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389_BuildingCodeOrdinance_2025_F_E Page 1 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 ORDINANCE NO. 389 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY REFERENCE TITLE 26 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 27 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 28 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 29 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 30 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 31 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 EDITION; TITLE 33 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE INCORPORATING THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION; ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION; MAKING AMENDMENTS TO SAID CODES; AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the City of Rolling Hills Municipal Code is amended to read as follows: Title 15 - BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Chapter 15.04 BUILDING CODE Sections: 15.04.010 Adoption of Building Code. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26, Building Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Building Code, 2025 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control. A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Page 2 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public. 15.04.020 Short title. This chapter shall be known as the “Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills” and will be referred to herein as “this code.” 15.04.030 Section 105, “Permits,” amended. Section 105, “Permits,” of the Building Code is amended to add a subsection 105.8, “Review hearing,” to read: 105.8 Review hearing. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills may conduct a public hearing to review any decision or order of the Board of Appeals, the Code Enforcement Appeals Board, or the Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board upon an affirmative vote of three members of the City Council within thirty (30) calendar days of the decision or order. The City Council may, upon conclusion of the public hearing, sustain or reverse in whole or in part any said action or order. Notice of the City Council public hearing shall be given by the City Clerk not less than ten (10) days prior to the hearing by first class mail to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of the subject property and all owners of record of the subject property at the time of mailing said notice. 15.04.040 Definitions. Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the California Building Code or the County of Los Angeles Building Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows: “Board of Appeals” means the Board of Appeals established by Section 105 of said Los Angeles County Building Code. “Building department” means the entities charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of administering the building code for the City. “Building Official” means the persons charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of administering the building code for the City. “City” means the City of Rolling Hills. “City Engineer” means the persons charged by resolution of the City Council with the responsibility of performing the functions of city engineer for the City. “County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills. Page 3 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 “Electrical Code” means Chapter 15.16 of this code. “Existing Building Code” means Chapter 15.24 of this code. “Fire Code” means Chapter 15.20 of this code. “Fire zone” means the fire zone adopted by an ordinance creating and establishing fire zones or where no such fire zones have been adopted by the City of Rolling Hills, shall mean very high fire hazard severity zone (“VHFHSZ”). “General fund” means the City Treasury of the City of Rolling Hills. “Green Building Standards Code” means Chapter 15.22 of this code. “Health Code” or “Los Angeles County Health Code” means Chapter 8.04 of this code. “Health Officer” means the Health Officer of the City of Rolling Hills. “Mechanical Code” means Chapter 15.12 of this code. “Plumbing Code” means Chapter 15.08 of this code. “Residential Code” means Chapter 15.18 of this code. 15.04.050 Fees. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010, the Building Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Building Code, to a sum set by resolution of the City Council, including a park and recreation fee. 15.04.060 Section 202, “Definitions,” amended. Section 202, “Definitions,” of the Building Code, regarding the definition of a “basement,” is amended to read as follows: BASEMENT is any floor level below the first story of the primary residence, including an attached garage. Except for walls within light wells, basement walls across any elevation may not exceed a height of five (5) feet above finished grade at any point immediately adjacent to the basement exterior, and shall have no greater than an average of two and one-half (21/2) feet exterior height. Basement well(s) shall be incorporated into the overall design of the building so that it does not give an appearance of a separate story. 15.04.070 Section 202, “Definitions,” amended. Section 202, Definitions,” of the Building Code, regarding the definition of a “story,” is amended to read as follows: Page 4 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 STORY is that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the ceiling or roof above it. There shall be no story on top of another, except as permitted in Section 17.16.080 of the Zoning Ordinance. 15.04.080 Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J103, “Permits required,” amended. Section J103.2, “Exemptions,” Exemption 8, is amended to read as follows: 8. An excavation that does not exceed 50 cubic yards and complies with one of the following conditions and as shown in Figure J103.2: (a) Is less than 2 feet (0.6 m) in depth. (b) Does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet (1.5 m) measured vertically upward from the cut surface to the surface of the natural grade and is not steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope). Section J103.2, “Exemptions,” Exemption 9, is amended to read as follows: 9. A fill not intended to support a structure that does not obstruct a drainage course and complies with one of the following conditions and as shown in Figure J103.2: (a) Is less than 1 foot (0.3 m) in depth and is placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (20 percent slope). (b) Is less than 3 feet (0.9 m) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 50 cubic yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope). (c) Is less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, does not exceed 20 cubic yards, and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope). Section J103.6, “Compliance with Zoning Code,” is amended to read as follows: The Building Official may refuse to issue a grading permit for work on a site if either the proposed grading or the proposed land use for the site shown on the grading plan application does not comply with the provisions of Title 17 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code (Zoning). Page 5 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 15.04.090 Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J106.1, “Maximum cut slope,” amended. Section J106.1, “Maximum cut slope,” is amended to read as follows: The slope of cut surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use and shall be no more than one unit vertical to two units horizontal (50 percent slope), unless the owner, or the owner’s authorized agent, receives a variance for a steeper slope from the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills and furnishes a geotechnical or an engineering geology report, or both, justifying a steeper slope. The reports must contain a statement by the Geotechnical Engineer or Engineering Geologist that the site was investigated and an opinion that a steeper slope will be stable and will not create a hazard to public or private property, in conformance with the requirements of Section 111. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Building Official may require the slope of cut surfaces to be less than 50 percent, if the Building Official finds it necessary for the stability and safety of the slope. Exceptions: The slope of a cut surface may be permitted to be as steep as 1.5 units horizontal to one unit vertical (67 percent) only if all of the following conditions are met: 1. It is not intended to support structures or surcharges. 2. It is approved by the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills. 3. It is adequately protected against erosion. 4. It is no more than 8 feet (2438 mm) in height. 5. It is approved by the Building Official. 6. Ground water is not encountered. 15.04.100 Section J106.2 added. Section J106, “Excavations,” is amended to add subsection J106.2, “Driveways,” to read as follows: Section J106.2 Driveways. Driveways which provide access from any lot or parcel of land to any of the private roads in the City of Rolling Hills which are maintained by the Rolling Hills Community Association shall be so constructed that the first twenty (20) feet of said driveway, measured from the edge of the paved portion of said private road, shall not be steeper in grade than seven percent (7%). All new and relocated driveways require approval of the City of Rolling Hills Traffic Commission prior to construction. Page 6 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 15.04.110 Section J106.3 added. Section J106, “Excavations,” is amended to add subsection J106.3, “Balanced cut and fill ratio,” to read as follows: J106.3 Balanced cut and fill ratio. Adherence to balanced cut and fill ratio is an important policy of the City and furthers the goals and objectives of its General Plan, except that export of soil generated from construction of basements and other excavation activities, promotes the preservation of natural terrain of the property. A project, which does not include excavation, may deviate from balanced cut and fill only under unusual circumstances related to the size, shape, topography or other physical conditions of the property that qualify it for a variance pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.050. 1. No import of soil shall be permitted to any lot in the City, except where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved. 2. No export of soil shall be permitted from any lot in the City, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity, as defined in Municipal Code Section 17.12.050 or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved. Export of soil must comply with City refuse diversion requirements. 3. No grading plan for which a permit is required shall be approved unless the amount of soil to be cut from the site equals the amount of soil to be filled on the site, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved. 4. The City Manager, or his or her designee, may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present: (a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area), and (b) That the need to import or export the soil could not have been foreseen prior to commencement of construction. 5. The City Manager or his or her designee may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards for remedial repair of the lot that has eroded, and of hillside or trail if he or she finds, based upon written Page 7 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present: (a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area); (b) The import or export of soil is no greater than necessary to avoid a threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger; and (c) A professionally prepared drainage plan for permanent repair shall be required if the erosion is re-occurring and if/when the amount of dirt requested, when added to the amount of dirt used in previous years, exceeds a total of 500 cubic yards. 15.04.120 Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J107.6, “Maximum slope,” amended. Section J107.6, “Maximum slope,” is amended to read as follows: The slope of fill surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use. Fill slopes steeper than 1 unit vertical to 2 units horizontal (50 percent slope) shall not be permitted unless the owner receives a variance for a steeper fill slope from the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills, pursuant to the provisions of Title 17 of the Municipal Code. Such slopes shall be justified by geotechnical reports conforming with the requirements of Section 111, containing a statement by the Geotechnical Engineer that the site has been investigated and an opinion that a steeper fill slope will be stable and will not create a hazard to public or private property. Substantiating calculations and supporting data may be required where the Building Official determines that such information is necessary to verify the stability and safety of the proposed slope. The Building Official may require the fill slope to be constructed with a face flatter in slope than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50 percent slope) if the Building Official finds it necessary for stability and safety of the slope. 15.04.130 Section J107.10 added. Section J107, “Fills,” is amended by adding subsection J107.10, “Balanced cut and fill ratio,” to read as follows: J107.10 Balanced cut and fill ratio. Adherence to balanced cut and fill ratio is an important policy of the City and furthers the goals and objectives of its General Plan, except that export of soil generated from construction of basements and other excavation activities, promotes the preservation of natural terrain of the property. A project, which does not include excavation, may deviate from balanced cut and fill only under unusual circumstances related to the size, shape, topography or other physical conditions of the property that qualify it for a variance pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.050. Page 8 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 1. No import of soil shall be permitted to any lot in the City, except where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved. 2. No export of soil shall be permitted from any lot in the City, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity, as defined in Municipal Code Section 17.12.050 or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved. Export of soil must comply with City refuse diversion requirements. 3. No grading plan for which a permit is required shall be approved unless the amount of soil to be cut from the site equals the amount of soil to be filled on the site, except where the soil is generated from an excavation activity or where a variance pursuant to Chapter 17.38 has been approved. 4. The City Manager, or his or her designee, may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export (other than from excavation activities), of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present: (a) Construction of a structure on the lot or parcel has commenced, (b) That the need to import or export the soil could not have been foreseen prior to commencement of construction, and (c) That either the structure, as approved, cannot be completed without the requested import or export of soil or that an emergency condition exists due to the threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger. 5. The City Manager or his or her designee may grant an exception to the requirements of parts 1 and 2 of this subsection to allow for the import or export of soil not to exceed 500 cubic yards for remedial repair of an area of the lot that has eroded, is on a hillside or a trail if he or she finds, based upon written reports and other information submitted, that all of the following conditions are present: (a) The project does not require discretionary review (a cut that is three feet or less, or a fill that is three feet or less and where the activity covers 2,000 square feet or less of surface area). (b) The import or export of soil is no greater than necessary to avoid a threat of land subsidence or other imminent danger. (c) A professionally prepared drainage plan for permanent repair shall be required if the erosion is re-occurring and if/when the amount Page 9 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 of dirt requested, when added to the amount of dirt used in previous years, exceeds a total of 500 cubic yards. 15.04.140 Appendix J, “Grading,” Section J101.2, “Flood hazard areas,” amended. Section J101.2, “Flood hazard areas,” is amended to read as follows: Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010 of this chapter, the Building Code is amended by requiring that in addition to Section J101.2, all new construction and substantial improvements proposed to be built in a flood-prone area, as determined in accordance with Section 8.36.050 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code (“RHMC”), is subject to the floodplain management regulations set forth in Chapter 8.36 of the RHMC. 15.04.150 Violations and penalties. A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or portion thereof or perform any grading in the City of Rolling Hills, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code. Chapter 15.08 PLUMBING CODE Sections: 15.08.010 Adoption of Plumbing Code. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 28, Plumbing Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Plumbing Code of the City of Rolling Hills. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Page 10 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 Plumbing Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control. A copy of Title 28 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public. 15.08.020 Definitions. Whenever any of the following names of terms are used in the California Plumbing Code and the Los Angeles County Plumbing Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows: “City” means the City of Rolling Hills. “County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills. 15.08.030 Fees. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.08.010, the Plumbing Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Plumbing Code to a sum set by resolution of the City Council. 15.08.040 Violations and penalties. A. Every person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Plumbing Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. B. The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. Chapter 15.12 MECHANICAL CODE Sections: 15.12.010 Adoption of Mechanical Code. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 29, Mechanical Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition (Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) Page 11 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Mechanical Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control. A copy of Title 29 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public. 15.12.020 Definitions. Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the California Mechanical Code or the County of Los Angeles Mechanical Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, as follows: “City” means the City of Rolling Hills. “County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills. 15.12.030 Fees. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.12.010, the Mechanical Code is amended by increasing the amount of each and every fee set forth in the Mechanical Code to a sum set by resolution of the City Council. 15.12.040 Violations and penalties. A. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, install, alter, repair, relocate, add to, replace, use or maintain heating, ventilating, cooling, or refrigeration equipment in the jurisdiction, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills. Maintenance of equipment which was unlawful at the time it was installed, and which would be unlawful under this Code if installed after the effective date of this Code, shall constitute a continuing violation of this Code. B. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Mechanical Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this section are Page 12 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. Chapter 15.16 ELECTRICAL CODE Sections: 15.16.010 Adoption of Electrical Code. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 27, Electrical Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition (Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Electrical Code of the City of Rolling Hills. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Electrical Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control. A co py of Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public. 15.16.020 Definitions. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.16.010 of this chapter, whenever any of the following names or terms are used in the Electrical Code, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section as follows: “City” means the City of Rolling Hills. “County,” “County of Los Angeles” or “unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles” means the City of Rolling Hills. 15.16.030 Fees. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.16.010, fees for plan check, inspection, and all other miscellaneous services shall be based on the fee schedule set forth by Title 27 of the Los Angeles County Code, Fees, as approved by resolution of the City Council. 15.16.040 Violations and penalties. A. Every person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Electrical Code of the City of Rolling Hills shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such Page 13 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. B. The provisions of this section are in addition to and independent of any sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may otherwise be imposed for a violation of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. Chapter 15.18 RESIDENTIAL CODE Sections: 15.18.010 Adoption of Residential Code. Except as herein provided, Title 30, Residential Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition (Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Residential Code of the City of Rolling Hills. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Residential Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control. A copy of Title 30 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public. 15.18.020 Definitions. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. 15.18.040 Fees. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed for the Building Code in Section 15.04.050 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. 15.18.050 Violations and penalties. A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building Page 14 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 or structure or perform any grading in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Residential Code of the City of Rolling Hills. B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code. Chapter 15.20 FIRE CODE* Sections: 15.20.010 Adoption of Fire Code. Except as hereinafter provided in this chapter, California Fire Code, 2025 Edition (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as though set forth in this chapter in full. Said code shall constitute the Fire Code of the City of Rolling Hills. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Fire Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the latter-listed document shall control. A copy of the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk and shall be at all times while in force maintained by the Clerk for use and examination by the public. 15.20.020 Short title. This chapter shall be known as the “Fire Code of the City of Rolling Hills” and may be cited as such. 15.20.025 Fire hazard severity zones. The Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones map for the City of Rolling Hills dated March 24, 2025, as identified by the State Fire Marshal, is hereby adopted by the City of Rolling Hills and incorporated herein for all purposes. This map is available for inspection in the City Clerk's office at the Rolling Hills City Hall. Page 15 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 15.20.030 Permits. Any permit heretofore issued by the County of Los Angeles pursuant to the Fire Code of said County, for work within the territorial boundaries of the City of Rolling Hills, shall remain in full force and effect according to its terms. 15.20.035 Reserved. 15.20.040 Local amendments—Reserved. 15.20.050 Violations. Every person violating any provision of the Fire Code or of any permit or license granted hereunder, or any rule, regulation or policy promulgated pursuant hereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor unless such violation is declared to be an infraction by the Fire Code. Each such violation is a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which such violation is committed, continued or permitted, and conviction of any such violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. 15.20.060 Responsibility. Any person who personally or through another willfully, negligently, or in violation of law sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire kindled or attended by such person to escape from his or her control, allows any hazardous material to be handled, stored or transported in a manner not in accordance with nationally recognized standards, allows any hazardous material to escape from his or her control, neglects to properly comply with any written notice of the Chief, or willfully or negligently allows the continuation of a violation of the Fire Code and amendments thereto is liable for the expense of fighting the fire or for the expenses incurred during a hazardous materials incident, and such expense shall be a charge against that person. Such charge shall constitute a debt of such person and is collectible by the public agency incurring such expense in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied. Chapter 15.22 GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE Sections: 15.22.010 Adoption of Green Building Standards Code. Except as hereinafter provided, Title 31, Green Building Standards Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition (Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known and may be cited as the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Rolling Hills. Page 16 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Green Building Standards Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control. A copy of Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Green Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition, have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public. 15.22.020 Definitions. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be construed to have the meaning ascribed to them in the Los Angeles County Green Building Standards Code or in Section 15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, as appropriate. 15.22.030 Water budget. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, Section 4.304, “Outdoor water use,” of the Green Building Standards Code, is amended by adding subsection 4.304.2, “Water budget,” to read as follows: 4.304.2 Water budget. A water budget shall be developed for landscape irrigation use installed in conjunction with new construction and new or redeveloped landscaping that conforms to the local water efficient landscape ordinance in Chapter 13.18 of Title 13 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. 15.22.040 Low-impact development. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, sSection 4.106.5, “Low- impact development,” of the Green Building Standards Code, is amended to read as follows: 4.106.5 Low-impact development. New development or additions or alteration to existing developed sites shall comply with the Storm Water Management and Pollution Control Ordinance, Chapter 8.32 of Title 8 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. 15.22.050 Fees. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.22.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed by resolution of the City Council for the Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, and Fire Codes of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. Page 17 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 15.22.060 Violations and penalties. A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Rolling Hills. B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code. Chapter 15.24 EXISTING BUILDING CODE Sections: 15.24.010 Adoption of Existing Building Code. Except as herein provided, Title 33, Existing Building Code of the Los Angeles County Code, in effect on January 1, 2026, adopting the California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition (Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as the Existing Building Code of the City of Rolling Hills. In the event of any conflict between provisions of Title 33, Existing Building Code of the Los Angeles County Code, 2025 Edition, or any amendment to the Existing Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control. A copy of Title 33 of the Existing Building Code and the 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public. 15.24.020 Definitions. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.24.010, names or terms that are used in this code shall be construed to have the meaning ascribed to them in Section 15.04.040 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. Page 18 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 15.24.030 Fees. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.24.010, the fees set forth for this code shall be the same as the fees prescribed for the Building Code in Section 15.04.050 of Title 15 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. 15.24.040 Violations and penalties. A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or perform any grading in the City of Rolling Hills, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. B. Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The provisions of this Section are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of this code. Chapter 15.32 UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS Sections: 15.32.010 Definitions. Whenever in this chapter the words or phrases defined in this section are used, they shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in the following definitions: A. “Commission” means the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California. B. “Person” means and includes individuals, firms, corporations, partnerships, and their agents and employees. C. “Poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures” means poles, towers, supports, wires, conductors, guys, stubs, platforms, crossarms, braces, transformers, insulators, cutouts, switches, communication circuits, appliances, attachments and appurtenances located above- ground within a district and used or useful in supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service. D. “Underground utility district” or “district” means that area in the City within which poles, overhead wires, and associated overhead structures are Page 19 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 prohibited as such area is described in a resolution adopted pursuant to the provisions of Section 15.32.040. E. “Utility” includes all persons or entities supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service by means of electrical materials or devices. 15.32.020 Public hearing—Authorized when—Notice. The Council may from time to time call public hearings to ascertain whether the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures within designated areas of the City and the underground installation of wires and facilities for supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service. The City Clerk shall notify all affected property owners as shown on the last equalized assessment roll and utilities concerned by mail of the time and place of such hearings at least ten days prior to the date thereof. Each such hearing shall be open to the public and may be continued from time to time. At each such hearing all persons interested shall be given an opportunity to be heard. The decision of the Council shall be final and conclusive. 15.32.030 Public hearing—Consultation. Prior to holding such public hearing, the City Engineer shall consult with all affected utilities and shall prepare a report for submission at such hearing containing, among other information, the extent of such utilities’ participation and estimates of the total costs to the city and affected property owners. Such report shall also contain an estimate of the time required to complete such underground installation and removal of overhead facilities. 15.32.040 Council resolution—Procedure. If, after any such public hearing, the Council finds that the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires such removal and such underground installation within a designated area, the Council shall, by resolution, declare such designated area an underground utility district and order such removal and underground installation. Such resolution shall include a description of the area comprising such district and shall fix the time within which such removal and underground installation shall be accomplished and within which affected property owners must be ready to receive underground services. A reasonable time shall be allowed for such removal and underground installation, having due regard for the availability of labor, materials and equipment necessary for such removal and for the installation of such underground facilities as may be occasioned thereby. 15.32.050 Maintaining overhead structures prohibited when. Whenever the Council creates an underground utility district and orders the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures therein as provided in Section 15.32.040, it is unlawful for any person or utility to erect, construct, place, keep, maintain, continue, employ or operate poles, overhead wires and associated overhead Page 20 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 structures in the district after the date when said overhead facilities are required to be removed by such resolution, except as said overhead facilities may be required to furnish service to an owner or occupant of property prior to the performance by such owner or occupant to continue to receive utility service as provided in Section 15.32.100, and for such reasonable time required to remove said facilities after said work has been performed, and except as otherwise provided in this chapter. 15.32.060 Emergency overhead structures. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, overhead facilities may be installed and maintained for a period not to exceed ten days without authority of the City Manager in order to provide emergency service. The City Manager may grant special permission on such terms as the City Manager may deem appropriate, in cases of unusual circumstances, without discrimination as to any person or utility, to erect, construct, install, maintain, use or operate poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures. 15.32.070 Council resolution—Exceptions authorized. In any resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City may authorize any or all of the following exceptions: A. Any municipal facilities or equipment installed under the supervision and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer; B. Poles or electroliers used exclusively for street lighting; C. Overhead wires (exclusive of supporting structures) crossing any portion of a district within which overhead wires have been prohibited, or connecting to buildings on the perimeter of a district, which such wires originate in an area from which poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures are not prohibited; D. Poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures used for the transmission of electric energy at nominal voltages in excess of 34,500 volts; E. Overhead wires attached to the exterior surface of a building by means of a bracket or other fixture and extending from one location of the building to another location on the same building or to an adjacent building without crossing any public street; F. Antennae, associated equipment and supporting structures used by a utility for furnishing communication services; G. Equipment appurtenant to underground facilities, such as surface- mounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts. Page 21 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 H. Temporary poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures used or to be used in conjunction with construction projects. 15.32.080 Notice to property owners and utility companies. A. Within ten days after the effective date of a resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City Clerk shall notify all affected utilities and all persons owning real property within the district created by said resolution of the adoption thereof. The City Clerk shall further notify such affected property owners of the necessity that if they or any person occupying such property desire to continue to receive electric, communication, or similar or associated service, they or such occupant shall provide all necessary facility changes on their premises so as to receive such service from the lines of the supplying utility or utilities at a new location. B. Notification by the City Clerk shall be made by mailing a copy of the resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, together with a copy of this chapter, to affected property owners as such are shown on the last equalized assessment roll and to the affected utilities. 15.32.090 Responsibility of utility companies. If underground construction is necessary to provide utility service within a district created by any resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the supplying utility shall furnish that portion of the conduits, conductors and associated equipment required to be furnished by it under its applicable rules, regulations and tariffs on file with the Commission. 15.32.100 Responsibility of property owners—Notice. Every person owning, operating, leasing, occupying or renting a building or structure within a District shall construct and provide that portion of the service connection on his property between the facilities referred to in Section 15.32.090 and the termination facility on or within said building or structure being served. If the above is not accomplished by any person within the time provided for in the resolution enacted pursuant to Section 15.32.040, the City Engineer shall give, notice in writing to the person in possession of such premises, and a notice in writing to the owner thereof as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, to provide the required underground facilities within ten days after receipt of such notice. 15.32.110 Notice—Service. The notice to provide the required underground facilities may be given either by personal service or by mail. In case of service by mail on either of such persons, the notice must be deposited in the United States mail in a sealed envelope with postage prepaid, addressed to the person in possession of such premises at such premises, and the notice must be addressed to the owner thereof as such owner’s name appears, and must be addressed to such owner’s last known address as the same appears on the last Page 22 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 equalized assessment roll, and when no address appears, to General Delivery, City of Rolling Hills, California. If notice is given by mail, such notice shall be deemed to have been received by the person to whom it has been sent within forty-eight hours after the mailing thereof. If notice is given by mail to either the owner or occupant of such premises, the City Engineer shall, within forty-eight hours after the mailing thereof, cause a copy thereof, printed on a card not less than eight inches by ten inches in size to be posted in a conspicuous place on said premises. 15.32.120 Notice—Form. The notice given by the City Engineer to provide the required underground facilities shall particularly specify what work is required to be done, and shall state that if said work is not completed within thirty days after receipt of such notice, the City Engineer will provide such required underground facilities, in which case the cost and expense thereof will be assessed against the property benefited and become a lien upon such property. 15.32.130 Work by City Engineer—Assessment of costs. If upon the expiration of the thirty-day period the required underground facilities have not been provided, the City Engineer shall forthwith proceed to do the work; provided, however, if such premises are unoccupied and no electric or communications services are being furnished thereto, the City Engineer may authorize the disconnection and removal of any and all overhead service wires and associated facilities supplying utility service to said property. Upon completion of the work by the City Engineer, he shall file a written report with the City Council setting forth the fact that the required underground facilities have been provided and the cost thereof, together with a legal description of the property against which such cost is to be assessed. The Council shall thereupon fix a time and place for hearing protests against the assessment of the cost of such work upon such premises, which said time shall not be less than ten days thereafter. 15.32.140 Assessment—Hearing—Notice. The City Engineer shall forthwith, upon the time for hearing such protests having been fixed, give a notice in writing to the person in possession of such premises, and a notice in writing thereof to the owner thereof, in the manner provided in this chapter for the giving of the notice to provide the required underground facilities, of the time and place that the Council will pass upon such report and will hear protests against such assessment. Such notice shall also set forth the amount of the proposed assessment. 15.32.150 Assessment—Hearing—Decision. Upon the date and hour set for the hearing of protests, the Council shall hear and consider the report and all protests if there be any, and then proceed to affirm, modify or reject the assessment. Page 23 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 15.32.160 Assessment—Lien. If any assessment is not paid within the five days after its confirmation by the Council, the amount of the assessment shall become a lien upon the property against which the assessment is made by the City Engineer, and the City Engineer is directed to turn over to the Assessor and Tax Collector a notice of lien of each of said properties on which the assessment has not been paid, and the Assessor and Tax Collector shall add the amount of said assessment to the next regular bill for taxes levied against the premises upon which said assessment was not paid. Said assessment shall be due and payable, and if not paid when due and payable, shall bear interest at the rate of six percent per annum. 15.32.170 Responsibility of City. The City shall remove at its own expense all City-owned equipment from all poles required to be removed under this chapter in ample time to enable the owner or user of such poles to remove the same within the time specified in the resolution enacted pursuant to Section 15.32.040. 15.32.180 Extension of time. In the event that any act required by this chapter or by a resolution adopted pursuant to Section 15.32.040 cannot be performed within the time provided on account of shortage of materials, war, restraint by public authorities, strikes, labor disturbances, civil disobedience, or any other circumstances beyond the control of the contractor, then the time within which such act will be accomplished shall be extended for a period equivalent to the time of such limitation. 15.32.190 Violation—Penalty. It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision or to fail to comply with any requirement of this chapter. Any person violating any provision of this chapter or failing to comply with any of its requirements shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine or not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in County Jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person and shall be punishable accordingly. Chapter 15.36 HOURS OF CONSTRUCTION Sections: 15.36.010 Work of improvement defined. For the purpose of this chapter, “work of improvement” includes but is not restricted to the construction, alteration, addition, or the repair, in whole or in part, of any building, structure, bridge, ditch, pipeline, tunnel, fence, or road; the cutting or removal of weeds, Page 24 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 trees and grass; the seeding, sodding or planting of any lot or tract of land for landscaping purposes; the filling, levelling, grading of any lot or tract of land; or the crushing of rock or the hauling of any material to be used or removed in connection with any of the foregoing; the demolition of buildings; or the removal of buildings. 15.36.020 Hours restricted. There shall be no work of improvement or the operation of mechanical equipment used in connection with work of improvement within the territorial limits of the City except on Monday through Saturday of each week, commencing at the hour of seven a.m. and ending at the hour of six p.m. on each day. 15.36.030 Exceptions. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to residents of the City who are the record owners of land in the City or who are the lessees of the record owners of land in the City. Chapter 15.40 GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS REQUIRED Sections: 15.40.010 Requirements. The requirements provided for in this chapter are in addition to any and all other requirements relating to expansive soils and geological inspections and reports required by the building code of the City or any other ordinance of the City. 15.40.020 Authority—Procedure. A. No building (as defined in the Los Angeles County Building Laws) for which a building or grading permit is required by the building code of the City, shall be issued by the City Engineer if he, and/or the City Council, is of the opinion that a potentially serious geological condition may exist on the land on which the proposed building is to be constructed, or the proposed grading is to be performed, until a geological report prepared by a geologist registered by the State is delivered to the City Engineer by the applicant for the building or grading permit. The report shall include, among other things, test borings or excavations. B. If said geological report, in the opinion of the City Engineer, indicates a potential serious geological condition, the City Engineer shall have the authority to employ an independent geologist registered by the State, to prepare and provide him with an independent geological report of the land on which the proposed building is to be constructed or the grading is proposed to be performed, and if necessary, to require additional test borings or excavations to be made by an independent testing service, the Page 25 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 depth and accuracy of which shall be approved by said registered geologist. C. The City Engineer shall also have authority to submit samples of any and all test borings or excavations to an independent qualified geological laboratory for analysis and report. D. The geological report prepared by the independent registered geologist shall recommend corrective action which is designed to prevent the displacement or slippage of the land. 15.40.030 Corrective action required when. As a condition to the issuance of a permit by the City Engineer of the City, the corrective action or procedures recommended in the geological report shall be incorporated in the proposed construction or grading for which the permit has been applied. 15.40.040 Assessment of costs. All expenses incurred by the applicant in complying with the provisions of this chapter shall be paid for by the applicant and shall be in addition to all other charges or fees levied, assessed or charged by the City in connection with the issuance of a building or grading permit.” Section 2. All inconsistencies between the Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Residential Code, Green Building Code, Existing Building Code, and Fire Code as adopted by this ordinance and Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 11 of the California Code of Regulations, are changes, modifications, amendments, additions, or deletions thereto authorized by California Health & Safety Code Sections 17958 and 17958.7. Section 3. Justifications for Local Amendments. The City Council hereby finds that the changes and modifications to the California Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Residential Code, Green Building Code, Existing Building Code, and Fire Code, enacted by this ordinance are reasonably necessary because of the City’s local climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, often resulting in drought conditions, followed by strong Santa Ana winds, often resulting in hazardous fire conditions, and heavy winter rains, often resulting in expansive soil conditions; the City’s geological characteristics in that the area is characterized by geological instability; location in Southern California; and hilly topography of the City. The City Council hereby finds that the modifications to the State Building Code in Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions within the City of Rolling Hills. Further, the modifications to the Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Green Building Standards, Residential, and Existing Building Codes in Titles 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 33 of the Los Angeles County Code are administrative in nature and are necessary to Page 26 of 27 Ordinance No. 389 Building Code Ordinance 2025 allow the uniform application of the codes by procedures suited to the size and nature of the City’s staff and administrative agencies by means suited to the City’s experience with local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions and to provide sufficient staff support for the time-consuming inspections and analysis required by the City’s fire and geological hazards. Section 4. To the extent the provisions of this ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, these sections shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as new enactments. Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance or any part hereof is for any reason held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid. Section 6. California Environmental Quality Act. Pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines, the City Council finds that this Ordinance will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and therefore is not subject to the CEQA. Additionally, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3), the activity is not a “project” as defined in Section 15378 because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. Most of the terms of the building standards adopted herein are dictated by the California Buildings Standards Code and county amendments to the state standards only make those modifications necessary for local regional conditions which are at least as protective of the environment as the state codes. City-specific amendments are limited to creating administrative processes for local enforcement of the state building standards. Alternatively, even if the ordinance is a project within the meaning of CEQA, its adoption is exempt from CEQA under the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may cause significant adverse effects on the environment. CEQA Guideline section 15061(b)(3). As this ordinance is largely administrative in nature, there is no possibility that the City’s action would adversely affect the environment in any manner that could be significant. Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its passage and adoption pursuant to California Government Code section 36937 and shall apply to all projects submitted to the City for plan check and/or permit application on or after that date.