HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-18 Ordinance 5216Ordinance No. 5216
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Repealing Chapter
16.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and Amending Title 16 to Adopt a
Ne"Y Chapter 16.04, California Building Code, California Historical
Building Code, and California Existing Building Code, 2013 Editions, and
Local Amendments and Related Findings
The Council ofthe City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 16.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended by
repealing in its entirety and adopting a new Chapter 16.04 to read as follows:
16.04.010 2013 California Building Code adopted.
The California Building Code, 2013 Edition, Title 24, Part 2 of the California Code of Regulations,
together with those omissions, amendments, exceptions and additions thereto, is adopted and
hereby incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof the same as if fully set
forth herein.
Unless superseded and expressly repealed, references in City of Palo Alto forms, documents and
regulations to the chapters and sections of the former California Code of Regulations, Title 24,
2010, shall be construed to apply to the corresponding provisions contained within the California
Code of Regulations, Title 24, 2013. Ordinance No. 5099 of the City of Palo Alto and all other
ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby suspended and expressly
repealed.
Wherever the phrases "California Building Code" or "Building Code' are used in this code or any
ordinance of the City, such phrases shall be deemed and construed to refer and apply to the
California Building Code, 2013 Edition, as adopted by this chapter.
One copy of the California Building Code, 2013 Edition, has been filed for use and examination of
the public in the Office ofthe Building Official ofthe City of Palo Alto.
16.04.020 2013 California Building Code Appendix Chapters adopted.
The following Appendix Chapter of the California Building Code, 2013 Edition, is adopted and
hereby incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof the same as if fully set
forth herein:
A. Appendix 1-Patio Covers
16.04.030 Cross -References to California Building Code.
The provisions of this Chapter contain cross-references to the provisions of the California
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Building Code, 2013 Edition, in order to facilitate reference and comparison to those provisions.
16.04.040 Section 1.11.2.1.1 Duties and powers of the enforcing agency/Enforcement is
amended to read the following:
1.11.2.1.1 The responsibility for enforcement of building standards adopted by the State
Fire Marshal and published in the California Building Standards Code relating to fire and
panic safety and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal shall, except as provided in
Section 1.11.2.1.2, be as follows:
1. The city, county or city and county with jurisdiction in the area affected by the
standard or regulation shall delegate the enforcement of the building standards
relating to fire and panic safety and other regulations ofthe State Fire Marshal as they
relate to Group R-3 occupancies, as described in Section 310.1 of Part 2 of the
California Building Standards Code, to both enforcement divisions specific to their
areas of enforcement disciplines:
16.04.050
1.1 The chief of the fire authority of the city, county or city and county, or an
authorized representative and;
1.2. The chief building official of the city, county or city and county, or an
authorized representative.
Violations --Penalties.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any provISIon of this chapter is guilty of a
misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in subsection (a) of
Section 1.08.010 of this code. Each separate day or any portion thereof during which any
violation of this chapter occurs or continues shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense,
and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as provided in this section.
When the building official determines that a violation of this chapter or chapters 16.05, 16.06,
16.08, 16.14, 16.16 or 16.17 of this code has occurred, he/she may record a notice of pendency
of code violation with the Office of the County Recorder stating the address and owner of the
property involved. When the violation has been corrected, the building official shall issue and
record a release of the notice of pendency of code violation.
16.04.060 Enforcement --Citation authority.
The employee positions designated in this section may 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 836.5 and are authorized to issue citations for
violations of this chapter. The designated employee positions are: (1) chief building official; (2)
building inspection supervisor; and (3) code enforcement officer.
16.04.70 Local Amendments.
The provisions of this Chapter shall constitute local amendments to the cross-referenced
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provisions of the California Building Code, 2013 Edition, and shall be deemed to replace the cross-
referenced sections of said Code with the respective provisions set forth in this Chapter.
16.04.080 Section 105.1.3 Demolition permits of Chapter 1 Division II is added to read:
105.1.3 Demolition permits. In addition to other requirements of law, every person
seeking a permit to demolish 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. 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.
16.04.90 Section 105.5 Expiration. Section 105.5 of Division II is amended to read:
105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on
the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its
issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or
abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time thework is commenced. The
chief building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of
time, for periods not more than 180 days each and may require;
1) that the construction documents be revised to partially or fully
comply with current codes, and
2) payment of a fee.
Extensions shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. For
the purpose of this section, failure to progress a project to the next level of
required inspection shall be deemed to be suspension of the work.
16.04.100
read:
Section 109.6 Refunds of Chapter 1 Division II Administration is amended to
109.6 Refunds The building official or the permit center manager may authorize the
refund of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected. The building
official or the permit center manager may authorize the refund of not more than eighty
percent (80%) ofthe Permit Fee paid when no work has occurred under a permit issued
pursuant to this Chapter. The building official or the permit center manager may
authorize the refund of not more than eighty percent (80%) of the Plan Review Fee paid
when a permit application is withdrawn or canceled before any plan review work has
started.
16.04.110 Section 109.7 Re-Inspection Fees of chapter 1 Division II Administration is
added to read:
109.7 Re-Inspection Fees. A Re-Inspection Fee may be assessed/authorized by the
building official or the building inspection supervisor for each re-inspection required
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when work for which an inspection is requested is not ready for inspection or when
required corrections noted during prior inspections have not been completed. A "Re-
Inspection Fee" may be assessed/authorized when;
1. The inspection record card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site,
2. The approved plans are not readily available for the inspector at the time of
inspection,
3. The inspector is unable to access the work at the time of inspection, or;
4. When work has substantially deviated from the approved plans without the prior
approval of the building official.
5. When a Re-Inspection Fee is assessed, additional inspection of the work will not be
performed until the fee has been paid.
16.04.120 Section 110.3.3 Lowest Floor Elevation of chapter 1 Division II Administration is
amended to read:
110.3.3 Lowest Floor Elevation. In flood hazard areas, upon placement ofthe lowest
floor, including the basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation
certification shall be submitted to City Public Works Engineering for inspection approval
prior to foundation inspection by City Building Inspection.
16.04.130 Section 111.1 of Division 11-Use and occupancy.
Section 111.1 of Division II of the California Building Code is amended to read:
111.1 Use and occupancy. No building or structure shall be used or occupied,
and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure
or portion thereof shall be made, until the building official has issued a certificate
of occupancy therefor as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy
shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code
or of other ordinances ofthe jurisdiction.
1. Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work
exempt from permits under Section 105.2 and:
2. Group R -Division 3 occupancies
3. Group U occupancies
111.1.1 Change of occupancy or tenancy. Each change of occupancy, official
name or tenancy of any building, structure or portion thereof, 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 requirements 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 requiring compliance
with all such requirements if it is determined that the change in occupancy or
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tenancy will result in no increased hazard to life or limb, health, property or
public welfare.
When application is made for a new certificate of occupancy under this section,
the building official and fire chief shall cause an inspection of the building to be
made. The inspector(s} shall inform the applicant of those alterations necessary,
or if none are necessary, and shall submit a report of compliance to the building
official.
Before any application for a new certificate of occupancy is accepted, a fee shall
be paid by the applicant to cover the cost of the inspection of the building
required by the change of occupancy or tenancy.
16.04.140 Section 111.3 of Division 11-Temporary occupancy.
Section 111.3 of Division II of the California Building Code is amended to read:
111.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a
temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work
covered by the permit, or as otherwise required, provided that such portion or
portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a time period
during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
16.04.150 Section 111.5 of Division 11-Posting.
Section 111.5 of Division II is added to the California Building Code to read:
111.5 Posting. The certificate of occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous,
readily accessible place in'the building or portion of building to be occupied and
shall not be removed except when authorized by the building official.
16.04.160 Section 702A amended -Definitions (Wild Land-Urban Interface Fire Area).
Section 702A (Wild Land-Urban Interface Fire Area) of the California Building Code is amended to
read:
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE AREA is a geographical area identified by
the State of California as a "Fire Hazard Severity Zone" in accordance with Public
Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4202 and Government Code Sections
51175 through 51189, or other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be
at a significant risk from wildfires. Within the city limits of the City of Palo Alto,
"Wild Land-Urban Fire Interface Area" shall also include all areas west of
Interstate 280, and all other areas recommended as a "Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zone" by the Director of the California Department of Forestry.
16.04.170 Secti~n 902.1 amended -Definitions.
Section 902.1 ofthe California Building Code is amended to include the following definitions:
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DUAL SENSOR PHOTOELECTRIC/IONIZATION SMOKE DETECTOR OR ALARM. A
smoke alarm or detector that utilizes both photoelectric and ionization methods
in a single device.
DUAL SENSOR CARBON MONOXIDE AND SMOKE ALARM. A combination carbon
monoxide and smoke alarm or detector that senses both smoke and CO in a single
device.
IONIZATION SMOKE DETECTOR OR ALARM. A smoke alarm or detector that uses
a small amount of radioactive material to detect invisible particles generated by
flame.
PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE DETECTOR OR ALARM. A smoke alarm or detector that
uses a light-source to detect the presence of smoke.
16.04.180 Section 903.2 -Automatic Sprinkler Systems, Where Required.
Section 903.2 ofthe California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
903.2 Automatic sprinkler systems, where required. Approved automatic
sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures and in existing modified
buildings and structures, shall be provided in the locations described in this
section. Automatic fire sprinklers shall be installed per the requirements set
forth in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.18 and as follows, whichever is the
more restrictive:
For the purposes of this section, firewalls and fire barriers used to separate·
building areas shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building
Code and shall be without openings or penetrations.
1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new
buildings and structures.
Exception: Group A,B,El,l,l,M,S and U occupancy buildings or
structures that do not exceed 1,000 square feet of building area.
2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all existing buildings or
structures where modifications have been determined by the Building
Official to trigger requirements for seismic retrofit.
3. Any change in the character of the occupancy or in the use of any building
with a Building Area equal to or greater than 3,600 square feet which in the
opinion of the fire chief or building official would place the building into a
more hazardous division of the same occupancy group or into a different
group of occupancies and constitutes a greater degree of life safety*, or
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increased fire risk**, shall require the installation of an approved automatic
fire sprinkler system.
Definition only but not limited to:
• Life Safety -Increased occupant load, public assembly areas, public
meeting areas, churches, indoor amusement attractions, building
with complex exiting system due to increased occupant loads, large
schools/day-care facilities, large residential care facilities with non-
ambulatory clients.
• Fire Risks -High piled combustible storage, woodworking operations,
hazardous operations using hazardous materials, increased fuel loads
(storage of moderate to highly combustible materials), increased
sources of ignition (welding, automotive repair with the used of
flammable liquids and open flame).
4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all existing
buildings when modifications are made that create conditions described in
Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.18, or that create an increase in fire area to
more than 4100 square feet or modifications are equal to or greater than
100% of existing square footage of building area, whichever is more
restrictive ..
5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new
basements regardless of size and throughout existing basements that are
expanded by more than 50%.
6. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new
buildings located in the designated Wild Land-Urban Interface areas.
Exception: Any non-residential accessory structures to single family
residences that have a fire area of 500 square feet or less.
7. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all existing
buildings located in the designated Wild Land-Urban Interface areas when
modifications are made that increases the fire area.
Exception: One-time additions to existing buildings made after January
1,1994 that do not exceed 500 square feet in fire area.
16.04.185 Section 903.3.1.1 NFPA sprinkler systems.
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. Where the provisions of this code require that a
building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance
with NFPA 13 and State and local requirements except as provided in Section
903.3.1.1.1.
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1. For new buildings having no designated use or tenant, the minimum sprinkler
design density shall be Ordinary Hazard Group
2. Where future use or tenant is determined to require a higher density, the
sprinkler system shall be augmented to meet the higher density.
16.04.190 Section 903.3.1.2 -NFPA 13R sprinkler systems.
Section 903.3.1.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Where allowed in buildings of Group R,
up to and including four stories in height, automatic sprinkler systems shall be
installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R and State and local
standards.
16.04.200 Section 903.3.1.2.2 -Attics and usable crawl spaces.
Section 903.3.1.2.2 is added to the California Building Code to read as follows:
903.3.1.2.2 Attics and usable crawl spaces. Attics and usable under-floor
spaces including crawl spaces shall be fully protected to residential or light
hazard density as appropriate for the slope of the ceiling and configuration of
framing.
16.04.210 Section 903.3.1.3 -NFPA 130 sprinkler systems.
Section 903.3.1.3 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
903.3.1~3 NFPA 130 sprinkler systems. Where allowed, automatic sprinkler
systems installed in one-and two-family dwellings and townhouses shall be
installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D and State and local
standards.
16.04.220 Section 903.3.1.3.1-Garages and attics.
Section 903.3.1.3.1 is added to the California Building Code to read as follows:
903.3.1.3.1 Garages and attics. Garages, including Group U occupancies, shall
be fully protected with sprinklers designed for residential density calculated with
four (4) sprinklers flowing. Attics shall be fully protected to residential density or
light hazard as appropriate for the slope of ceiling and configuration n of
framing.
Exception: Non-usable attics in one-and two-family dwellings not located
in the Wild Land Urban Interface area may be provided with an
intermediate temperature pilot sprinkler above the attic scuttle and
above any heat producing equipment in lieu of complete attic protection
meeting the requirements above.
16.04.230 Section 903.3.7 -Fire department connections.
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Section 903.3.7 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
903.3.7 Fire department connections. Sprinkler systems shall be equipped with
a minimum two-way Siamese Fire Department connection. Connections shall
be located on a street front not less than three (3) feet or more than four (4)
feet above grade and shall be equipped with an approved straightway check
valve. Locations shall be subject to approval by the Fire Chief prior to any
installation.
Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with
the NFPA standards 13-D for one-and two-family dwellings in the
designated Wild Land-Urban Interface areas, and 13-R for multi-family
dwellings throughout the City Palo Alto, may have a single 2-1/2-inch
connection with approved straightway check valve.
16.04.240 Section 903.4.3 -Floor control valves.
Section 903.4.3 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
903.4.3 Floor control valves. Automatic sprinkler systems serving buildings
two (2) or more stories in height shall have valves installed so as to control the
system independently on each floor including basements.
Exception: Buildings not over three (3) stories in height containing only
R-3 occupancies, or with 10,000 square feet or less above the first story.
Floor control valves shall be protected from tampering by installation in
lockable enclosures or as approved by the chief. Floor control valve
assemblies shall be provided with a flow switch and drain connections.
16.04.250 Section 907.2.11 -Single-and multiple-station smoke alarms.
Section 907.2.11 ofthe California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
907.2.11 Single-and multiple-station smoke alarms. Listed single-and
multiple-station smoke alarms complying with UL217 shall be installed in
accordance with Sections 907.2.11.1 through 907.2.11.5 and manufacturers
installation and use instructions.
Smoke alarms more than 10 years old shall not be considered as satisfying any
requirement of this code or subject to the provisions of the Health and Safety
Code and shall be immediately replaced by the owner with a smoke alarm that
. complies with this section.
Smoke alarms and smoke detectors installed on or after January 1, 2014in
compliance with this code or subject to the provisions of the Health and Safety
Code shall also either be listed and approved for enhanced nuisance resistance
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and rapid response to smoldering synthetic materials or shall meet the
following requirements:
1. Smoke detectors or smoke alarms located within 20 feet of a kitchen, or a
room containing a cooking appliance, wood burning fireplace or stove
shall be photoelectric detectors or alarms.
2. In all other required locations dual sensor photoelectric/ionization
detectors or alarms, shall be installed. A photoelectric smoke detector or
alarm installed together with ionization smoke detectors or alarms may
be used as a substitute for a dual sensor photoelectric/ionization detector
or alarm.
Exception: For Group R occupancies. A fire alarm or other approved
system with interconnected photoelectric smoke detectors or alarms
located in accordance with, and meeting the requirements of, this section
may be installed. Upon the actuation of a smoke detector or alarm, only
those notification appliances or alarms in the dwelling unit or guest room
where the detector is actuated shall activate.
16.04.260 Section 1206.3.4 -Roof guardrails at interior courts.
Section 1206.3.4 is added to the California Building Code to read:
1206.3.4 Roof guardrails at interior courts. Roof openings into interior courts
that are bounded on all sides by building walls shall be protected with guardrails.
The top of the guardrail shall not be less than 42 inches in height above the
adjacent roof surface that can be walked on. Intermediate rails shall be designed
and spaced such that a 12 inch diameter sphere cannot pass through.
Exception: Where the roof opening is greater than 600 square feet in
area.
16.04.270 Section 1505.1.4 Roofing requirements in a Wild Land-Urban Interface Fire Area.
Section 1505.1.4 ofthe California Building Code is amended to read:
1505.1.4 Roofing requirements in a Wild Land-Urban Interface Fire Area. The
entire roof covering on new structures and existing structures on which more
than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within anyone-year period,
and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of roofs On
existing structures, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.
Roofing requirements for structures located in a Wild Land-Urban Interface Fire
Area shall also comply with Section 705.A.
16.04.280 Section 1612.1.1-Palo Alto Flood Hazard Regulations.
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Section 1612.1.1 is added to the California Building Code to read:
1612.1.1 Palo Alto Flood Hazard Regulations. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 1612.1, all construction or development within a flood hazard area
(areas depicted as a Special Flood Hazard Area on Flood Insurance Rate Maps
published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency) shall comply with the
City of Palo Alto Flood Hazard Regulations (Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter
16.52). Where discrepancies exist between the requirements of this code and
said regulations, the provisions of said regulations shall apply.
16.04.290 . Section 1705.3 Concrete Construction.
Section 1705.3 ofthe California Building Code is amended to read:
1705.3 Concrete construction. The special inspections and verifications for concrete
construction shall be as required by this section and Table 1705.3.
Exception: Special inspedions shall not be required for:
1. Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade
plane that are fully supported on earth or rock, where the structural design of
the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, f c, no greater than
2,500 pound per square inch (psi).
2. Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less
above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock where:
2.1. The footings support walls of light-frame construction;
2.2. The footings are designed in accordance with Table 1809.7; or
2.3. The structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive
strength, f'c, no greater than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2
MPa), regardless ofthe compressive strength specified in the construction
documents or used in the footing construction.
3. Nonstructural concrete slabs supported directly on the ground, including pre-
stressed slabs on grade, where the effective pre-stress in the concrete is less
than 150 psi (1.03 MPa).
4. Concrete foundation walls constructed in accordance with Table 1807.1.6.2.
5. Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade.
16.04.300 Table 1809.7 Prescriptive Footings Supporting Walls of Light-Frame Construction.
Table 1809.7 of the California Building Code is amended to read:
TABLE 1809.7
Prescriptive Footings Supporting Walls of Light-Frame Constructionabcd
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Number of Thickness of Width of Thickness of Depth of
Floors Foundation Footing Footing Foundation
Supported Wall (inches) (inches) Below
by the (inches) Natural
Footing e Surface of
Ground or
Finish
Grade
(inches)
1&2 8 15 8 20
3 8 18 8 30
Group U 8 12 8 12
Occupancies
a. The ground under the floor shall be permitted to be excavated to the
elevation of the top of the footing.
b. Interior stud-bearing walls shall be permitted to be supported by isolated
footings. The footing width and length shall be twice the width shown in this
table, and footings shall be spaced not more than 6 feet on center.
c. See Section 1905 for additional requirements for concrete footings of
structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, 0, E or F.
d. All foundations as required in the above Table shall be continuous and have a
minimum of three #4 bars of reinforcing steet except for one story, detached
accessory buildings of Group U occupancy where two bars are required.
e. Footings shall be permitted to support a roof in addition to the stipulated
number of floors. Footings supporting roof only shall be as required for
supporting one floor.
16.04.310 Section 2308.9.3 Bracing. Section 2308.9.3 ofthe California Building Code is
amended to read:
2308.9.3 Bracing. Braced wall lines shall consist of braced wall panels that meet the
requirements for location, type and amount of bracing as shown in Figure 2308.9.3,
specified in Table 2308.9.3{1} and are in line or offset from each other by not more than
4 feet {1219 mm}. Braced wall panels shall start not more than 121/2 feet {381O mm}
from each end of a braced wall line. Braced wall panels shall be clearly indicated on the
plans. Construction of braced wall panels shall be by one of the following methods:
1. Wood boards of 5/8 inch {15.9 mm} net minimum thickness applied diagonally on
studs spaced not over 24 inches {610 mm} o.C.
2. Wood structural panel sheathing with a thickness not less than 3/8 inch {9.5 mm}
for 16-inch {406 mm} or 24-inch {610 mm} stud spacing in accordance with Tables
2308.9.3{2} and 2308.9.3{3}.
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3. Fiberboard sheathing panels not less than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) thick applied
vertically or horizontally on studs spaced not over 16 inches (406 mm) o.c. where
installed with fasteners in accordance with Section 2306.6 and Table 2306.6.
4. Particleboard wall sheathing panels where installed in accordance with Table
2308.9.3(4).
5. Portland cement plaster on studs spaced 16 inches (406 mm) o.c. installed in
accordance with Section 2510.
6. Hardboard panel siding where installed in accordance with Section 2303.1.6 and
Table 230B.9.3(5).
For cripple wall bracing, see Section 230B.9.4.1. For all methods above, each panel
must be at least 4B inches (1219 mm) in length, covering three stud spaces where
studs are spaced 16 inches (406 mm) apart and covering two stud spaces where
studs are spaced 24 inches (610 mm) apart.
16.04.320 Section 2308.12.5 Attachment of sheathing. Section 230B.12.5 of the California
Building Code is amended to read:
2308.12.5 Attachment of sheathing. Fastening of braced wall panel sheathing shall not
be less than that prescribed in Table 230B.12.4 or 2304.9.1. Wall sheathing shall not be
attached to framing members by adhesives.
All braced wall panels shall extend to the roof sheathing and shall be attached to
parallel roof rafters or blocking above with framing clips (iB gauge minimum)
spaced at maximum 24 inches on center with four Bd nails per leg (total eight-Bd
nails per clip). Braced wall panels shall be laterally braced at each top corner and
at maximum 24 inch intervals along the top plate of discontinuous vertical.
framing.
16.04.310 Section 3404.7 -Suspended ceiling systems.
Section 3404.7 is added to the California Building Code to read:
3404.7 Suspended ceiling systems. In existing buildings or structures, when a
permit is issued for alterations or repairs, the existing suspended ceiling system
within the area of the alterations or repairs shall comply with ASCE 7-10 Section
13.5.6.
16.04.330 Section 3405.2.1 -Seismic Evaluation and Design Procedures for Repairs. Section
3405.2.1 is deleted and replaced to the California Building Code to read:
3405.2.1 Evaluation and design procedures. The building shall be evaluated by a
registered design professional, and the evaluation findings shall be submitted to
the code official. The evaluation shall establish whether the damaged building, if
repaired to its pre-damage state, would comply with the provisions of this code
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for wind and earthquake loads. Evaluation for earthquake loads shall be
required if the substantial structural damage was caused by or related to
earthquake effects or if the building is in Seismic Design Category C, D, E or
F. The seismic evaluation and design shall be based on the procedures specified
in the building code, ASCE 41 Seismic Evaluation and Upgrade of Existing
Buildings. The procedures contained in Appendix A of the International EXisting
Building Code (lEBC) shall be permitted to be used as specified in Section
3405.2.1.2.
Wind loads for this evaluation shall be those prescribed in Section 1609.
3405.2.1.1 CBC level seismic forces. When seismic forces are required to meet
the building code level, they shall be one of the following:
1. One hundred percent ofthe values in the building code. The R factor
used for analysis in accordance with Chapter 16 of the building code shall be the
R factor specified for structural systems classified as "Ordinary" unless it can be
demonstrated that the structural system satisfies the proportioning and detailing
requirements for systems classified as "intermediate" or "special".
1. Forces corresponding to BSE-1 and BSE-2 Earthquake Hazard Levels
defined in ASCE 41. Where ASCE 41 is used, the corresponding
performance levels shall be those shown in Table 3405.2.1.1.
TABLE 3405.2.1.1
ASCE 41 PERFORMANCE LEVELS
. RISK CATEGORY (BASED ON PERFORMANCE LEVEL FOR USE WITH ASCE 41 PERFORMANCE LEVEL FOR USE WITH
CBC TABLE 1604.5) BSE-1 EARTHQUAKE HAZARD LEVEL ASCE 41 BSE-2 EARTHQUAKE HAZARD
LEVEL *
I Life Safety (LS) Collapse Prevention (CP)
II Life Safety (LS) Collapse Prevention (CP)
III Damage Control Limited Safety
IV Immediate Occupancy (10) Life Safety (LS)
* Only applicable when Tier 3 procedure is used.
3405.2.1.2 Reduced CBC level seismic forces. When seismic forces are permitted to
meet reduced building code levels, they shall be one of the following:
1. Seventy-five percent of the forces prescribed in the building code. The R factor
used for analysis in accordance with Chapter 16 of the building code shall be the R
factor as specified in Section 3405.2.1.1.
2. In accordance with the California Existing Building Code and applicable chapters
in Appendix A of the International Existing Building Code, as specified in Items a. through e.
below. Structures or portions of structures that comply with the requirements of the applicable
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chapter in Appendix A shall be deemed to comply with the requirements for reduced building
code force levels.
a. The seismic evaluation and design of unreinforced masonry bearing wall
buildings in Risk Category I or II are permitted to be based on the procedures specified in
Appendix Chapter Al of CEBC.
b. Seismic evaluation and design of the wall anchorage system in reinforced
concrete and reinforced masonry wall buildings with flexible diaphragms in Risk Category I or II
are permitted to be based on the procedures specified in Appendix Chapter A2 of IEBC.
c. Seismic evaluation and design of cripple walls and sill plate anchorage in
residential buildings of light-frame wood construction in Risk Category I or II are permitted to
be based on the procedures specified in Appendix Chapter A3 of IEBC.
d. Seismic evaluation and design of soft, weak, or open-front wall conditions in
multi-unit residential buildings of wood construction in Risk Category I or II are permitted to be
based on the procedures specified in Appendix Chapter A4 of IEBC.
e. Seismic evaluation and design of concrete buildings and concrete with
masonry infill buildings in all risk categories are permitted to be based on the procedures
specified in Appendix Chapter A5 of IEBC.
3. . Those associated with the BSE-l Earthquake Hazard Level defined in ASCE 41 and
the performance level as shown in Table 3405.2.1.1. Where ASCE 41 is used, the design
spectral response acceleration parameters SXS and SXl shall not be taken less than seventy-five
percent of the respective design spectral response acceleration parameters SDS and SDl
defined by the California Building Code and its reference standards.
16.04.340 Reference Standards (CBC Chapter 35)
Chapter 35 is amended by adding the following:
Standard Title Reference in
Referenced Code; Section
Number Number
ASCE 41-13 Seismic Evaluation 3405.2.1, TABLE
and Upgrade of 3405.2.1.1,
Existing Buildings 3405.2.1.2
16.04.350 2013 California Historical Building Code adopted.
The California Historical Building Code, 2013 Edition, Title 24, Part 8 (authorized by Health and
Safety Code Sections 18950 through 18961), which provides alternative building regulations for
the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration, or relocation of designated historic buildings, is
131002 jb 0131138 15
adopted and hereby incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof the same
as if fully set forth herein. One copy of the California Historical Building Code, 2013 Edition, has
been filed for use and examination ofthe public in the Office ofthe Building Official ofthe City of
Palo Alto.
16.04.360 2013 California Existing Building Code adopted. The California Existing Building
Code, 2013 Edition, Title 24, Part 10, which provides alternative building regulations for the
rehabilitation, preservation, restoration, or relocation of existing buildings, is adopted and
hereby incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof the same as if fully set
forth herein. One copy of the California Existing Building Code, 2013 Edition, has been filed for
use and examination of the public in the Office of the Building Official of the City of Palo Alto.
The following portions of International Existing Building Code, 2012 edition or of the appendix
thereto, are approved or adopted or incorporated in this Chapter by reference, and shall be
deemed to be a part of this Chapter;
A. Appendix Chapter A2, Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Reinforced Concrete and
Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragm.
B. Appendix Chapter A4, Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Wood-Frame Residential
Buildings with Soft, Weak or Open-Front Walls.
C. Appendix Chapter AS, Seismic evaluation and design of concrete buildings and concrete
with masonry intill buildings in all risk categories.
SECTION 2. The Council adopts the findings for local amendments to the
California Building Code, 2013 Edition, attached hereto as Exhibit ItA" and incorporated herein
by reference.
SECTION 3. The Council finds that this project is exempt. from the provisions of
the California Environmental Quality Act (ItCEQA"), pursuant to Section 15061 of the CEQA
Guidelines, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the
amendments herein adopted will have a significant effect on the environment.
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
131002 jb 0131138 16
Exhibit A
FINDINGS FOR LOCAL AMENDMENTS
TO CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
Section 17958 of the California Health and Safety Code provides that the City may make
changes to the provisions of the California Building Standards Code. Sections 17958.5 and
17958.7 of the Health and Safety Code require that for each proposed local change to those
provisions of the California Building Standards Code which regulate buildings used for human
habitation, the City Council must make findings supporting its determination that each such
local change is reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical
conditions ..
Local building regulations having the effect of amending the uniform codes, which were
adopted by the City prior to November 23, 1970, were unaffected by the regulations of Sections
17958, 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the Health and Safety Code. Therefore, amendments to the
uniform codes which were adopted by the City Council prior to November 23, 1970, and have
been carried through from year to year without significant change, need no required findings.
Also, amendments to provisions not regulating buildings used for human habitation do not
require findings.
Code:CBC
Section Title Add Amended Justification
(See below for
keys)
702A Wild Land-Urban Interface Fire Area ./ T
902.1 Definition (Dual Sensor Carbon ./ T
Monoxide and Smoke Alarm)
903.2 Where Automatic Sprinklers ./ T
Required
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems ./ T
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R Sprinkler Systems ./ T
903.3.1.2.2 Attic and Usable Crawl Space ./ T
903.3.1.3 NFPA 130 Sprinkler Systems ./ T
903.3.1.3.1 Garages and Attics ./ T
903.3.7 Fire Department Connections ./ T
903.4.3 Floor Control Valves ./ T
907.2.11 Single-and Multiple-Station Smoke ./ T
Alarms
1206.3.4 Roof Guardrails at Interior Courts ./ T
1505.1.4 Roof Requirements in a Wild Land-./ C, T
Urban Interface Fire Area
131002 jb 0131138 18
1612.1.1 Palo alto Flood Hazard Regulations ../ C, T
1705.3 Concrete Construction ../ G
Table 1809.7 Prescriptive Footings Supporting ../ G
Walls of Light Frame Construction
2308.9.3 Bracing ../ G
2308.12.5 Attachment of Sheathing ../ G
3404.7 Suspended Ceiling Systems ../ G
3405.2.1 Evaluation and Design Procedures ../ ../ T
Appendix I Patio Covers ../ C
Code: IEBC
Chapter Title Add Amended Justification
(See below for
keys)
A2 Earthquake Hazard Reduction in ../ G
Existing Reinforced Concrete and
Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings
with Flexible Diaphragm
A4 Prescriptive Provisions for Seismic ../ G
Strengthening of Cripple Walls and
Sill Plate Anchorage of Lights, Wood-
Frame Residential Buildings
AS Seismic evaluation and design of ../ G
concrete buildings and concrete with
masonry infill buildings in all risk
categories
131002 jb 0131138 19
Key to Justification for Amendments to Title 24 of the California Code of Regulation's
C This amendment is justified on the basis of a local climatic condition. The seasonal climatic
conditions during the late summer and fall create severe fire hazards to the public health and
welfare in the City. The hot, dry weather frequently results in wild land fires on the brush
covered slopes west of Interstate 280. The aforementioned conditions combined with the
geological characteristics of the hills within the City create hazardous conditions for which
departure from California Building Standards Code is required.
G This amendment is justified on the basis of a local geological condition. The City of Palo
Alto is subject to earthquake hazard caused by its proximity to San Andreas fault. This
fault runs from Hollister, through the Santa Cruz Mountains, epicenter of the 1989 Loma
Prieta earthquake, then on up the San Francisco Peninsula, then offshore at Daly City near
Mussel Rock. This is the approximate location of the epicenter of the 1906 San Francisco
earthquake. The otherfault is Hayward Fault. This fault is about 74 mi long, situated
mainly along the western base of the hills on the east side of San Francisco Bay. Both of
these faults are considered major Northern California earthquake faults which may
experience rupture at any time.Thus, because the City is within a seismic area which
includes these earthquake faults, the modifications and changes cited herein are designed
to better limit property damage as a result of seismic activity and to establish criteria for
repair of damaged properties following a local emergency.
T The City of Palo Alto topography includes hillsides with narrow and winding access, which
makes timely response by fire suppression vehicles difficult. Palo Alto is contiguous with the
San Francisco Bay, resulting in a natural receptor for storm and waste water run-off. Also the
City of Palo Alto is located in an area that is potentially susceptible to liquefaction during a
major earthquake. The surface condition consists mostly of stiff to dense sandy clay, which is
highly plastic and expansive in nature. The aforementioned conditions within the City create
hazardous conditions for which departure from California Building Standards Code is
warranted.
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