HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-18 Ordinance 5218Ordinance No. 5218
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Repealing Chapter
16.06 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and Amending Title 16 to Adopt a
New Chapter 16.06, California Residential Code, 2013 Edition, and Local
Amendments And Related Findings
The Council ofthe City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 16.06 of Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended by
repealing in its entirety and adopting a new Chapter 16.06 to read as follows::
16.06.010 2013 California Residential Code adopted.
The California Residential Code, 2013 Edition, Title 24i Part 2.5 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 iffully 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Unless superseded and expressly repealed, references in City of Palo Alto forms, documents and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. 5101 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repealed.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 Residential Code" or "Residential 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 Residential Code, 2013 Edition, as adopted by this Chapter.
One copy of the California Residential 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.
16.06.020 2013 California Residential Code Appendix Chapters adopted.
The following Appendix Chapters of the California Residential Code, 2013 Edition, are adopted
and hereby incorporated in this Chapter by reference and made a part hereof the same as if fully
set forth herein:
A. Appendix G -Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
B. Appendix H -Patio Covers
c. Appendix K -Sound Transmission
16.06.030 Cross -References to California Residential Code.
The provisions of this Chapter contain cross-references to the provisions of the California
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Residential Code, 2013 Edition, in order to facilitate reference and comparison to those
provisions.
16.06.040 Section 1.11.2.1.1 Duties and powers of the enforcing agency/Enforcement is
amended with the following language:
Section 1.11.2.1.1 Duties and powers of the enforcing agency/Enforcement
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 of the 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:
16.06.050
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 16.04, 16.05,
16.08, 16.14, 16.16 or 16.17 ofthis 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.
16.06.060 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.
16.06.070 Local Amendments.
The provisions of this Chapter shall constitute local amendments to the cross-referenced
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provisions of the California Residential 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.
16.06.080 Chapter 1, Division II amended -Administration.
Chapter 1, Division II ofthe California Residential Code is amended to read:
DIVISION II
ADMINISTRATION
The provisions of Chapter 1 (Scope and Administration), Division II of the
California Building Code, 2013 Edition, as locally amended and adopted, shall
apply to this code.
16.06.090 Section R10S.1.2 Demolition permits is added to read:
Section R10S.1.2 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.
16.04.100 Section R10S.S Expiration is amended to read:
R10S.S 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 the work 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.
16.06.110 Section Rl08.S Refunds is amended to read:
Rl08.S Refunds. The building official or permit center manager may authorize the
refund of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected. The building
official or 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 permit center manager may authorize
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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.
16.06.120 Section Rl09.1.3 Floodplain Inspection is amended to read:
Rl09.1.3 Floodplain Inspections. In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the 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.
16.06.130 Section Rl09.5 Re-Inspection Fees Assessed/Authorized is added to read:
Rl09.5 Re-Inspection Fees. A Re-Inspection Fee may be assessed/authorized by the
building official or building inspection supervisor for each re-inspection required 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 liRe-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.
16.06.140 Section Rll0.1 Use and Occupancy is amended to read:
Rl10.1 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 of the jurisdiction.
16.06.150
Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from
permits under Section 105.2:
1. Group R -Division 3. occupancies
2. Group U occupancies
Section R202 amended -Definitions added.
Section R202 ofthe California Residential Code is amended to include the following definitions:
DUAL SENSOR PHOTOELECTRIC/IONIZATION SMOKE DETECTOR OR ALARM. A
smoke alarm or detector that utilizes both photoelectric and ionization methods
in a single device.
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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.
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,
"Wildland-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.
16.06.160 Table 301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria: Section Table 301.2(1)
of the California Residential Code is added to read:
TABLE R301.2(1)
CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
GROUND WIND DESIGN SEISMIC SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM
SNOW LOAD Speed Topographic DESIGN Weathering Frost Termite
(mph) effects CATEGORY line
depth
0 85 No D1 thru E Negligible 5" Very High
WINTER ICE BARRIER FLOOD AIR MEAN
DESIGN UNDERLAYEMENT HAZARDS FREEZING ANNUAL
TEMP. REQUIRED INDEX TEMP.
(oF) (oF)
40 No See 0 55
Footnotes
a thru c
The City of Palo Alto entered National Flood Insurance Program in 1979.
The effective date of the current Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map is May 18, 2009.
The panel numbers and dates of all currently effective FIRMs and FBFMs: 0608SCINDOA, 0608SC0010H,
0608SC001SH through 0608SCO019H, 0608SC0030H, 0608SC0036H , 0608SC0038H , 0608SC0180H ,
0608SC018SH ( May 18, 2009 for all)
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16.06.170 Section R310.2.3 Window Well Fall Protection: Section R310.2.3 of the
California Residential Code is added to read:
R310.2.3 Window Well Fall Protection. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than
30 inches shall have guards on all sides. The guards shall be provided in accordance with
Section R312.1. Window well grates are not allowed. When gates are installed for exit at
window wells and the depth of the window well is greater than 30 inches gates shall be
installed with a permanent lock to prevent access by unauthorized persons. The gates
shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device. The gates shall open outward away
from the well, and shall be self-dosing and have a self-latching device. Where the
release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches from the
bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located at least 3 inches below the
top of the gate. The gate and guards shall have no opening larger than Yz inch within 18
inches of the release mechanism. Openings, in other parts of gates, shall comply with
Section R312.1.3. Access ladder shall comply with Section R310.2.1 and shall extend
from the bottom ofthe well to the top of the guard.
16.06.180 Section R310.4.1 Security Bars: Section R310.4.1 ofthe California Residential
Code is added to read:
R310.4.1 Security Bars. Fire Department plan check review and approval of all security
bar submittals shall be required prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.
16.06.190 Section R313.2 One-and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler
systems. Section R313.2 ofthe California Residential Code is amended to read:
R313.2 One-and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems.
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new one-and two-family dwellings and
in existing modified one-and two-family dwellings shall be provided in accordance
with this section.
1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new
residential buildings and structures.
Exception: New detached Group U occupancies, buildings or structures
that do not exceed 1,000 square feet of building area.
2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all existing
buildings when modifications are made 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.
3. 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%.
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4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new buildings
located in the designated Wild Land-Urban Interface Fire areas.
Exception: Any detached non-residential accessory structures to single
family residences that have a fire area of 500 square feet or less.
5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all existing buildings
located in the designated Wild Land-Urban Interface Fire 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.
16.04.193 Section R313.1.1-Design and installation
Section R313.1.1 of the California Re:;idential Code is amended to read as follows:
R313.1.1 Design and installation. Where allowed, automatic sprinkler systems
installed in townhouses shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA
13D and State and local standards.
16.04.195 Section R313.2.1-Design and installation
Section R313.2.1 ofthe California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R313.2.1 Design and installation. Where allowed, automatic sprinkler systems
installed in one-and two-family dwellings shall be installed throughout in
accordance with NFPA 13D and State and local standards.
16.04.198 Section R313.3.1.1-Required sprinkler locations.
Section R313.3.1.1 is amended to the California Residential Code to read as follows:
Section R313.3.1.1-Required sprinkler locations. Sprinklers shall be installed
to protect all areas of a dwelling unit. 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 of framing.
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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.
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16.06.200 Section R314.1-Smoke detection and notification.
Section R314.1 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R314.1 Smoke detection and· notification. Listed single-and multiple-station
smoke alarms complying with UL 217 shall be installed in accordance with the
provisions of this code and the household warning equipment provisions of
NFPA 72 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 with the provisions of the Health and Safety Code
shall also either be listed and approved for enhanced nuisance resistance 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 ~r alarms may be used as
a substitute for a dual sensor photoelectric/ionization detector or alarm.
16.06.210
Exception: 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 rooms where the
detectors are actuated shall activate.
Section R322.1-General.
The following paragraph is added to Section R322.1 of the California Residential Code:
Palo Alto Flood Hazard Regulations. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
section, 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.
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16.06.220 Section R327.1.S Vegetation management compliance. Section
R327.1.5 ofthe California Residential Code is amended to read:
R327.1.S Vegetation management compliance. Prior to building permit final approval,
the property shall be in compliance with the vegetation management requirements
prescribed-in California Fire Code section 4906, including California Public Resources
Code 4291 or California Government Code Section 51182. Acceptable methods of
compliance inspection and documentation shall be determined by the enforcing agency
and may include any of the following:
1. Local, state, or federal fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation
management requirements.
2. Enforcing agency -City of Palo Alto Fire Inspection shall inspect the aforementioned
requirements and indicate compliance prior to building division final inspection sign-
off.
3. Third party inspection and certification authorized to enforce vegetation
management requirements.
4. Property owner certification authorized by the enforcing agency.
16.06.230 Section R403.1.3 Seismic Reinforcing. Section R403.1.3 of the California
Residential Code is amended to read:
R403.1.3 Seismic reinforcing. Concrete footings located in Seismic Design Categories Do,
D1 and D2, as established in Table R301.2(1), shall have minimum reinforcement of at
least two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars, one top and one bottom and not
smaller than No.4 bars. Bottom reinforcement shall be located a minimum of 3 inches
(76 mm) clear from the bottom of the footing.
In Seismic Design Categories Do, D1 and D2 where a construction joint is created
between a concrete footing and a stem wall, a minimum of one No.4 bar shall be
installed at not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center. Thevertical bar shall extend to 3
inches (76 mm) clear of the bottom of the footing, have a standard hook and extend a
minimum of 14 inches (357 mm) into the stem wall.
In Seismic Design Categories Do, D1 and D2 where a grouted masonry stem wall is
supported on a concrete footing and stem wall, a minimum of one No.4 bar shall be
installed at not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center. The vertical bar shall extend to 3
inches (76 mm) clear of the bottom of the footing and have a standard hook.
In Seismic Design Categories Do, D1 and D2 masonry stem walls without solid grout and
vertical reinforcing are not permitted.
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Exception: In detached one-and two-family dwellings which are three stories or
less in height and constructed with stud bearing walls, plain concrete footings
without longitudinal reinforcement supporting walls and isolated plain concrete
footings supporting columns or pedestals are permitted.
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16.06.240 Section R403.1.8 -Foundations on expansive soils.
Section R403.1.8 ofthe California Residential Code is amended to read:
R403.1.8 Foundations on expansive soils. Foundations and floor slabs for
buildings located on expansive soils shall be designed in accordance with Section
1808.6 or Table 1809.7 of the California Building Code.
Table 1809.7 ofthe California Building Code is added and amended to read:
TABLE 1809.7
Prescriptive Footings Supporting Walls of Light-Frame Construction abed
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 of California Building Code 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 ofthree #4 bars of reinforcing steel, 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.
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16.06.250 Table R602.10.3(3) -Bracing Requirements Based on Seismic Design Category.
Footnote e is added to Table R602.10. 3(3) to read as follows:
e. In Seismic Design Categories Do, 01 and O2, Method GB is not permitted and the use of
Method PCP is limited to one-story single-family dwellings and accessory structures.
16.06.260 Section R902.1.4 -Roofing requirements in a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area.
Section R902.1.4 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R902.1.4 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 Wildland-Urban Interface Fire
Area shall also comply with Section R327.5.
16.06.270 Section R1003.9.2.1-Repairs, replacements and alterations.
Section R1003.9.2.1 is added to the California Residential Code to read:
R1003.9.2.1 Repairs, replacements and alterations. When any repair,
replacement or alteration to the roof of an existing structure is performed, a
spark arrester shall be installed on the existing chimney in accordance with
Section R1003.9.2.
SECTION 2. The Council adopts the findings for local amendments to the
California Residential Code, 2013 Edition, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated
herein by reference.
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
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Exhibit A
FINDINGS FOR LOCAL AMENDMENTS
TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE (CRe)
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.
Code:CRC
Section Title Add Deleted Amended Justification
(See below for
keys)
R 202 Definition (Dual Sensor Carbon -/ T
Monoxide and Smoke Alarm)
Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design -/ C,G, T
Criteria
R310.2.3 Window Well Fall Protection -/ T
R.310.4.1 Security Bars -/ T
R313.1.1 Design and installation -/ T
R 313.2 One and Two Family Dwellings -/ T
Automatic Spr. Syst.
R313.2.1 Design and installation -/ T
R313.3.1.1 Required sprinkler locations -/ T
R 314.1 Smoke Detection and Notification -/ C, T
R 322.1 Flood Hazard Regulations -/ T
R 327.1.5 Vegetation Management -/ T
Compliance
R403.1.3 Seismic Reinforcing -/ G
R 403.1.8 Foundation on expansive Soils -/ G, T
Table R602.10.3(3) Bracing Requirements Based on -/ G
Seismic Design Category
R902.1.4 Roofing Requirements in Wildland--/ T
Urban Interface Fire Area
R1003.9.2.1 Repairs, Replacements and -/ T
Alterations
Appendix G Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs -/ C,G
Appendix H Patio Covers -/ C
Appendix K Sound Transmission -/ C
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Key to Justification for Amendments to Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations
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 other fault 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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