ITEM 8-B
City Council Meeting 6-2-92 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Attorney
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Adopt an Ordinance Implementing the
1991 Uniform Technical Codes and Adopting the Santa
Monica Amendments to the 1991 Uniform Technical Codes
INTRODUCTION
This report transmits to the City Council an ordinance to adopt
the 1991 editions of the Uniform Technical Codes related to
building construction and local amendments thereto. Every three
years, new editions of the various uniform technical codes are
promulgated and published by the delegated conferences of
regulatory officials and subsequently adopted by local
jurisdictions and the State of California as required by state
law. These codes govern the method of building construction
within the City.
BACKGROUND
The accompanying local technical amendments to the Uniform
Technical Codes are identical to the previous local amendments
made by the City in approving the 1988 and earlier editions of
these codes. According to state law, local amendments to the
codes are required to be based on findings that "such changes are
reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or
topographical conditions." No additional local technical
amendments have been recommended by staff or the Building &
Safety Commission in their review of this 1991 code update.
Included in this ordinance are the following administrative
revisions:
1) Adjustment of local Electrical and Plumbing/Mechanical
Appeals Boards to function as specific subunits of the
Building and Safety Commission. This structure is the same
as the current Accessibility Appeals Board. This revision
was discussed in detail in a recent Information Item to
Council responding to the recurring problem of finding enough
qualified candidates for the two existing five member
technical appeals boards. When adopted, this change will
require the City Council to appoint two members from the
Electrical and the Plumbing/Mechanical field to serve with
the Building and Safety Commission to review these types of
appeal cases.
2) Several other administrative revisions / modifications to
the ordinance include the following items previously adopted
by Council:
a) changes to reflect permitted construction hours.
b) change in the HUD exemption schedule for "high-rise" fire
sprinkler retrofits as modified by the Council on April 28,
1992.
At this time no increases to the building permit fees are
being proposed. Staff is evaluating this issue, and if fee
increases are warranted, staff will return at a later date
with an ordinance establishing new fees. The Fire Department
plan check fees were previously contained in the building
fees. However, Fire Department fees are now separate and
were adopted by a separate resolution on May 26, 1992.
BUDGET / FISCAL IMPACT
The recommendation in this report does not have any budget or
fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION
It is respectfully recommended that the accompanying ordinance be
introduced for first reading.
PREPARED BY: Paul Berlant, Director LUTM
Bill Rome, Building Officer
Land Use and Transportation Management Department
ORDINANCE NUMBER ____ (CCS)
(City Council Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA MONICA ADOPTING THE
UNIFORM TECHNICAL CODES
AND ADOPTING THE SANTA MONICA
AMENDMENTS TO THE 1991 UNIFORM
TECHNICAL CODES
WHEREAS, on December 12, 1989, the City Council adopted
Ordinance Number 1506 (CCS) which adopted by reference the 1988
editions of the uniform technical codes; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958 provides that
the uniform technical codes shall become applicable to the City
180 days after approval and publication of the codes by the State
Building Standards Commission; and
WHEREAS, the State Building Standards Commission has
approved and published 1991 editions of the uniform technical
codes in January, 1992; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 provides
that the City may make changes or modifications to the uniform
technical codes based upon express findings that such changes or
modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic,
geological or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the 1991 editions
of the Uniform Fire, Building, Housing, Abatement, and
Administrative Codes, the reference standards and 1989 National
Fire Codes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered technical
modifications and changes within these model codes editions, and
revisions for purposes of administration and enforcement in the
City of Santa Monica; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has discussed and considered in
detail community fire safety problems caused by the cumulative
impact of extensive development and building construction
activities on operations and staffing of the fire services and
fire defenses; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has discussed and considered
certain serious general community safety problems caused by the
number, size, location and present use of some 140 pre-1934
potentially earthquake hazardous buildings; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has discussed and considered in
detail certain seismic and fire safety problems caused by the
cumulative impact of development and construction activity and
the continued use of certain fire and seismically hazardous
buildings; and
WHEREAS, the City Council find that the modifications and
additions to the 1991 editions of the uniform technical codes are
required for local climatic, topographical and geological
conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the community's
exposure to the damaging effects of local seismic activity and
uncontrolled wind driven fires with potential demands on
emergency services need to be significantly reduced. Increases
in the total number, height and area of developments and
continued increases in concentration of uses of older structures
are extending and exceeding the available resources of the
emergency services. The proposed amendments to the uniform
technical codes will assist in maintaining the community's
building inventory reasonably within present emergency services
capabilities; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the 1991 editions
of the Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Codes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered technical
modifications and changes within these updated model code
editions, and revisions for purposes of administration and
enforcement within the City of Santa Monica; and
WHEREAS, the Plumbing and Mechanical Board of Appeals has
previously specifically reserved to itself approval of "Medium
Pressure Gas" installations to prevent potentially hazardous and
confusing systems for emergency services; and
WHEREAS, the Electrical Board of Appeals has reviewed the
1990 edition of the National Electrical Code; and
WHEREAS, the Electrical Board of Appeals has conferred with
the city's Chief Electrical Inspector concerning modifications
and changes within this updated model code edition, and revisions
for purposes of administration and enforcement within the City of
Santa Monica; and
WHEREAS, the National Electrical Code does not address
electrical safety requirements for non-construction related
electrical equipment, including portable electrical equipment and
machinery; and
WHEREAS, the unregulated use of non-construction related
electrical equipment poses a potential safety hazard to citizens
and property in Santa Monica; and
WHEREAS, the Electrical Board of Appeals has approved
safety standards for the use of electrical appliances, devices,
materials and equipment; and
WHEREAS, the Electrical Board of Appeals has considered
certain local problems caused by the improper use of non-metallic
sheated wiring and use of aluminum alloy conductors in sizes
smaller than No. 6; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that experience with
certain specific uses of aluminum based conductors and
non-metallic sheated wiring has caused or led to potentially
hazardous and nuisance electrical wiring installations; and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the health and safety of
the citizens of the Santa Monica to apply the most current
editions of the uniform technical codes; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance Number 1506 (CCS) adopted the 1988
Edition of the Uniform Administrative Code Code; and
WHEREAS, Section 206 of the Uniform Administrative Code,
1988 Edition, contains the local amendments to the 1985 editions
of the uniform technical codes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has previously adopted Ordinance
Number 1201 (CCS) on April 14, 1981, relating to Supplemental
Seismic Safety Rehabilitation Requirements; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has previously adopted Ordinance
Number 1217 (CCS) on August 25, 1981, relating to Requirements
for Automatic Fire Extinguishing and Protection Systems, and
Requirements for Existing Residential Structures; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 1279
(CCS) on April 12, 1983, amending Ordinance Number 1217 (CCS) to
extend the compliance date for existing residential buildings to
include automatic fire sprinkler systems; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 1340
(CCS) on August 13, 1985, amending Supplemental Fire Safety &
Prevention Requirements to extend the compliance date; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 1401
(CCS) on February 24, 1987, amending Supplemental Fire Safety &
Prevention Requirements for Existing Residential Structures which
contain asbestos; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 1403
(CCS) on March 10, 1987, amending Ordinance Number 1217 (CCS) to
extend the expiration date for temporary trailer permits; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has elected to exercise its
option pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 19957.5 and add
two handicapped members to the Building and Safety Commission to
function as the Accessibility Appeals Board; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that local conditions
include a substantial fire hazard which is exacerbated by roofing
materials constructed of untreated wood shingles or shakes; and
WHEREAS, a restriction on untreated wood shingle and shake
roofing is necessary and appropriate to protect health and
safety; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18300
the City may assume the responsibility for the enforcement of
state building standards relating to mobilehome parks; and
WHEREAS, on November 11, 1961, the City Council adopted
Resolution Number 2536 (CCS) by which the City assumed this
responsibility; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to reaffirm its commitment
as provided in Resolution Number 2536 (CCS); and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 1489
(CCS) on July 25, 1989, to require "Seismic Evaluation Reports"
for pre-1933 unreinforced masonry structures; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 1055
(CCS) on January 25, 1977, which amended Municipal Code Section
8101 which adopts by reference the 1976 edition of the Uniform
Administrative Code which includes permit processing fees for the
uniform technical codes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 1177
(CCS) on September 10, 1980, which adopted the 1979 editions of
the uniform technical codes but retained the permit processing
fees as adopted pursuant to Ordinance Number 1055 (CCS); and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to maintain existing fee
schedules,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
MONICA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 8101 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 8101. Administrative Code. Those
certain documents entitled "Uniform Administrative
Code, 1991 Edition" adopted by the International
Conference of Building Officials and "Santa Monica
Amendments to the 1991 Uniform Construction and
Fire Codes" are hereby adopted as amended, deleted
or modified therein, as the Administrative Code of
the City of Santa Monica, and shall be referred to,
together with such amendments, deletions or
modifications thereto, as the "Administrative
Code."
SECTION 2. Section 8102 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 8102. Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings Code. That certain document entitled
"Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings, 1991 Edition" adopted by the
International Conference of Building Officials is
hereby adopted, as amended, deleted or modified
therein, as the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
Code of the City of Santa Monica, and shall be
referred to, together with such amendments,
deletions or modifications thereto, as the
"Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code."
SECTION 3. Section 8103 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 8103. Building Code. Those certain
documents entitled "Uniform Building Code, 1991
Edition" including "Uniform Building Code
Standards, 1991 Edition", adopted by the
International Conference of Building Officials, are
hereby adopted, as amended, deleted, or modified
therein, as the Building Code of the City of Santa
Monica, and shall be referred to, together with
such amendments, deletions or modifications
thereto, as the "Building Code."
SECTION 4. Section 8104 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 8104. Electrical Code. That
certain document entitled "National Electrical
Code, 1990 Edition", adopted by the National Fire
Protection Association is hereby adopted, as
amended, deleted, or modified therein, as the
Electrical Code of the City of Santa Monica, and
shall be referred to, together with such
amendments, deletions or modifications thereto, as
the "Electrical Code."
SECTION 5. Section 8105 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 8105. Fire Code. That certain
documents entitled "Uniform Fire Code, 1991
Edition", including Appendix Chapters I-A, I-C,
III-A, IV-A, IV-B, V-A, and VI-C, "Uniform Fire
Code Standards, 1991 Edition", adopted by the
International Conference of Building Officials and
Fire Chiefs Association and "National Fire Codes,
1991 Edition", adopted by the National Fire
Protection Association are hereby adopted, as
amended, deleted or modified therein, and shall be
referred to, together with such amendments,
deletions or modifications thereto, as the "Fire
Code."
SECTION 6. Section 8106 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 8106. Housing Code. That certain
document entitled "Uniform Housing Code, 1991
Edition", adopted by the International Conference
of Building Officials is hereby adopted, as
amended, deleted, or modified therein, as the
Housing Code of the City of Santa Monica, and shall
be referred to, together with such amendments,
deletions or modifications thereto, as the "Housing
Code."
SECTION 7. Section 8107 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 8107. Mechanical Code. That
certain document entitled "Uniform Mechanical Code,
1991 Edition", adopted by the International
Conference of Building Officials is hereby adopted,
as amended, deleted, or modified therein, as the
Mechanical Code of the City of Santa Monica, and
shall be referred to, together with such
amendments, deletions or modifications thereto, as
the "Mechanical Code."
SECTION 8. Section 8108 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 8108. Plumbing Code. That certain
document entitled "Uniform Plumbing Code, 1991
Edition", adopted by the International Association
of Plumbing and and Mechanical Officials is hereby
adopted, as amended, deleted, or modified therein,
as the Plumbing Code of the City of Santa Monica,
and shall be referred to, together with such
amendments, deletions or modifications thereto, as
the "Plumbing Code."
SECTION 9. Sections 8109.1 through 8109.9 of the Santa
Monica Municipal Code are amended to read as follows:
SECTION 8109.1. Section 204 of the Uniform
Administrative Code, 1991 Edition, is amended to
read as follows:
Section 204. Boards of Appeal. In order to
provide for reasonable interpretations of the
provisions of these Codes, and to determine the
suitability of alternates, there shall be created
appropriate Boards of Appeal consisting of members
who are qualified by experience and training to
pass upon matters pertaining to building
construction and the technical disciplines therein.
The responsible enforcement official or his or her
designee shall be an ex-officio member of each such
board created and shall act as secretary.
Members of the Boards of Appeal shall be
appointed by the appropriate authority and shall
hold office as specified or determined by said
authority. Public members shall be appointed by
the City Council to serve a term of four (4) years
unless removed by cause and technical trade members
shall be appointed by the City Council to serve a
term of three (3) years unless removed by cause.
No board member shall hold any paid office with the
City.
Said Board of Appeal shall adopt reasonable
rules and regulations for conducting their
investigations and business and shall render
all decisions and findings in writing to the
responsible official and appellants. Said Boards
may also recommend to the appointing authority such
new legislation as is consistent therewith.
Pursuant to Section 1002 of the Santa Monica
City Charter there are hereby created the following
appeals and advisory boards.
1. Building and Safety Commission. The
Building and Safety Commission shall be composed of
five qualified members as follows: one state
registered architect, one state registered civil or
structural engineer, one state licensed building
contractor, and two public members.
2. Accessibility Appeals Board pursuant to
California Health and Safety Code Section 19957.5.
The Accessibility Appeals Board shall contain a
minimum of two physically disabled members, who
shall serve in addition to three members of the
Building and Safety Commission.
3. Electrical Appeals Board. The
Electrical Appeals Board shall contain a minimum of
two electrical qualified members (either state
licensed electrical contractor, engineer, or
certified electrician journeyman) who shall serve
in addition to three members of the Building and
Safety Commission.
4. Plumbing / Mechanical Appeals Board.
The Plumbing / Mechanical Appeals Board shall
contain two plumbing or mechanical qualified
members (state licensed plumbing or mechanical
contractor or engineer, or certified plumbing /
mechanical journeyman) who shall serve in addition
to three members of the Building and Safety
Commission.
SECTION 8109.2. Section 206(a) of the
Uniform Administrative Code, 1991 Edition, relating
to Supplemental Fire Safety and Prevention
Requirements, is added to read as follows:
Division 1.00. Purpose. The purpose of
this Division is to promote public safety and
welfare by reducing the cumulative impact of
certain individual construction and building
projects each with a recognized greater potential
demand on the rescue and fire suppression resources
of the community. The City Council establishes the
policy of regulating both new and existing
buildings in this class by requiring approved
automatic fire extinguishing and detection systems,
standpipes, fire resistive doors, and other
construction to be provided in these structures at
the time of their construction, conversion,
alteration, and maintenance so as to significantly
reduce their potential demand from simultaneous
incidents on emergency services resources.
Division 2.00. Scope. The provisions of
this Division shall apply to all proposed and
existing buildings within the City on September 25,
1981. Structures for which a building permit has
been issued prior to September 25, 1981, shall be
considered as existing buildings.
Division 3.00. Requirements for Automatic
Fire Extinguishing and Protection Systems.
3.01. Notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary, buildings or structures more than three
stories or 30 feet in height or more than 15,000
square feet in total square footage without respect
to separation walls shall be provided with an
approved full automatic fire sprinkler system.
Upon written application, the Fire Chief may
approve an alternate system of fire protection for
any building less than 15,000 square feet subject
to this subdivision.
3.02. Notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary, buildings or
structures housing any occupancy classification
having floors used for human occupancy more than 55
feet above the lowest level of Fire Department
vehicle access shall comply with the high-rise
building requirements contained in Section 1807 of
the Uniform Building Code, 1991 Edition, and
Section 2-1807 of Title 24 of the California
Administrative Code.
3.03. Notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary, buildings or structures as determined by
the Fire Chief to be used primarily for public
assembly, including drinking, dining,
entertainment, exhibition, display, or similar
concentrated uses, more than 5,000 square feet in
total square footage, shall be provided with an
approved full automatic fire sprinkler system.
3.04. Notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary, in buildings or structures four or more
stories in height all stairways serving the top
floor shall extend to the roof surface.
3.05. On or before June 1, 1982, every
existing building or structure, excepting existing
residential buildings
or structures, with floors more than 30 feet above
the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access
shall be provided with:
(a) An approved automatic fire alarm system
unless the building is provided with an approved
full automatic fire sprinkler system.
(b) Tight-fitting smoke and draft control,
20-minute rated (or equivalent) door assemblies on
all doors opening into exit corridors or stairways.
Such doors shall be equipped with an approved self
or automatic closer in accordance with Section 4306
of the Uniform Building Code, 1985 Edition.
(c) A sign indicating the number of each
floor posted in the stairwells and every elevator
lobby area. Type, size, color, and specific
location of each sign shall be as required by the
Fire Chief.
(d) Automatic unlocking mechanisms for all
stairway doors, including those required to open
onto the roof, which are locked from the stairway
side. The mechanisms shall have the capability of
being unlocked simultaneously without unlocking
upon
activation of an approved fire detection alarm
system, electric power failure, and
electromechanically using one switch located as
required by the Fire Chief.
(e) Approved emergency lighting systems for
all exitways, stairways, corridors, and other
integral portions of means of egress for safe
evacuation of the building.
3.06. On or before January 1, 1983, every
existing building or structure, excepting existing
residential buildings or structures, with floors
more than 55 feet above the lowest level of Fire
Department vehicle access shall be provided with:
(a) An approved partial automatic fire
sprinkler system and an approved automatic fire
detection alarm system, unless the building
contains an approved full automatic fire sprinkler
system.
(b) Automatic shutoff for heating,
ventilating and cooling systems as set forth in
Section 1009 of the Uniform Mechanical Code, 1991
Edition, with an added smoke detector for automatic
shutdown as required by the National Fire
Protection Association
Standard 90A, 1989 Edition, and manual switching as
required by the Fire Chief.
3.07. On or before January 1, 1983, every
existing building or structure as determined by the
Fire Chief to be used primarily for public
assembly, including drinking, dining,
entertainment, exhibition, display, or similar
concentrated uses, more than 5,000 square feet in
total square footage, shall be provided with an
approved automatic fire sprinkler system that
protects the assembly areas and exitways and an
approved automatic fire detection alarm system for
other rooms and areas. This subdivision shall not
apply to buildings or structures with an approved
full automatic fire sprinkler system or to churches
and theaters with fixed seating.
3.08. For purposes of this Division, a full
automatic fire sprinkler system is a system that
meets the requirements of the Fire Code adopted by
Section 8105 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, a
full automatic fire sprinkler system installed in
any new building with floors more than 55 feet in
height shall, unless
determined by the Fire Chief to be infeasible,
shall have two connections with control valves to
independent risers on each floor level, with each
riser being of the size necessary to deliver the
required water supply.
3.09. For purposes of this Division, a
partial automatic fire sprinkler system is a system
that provides for protection of all exitways, both
vertical and horizontal, including major aisleways
leading to exits. Protection shall be provided for
any room or area that opens directly into the
exitway by locating one sprinkler opposite the
center of and inside any such room or area.
Partial systems shall meet the requirements of the
National Fire Protection Association Standard 13
and the Fire Chief.
3.10. For purposes of this Division, an
automatic fire detection alarm system is a system
that complies with the Santa Monica Fire Department
requirements and is an approved arrangement of
smoke, rate-of-rise, fixed temperature, or any
other detector which is approved for the use
intended. The system shall alert all occupants of
a building in case of fire and, when
required by the Fire Chief, notify the Fire
Department through Central Station Supervision.
3.11. For purposes of this Division, an
existing building is a building for which a
building permit has been issued by the Building
Officer. The requirements of 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, and
3.04 shall not apply to existing buildings.
3.12. The requirements of 3.01, 3.02, 3.05,
and 3.06 shall not apply to:
(a) Hospitals as defined in Health and
Safety Code Section 1250.
(b) Buildings used exclusively as open
parking garages.
(c) Buildings such as power plants,
look-out towers, steeples, grain houses, and
similar structures with noncontinuous human
occupancy only when so determined by the Fire
Chief.
(c) Buildings owned by any public agency or
school district.
3.13. Prior to installation of any
automatic fire extinguishing or protection system
required by this Division, the Fire Chief shall
approve
the plans and specifications for the system.
Division 4.00. Standards for Automatic Fire
Extinguishing Systems.
(a) General. Systems shall conform to
Uniform Building Code standards No. 38-1 and to
supplemental requirements of the Fire Chief.
(b) Alarms. Systems shall be supervised by
an approved central receiving service. Exception.
Systems containing less than 100 heads may be
provided with a propriatory or local alarm.
(c) Annunciation and Control.
Extinguishing systems shall include control valves
and signaling devices to control and indicate
system operation by floors or other approved
subdivisions. An annunciator panel shall be
provided in an approved location near the principal
entrance.
(d) Fire Department Connections and System
Zones. Systems shall be provided with Fire
Department connections at approved locations on
public street frontages. Multiple exterior
connections and system zones shall be
interconnected.
(e) Approval, Acceptance, Testing. The
design, plans, materials, installation, acceptance,
and periodic tests of components and systems
required by this Division shall be approved by the
Chief and conform to current standards of the Fire
Code.
Division 5.00. Requirements for Standpipe
Systems. Class II standpipes shall be provided in
buildings three stories in height in accordance
with the Building Code. Alternate protection to
this provision may be approved by the Fire Chief.
Division 6.00. Attic Draft Stop
Requirements. All non-residential attic and
ceiling spaces formed of combustible construction
shall be divided into horizontal areas of 1000
square feet by draft partitions conforming to the
Building Code. Exception. In buildings provided
with automatic extinguishing systems, the
horizontal area may be increased to 3000 square
feet.
Division 7.00. Requirements for Existing
Residential Structures.
7.01. On or before January 1, 1982, every
dwelling unit and every guest room in a hotel,
apartment house, or
lodging house used for sleeping purposes shall be
provided with approved smoke detectors located as
required by Section 1210 of the Uniform Building
Code, 1991 Edition. The Fire Chief shall make
available to the public an informational brochure
on those smoke detectors approved by the Fire Chief
and the proper manner of installation.
7.02. On or before January 1, 1983, every
building or structure used as a hotel, apartment
house, or lodging house with floors more than 30
feet above the lowest level of Fire Department
vehicle access shall be provided with:
(a) The fire protection system required for
non-residential buildings contained in 3.05 of
Division 3.00 of Section 206(a) of the Uniform
Administrative Code, 1991 Edition.
(b) Emergency and evacuation procedures
approved by the Fire Chief posted in each sleeping
room.
7.03. On or before June 1, 1983, every
building or structure used as a hotel, apartment
house, or lodging house with floors more than 55
feet above the lowest level of Fire Department
vehicle access shall meet the requirements for
non-residential buildings contained in 3.06(b) of
Division 3.00 of Section 206(a) of the Uniform
Administrative Code, 1991 Edition. On or before
June 30, 1986, every building or structure used as
a hotel, apartment house or lodging house with
floors more than 55 feet above the lowest level of
Fire Department vehicle access shall meet the
requirements for non-residential buildings
contained in 3.06(a) of Division 3.00 of Section
206(a) of the Uniform Administrative Code, 1991
Edition.
7.04. The provisions of subdivisions 7.02
and 7.03 shall not apply to any property for which
the mortgage is insured or held by the United
States Department of Housing and Urban Development
until such time as the City Council determines such
provisions are applicable after exploring and
seeking all available federal and state assistance
to finance the requirements of these provisions.
The exception contained in this paragraph 7.04 will
expire on December 31, 1993, and any property
previously exempt shall be in full compliance with
the provisions of
7.02 and 7.03 no later than December 31, 1993.
7.05. Notwithstanding the provi- sions of
7.03, the time period to install the required
automatic fire sprinkler system for any residential
building which contains asbestos in ceiling
materials or other areas impacted by fire sprinkler
installation, shall be extended to July 1, 1987.
This time period may be further extended by
resolution of the City Council.
Division 8.00. Requirements for Buildings
Over 75 Feet. The compartmentation or safe areas
of refuge alternative shall not be permitted as an
alternative to automatic fire sprinklers for
buildings within the scope of Section 1807 of the
Uniform Building Code, 1991 Edition.
Division 9.00. Untreated Wood Roofing. The
use of untreated wood shingles or untreated wood
shakes for new or replacement roofing is
prohibited.
SECTION 8109.3. Section 206(b) of the
Uniform Administrative Code, 1991 Edition, relating
to Supplemental Fire and Safety Duties and
Procedures, is added to read as follows:
Division 1.00. Flammable or Combustible
Liquid Tanks. A permit is required to install,
remove, abandon, place temporarily out of service,
alter, modify, or otherwise dispose of any
flammable or combustible liquid tank, piping or
equipment connected thereto. (See Article 79 of
the Uniform Fire Code, 1991 Edition.)
SECTION 8109.4. Section 206(c) of the
Uniform Administrative Code, 1991 Edition, relating
to Supplemental Seismic Safety Rehabilitation
Requirements, is added to read as follows:
Division 1.00. Purpose. The provisions of
this section are minimum standards for structural
seismic resistance established primarily to promote
public safety and welfare. They will not
necessarily prevent loss of life or injury or
prevent serious earthquake damage to existing
buildings which are made to conform.
Division 2.00. Scope. The provisions of
this section shall apply to all existing
non-residential buildings constructed prior to 1915
and which have been surveyed and recorded by
Building and Safety as "Substandard and
Potentially Hazardous" on or before May 14, 1981.
Division 3.00. Requirements. On or before
July 1, 1985, nonconforming buildings must have
written certification by a licensed architect or
engineer that (1) the roof and walls of that
building are anchored and tied and (2) the parapets
are anchored. The standard for such certification
shall be the 1915 or 1921 Santa Monica Building
Code.
SECTION 8109.5. Section 206(d) of the
Uniform Administrative Code, 1991 Edition, relating
to Supplemental Land Hazard Zone Requirements, is
added to read as follows:
Division 1.00. Supplemental Land Hazard
Zone Requirements. For the purposes of these
codes, certain portions of the city are hereby
established as Seismic Fault Zones and Filled Area
Zones. Said zones shall be known as outlined,
illustrated and designated on the certain Land
Hazard Map filed in the office of the Building
Official. Said map together with all legends,
indices and explanatory notes thereon is hereby
made a part of these codes. It is further provided
that adjustments and changes may
be made hereafter in the boundaries of said zones
by the Building Official to implement the Seismic
Safety Element of the General Plan additional
geologic or subgrade data is made public.
For the purposes of these codes, all
construction within the scope of these codes that
is within a Land Hazard Zone shall be subject to
special design requirements which are necessary to
effect the stated purpose of these codes. Special
design requirements shall be approved by the
Building and Safety Commission.
SECTION 8109.6. Section 206(e) of the
Uniform Administrative Code, 1991 Edition, relating
to Supplemental Santa Monica Construction and
Property Maintenance Requirements, is added to read
as follows:
Division 1.00. Electrical Code Amendments
and Electrical Appliances, Devices, Materials and
Equipment Regulations.
(a) Electrical Code Amendments:
1. Add Section 300.0 to Article 300 of the
National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition as follows:
Wiring methods
permitted by the National Electrical Code may be
installed provided that any wiring not having metal
protection over the conductors shall be entirely
concealed within the building structure to prevent
and inhibit tampering.
2. Add Section 310.0 to Article 310 of the
National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition, as follows:
Conductors for general wiring made of aluminum
alloys containing more than 50% aluminum base metal
shall not be permitted in diameters smaller than
No. 6.
(b) Electrical Appliances, Devices,
Materials and Equipment Regulations:
No person, firm or corporation shall sell,
offer for sale, loan, rent, dispose of by gift or
premium, give or otherwise furnish, provide or make
available for use any electrical material, device,
appliance or equipment, designed or intended for
attachment, directly or indirectly to any
electrical system, circuit or electrical service
for light, heat or power in the City unless such
electrical material, device, appliance or equipment
complies with the provisions of this ordinance.
The
Building Official and Chief Electrical Inspector
are hereby empowered to enforce the provisions of
this Ordinance.
1. Rating. All electrical materials,
devices, appliances, or equipment designed or
intended for attachment, directly or indirectly to
any electrical system, circuit or electrical
service for light, heat or power, shall be only
those which conform with the requirements of this
ordinance. Each such article shall bear or contain
the maker's name, trademark or identification
symbol, together with such rating by the
manufacturer as may be necessary to determine the
intended use. The correct operating voltage,
amperage and total watts shall be stated and no
person shall remove, alter, deface or obliterate
any such marking.
2. Approvals. All electrical materials,
devices, appliances, or equipment covered by and
intended to be regulated by this Ordinance shall
conform with the published National Safety
Standards for such materials, devices, appliances
or equipment on file in the office of the United
State Bureau of Standards. Copies of such
standards on file in the office of the Chief
Electrical Inspector shall be open to inspection by
the public. Listing or labeling by the
Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc., or other
recognized testing laboratory whose standards are
on file with the United States Bureau of Standards
shall be prima facie evidence of conformity with
these required standards. Where no such standards
exist for any material, device, appliance or
equipment, the Chief Electrical Inspector may
designate a standard for each article submitted,
which shall specify the tests necessary to provide
the degree of safety to life and property as is
generally required by the National Standards for
approved materials, devices, appliances and
equipment of similar or related character or
nature.
3. Revocation. Any approval granted by the
Chief Electrical Inspector may be revoked if the
electrical material, device, appliance, or
equipment is found to be hazardous, unsuitable for
the purpose used or intended, or does not conform
with the standards under which it was approved for
use.
4. Exceptions. The provisions of this Code
shall not be deemed to apply to:
(a) Safe, substantial, used or second-hand
devices or appliances, provided that all parts or
equipments used in rebuilding or reconstruction
shall conform in all particulars with the National
Standards for such article, and provided further
that such articles when offered for sale shall have
the same degree of safety to life and property as
may then be required in a new article of the same
type.
(b) Electrical materials, devices,
appliances and equipment which are safe and
suitable for the purpose used or intended, provided
such materials, devices, appliances and equipment
are already fully covered and regulated by existing
laws and ordinances now in effect.
(c) Vehicles or motor vehicle equipment.
(d) Industrial or commercial appliances
which are to be used in a specific location, and
which have been submitted to a recognized
laboratory for approval as conforming to the
standards required hereof but on which final
approval is still pending, provided however, that
such exemption from the
provisions of this Code shall be granted separately
for each appliance only when satisfactory written
evidence has been filed that laboratory approval
has been applied for, and shall continue in force
only during such time as the Chief Electrical
Inspector has reason to believe that the testing
laboratory will grant final approval certifying
compliance to the prescribed standards.
(e) Generating, transforming or converting
devices or appliances nor any device or appliance
for measuring or recording current voltage or
power.
5. Used Materials. Previously used
materials shall not be re-used in any work without
the advance approval of the Chief Electrical
Inspector.
Division 2.00. House Numbering.
(a) Frontage to be Numbered. All lands and
lots within the City now platted or which hereafter
be platted shall have numbers assigned to each
space of twenty feet frontage on any street within
or bordering upon the same and such number shall be
affixed to all buildings thereon or which may
hereafter be erected thereon.
(b) System of Numbering. One hundred
numbers shall be assigned to each and every block
between streets and avenues and wherever such
streets and avenues do not extend through any
platted or unplatted lands, the number shall be
assigned to the spaces between such streets if
extended through such lands.
(c) Information. The City Engineer shall
assign the numbers to all lands now platted and all
lands which may hereafter be platted, and shall
indicate the same upon an official city map, and
file a copy of the same with the Building Official.
The owners of property within the City shall apply
to said Building Official and be furnished with
appropriate assigned numbers, without charge
therefor.
Division 3.00. Drainage Regulations. The
roof of every building and structure shall be kept
waterproof, and all storm or casual water therefrom
shall be properly drained and conveyed to a street,
sewer, storm drain, street gutter or other approved
location.
All portions of a developed property
including yards, areaways, courts, pools, parking
and other areas
shall be properly graded and drained. All drains,
gutters, basins, pumps and other devices required
to properly drain a property shall be maintained in
good working order.
Division 4.00. Pool Fencing Regulations.
Every person, firm or corporation owning land on
which there is situated a swimming pool, pond, or
other body of water which contains water 18 inches
or more in depth at any point shall completely
surround such body of water or property with a
fence, wall or other structure not less than 4 1/2
feet above the underlying ground at all places and
with no opening therein more than 4 inches in
maximum dimensions. Any gate in such fence shall
have a latch at least 4 1/2 feet above the
underlying ground and such gate shall be
self-closing and secured when adults are not
present.
Division 5.00. Qualification and
Maintenance Certificates.
(a) Qualification Certificates for Workmen.
1. General. Building and Safety Deparment
shall examine applicants on code requirements to
assess their qualifications for work in specialized
technical areas. Applicants passing such
examinations shall be issued a certificate of
qualification. Not more than one examination shall
be given to an applicant in any 30 day period in
the same technical area.
2. Reciprocals. In lieu of direct
examination, Building and Safety Department may
accept an unexpired qualification certificate
issued by another city, county or state as evidence
of competency.
(b) Maintenance Certificates. Upon
application, a maintenance certificate may be
issued to any person, firm or corporation regularly
employing one or more qualified workmen for the
purpose of maintenance, repair or repetitive minor
alterations to existing buildings and utility
systems owned, operated or occupied by the
applicant. Payment of the maintenance certificate
fee shall not exempt any person, firm or
corporation from complying with all safety codes or
from payment of individual inspection fees for
substantial new work. The owner or responsible
party shall certify once every year in writing that
the premises covered have been maintained in
compliance with city codes or that no work was
done. Compliance with provisions of a maintenance
certificate shall not exempt any person from
compliance with provisions of the State Contractors
License Law and the Business and Professions Code.
Division 6.00. Temporary Trailer Permits.
(a) House-Type Trailers. Whenever the
expression "house-type trailers" is used in this
division, it shall mean house trailers, trailer
coaches, mobile homes, and such type vehicles as
are defined in Section 18000 et seq. of the Health
and Safety Code.
(b) Regulations. The following regulations
shall apply to house-type trailers other than
mobile homes located in mobile home parks for uses
other than as living accomodations. No person,
firm or corporation shall use, store, or place a
house-type trailer for any purpose or in any manner
except as in these regulations provided:
1. No person, firm or corporation shall use
a house-type trailer for any purpose or in any
manner without first obtaining a written permit
from the
Building Official authorizing such use, storage, or
placement.
2. No person, firm or corporation shall
use, store or place a house-type trailer for any
purpose or in any manner in violation of or in
non-conformance with any of the terms provided in a
permit issued by the Building Official for use,
storage, or placement of said house-type trailer.
3. The Building Official shall be guided by
the following standards in the issuance of permits
for the use, storage, and placement of house-type
trailers:
No house-type trailer shall be used in any
residential zone for any purpose other than storage
thereof, except when used in connection with the
erection of new structures.
No house-type trailer or house-type trailers
singly, in connection groups, or otherwise shall be
used for any purpose on any lot or parcel, as
defined in Article IX of this Code, for a
cumulative time of more than six months in any
twelve consecutive months, except as hereinafter
provided for any purpose other than storage
thereof.
Except in connection with the erection of
new structures, no house-type trailer shall be used
for any purpose not directly connected and
associated with a business or activity conducted
within an enclosed building on the lot or parcel
upon which it is used or upon a lot or parcel
immediately adjacent or contiguous thereto which is
under the ownership operation, or direct control of
the person, firm or corporation to whom the permit
is issued.
No permit shall be issued for the use of a
house-type trailer unless there are legally
provided toilet facilities located within a
reasonable distance not to exceed 200 feet from the
closest point of said house-type trailer, which
toilet facilities are owned, operated, or under the
direct control of the permittee.
The total space occupied by a house-type
trailer or trailers used under such permit shall
not exceed one percent (1%) of the total square
footage of the enclosed portion of the building
described above for the activity, provided that the
space occupied by the house-type trailer may be
limited to one house-type trailer use in connection
with any business or businesses which are
related to each other and are, directly or
indirectly, under a common ownership or management,
if the space which would be occupied by any
house-type trailers in excess of one is normally
used for parking of automobiles or has been so used
within three months of the time of the application
for the permit, and only if the automobiles so
displaced may be accomodated on other off street
parking facilities owned or controlled by
permittee.
The permit issued hereunder may be extended
for a period not to exceed one year, provided that
in the event of such an extension, no further
permit shall be issued for use on the same or
adjacent premises or on premises owned, operated,
or controlled by the permittee or his or her
successor or successors in interest for a period of
two years succeeding expiration of the extended
permit.
Division 7.00. Sandblasting Regulations.
(a) Permit Required. No person shall do
any exterior sandblasting within the City without
first obtaining a permit. A permit shall be
required for
each separate work location or contractor.
(b) Application. To obtain a permit the
applicant shall file an application with the
Building and Safety Department. Each application
shall state the location, name and address or
responsible party, estimated times sandblasting
will take place, amount of insurance for property
damage and public liability that the applicant
carries and the name of the company issuing the
policy.
(c) Restrictions. No sandblasting shall be
permitted before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday, and before 9:00 a.m. or
after 5:00 p.m. Saturday, nor on a Sunday or legal
holiday unless a special permit for such work is
issued under Municipal Code Section 4204(d)(1). No
dry sandblasting shall be permitted except upon
special permission of the Building Official.
Permission shall be granted only in those
situations where wet sandblasting cannot be done
due to unique circumstances. Any application for
dry sandblasting shall state thereon the reasons
why wet sandblasting cannot be used and the
additional precautions that
will be taken to protect the public. A minimum of
3 days notice shall be given to owners, tenants and
occupants of all structures within 150 feet of the
site on which sandblasting is to be done.
Division 8.00. Plumbing and Mechanical Code
Amendments. The approval of the use of "Medium
Pressure Gas" as defined in Section 1220 of the
Uniform Plumbing Code, 1991 Edition, for any
building or building service equipment as defined
in Section 105 of the Uniform Administrative Code,
1991 Edition, is hereby specifically reserved to
the Plumbing and Mechanical Board of Appeals.
Approval of the use of "Medium Pressure Gas" shall
be in writing for each specific use or application
and shall indicate any conditions or requirements
for the installation. A copy of the written
approval shall be transmitted to the applicant and
the Building Official.
Division 9.00. Responsibility for Code
Enforcement In Mobile Home Parks. The City Council
hereby reaffirms Resolution Number 2536 (CCS)
adopted November 11, 1961, whereby the City assumes
responsibility for enforcement of State of
California regulations and requirements for mobile
home parks.
SECTION 8109.7. Section 206(e) of the
Uniform Administrative Code, 1991 Edition, relating
to Supplemental Plumbing Requirements, is added to
read as follows:
Division 1.00. Ultra-Low Flush Toilets.
(a) Any "new construction," "remodel," or
"addition," as defined in this Section, shall
install only ultra-low flush fixtures. The
installation of any flush fixture other than
ultra-low flow is prohibited.
(b) Definitions. As used in this Division,
the following words and phrases shall have the
following meanings:
(1) Ultra-Low Flush Fixtures: Urinals that
are designated to use a maximum of one gallon per
flush and toilets that are designated to use a
maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush.
(2) New Construction: Those projects for
which a building permit has not yet been issued.