HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 692
ORDINANCE NO. 692
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND
REPLACING CHAPTER 7 (FIRE CODE)
OF TITLE 4 PUBLIC SAFETY CODE
OF THE ATASCADERO MUNICIPAL CODE
The City Council hereby finds and declares as follows:
WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of the City Council to provide residents with
common sense reform to the City’s Municipal Code to reduce regulations; and
WHEREAS, the City Fire Marshal has reviewed applicable sections of Title 4 and has
determined sections that need to be modified for consistency with State Law; and
WHEREAS, provisions codified in this title are adopted to implement and supplement the
Health and Safety Code as it exists and as it may be amended from time to time; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of the City Council of the Atascadero to provide
citizens with the greatest degree of fire, life and structural safety in buildings, in the most cost
effective manner, by adopting the body of regulations referred to as the 2025 Edition of the
California Building Code, Chapter 7 and 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface
Code with amendments specific to the City of Atascadero; and
WHEREAS, the California Health and Safety Code, Section 17958.5 and Section 18941.5,
require the City Council, before making any modifications or changes to the California Building
Standards Code pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 18941.5 and 17958.5, to make an
express finding that each such modification or change is needed; and,
WHEREAS, such findings must be made available as a public record and a copy thereof
with each such modification or change shall be filed with the State of California Building
Standards Commission; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Atascadero, at a duly noticed Public Hearing
held on February 10, 2026, studied and considered the proposed municipal code text amendments
and changes; and,
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Atascadero affirms the findings justifying previous
changes and modifications to the adopted construction and fire codes previously adopted.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO HEREBY
ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
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Ordinance No. 692
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SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein as
if set forth in full.
SECTION 2. Public Hearing. The City Council of the City of Atascadero, in a regular
session assembled on February 10, 2026, resolved to approve a Municipal Code Text Amendment
to update Title 4, Chapter 7, Fire Code, for consistency with State law and clarity relating to
development standards
SECTION 3. CEQA. This ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., because it can be seen with certainty
that there is no possibility that the enactment of this Ordinance would have a significant effect on
the environment (Pub. Resources Code § 21065; CEQA Guidelines §§ 15378(b)(4), 15061(b)(3).
SECTION 4. Approval. The City Council of the City of Atascadero, in a regular session
assembled on February 10, 2026, resolved to introduce, for first reading by title only, an Ordinance
that would repeal and replace in its entirety, Title 4, Chapter 7 of the Atascadero Municipal Code
consistent with the following:
EXHIBIT A: Title 4, Chapter 7
SECTION 5. Interpretation. This Ordinance must be broadly construed in order to achieve
the purposes stated in this Ordinance. It is the City Council’s intent that the provisions of this
Ordinance be interpreted or implemented by the City and others in a manner that facilitates the
purposes set forth in this Ordinance.
SECTION 6. Preservation. Repealing of any provision of the Atascadero Municipal Code
or of any previous Code Sections, does not affect any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred
before, or preclude prosecution and imposition of penalties for any violation occurring before this
Ordinance’s effective date. Any such repealed part will remain in full force and effect for
sustaining action or prosecuting violations occurring before the effective date of this Ordinance.
SECTION 7. Effect of Invalidation. If this entire Ordinance or its application is deemed
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, any repeal or amendment of the Atascadero
Municipal Code or other City Ordinance by this Ordinance will be rendered void and cause such
previous Atascadero Municipal Code provision or other City Ordinance to remain in full force
and effect for all purposes.
SECTION 8. Severability. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not
affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions
of this Ordinance are severable.
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Ordinance No. 692
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SECTION 9. Notice. The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption of
this Ordinance, cause it to be entered into the City of Atascadero’s book of original ordinances,
make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting and within fifteen (15)
days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be published or posted in
accordance with California law.
SECTION 10. Effective Date. This Ordinance will take effect on the 30th day following
its final passage and adoption.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on February 10, 2026, and
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Atascadero, State of
California, on February 24, 2026.
CITY OF ATASCADERO:
______________________________
Charles Bourbeau, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Lara K. Christensen, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
Dave Fleishman, City Attorney
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
Exhibit A
Chapter 7
FIRE CODE
Sections:
4-7.101 Title.
4-7.102 Adoption of Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
4-7.103 Local Modifications to the California Fire Code.
4-7.104 Modifications to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
4-7.101 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the City of Atascadero Fire Code.
4-7.102 Adoption of Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
(a) Two (2) documents, two (2) of which are on file in City offices, identified by the Seal of the City
of Atascadero, marked and designated as:
2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, including all appendices except Appendices A,J, L and
M
2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, excluding all appendices
published by the International Code Council are hereby adopted, including chapters and sections
not adopted by agencies of the State of California, and including appendices thereto, as the Fire
Prevention Regulations of the City of Atascadero. The provisions of such are hereby referred to,
adopted, and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this chapter except as modified hereinafter
(2025).
4-7.103 Local modifications to the California Fire Code.
(a) Amend Chapter I, Division II, Section 101.1 to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Atascadero,
hereinafter referred to as "this code."
(b) Amend Chapter I, Division II, Section 112.1 to read as follows:
112.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made
by the fire code official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be
and is hereby created a board of appeals consistent with Title 8, Chapter 2 ,§ 8-2.102(e) of the
Atascadero Municipal Code.. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its
business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate
copy to the fire code official.
(c) Amend Section 311.2.2 Fire Protection by deletion of Exception 1.
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
311.2.2 Fire Protection. Fire protection systems shall be maintained in an operable condition
at all times.
Exceptions:
1. Where approved by the fire code official, buildings that will not be heated and where fire
protection systems will be exposed to freezing temperatures, fire alarm and automatic
sprinkler systems are permitted to be placed out of service and standpipes are permitted to
be maintained as dry systems (without an automatic water supply), provided that the
building does not have contents or storage, and windows, doors and other openings are
secured to prohibit entry by unauthorized persons.
2. Where approved by the fire code official, fire alarm and automatic sprinkler systems are
permitted to be placed out of service in seasonally occupied buildings: that will not be
heated; where fire protection systems will be exposed to freezing temperatures; where fire
areas do not exceed 12,000 square feet (1115 m2); and that do not store motor vehicles or
hazardous materials.
(d) Amend Section 503.2.1 to read as follows:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less
than 20 feet (6096 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in
accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet
6 inches (4115 mm).
503.2.1.1 Driveways. All driveways shall comply with Atascadero Fire and Emergency
Services diagram F-4, Fire Access Driveways.
(e) Amend Section 505.1. to read as follows:
505.1 Address identification. New and existing 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 numbers shall be
Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Type, color, and size
of address numbers shall be consistent with Chapter 5 § 4-5.105 of the Municipal Code. 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 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.
(f) Amend Section 507.2.2 to read as follows:
507.2.2 Water Tanks. Water tanks for private fire protection shall not be permitted.
(g) Amend Section 606.2 to read as follows:
606.2 Where Required. A Type I hood shall be installed at or above all commercial cooking
appliances and domestic cooking appliances used for commercial purposes that produce grease
vapors. Hood systems shall be tied into existing fire alarm systems.
Exceptions:
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
1. Factory-built commercial exhaust hoods that are listed and labeled in accordance with UL
710, and installed in accordance with Section 304.1 of the California Mechanical Code,
shall not be required to comply with Sections 507.1.5, 507.2.3, 507.2.5, 507.2.8, 507.3.1,
507.3.3, 507.1.6 and 507.2.10 of the California Mechanical Code.
2. Factory-built commercial cooking recirculating systems that are listed and labeled in
accordance with UL 710B, and installed in accordance with Section 304.1 of the
California Mechanical Code, shall not be required to comply with Sections 507.1.5,
507.2.3, 507.2.5, 507.2.8, 507.3.1, 507.3.3, 507.1.6 and 507.2.10 of the California
Mechanical Code. Spaces in which such systems are located shall be considered to be
kitchens and shall be ventilated in accordance with Table 403.3.1.1 of the California
Mechanical Code. For the purpose of determining the floor area required to be ventilated,
each individual appliance shall be considered as occupying not less than 100 square feet
(9.3 m2).
3. Where cooking appliances are equipped with integral down-draft exhaust systems and
such appliances and exhaust systems are listed and labeled for the application in
accordance with NFPA 96, a hood shall not be required at or above them.
4. A Type I hood shall not be required for an electric cooking appliance where an approved
testing agency provides documentation that the appliance effluent contains 5 mg/m3 or
less of grease when tested at an exhaust flow rate of 500 cfm (0.236 m3/s) in accordance
with UL 710B.
(h) Amend Section 901.7 to read as follows:
901.7 Systems Out of Service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the
fire department and the fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by
the fire code official, the building shall be either evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be
provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire protection system has
been returned to service.
Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with not less than one approved means for
notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the
protected premises and keep watch for fires. The person assigned to fire watch shall maintain a
written log of their activities during their assigned shift and the log shall be provided to the fire
code official upon request.
Exception: Facilities with an approved notification and impairment management program. The
notification and impairment program for water-based fire protection systems shall comply with
California NFPA 25.
(i) Amend 903.2 to read as follows:
903.2 Where Required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and
structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12
and Sections 903.2.14 through 903.2.23.
Exception: Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for
telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries
not required to have an automatic sprinkler system by Section 1207 for energy storage systems
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Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an
automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from
the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance
with Section 707 of the California Building Code or not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies
constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.
(j) Amend 903.2.2 to read as follows:
903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group B occupancies
as required in Sections 903.2.2.1 and 903.2.2.2.
903.2.2.1 Ambulatory Care Facilities: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed
throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility where either of the
following conditions exist at any time:
1. Four or more care recipients are incapable of self-preservation.
2. One or more care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation are
located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.
In buildings where ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit
discharge, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor as
well as all floors below where such care is provided, and all floors between the level of
ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, the level of exit discharge, and
all floors below the level of exit discharge.
Exception: Floors classified as an open parking garage are not required to be sprinklered.
903.2.2.2 Laboratories Involving Research and Development or Testing: An automatic
sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the fire areas utilized for the research and
development or testing of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries.
903.2.2.3 Proximity and Size-Based Sprinkler Requirement: An automatic sprinkler
system shall be installed throughout any Group B occupancy that meets all of the
following conditions:
1. The building has a floor area greater than 500 square feet; and
2. The building is located 10 feet or less from another structure on the same
property; and
3. The building is located 5 feet or less from an adjacent property line.
903.2.2.4 Automatic Sprinkler Requirements for Additions to Group B Occupancies: An
automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in any Group B occupancy when
additions are made and any of the following conditions are met:
1. The total area of one or more additions exceeds 1,000 square feet (92.9 m²)
beyond the size of the structure as it existed on the effective date of this
regulation:
2. The total combined floor area of the structure exceeds 5,000 square feet (464.5
m²); or
3. A second story or additional stories are added.
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
(k) Amend 903.2.7 to read as follows:
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings
containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines,
exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
4. [SFM] The structure exceeds 24,000 square feet (465 m2), contains more than one fire area
containing a Group M occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire
walls of not less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.
903.2.7.1 High-Piled Storage: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided as
required in Chapter 32 in all buildings of Group M where storage of merchandise is in
high-piled or rack storage arrays.
903.2.7.2 Group M Upholstered Furniture or Mattresses: An automatic sprinkler
system shall be provided throughout a Group M fire area where the area used for the
display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5,000 square feet (464
m2).
903.2.7.3 Lithium-Ion or Lithium Metal Battery Storage: An automatic sprinkler
system shall be provided in a room or space within a Group M occupancy where
required for the storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries by Section
320 or Chapter 32.
903.2.7.4 Proximity and Size-Based Sprinkler Requirement: An automatic sprinkler
system shall be installed throughout any Group M occupancy that meets all of the
following conditions:
1. The building has a floor area greater than 500 square feet; and
2. The building is located 10 feet or less from another structure on the same
property; and
3. The building is located 5 feet or less from an adjacent property line.
903.2.7.5 Automatic Sprinkler Requirements for Additions to Group M Occupancies: An
automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in any Group M occupancy when
additions are made and any of the following conditions are met:
1. The total area of one or more additions exceeds 1,000 square feet (92.9 m²)
beyond the size of the structure as it existed on the effective date of this
regulation:
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
2. The total combined floor area of the structure exceeds 5,000 square feet (464.5
m²); or
3. A second story or additional stories are added.
(l) Add section 903.2.8.4 to read as follows:
903.2.8.4 Automatic Sprinkler Requirements for Additions to Group R-3 Occupancies.
An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in any existing Group R-3 occupancy
when an addition is made and either of the following conditions is met:
1. The addition increases the floor area by more than ten percent (10%) and the total
combined floor area of the structure exceeds 3,000 square feet (278.7 m²); or
2. The total combined floor area of the structure exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m²),
regardless of the percentage increase.
(m) Amend 903.2.18 to read as follows:
903.2.18 Group U Private Garages and Carports Accessory to Group R-3 Occupancies.
Carports with habitable space above and attached garages, accessory to Group R-3
occupancies, shall be protected by residential fire sprinklers in accordance with this section.
Residential fire sprinklers shall be connected to, and installed in accordance with, an automatic
residential fire sprinkler system that complies with Section R313 of the California Residential
Code or with NFPA 13D. Fire sprinklers shall be residential sprinklers or quick-response
sprinklers, designed to provide a minimum density of 0.05 gpm/ft2 (2.04 mm/min) over the
area of the garage and/or carport, but not to exceed two sprinklers for hydraulic calculation
purposes. Garage doors shall not be considered obstructions with respect to sprinkler
placement.
903.2.18.1 Automatic Sprinkler Requirements for Additions to Group U Occupancies
Accessory to Group R-3. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in any
existing Group U occupancy that is accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy when an addition
is made and ONE of the following conditions is met:
1. The addition increases the floor area by more than ten percent (10%) and the total
combined floor area of the structure exceeds 3,000 square feet (278.7 m²); or
2. The total combined floor area of the structure exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m²),
regardless of the percentage increase.
(n) Add section 903.2.22 to read as follows:
903.2.22 Automatic Sprinkler Requirements for Group U Occupancies. An automatic fire
sprinkler system shall be installed throughout any building classified as Group U when any of
the following conditions are met:
1. The building has a floor area of 1,000 square feet (92.9 m²) or more:
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Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
2. The building is located less than 10 feet from another structure on the same property:
3. The building is located 5 feet or less from an adjacent property line:
4. The building is not open on at least three sides and has a floor area of 3,000 square
feet (278.7 m²) or more.
Exception:
Sprinklers are not required where the Group U occupancy is part of a mixed-occupancy
building that includes a Group R-3 occupancy.
(o) Add section 903.2.23 to read as follows:
903.2.23 Conversion of Commercial Occupancies to Residential Use. An automatic fire
sprinkler system shall be installed throughout any building where a commercial occupancy
(Group A, B, E, F, M, or S) is converted to a residential occupancy (Group R) and adjoins
other commercial uses.
(p) Amend Section 903.4.3 to read as follows:
903.4.3 Alarms. An approved audible and visual sprinkler waterflow alarm device, located on
the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic
sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow
equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system.
Where a waterflow switch is required by Section 903.4.1 to be electrically supervised, such
sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be powered by a fire alarm control unit or, where
provided, a fire alarm system. Where a fire alarm system is provided, actuation of the
automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
(q) Amend section 903.6 to read as follows:
903.6 Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures. An automatic sprinkler
system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 or
where one of the following conditions apply:
1. Group A, B, E, F, M, or S Occupancies – Modifications or Tenant Improvements
Sprinklers shall be provided in existing Group A, B, E, F, M, or S occupancies undergoing
modifications or tenant improvements when any of the following conditions are met:
1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m²);
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more;
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge serving the
occupancy;
4. The building exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m²), contains more than one fire area of the
listed occupancies, and is separated into two or more buildings by firewalls with less
than a four-hour fire-resistance rating and/or with openings.
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Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
2. Additions to Existing Buildings (Excluding Group R-3 and Accessory Group U to R-3)
Sprinklers shall be provided throughout the existing building when:
1. Additions exceed 10% of the existing floor area and the total combined floor area
exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m²); or
2. A second story or additional stories are added.
(r) Add section 903.7 to read as follows:
903.7 Flow switch. All sprinkler systems including NFPA 13, 13R and 13D shall require a
flow switch that is connected to a local bell and is highly encouraged to have an inspector test
valve at the most hydraulically remote location per Atascadero Fire Department standards.
(s) Add Sections 907.11 through 907.11.2 to read as follows:
907.11 False alarms. The Fire Code Official may recover costs for fire department
responses to alarm activations determined to be false due to system malfunction, misuse, or
other non-emergency causes.
907.11.1 Excessive False Alarms. Cost recovery fees shall apply to each false alarm
response after the third occurrence within a calendar year.
907.11.2 Fee Schedule. False alarm response fees shall be established in the City of
Atascadero User Fee Schedule. Additional charges may apply under extraordinary
circumstances.
(t) Amend Section 1205.2 to read as follows:
1205.2 Access and Pathways. Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements shall be
provided in accordance with Sections 1205.2.1 through 1205.3.3. Pathways shall be over areas
capable of supporting firefighters accessing the roof. No portion of a pathway shall be located
on a portion of a gable roof overhanging the gable rafter or truss. Pathways shall be located in
areas with minimal obstructions, such as vent pipes, conduit or mechanical equipment.
Exceptions:
1. Detached, nonhabitable Group U structures including, but not limited to, detached
garages serving Group R-3 buildings, parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises
and similar structures.
2. Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements need not be provided where the fire
code official has determined that rooftop operations will not be employed.
3. Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems where the BIPV systems are
approved, integrated into the finished roof surface and are listed in accordance with
UL 3741. The removal or cutting away of portions of the BIPV system during
firefighting operations shall not expose a firefighter to electrical shock hazards.
(u) Delete Section 1205.2.1.3.
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
(v) Amend Section 1205.2.2 to read as follows:
1205.2.2 Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings. Panels and modules installed on Group
R-3 buildings shall not be placed on the portion of a roof that is below an emergency escape
and rescue opening. A pathway of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide shall be provided
from the emergency escape and rescue opening to the eave directly below and a 36 inch wide
(914 mm) access space shall be provided directly in front of the full length of the wall line
containing the emergency escape and rescue opening(s).
(w) Amend Section 1205.3.2 to read as follows:
1205.3.2 Interior pathways. Interior pathways shall be provided between array sections to
meet the following requirements:
1. Pathways shall be provided at intervals not greater than 150 feet (45,720 mm)
throughout the length and width of the roof.
2. A pathway of not less than 4 feet (1,219 mm) wide in a straight line to roof standpipes
or ventilation hatches.
3. A pathway not less than 4 feet (1,219 mm) wide around roof access hatches, with not
fewer than one such pathway to a parapet or roof edge.
4. A pathway of not less than 4 feet (1,219 mm) wide to and around each piece of
powered mechanical equipment.
(x) Amend Section 1205.5 to read as follows:
1205.5 Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Panel Systems. Ground-mounted photovoltaic panel
systems shall be installed in accordance with this section.
1. Arrays shall be located a minimum of 20 feet (6,096mm) from other structures and
shall not be located as to impeded access to and around a structure in any manner.
2. Arrays shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from the rear 5 feet from the sides and
25 feet from the front of the property lines.
3. Array mounts shall be non-combustible construction. No storage shall be permitted
under the panel arrays. Arrays shall not be located upon biological conservation
easements, riparian or vernal pool area.
(y) Amend Section 1205.5.1 to read as follows:
1205.5.1 Vegetation Control. A clear, brush-free area of 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be
required around the perimeter of the ground mounted photovoltaic arrays. A base of gravel, a
maintained vegetative surface, or other noncombustible base, approved by the fire code
official, shall be installed and maintained under the photovoltaic arrays and associated
electrical equipment installations.
(z) Amend Appendix C with the following addition:
C103.4 Dry Line. A dry line will be required for any driveway when:
1. A driveway exceeds 150 feet in length, and
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
2. The driving distance from the nearest fire hydrant to within 50 feet of the structure
exceeds 500 feet.
Exception: The driving distance may exceed 500 feet if the building is fully protected by
an approved automatic sprinkler system, and the Fire Code Official grants approval.
(aa) Amend Appendix D to exclude the following:
1. D103.1
2. Figure D103.1
3. D103.2
4. Table D103.4.
4-7.104 Modifications to the California 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
(a) Amend [A] 101.5 to read as follows:
101.5 Additions or Alterations. Additions or alterations shall be permitted to be made to any
building or structure without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with all of
the requirements of this code, provided that the addition or alteration conforms to that
required for a new building or structure. When the proposed addition exceeds 50% of the
original building’s square footage, or if the alteration results in a project that is greater than
75% of the replacement cost of the structure, full compliance with all applicable sections of
this code shall be required for the entire building or structure.
Exception: Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are
retroactive.
Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure that will cause
the existing building or structure to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code nor
shall such additions or alterations cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe.
An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will
cause the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not
provide adequate access in compliance with the provisions of this code or will obstruct
existing exits or access; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance or will
otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.
(b) Amend 402.1.2.1 to read as follows:
402.1.2.1 Parcel map approval. Water supply requirements shall apply in the tentative and
parcel map process when new parcels are approved by the local jurisdiction.
As part of the application submittal, documentation from the Atascadero Mutual Water
Company confirming the availability and adequacy of water supply for fire protection
purposes must be included. This documentation shall demonstrate compliance with applicable
fire flow and infrastructure standards as required by the California Fire Code and local
ordinances.
(c) Amend 403.1.2 to read as follows
Docusign Envelope ID: 0CDA3C37-0F09-4473-9285-E582E6EF067B
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
403.1.2 Width.
(a) All Roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of two ten-foot traffic lanes, not
including shoulder and striping. These traffic lanes shall provide for two-way traffic flow
to support emergency vehicle and civilian egress, unless other standards are provided in
this article or additional requirements are mandated by local jurisdictions or local
subdivision requirements. Vertical clearances shall conform to the requirements in
California Vehicle Code Section 35250.
(b) All one-way roads shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one twelve-foot traffic
lane, not including Shoulders. The Local Jurisdiction may approve One-way Roads.
1. All one-way roads shall, at both ends, connect to a road with two traffic lanes
providing for travel in different directions, and shall provide access to an area
currently zoned for not more than ten (10) Residential Units.
2. In no case shall a One-way Road exceed 2,640 feet in length. A turnout shall be
placed and constructed at approximately the midpoint of each One-way Road.
(c) All Driveways shall comply with Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services diagram F-4,
Fire Access Driveways.
[CCR, Title 14 §1273.01]
(d) Amend 403.1.6 to read as follows:
403.1.6 Turnarounds.
(a) Turnarounds are required on driveways exceeding 150 feet in length and dead-end roads.
(b) Turnarounds shall comply with Atascadero Fire and Emergency Engineering Standard F-1
for commercial and Engineering Standard F-2 for residential.
(c) Driveways exceeding 150 feet in length, but less than 800 feet in length, shall provide a
turnout near the midpoint of the driveway. Where the driveway exceeds 800 feet, turnouts
shall be provided not more than 400 feet apart.
(d) A turnaround shall be provided on driveways over 300 feet in length and shall be within
fifty (50) feet of the building.
(e) Each dead-end road shall have a turnaround constructed at its terminus. Where parcels are
zoned five (5) acres or larger, turnarounds shall be provided at a maximum of 1,320-foot
intervals.
(f) Figure A. Turnarounds on roads with two ten-foot traffic lanes.
[CCR, Title 14 §1273.05]A
FIGURE A—TURNAROUND WITH TWO 10-FOOT TRAFFIC LANES
Docusign Envelope ID: 0CDA3C37-0F09-4473-9285-E582E6EF067B
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
(e) Amend 403.2.4 to as follows:
403.2.4 Addresses for Buildings.
(a) All Buildings shall be issued an address by the Local Jurisdiction which conforms to that
jurisdiction's overall address system. Utility and miscellaneous Group U Buildings are not
required to have a separate address; however, each Residential Unit within a Building
shall be separately identified.
(b) Type, color, and size of address numbers shall be consistent with CH 5 § 4-5.105 of the
Municipal Code.
(c) Addresses for residential Buildings shall be reflectorized.
[CCR, Title 14 §1274.03]
(f) Amend 504.2 to read as follows:
504.2 Roof assembly. Roofs, to include those located in the Moderate FHSZ’s, shall have a
roof assembly that complies with a Class A fire classification when tested in accordance with
ASTM E108 or UL 790.
Exceptions: The following assemblies are exempt from testing and shall be considered as
equivalent to the Class A fire classification:
1. Roof assemblies with coverings of brick, masonry or an exposed concrete roof
deck.
2. Roof assemblies with ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal sheets and
shingles, clay or concrete roof tile or slate installed on noncombustible decks or
ferrous, copper or metal sheets installed without a roof deck on noncombustible
framing.
3. Roof assemblies with minimum 16 oz/sq ft (0.0416 kg/m2) copper sheets
installed over combustible roof decks.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0CDA3C37-0F09-4473-9285-E582E6EF067B
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 692
Exhibit A
4. Roof assemblies of slate roof covering installed over ASTM D226, Type II
underlayment over combustible decks.
(g) Amend 504.9.2 to read as follows:
504.9.2 Garage door perimeter gap, Exterior garage doors, to include those located in the
Moderate FHSZ shall resist the intrusion of embers by preventing gaps between doors and
door openings, at the bottom, sides and tops of doors, from exceeding 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).
Gaps between doors and door openings shall be controlled by one or more of the following
methods:
1. Weather-stripping products constructed of materials that which comply with both of the
following:
1.1. The tensile strength of the material shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D638
before and after exposure to ASTM G155 for a period of 2,000 hours, and the
maximum allowable difference in tensile strength values between exposed and
nonexposed samples shall not exceed 10 percent.
1.2. When tested to UL 94, the materials shall have a flammability rating of V-2 or
better.
2. Door overlaps onto jambs and headers.
3. Garage door jambs and headers covered with metal flashing.
(h) Amend 504.10 to read as follows:
504.10 Vents. Where provided, ventilation openings for enclosed attics, gable ends, ridge
ends, under eaves and cornices, enclosed eave soffit spaces, enclosed rafter spaces formed
where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters, underfloor ventilation,
foundations and crawl spaces, or any other opening intended to permit ventilation, either in a
horizontal or vertical surface, including those located in the Moderate FHSZ, shall be in
accordance with Section 504.10.1 or Section 504.10.2 to resist building ignition from the
intrusion of burning embers and flame through the ventilation openings.
(i) Amend 507.1 to read as follows:
507.1 General. The roof covering on buildings or structures in existence prior to the adoption
of this code that are replaced or have 50 percent or more replaced in a 12-month period,
including those located in the Moderate FHSZ, shall be replaced with a roof covering
required for new construction in accordance with Sections 504.2 and 504.2.1. All portions of
a roof covering applied during an addition, alteration or repair to an existing structure shall
meet at least a Class A fire classification.
Docusign Envelope ID: 0CDA3C37-0F09-4473-9285-E582E6EF067B
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ) ss
CITY OF ATASCADERO )
I, ALYSSA M. SLATER, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Atascadero, DO
HEREBY CERTIFY that Ordinance No. 692 was duly introduced at a regular
meeting held February 10, 2025 and adopted at a regular meeting of the City
Council held on the 24th day of February, 2025 by the following roll call vote, to
wit:
AYES: Council Member Funk, Newsom, Peek, Mayor Pro Tem Dariz,
Mayor Bourbeau
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
_____________________________________
ALYSSA M. SLATER, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
I hereby certify that the foregoing is the original of Ordinance No. 692 duly
passed and adopted by the Atascadero City Council at their regular meeting held
on February 24, 2026 and that summaries of the Ordinance were published on
2/19/2026 and 2/26/2026 in the News Times newspaper.
_____________________________________
ALYSSA M. SLATER, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
Docusign Envelope ID: 0CDA3C37-0F09-4473-9285-E582E6EF067B