TranslateSonoma County Building & Fire Code Updates
Published: April 20, 2023
The Board of Supervisors approved adoption of the model building codes with local amendments on December 2, 2019.
The new building and fire codes became effective on January 1, 2023. Permit applications received before December 31, 2022 are not required to meet the new codes, and will instead be reviewed and permitted according to the 2019 codes.
Significant Building Code Changes
- The 2022 model codes require new dwellings to be electric ready which means having the necessary electric infrastructure built into the dwelling. The 2022 codes also require commercial structures install solar panels and to have energy storage systems such as batteries, generating and storing solar energy.
These new all electric regulations do not apply to outdoor, stand-alone or non-plumbed appliances such as barbecues, space heaters and fire pits.
- Changes relative to specific administrative provisions such as the time limit of building permits, projects that are exempt from needing a building permit, appeals, definitions, and to ensure the building codes are consistent with the fire code.
- Clarification of the existing language regarding the use of easements within water scarce areas. This proposal does not create a new regulation nor relaxes existing regulations. This is a state definition.
- Changes to the definition of ”substantial Improvement” – the county ordinance of residential and commercial fire sprinklers applies when the substantial improvement is over 75%.
- The County also modified the plumbing code to allow for composting toilets in response to community feedback from low-income residents and housing advocates.
Significant Fire Code Changes
- Extension of a longstanding exemption to fire sprinklers in accessory and U occupancies 3,000 square feet and less to allow for greater water supplies and cost savings to property and business owners.
- Fire Safe Standards have been updated by Board of Forestry. The purpose to the changes was to bring the previous version up to model language.
- Fireworks was amended from previous 2016 to include the ability for the Fire Marshal / Fire Warden to not allow for pyrotechnic displays in a fire district jurisdiction when the County Fire Marshal / Fire Warden believes that the display will propose a threat to life and property based on weather and topographical conditions or when located in the State Responsibility Area.