RBR Information
OVERVIEW |
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In 1972 the Newport Beach City Council adopted Section15.15 into the Newport Beach Municipal Code requiring a City report to all parties involved in a transaction of sale or lease purchase agreement of previously occupied residential property unless exempted in Section 15.15.060, called a Report of Residential Building Records (RBR). This City report allows the City to verify that its residential buildings meet zoning and building code requirements, meet life safety requirements as set forth by the City's Municipal Code and fulfill the State's requirement that all homes have both smoke detectors and seismic strapping of water heaters (California Health and Safety Code, Section 19211). The City Council is authorized to require the Report of Residential Building Records by the Constitution of the State of California, the Newport Beach City Charter and Section 38780, et seq., of the Government Code of the State of California.
An RBR has two parts: the report which contains the permit history and zoning information for the residential building and an inspection which provides an opportunity to identify potentially hazardous conditions. Section15.15.030 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code requires that the owner or an authorized agent obtain the Report of Residential Building Records; however, the field inspection maybe declined. The required report contains the permit history and zoning classification of the property in question. If an inspection occurred it will also detail any corrections that need to be made and documents when they were made. If an inspection was declined, the report will be stamped with the words, "Inspection Declined."
RBRs are good for one year after the date of issuance, provided that no unpermitted work occurs within that period or that there has been no change in ownership of the property. For this reason, staff highly recommends that the owner applies for the RBR when the property is listed. Filing the application as soon as possible assists the City staff in completing the report before the close of escrow. |
process |
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The owner of any residential building is required to apply for the Report of Residential Building Records no later than three days after entering into an agreement of sale. However, it is very highly recommended by staff that the owner apply for the RBR at the time of listing. This allows time for the report to be completed in a timely manner and gives the owner time to make any necessary corrections before the close of escrow. Please note that an RBR is good for one year provided there is no change of ownership and no unpermitted work has occurred. The owner or an authorized agent may submit the application at the building permit service counter or may submit it by US mail.
If the owner consents to an inspection, the building inspector will call him/her to arrange for an inspection; it is necessary that the owner, his/her agent, or the buyer be present for the inspection. The emphasis of the inspection is to verify the zoning and building permits records and point out obvious life safety hazards including the State requirement that water heaters are strapped for seismic safety and that smoke detectors are installed. In the case that corrections are required, a reinspection will be scheduled. If the corrections are accepted, the report is signed for final approval and is then delivered to the person attending the inspection.
All noted corrections must be made within 30 days of the inspection. The buyer may accept responsibility for making any necessary corrections, however, agents or sellers have to disclose to the buyer that by accepting the corrections, the buyer is assuming the responsibility to make them in a timely manner, and that the City will pursue all available means to ensure that corrections are made and comply with code. |
exceptions |
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A Report of Residential Building Records is not required for the following conditions as outlined by Section 15.15.060:
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faqs |
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What is an RBR?
Do I need a City RBR inspection? - Life safety issues within the building including, but not limited to: |
Fees |
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Application Fee - $208.00 Reinspection Fee - $134.00 |