HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-26 Ordinance 5509
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
Ordinance No. 5509
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,
2019 Edition, and Local Amendments and Related Findings
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 16.06 of Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended by repealing the
Chapter in its entirety and adopting a new Chapter 16.06 to read as follows:
16.06.010 2019 California Residential Code adopted.
The California Residential Code, 2019 Edition, Title 24, 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 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Unless superseded and expressly repealed, references in City of Palo Alto forms, documents and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, 2016,
shall be construed to apply to the corresponding provisions contained within the California Code of
Regulations, Title 24, 2019. Ordinance No. 5479 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parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby suspended and expressly repealed.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, 2019 Edition, Title 24, Part 2.5 of the California Code of
Regulations, as adopted by this Chapter.
One copy of the California Residential Code, 2019 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 2019 California Residential Code Appendix Chapters adopted.
The following Appendix Chapters of the California Residential Code, 2019 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 H – Patio Covers
B. Appendix J – Existing Building and Structures
C. Appendix K – Sound Transmission
D. Appendix V – Swimming Pool Safety Act
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
16.06.030 Cross - References to California Residential Code.
The provisions of this Chapter contain cross-references to the provisions of the California
Residential Code, 2019 Edition, in order to facilitate reference and comparison to those provisions.
16.06.40 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:
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.
16.06.050 Violations -- Penalties.
It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision or to fail to comply with any of the
requirements of this Chapter or any permits, conditions, or variances granted under this Chapter.
Violators shall be subject to any penalty or penalties authorized by law, including but not limited
to: administrative enforcement pursuant to Chapters 1.12 and 1.16 of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code; and criminal enforcement pursuant to Chapter 1.08 of the Palo Alto Municipal 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.
When the chief building official determines that a violation of this Chapter has occurred, the
chief building official 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 chief building official shall issue and record a release of the notice of
pendency of code violation.
16.06.060 Enforcement -- Criminal Enforcement Authority.
The employee positions designated in this section are authorized to exercise the authority
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
provided in California Penal Code section 836.5 for violations of this Chapter. The designated
employee positions are: (1) chief building official, (2) assistant chief building official, (3) building
inspection manager, and (4) code enforcement officer.
16.06.070 Local Amendments.
The provisions of this Chapter shall constitute local amendments to the cross-referenced provisions
of the California Residential Code, 2019 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 Section R101.1 Title is amended to read:
R101.1 Title These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One- and Two-
family Dwellings of City of Palo Alto, and shall be cited as such and will be referred to
herein as “this code.”
16.06.090 Section R105.1.1 Demolition permits is added to read:
R105.1.1 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 R105.5 Expiration is amended to read:
R105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on
the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 12 months after its
issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or
abandoned for a period of 12 months 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.
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
16.06.110 Section R108.5 Refunds is amended to read:
R108.5 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%) of the 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
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 R109.1.3 Floodplain inspections is amended to read:
R109.1.3 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 R109.5 Re-inspection fees assessed/authorized is added to read:
R109.5 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 “Re-Inspection
Fee” may be assessed/authorized when:
1. The inspection record card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site; or
2. The approved plans are not readily available for the inspector at the time of
inspection; or
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 R110.1 Use and occupancy is amended to read:
R110.1 Use and occupancy. A building or structure shall not be used or occupied, and a
change of occupancy or change of use of a building or structure or portion thereof shall
not 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. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions
of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
Exceptions: Certificates of occupancy are not required for:
1. Work exempt from permits under Section 105.2
2. Accessory buildings or structures
3. Group R - Division 3 occupancies
4. Group U occupancies
16.06.150 Section R202 amended – Definitions added.
Section R202 of the California Residential Code is amended to include the following definition:
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
SNOW LOAD
WIND DESIGN SEISMIC
DESIGN
CATEGORY
SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM
Speed
(mph)
Topographic
effects
Weathering Frost
line
depth
Termite
0 110 No D0 thru E Negligible 5” Very High
WINTER
DESIGN
TEMP.
(OF)
ICE BARRIER
UNDERLAYEMENT
REQUIRED
FLOOD
HAZARDS
AIR
FREEZING
INDEX
MEAN
ANNUAL
TEMP.
(OF)
40 No See
Footnotes
p thru r
0 55
p The City of Palo Alto entered National Flood Insurance Program in 1979.
q The effective date of the current Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map is May 18, 2009.
r The panel numbers and dates of all currently effective FIRMs and FBFMs: 06085CIND0A, 06085C0010H,
06085C0015H through 06085C0019H, 06085C0030H, 06085C0036H , 06085C0038H , 06085C0180H ,
06085C0185H ( May 18, 2009 for all)
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
16.06.165 Section R310 Emergency escape and rescue openings: Section R310 of the
California Residential Code is amended to read:
R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue opening required. Basements, habitable attics
and every sleeping room shall have not less than one operable emergency escape and
rescue opening. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, an emergency
escape and rescue opening shall be required in each sleeping room. Emergency escape
and rescue openings shall open directly into a public way, or to a yard or court that
opens to a public way.
Exceptions:
1. Storm shelters and basements used only to house mechanical equipment
not exceeding a total floor area of 200 square feet (18.58 m2)
16.06.170 Section R310.2.3.3 Window well fall protection: Section R310.2.3.3 of the
California Residential Code is added to read:
R310.2.3.3 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. Openings shall comply with Section R312.1.3. Access ladder shall
comply with Section R310.2.3.1 and shall extend from the bottom of the well to the top
of the guard.
16.06.180 Section R310.4.1 Security bars: Section R310.4.1 of the 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 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems. 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 of the California Building Code and as
follows, whichever is the more restrictive:
1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new
buildings and structures.
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
Exception: New residential occupancies, buildings or structures
that do not exceed 350 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. 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 3600 square feet or when the addition is equal or greater
than 50% of the existing building square footage whichever is more
restrictive.
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% or is conditioned for use. If the addition is
only the basement, then only the basement is required to be fire sprinkler
protection.
5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when either
the roof structure and/or exterior wall structure have been removed
and/or replaced by at least 50% of the existing structure.
6. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when any
change in use or occupancy creating a more hazardous fire/life safety
condition, as determined by the Fire Chief.
16.04.193 Section R313.1.1 – Design and installation.
Section R313.1.1 of the California Residential 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 of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R313.2.1 Design and installation. R313.2.1 Design and installation. Where
allowed, automatic sprinkler systems installed in one-and two-family detached
dwellings shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D and Stat
and local standards.
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
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
California Fire Code Sections 907.2.11.1 through 907.2.11.5 and manufacturer’s
installation and use instructions.
Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be in compliance with this code or
subject to the provisions of the Health and Safety Code, they shall also be listed
and approved for rapid response to smoldering synthetic materials. All smoke
alarms or detectors shall be of the photoelectric type or shall have equivalent
detection capabilities in compliance with UL 217.
Exception: A combination photoelectric/ionization smoke alarm or
detector may be used if located no closer than 20 feet to a kitchen,
bathroom, fireplace or woodburning stove.
16.06.205 Section R319.1 Address numbers.
The following subsections are added to Section R319.1 of the California Residential Code:
R319.1.1 Address illumination. Address identification required by Section R319.1
shall be illuminated.
R319.1.2 Address identification size. Address numbers and letters shall be sized
as follows:
1. When the structure is between thirty-six (36) and fifty (50) feet from the
road or other emergency means of access, a minimum of one-half inch
(0.5”) stroke by six inches (6”) high is required.
2. When the structure is fifty (50) or more feet from the road or other
emergency means of access, a minimum of one inch (1”) stroke by nine
inches (9”) high is required.
16.06.210 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 R337.1.5 Vegetation management compliance. Section
R337.1.5 of the California Residential Code is amended to read:
R337.1.5 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 Footing and stem wall reinforcing in Seismic Design
Categories D0, D1, and D2. Section R403.1.3 of the California Residential Code is amended
to read:
R403.1.3 Footing and stem wall reinforcing in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and
D2. Concrete footings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2, as
established in Table R301.2(1), shall have not fewer than three No. 4 horizontal bars.
One No. 4 horizontal bar shall be installed within 12 inches (305 mm) of the top of the
stem wall and two No. 4 horizontal bars shall be located 3 to 4 inches (76 mm to 102
mm) from the bottom of the footing.
R403.1.3.1 Concrete stem walls with concrete footings. In Seismic Design Categories
D0, D1 and D2 where a construction joint is created between a concrete footing and a
stem wall, not fewer than one No. 4 vertical bar shall be installed at not more than 4
feet (1219 mm) on center. The vertical bar shall have a standard hook and extend to the
bottom of the footing and shall have support and cover as specified in Section
R403.1.3.5.3 and extend not less than 14 inches (357 mm) into the stem wall. Standard
hooks shall comply with Section R608.5.4.5. Not fewer than one No. 4 horizontal bar
shall be installed within 12 inches (305 mm)of the top of the stem wall an two No. 4
horizontal bars shall be located 3 to 4 inches (76 mm to 102 mm) from the bottom of
the footing.
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
R403.1.3.2 Masonry stem walls with concrete footings. In Seismic Design Categories
D0, D1 and D2 where a grouted masonry stem wall is supported on a concrete footing,
not fewer than one No. 4 vertical bar shall be installed at not more than 4 feet (1219
mm) on center. The vertical bar shall have a standard hook and extend to the bottom of
the footing and have support and cover as specified in Section R403.1.3.5.3 and extend
not less than 14 inches (357 mm) into the stem wall. Standard hooks shall comply with
Section R608.5.4.5. Not fewer than one No. 4 horizontal bar shall be installed within 12
inches (305 mm) of the top of the wall and two No. 4 horizontal bars shall be located 3
to 4 inches (76 mm to 102 mm) from the bottom of the footing. Masonry stem walls
shall be solid grouted.
In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 masonry stem walls without solid grout and
vertical reinforcing are not permitted.
16.06.240 Section R403.1.8 – Foundations on expansive soils.
Section R403.1.8 of the 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 of the California Building Code is added and amended to read:
TABLE 1809.7
Prescriptive Footings Supporting Walls of Light-Frame Constructionabcd
Number of
Floors
Supported
by the
Footing e
Thickness of
Foundation
Wall
(inches)
Width of
Footing
(inches)
Thickness of
Footing
(inches)
Depth of
Foundation
Below
Natural
Surface of
Ground or
Finish
Grade
(inches)
1&2 8 15 8 20
3 8 18 8 30
Group U
Occupancies
8 12 8 12
ADU
Conversionsf 8 12 8 12
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
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, D, 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 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.
f) If the existing detached accessory building is being converted to an
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and the existing foundation is being utilized,
then a designer, architect or engineer shall provide a letter that the
existing foundation complies with the conditions above and is deemed
structurally sound.
16.06.245 Section R504.3.1 Projections exposed to weather.
Section R504.3.1 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R504.3.1 Projections exposed to weather. Floor projections exposed to the weather and
sealed underneath, including but not limited to balconies, landings, decks, and stairs shall be
constructed of naturally durable wood, preservative-treated wood, corrosion-resistant (e.g.
galvanized) steel, or similar approved materials.
16.06.247 Section R602.10.4.5 Limits on methods GB and PCP. Section R602.10.4.5 of the
California Residential Code is added to read:
R602.10.4.5 Limits on methods GB and PCP. In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2,
Method GB is not permitted for use as an intermittent braced wall panels, but gypsum
board is permitted to be installed when required by this Section to be placed on the
opposite side of the studs form other types of braced wall panel sheathing. In Seismic
Design Categories D0, D1, and D2, the use of Method PCP is limited to one-story single
family dwelling and accessory structures.
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16.06.250 Table R602.10.3(3) – Bracing requirements based on seismic design category.
Footnote e to Table R602.10.3(3) is amended to read as follows:
e. In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2, Method GB is not permitted and PCP is limited
to one-story dwellings and accessory structures.
16.06.253 Section R703.8.5.1 Locations.
Section R703.8.5.1 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R703.8.5.1 Locations. Flashing shall be installed at wall and roof intersections, gutters,
wherever there is a change in roof slope or direction, and around roof openings. Where
flashing is of metal, the metal shall be corrosion resistant with a thickness of not less than
0.019 inches (0.483 mm) (e.g. no. 26 galvanized sheet) and shall be primed and painted.
16.06.255 Section R806.6 Ventilation of weather-exposed enclosed assemblies.
Section R806.6 of the California Residential Code is added to read:
R806.6 Ventilation of weather-exposed enclosed assemblies. Exterior projecting elements
and appurtenances exposed to the weather and sealed underneath, including but not
limited to balconies, landings, decks, and stairs, shall have cross ventilation for each
separate enclosed space by ventilation openings protected against the entrance of rain and
snow. Blocking and bridging shall be arranged so as not to interfere with the movement of
air. The net free ventilating area shall not be less than 1/150th of the area of the space
ventilated. Ventilation openings shall comply with Section R806.1 . An access panel of
sufficient size shall be provided on the underside of the enclosed space to allow for
periodic inspection.
Exceptions:
1. An access panel is not required where the exterior coverings applied to the
underside of joists are easily removable using only common tools.
2. Removable soffit vents 4 inches minimum in width can be used to satisfy both
ventilation and access panel requirements.
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 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
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
also comply with Section R337.5.
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.
16.06.280 Section AJ103 – Preliminary Meeting. Section AJ103 of Appendix J of the
California Residential Code is amended to read:
Section AJ103.1 General. If a building permit is required at the request of the prospective
permit applicant, the building official or his or her designee may meet with the
prospective applicant to discuss plans for any proposed work under these provisions prior
to the application for the permit. The purpose of this preliminary meeting is for the
building official to gain an understanding of the prospective applicant’s intentions for the
proposed work, and to determine, together with the prospective applicant, the specific
applicability of these provisions.
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.
SECTION 3. The Council finds that this project is exempt from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), 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.
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2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first day after the date of its adoption.
INTRODUCED: October 5, 2020
PASSED: October 26, 2020
AYES: CORMACK, DUBOIS, FILSETH, FINE, KNISS, KOU, TANAKA
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
NOT PARTICIPATING:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Planning & Development Services
____________________________
Director of Administrative Services
DocuSign Envelope ID: 68367ECE-F33A-4061-93C9-DB62C33F3956
15
2019 Code Cycle ORD Amending Ch. 16.06 Residential Code
Exhibit A
FINDINGS FOR LOCAL AMENDMENTS
TO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE (CRC)
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)
R101.1 Title T
R105.5 Expiration T
R 202 Definition (Dual Sensor Carbon
Monoxide and Smoke Alarm)
T
Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design
Criteria
C, G, T
R310 Emergency Escape and Rescue
Openings
C, T
R310.2.3.3 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
Automatic Spr. Syst.
T
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 319.1 Address Identification T
R 322.1 Flood Hazard Regulations T
R 327.1.5 Vegetation Management
Compliance
T
R403.1.3 Footing and stem wall reinforcing in
Seismic Design Categories D0, D1,
and D2
G
R 403.1.8 Foundation on expansive Soils G, T
R 504.3.1 Projections exposed to weather G, T
R602.10.4.5 Limits on methods GB and PCP G
Table R602.10.3(3) Bracing Requirements Based on
Seismic Design Category
G
R 703.8.5.1 Flashing Locations T
DocuSign Envelope ID: 68367ECE-F33A-4061-93C9-DB62C33F3956
R 806.6 Ventilation of Weather-Exposed,
Enclosed Assemblies
G, T
R902.1.4 Roofing Requirements in Wildland-
Urban Interface Fire Area
T
R1003.9.2.1 Repairs, Replacements and
Alterations
T
Appendix H Patio Covers C
Appendix J Existing Building and Structures C, T
Appendix K Sound Transmission C
Appendix V Swimming Pool Safety Act C, G
AJ103, AJ103.1 Preliminary Meeting, General C, G
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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 68367ECE-F33A-4061-93C9-DB62C33F3956
Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: 68367ECEF33A406193C9DB62C33F3956 Status: Completed
Subject: Please DocuSign: ORD 5509 - Ch 16.06 Residential Code Amending Ordinance for 2019 Code ADU Amen...
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250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto , CA 94301
kimberly.lunt@cityofpaloalto.org
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Albert Yang
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City of Palo Alto
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City of Palo Alto
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Jonathan Lait
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Interim Director Planning and Community
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City of Palo Alto
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Ed Shikada
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Ed Shikada, City Manager
City of Palo Alto
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Adrian Fine
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Beth Minor
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City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
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