HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-22 Ordinance 5099Ordinance No. 5099
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 New Chapter 16.04, California
Building Code, California Historical Building Code, and
California Existing Building Code, 2010 Editions,
and Local Amendments and Related Findings
The Council of the City,ofPalo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 16.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended
by repealing in its entirety Chapter 16.04 and adopting a new Chapter 16.04 to read as follows:
16.04.010 2010 California Building Code adopted.
The California Building Code, 2010 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.
One copy of the California Building Code, 2010 Edition, has been filed for use and examination of
the public in the Office of the Building Official of the City of Palo Alto.
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, 2010 Edition, as adopted by this Chapter.
16.04.020 2010 California Building Code Appendix Chapters adopted.
The following Appendix Chapters of the . California Building Code, 2010 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 I -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
Building Code, 2010 Edition, in order to facilitate reference and comparison to those provisions.
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16.04.040 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)
assistant building official; (3) building inspection supervisor; and (4) code enforcement officer.
16.04.050 Local Amendments.
The provisions of this Chapter shall constitute local amendments to the cross-referenced provisions
of the California Building Code, 2010 Edition, and shall be deemed to replace the cross-referenced
sections of said Code with the respective provisions set forth in this Chapter ..
16.04.060 Section 105.1.3 of Division II added -Demolition permits.
Section 105.1.3 of Division II of the California Building Code is added to read:
105.5.1.3 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 per jury 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
16.04.070 Section 105.5 of Division II amended -Expiration.
Section 105.5 of Division II of the California Building Code 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 the work is commenced. The
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.
16.04.080 Section 109.6 of Division II amended -Refunds.
Section 109.6 of Division II of the California Building Code is amended to read:
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109.6 Refunds. The building official may authorize the refund of any fee paid
hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected
The building official may authorize the refund of not more than eighty percent
(80%) of the Permit Fee paid when no work has occurred under a permit issued
pursuant to this Chapter.
The building official 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
16.04.090 Section 110.7 of Division II added -Re-Inspections.
Section 110.7 of Division II is added to the California Building Code to read:
119~ 7 Re-inspections. A Re-lnspection Fee may be assessed by the building
official for each inspection or 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. This section is not
intended to require payment of a Re-Inspection Fee the first time work is rejected
for failure to comply with the requirements of applicable codes, but as a means to
discourage the practice of requesting inspections before work is ready for
inspection or re-inspection. A Re-Inspection Fee may be assessed when the
inspection record card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site, the
approved plans are not readily available for the inspector at the time of inspection,
the inspector is unable to access the work at the tim~ of inspection, or when work
has substantially deviated from the approved plans without the prior approval of
the building official. When a Re-Inspection Fee is assessed, additional inspection
of the work will not be performed until the foe has been paid
16.04.100 Section 111.1 of Division II amended -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 of the jurisdiction.
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Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt
from permits under Section 105.2 and:
1. Group R -Division 3 occupancies
2. Group U occupancies
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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
offzcial may issue a new certificate of occupancy without requiring compliance
with all such requirements if it is determined that the change in occupancy or
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.
16.04.110 Section 111.3 of Division n amended -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.
16.04.120 Section 111.5 of Division n added -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.
16.04.130 Section 702A amended -Definitions (Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area).
Section 702A (Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area) of the California Building Code is amended to
read:
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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.
16.04.140 Section 902.1 amended -Definitions.
Section 902.1 of the California Building Code is amended to include the following definitions:
DUAL SENSOR PHOTOELECTRICIIONIZATION SMOKE DETECTOR OR
ALARM.· A smoke alarm or detector that utilizes both photoelectric and
ionization methods 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.
16.04.150 Section 903.2 amended -Where required.
Section 903.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read:
903.2 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 903.2.12 and
as follows, whichever is the more restrictive:
1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new buildings
and structures.
Exception: New non-residential occupancies, 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.
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3. 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, that create an increase infire area beyond 3,600
squarefeet or that create an increase in the number of stories to two (2) or more.
Exception: One-time additions to existing buildings made after January 1, 1994
and that do not exceed 500 square feet in building area.
4. 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%.
5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new buildings
located in the designated Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas.
Exception: Non-residential accessory structures to single family dwellings that have
afire area of500 square feet or less.
6. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all existing buildings
located in the designated Wildland-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 infire area.
16.04.160 Section 907.2.11 amended -Single-and multiple-station smoke alarms.
Section 907.2.11 of the 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 UL 217 shall be installed in accordance
with the provisions of this code and the household warning equipment provisions
ofNFPA 72.
Smoke alarms more than 10 years old shall not be c;onsidered as satisfying any
requirement of this code or of the Health and Safety Code Section 13113 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, 2011 in
compliance with this code or with the provisions of the Health and Safety Code
Section 13113 shall also meet the following requirements:
1. Smoke detectors or smoke alarms located within '20 feet of a kitchen or room
containing a wood-burning stove or fireplace shall be photoelectric detectors
or alarms.
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2. In any other required locations dual sensor photoelectric/ionization detectors
or alarms, shall be installed. A photoelectric smoke detector or alarm
installed together with an ionization smoke detector or alarm may be used as
a substitute for a dual sensor photoelectric/ionization detector or alarm.
Exception: Group R occupancies. A fire alarm system with smoke detectors
located in accordance with, and meeting the requirements of, this section may be
installed in lieu of smoke alarms. Upon actuation of the detector, only those
notification appliances in the dwelling unit or guest rooms where the detectors
are actuated shall activate.
16.04.170 Section 1206.3.4 added -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.
16.04.180 Section 1505.1.4 amended -Roofing requirements in a Wildland-Urban
Interface Fire Area.
Section 1505.1.4 o~the California Building Code is amended to read:
1505.1.4 Roofing requirements in a Wildland-Urban Intelface 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 any one-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 704A.1.
16.04.190 Section 1612.1.1 added -Palo Alto Flood Hazard Regulations.
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
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16.52). Where discrepancies exist between the requirements of this code and said
regulations, the provisions of said regulations shall apply.
16.04.200 Table 1809.7 amended -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 Construction
Number of Thickness of Width of Thickness of Depth of
Stories Foundation Footing Footing Foundation
Wall (inches) (inches) Below
(inches) Natural
Surface of
Ground or
Finish
Grade
(inches)
1&2 8 14 8 20
3 8 18 8 30
Group U 8 12 12 12
Occupancies
Allfoundations as required in the above Table shall be continuous and have a
minimum of three #4 bars of reinforcing steel, except for one story, detached
accessory buildings of Group U occupancy where two bars are required.
16.04.210 Section 3302.3 added -Fire walls.
Section 3302.3 is added to the California Building Code to read:
3302.3 Fire walls. When fire walls are required, the fire wall construction shall
be completed, with all openings protected, immediately after the building is
sufficiently weather protected at the location of the wall(s).
16.04.220 Section 3310.1 amended -Stairways required.
Section 3310.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read:
3310.1 Stairways required. Each level above the first story in new multi-story
buildings shall be provided with at least two (2) usable exit stairways after the
floor decking is installed. The stairways shall be continuous and discharge to grade
level. Stairways serving more than two (2) floor levels shall be enclosed (with
102610 sh 8261463 8
openings adequately protected) after exterior walls/windows are in place. Exit
stairs in new and existing occupied buildings shall be lighted and maintained
clear of debris and construction materials at all times.
Exception: For new multi-story buildings, one of the required exit stairs may be
obstructed on not more than two (2) contiguous floor levels for the purpose of
stairway construction (i. e. installation of gypsum board, painting, flooring, etc.).
16.04.230 Section 3310.3 added -Required means of egress.
Section 3310.3 is added to the California Building Code to read:
3310.3 Required Means Of Egress. All new buildings under construction shall
have a least one unobstructed means of egress. All means of egress shall be
identified in the Fire Protection Plan.
16.04.240 Section 3405.2.4 added -Seismic Evaluation and Design Procedures for Repairs.
Section 3405.2.4 is added to the California Building Code to read:
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3405.2.4 Seismic Evaluation and Design Procedures for Repairs. The seismic
evaluation and design shall be based on the procedures specified in the California
Building Code, ASCE 31 Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings (for evaluation
only) or ASCE 41 Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings. The procedures
contained in Appendix A of the International Existing Building Code shall be
permitted to be used as specified in Section 3403.5.1.1.3.
3405.2.4.1 Compliance with CBC level seismic forces. Where compliance with
the seismic design provisions of the California Building Code is required, the
procedures shall be in accordance with one of the following:
1. One-hundred percent of the values in the California Building Code. Where the
existing seismic force-resisting system is a type that can be designated as
"Ordinary, " the values of R, 0o, and Cd used for analysis in accordance with
Chapter 16 of the California Building Code shall be those specified for structural
systems classified as "Ordinary" in accordance with Table 12.2-1 of ASCE 7,
unless it is demonstrated that the structural system will provide performance
equivalent to that of a "Detailed, " "Intermediate" or "Special" system.
2. Compliance with ASCE 41 using both BSE-1 and BSE-2 earthquake hazard
levels and the corresponding performance levels in Table 3405.2.4.1.
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TABLE 3405.2.4.1
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR CBC LEVEL SEISMIC FORCES
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE LEVEL LEVEL FOR USE WITH ASCE
FOR USE WITH 41 BSE-2
OCCUPANCy'CATEGORY ASCE 41 BSE-l EARTHQUAKE EARTHQUAKE
I (BASED ON CBC TABLE1604.5) HAZARD LEVEL HAZARD LEVEL
I Life Safety (LS) Collapse Prevention (CP)
II Life Safety (LS) Collapse Prevention (CP)
III Note a Note a
IV Immediate Occupancy (10) Life Safety (LS)
a. Acceptance criteria for Occupancy Category III shall be taken as 80 percent of the acceptance
criteria specified for Occupancy Category II performance levels, but need not be less than the
acceptance criteria specifiedfor Occupancy Category IV performance levels.
3405.2.4.2 Compliance with reduced CBC level seismic forces. Where seismic
evaluation and design is permitted to meet reduced California Building Code
seismic force levels, the procedures used shall be in accordance with one of the
following: .
1. The California Building Code using 75 percent of the prescribedforces. Values
of R, 0o, and Cd usedfor analysis shall be as specified in Section 3405.2.4.1 Item
1.
2. Structures or portions of structures that comply with the requirements of the
applicable chapter in Appendix A of the International Existing Building Code as
specified in Items 2.1 through 2.5 below shall be deemed to comply with this
section.
2.1. The seismic evaluation and design of unreinforced masonry bearing wall
buildings in Occupancy Category I or II are permitted to be based on the
procedures specified in Appendix Chapter A1.
2.2. Seismic evaluation and design of the wall anchorage system in reinforced
concrete and reinforced masonry wall buildings with fl~xible . diaphragms in
Occupancy Category I or II are permitted to be based on the procedures specified
in Appendix Chapter A2.
2.3. Seismic evaluation and design of cripple walls and sill plate anchorage in
residential buildings of light-frame wood construction in Occupancy Category I
or II are permitted to be based on the procedures specified in Appendix Chapter
A3.
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2.4. Seismic evaluation and design of soft, weak, or open-front wall conditions in
multiunit residential buildings of wood construction in Occupancy Category I or
II are permitted to be based on the procedures specified in Appendix Chapter A 4.
2.5. Seismic evaluation and design of concrete buildings in all Occupancy
Categories are permitted to be based on the procedures specified in Appendix
Chapter A5.
3. Compliance with ASCE 31 based on the applicable performance level as shown
in Table 3405.2.4.2. It shall be permitted to use the BSE-1 earthquake hazard
level as defined in ASCE 41 and subject to the limitations in item 4 below. .
4. Compliance with ASCE 41 using the BSE-1 Earthquake Hazard Level defined
in ASCE 41 and the performance level as shown in Table 3405.2.4.2. The design
spectral response acceleration parameters Sxs and Sxl specified in ASCE 41 shall
not be taken less than 75 percent of the respective design spectral response
acceleration parameters SDS and SDl defined by the California Building Code and
its reference standards. .~
TABLE 3405.2.4.2
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR REDUCED CBC
LEVEL SEISMIC FORCES
-PERFORMANCE LEVEL FOR
OCCUPANCY CATEGORY PERFORMANCE LEVEL USE WITH ASCE 41 BSE-l
'BASED ON CBC TABLE 1604.5) FOR USE WITH ASCE 31 ~ARTHQUAKE HAZARD LEVEL
1 Life Safety (LS) Life Safety (LS)
11 Life Safety (LS) Life Safety (LS)
III Note a, Note b Note a
IV Immediate Occupancy (10) Immediate Occupancy (10)
a. Acceptance criteria for Occupancy Category 111 shall be taken as 80 percent of the acceptance
criteria specified for Occupancy Category 11 performance levels, but need not be less than the
acceptance criteria specified/or Occupancy Category IV performance levels.
b. For Occupancy Category 11L the ASCE screening phase checklists shall be based on the life safety
performance level.
3405.2.4.3 Referenced Standards
Standard
Reference
Number
ASCE 31-03
ASCE41-06
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Title
Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings
Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings
11
Referenced
In Code
Section Number
3405.2.4.1,
TABLE 3405.2.4.1
3405.2.4.2,
TABLE 3405.2.4.2
3405.2.4.1,
(Including
Supplement No.1)
TABLE 3405.2.4.1
3405.2.4.2,
TABLE 3405.2.4.2
16.04.250 Section 3404.7 added -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 Section 803.9.1.1
and with ASCE 7-05 Section 13.5.6.
16.04.260 2010 California Historical Building Code adopted.
The California Historical Building Code, 2010 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
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, 2010 Edition, has been
filed for use and examination of the public in the Office of the Building Official of the City of Palo
Alto.
16.04.270 2010 California Existing Building Code adopted.
The California Existing Building Code, 2010 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, 2010
Edition, has been filed for use and examination of the public in the Office of the Building Official
of the City of Palo Alto.
SECTION 2. The Council adopts the findings for local amendments to the
California Building Code, 2010 Edition, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein
by reference.
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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 fmdings 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.
A. Explanation of Administrative Amendments
16.04.060 Section 105.1.3 of Division II added -Demolition permits.
Finding: This amendment requires the notification of the occupants of a residential building prior
to the issuance of a demolition permit, and requires that the building be vacated prior to the
issuance of the demolition permit. This is an administrative amendment that is needed to ensure
the safety of the occupants of a building which is proposed to be demolished.
16.04.070 Section 105.5 of Division II amended -Expiration.
Finding: This is an administrative amendment to clarify when a permit expires.
, 16.04.080 Section 109.6 of Division II amended -Refunds; 16.04.100
of Division II added -Re-Inspections.
Section 110.7
Finding: These amendments bring the administrative provisions of the California Building Code
into compliance with the Palo Alto Municipal Code and the organization of the City of Palo
Alto.
16.04.100
16.04.110
16.04.120
Section 111.1 of Division II amended -Use and occupancy
Section 111.3 of Division II amended -Temporary occupancy
Section 111.5 of Division II added -Posting
Finding: These administrative amendments provide for a Certificate of Occupancy to be issued
for each occupancy change of a building or portion thereof. The amendment is needed for the
102610 sh8261463 14
building to be inspected when tenants change to ascertain compliance with life safety and
accessibility requirements. These sections also permit the issuance of a Temporary Occupancy
Certificate provided all life safety and accessibility requirements have been complied with prior
to completion of the entire project.
B. Explanation of Amendments to conform California Building Code, as amended locally, to
California Fire Code, as amended locally
16.04.130
16.04.140
16.04.150
16.04.160
16.04.170
16.04.180
16.04.210
16.04.220
16.04.230
Section 702A amended -Defmitions (Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area)
Section 902.1 amended -Definitions
Section 903.2 amended -Where required
Section 907.2.11 amended -Single-and multiple-station smoke alarms
Se~tion 1206.3.4 added -Roof guardrails at interior courts
Section 1505.1.4 amended -Roofmg requirements in a Wildland-Urban
Interface Fire Area
Section 3302.3 added -Fire walls
Section 3310.1 amended -Stairways required
Section 3310.3 added -Required means of egress
Finding: These amendments make the provisions of the California Building Code, 2010
Edition, as amended locally, consistent with those of the California Fire Code, 2010 Edition, as
amended locally pursuant to Section 18941.5 of the Health and Safety Code. The Findings for
these amendments are more specifically set forth in Exhibit "A" of the City'S Ordinance
adopting the California Fire Code, 2010 Edition. In general, these amendments have been
recognized by the City of Palo Alto as tools for addressing the fire problems, concerns and future
direction by which the authority can establish and maintain an environment that will afford a
level of fire and life safety to all who live and work within the City'S boundaries; Based on the
specific findings that identify the unique local climatic, geologic and topographic conditions within
the City of Palo Alto, these amendments are also considered reasonable and necessary. The
experience of several disastrous fires within the city, in addition to other fires in Santa Clara,
Monterey, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties have demonstrated the need for
additional fire protection features in new buildings and those that are under construction. The
implementation of these amendments may reduce the severity and potential of loss of life and
property due to fire.
C. Findings for Substantive Local Amendments
16.04.190 Section 1612.1.1 added -Palo Alto Flood Hazard Regulations
Finding: This section is amended to conform to other provisions of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (implementing the National
Flood Act of 1968, as amended), and federal regulations adopted thereunder, for the purpose of
promoting public health, safety and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses
due to flood conditions in the mapped Flood Hazard areas of the City ..
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16.04.200 Table 1809.7 amended -Prescriptive Footings Supporting Walls of Light-
Frame Construction
Finding: This amendment is necessary and justified due to the documented existence of
expansive soil conditions throughout much of Palo Alto as shown on published geotechnical and
geologic hazard maps in the City's Comprehensive Plan. The prescribed minimum foundation
requirements are based on sound engineering practices.
16.04.240 Se~tion 3405.2.4 added -Seismic Evaluation and Design Procedures for Repairs;
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Finding: The greater San Francisco Bay region is a densely populated area with many buildings
constructed over and near a vast array of fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes,
including but not limited to, the 1989 Lorna Prieta Earthquake, and similar disasters. This
amendment is intended to promote pre-disaster mitigation measures as part of repairs and
renovations to existing buildings, as well as establish reasonable repair and reconstruction
requirements for damaged buildings, in a manner consistent with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency's (FEMA's) implementation of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act, as amended, ("Stafford Act"), and other relevant informationso that
Public Assistance funds may be secured for the repair and restoration of eligible government and
non-profit facilities damaged in a declared disaster.
16.04.250 Section 3404.7 added -Suspended ceiling systems
Finding: This amendment requires that existing suspended ceilings be braced for lateral forces at
the time of remodel work. This amendment is necessary because the greater San Francisco Bay
region is a densely populated area with many buildings constructed over and near a vast array of
. fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes, including but not limited to, the 1989
Lorna Prieta Earthquake.
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