HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 3215• •
, d I ~3 3 i980
ORDINANCE NO. 3215
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
ADOP'l'JNG THE 19 79 EDITIONS OF THE lJNIPOR.!'1
BUILDING, UOUSING,. AND PLUMBING CODES AS AMENDED AND
ADOPTING FINDINGS FOR SUCH CODES (MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTERS 16.04 AND 16.08)
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION l. Present chapter 16.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
except.ing-sec-fions adopting or amending the Uniform Mechanical Code
(Sect.ions 16.04.020, l6.04.400r 16.04.410), is hereby repealed and re~
placed by a ne1v chapte:r: 16. 04 as follows:
Sections:
16.04.0.lO
16.04.030
16.04.040
16.04.050
1.6.04.060
16.04.065
16.04.070
16.04.080
16.04.090
16.04.100
16.04.120
lf .04.125
1.6.04.130
16.04.140
16.04.150
16.04.160
16.04.170
Chapter 16.04
UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
Uniform Buildi~g Code Adopted
Division of Inspectional Services Established
Powc:.t"s and Duties of Building Official
Section 203, Unsafe Buildings and Structures
and Section 204, Board of Appeals are deleted
Violations and Penalties
Enforcement/Citation Authority
Section 301 Permits Required, Amended
Section 303(f) added -Demolition Permit
Section 303(g) added -Replacement of Structures
Certificate of C~cupancy
Section 504(d) added -Buildings Adjacent to
Public Right-of-Way
Section 1202(b) Amend8d -.special Requirements
for Group R, D~ .. -~ .:.'.ion 1 occupancies
Section 802(c) Amtnded -Special Provision, Group
E Occupancies
Section 1704(4) added -Construction of Buildings
in Foothills Area.
Section 2205(c) Added -Interior Walls
'Iable 29·-A Amended -Minimum Foundation Requirements
Section 3304(c) Amended -Corridor Heights
16.04.180
16.04.190
16.04.200
16.04.210
16.04.220
16.04.230
lG.cq,240
16.04,250
J.6.04.260
l 6 . 0 ,1 • 2 7 (i
16' 0 ·i. 2 8 0
16.04.290
16.04.300
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Section 3 30 4 ( c) Amended -Corridor .Access to Exits
Section J304(h) AmendE'd -Openings in Corridor
Section 3316(a) Amended -Exits Group A, Division
2, 2.1, 3 and 4 Occupanies
•rable 33-A, Item 16 A.TTiended
Section 3707(0) added -Spark Arrester Required
Section 3802(b)7 added -Automatic Sprinkler System
Section 4306(rn) added -Fire Resistive Assemblies
for Protection of Openings
Section 3213 Appendix Chapter 32 added -Reroofing
of Buildings in Foothill Areas
Appendix Chapter 53 -Energy Conservation deleted
Apprndix Chapter 70 -deleted
Uniform Housing Code adopted
Section :w 3 -Uniform Housing Code delf:tec1
Chapter 11 through 16 Uniform Housing Code
deleted
11 16.0 1l, 0 l 0 y_12_~f:_'?_l."ffi ~ui.lding_ CodE:: adopted -· ~.~~:~,:r:t Tit.le. The
Uniform B;.1ilchng Code 1979 Edition, promulgated by the International
Conference of Buil~ing Officials, 5360 South Workman Mill Road,
~'lhi tu.er, California 90601, which is dedLca.h~d tn the de.velopment
of better building construction and greater safety to the public
by uniformity in building laws, is adopt.E.d, including the appendix,
and by this reference is made a part of this code with the san1e
force and effect as though set out herein in full. A copy of the
Uniform Building Code is on file and open to public inspection in
the office of the City Clerk."
16.04.030 Section 201 amended -Division of Inspectional
Se.rvices Establi.shea.-1.fect.1on 201 ·.)f the uniform BuildTng Code is
arnend8d to-read:---
"Section 201.. Division of Inspectional Services Estab
lished. There is hereby established in the City a Division
of Inspectional Services which shall be under the supervision
of the Building Official who shall be accountable to the Director
of P. J.anr.ing and Community Environment.. Wherever the term
"Building Inspector" is used in this code, it shall mean the
~Building Official."
Findin~: This administrative amendment changes the
Tit.le of "Building Department" to the "Division
of InspectionaJ. Services."
16.04.040 Section 202 amended -Powers and duties of building
official. Section 202 of the 'uniform Buildfng Code is amenaed to
read:
"Section 202, Powers and Duties of Building Official.
(a) General. The Building Official shall be the executive
and administrative l1ead of the Division of Inspectional Services
and shall exercise supervision over al.l its activities. In
case of his absence or inability to act, the Director of
Planning and Community Environment may assign someone to act
in his stend.
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"The Division of Inspectional Services shall have the
power and duty to enforce all of the provisions of this Code,
the Electrical Code, the Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Housing
Code, the zoning ordinance and any ordinance regulating adver
tising structures or signs, and such other ordinances as may
be adopted from time to time in which further duties are
specifically assigned to it. No oversight or direction on the
part of the Building Official shall make lawful any violation
of any of the provisions of any ordinance of the City of Palo
Alto.
"(b) l;ppointments. The City Manager shall have the power
to appoint" remove, and discipline all offic-rs, inspectors,
assistants, deputies and employees as shall be necessary and
m1thot"izcd for the efficient conduct and operation of the Divi
sion of Inspe:cti0na.l Services,
''{c) Reports and Records. The Building Official shall
submit a report to th(-': Cl t.y Ma.na9cr not less than once a year,
covering the work of the department during the preceding period.
He shall incorporate in said report a summary of his recommE.~nda·
tion as to desirable amendments to this Code.
11 '1'!12 BuilJing Official shall keep a permanent, accurate
account of all f ces and other moneys collected and received
under this Code, the names of the persons upon whose acc0unt
the same were paid, the date and amount thereof~ together with
the location of the builiing or premises to which they relab~,
"(d) Right of I:ntry. HhenE.~ve1: necessary to make an in
specti.on to enforce any of the provisions of this code, or
whenever the Building Official or his authorized representative
has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building
or upon any premises any condition or code violation which makes
such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the
Building Official or his authorized representative may enter
such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect
the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the Building
Official by th.is Code, provided that if such building or premises
be occupied, he shall first present proper credentials and re
quest entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied,
he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner
or other per5ons having charge or control of the building or
pre .. rnises and request entry. If such entry is refu:aed, the
Building Official or his authorized representative shall have
recourse to every remedy provided by la-..J to secure entry.
11When the Building Official or his authorized representa
tive shall have first obtained a proper inspection warrant or
other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occu
pant or any other persons having charge, care or control of
any building or premises shall fail, after proper request is
made as herein provided'" to promptly permit entry therein by
the Building Official or his authorized representative for the
purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this code.
11 (e) Stop Order. lvhenever any work is being done contrary
to the provisions of this coae, the Building Official may order
the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons
engaged in the doing or causing such i.vork to be <.:.one, and any
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such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized
by the Building Official to proceed with the work.
11
( f) Occupancy Viola tio.ns. \·1hen~~ver any structure is
being us~d contrary to the provisions of this Code or any other
city ordinance, the Building Official may order such use dis
continued and the structure, or portion thereof, vacated by
notice served on any person causing such use to be continued.
Such person shall discontinue the use within ten (10) days
after receipt of such notice or make th~ structure, or portion
thereof, comply with thn requirements of this code or applicable
ordinance; provided, however, that in the event of an unsafe
building Section 203 shall. apply.
11 (g) l\dministrative Immunity From Liability. 'i.'h··~ Build:i.ng
Official, or any officer, agent or employee of the City charged
with the enfor<;Qmen t of th is Code, act.in9 in go:")d f a.i th and
without rr:alice for the City 1.n th:°:..' discharge of his duties shaJ.l
not. t:hc:;reby n.'!nde:r him~3clf .li.J.ble pc.t·sonal.ly a.nd :1e is hereby
reli.(~Vcd f rem a 11 r2rsona l Ji ability for any da•.1u.qe that may
accrue to p2rsonEi or property as a result of any act requ.ired
or permitted or by reason of any act or omiss1.on in the dis
charge of his duties or by reason of any act or omission by
him in the enforcernen t of '1n:{ provisions of this Code shu.l l
be defended by the City Attorney until £inal determination of
the proce12dings.
11 (h) Cooperation of Other Officials. The Building
Official may request, and shall receive so far as may be neces
sary in the discharge of his duties, the assistance and coopera
tion of other officials of the City.
"The employees of th;::: Fire and Police Departments shall
make a report in writing to the Building Official of all buildings
or structures which are, may be, or are suspected to be danger
ous buildin9s within the terms of this Code. Such reports must
be delivered to the Bu:lding Official within 24 hours of the
discovery of such buildings by any employee of the Fire or
Police Department.
11 (i) Authority to Require Exposure of Work. Whenever
an::r• wurk on which called inspection are required by this code
is covered or concealed by additional work without first having
been inspected, the Building Official may require, by written
notice that such work shall. be exposed for examination. The
work of exposing and rt~-'"' ·.·~ring shall not e.nta.il expens~ to
the City.
11 (j) Authority to Stop Use of Occupancy. Whenever any
portion of a building i.s loaded in excess of the loading for
which it was constructed or whenever it hous<rn an occupancy
other than that for which it was constructed or whenever there
is an encroachment upon any required court or yard, the
Building Official shall order, by written notice, that such
violation be discontinued.
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"The written notice shall state the nature of the
violations and shall fix the time for the abatement thereof.
If the violations have not been abated by the expiration
of the fixed time, the certificate of c~cupancy shall
thereupon be null and void.tt
Findinc;t This amendment brings the administrative
requirements of the Uniform B~ilding Code
into cor.1pliance with the City of Palo 1\l to
Municipal Code and the organization of the
City of Pa.lo Alto.
16.04.050 Sections 203 through 204 deleted. Sections 203
through 204 of the Uniform Bui°ld.ing Code arc deleted.
:F.i.nd!n~: This arnendmen t deletes Uni. f cn:i•' I:Su.i lding Code
Section 20 .1 r Un.safe Buildings, o:r ~3 true tuno:s r
and Scc:t.icn ::rn,1 Boa.rd of 1\ppcah:.. Uns(l.fc
bui 1ding~; a re th orou.9ri ly dC? f .i. ncd i ~1 Cb apt(~r
16.4() of tiw Palo Ai.to ;.1unicipaJ. Code. 'I'he
Board of Appeals section is deleted so that
the Di vision of I nspectiona 1 Sc~rv ices pro·
cedure is consistent with Palo Alto Municipal
Code procedures cu.r :ren t1y in \.'i.s c.
16.04.060 Violations/Penalties. It shall be unlawful for any
person, firm, or c0rporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter,
repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use, or
occupy or maintain any building or structure in the C.ity, or cause
or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any
of the provisions of this Building Code.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions
of this Building Code shall be deemed guilty cf a misdemeanor, and
each such person shal ~. be deemed guilty of ~'-sep;;1rate offense for
each and every day nr portion thereof during whici: any violation
of any of the provisions of this Building Code is committed, con
tinued, or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation
such person shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or
by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both such fine
and imprisonment.
F.indin~: State of California law required that local
jurisdictions must adopt, by ordinance,
vi~lation and pen •. ~ty clauses.
16.04.065 Enforcement/citation authorit_y. The following des
ignated employee positions . ~y enforce the provisions of this chapter
by the issuance of citations. Persons employed in such positions
are authorized to exercise the authority provided in Penal Code
Section 936. s· and are authorized to issue citatior:s for violation;s
of this chapter. The designated employee positions are: (1) Chief
Building Official~ (2) Assistant Building Official; and (3) ordinance
compliance inspector.
16.04.070(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or
corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, im
prove, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure regu
lated by this codef t;xcept as specified in SubsE:.!ction {b) of this
section 301 of the Uniform Building Code, or cause the sa"tle to be
done without first obtaining a separate permit for each building
or structure from the building official. ru1y violation hereof shall
be a misdemeanor punishable as set forth in Section 16.04.050.
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(b) Exempted Work. A building permit will not be required for the
following:
1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and
storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the
projected roof area does not exceed 120 feet.
2. Oil derricks.
3. Commercial and industrial cases, counters, and partitions
not over five feet high,
4. Retaining walls which are not over four feet in height
measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of
the wall unles~ supporting a. surcharge! or impounding
flammable liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly \1pon grade if tk: c2pnci t.y
does not exceed 5,000 gallons and tho ratio of hrc:i9hl to
dian1eter or wit1 t:J1 does not exce~?-Li t\·:o tc) o(lc~.
6. Painting, papering and similar finish work.
'7 ' . Temporary motion picture 1 telr:Jvision ;:i.r:d thea-Ler ,-;tage
sets and scenery.
8. Window awnings supported. by an exterior wall of Group R,
Division 3, and Group M Occupancies when projecting not
more than that permitted by tlw zoning ordinance,
Unless otherwis(~ exempted by this code, separate plurnbing 1
electrical, and mechanical permits will be required for the abov2
exempted items.
Exemption from the permit requirements of th.is code shall not
be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner
or violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or
ordinances of this jurisdiction.
£'i~~iE.S.' Items deleted fro1n exempted work are: fer•.::es,
swimming pools with less than 5,000 gallon
capacities and platforms, walks, and driveways
up to 30 inches above grade. Exemption of
these items from a required permit contradicts
the Palo Alto Municip~l Code.
16.04.080 Section 303(£) added -Demolition permits. Subsec
tion {f) is added to S8ction 303 of the Uniform Building Code to
read:
11 (f) Demolition permits. In addition to other require
ments of law, every person seeking a demolition permit for a
unit used for residential rental purposes shall furnish an
affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury that the unit
proposed to be demolished is vacant, or that notice to vacate
has been given to each tenant lawfully in possession thereof
as required by law or by the terms of such tenancy.
11 No work or demolition shall begin upon any portion of
such a unit until each and every portion has been vacated by
all tenants lawfully in possession thereof on the date of is
suance of a demolition permit, or who have become lawful tenants
subsequent thereto."
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!'.:_~ndi1.!9'..l. .Subsection 11 f 11 is added to the model code to
require the notification of the occupants of
a residential building prior to the issuance
for demo li ti on permit. '1'hi s section also
requires that the building be vacated prior to
the issuanc2 of the demolition permit. 'l'his
section is needed to insure the safety of the
occupants oi a building to be demolished.
16.04,090 Section 303(g) added -Demolition permits -Replace
r)_;acemen~t of Structures. Subsection ( g .\ .is added to Sec ti on 30 3 of the
Uniform Building Code to read:
"(g) Demolition permits -Replacement of structures.
In addition to other rdquirements of law regarding demolition
and building permits and in addition to Section 103{f} above,
every person seeking a demo li t.i.o:-: permit for. a unit la~> t. u scd
for residential purposes shallr prior to the issuoncc of a
demolition permit, apply for and receive a building permit for
proposed replacement of a building meeting requirements at
least as strict as an H-3 occupancy as defined in the Uniform
Building Code. Nothing in this section precludes is~~ancc of
such additional permits as nti'l~' '.!'.'· ::ppropria te or rn:.-ces::.ary
pursuant to Section 301.
"This section shall not be applicable to demolition re
quired by the Chief Building Official of the City of Palo Alto
or the Fire Marshall of the City of Palo Alto with respect to
structures deemed structura1ly unsafe or hazardous or othHrwise
dangerous to human J.if e. "
F:!:Eding_: Subsection "g" is added to Section 303 to enforce
the City Council policy requiring the issuance
of a building permit for new construction prior
to obtaining a demolition permit for a structure
last used for residential occupancy.
This section does not apply to demolition ordered
by the Chief Building Official to a~ate sub~~~~
dard or hazardous structures.
16. 0 4. 10 0 Section 307 amended -Certificate_ of_ .. 2.?cupaE.~.
Section 307 of the Uniform Building Code is amenaea to read!
"Section 307. Certificate of Occupancy. (a) Certificate
required. In order to safeguard life and limb, health, property
and public welfare, every building structure or portion thereof
shall conform to the construction requirements for the occupancy
to be housed therein or for the use to which the building struc
ture, or portion thereof is to be r•lt, as set forth in this
code.
"No buildin~ or structure o~
or altered shall-be used or occc, i
occupancy has been issued thereto_
:ion thereof constructed
intil a certificate of
"Exception: No structure, the architecture of which in
hibits occupancy, shall require a certificate of occupancy.
" (b) Change of Occupancy or Tenar .y. Each change of oc
cupancy or tenancy of any building, structure or portion thereof,
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shall require a new certificate of occupancy, whether or not
any alterations to the building are required by this code.
"If a portion of any building does not conform to the re
quirements of this code for a proposed occupancy, that portion
shall be made to conform. The Building Official may issue a
new certificate of occupancy without stating therein that all
of the requirements of the code have been made and without re
quiring compliance with all such requirements if he finds that
the change in occupancy or tenancy will result in no increased
hazard to life or limb, health, property or public welfare
"When appli--;ation is made for such certificate of occupancy,
the Building Official and fire chief shall cause an inspection
of the building to be made. The inspector shall advise the
applicant of those alterations necessary, or if none is necessary.
shall make a report of compliance to the Building Official.
"Before any application for such c0~rtifica.te of occupancy
is accepted, a fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule
shall be paid by the applicant to cover the cost to the City
('f the inspection of th(~ building fo:c which a change of occu
pancy or tenancy is r~-:;quire<L S 11c:h fr~e shall be in addi Lion
to the regular ~uilding permit fee required by this code.
"No fee shall be required for certificate of occupancy
issued pursuant to Chapter 18.94 of this code.
''(c) Content of Certificate. Each certificate shall con
tain the following:
1. The building permit number.
2. The address of the building •
.3 ~ ·rhe name and address of the owner or lessee.
4. A description of that portion of the building for which
the certificate is issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the building
complies with the requirements of this code for the intended
use.
6. 'l'he use and occupancy for which the certificate of
issued.
"(d) Temporary Certificates. Notwithstanding the provi
sions of subsection (c) of this sectio11, lf the Building Official
after conferring with the fire chief finds that no substantial
hazard will result from occupancy of any bui.lding, or portion
thereof, befC'!'(:> the same is completed and satisfactory evidence
is submitted that the work could not have been completed prior
to the time such occupancy is desired because of its magnitude
or because of unusual construction difficulties, the Building
Official may issue without charge a temporary certificate of
occupancy for any building or portion thereof. Such temporary
certificate of occupancy shall be valid for a period not to
exceed six months. After the expiration of a temporary certifi
cate of oJcupancy, the building, structure or portion thereof
shall require a certificate of occupancy in accordance with
other provisions of this section.
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"Upon the payment of a fee as set forth in the municipal
fee schedule, duplicates of the certificate or temporary certifi
cate may be secured by the owner, architect, engineer, contractor,
permittee or tenant.
"(e) Post of Certificate of Occupancy. In Groups A, E,
I, H, B and R-1 occupancies, the certificate of occupancy shall
be posted in a conspicious, readily accessible place in the
portion of such building being used for such occupancy.
"(f) Compliance. No person shall use or occupy any building
or structure or any portion thereof, for which a certificate
of occupancy is required by this Section 307 without first ob
taining; posting, and keeping posted, a proper certificate of
occupancy as required by this Section 307.11
~.:i:~~~1~-~ Section 307 is amended to provide for a Certificate
of Occupancy to be issued for each occupant change of
a build i n g. This section is needed for the building
to be inspected on tenant changes to ascertain com
pliance with life safety items. This section also
permits the issuance of a temporary Use and Occupancy
Certificate provided all life safety items have been
complied with prior to completion of an entire
project.
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16. 04 .120 Sect.ion 504 (d} added -Buildi!:!.9:s l\<b_acent to Public
~ights-of-Wa_l:',• Subsection--(d} is added to Section 504 of the Uniform
Building Code to read:
11 For purposes of determining wh(;~l'.'e unprot<:!cted openings
are permitted, buildings constructed adjacent to public parking
lots, parks and other public rights-of-way may consider such
public rights-of-way as a yard when approved by cne Building
Official.
16. 04~125 Section 1202 (b) amended -Rc-:.quirements for
Group R Dj vi.s ion 1 occupancies. Section (b) of Section-UO 2 of the
Uniform Building Code "Is amended to read:
''(b) Special Provisions. Group R Division-1 Occupancies¥
more than two stories in height or having more tha.n 3 1 000 square
feet of floor area above the first story, shall not be J.e:-;s
than one-hour, fire-resistive construction throughout.
11 Exception: Dwelling uni ts within an apfl.:etment house not
over two stories in height may have nonbearing walls of unpro
tected construction, provided the units are separate from each
other and from corridors by construction hav:l.ng a fi.:re-resistance
rating of not less than one hour. Openings to such corridors
shall be equipped with doors conforming to Section 3304(h) or
other equivalent protection regardless of the occupant load
servE:~d.
"Every apartment house three stories or more in height
or containing more th<ln fifteen apartments, and every hotel
three stories or more in height or containing twenty or more
guest rooms, shall have an approved fire alarm system as specified
in the fire code.
e'For Group R Division l occupancies with a Group B, Di.vi
sion 1 ~arking garage in the basement or first floor, see Sec
tion 702 (a).
"For attic space partitions and draft stops see Section
3205.11
16.04.130 Section 802(c) amended -Special Provisions. Section
B02(c) of the uniform Building CodeTSamen<led to read:
"{c) Special Provisions. Rooms in Division 1 2,nd 2 occu
pancies used for day care purposes, ki~dergarten, first and
second grade pupile and Division 3 occupancies shall not be
l.ocated above the first story.
"Storage and janitor closets sha.11 be of one-hour, fire
resistive construction with all openings protected by assemblies
having not less than a three-fourths-hour, fire-resistive rating.
Stages and enclosed platforms shall be constructed in accord
ance with Chapter 2-39. For attic space partitions and draft
stops, see Section 3205, UBC.H
Finding.: This section is amended to conform to the additional
requirements of Ftate of California Title 24 regarding
this section.
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16.04.140 Section 1704(4) added -Construction of Buildings
in the F'oothi 11~ Area. Section 1704T4T is· added to Charter -I7 of
the Uniform Building ·code to read~
"Section 1704 ( 4) Const.ructi.on of Buildings. in Poothi lls
Arca, The Council finds and declares that the area within the
City of Palo JU to to the '•!est of Junipero Serra Freeway :i.s a
hazardo1.is fire area and tr.at. it is, therefore, necessary to
establish special minimum fire-resistive requirements in this
area for the protection of life and property. In addition
to the special requirements of Section 3802(b)7, all roofs
shall be fire retardant as specified in Section 3203(e) ."
£~~-ndi t!.9_: The fire hazard o.f untreated wood roofs has long been
recognized by the N~tional Fire Protection Association.
Recent conflagration in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
and Houston have led to many similar ordinances.
The City of Palo Alto Foothills cause many problems
for firef i.ghters including· long response times r in
adequate water supply and unlimited fuel.
16.04.150 Section 2205 1 c) added -Interior walls. Subsection
{c) ir; added to Section-2265-oft:h_e_unlfo~rm Buildil10--Code to read~
11 (c) Inter·ior W'alls. On 'Iype V structures where interior
walls are covered with wood less than three-eights of an inch
in thickness, the interior division wall separating the bedroom
area from the living area shall be covered with 1/2" gypsum
board. Such material shall be applied on both sides of the
frarn:i.ng members, Dom~s in this wall shall be solid co:i:e."
Finding: This section is added to provide a minimum fire
SE:'paration be.tween bedrooms and other living areas
of a dwelling unit when wood paneling is used for
wall covering. Construction of this type is
extremely flammable and when ignited, has a very fast
flame spread.
16.04.160 Table 29-A amended. Table No. 29-A in Chapter 29 of
the Uniform Building Code is amended to read~
Numbe•·
of
Stories ----
& 2
j
"TABLE 29-A
FOUNDATIONS FOR STUD BP.ARING WALLS
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Thickness of Width of Thickness
Foundation Wull Footing of Foodng
(Inches)_ __ l_Im:hes) (Inches)
8 14 8
8 18 8
Depth of Foundation
Below Natural Surfa
of Ground and Finish
Grade (Inches)
Good Soil Adobe
20
30
20
30
All fo1lndations as required in the above Table shall be continuous and
have a minimum of three #4 bars of reinforcing steel, except for detached
accessory buildings of Group M occupancy where one bar is required."
Findii:!.9'..: This amendment is needed due to Palo Alto's expansive
soil conditions (adobe). The foundation required is
based on standard engineeriny practices.
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16.04.170 Section 3304(c) Amended -Corridors and exterior
exit balconies. Sectfon · 3304 ic:) of thellniforrri .. 13U.1 ld.1ng Code Ts
amendea.·· to read:
"(c) Height. Corridors and exterior exit balconies shall
have a clear height of not less than seven feet measured to
the lowest projection from the ceiling.
11 In Group I, Divis.ion 1 and Division 3 Occupancies, ceilings
shall have a clear height of not less than e:i.ght feet from the
ceiling.11
~.j.:!..1~ing: 'l'his section is amended to conform to the requiremE:.mts
of State of California Title 24.
P(e) Access to exits. Exits shall be so arranged that
it is possible to go .in either direction from any point in a
corridor to a separate exitr except for dead ends not exceeding
20 feet in length. This subsection shall apply to all occu
pancies regardless of occupant load.11
Finding: This section is amended to conform to the require
ments of State of California 'ri tle 24.
16.0·Ll90
Exit Balconies.
amended to read:
Section 3304{h) amended -Corridors and .Exterior
Section 3304 (h) of-the-Uniform Build:i.:n~q-Code is
11 (h) Openings. Where corridor wan.s a.re required to be
of one-hour, fire-resistive construction by Subsection (g) above
every door openi~g shall be protected by a tight-fitting smoke
and draft control door assembly having a fire protection rating
of not less than 20 minutes when tested in accordance with
Uniform Building Code Standard No. 41-2 without the hose stream
test. 'I'he door and frame shall bear an approved label or other
identification showing th~ rating thereof, the nafne of the
manufacturer and the i.dentificat.ion of the service conducting
the inspection of materials and workmanship at the factory
during fabrication and assembly. Doors shall be maintained
self-closing or shall be automatic closing in accordance with
Section 4306(b)2. and draft control door assemblies shall be
provided with a gasket so installed as to provide a seal where
the door meets the stop on both sides and across the top.
Other interior openings shall be fixed and protected by approved
1/4-inch thick wired glass installed in steel frames. The
total area of all openings, other than doors, in any portion
of an interior corridor shall not exceed 25 percent of the area
of the corridor wall of the room which it is separating from
the corridor. Individual glass lights between steel mullions
shall not exceed 1,297 square inches with no dimension exceeding
54 inches. For duct openings see Section 4306. Viewports may
be installed if they require a hole not larger than one inch
in diameter through the dJor, have at least a 1/4-inch thick
glass disc, and the holder is of metal which will not melt out
when subject to temperatures of 17000 F.
"Exception: Protection of openings in the interior walls
of exterior exit balconies is not required."
Fiz:E_ing: Thia section is amended to conform to the requirements
of State of California Title 24.
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• •
Section 16.04.200 Section 3316(a) a~ended. Subsection (a) of
Section 3316 of the Unif()"rm Buffd[ng Code is amendr::c: by deleting
the ex•:(~ption.
This amendment is needed to have section 3116
conform with State of California requirements.
16. 0 4. 210 ~ab~_.3 3-A ~J:-~m 16 amende_~:.:Min i_i_~um E__9!.~ss __ an.9__!:_S!cess
Requirements._ Table 33-A Item 16 of the Uniform Building Code is
amended to read=
16 Nurseries {Day Ca~e)"for children 6 35 Yes
f_0d_~_ng ;_ Th is i Lem is amended to conform t.o the requirements
of State oE California Title 24.
lG.04.220 Section 3707(0) Spark Arrester. Section 3707(0) is
added to Uni fc rn1.-~3uT 1 ding Code -Si:?:~·E1on··:f7oTto-read:
"(o) Spar.k Arrester.. All fireplace a.nd tiarbeq1Je chimneys
sh2'l l be provided with an approved spark arrester~"
!:.1 ind i.r1~:: ···-··--··---'.::.:!. This section is required by State law and is added
to the Palo Alto ordinance for clarification.
16. 0 4. 230 §_~c ~ io!2__~802 ( b) 7 added. Sect ion 380 2 ( b) 7 added to
re ad :
11 In any buildin9 or group of buildings where, in the judg
ment of the fire chief, such building or group of buildings
due to size, height, type of construction, location on property,
contents or occupancy classification would exceed or severely
tax the capabilities of the 1.ocal Fire Department to perform a
reasonable level of rescue and fire supp~ession operations.
Fire flows req~:i.red for each building w.ill be determined utili
zing the Palo Alto Fire Department, Fire Flow Worksheet; FPB
23. Table 14.04.280. Regardless of area or occupancy separa
tion walls, when more than 1000 gpm fire flow is required, the
building shall be sprinklered. Such buildings shall include,
but are not limited to~
a~ Al.l buildings more than five stories or fifty feet
in height.
b. Buildings where limited access for fir.e appartu.s does
not permit mobile unit opera~ion of ladder companies to within
fifteen feet of openings in stories as required in UBC 504 and
.3802.
c. Buildings where access for fire apparatus does not.
permit use of pump and hose companies to reach all sides of
t.he bui.ld.ing without handlaying more than 150" of fire hose
from a maximum of 2 mobile pumping units.
d. Buildings constructed in hazardous fire area west of
Junipero Serra Freeway shall be fire sprintlered and provided
with exterior wet standpipes appr.·oved by the fire chief. Such
sprinklers may be connected to domestic water supply providing
the piping is of approved sizing and sufficient coverage of the
area is approved and an app~oved accessible shut-off is pro
vided for each roan or area. Exterior standpoints shall deliver
fire flows derived by the following forrnuJ.,3: GPM = square
footage of floor area x 8 (ceiling height) + 100 x .5
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•
e. If a fire sprinkler system is not required for purposes
other than this section, the area increases specified in Section
506 (c), or th(~ height anC:i story increases specified in Section
506(c), or the height and story increases specified in Section
507, or the fire-resistive suhstituti.on in Section 508 may be
permitted.
f. Additions to existing buildJ.ngs. This section shall
apply to all new construction including additions.
( l) If the entire building area exceeds the area
permitted in Se~tion 3802(1) through (6), the entire
building shall be sprinklered.
(2) If the addition requires an automatic sprinkler
system by Section 3802(7), but the entire building is
l)clo1;11 tl1t-: area spe<~ified irt Sec~tio11 3802 (1) t,hro1lgh (6),
the addition shall be sprinklered and separated from the
e:ci..stin9 building by an area separation vrnll as specified
in s,~ction 505 (d).
Exception: The Fire flow limitation of 1000 GPM contained
in Section 3802(b) 7 shall not apply to single family or duplex
structures not located in Uw hazardous fi:re area. 11
16.04.240 Section 4306(m) added -Fire Resistive Assemblies
~pr Pr_<?_~~c!_~'?I:._--9l-6i)enings. Section---r306Tin) is addecC .. to-the Uniform
Building Code to read:
"(m) combustil.:Jle Sills and Floor Coverings~ Regardless
of any other provisions of these regulations or the test standards
adopted hereunde1, combustible sills and floor coverings may
be placed under any fire door having a fire-resistive rating
of less than 45 minutes. Carpet and carpet padding floor cov
erings shall have a minimum critical radiant flux limit of 0.22
watts/cm2 when tested in accordance with the Floor Co~ ring
Radiant Panel 'I'est (NBSIR 78-1436), Such rating shall be main
tained for a distance of five feet on all sides of the fire
door except as otherwise prohibited by building design and con
::}truction. '1
Exception: Installations in exist~nce prior to January 1, 1979.
Findii:!.9'.~ This section is added to conform to the requirements
of State of California Title 24.
16 ~ 04. '.~50 Section 3213 of Aooendix ChaE te.r 3 2 added--Reroofing
of Buildings in FoothTITs Area. s~ction3213lsaddecttoChapter
32 of the-unif.orm·auildingCode to read t
"Section 3213 Construction of Buildings in Foothills Area.
The Council finds and declares that the area within the City
of Palo Alto to the west of Junipero Serra Freeway is a hazardous
fire area, and that it is, therefore, necessary to establish
specinl minimum fire resistive requirements in said area for
the protection of life and property. All buildings within this
area shall be constructed as hereinafter set forth.
"All roof covering material shall meet the requirements
of Uniform Building Code Section 3203 (e).
Finding: This a.'Tlendment is added to require reroof ing t·J com
ply with the same requirements for new construction
in the hazardous fire area.-
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• •
16.04.260 Ap~endix Ch~r 53 -Energy Conservation in New
Building Construction deleted. Appendix Chapter 53, "Energy Con
servation in New Building," of the Uniform Building Code .is deleted.
E:_,~ndinq: Energy conservation is regulated by State of California
'ri tle 24.
11!. 04. 270 .~p,eend:ix Cha127er 70 -Excavation and Grading deleted.
Appendix. Chapter: 7 O, ll'E}<cava ti on and Grading, 11 of the uniform Bui ldlng
Code is deleted.
Findina: The City of Palo Alto has a separate excavatjon and
grading ordinance that is based on local geoloqical,
seismic and terrain conditions.
16. O 4 . 2130 ur; i ~9.£.~_l:~s:ius i n.iL__'.20r:!~.~d~t~~<!_.::_§hor!: ·ri t1<::_. 11he
llousinq Code, J <J 79 r·:d} ti on, promul9a. ted by the International Conference
of Dd.lcEng Of.fic.i.als 1 f)J60 South Workman Mill Roa.d, Whittier,
California 90601, which provi.des minimum requirements for the protec
tion of life, limb, health 1 property, safety and welfare of the general
public and the owners ctnd occupants of .res id en ti al buildings, :l.s
adopted and by reference made a part of this code with the same force
and ef f cct as though set out in full in this ch.:J.pt.er, Three copies
oi the Uniform Housing Code a:re on file and open to public inspection
in the •.)ff ice of the C.:~ ty Clerk.,
16.04.290 Section 203 of the Uniform Housing Code deleted.
Secti.on :20 3 of the· um.form Bous[ng-·cod.e-"ls--deletea:------·-·---
F'indinq_: This section is deleted so that the Division of
Inspectional Services procedure is consistent. with
Palo Alto Municipal Code procedures currently in use.
16.04.300 Chapters 11 through 16; inclusive, of the. Uniform
Housing Code deleted. Chapters 11 throug11 16r .inclusive,--ofthe
Uniform Housing-Code are deleted.
Finding: 'l'hese chapters are administrative and are deleted.
The administrative procedures required are contained
in the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
16.04.310 Violations/penaltie!· No person, firm, or corporation,
whether as m•me.r, lessee / sublessee, or occupant, sh? 11 erect, con
struct, enlarge¥ alter, repair, move, improve, remove, demolish,
equip, use, occupy, or maintain any building or premises, or cause
or permit the s~~ to be done, contrary to or in viol~tion of any
of the provisions of this Housing Code or any order issued by the
building officiai hereunder. Any person violating the provisions
of this section shall be guLl t.y of a misdem8anor punishable by a
fine of not more than $500, or by imprisonment for: not more than
six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment for each day such
violation continues.
16.04.320 Duties are discretionary~ Notwithstanding any othe.r
provision of this chapter and the provisions of the Uniform Building
Code, Uniform Housing Code, and Uniform Mechanical Code, whenever
the words ii shall" or "must'' are used in establishing a responsibility
or duty of the City, its elected or appointed officers, employees,
or agents, it is the legislative intent that such words establish
a discretionary responsibility or duty requiring the exercise of
judgment and discretion.
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. . • •
SECTION 2. Present chapter 16. 08 of th1~ Palo Al to Municipal Code
is hereby repealed a,nd rep laced by a new chapter 16. o 8 as fol lows:
16.08.010 Adoption of 1979 u~1iform Plumbina Code. The Uniform
Plumbing Code, 1979 Edition, in.eluding all appen ices, promulgated
by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
Association, 5032 Alhambra Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90032,
which regulates th~ installation, alteration, repair, removal, con
version, use and maintenance of plumbing, gast swimming pools,
drainage systems and other similar work and provides for the issuance
of permits for t.h~ doing of such work, is hereby adoptf'd and by this
reference made a part of this municipal code with the same force
and effect as though set out in full. A copy of the Uniform Plumbing
Code is on file for public inspec:tion in the office of the City Clerk.
16.08.020 and 16.08.030 are hereby added to the Uniform Plumbing
Code to read as follows:
"16. 0 8. 0 2 0 Viola t:ions:/pena1 tics, i\ny person, firm or
corporation viola. tin9 -a11·y-pr-ovISl(;-:r1of this P 1umbing Code shall
be deemed guilty c>f a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof
shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 or by imprison
ment for not to exceed six months, or both fine and imprisoDment.
Each separate day or any portion thcre0f during which any vio~
lat.ion of this Plumbing Code occurs or continues shall be deemed
to constitute a separate offense, and upon conviction thereo~
shall be punishable as herein provided.11
•
11 16. 08. 030 ~~for~mer:t/ci t_?_ti_~~~tl~orit~{. T~e. following
designated employee positions may enforce the provioions of
this c.:h.0 pter by the issuance of ci tat:Lons: Persons employed
in such positions are authorized to exercise the authority pro
vided in Penal Code Section 936.5 and are authorized to issue
citations for violations of this chapter. The designated em
ployee positions are; (1) Chief Building Of-i:icial, {2) Assis
tant Building Official 1 and (3) Ordinance Compliance. Inspector."
Finding: Each local jurisdiction must adopt its own violation
and penalty clauses by State of California law.
16.08.040 Dangerous and unsanitary construction. (a) Any por
t.ion of a plumbing system found-by the Building Official to be un
sanitary as defined herein is hereby declared to be a nuisance.
(b) Whenever brought to the attention of the department having
jurisdiction that any unsanitary conditions exist or that any con
struction or work regulated by this code is dangerous, unsafe, un
sanitary, a nuisance or a menace to life, health or property or other
wise in violation of this code, the said depa.rtment may request an
investigation by the building official who, upon determining such
information to be facti shall order any person, firm or corporation
using or maintaining any such condition or re&ponsible for the use
~r maintenance thereof to discontinue the use or maintenance thereof
or to repair, alter, change, re.·nove, or demolish same as he may con
sider necessary for the proper protection of life, health or property
and in the case of any gas piping or gas appliance may order any
perso11, firm or corporation, supplying gas to such piping or appli
ance to discontinue supplying gas thereto until such piping or appli
ance is made safe to life, health or property.
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• •
(c) Refusal, failure or neglect to comply with any such notice
or order is unlawful.
(d) When any plumbing system is ma.intained in violation of
this code and in violation of any notice issued pursuant to the
prO\Yisions of this section or where a m1isancc exists in any building
or on or lot on which a building is situated, the building official
shall institute any appropriate action or. proceeding in any coul'.'t
of competent jurisdiction to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate
the violation or nuisance.
Find.~~9....E.. This section i.s added to the Model Code and defines
dangerous and unsanitary conditions. This section
also gives t.he buiJ.dinq official the power to have
any such condition abated.
~6.08 •. '.)50 Permit fees. (o.) Every ;;lpp1icant for a pennit to
do work regu.lat.eci"E)y--·t:r.rs·--c,'.)cfo ~;ha.11 state i.n w1.·i.tinq on the appli
cation fo:r:m provided for that pu~:po:·0H;,, the cbar:acter of h'ork pl:o
posed to be dooe and the umount ?.l.nd kind of connection thei~ewith,
together with such inforrnalion pertinent the~eto as may be required.
Such an applicant shall p.:1y for each permit i ss ut;d at the t irne of
issuance, a fee in accordance with the municipal f (~e schedule c id
the ratL°! provided for each clas:.;ificat.ion ~~hal1 be sliu•.-in tlH:'rein.
(b) Any person who shall comrr:c.~nce any work for which a p<=t1nit
is required by t'1is code without tii::st having obtained a. pennit
therefor shall, if subsequently permitted to obtain a permit, pay
double the permit fee fixed by the municipal fee schedule fcir: such
work; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to
emergency work when it shall be proven to the satisfaction of the
buL.ding official that such work was urgently neces!·3ary and ti1at
it was not pr:actical to obtain a permit therefor before the com
mencement of the work. In all such cases, a permit must be obtained
as soon as it is practical to do so, and if there be an unreasonable
delay in obtaining such permit, a double fee as therein provided
shall be charged.
Fir!.9i12.9.: This amendment references the Municipal Fee Schedule
for permit fees.
16.08.060 ~xtra ins.E_ections. When extra inspections are neces
sary by reason of deficient or defective work, or otherwise through
fault or error on the part of the holder of the permit or on the
part of his agents or employees, only one such extra inspection
shall be made under the regular fees as prescribed in th~.s chapter.
For each and every further extra visit or inspection for which the
holder of the permit or his employees is entirely responsible, a
fee shall be charged as set forth in the municipal fee schedule"
Finding: ·rhis section refer2nces the Municipal Fee Schedule
for a reinspection feA for deficient or defective
work that has not been corrected after two (2) in
sp~ctions, or if work is not re~dy for inspection
when Sllch inspect ion is cal .led for, or if necessary
job pl~~s or specifications are not available to the
inspector.
16.08.070 Subsection lOlO(a) added. Section 1010 of the
Uniform Plumbing Code is amended by adding subsection (a) to read:
n(a) Hose Bib. All commercial and industrial buildings
whose building face is parallel to the City sidewalk shall have
-17 -
''
, • •
a hose bib connection installed, conveniently available to
accommodate persons washing the building face, watering plants
or washing down of City sidewalks.11
Fi_!:!din9: 'I'his section is added to the Model Code to provi'Jc~
a hose bib on commercial or industrial buildings
parelleling City sidewalks to be used for watering
plants and washing the public sidewalks.
16.08.080 Se~tion 1107 amended -Clc"'nouts. Subsection (g)
is added to Section 1107 of the Unlform PiumbTng Code to .i:ead:
11 (g) At a point of connecti.on between the house line and
the City lateral, an approved fi.ttinq ::;hall be used to bring
the cleanout riser to grada.
nWhc~n ~;ewer clcilnOll ts ,n:c to hp !''[)J1JlC ctc·d to t'X is ting City
laterals, such connect.ions t>hd l .~ lie '11.Tcin1p 1.i.~:dwd by use of an
approved fitting.
16.08.090 Sections 20.7 nnd 20.J4 dnlc~tC>d. Uniform ?lurn.binq
code Sections 2 o :-:r--~(?~ ·C 12_f ~52.~~~~y---<·i·1~1c:r-nL .. Tif·1·!?E"J r:.~~!___;~r2c~_ls) , -
ali being a portion of ~.~·. __ ]_ . .:: . .!l~~i_~:!_if.;!:_E.~Tt.'2,n of said code / hereby
are deleted.
:t'i.nd.ing;: Secti.::in 20.7 and 20,14. These are admini~t.rative
se-ct1ons i.i"nd. ar'-' deleted. 'l'he admin is t:ra. ti ve items
are more adequately covered by the Palo Al to Mtmici
pa1 Code.
16.08,100 Duties are discretionary. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this chapter and the provisions of the Uniform Plu.mJ.:.ing
Code, whenever the words "shaJ.llt or "must" arc used in establishin~
a responsibility or duty of the City, its elected or appointed of
ficers, employees, or agents, it if; the legislative intent that sur..!h
words establish a discretionary re~:ponsibili ty or duty requiring
the exercise of judgment a~d discretion.
SECTION 3. The Council finds that the adoption of this ordinance
will not have any significant adverse environmental irnpact.
SEC 1l1.ION 4. '!'his ordinance shall become effectiv·:; upon the commence
ment o-ft1ie t..rlirty-f i:rst day following the date of its passage.
IN'l1RODUCED: June 16' 1980
PASSED: July '7, i 980
AYES: Brenner, Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Levy, Renzel, Sher
NOES: None
.n.BSENT: Witherspoon
ABSTEN'I'IONS: None
::h-A~~·~_-L;_..:..._Y.4-t -.-
.. Y~-(~ e,(v~~:....' ___ _
Cl ty jt tot"1oy
J\P 1> HOVlm 1
APPROVl:iD:
_, 18 -