BF – PatioCovers
B. Appendix BO – Existing Building and Structures
C. Appendix BG – Sound Transmission
D. Appendix CI – Swimming Pool Safety Act
16.06.030 Cross - References to California Residential Code.
The provisions of this Chapter contain cross-references to the provisions of the California
ResidentialCode, 2025 Edition,in order to facilitate reference and comparison to those provisions.
16.06.040 Administration of California Residential Code
Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 California Residential Code is replaced in its entirety by
Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 California Building Code as amended by Palo Alto Municipal
Code Chapter 16.04.
16.06.050 Section R202 Definitions.
Section R202 of the California Residential Code is amended to include the following definitions:
SUPERFICIAL FLOOR AREA. "Superficial floor area" is the net floor area within the
enclosing walls of the room in which the ceiling height is not less than seven feet
six inches, excluding built-in equipment such as wardrobes, cabinets, kitchen
units, or fixtures which are not readily removable.
16.06.060 Table 301.2 Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria.
Table 301.2 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
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TABLE R301.2
CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
GROUND
SNOW LOAD
WIND DESIGN
Speed Topographic
(mph) effects
DESIGN
CATEGORY
SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM
Weathering Frost Termite
line
depth
0 92 No D0 thru E Negligible 5” Very High
WINTER
DESIGN
TEMP.
(OF)
ICE BARRIER
UNDERLAYEMENT
REQUIRED
FLOOD
HAZARDS
AIR
FREEZING
INDEX
MEAN
ANNUAL
TEMP.
(OF)
40 No See
Footnotes
p thru r
0 55
p The City of Palo Alto entered National Flood Insurance Program in 1979.
q The effective date of the current Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate
Map is May 18, 2009.
r The panel numbers and dates of all currently effective FIRMs and FBFMs:
06085CIND0A, 06085C0010H, 06085C0015H through 06085C0019H, 06085C0030H,
06085C0036H , 06085C0038H , 06085C0180H ,06085C0185H (May 18, 2009 for all)
16.06.070 Section R301.2.2.6 Irregular buildings.
Section R301.2.2.6 of the California Residential Code is amended as follows:
The seismic provisions of this code shall not be used for structures, or portions thereof, located
in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1 and D2 and considered to be irregular in accordance
with this section. A building or portion of a building shall be considered to be irregular where
one or more of the conditions defined in Items 1 through 8 occur. Irregular structures, or
irregular portions of structures, shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering
practice to the extent the irregular features affect the performance of the remaining structural
system. Where the forces associated with the irregularity are resisted by a structural system
designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice, the remainder of the building shall
be permitted to be designed using the provisions of this code.
1. Shear wall or braced wall offsets out of plane. Conditions where exterior shear wall
lines or braced wall panels are not in one plane vertically from the foundation to the
uppermost story in which they are required.
2. Lateral Support of roofs and floors. Conditions where a section of floor or roof is not
laterally supported by shear walls or braced wall lines on all edges.
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Exception: Portions of floors that do not support shear walls, braced wall panels
above, or roofs shall be permitted to extend not more than 6 feet (1829 mm)
beyond a shear wall or braced wall line.
3. Shear wall or braced wall offsets in plane. Conditions where the end of a braced wall
panel occurs over an opening in the wall below.
4. Floor and roof opening. Conditions where an opening in a floor or roof exceeds the
lesser of 12 feet (3658 mm) or 50 percent of the least floor or roof dimension.
5. Floor level offset. Conditions where portions of a floor level are vertically offset.
6. Perpendicular shear wall and wall bracing. Conditions where shear walls and braced
wall lines do not occur in two perpendicular directions.
7. Wall bracing in stories containing masonry or concrete construction. Conditions
where stories above grade plane are partially or completely braced by wood wall
framing in accordance with Section R602 or cold-formed steel wall framing in
accordance with Section R603 include masonry or concrete construction. Where this
irregularity applies, the entire story shall be designed in accordance with accepted
engineering practice.
Exceptions: Fireplaces, chimneys and masonry veneer in accordance with this code.
8. Hillside light-frame construction. Conditions in which all of the following apply:
8.1 The grade slope exceeds 1 unit vertical in 5 units horizontal where averaged
across the full length of any side of the dwelling.
8.2 The tallest cripple wall clear height exceeds 7 feet (2134 mm), or where a post
and beam system occurs at the dwelling perimeter, the post and beam system
tallest post clear height exceeds 7 feet (2134 mm).
8.3 Of the total plan area below the lowest framed floor, whether open or enclosed,
less than 50 percent is living space having interior wall finishes conforming to
Section R702.
Where Item 8 is applicable, design in accordance with accepted engineering practice
shall be provided for the floor immediately above the cripple walls or post and beam
system and all structural elements and connections from this diaphragm down to and
including connections to the foundation and design of the foundation to transfer lateral
loads from the framing above.
Exception: Light-frame construction in which the lowest framed floor is supported
directly on concrete or masonry walls over the full length of all sides except the
downhill side of the dwelling need not be considered an irregular dwelling under
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Item 8.
16.06.75 Section R304.5 Dwelling unit and congregate residence superficial floor area.
Section R304.5 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R304.5 Dwelling unit and congregate residence superficial floor area.
Every dwelling unit and congregate residence shall have at least one
room which shall have not less than 120 square feet of superficial floor
area. Every room which is used for both cooking and living or both living
and sleeping purposes shall have not less than 144 square feet of
superficial floor area. Every room used for sleeping purposes shall have
not less than 70 square feet of superficial floor area. When more than
two persons occupy a room used for sleeping purposes the required
superficial floor area shall be increased at the rate of 50 square feet for
each occupant in excess of two. Guest rooms with cooking shall contain
the combined required superficial areas of a sleeping and a kitchen, but
not less than 144 square feet. Other habitable rooms shall be not less
than 70 square feet.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Section, children under the age of
six shall not be counted for purposes of determining whether a family
with minor children complies with the provisions of this Code.
For the purposes of this section, "superficial floor area" means the net
floor area within the enclosing walls of the room in which the ceilingheight
is not less than seven feet six inches, excluding built-in equipment such as
wardrobes, cabinets, kitchen units, or fixtures which are not readily
removable.
16.06.080 Section R319.1 Emergency escape and rescue openings.
Section R319.1 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R319.1 Emergency escape and rescue opening required. Basements,
habitable attics and every sleeping room shall have not less than one
operable emergency escape and rescue opening. Where basements
contain one or more sleeping rooms, an emergency escape and rescue
opening shall be required in each sleeping room. Emergency escape and
rescue openings shall open directly into a public way, or to a yard or court
that opens to a public way.
Exceptions:
1. Storm shelters and basements used only to house
mechanical equipment not exceeding a total floor area of 200
square feet (18.58m2)
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16.06.090 Section R319.4.2.3 Window well fall protection.
Section R319.4.2.3 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R319.4.2.3 Window well fall protection. Window wells with a vertical
depth greater than 30 inches shall have guards on all sides. The guards shall
be provided in accordance with Section R321.1. Openings shall comply with
Section R321.1.3. Access ladder shall comply with Section R319.4.2.1 and
shall extend from the bottom of the well to the top of the guard. Grates or
similar barriers shall not be installed over the window well.
16.06.100 Section R319.4.5 Security bars.
Section R319.4.5 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R319.4.5 Security bars. Fire Department plan check review and approval of
all security bar submittals shall be required prior to the issuance of a
Building Permit.
16.06.110 Section R309.1.1 Design and installation.
Section 309.1.1 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R309.1.1 Design and installation. Where allowed, automatic sprinkler
systems installed in townhouses shall be installed throughout in
accordance with NFPA 13 and State and local standards.
16.06.120 Section R309.2 One and two-family dwellings automatic firesprinkler
systems.
Section R309.2 of the California Residential Code is amended toread:
R309.2 One and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems.
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures and
in existing modified buildings and structures, shall be provided in the
locations described in this section. Automatic fire sprinklers shall be
installed per the requirements set forth in Sections
903.2.1 through 903.2.18 of the California Building Code and as follows,
whichever is the more restrictive:
1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new
buildings and structures.
Exception: New residential occupancies, buildings or
structures that do not exceed 350 square feet of building
area and contain no interior plumbing fixtures.
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2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
existing buildings when modifications are made that create an
increase in fire area to more than 3600 square feet or when the
addition is equal to or greater than 50% of the existing building
square footage, whichever is more restrictive.
3. An automatic fire sprinkler system is required in basements when
any of the following occurs:
a) New basements used for storage, utility, occupancy, or habitable space
regardless of size.
b) Existing basements that are altered for the use of storage, utility,
occupancy, or habitable space regardless of size.
c) Existing basements expanded by 50% or more.
If the addition or alteration is only the basement, then only the basement
is required to be protected by fire sprinklers.
4. An automatic fire sprinkler system is required when either the roof structure,
exterior walls, or combination of both has been removed, altered and/or
replaced in at least 50% of the existing structure.
5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when
any change in use or occupancy creating a more hazardous fire/life
safety condition, as determined by the Fire Chief.
16.04.130 Section R309.2.1 Design and installation.
Section R309.2.1 of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R309.2.1 Design and installation. R309.2.1 Design and installation.
Where allowed, automatic sprinkler systems installed in one-and two-
family detached dwellings shall be installed throughout in accordance
with NFPA 13D and State and local standards. Fire sprinkler protection is
required under rear covered patios extending over 4 feet perpendicular
from the exterior of the structure.
16.04.140 Section R309.2.2 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems
increase in design requirements.
Section R309.2.2 of the California Residential Code is added to read as follows:
R309.2.2 Section R309.2.2 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems increase in
design requirements. In a higher fire fighting hazardous conditions a four
head fire sprinkler calculation and coverage in all closets, bathrooms and
attics will be required in Residential and Group U Occupancies as
determined by the Fire Code Official in the following conditions:
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1. Structures located in the High Hazardous Fire Areas.
2. Structures where the combined fire area is 3600 sq ft or larger.
3. Structures located 150 ft or greater from the Fire Department access roadways.
4. Basements and below grade structures.
16.04.150 Section R309.3 Dwelling unit fire sprinkler systems.
Section R309.3 of the California Residential Code is deleted in its entirety and
amended as follows:
R309.3 Dwelling unit fire sprinkler systems. Fire sprinkler systems shall
be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, State and local
standards.
16.06.160 Section R310.1 Smoke detection and notification.
Section R310.1 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R310.1 Smoke detection and notification. Listed single- and multiple-
station smoke alarms complying with UL 217 shall be installed in
accordance with the California Fire Code Sections 907.2.11.1 through
907.2.11.5 and manufacturer’s installation and use instructions.
Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be in compliance with this code
or subject to the provisions of the Health and Safety Code, they shall also
be listed and approved for rapid response to smoldering synthetic
materials. All smoke alarms or detectors shall be of the photoelectric type
or shall have equivalent detection capabilities in compliance with UL 217.
Exception: A photoelectric smoke alarm or detector shall be
installed if located within 20 feet to a kitchen, fireplace or
woodburning stove or within 5 feet of a bathroom.
16.06.170 Section R310.1.3 Smoke alarms or detector end of life replacement.
Section R310.1.3 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R310.1.3 Smoke alarms or detector end of life replacement . Smoke
alarms or detectors shall be replaced every 10 years or according to the
manufacture guidelines, whichever is more restrictive.
16.06.180 Section R311.7.5. Carbon Monoxide alarms.
Section R311.7.5 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R311.7.5 Carbon Monoxide alarms or detectors end of life replacement .
Carbon monoxide alarms or detectors shall be replaced every 10 years
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or according to the manufacture guidelines, whichever is more
restrictive.
16.06.190 Section R308 - Site Address.
Section R308 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R308.1 Address Identification. Buildings shall be provided with approved
address identification. The address identification shall be legible and
placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the
property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their
background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical
letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less
than 4 inches (102 mm) in height with a stroke width of not less than 0.5
inch (12.7 mm). Where required by the fire code official, address
identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to
facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private
road and the building address cannot be viewed from the public way, a
monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the
structure. Address identification shall be maintained.
R308.1.1 Address illumination. Address identification required by
Section R308.1 shall be illuminated.
R308.1.2 Address identification size. Address numbers and letters shall
be sized as follows:
1. When the structure is between thirty-six (36) and fifty (50) feet from the
road or other emergency means of access, a minimum of one-half inch
(0.5") stroke by six inches (6") high is required.
2. When the structure is fifty (50) or more feet from the road or other
emergency means of access, a minimum of one inch (1") stroke by nine
inches (9") high is required.
16.06.200 Section R306.1 – General (Palo Alto Flood Hazard Regulations).
The following paragraph is added to Section R306.1 of the California Residential Code:
Palo Alto Flood Hazard Regulations. Notwithstanding the provisions of
this section R306, all construction or development within a flood hazard
area (areas depicted as a Special Flood Hazard Area on Flood Insurance
Rate Maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency)
shall comply with the City of Palo Alto Flood Hazard Regulations (Palo Alto
Municipal Code Chapter 16.52). Where discrepancies exist between the
requirements of this code and said regulations, the more stringent
requirements shall apply.
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16.06.210 Reserved.
16.06.220 Section R401 GENERAL.
Section R401 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R401.1 – R401.3 {CRC text not modified}
R401.4 Soils tests. Exception is added at end of the CRC text as
follows: Exception: Refer to PAMC 16.04.450
R401.4.1 Geotechnical evaluation. When permitted by the building official or designee,
in lieu of a complete geotechnical evaluation, the load bearing values in T401.4.1(1)
shall be assumed.
T401.4.1(2), R401.4.1.1 – R401.4.2 {CRC text not modified}
16.06.225 Section R402.2.1 Materials for concrete.
Section 402.2.1 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R402.2.1 Materials for concrete. Materials for concrete shall comply with
the requirements of Section R608.5.1, as amended by PAMC 16.14.240.
16.06.230 Section R403 FOUNDATION.
Section R403 of the California Residential Code is amended as follows:
R403.1 – R403.1.1 {CRC text not modified}
R403.1.2 Continuous footing in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2.
Exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D 0, D1 and
D2 shall be supported by continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or
concrete footings. All required interior braced wall panels in buildings
located in Seismic Design Categories D 0, D1 and D2 shall be supported on
continuous foundations.
R403.1.3 Footing and stem wall reinforcing in Seismic Design Categories
D0, D1, and D2. Concrete footings located in Seismic Design Categories D 0,
D1 and D2, as established in Table R301.2(1), shall have not fewer than
three No. 4 horizontal bars. One No. 4 horizontal bar shall be installed
within 12 inches (305 mm) of the top of the stem wall and two No. 4
horizontal bars shall be located 3 to 4 inches (76 mm to 102 mm) from the
bottom of the footing.
R403.1.3.1 Concrete stem walls with concrete footings. In Seismic Design
Categories D0, D1 and D2 where a construction joint is created between a
concrete footing and a stem wall, not fewer than one No. 4 vertical bar
shall be installed at not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center. The vertical
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bar shall have a standard hook and extend to the bottom of the footing and
shall have support and cover as specified in Section R403.1.3.5.3 and
extend not less than 14 inches (357 mm) into the stem wall. Standard hooks
shall comply with Section R608.5.4.5. Not fewer than one No. 4 horizontal
bar shall be installed within 12 inches (305 mm) of the top of the stem wall
and two No. 4 horizontal bars shall be located 3 to 4 inches (76 mm to 102
mm) from the bottom of the footing.
R403.1.3.2 Masonry stem walls with concrete footings. In Seismic Design
Categories D0, D1 and D2 where a grouted masonry stem wall is supported on a
concrete footing, not fewer than one No. 4 vertical bar shall be installed at not more
than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center. The vertical bar shall have a standard hook and
extend to the bottom of the footing and have support and cover as specified in Section
R403.1.3.5.3 and extend not less than 14 inches (357 mm) into the stem wall. Standard
hooks shall comply with Section R608.5.4.5. Not fewer than one No. 4 horizontal bar
shall be installed within 12 inches (305 mm) of the top of the wall and two No. 4
horizontal bars shall be located 3 to 4 inches (76 mm to 102 mm) from the bottom of
the footing. Masonry stem walls shall be solid grouted.
In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 masonry stem walls without
solid grout and vertical reinforcing are not permitted.
R403.1.3.3 – R403.1.7.4 {CRC text not modified}
R403.1.8 Foundations on expansive soils. Foundations and floor slabs for
buildings located on expansive soils shall be designed in accordance with
Section 1808.6 or Table 1809.7 of the California Building Code as amended
in Municipal Code Section 16.04.470.
R403.1.8.1 {CRC text not modified}
16.06.240 Section R404.1.3 Concrete foundation walls.
Section 404.1.3 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R404.1.3 Concrete Foundation Walls. Concrete foundation walls that
support light- frame walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance
with the provisions of this section, ACI 318, ACI 332, or PCA 100, as
amended by PAMC Section 16.14.240. Concrete foundation walls that
support above-grade concrete walls that are within the applicability limits
of Section R608.2 shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
the provisions of this section, ACI 318, ACI 332, or PCA 100, as amended by
PAMC Section 16.14.240. Concrete foundation walls that support above-
grade concrete walls that are not within the applicability limits of Section
R608.2 shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the
provisions of ACI 318, ACI 332, or PCA 100, as amended by PAMC Section
16.14.240. When ACI 318, ACI 332, PCA 100 or the provisions of this
section, as amended by PAMC Section 16.14.240 are used to design
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250
260
270
280
290
concrete foundation walls, project drawings, typical details and
specifications are not required to bear the seal of the architect or engineer
responsible for design, unless otherwise required by the state law of the
jurisdiction having authority.
16.06. Section R504.3.1 Projections exposed toweather.
Section R504.3.1 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R504.3.1 Projections exposed to weather. Floor projections exposed to the weather and
sealed underneath, including but not limited to balconies, landings, decks, and stairs shall be
constructed of naturally durable wood, preservative-treated wood, corrosion-resistant (e.g.
galvanized) steel, or similar approved materials.
16.06. Section R506.1 General.
Section R506.1 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R506.1 General. Concrete slab-on-ground floors shall be designed and
constructed in accordance with the provisions of this section of ACI 332, as
amended by PAMC Section 16.14.240. Floors shall be a minimum 3 1/2
inches (89mm) thick (for expansive soils, see Section R403.1.8). The specified
compressive strength of concrete shall be as set forth in Section R402.2.
16.06. Section R602.10.4.5 Limits on methods GB and PCP.
Section R602.10.4.5 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R602.10.4.5 Limits on methods GB and PCP. In Seismic Design Categories
D0, D1, and D2, Method GB is not permitted for use as an intermittent
braced wall panels, but gypsum board is permitted to be installed when
required by this Section to be placed on the opposite side of the studs form
other types of braced wall panel sheathing. In Seismic Design Categories
D0, D1, and D2, the use of Method PCP is limited to one-story single family
dwelling and accessory structures.
16.06. Table R602.10.3(3) Bracing requirements based on seismic design category.
Footnote e to Table R602.10.3(3) is amended to read as follows:
e. In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2, Method GB is not permitted and
PCP is limited to one-story dwellings and accessory structures.
16.06. Section R608.5 Materials.
Section R608.5 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
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R608.5 Materials. Materials used in the construction of concrete walls
shall comply with this section, as amended by PAMC Chapter 16.14.240.
16.06.300 Section R703.8.5.1 Locations.
Section R703.8.5.1 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R703.8.5.1 Locations. Flashing shall be installed at wall and roof
intersections, gutters, wherever there is a change in roof slope or direction,
and around roof openings. Where flashing is of metal, the metal shall be
corrosion resistant with a thickness of not less than
0.019 inches (0.483 mm) (e.g. no. 26 galvanized sheet) and shall be primed and
painted.
16.06.310 Reserved.
16.06.320 Section R1003.9.2.1 Repairs, replacements andalterations.
Section R1003.9.2.1 is added to the California Residential Code to read:
R1003.9.2.1 Repairs, replacements and alterations. When any repair,
replacement or alteration to the roof of an existing structure is performed,
a spark arrester shall be installed on the existing chimney in accordance
with Section R1003.9.2.
16.06.330 Section BO109 Preliminary Meeting.
Section BO109 of Appendix BO of the California Residential Code is added to read:
Section BO109.1 General. If a building permit is required at the request of
the prospective permit applicant, the building official or his or her designee
may meet with the prospective applicant to discuss plans for any proposed
work under these provisions prior to the application for the permit. The
purpose of this preliminary meeting is for the building official to gain an
understanding of the prospective applicant’s intentions for the proposed
work, and to determine, together with the prospective applicant, the
specific applicability of these provisions.
SECTION 2. The Council adopts the findings for local amendments to the
California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated
herein by reference.
SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for
any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portion or sections of the Ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it would have
adopted the Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof
Docusign Envelope ID: 4B5D32C3-19BC-4CDD-9071-734705C75556
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or
phrases be declared invalid.
SECTION 4. The Council finds that the changes or modifications to the California
Residential Code adopted by this ordinance are substantially equivalent to changes or
modifications that were previously filed by the governing body of the City and were in
effect as of September 30, 2025, and are therefore exempt from the moratorium on new
residential building standards imposed by Assembly Bill 130 (2025).
SECTION 5. The Council finds that this project is exempt from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Section 15061 of the CEQA
Guidelines, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the
amendments herein adopted will have a significant effect on the environment.
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0290185_20250918_ms29
Docusign Envelope ID: 4B5D32C3-19BC-4CDD-9071-734705C75556
____________________________ ____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
SECTION 6. This ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first day after the date of its
adoption.
INTRODUCED: OCTOBER 6, 2025
PASSED: OCTOBER 20, 2025
AYES: BURT, LAUING, LU, LYTHCOTT-HAIMS, RECKDAHL, STONE, VEENKER
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
City Attorney or Designee City Manager
Director of Planning and
Development Services
Director of Administrative Services
Director of Public Works
16
0290185_20250918_ms29
Docusign Envelope ID: 4B5D32C3-19BC-4CDD-9071-734705C75556
Exhibit A
FINDINGS FOR LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, TITLE 24,
PART 2.5
Section 17958 of the California Health and Safety Code provides that the City may make changes to the
provisions of the California Building Standards Code. Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the Health and
Safety Code require that for each proposed local change to those provisions of the California Building
Standards Code which regulate buildings used for human habitation, the City Council must make findings
supporting its determination that each such local change is reasonably necessary because of local
climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.
Local building regulations having the effect of amending the uniform codes, which were adopted by the
City prior to November 23, 1970, were unaffected by the regulations of Sections 17958, 17958.5 and
17958.7 of the Health and Safety Code. Therefore, amendments to the uniform codes which were
adopted by the City Council prior to November 23, 1970 and have been carried through from year to year
without significant change, need no required findings. Also, amendments to provisions not regulating
buildings used for human habitation do not require findings.
Code: California Residential Code, Title 24, Part 2.5
Chapter(s),
Section(s),
Table(s),
Appendices
Title Add Deleted Amended Justification
(See below
for keys)
R202 Superficial floor area A, G
Table R301.2 Climatic and C, G, T
Geographic Design
Criteria
R301.2.2.6 Irregular Buildings G
R304.5 Dwelling unit and A, G
congregate residence
R319.1 Emergency Escape C, T
and Rescue Openings
R319.4.2.3 Window Well Fall Protection T
R 319.4.5 Security Bars T
R309.1.1 Design and installation T
R 309.2 One and Two Family T
Dwellings
Automatic Spr. Syst.
R309.2.1 Design and installation T
R309.2.2 NFPA 13D sprinkler increase T
in design requirements
R309.3 Dwelling unit fire sprinkler T
systems
R 310.1 Smoke Detection and
Notification
C, T
Docusign Envelope ID: 4B5D32C3-19BC-4CDD-9071-734705C75556
R310.1.3 Smoke alarms or detector
end of life replacement
T
311.7.5 Carbon monoxide alarms
or detectors end of life
replacement
T
R 308 Address identification T
R 306.1 Flood Hazard Regulations T
R401 General T, G
R402.2.1 Materials for concrete C
R403,
R403.1.2,
R403.1.3,
R403.1.3.1,
R403.1.3.2
Foundation G, T
R 403.1.8 Foundation on
expansive Soils
G, T
R404.1.3 Concrete foundation
walls
C
R 504.3.1 Projections exposed to
weather
G, T
R506.1 Concrete Floors on
ground
C
CR602.10.
4.5
Limits on methods GB
and PCP
G
Table
R602.10.3(3
)
Bracing Requirements Based
on
Seismic Design Category
G
R608.5 Materials C
R703.8.5.
1
Flashing Locations T
R1003.9.2
.1
Repairs, Replacements and
Alterations
T
Appendix
BF
Patio Covers C
Appendix
BO
Existing Building and
Structures
C, T
Appendix
BG
Sound Transmission C
Appendix
CI
Swimming Pool Safety Act C, G
BO109 Preliminary Meeting,
General
A, C, G
Docusign Envelope ID: 4B5D32C3-19BC-4CDD-9071-734705C75556
C
Key to Justification for Amendments to Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations
A This is an administrative amendment to clarify and establish civil and administrative
procedures, regulations, or rules to enforce and administer the activities by the Palo Alto Building
Inspection Department. These administrative amendments do not need to meet HSC
18941.5/17958/13869 per HSC 18909(c).
This amendment is justified based on a local climatic condition. The seasonal climatic
conditions during the late summer and fall create severe fire hazards to the public health and
welfare in the City. The hot, dry weather frequently results in wild land fires on the brush covered
slopes west of Interstate 280. The aforementioned conditions combined with the geological
characteristics of the hills within the City create hazardous conditions for which departure from
California Building Standards Code is required. Natural gas combustion and gas appliances emit a
wide range of air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx, including
nitrogen dioxide (NO2)), particulate matter (PM), and formaldehyde, which according to a UCLA
Study, have been linked to various acute and chronic health effects, and additionally exceed levels
set by national and California-based ambient air quality standards. The burning of fossil fuels used
in the generation of electric power and heating of buildings contributes to climate change, which
could result in rises in sea level, including in San Francisco Bay, that could put at risk Palo Alto
homes and businesses, public facilities, and Highway 101 (Bayshore Freeway), particularly the
mapped Flood Hazard areas of the City. Energy efficiency is a key component in reducing GHG
emissions, and construction of more energy efficient buildings can help Palo Alto reduce its share
of the GHG emissions that contribute to climate change. All-electric new buildings benefit the
health, safety, and welfare, of Palo Alto and its residents. Requiring all-electric construction,
without gas infrastructure will reduce the amount of greenhouse gas produced in Palo Alto and
will contribute to reducing the impact of climate change and the associated risks. Due to decrease
in annual rain fall, Palo Alto experiences the effect of drought and water saving more than some
other communities in California. Embodied carbon of concrete is a significant contributor to
greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and this amendment includes a requirement to
use low-carbon concrete.
G This amendment is justified based on a local geological condition. The City of Palo Alto is
subject to earthquake hazard caused by its proximity to San Andreas fault. This fault runs from
Hollister, through the Santa Cruz Mountains, epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, then
on up the San Francisco Peninsula, then offshore at Daly City near Mussel Rock. This is the
approximate location of the epicenter of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The other fault is
Hayward Fault. This fault is about 74 mi long, situated mainly along the western base of the hills
on the east side of San Francisco Bay. Both faults are considered major Northern California
earthquake faults which may experience rupture at any time. Thus, because the City is within a
seismic area which includes these earthquake faults, the modifications and changes cited herein
are designed to better limit property damage as a result of seismic activity and to establish criteria
for repair of damaged properties following a local emergency.
T The City of Palo Alto topography includes hillsides with narrow and winding access, which
makes timely response by fire suppression and emergency response vehicles difficult. Palo Alto
is contiguous with the San Francisco Bay, resulting in a natural receptor for storm and wastewater
run-off. Also, the City of Palo Alto is located in an area that is potentially susceptible to
liquefaction during a major earthquake. The surface condition consists mostly of stiff to dense
sandy clay, which is highly plastic and expansive in nature. The aforementioned conditions within
the City create hazardous conditions for which departure from California Building Standards Code
is warranted.
Docusign Envelope ID: 4B5D32C3-19BC-4CDD-9071-734705C75556
Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: 4B5D32C3-19BC-4CDD-9071-734705C75556 Status: Completed
Subject: ORD 5676 - Adopting a New Chapter 16.06, CA Residential Code
Source Envelope:
Document Pages: 19 Signatures: 7 Envelope Originator:
Certificate Pages: 2 Initials: 0 Christine Prior
AutoNav: Enabled
EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled
Time Zone: (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto , CA 94301
Christine.Prior@PaloAlto.gov
IP Address: 165.225.242.110
Record Tracking
Status: Original
11/3/2025 2:54:31 PM
Holder: Christine Prior
Christine.Prior@PaloAlto.gov
Location: DocuSign
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Madeleine Salah
Madeleine.Salah@paloalto.gov
Deputy City Attorney
City of Palo Alto
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Brad Eggleston
Brad.Eggleston@paloalto.gov
Director of Public Works
City of Palo Alto
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Lauren Lai
Lauren.Lai@paloalto.gov
Director Administrative Services/CFO
COPA
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Jonathan Lait
Jonathan.Lait@paloalto.gov
Director, Planning and Development Services
City of Palo Alto
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Ed Shikada
Ed.Shikada@paloalto.gov
Ed Shikada
City of Palo Alto
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Ed Lauing
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Mahealani Ah Yun
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City Clerk
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