HomeMy WebLinkAbout0477.095• J •
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City of Palo Alto
City Manager's Report ----
HONORABLE CfIY COllNCIL
FROM: CfIY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: Plan.l.g and
Commu.nity EavironIMnt
AGENDA DATE: No,-ember " 1995 CMR:477:9S
SUBJECI': Infrodoctio. of lhe 1994 £<!ilions 0( lbe l'nlConn Building Cod .. l'DlConlil
..... Cod., Unifonn Mecl!aukaJ Code aDd HOllS;Ug Cod .. tb. m3
Nolional Electrkal Code aud Streamnning Revlsions 10 Ibe Sip aDd
FeDeE Ordinances anel Setting a Publit Hearing f'of' November 20, ms.
RtQUfST
The Council is requested 1<> introduce the attacbed ordinances and finomgs implementing new
editions ol!he uniform <Odes. and eliminating the permit requirement for permanent signs and
most fences.
IlECOMMEND4T!ONS
Staff recommends !hat Council introduce the attached ordinances and fin<flDgs and set a public
hearing lor NO'Iember 20, 1995.
POliCY IMPYCAT!ONS
The attached <>romances do not alter existing Council policies.
EXECU1l\"E SUMM.\RY
Every three years ne .. editions of the unifocm codes are published. State law regulates how
codes are adcpted and ",bec tbey become effective in all jurisdictioos. A State requitemem
mandales that a public bearing be held at the time of second relamg. Therefore. the public
hearing will be on November 20. 1995.
In the permit streamlining project, it bas been identified that the permit requirement lor
permanent signs and most fences can be eliminated without loss of the re\oiew Of enforcement
programs. The changes 10 those oramances reflect only deletion 0( the penpj,ting function and
not to the coo.tent cl tbe slga 0< fence regulations..
. -'
A detailed staff repon explaining recommended 10<01 change. 10 the model codes and
or<linaoces, differeDee' between the recommended Palo Alto codes and "'hat is onder
consideration by other jurisdictions ;" Siticon Volley, fee cbange. and related amendments or
the Cilfs sign and fen<:e regulations will be If,.tn1>uted ;n the November 20, 1995 pacKet.
FISCAL IMPACT
The November 20,1995 report WIll idontify any fiscal impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL AiSESSMElI.'T
Adoption or the Dniform codes and the recommended amendme Dts or the sign and f.n<e
regulations is exempt from lbe California Environmental Quality Act.
AUACHMENTS
Ordinance. and Fmclings.
PREPARED BY: Fred He11!l2.O
aTY MANAGER APPROV.'.L:
OIR:m,gs
•
follows:
·: .-....... --, .
" .-~ -. -.. .-,
ORD IN}",CS NO.
ORDINANCB OF THI! COUNCIL 01> THI! CITY OF PALO ALTO
ADOPTING THI! 199. BOITIONS Of' THE UNIFOR."'1 BOILDING
COOB, THE UNIFORM MECHANICAL COOl!, THE UNIFORM
HOUSING COIlB, AND APPENDIX CHAPTER 1 0" T"r.E
UNIFORM CODB FOR BUILDING CONSERVATION; AMENDING
TH8 HISTORIC BUILDING COOE; AMENDING CHAPTER
16.04 OP THI! pAliJ ALTO MUNICIPAL CODB; AND M<UING
CBRTAIN FINDINGS WITH RESPECT THERETO
Tbe Council of tbe City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as
SECTION 1. Cnapter 16.04 of the Palo Alto MUniCipal Cod~
is hereby amended by deletiZ>g Chapter 16.04 and aOdiZ>g Chapter
16.04~ to read as foll~~9:
BtJILDDlG COIlE
16.0t.Ol0 1". unltora Building Co4e adOpted··Short ~itle.
The -Uniform Building Code, 1994 Edition" -Volumes 1 .. 2 and
3.,. promulgated by -the Interna.tional Cooferenc-e c-f Building
Officials.. 5360 South Workman Mill Road" Whittier.. California ..
90601-2298-.,. 'Which is dedicated to the -development of better
building construction and greater safety to the public by
uniformity in building laws.. is adopted as mod.ified by the
california Building Standards Code. and by reference made a part of
this code witb the same force and effect as though set out berein
in full. A copy of the Uniform Building Code 19 OD file and open
to public inspecticc in the office of the building official.
1'.04.020 1". tJnltorm Mechanical Code adOpted.
The -uniform Mecbanical Code. 1994 Edition. -promulgated
by the International conference of Building Officials, Wnittier"
California~ which regulates and provides complete requirements for
ehe installation and malntenan~e of heating~ ventilatioS i c~orc
cooling and refrigeration systems. is a~ed as modified by the
Ca1ifornia Building Standards Code .. and by reference made a part of
this code with the same force and effect as ~hough Bet out herein
in fu1.1. A copy of the uniform. Mechanical Code is on file and open
to public inspection in the office of the building Official.
1
95tHI] r....OOJIll.
, .
·'S.04.030 1"4 unifora Sou.ing Code adopted.
The "Unlfol.'lU Housing Code,. 19.94. Edition,.· prc:mulgated :by the
InternatIonal Conference of Building Officials.. Whittier ..
California.. which provides complete requirements affect ing
conservation and rehabilitatioa of housing .. is_a~ed as moaified
by the california Building Standards Code_ and by reference made a
part of this code ~th the same force and effect as though set out
herein in ful14 A copy of the Uniform. HoUsing Code is on file and
open to public inspection in the office of the building official.
16.04.040 Section 102 deleted.
Section 102 of the UDifo~ Building Code is deleted~
16.04.050 Section 104.1 aaended··DiTi.ion of inspection
services e8tablished.
read:
Section 104.1 of the Unifor~ Building Code is amended to
1'104.1 Division of 'Inspection Services Established.
There is hereby established in the city a division of
inspection services vbicb aball be under the supervision o,f
t.he building officia.l, who shall be accountable to the
director of planning and COGl'nUD.ity environment~ 'Wherever
the term ·buildirlg inspector-is 'Used in this code, it
shall mean the -building otficial~·
16.04.0'0 Section 104.2 _ad·,Power. and dutie. of
buildiRg official.
read:
Section 104~2 of the Uniform ~uildin9 Code is ~~nded to
"104.2 Povers and DJties of Building Official.
104.2~1 General_ The building official sball be the
executive and administrative head of the division of
inspection services and shall exercise supervision over all
its activities~ In case of the building official's absence
or inability to act~ the director of planning and ~ommunity
environment may assign someoce to act in the place of the
building official~
The dl'Vision of inspection services shall have the
po-orer and duty to enforce all of the provisions of this
code~ tbe Electrical Code~ the Plumbing Code~ the
Mechao..i.cal Code~ the Housing Code. the Historic Building
Code, and the zoning ordi~~ce and any ordinance regulating
2
:
advertising structures or signe~ and such ~her ordinances
as may be acSopted fron:. time to time in .,hieh further duties
are specifically assigned to it4
104.2.2 Reports and records. The building official
shall submit a report to the city manager noe less than
ooce a year~ covering the work of the departmeot during the
preceding period. The -report shall include a SlJlr'(tl.a.ry of
the building official's recommendation as to desirable
amendments to this code.
The building official a'hall keep a permanent. accurate
account of all fees and ~her monies collected and received
uDder this code, the names of the persons upon -whose
account the same were paid. the date and amount tbereof.
together with the locatioo of the building or premises to
which ~hey relate.
10-4.2.3 Right of Entry. Whenever oecessal'}" to make
inspection to enforce any ¢f the provisions of this code.
or wenever the building official. or authorized
representative has reasonable cause to believe that there
exists in any buildiIl9 or upon any premises any cODdit:ion
or code violation which makes such building or pr~ses
unsafe~ dangerous or hazardous, the building official or
authorized representative may enter su'ch building or
premises at all reasonable times t.o inspect the sa:tne or t.o
perfol1ll any duty iq>osed upon tbe building official by this
code" provided that if such building-or premises be
occupied" he or sbe shall first. present proper credentials
and request -entry; and if such building or premises be
unoccupied .. he oor she sllall first make a reasonable effort
to locate the owner or other persons having charge or
control of the building or premises and request ent.ry4 If
such entry is refused .. tr..e building official or authorized
representative shall have recourse to every remedy provided
by law to secure entry.
When the building official or authorized
representative shall have first obta.ined a proper
inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law tc
secure entry. no owner or occupant or any other persons
hainng charge~ care or control of any building or pt'emises
shall fail.. after prope~ request is made as herein
provided, to promptly permit entry therein by tbe building
official or autborized representative for the purpose of
inspection and examination pursuant to this code.
104.2.4 Stop order. Whenever any 'WOrk is being done
CODtrary to t.he prOVisions of this code.. the building
3
official may order the work stopped by notice in ~~iting
served en any persons engaged in the doing or causing such
~rk to be dooe, and any such p~r&Oas shall forthwith stop
such W':)-rk until authorized by the building official to
proceed ...,ith the wad":: a
104.2.5 Ot.::cupancy violations. Whenever any
stru~ture is being used contrary to the provisions of this
code or any other city ordinance, the building official may
order SlJ..o:h use discontinued a:ld the stru,cture, or portion
thereof, vacated by notice served on any person causing
such use to be continued. Such person shall disco~tinue
the use within ten (10) days after recei~ of such ~ice
or make the stru~ture, or portion thereof~ comply with the
requirements of this code or applicable ordinance;
provid;ed .. however -' that in t.he event of an unsafe build.ing,
Chapter 16.40 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code shall appl)'".
104.2.6 Administrative immunity from liability. The
building c-fficiaL or any o.fficer. agent or employee of the
city charged with the enforcement of this code. acting in
good faith and without-malice for the city in the discharge
of required duties-.. shall not. thereby be rendered
personally liable for daIrages tr.at may acc["'Ue to persons or
property as a result of an act o~ by r£asoa of an act or
omission in the discharge of such duties.
!104. 2.7 No change]
[104.2.8 No change]
1104.2.9 No cllaOge]
la4~2.10 Cooperation of other officials. The
building official may request. and shall receive so far as
may be necessary in the discharge of his or her duties, the
assistance and cooperation of oeher officials of the city.
104~2.11 Authority to require exposure of work.
Whenever any work~ in which called inspections are required
by this code~ is covered or con~ealed by additional ~ork
without first having been inspected. the building official
may require. by written vot.ice, such 'Work to be exposed for
exa.mination. The work of exposing and recovering shall not
entail expense to tbe city.
104.2.12 Authority to stop use or occupa.ncy.
Whenever any portion of a building is loaded in excess of
the loading for which it was constructed or whenever it
houses an occupancy other than that for which it was
-.
'~onstructed or whenever there is an encroachment upon any
required court or yard~ the building official ~ey order. by
writ~en ootfce~ that such violation be discontinued.
The written notice shall state the nature of the
violations and shall fix the time for the abate.ment
thereof.. If the violations have ,not been abated by the
expira.tion of the fixed time, the certificate: of occupancy
shall tbereupoa be null and void~·
16.04.070 Section 105 deleted.
Section lOS of the Uniform Building Code is deleted.
15.0f.08D Violations--Penalties.
It ie unlawful for any perGo!l, firm. or corporation to
erect~ coastruct~ enlarge~ alter~ repair~ move, improve~ remove,
cocvert or demoliBh~ equiP. use, or occupy or lfaintain any building
or structure in tbe city. or cause or pennit the saree to be do~e~
contrary to or in violation of any of the provisi.ons of t.his
chapol:e r .
kny per9on~ firm~ or corporation violating any of the
provisions of this chapter guilty of a misdemeanor .. and su-ch person
is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion
thereof t3uring 'Which any vi'olation of any of the prO'lTisions of this
building code is comnitted... continued.. or permitt.ed. and upon
CODvictiOD of any such violation 8ucb person shall be punished-as
provided in subsectiOG (at ~f Seccioo 1.08.010 .of this code.
15.0f.090 EAforcement--Citation authority.
The employee positions designat.ed in t.his secti.on may
enforce the provisi~~ of this chapter by the i9su~ce 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 cha~er~ The
deSignated employee positions are: (1, chief building official; {2)
assistant building official.: (3) building inspecti.on supervisor;
and {4J code enforcement ofticer~
16.04.100 Recordation of building code violations.
When the building official determines that a violation of
this chapter or cha~ers 16.~a or 16.16 of this code has occurred,
he or she may record a notice of pendency of code violation with
the Office ~f the COunty Recorder stating tbe address and owner of
the property involved~ When the violation has been corr~cted~ the
5
9jl.JOI !a.:;OO)ll18
".
,",
building-official shall issue
pe~ency of code violation.
and record a release of the n~ice of
read.:
read!
16.Ct.l1C Sec~ioD 106.2-2 amended_
Section 106.2~2 of the uniform Building Code is ~~ended to
'"2. Fences not. over 'J feet high."
l'.04.~20 Section 10i.4.1 amended--Sxpiration.
Section 10~.4_' of the ~~iform Building Code is amended to
'".l06.".4 Expiration.. Every permit issued by -the
build{ng official under the provisions of this code shall
expix:e by limitation and become null and void if the
bUilding or work. authorized :by such pennit is not coamenced
vithtn 180 days from the ~te ¢f such permit~ or if the
building or work authorlzed by Su.ch permit is suspended or
abandoned at any time after tbe work is carmence<i or a
period of 1.80 days. Before such work ca.."1 be recommenced ..
a new petmit shall be first obtained to do so .. aM the fee
therefor shall be one half ~he amount required for a nev
permit for such vo-rk., provided no changes have been made or
will be ~de in the original plans and specifications for
such work; and provided further that such suspension or
abandonment has noe exceeded ooe year. In order to renew
action <Xl a permit after one year. the permittee ahall pay
a new full permit fee.
Any permdttee bo1ding an unexpired permit may apply
for an extensioa of the time within which 'Work rray coomence
under that permit when the per.mittee is unable to commence
work ..r.ithin the time required by this section for good and
satisfactory reaSOOB. The building officia.l may extend the
time for actioo by the pemittee for a period DOt. exceeding
180 days on written request by the permittee shoving that
circumstances beyond t.he control of the perB'.ittee have
prevented action from being taken. No permit shall be
extended more than once.
For the purpose of this section~ failure to progress
a p·roject. to the next level o.f required inspection shall be
deemed to be abandonment of the project.-
6
,HI41l"-"OOJllll
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:"._. _cr
read:
read:
· .' -... -" .... :...,_~.i::::.~.::..::
·1&.04.130 Section 106.4.6 added··Pemolltlon permits.
SUbSection 106~".6 is aMed to the Uniform Building Code to
'"1.06.4.6 DelflOlition permits. In addition to ether
requirements of law. every person seeking a demolition
permit for a unit used for residential rental purposes
shall furnish an affidavit or declaration under penalty of
perjury that the 'mit proposed to be: demolished is vacant ..
or that notice to vacate has been givt:-n to each tenan-t
lawfully in possession t.bereo-f as required by law or by t'be
terms of su~h tenancy.
No wade. 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 en the date
of iesuan-ce of a demolition permit,. or who have become
lawful tenants subsequent tl'.l--ereto."
1&.04.140 Section 109 amended"Certiflcate of oec~aney.
Section 109 of t.be Uniform Bullding Code is ameIl(jed t.o
rlO~. Certificate of OCcupan~y.
109.1 Certificate Required. In order to safeguard
life and limb .. health,. pr~rty and publi~ welfare, every
building structure or portion thereof shall conform to the
construction re.quiremen-ts for the occupancy to be housed
therein or for the use to vhich the building stru.-ct.ure..-or
portion ~hereof is to be PUt, as set forth in this code.
No building or structure or portion thereof
constructed or altered sball be used or occupied until a
certificate of occupancy has been issued therefor ~
Rxception~ No structure.. of Group R Division 3 or
Group O. or a structure, the architecture of which inhibits
occupancy, shall req'.lire a certifica.te of OCCI.lpancy~
109.2 Cha.n9:e of Occupancy-or Tenancy. Each cha.nge of
occu{'aD.-cy," otficial c.ame or tenancy of any building,.
stru~ture or portion thereof, shall require a new
certificate o-f occupancy. whether or not any alter-ations 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 occupan~y,. that
1
",UOi r..:OO3l21.
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,. ~ .~, ..
pOrtion shall be ~de to conform. The buil~ing official
may issue a ~ew certificate of occupancy without sta~ing
therein that all of the requirements of [he code t..ave been
maC!e and vitbout requiring cOtnpliance ..,lth all s'Uch
requirement~ if he or she finds that the change in
occupancy or ter~~cy will result in 00 increased hazard to
life or limb. health, property or public welfare.
When application is made for such certificate of
occ~cy. the building official and fire chief shall cause
an. iospect~oa of the building to be !!lade. The inspector
shall advise the applicant o,f those alterations necessary.
or if uooe is necessary .. shall IM.ke a report of compliance
to tbe building official.
Before any application for such certificate of
occupancy is accepted .. a fee as set forth in the mu'I'oicipal
fee schedule shall be paid by the applicant to cover the
cost to the city of the inspection of -the building for
whiC;h a change of occupancy or tenancy is r-equired. Su-c:h
fee shall be in addition to the regular building permit fee
required by this code.
NO fee shall be required tor a cert1ficate of use and
occupaLCY issued pursuant. to Chapter 18.94 o-f the Palo Alto
Municipal. Code.
109.3 Content of Certificate. Each certificate shall
~ootain -the folleving:
1. The building permi t number.
2. The address of the building.
3 ~ The name and address of the owner or lessee.
4. A descri~ion of that portion of the
building fo~ which the certificate is issued.
s. Tbe use and occupancy for which the
ce~tificate is iSBued.
10'9." Temporary Certificates. Notwithstanding the
prOvisions cf subsection 1{)9.4 of this section, if t.he
building Official after conferring -with the fire chief
finds that no subsLantial hazard will result from occupa.'1CY
of any buildiog. or portion thereof. before the same is
completed and satisfactory evidence is submitted tha~ the
work could ~ have been completed prior to the time such
occupancy is desired Mcause of it.s Glagnitude or because of
a
·.-'-
o
~nusual coostru~tion difficulties. the building official
tnay issue without charge a tenopCl!"ary certificate of
occupan-cy for any ooilding or portion thereof. Su·ch
tempora.ry certifica.te of occupan-cy shall be valid for a
period DOC to exceed six (6) months4 ALter the expiration
of a temporary certificate of oc.cupancy. the ooilding.
stru~ture or portion thereof shall require a certificate of
occupancy in accordance with other provisions of tbis
section ..
upon payment ot a fee as pet forth in the municipal
fee schedule~ duplicates of the certificate or temporary
certificate may be secured by the owner, architect,
engineer, c~ntractorr permittee or tenant~
109.5 Posting ot Certificate of OCcupancy. In GrClUps
A, B. B.. F. H.. I.. M, :R.-1 and S occupabcies, the
certifica.tes of occupancy shall be posted in a cowpicuous ..
readily accessible ~lace in the portion of such building
being used tor sucb occupancy.
l09 r 7 Compliance~ No person shall use or occupy any
building or structure ~r any portion thereof~ for which a
certificate of occupancy ia required by this Section 109
-,.;itbout first obtaining .. posting, and keeping posted" a
proper cert.ificate of occupancy as required by this
Section .•
1',04.150 Section 207 amended"Definitloa of laally.
The definition of -Family" in Section 207 of the Uniform
Building Code is amended to read:
read:-
"201-Fantily.
meaning ascribed in
Municipal Code.·
The term • .fa.'llily· sr..a.ll have the
section HI. 04.0)0 of the Palo Alto
1(.04,160 seetio~ '04.2.' added.
Section 904.2.9 is added to t.he Unifotlll Bu..ilding Code to
-904.2.9 Special Provisions. In any building or group
of buildings "Where~ in the judgmen·t of the fire chief" sucb
building or group o·f buildings due to size .. height .. type of
construction .. location on property .. ~ontents or occupancy
classification would exceed or severely tax the
capabilitie8 of the local fire department to perform a
reasonable level of rescue and fire suppression operatioos i
fire flows required for each building will be determined
•
u~ilizing the Palo ~to Fire Department~ Fire Flow
W~rksheet; FPB 23~ set forth in Section 15.04.370 of the
Palo Alt-ci Mmicipal Code~ .Regardless of a.rea or occupancy
separation walls,. ""hen more than 10QO GPM fire flow is
required, the building shall be eprinklered. SUch
buildings shall inelude, but are not limited to:
1.. All buildings IfCore t'han five {S} stories or
fifty feet (50') in beight~
2. 8' .. lildings wbere limited access for .fire
apparatus does not permit mol:>ile unit
operation of ladder companies to witbin
fifteen feet (15~) of openings in stories
as requi~ed in Section 904.2.2-1.
3. Buildings wbere access for fire apparatus
does not. permit use of putnp and hosa
companies to reach all sides of the
building without hand-layiog more th~ ISO
feet of fire bose from a max~ of two (2}
mobile pumping units.
904.2.9.1. Buildings including Group R,. Division 3
and Group U occupancy constru.cted in the hazar-dou.s fire
area west of the Junipero SErra .freeway shall be fire
spr!nklered and provided with exterior wet standpipes
approved by the tire chief ~ S\.l·ch sprinklers may be
connected to domestic ~~ter supply providing the piping is
of approved sizing and ~~fficient coverage of the area is
approved and an approved accessible shut-off is provided
for each room or area. Exterior standpipes shall deliver
fire flows derived by the following formula: GPM -square
footage of floor area x S (ceiling height3 + 100 1 .5.
904.2.9.2 If a fire sprinkler system is not required
for purposes ~her than this section~ the area increases
specif1ed in section 5-05.3.. cr the belght and story
increases specified in Section 506,. or the fire-resistive
substitution in Se,=tioo 5·08 may be peIl!'iitted~
904.2.9.3
section shall
additions.
1.
!ljillOllKOOJl211
Additions to existing bui.ldings. This
apply t.o all new construction i.ncluding
If tbe entice
area permitted
904.2.B, the
sprinklered.
10
building area exceeds the
in Section 904.2.2 through
entire building shall be
,
/
2. If the addition requires an automatic
sprinkler system by Section 904.2.!:.l. but
the entire building is below the area
specified in Section 904.~2.2 through
904.2.8, the addition snall h~ sprinklered
and Beparated from the existing buildicg by
an area separation wall as specified in
Section 504.6.
gxception: Tbe fire flow lir:dtation of 1000 GPM
contai.ned. in Section 904.2. 9 shall not apply to single
f~ily or dup1ex structures not located in the hazardous
fire area.·
1&.04.170 Sectioo 1503.1 added··Construction of ~llding.
la t~ foothill. eree.
read:
read:
Jlwal:>er
of
Storie.
1 ~ 2
3
Section 1~03.1 is added to the Uniform Buildi~g Code to
r1503.~ Coostruction of Buildings in Foothills Area.
Th~ Coun~il of the City of palo ~to finds aDd declares
that the area within the City of Palo ~to to the west of
JUnipero Serra Freeway is a hazardous fire area and that it
lSI therefore, necessary eo establish special ~~nUnilln fire
resiBtiv~ requireme.o·ts in this area for the prot.ection. of
life and property. In addition to the special r~~irements
o·t SectiOn 904.2.9 1 all roofs shall be as specified in
section lS04.1 or 1504.2.·
16.04.180 rable le-1·0 amended.
Table IS-I-D of the Uniform Building Code is amended to
"rABLB 18-1·0
lI00RDATl:OIIS POll S'r'JI) BSAllnro WAL!.S
XIJlIIIllIC UQOlIIBMX~l"1'S
Thickness of
Foundation Wall
(Inch"s)
Width of
pooting
(rDchool
rhic.kness
of POOUIl9
(Inchea)
J)epth 0 f Founda tion
Below .atural Surfaoe
of Ground ..",.s Finish
Grade (Inches)
Good Soil Adobe
U occupan<:y
structures
e
S
6
H
18
12
e
8
12
20
30
12
2Q
30
12
. -
read:
. --. '
~
All foundation.s as required in the above Table shall
be cont :'n1.lCUS and have a millirm.un of three t. bars of
reinforcing steel. exce~ for one story, detached accessory
bUildings of Group U occupancy 'Where one bar is required."
1&.04.1'0 Seetion 3403.5 added.
section 3403.c is added to the Uniform Building Code to
"3403.6 Additions~ alterations and repairs: More
than fifty percent {Sot}_ When additions. alterations. or repairs
within any twelve (12} mooth period exceed fifty percent {Sot) of
the value cf an existing building or str>lcture desig::led and
constructed prior to -the 1976 edition of the Uniform Building Code"
su<:h building or stru-cture shall be made to conform to the
requirements of section 1624 fot" new buildings or structures.
Value shall be determitled from the cost per square f~ table in
tbe most. current issue of BuildiM" Standards, published by the
Int.ernational Conference of Building Officials.~
16.04.200 Section 3403.7 added.
Section 3403.7 is added to the Uniform Building Code to
read:
-34.03 ~ '1 In existing buildings. when a permit is
issued for alteratioas Or repair9~ the existing suspended ceiling
system ~thin tbe area of the alterations or repairs shall comply
with the lateral design requirements of Uniform Building Code
Standard .5-2, Part 111_"
16.04_210 Appendix Chapt6rB 1-3, 5-14, and 16-34 d61eted.
Appendix: Chapt.ers 1 through 3, 5 through 14 .. and 16 through
34 of the Onifor.m Building Code are deleted.
15.04.220 Appendi" Chapter 4 Section 421_1-5 doleted.
Section .21.1-5 of Appendix Chapter 4: of the Uniform
Building Code is deleted.
1f.04_230 Append1~ Chapter 4 Section 421_3 ad4ed.
Section 421. 3 is added to Appendi..x Chapter .. of the Uniform
BUilding Code to read:
-421.3 Covers. Spas or hot. tubs equipped 'With a
lockable cover and swimming pools located on sites of one
acre or larger incorporating automatic, key operated covers
12
•
deleted.
amended.
read:
,~-:-.. ..:.-.
o
are exempt from the requirements of this section. All
covers trr~st comply witb applicable ~TM standards.-
U.04.240 Section 110 of the lll1itorm ","chanical Code
Section 110 of the Uniform Mechanical Code is deleted.
1'.04.250 Sectlon U.S of !:he t)'llifor1l x.ch&nieo.l Code
Section 115 of the uniform Mechanical Code is amended to
"115. Any person desiring a permit required by this
oode~ sball$ at the time of filing an applicatioa therefor~
pay a fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule."
1(.04.2(0 ~dice8 B. C &Ad D of· the Unifo'" Xech&nical
Code delete4.
Appendices BI C and D of the Uniform Mechanical Code are
deleted.
U .04. 27 g Sec tioa 202 of the 17!lUora II""" ing Code del eted.
Section 202 of the Uniform Housing Code is deleted.
L(.04.280 section 20l of the Uniform BOusiDg Code deleted.
sec~ion 201 of the Unifor& Housing Code is deleted.
U.n..290 Chapt..r 10 of the 17!lifODO lknaiDg Code 6eleted·
SUb.tandard Building ••
Chapter 10 of the Uniform Housing Code is deleted.
!i.Ot.lOO State Historical BulldiDg Code adopted· -Short
Utle.
The "State Historical Building Code-~ Title 24-.. Part 8
(a.uthorized by Health and Safet.y Code sections 189SG through
18960) * which provides alternative building regulations for the
rehabilitation, pregervation~ restoration~ or ye~ocation of
designated historic bUildings~ is a~ed and by this reference is
made a part of this code with the sau~ force and effect as though
set out in this cha~er in full. A copy of £he State Historical
Building Code is on file and open to public inspectioo in the
office of the building Official.
JI,5.11.Glla<: OC(Hlll
:," "
,-. 'l-
" ...
',",'l. •
16.04.]10 Section S·102 of State Bi.torical Building Code
.. end~-~~~e.
Sec::.ioo 8-102 of the State Historical Building Code is
amended to read:
-It is the purpcse of this part to provide alternative
building regulations for the rehabilitation~ preservatiOD 1
restoration (including related reconstruction), or
relocation of buildings or structures designated as
Category I and I~ historic buildings. Such alternative
building regulations are intended to facilitate the
restoration or change of occupa.n>cy so as to preserve tbeir
original or restored arcbiteceural elements and features,
t.o encourage energy conservation a.nd a cost-effective
approach to preservation, and to provide for the safety of
the building occupants.·
16. Of. ]~O Appendb Cbapter 1 of the Unito ... Code for
Building C~'.rY&tlOD a4opte4.
Appendix Chapter 1 of the Uniform Code for Building
Conservation, 1994 Edition ... " promulgated by t.be International
Cacference of BUllding Officials. Whittier, California. is a~ed
as JnOditied by the California Building Standard Code, and by
reference made a part ot. this code with the sarrlE: force and effect
as t.oo....'9h set out herein in full ~ A copy of Appendix Chapter 1 of
the uniform Code for Builcing Conservation is on file and open to
public inspection in the office of the building official.
SECTION 2. The Council adopts the findings for local
amendments to the 1994 Unifo~ Building Code and the California
Building Standards Code, which findings are attacbed hereto as
Exhibit ·A· and in~orporated herein by reference~
SECTION ~. Adoption of the Uniform Building Code includes
adoption of an amended fee schedule (Table l-A'. and constitutes an
amendment to the MUnicipal Fee Scnedule.
SBCTION 4. The Council finds that this project is exempt
from the provisions of the calitorDia Environmental Quality Act
(.CEQA.~" p.lrsuant to Section ~5061 of the CEQA Guidel..ines* because
it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the
amendments herein a~ed will have a significant effect on the
environment.
~llOI ~OO3lll'
.~ ..
:,:~ ;,,~ .-,
-,
SECTION 5. This Ordinan~e shall become ~fteetive on tbe
commencement o! the thirty-first day after the day of its aooptiOD.
provided# however, tbe provisions herein acted shall be operat1~e
fr~ an4 after J~uary •• 1996.
lKl'ltOOOCElh
Pl\S$EJl:
AYl!l;:
ATl'aST:
City Clerk
Senior Aas!stant City Attorney
15
Mayor
ffiy Manager
fuect<:)r of nanni"9 and
Comwuoi~y Environment
(biot euildi~ Oft ictal
I _
IJ1IIIIT J.
FDIllDTGS FOR LOCAL AMBIII>Hl<In'S TO !'IIII UH
mruoPll BOIldllll(O COllI, Ulnl'OlOl XECl!1\IiIOl.
COOl AlII) tIIIlll'ORJI Il00sDIG CODI, AS MODIFIED BY
'1'lIB CALIFORJIU BUIWDIG STAWDAJ.DS CODII, WI'l'Il
RltSPBC'l' TO RlIClUl.AUOIl 011 B17ILDDl'GS I1SE!> FOR
I!'OKAIf IIABITATIOlil
........
... ~~~(~~'
SectiO!l 17958 of the California Health and safety Code
provides that the City may make changes to the provisions in the
uniform codes that: are published in the california Building
StandardS Code. Sections L7958.S and ~79584? of the Health and
Safety Code require that for each proposed local change to those
provisions io the uniform codes and publisbed in the Ca~ifornia
Building Standards Code which regulate buildings used for human
habitation, the City COUncil IlfI.lSt. make findings supporting its
determination that eacb 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~ vnich ..,ere adopted by the City prior to
NovembeT 23~ 1970, were unaffected by the regulations of Sections
&7958, ~79S8.S and i7~5a.' of the Health and Safety Code.
Therefore, amendments to the unifo~ 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~ a.'uendments to provisions not regulating
buildings used far human habitation d? not require findings.
1. Palo Alto MUnicipal Cooe i"PAM:"} section 1-E".04.4C4.a~ Sect.ion
102 of the Unifo~ Building Code deleted.
Finding: This admini~t~ative amendment is needed to conform
to the local procedures of the PAMC.
2. PAMC section 16.04.050~ Section 10·4.1 of t.he Uniform
Building Code amended.
Finding! This is an administrative
title of 'Building Department a
Inspection Services.'
amendment changing the
to tbe 'Division of
3. P.AMC sectiOon 16.04.060, Section ~Q4.2 of the Uniform
Building Code amended.
Finding: This amendment briDg's tl.e
requirements a·f t.he Unifonn Building Code
~tb the Palo ~to ~nicipal Code and the
the City of Palo Alto.
16
9SnOl*003l211
,.
administrative
into compli.ance
organizat:.ion of
i
,-, .;
."
-.
_ c. PAM:' section 16~O4..070, Section .10S of the Ocif-:..~ Building
Code deleted.
finding: This administrative amendment deletes Un.iform
SUildicq Code Section 105, relating to a SOard of Appeals.
This. section is deleted to avoid conflict with the
procedures set forth the Palo Alto ~funicipal Code.
5. PAMC section 16.04.120 .. Section 106.4.4 of the \Jnifot.1D
Building Code amended.
Findins~ This administrative amendment clarifies when a
permit expires ~
6". PAMC se:-tion 16.04.1-30 .. Section 106.4..6 added to the
uniform Building Code~
Finding: This amendment requires the notification of the
occupants of a residenti~l building prior to the i8suan~e
of a demolition permit.. This amendMent also requires that
the building be vacat.ed prior to the issuan<:e of the
demolition permit. This administrative amendment is needed
to ensure ~he safety of the occupants of a building which
i. to be demolished.
'1. PNC section 16.04~140 .. Section 109 of the Uniform Building
Code amended.
Finding: This administrative amendment provides for a
Certificate of OCcupancy CO be issued for eacb occupant
change of a building.. The-amendment is needed for the
building to be inspected when tenants cbange to ascertain
C()II:pliance with life safety items. This sectioo also
pe.twts the iseuan<:e of a temporary Use and Occupancy
Certificate provided all 1 ife safety items have been
cornpli~ vith prior to completion of the entire project.
S. PAMC eectioo 16.04.150. section 207 of ~he Uniform Building
Code amended.
Fipding: This adrnin18tra~ive amendment is needed to make
the b'.Jilding code definition of "'Family" conform to
california law.
9.. PAMC section 16.04.160" Section .904.2.9 added to the
Uniform BUilding Code.
Fiooing. This amendment addresses the local Deed for
built-in tire prokection when l iu the opinion of local fire
officials, a particular building represents a fire-defense
11
95. WI 1110: 00312'18
_.-'
,.-,
' .. , -... ....,
FrOblem that ~y exceed or tax the capability of the Palo
~to Fire Department. This amendment is consistent ~ith
Title 15 of the PAMC~ and is necessary when geographic or
topographical conditions so requlre~ With tbe elevation
c~~ea vi thin the City~ d~~lopment is following the path
of least resistance, creating a meander1n9 pattern. This
does not. lend itself to a good systemat~.c street and road
layout, which would promote easy traffic flow. It bas, in
fact. resulted in few majo= crosstown thQrOU9hfaces which
tend to be heavily coogeste6~ primarily during cocmru.te
hours a.nd seasonal periods of the year ~ This creates
barriers vhich reduce the response time of fire equipment
and. other emergency services. The topography of the cit.y
is being burdened by major structureS4 Employment areas
are t.hroughout tbe city.. The people who work in these
complexes hav~ added to the traffic congestion throughout
the City. t.bereby reducing the fire department's respot1...se
time capabilities.
Inherent de1ays caused by the traffic patterns to many
of these -types of projects, ma1te it necessary to mitigate this
prOblem by requiring additional built-in autorratic fire protection
SYSt~S6 that pr9Vide early detection and initial control until the
arrival of the tire department.
10. FAMe sec~ioo 16_04.170. Section 150)-1 added to the Uniform
Building Code.
Finding: This a.mendment is needed because the tire haz.ard
of wood roots bas long been recognized by t.he National Fire
Prot.ection Association_ Conflagrations in santa Ba.rba.ra.~
Los Angeles and Houston have led to si.tnilar ordinances.
The Palo Alto foe>t.bills have caused many problems for fire
fighters including long response times r inadequate water
supply and unlimited fuel.
11. PAMe section 16404.1.S0, Table 18-1-D of the Unifonn
Building Code amended~
Finding: This amendment is needed du.e to Palo Alto"s
expans~ve adobe soil conditions. The foundation required
is based on standard engineering practices.
12. PAMC section 16~04.190~ Section 3403.6 added to Uniform
Buildi.ng Code.
Finding; This amendment requires that existing structures
be brought to current standards for ea~thquake forces at
the time of major remodeling if the value of the remodeling
exceeds fifty percent {SOl) of the value of the existing
18
:-.
-...
.-: .. , ~ -. ..... /-"_.:-_ . ."
etructure4 This amendment. is necessary because of .Palo
Alto·s proximity to Inajor, active fault 1 inC'e.
13. FAMe section 16.04.200, Section 3403.1 added to Unifor.m
Building Code.
li~: This ameLdment requires that existing suspended
.c·~11ings be braced for lateral forces at the time of
-removal. This amendment is necelElsary because of Palo
~to's proximity to major l active fault lines4
14. FAMe sectioos 16.04.220 and 1 •. 04.230, Appendix Chapter 4
of the Uniform Building Code amended by deleting Section
421 4 5 and adding Section 421.3.
linding: This administrative amendment is necessary to
conform to the Palo Alto MUnicipal Fee SChedule.
15. PAMC section 16404.240, Section 110 of the Uniform.
Mechanical Code deleted.
Finding,
conform to
Code.
This adm.!nistrati"Je amen<:UlIeat is needed to
local procedures of the Palo Alto Municipal
16". PAM:' section 16.04.270 .. Section 202 of t.he Uniform Housing
Code deleted.
Finding: This administrative amendIDent is necessazy t.o
conform. -to local procedures of t.he Palo Alto MunicIpal
Code.
11.. PAM:' section 15.04.280 .. Section 203 of the Uniform Housing
Code deleted.
pi OOiDS! This administrative amendment is necessary to
conform. "toO local procedures of the Palo Alto MuniCipal
Code.
lB. PAMe Section 15.04.290 .. Chapter 10 of the Uniform Housing
Code deleted.
19.. PAMe sect-ion 16.0'L320 .. Section 8-102 of the Historic
Bo..lilding Code amended~
Finding: This amendment incorporates the bistorical.
building categories set forth in the Palo Aito MUnicipal
Code Chapter 16.4.9.. and does not otherwise alter t.he
Historic Building Code.
19
D5')[01"00:]1211
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINJ-.NCE OF THE COUNCIl, OF THE C1TI OF PAW ~.LTO
ADOPTING THE 1994 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM PLUMBING
OODE AN!) AMENDIN3 CHAPTER. 16.0 B OF THE PAW Al.TO
MUNICIPAL CODE
'"':."'
. ' .. ': ....
The Coun<:.il o,f the City .of Palo Alto dces ORDAIN as
toll """ :
SECTION 1.· Chapter 16.06 of the Palo Alto ~icipal Code
is hereby a.."t\eooed by deleting Chapter 15.08 and adding Chapter
16~~5 to read as follows:
16.08.010
CJIAPTlIR. 16. O'
PLllXBIllG COOS
AdopUOD of the UH tTnlfonl Fl umbing Code.
The -uniform Plumbing Code~ 1994 Edition,· but excluding
all, appendices 6 promulgated by ~he International Association of
Plumb:i.Il9' and Mechanical Officials~ 200-01 walnut Drive South~
WalnlJt .. California 91789-2825, which regulates the installation~
alteratioo~ r~pair. remcval~ cODversioo~ ~se and maintenance of
plumbing. 9as~ switmdng pools .. drainage systems aod other similar
work and provides for the issuance o£ permits for the doing of su~h
work~ is adopted as modified by the california Building Standards
Code~ and by this reference made a part of this municipal code with
the same force and effect as though set ~Jt in full. A copy of the
Uniform Plumbing Code is on file for public inspection in the
office of the building official.
H.08.020
Any persOD~ firm or cOrp<:lL'ation violating any provision of
this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof
shall be pJnisbed as provided in subsection(a} of Section 1.08.010
of tbis code. Each separate day or any portion thereof during
which any violation o,f this chapter occurs or continues shall be
deemed to coastitute a s'=parate offense~ and upon conviction
thereof shall be punishable as provided in this section.
15.08.030 BDtorcameAt--CitatiOD .uthority.
The employee pcsitiOllS designated in this se-ction may
enforce the provisions of this chapter by the issuan~e of
citations; persons employed in such ~itions are authorized to
exercise the authority provided in Penal Code section 8)6~5 and are
au·tbc-rized to issue citations for violations of this chapter 6 The
designated emp10yee positions are: (~) chief building official;
. (2) assistant buildiIl9 official; (3) building inspect-ion
supervisor; and {4) code enforcement officer.
1
'9310).] be 003121-'
"" ,"
li.08.048
~ --.
j... ~'.
-;
,':.
Dangerous and unasnltary construction.
-.-,
(a) Any portion of a plumbing system found by the building
official Ito be unsanitary as defined in this chapter is declared to
be a nu isance ~
fbl Whenever brought to the attention of the department
having jurisdiction that any unsanitary conditions exist or that
any canstru~tioo or work regulated by this chapter is danserous~
unsafe .. unsanitary, a nuisance or a menace to life, health .. or
property or otherwise in violation of this cha~er..-the department
may request an investigation by the building official who r upon
determining such informati~~ to be fact~ shall order ~~y person.
firm or corporation using or me.intaining any such condition or
responsible for the use or maintenance thereof to discontinue the
use or maintenance thereOf or to repair, alter r change; remove, or
demolish same as the building official may consider necessary for
the proper protection of life. health or property and~ in the cas~
of any person; firm or corporation supplying gas to such piping or
appliance to ~iscootinue supplying gas thereto until such piping or
appliance is made safe to life; health or prop~rty.
(e) Refusal~ failure: or neglect to corrply rlth any such
~ice or order is unlawful.
Cd} When any pltlI'l'lbing system is maintained in violation of
this chapter or in violation of any n~ice issued pursuant to the
provisions of this chapter or where a nuisan>ce exists in any
building or on a lot on which a building is situated, the building
official may institute any appropriate action or proceeding in any
court or competent jurisdiction to prevent~ restrain, correct~ or
abate the violation or nuisance.
16.08.050 Perait fees.
(a} Every applicant for a permit to do ~ork re~ulated by
t.his chapter shall state in writing .. on the application form
provided for that purpose.. the character of work propo9ed to be
done and the amount and kind of conn~ction there~th~ together with
such information pertinent thereto as may be requ_ired. Such
applicaJlt shall pay for each permit issued, at the time of
issuan~e, a fee in accordance with the municipal tee schedule; and
the rate provided for each classification shall be shown in that
schedule.
{bl Any person -who coamences any work for which a permit
is required by this chapter without first having obtained a pennit
therefor shall, if subsequently per.mitted to obtain a permit~ pay
doUble the per.mit fee fixed by the muniCipal fee schedule for such
work; provided, however~ that this provision shall not apply to
emergency work when it is proven to the satisfaction of the
building official that such work was urgently necessary and that it
was n~ practical to obtain a permit therefor before the
commencement of the work. In all such cases,. a pe.tUlit must be
Obtained as soon as it is practical to do sOr and if there is an
2
9-SltlHf:K-OWL21S
\,
o
unzeasonable delay in obtaining such perDdt. a dCtl.Jble fee a@
provided in the mu~icipal fte schedule shall be charged.
16.08.G60 Rxtr& luspecticna.
When extra inspe~tions a~e necessary by reason of deficient
or defecti.ve work" or otherwise through fault or erI'or on th~ part
of the holder of tbe permit or on the p~rt of the holder's asents
or employees, only one suet. extra inspectioc. shall be rnadp-under
the regular tees as prescribed in ~is chapter. For ea~h and every
further extra visit ar inspection fot' which the h-::>lder of the
. permit or the holder's employees is e.a.tirely respon.sible,. a fee
shall be ~harged as set fortb in the municipal fee schedule.
15.01.070 SectioD 30S.' added.
Section 305.4 is added to the Unifor.m Plumbing Code to
read:
"305.4 All non-domestic waste
of Palo Alto Sewer Use Ordinance.
shall comply with ~he ~ity
(Palo Alto Municipal Code
Chapter 15.09)"
1'.01.080 SubBee~lon 601.3 added.
Section SOLl is added to the Uniform Pluooing Code to
read:
-'01.' Hose Bib~ All comnercial and industrial buildings
vhose building face is parallel to the City sidewalk shall have a
bose bib connectiOll installed.. cooven:'e:ntly available 'to
accommodate persons washing the building face ... watering pian,ta or
wasbing down o·f -city sidewalks."
16.08.090 See~iOQ 504.0 preempted.
Section 604.0 of the Unifor.m Plumbing Code ... 1994 Edition ...
is preempted by California state law. Section 1004 of the 1979
edition of the Unifo~ Plumbing Code shall rerrain in full force and
effect until modified by the State of California.
15.08.100 Subsection 71'.7 added.
Subsection 719.7 is hereby added to the Uniform Plumbing
Code to read:
·7~'." A cleaoout sbal1 be provld'E!d at the point of
connection between the bouse line and the city lateral and an
approved fitting shall. be used to bring the cleanout riser to
grade. When sewer cleanouts are to be connected to existing city
laterals, such con·nec-tions shqll be accomplished by use of an
approved fitting.-
3
1l~IOJIIKOO3-L215
-,
-.'
.. "
. ,;,
. '.'
~: .. ~ .-~ .
. -.-.. ~-'-·c <_
.. ..:--..,--;.
1'.08.120 SaetioD 103 •• ~el.ted.
Uniform Plumbing Code Section. 101.4 (Permit Fees) is
6e1eted.
-SECTION 2. The council adopts the {lndiD'3s for newly
Uniform Plumbing Code ..
incorporated herein by
enacted local ameodmente: to the 1994
attached hereto as Exhibit -A· and
reference.
SECTION 3. The Council finds that this project is ex~
from the provisions of ~he California Environmentai Quality Act
("CEQA"l p because it Ca..:l t.e seen with certainty that there is DO
possibility that the amendments herein adopted will have a
Significant effect on the environment.
S?C7ION 1. This ordinance shall become effective upon the
~ommencement of the thicty·first day after the date of its
adopt.ioo l provided .. however .. the provisions herein ena,::ted shall be
operative from and after January 1~ 1996_
INTROOOC£tl!
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
AT'I'SST:
City Clerk
Senior Asst. City Attorney
4
Mayor
City Manager
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
Chief Building Official
I'PJIBIT A
FIXDDlOS FOR LOCAL 1IHIIIIDME>ITS '1'0 TIIB
1994 mllroRK PLOKBDlG COOS
· -~ -
"
Section 17958 of t.he California Health and Sa.fety Code
provides that tbe City uay ~ake changes to the provisions in the
uniform codes that are published in the California Building
Standards Code. Sections 17958.5 and 17958.? of the Health and
Safety Code require that for each p~oposed local change to those
'provisions in the unifor.m codes and pUblisbea in the ~alifornia
Building Standards Codewh1ch regulate buildings used for human
habitation l the City Cocneil must make findings s~pporting its
deter.minatioo that each sueh 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
Ncvember 23,. 1910. ~ere unaffected by the regulations of Sections
17958, 17958.5 and 17958_7 of the Health and Safety Code.
Therefore, amendm~nt8 to the uniform codes which were adopted by
the Ci~y Cbuncil prior to NOvember 23,. 1910, and have been carried
through. from year to year without significant. cnange.. need no
required findings. AlEJO,. amendments to provisions not regulating
buildings used for human habitat1on~ including amendments made only
for administrative consistency. do not r~Ji~e findings.
1. Tbe findings made by the Coun~il of the City of Palo Alto
in Ordinance 3215 a~ing the 1979 Unifor.n Plumbing Code
reaffirmed the findings which had been made by prior
Council actions ill adopting amendmeots to t.he Onifonn
Plumbing Code subsequent to November 23. 1970. Such
findings have been r2affirmed ~th each successive adoption
of t.he Onifo~ Plumbing Code as published in the California
Building Standards Code, and are hereby "reaffirmed and
expressly made applicable ~o all local amendments that are
hereby again adopted ~d carried through without signifi
cant .change.
2. PAMC 16.08.080 Section 604.0 preempeed.
Finding; This amendment is necessary to conform 'With
California law prohibiting the expanded use of crY(', F/C ..
PB and PB piping for potable water systems witbin a
building.
3. PAMC 16.08.065 Section 305.4 amended.
Findi ns: This sect.ion is amended t.o conform with other
provisions of 'the Palo Alto Municipal Code. This is
speCifically authorized in Section 305 of the Uniform
Pl.umbing Code.
5
'~"lC3-L lac: OOJ-I2l!i
'.
ORDINANCB NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE OOUNCI·L""'O"'F"'THB="-';CITY OF PALO ALTO
ADOPTING 'I'\!B 1393 EDITION 0 F THE NAn ONA!.
8LECTlUCAL CODE AND AMENDING CHAPTER 16.16 OF TI!B
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE
.... , .. ;
r.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN ••
follows:
SRCfIQN 1. Chapter 16~16 of the Pa1.o Alto MUnicipal Code
is hereby a:neIrled by deleting Chapter 16.16 and adding Chap:er
16.16 1 to read as follows:
16.16.010 XatlOD&I Bleetrle&l Code adbp~e4.
Except. as otherw1.se herein provided, the minim.lrn standards ~
provisions and requ1rements for the installatiOQ~ alteration or
repair of electrical systems and t.he inspection thereo·f in the City
of Palo Alto shall be in accordan<:e with the provisions and in the
manner prescribed by the National Electrical Code~ 199) Editioo~
promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association and
approved by t.he American National Standards Iastl.tute~ which
electrical code is hereby adopted as modified b:r the california
Building Standards Code. Three ~opies of said electrical code are
an file and open to public inspection in the office of the building
official.
Wherever ~be phrases -uniform electrical code-aDd
-electrical code-are used in ~his code or any ordinance of the
City. sucb phrases shall be deemed and construed to refer and apply
to the Na.tional Electrical Code~ 199) Edi tion. as adopted and
amended by this chapter.
1(.16.020 Violatlocs"penalties.
Any persoa ... firm~ or corporation violating any provision of
t.his electrical code is guilty of a misde-mean<>r. and upon
conviction t.hereof sball be punished as provided in subsection fa}
-cf Section 1.{)8.0~O of this code. Each separate day or any pc,rtion
thereof during-which any violation of this chapter occurs or
.cont-inues i:Qnstitutes a separate offense... and upon conviction
thereOf shall be punishable as provided in this section.
l'.~'.030 Bnforcement··Citation authority.
Tbe following designated employee positions may enforce the
provisions of this chapter by the issuance of citations~ Persons
employed in such positions are authorized to exercise the authority
1
· "~
.. :
I
!
provided'1n Penal Code s~ction 836~5 and are authorized to {asue
citations for violations of this chapter~ The designated employee
positions are: ill chief building official, (2) assistant building
otfioial, (3) supervisor, building inspection; and (41 code
enfol:cement: officer~
~'.lf.040 Article 110·2(a) through (e) a~ed··~royal.
Subs~tions (a) through (e) are added to Article 110·2 of
the National Electrical Code to read~
·(a) All materials used shall be approved or listed by a
recogni~ed testing agenq.. and shall be o,f a deSign
suitable for the pu.rpose to be used, except that the
~ildiDg official may refuse to approve any su~h it~m for
good ca'Use.
(b} The building official may accept mat~rials~ devices.
fittings and appliances which are not approved, listed or
labeled as confoPlliog to the standards of any testing
agencies upon Batisfa~tory evidence that they are designed
and coastru-cted so that they will operate safely uDder
no~l cOPditioos.
(e) Ail materials used in the installatioc, alter~tion or
repair of ele-.ctrical distribution systems shall be free
fran defects and shall .be at least of th~ minimum approved
standards specified for all types ot materials provided for
in t.his -code.
(d) Previously used mat~rial shall ~ be reused unless
approved by the building Official, prior ~o installation.
[el Dielectric, voltage r grou·nd fault or equipment test$;
shall be performed by a recognized testing agency on.
request of the building official.-
16.16.0S~ Artiel. 120 4~od··P.r.lta.
Article 120 is added to Chapter 1 of the National
Blectrical Code co read:
"U.TICLZ 120"PJ!lI)UTS
120'1 EDforcement by buil~ing offieial. It shall be the
duty of the building official to enforce the prOVisions of
this electrical ~e. The building official shall r upon
application. grant permits for the installatio.n or
alteration of electrical wiriD9~ devices~ appliances and
equipment. and shall ~~e inspections of all ne~ electrical
installations and reinspectiDns of all electrical
installations. all as provided in this electrical cooe.
The building official shall keep complete records of all
pe:rmita issued~ inspections and reinspect:ions .made and
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·other official work performed in accordance with the
provisions of this electrical code.
120-2 Authority to Discoll.Dect Wire or SerYl~.. Tne
building official shall have the authority t.o cut or
disconnect any wire in cases of emergency whe,re necessary
for safety to life or property or where such wire oay
intertere with the work of the Fire Department. The
building official is fUrther authorized to disconnect or
order discontinuance of electrical service to any
electrical viring, devices, appliaoces or equipment found
to be dangerous to life or property because they are
defective .or defectively installed un.-tl1 su·ch wiring,
devices, appliances, and equipment and their installation
t~ve been made safe and approved by the building official.
120-' l'e:;.ait Required. No electric wiring, devices ..
appliances or equipnent shall be installS'd within or on any
building, structure or premises nor shall any alterations
or additions be made in any such existing wiring.-devices,
appliances or equipment without first securing a permit
therefor fram the building official.
Except.ions.. No permit sball be req .. lired to
perfo~ the following:
1. The replacement of lamps or the connection
applian~ea to suitable recepeacles which
per.maoently installed.
of portable
have been
2.. The: installatioo ... alteration o:r: repair of wiring,.
devices, appliances or equipment for the operation of
signals or the transmission of intelligence where such
wiring. devices. appliances or equipment operates at a
voltage not: exceedi.ng twen,ty-five volts between conductors
and does DOt include generating or transforming equipment
capable of supplying IDOre than fifty watts of energy.
30-The installatioD. alteration or repair of electric
wiring. devices l appliances and equipment installed by or
for a public utility corporation for-the use of such
corporation in the generation, transmission ... distribution l
or metering of electrical energy, or for the use of su,ch
corporatioo in the operation of signals or the transmission
of in·telligen-ce.
120·. Requirements of Application~ Application for su~h
permit, describing the work to be done, shall be made in
~Titing to the building Official. The application shall be
accompanied by su~h plans, specifications and schedules as
may be necessary to determine whether the installation as
described will be in conformity with the requirements of
this cQ(!e. and if the applicant has complied with all
proviSions of this code, a permit for such installation
shall be issued; provided,. however,. that the issuance of
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. the permit shall not be taken as permiss.lon to violate any
of the requirements of this code~
The permit when issued shall be for su~h installation as
described in the application and no deviation shall ~ made
from the installation so described wi t-hout the written
approval of the building official.
120·5 Annual Xa1ntenanee Blectrlclan Rermit. In lieu of
an individual pe~~it for eacb installation or alteration~
an annual maintenance electrician permit may. upoo
application tberefor .. be issued to any person regularly
employing one or more qualified electricians for the
installation; maintenance. overbauling. servicing or
repairing of elect.ric wiring. devices.. appliances and
equipment on premises owned by the applicant: for the
permit. The application for such annual ~rmit shall be
made in writing to tne building official and shall contain
a descri~ion of the p~em1ses within which work is to be
done under the permit. Within n~ more than fifteen days
following the end of each half year, the ~cson to whom an
ann,ual permit is issued. shall transmit to the building
official a report of all the electrical work ~hich has been
done under the annual permit during the preceding three
months. Each annual perm.it shall expire on December
thirty-first eot. t.he year in -which it is issued.
1.20·6 Penalty J'ee for La~e Application.. Wbeneve-:r an
~lectrical pe~lt fee is required by this code to be paid
prior to starting of electrical YOrk and such 'Work is
started prior to Obtaining a permit, a double fee for eacb
permit will be charged.
120-1 ~era!t hea. Each applicant shall pay to the
building official tor each permdt issued, at the time of
issuance, a fee in accordance ~th tha scneaule of fees set
forth in the municipal fee schedule and the rate for each
classification.
No permit snaIl be issued to any person unless all fees due
are paid in full.
120-1 InapecUoa and CerUfieato of Approval. Upon
compl-etio:l of the 'Work which has been authori:r;ed by
issuan.ce of any permit, except an ann·ual permit,. :it shall
be the outy of the person installing the same to notify the
building official who shall inspect the installation.
Where the building o·fficial finds the installatiOll to be in
conformity with t.he proviSions of this cod.e, he or she
shall issue to tbe PErson making the installation a
certificate of approval, authorizing the use of tlle
installation and connection to the source of supply, and
shall sead ~ice of such authorization to the department
of light and power.
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'120-) CorreetloD of Def"ect.lI. If .. upon inspection, the
installation is not found to be fully in conformity vith
the provisions of this code. the building official shall as
SOO& as ~ible ~ify the person making the installation,
stating the defects which have been found to exist.
All defects shall be corrected within ten days after
inspection and notificat ion. or within other reasonable
time as permitted by the building official.
120-10 T_razy and l'rell.ainazy 1' .... 1t.. When a
certifica~e of approval is issued authorizing the
connection and use of temporary work.. such certificate
shall be issued to expire at a time to be stated ~herein
and shall be revocable by the building official for cause.
A preliminary certificate of approval may be issued
authorizing the connection and use of certain specific
portions of an incomplete installation; su~h certificate
shall be revocable at the discretion of the building
official.
120-11 Concea~t of Wlrln~, Right to Reqqlre Removal.
lnlec any part of a wiring installation is to be hidden from
view by the permanen,t placement of parts of t.he building.
the person installing the ~rlng shall no<ify the building
official and such parts of the wiring installation shall
not ~ concealed until they have been inspect.ed and
approved by the ~ilding official~ provided that 00 large
installations ... wbere the concealment of parts of the wiring
proceeds continuously .. the person installing the wiring
shall give the building official due n~ice and inspection
sha11 be made periodically during the progress of th:! wo:rk.
The ~i!ljiDg o,fficial shall have the power to remove or
require the removal of any obstruction that prevents proper
inspection of any electrical equipment.
12D~12 :tnspec::tioa of Annual Penlittee8. At least once in
each six months the building official shall visit all
premises where work nas been done under the anoual permits
and shall inspect all electric wiring,. devices l applian::es
and equipment~ and shall issue a certificate of approval
for such work as is found to be in conformity with the
prOVisions of this code after the fee required by Article
120·8 has been paid.
1.20~13 COGJ:lect1ou and. In8tall&tion.. Except where work is
done under an annual maintenance permit,. it shall be
unlawful for any person to make connection from a source of
electrical energy or to supply electric ~ring. devices,
appliances or equipment for the installation of which a
permit is required, unless such person shall have Obtained
satisfactory evidence that such wiring.. devices ..
appliances s or equipment are in all respects in conformity
with all applicable provisions of this code.
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-120-14 vnla~ul to Conn~t w1tbo~t CertlfJcate of
Approval. -It shall be unlawful for any person to make
connectl~ from a source of electrical energy or to supply
electric service to any electric~ wiring. devices,
appliances or eq'Jipment -,.,hich has been disco~...nected or
ordered to be disconnected by the buildiug official or the
u~e of which has been ordered by the building official to
be diSCOntinued until a certificate of approval has been
issued by the building official authorizing the
reconnect ion and use of such wiring~ devices,. appliances or
equipment. The buHding official shall notify the
department of light and power of such order to discontinue
us~."
1(.16.060 Artlele 230-1Ia) added··Scope_ Subsection (al
is added to Article 230-1 to read:
·(a) The installation of service entran~e conductors and
assc-ciated :materials and location of service equipment
shall be installed in accordance with the electrical
service requirements and rules as promulga.ted b¥ the
department of light and potM'er.-
15_16.070 ArUele 3DO-He) ~hrougll Ie) added--Wir1l>g
•• tbo4a~-General requirement ••
Three new subsect.ion.s are added to Article 30'0-1 of the
National Blectrical Code, 19513 Edition.... to be designated <cl
through (el and to read:
-(c) All build.i)lgS and structures (other t.han single or
two family dwellings. a.partment buildi:ogs of wood frame
construction not exceeding thrS!e stories in heig-h·t and
accessory buildings thereto) shall be wired in· an approved
type raceway or metallic covered cable permitted by this
code.
Cd] Binding s-crews and self -locking -wire terminals of
receptacles and switches shall not be subst-ituted for
splicing devices or splices in conductors.
(el That portion of a building to be re~eled shall be
wired in accordan~e with this code and all ~ber areas of
the building shall be made safe as may be required by the
building official.M
SE:CTION 2 ~ The Council adopts the findings for ne"'ly~
enacted local amendments. to tt' .. e 1993 National Electrical Code,
attached bereto as Exhibit -A· and incorporated h~rein by
reference.
SSCTIQN l~ ~ne Council finds that this project is exempt
from the prOVisions of the California Environmental Quality Act
("C8QA") # pu.rsuant to Section lSQ61 of the CEQA Guidelines a-because
it can be seen with ~ertainty that there is no possibility that the
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amendmentS: lloerein a~ed will have a significant effect. on the
env1~ooment ~
SECTION .~ This ordinance Shall OeCOlM. effective upon the
<:oameDt:ement of the thirty·first day after the date of its
adopt!oa J provi6eo, however, the provisions herein enacted shall be
operative fram and after January 1, ~S9G~
IN'nOD\)C1!D :
ATIES'r:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS ro FORM:
senior Asst. City Attorney
.,
APl'ROVE:D:
Koyar
Ci ty M3.nager
Director o·f Planning and
C~'ldty 8nvi~onment
Chief BUilding Official
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~nIT a.
rDlDIBGS P01l LOCAL MlBiiDMDITS 't'O TBB
1J U IO.1'IOHAL ZLEC'l'RlCAL COPB
Sect.ion 17958 of the California Health and Safety Code
provides that the City may make changes to the provisions in the
unifor.m codes ehat are published in tbe California Building
Standards Code. Sections 11958.5 and 17958.7 of the !lealth and
Safety Code require that for each proposed local char~~ to those
proyisioas in the uniform codes and published in the California
Building Standards Code which regulate buildings used for human
habitation r the City Council D'rJst make findings supporting its
determination that each such local change is reasonably necessary
because of-local climatic. geological I or topographical conditions.
Local building re~~lations having the effect of amending
the uniform codes. which vere adopted by the City prior to
November 23$ 1970. were unaffected by t~e re~~lations of Sections
17958, 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the Health and Safety Code.
Therefore$ amendments to the uniform codes which were a~~d by
the City Council prior to November 23~ 1970. and ~~ve been carried
tbrough from year to year without significant cbaoge. need no
req'.lired findings~ Also$ amendments to provisions not regulating
buildings used f:>r human habitation do not requ:re findings.
The findings made by the Courx:il of t.he City of Palo A1 to
in Ordinance 2600 adopting the 1968 National Electrical Code and
the findings a~ed by th~ Council in ordinance 2811 a~ing the
1971 National Electrica.l Coder have been reaffirmed with each
successive a&¢ion .of t.he National Electxica~ Code as publisbed in
the California BUilding Standards Coder and are hereby reaffizmed
and expressly made aw1icable to. such changes as are bereby
adopted$ readopted. amended or carried thrOUSh without significant
change. New amendments or modifications to the National Electrical
Cooe have been made for administrative consistency only. a11d do not
require findings P'J,rsuant to California Health and Safety Code
section 17958.7.
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'. ORDINANCE NO. __
ORDINJINCE OF TIlE COI.'NCIL OF TIlE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING VARlOOS SBCTIONS OF 'J1{E PALO ALTO
MIlNICIPAL COOS RBI..ATING TO PERM:IT RSQU1:~
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as
tollows:
SECTION 1. Section 16.20.020 of the Palo Alto Municip~l
Code is hereby amended to read as follQ1llFs:
1.6.20.020 ftir!~~ ...... 1_ I-! ,.-., n.quired.
(al No perso~ shall erect or cause to be erected any
sign upon any fence .. post .. pole. tr~e .. building~ or any other
structure~ or attached ~o any standing vehicle in the city without
first. applying for and receiving approval of the sign~s location .. '
design and dimensions pursuant to Chapter 16 .48~eiiitee~'tlfal
Revie., aB~ e~~aiBia! a ~e~t f~em ~~e ~~ileiB! effieial.
~b) Application for a .. el!i~ee ...... l ~.~1l'D review shall be
filed nth the planning division in such form .. "and contain such
information as the planning division ~y require. Said application
shall be accompanied by a fee as Bet forth in the municipal fee
sched'ule. RegulatiOIls th.a.t are more restrictive than those set:
forth in this cba~er may be required pursuant to Cha~er 16.4B.
The architectural review board~ in making recommendations on the
design -of a sign to the director of planning and community
environment, shall take into consideration the design guidelines
a~ed by the architectural review board.
rei As appliea£iea fe~ a ~eP.mit fSF eae~ Si!8 8flal~
B'tade te ~lle 1:Il:liileli:ag effieial ia SlL'k fSflIl: Mia iaeluae stlsli
i:Bf691a:eieB as tIL lstlila:ift! sffieia:l BIa} ~Fesef'ihe. Seefi
~liea£laft eftall he aee~aniea ~~ tfie pe~~t fee as set EertB ift
tfle mueieipal fee sehea~le.
SECTION 2. Section 16.20.030 of the Palo ~to MUnicipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
U.2D.DlO Ma.ter .lgn progrllJll.
Upon payment of a fee as set forth in the municipal fee
schedule, an awlicant may request approval of a master sign
program in ac~ordance with the requirements of Cha~er 16 .• 9, or
through the city council for signs in areas or for projects subject
to site and design review pursuant to Chapter 18.82. 1Master sign
program-means a program allowing the occupants of a building or
project including a number of buildings to combine ~he t~al lawful
sign coverage into oce or more la~ul signs in an integrated design
concept..
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The master sign program shall desi9natE the sign locations
and areas of all signs in the program, as ~ell as typical sign
designs, colors and taces~
Sel3e~~!':tt. ~~i'la)i~ to th~ awro'J"al of the znaster sisn
program, ~e;in~ i:Od!vidu:al sign!iJ ~tt may be i!lst3 .... a e.r;e_~t~ ~}1 ~~e a,tslidt~' "'ei!!ieial is aeee!'aaaee wit;h t;ac pFe.ieiees~
eeet;ieft ~S.ie.QSe without further design review. ~~F8.al ef t~e
fllIB:8~er si!f3: I':te!!!'a:ra sees Bet wai', CF tbe pCRni't E'eflt!iE'e!Ylsets fer
is~iui~~al Bi!fts~
SiCTION 3. Section 16.20.0'0 of the Palo Alto MllLicipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
1'.20.040 Exception procedure.
{a) An application for exception from any of the
regulations of this chapter rexcept a temporary elEeel'tiel'l .,190
which !.S regulated. by Section 16.:20.05-0) may be made in su-eh ~o:ttn
~d include suc~ information as the ~I'l! effieial ai~ect~r ~(
-"1' ,"":-"')Si":'~"'~tn'ft-",',w,_' -",~ IfJa rescribe. Such a -lica'tioo tJ:~~~o~a:cc~nlelmy tlie nftien consent of th~property
owner and (2) by the application fee set forth in the municipal fee
schedule~ The application shall be referred to the architectu~al
review board .. which shall review it pursuant to the procedures and
_standards set forth in Chapter Hi.4B. An except-ion may be approved
by the director of planning and community em.-irorunent. or city
council .. as applicable under the provisions of Chapter 16.48 .. if on
appltcatioo and/or the facts presented .. it is found that:
nJ There are exceptional or extraordinary
circurnstances"or conditions applicable to the property involved
that do ~ apply generally to property in the s~~ district;
(2} The granting of the application is necessary
fer the prese~tion and enjoyment of a substantial property right
of the applicant and to prevent unreasonable property loss or
unnecessary hardships;
(3J T'ne granting of the application will not. he
det:.riment.al or injuriolls to property or i:nprovements in the
vicinity and ~ll DOC be detrimental to the public bealth~ safety ..
general welfare or convenience~
In grant.ing aily BUch exception, such reasonable conditions
or restrictions as are deemed appropriate or necessary to pr~ect
the public health. safety. general welfare. or convenien~e, and to
secure the purposes of tnis cnapter may be imposed.
SECTION 4. Section 16.20.060 of the Palo ~to ~runicipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
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1(.20.060 Failure to Obtain peralt.
~eve,r a sign has been erected without a .r,~$r,:e4 permit
!:#",~?t,,"~~" having been first obtained therefor. the fee for ani> pe'imie"isSi'liM 'under this chapter shall be doubled to cover tbe
additional expense to the city.
SECTION 5~ Section 16.20.160 of the Palo ~to MUnicipal
Code is hereby ~~ed to read as follows:
11.20.160 Special purpo •• sigu ••
fa} Pe ...... t ~!~"'~"" required. Signs for the
special purposes set "'forth'-'<"lo"" this subsection (a) shall be
permitted as provided herein upon ~aining design review aa4-a
~e~~ as set forth in Section 16.20.020.
il} Directory sigLs. In all districts ~'here group
occupancies in office buildings are permJtted~ directory ~igns may
be erected displaying the names of the oc~upants of a building who
are engaged in a particular pro.fession .. business or t:he like. Such
signs shall be situated at lea~t two feet inside the property line
and shall not exceed eight feet in heignt. SUch signs may have an
area of four square feet, plus one and one·half square feet per
name .. In no even,t to exceed sevent.y-five sqlJare feet.
~4:) Const.ruction project. signs _ Signs may be
erected in conjunction. with construction projects and used for the
purpose of publicizing the fu·ture occu·pants of the building or the
architects .. engineers and construction organizations participating
in the project. In residential districts .. no such sign shall
exceed twelve square feet in area and no freestanding sign shall
exceed five feet in height. In other district.s no sign shall
exceed the area for the applicable frontage set forth in Table l'
and DO ~reestandin9 sign shall exceed eight feet in height. ~l
such signs shall be removed before a final release on the
construction is give~ by the building official.
(3) Directional signs. Directional signs may be
erected for the purpose of fa::ili_~ating or control I tog the
efficient or safe movement of pedestrians or vehicles on private
property~ Such signs shall not be used for advertising purposes
and particularly shall ~ include the name of any persOD# firms
canpany .. organization or any produ·et or service except as approved
to deSignate directions to different businesses on the S~ site.
Such signs shall be located on the property to which the.y pertain~
shall ~ exceed an area of six square feet nor a height of three
feet and shall be located at least twenty feet within tbe nearest
property line .. except that directional signs of DOt more than three
square feet in area may be located ~ less than ten feet within
, Table 1# referred to herein, can be found at the end of
this chapter.
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any front property line. SUch signs sr..all not be pe:mdtt.ed in :R.-E,
R·1~ or £-2 di~trict94
(4) Subdivision signs. Any person or firm offering
real" estate for sale in an a~oved subdivision may erect not nore
than two signs indicating the locatioo of the sUbdivision. No s\.lch
si~ shall exceed forty square feet in area. SUch signs ~y state
tbe came of the subdivider or subdivision or ~h. No such sign
sha.ll be erected on or situated -within one hundred feet of ar.y
occupied reSidential property. No such sign shall be illuminated.
Tke ~ermi~ ref as, e~eft ei!B shall be iSB~:a fer a fe~ie9 ef six
1BeBt:bs. • .... ~ t:&e ead e£ Bl:lell J9'el!iea ae19itisaal E:'fteO".tl!!lieB9 e~ fiiBet}
darB ease !RB:J &e !faBteEJ b) the ttl:fil~iB! etfiei'il fer geed eal.iee
!lees. tJj;!Bh EJl!!liratiea sf ~lte ~e~h: OF etfi:t >t?~tef'!Bi_~_fl tl'!:ere"f t:l\e
~~s.~::~W~~\~·~tc})~t..ap~~t:toi~a~~r .. ~!~t~; ;~~'~;:'~i?9<'~~b.llj'~ 'Qy·t;~~wl~~t, . <.... . • . ......... .
{S} Off -site advertising by art organizations.
Nonprofit organizations having tax exe~ status which are located
within the -city and wbich h-ave been estab~ished scle~y for t.he
purpOse of supporting the performing and cultural arts in the city
and other jurisdictions shall be permitted to utilize walls for
off-site murals which may incorporate wording to-names designate#
or identify the organization and/or the arts.. The appli':ation
shall be made jointly by the nonprofit organization and the
property ownet: -yho owns the property where the mural is to be
located. said application shall be subject to review by both the
visua~ arts jury in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2.26
and the architectural review board in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter 10.48. Additionally. the following
provisions shall apply:
(A} Th.e proVls~on5 -of section 16.2Q.130 shall be
applicable to said murals except that DO pa~t of a mural shall be
·coua·ted as part of the allowable sigo area for the off-site
location .
{B} MUrals must be painted directly on a building
wall; 00 pennants or tbe like may be usea.
(C) The property owner shall give his/her consent
to erect. maintain. a~ remove the mural.
(D} The mur3l must be properly maintained by the
nonprofit organization.
{E} ~e visual arts jury shall establish a maximum.
~ime period tor the existence of a mural.
(P} The property owner st-.t.all be responsible for
removing the mural at the cocrpletion of the authorized time period.
hovever. nothing shall prevent an ag-reemen·t that the nonprofit
organization shall pay for and r~~e the mural.
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(Gl No organization sh~ll be permitted to have .m:>re
t.han two c·ff~eite advertising mura.ls a.t a.nyone time.
(H) MUrals whIch are erected on city property or
with city moneys shall be regulated solely by the provlsions of
Section ~6.20.1~Q and Chapter 2.26.
(b) No ~e .... it ~i!3ll*,-n.e.1 required. Signs for the
special purposes set forth In thlo oubse<:tioo (b) Ehall be
permitted as provided herein without desi1D review eF a fle!'l!!:it:
being required.
Cl) For sale or lease Bigos. In all districts
sIgns may be erected on real estate~ advertising su~b real estate
for sale or lease. In ~-1p ~-E, and R-2 districts FJch signs shall
~ exceed an a~ea of six square feet. In all other districts such
signs shall meet with the requirements set forth in Table 1'.
(2) Political signs~ Political signs may be
erected 1n confonnity with this chapter including Section ~6.20.100
whlcb prOhibits signs on pUblic property. In aOdition, an election
Sign must be completely removed no later than six days following
the day of the elec~ion to Which it relates~ Any election sign not
removed within six days shall be cCY.lSidered aba.rldoned and shall be
removed by the building divisioo.
t1.) Wi:mv signs. A place -of business which sells
goods or servic~s to consumers may install and maint~in sigoa on
the interior ~ace of a wi-ndow of tbe premises or in a position
inside such place of businesB p .otherwise viewable through a window
of the premises p subject to the following cooditi?Ds:
(A) No more than tventy percent o,f the total window
space on a. wall Dlay be covered by window signs at any t.ime.
{B) A sign affixed to the interior face of a ~indow
and a sign inside a place of business. any point 00 which is ~thin
three feet of any point on the interior face of a window~ through
which window said sign may be viewed from outside su·ch place of
business..-shall be deemed to .be a window sign for the purposes of
the window coverage limitation of this section. ~Ae tull area of
any ~ndov sign shall be used when window coverage is calculated
for purposes of this section.
(el Merchandise
(:onstitute a sign {as defined
exempt from the -window coverage
00 display. which does not
in Section 16.20. OlD}. shall be
limitation of this sectioo.
SECTION 6. Section 16~20.240 of the Palo Alto MUnicipal
Code is bereby amended to rea~ as follows:
5
--,....,,-~-'--
I
--
1'.20.240 Onsafe and unl.~ul .1gus.
"(a.) Public propeny~ A.1.y sign posted on public property
contrary to the provisions of Secti~ 16.20.100 may be removed by
the division of !nspectional services or the police department.
{b) Unsafe or abandoned sigDs. A"1Y sign deemed by the.
police department or the chief building official to be (1) unsafe~
due to i.nterfering with the public's health ... safety, welfare or
convenience... or ~2J abandoned, including but not limited to
election signs ~sted more ,than six days after the election to
which they relate.. ~ .y be removed by the division of
inspectional services or thet-'p61ice department.
(c) Whenever a sign ... other than these on public property
or these deemed to be unsafe or abanJoned... is found to be erected
or maintained in violation of any provj sion of this chapt"::,r or of
any otber ordinance or law, the building official ~ say order
that such Sign be altered# repaired# reconstruct~dl demolished or
reu.oved as may be appropriate to abate such condition. Any work
required to be done shall# unless a different time is ~citiedl be
completed wit.hin ten days of the dat.e of su<::h order. Failure ..
neglect or refusal to comply with such order of the building
Of~,i.c.i<l,l, s~ll be sufficient basis for the revocation of any permit
9.,~:>:~,~,~~ granted unde: .thls chapter and 8hal~ const~tute a
separate offense~ In add1tloo to any ?t~er remed~es prov1ded by
law, the building official ellall thee. ..ay remove~ or cause.to be
removed any such sign erected or maintained in violation o·f the
provisiocs of this cr...apter.
SECTION ~. Section 16.20.270 of the Palo Alto MUniCipal
C~ is hereby amended to read as follows:
16.2Q.270 BDforcement--Citation authority.
Persons employed in the following designated employee
positions are authorized to exercise the authority provided in
Penal Code '3ection& 936.5 aa& 194 and are authorized to issue
citations for violations of this chap<er: chief building official l
assistant: building official and e!'4:i:aa:aee eBftt9il·!a:ace iltS!'_etelf bo4~
_;~,,,~~~l~I',! .. " .... ,
SECtIQN 9. Section 16.24.090 of Chapter 16.24 {Fences} of
the Palo Alto MUnic1pal Code [Permdt feel is hereby deleted i and a
ney Section 16.24.090 is added to read as follows:
~ft~4.~.·<flC?~.'l:J~{.P"'~9'I~f~re~t.,
, ..... , ..... ;;,;:{jlri;,.~,;~;:iJ<:m;'ioh<!;tl~~l'~,CQiiSl;rt.t¢t ... o~.liI&i".tai" ' .. ~ .•. '1 ..... ~~~~~'1r::e~l'~fll'.~~c'd.~~e ·.9f .. a. f!,DC~ .. ,!!>,i<:~ .&:>eE!
".",.,."·"".,., .. ,,-,,,.,,,~,,,., .. ·,,.,,,,.c.,,, ,,,"0,",, """"""' .. ,
6
SSCTION g. Section 16.49.050 of
[Architectural ~eviewJ of the palo Alto ~niclpal
amended to read as follows:
1& •••• 050 Applicability of chapter.
,/ .
Chapter 16.4S
Code i. hereby
No permit required under Title 16 shall be issued exce~
aftl!r approval of the design of the prcject by the director of
planning and community environment i or by the city council i aa the
case may be,. upon a recoamendation of the architectural review
board,. in compliance with this cha~er. The architectural review
board shall make a recommendation on the design of all of the
following projects:
fa) New construction... including public projects aDd
constroJ<:tion on public property, and including paved areas,
:;~ri~;e W~~~y ~:_~~-:'f:~~::~~~S:,i,:~~~;:o~-;y~~:,~:~~ev~~
excepting singly deVeloped single'family dweUing and dUpleXes. and
additions ~hereto;
(b~ Unless t.he appl ication is diverted for
=adlldnistrative approval pursuan·t to Chapter 1.8.99, a .PC zone
district or any ~~t thereto" applied for pursuant to Cha~er
1B.6B:
~1) Any application for approval of or amendment to
a PC zone district shall initially be reviewed by the plaI"...ning
comn.ission foe conformance with Chapter 18. 'OBi then the development
plan shall. be revie ... ed by the architectural review board for
compliance with this cl1apte_~" and finally the development plan
shall be returned to the planning commission for a final
recommendation to the city council.
(2) In the J!!vent the planning CO!lII'.issioo, at its
initial review, recommends denial of t~e application, sucb
recommendation shall be forwarded directly to the ~ity council, and
the architectural review board shall ~-ke no recommendation on the
app11cation except as may be directed by the city coun~il.
0) In the event of in-coo.sistencies in tbe
recommendation of the arChitectural revie~ board on an application
for approval of {:::' amendment to a PC zone distri::;t" the. commission
and board shall att~ to resolve such inconsistencies prior to
t.he comnission"s maJ::ing a final rec-orrmendation t.o the city council,
by means which may include a joint meeting. If the in~onsiBten~ies
7
. 1'.-
< •
" ,
o
are ~ resolved, ~hen the separate recommendations of each body,
together with the ~inuteB of their respec~ive meetings and/or of
the joint meeting st~11 be trans~itted to the city council~
rc~ Unless the application is ~iverte(j for
administrative approval pursuant to Chapter 19.99. any development,
constru-ction or iDl'rovement in any OS zone district, AC .zone
district or any district which is combioed with a D zone district,
except singly developed siogle-family dwelliugs, duplexes a~
accessory buildings and uses thereto. or any gasoline service
station wbich must be appr'oved pursuant to Chapter .18.82, as
required in the 01, CC, CS .. GK and LM zones:
(11 AJ:J.y such de-..relopr:ent,. construct.ioo, improvement
or gas-oline service station shall in.itially be reviewed by the
planning c~ssion pursuant to Chapter le.~2 aDd then shall be
reviewed by the architectural review bc.a.rd for compliance with this
cha~er befo~e final action by the city coun~il.
12} In the event the planning cammission~ at its
initial review, rec<::mnends d.enial of the applicati.~. su·ch
recommendation shall be forwarded directly to the city council, and
the archit~ctural review board shall make no recommendation on the
application except. as may be directed by t.he city coun<:il.
131 In the event of inconsistencies in the
reconmendation of the pl.:uming cc:mniesion and the reC<lt1"lI!e.ndation of
the architectural review board~ the -commission and board shall
attempt t.o resolve sucb inconsistencies prior to forwarding the
application to the city council by means which may in-clude a joint
meeting. It the inconsistencies are not resolved~ then the
separate recommendations of each body. together with the minutes of
their respective meetings and/or of the joint meeting shall be
transmitted to the city council.
(d} Fences, in any ca.tegory of architectural review
board jurisdiction enumerated in subsections {a) through ee) of
this section.
(e} projects requiring variances or use permits when, in
t-he discretion cf t-he zoning administrator or the director of
planning and community enviroo.meIlt, they may have a significant
effect upon the aesthetic character ot the city or the surrounding
area~
(f) The foregoing requirements notwithstanding,. tbe
dire~tor of planning and .c:OOillUnity env'ironment may approve or
disapprove the design of a minor change to a project yhich bas
previously received design approval without procuring a
recommendation of the architectural review board under the
following circumstances:
(1) The director determines that the change
requested is minor, of little vis'u.al sign.ificance and 'Will not.
s
materially alter
improvements. or
the
' . .,."
appearance
"' ..
of previously approved
(2) The board has rec<:mnended to the director that
DO further architectural review board review is necessary.
(g) In additiou to t~e foregoing requirements, the
director of planning and community environment or city council may
request the opinion o-f the architectural review board on ~ther
architectural matters.
(b} The foregoing requirements notwithstanding. the
director of planning and cormrunity environment may approve or
disawrove the design -of the following small projects without
procuring a recommenaation from the architectural review board:
(.U Any sIgn which ccxzplies with the sign ordinance
and which is consistent with any design guidel ines which may be
a~ed by the arcnitectural r~vi~w board,
(2) A minor p~oje=t6 including minor adGitions or
alteratiaoe to an existing building or to site improvements, which
in the ~iscretion of the director does not significantly change the
visual character ~r function of the buildiDg or site and vhi~h is
consistent with ~~y desi~ guidelines which may be adopted by the
architectural ~eyiew board. .Examples of mioor projects include ..
but. are not. limited t.o::
{A) Equipment. when screened fram public view,
(8} Fences or valls,
(C} Changes to doors and windows.
{Dl Skyligh-ts" or
{E) A landscaping project which the director fiuds
to be an upgrade of existing landscaping.
While reviewing these small projects, the director s~ll
follow the same design guidelines and recordkeeping procedures as
are generally required by the board wben it reviews projects under
t.his chapt.er.. The director shall send a report. on a biannual
basis... to the board concerning the number and type of project
approvals he or she makes under this section.. The director shall
also attach to each meeting agenda of the board a report listing
the projects scheduled for review as vell as the number and types
of project approvals he or she has made under this section. Not
later than four working days after the effective date of the
director's decision and action on a small project, any person
aggrieved by the action of the director on the project may file a
request far review of th-e project by tl"le board. O:lder such
circumstances s the board shall review and make a recommendation on
the deSign of tl.e small p.coject in tbe same manner as it reviews
and maltes recormnendations on other project.s under this chapter.
9
5l~IQJj k0031llJ
The same appeals procedure set forth in Section 16.48.090 shall
also ~pply to the small project.
SECTION 10. Tne Council finds that ~he prOV~B~onB of this
ordinance constitute administrative changes only and therefore do
not constitute a project for the purposes of the the Calitornia
Bnviroomental Quality Act ("CEQA").
SECTION 11. This ordinance shall be effective on the
thirty· first day after the date of its a~ioo.
PASSIiD:
AYgs,
NOgs,
ABSENT,
ABSTENTIONS ,
ATTEST:
Cit.y Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM,
Senior Asst. City Attorney
,tS1OJ 11I .. dlaUlIJ.
Mayor
City Manager
Director of Pla~ing and
Community Environment
Chief Building Official
10
' .. ->
;:.-.
ORDINA."ICE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE COlJNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO .. .LTC
AMENDIN(; CHAPTER 15.04 OF THE PALO ALTO
MUNICIPAL CODE AOOPTING THE 1994 BDITION OF THE
THE UNIFOR.~ FIRE COOE VITK LOCAL AMENDMENTS
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as
foU"". :
SECTIQN 1~ Cha~er lS.O~ of the Palo ~to MUnicipal Code
is hereby amended to read as follows!
Chapter 15.04
l)lIIPORM FIU CODE
1S.04~OlQ Adoptlop of the Qnifor.m Fire Code~
The 'Uniform Fire Code~ 19.94 Edition Volume I~ of the
International Fire Code Institute. 9300 Jollyville Read. Suite 105.
Austin, Texas 78759 and Western Eire Chiefs' Asso:iation. 28924
Froct Street. SUite 101~ Temecula~ California, 92590 is a~ed~
in.cluding Appendix I-B as attI.ended.,. and appendices I-C,.. II-A as
amended. II-B, II-C.,. It-D, II-F, II-Ir III-A as amen~~, iII-B as
amendedr III-C, 11I-D,.. rv-A~ rv-B~ V-A, VI-A~ ~-B~ VI-C~ V7-D, VI
E, VI-F and e<:x:rpanion standards '"Uniform Fire Code Volume II. One
copy of the Uniform Fire Code is on file and open to public
inspection in the office of the City Clerk_ Three copies o'f the
seconda~ Codes set forth within the Unifo~ Fire Code~ and tbe
amendments set fort.h in t.his Chapt.er,.. are on file and open to
public inspection in the Fire Department Administrative Office.
Wbenever the phrase 'Uniform Fire Code' appears in this
Code or in any ordinance of the Cit},r. such phrase shall he deemed
and coastrued to refer to and apply to t.he ·Oniform Fire Code, 1994
Edition' as adopted and azr.eooed by this chapter.
15.04.012 Violation' ~d Penalties.
Any persoo~ firm or cor;poration ~olating any prov~S10n of
tbis fire Code sha11 be deemed g~ilty of a misdemeanor and ~pon
conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in sUbsection (a)
of section 1.tlS.010 of tbe Pal.o Alto Municipal Code~ Each separate
day or any portion thereof during Which any violatioo of the Eire
Code occurs or continues snaIl be deemed to cor..stitute a se~rate
offense, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as herein
provlded~
1.5 ~ Ot. 013 Section. 10). '~.....llMed ~ EnfoTee:men~.~
,Authori ty.
~c:::tlOll lOJ.4~t,1 h. aMed to the Unifo%S Fire Code to read
aa follows:
1
9SliIl2")"1lHII.r.!4Ql
•
'.
".-.'
."" .
.. ~~,-
~ .. ", '-...
~e following designated employee positions may enforce the
provisions of this chapt~r by the issuance of citations~ Persons
employed in such positions are authorized to exercise tbe authority
provided in Penal Code Section 836.5 and are authorized to issue
citatiO""....s for viol·3.tions of this chapter ~ The designated employee
positions are: Fire Chief,. Deputy Fire Chief. Fire Marshal,. Fire
Inspectore .. Hazardous Materials Specialist and Hazardous Materials
Investigator ..
15.04.020 Sec;tion lC142~1.1 C!t) 'ns' flO) A&1ed -Lite
SaC,tv Plag Re ... 'ev~
s.otio~ ~Ol42~1.1 (J} and 1QJ are added to the Uniform
Fire Code to read as follows;
.. (9} {h) Fire and life· safety plan review of all new
construction .. all remodels,. and all a6ditio~s.
no) The Fire Chief may reql.lire floor piaos l on· site
hydrant locations.. hatardous materials 1ocaticns,. and other
significant desigD elements to be provided in a format compatible
with the Citrs GIS at time of construction. This r~ire.'nent would
apply to newly constructed buildings over tvo stories in height or
over 1.5,00.0 square feet in floor area for Single or aggregate
buildings."
15.C4.eSO Seet!oa Ul.1.4 deleted -lIppe.h.
Section 103.1.4 of the Uniform Fire Code, -A~als~· is
deleted.
lS.II".070 Subaect!OtI 105.2.4 &~ed to Section 105 -
Per.slt8 -Per..it Pees.
SUbsection 1.05.2.4 is added to Section 105 -Permits -of
t.he Unifo·.nn Fire Code to read as fo11ows:
-1.05.2.4 ~l permit fees shall be established by the City
Council as Set forth in the municipal fee schedule.-
15.D4~C83 Subsections d.3. f.~, L.5~ f.'. f.7, f411 ana f.' a~.d to Section 10S.1 • Persdt ~equired.
SUbsections d.3, f.4., f.5. f.6,.. t.1. f • .e,. and f.9 are
added to section 10S.1 of the Unifo~ Fire Code to read as follows:
-per,mits shall be required in accordance wi~h section 105~'
and this section:
" .
ern
eo<Se we
lOS.S·d.l.
105.8 L.f.
105.8 Ls
105.8 f.B
10S.S [.9
,. i-..
• <
PBRIUT IlESC1iIHION
Day Care Permits. To operate a day care facility for
more than six people.
Automatic fire
)!I..od.ificatioD
sprinklet'5
Other automatic fia:-e
Installat1oo/VA>dification
system Installation/
extinguishing systems
Fire Alarm SystemB4 Installation/Modification
Standpipe systems wet ... dry or combination installation
Hydra~ts private on-site, installation/modification
Underground fire
modification .
installation!
15 __ 1\:! .!:~
~or Elevator ••
~ D:~. S added -Gurney ACCess lt~quireJAeD.to
section ~ is added to t.he Uniform Fire Code to read as
follows:
.~ When elevators are provided in buildings two
stories in height or more~ constructed after January C, 1990~ at
least one elevator shall be of a size to accommodate a fire
department gurney and a minimu."TI. of two t2l emergency response
personnel~ For engineering purposes .. sizing shall be based on
guro~y dimensions of 24-x 82-(see diagram for prevention standard
~~idelines for a typical elevator cab design and dime~sio~s)~ It
is not the intent of this amendmen.t to require elevato!'s~ but to
regulate the minimum size when an elevator is installed in order
to expedite eP.\ergency medical transport for critical care pctients.
15.04.140 Subsections '03.4.2.1 and '03.4.2.2 acSded to
Section )03 • Water Supplies and Fire Hydrants.
Subsections 903.4.2.1 and 901~4..2.2 are add.-:d to the
Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
-S03.C.2.1 Fire bydrant spacing.
Where fire hydrants are required. by this Code .. tho: standard
spacings listed herein shall be maintained .. unless in th~ judgment
o·f the Fire Chief, conditions warrant a reasonable devi;s.:ioD from
tb~ae standards:
-30,0 feet for corrroercial/industrial and high c.O::-.sity
3
•
.'-. -;'
-,
o
residential districts;
-sao feet for other districts.
'03 ••• 2.2 OD-site hydrant •.
Painting cl all on-site fire hydrants shall be done in
visibility-yellow to identify the hydrant.
15.0f.nO Subsection. 1003.2.' and 1003.2.10 added to
Section 1003 -Autcma~lc 7ire Extinguishing System..
Subsections 1003.2. 9 and 10'03. '} .10-are added to Section
~~3 of the Uniform Fire Code to read as !oll~s:
-1003.2.9 An autarratic spri~~e~ system shall ~ installed
in any building or group of buildings where~ in the judgment of
the Fire Chiefs such building or group of buildings# due to size l
heigbt# type of constructions location on property. contents, or
occupancy classification would exceed or severely tax the
capabilities of the local fire departme~t to perform a reascnable
level of rescue and fire suppression operations~ Such buildings
shall include. but not be limited to:
1. All new buildings requiring 1,.<l'OO gpm or more
fire: tlow. Required fire flow si"..all be determined by using
the formula and procedures established in the F.P.B. fire
flow worksheet, FPB·23.. (See 15.04~370 for fire flow
wOI"ksheet~ )
The area used in the fire flow formula shall be the
gross building area.. regardless o,f area or occupa.ncy separa
tion 1I.'alls ~
2. Ail ne~ buildings more than five stories or 50
it. in height.
3.. All neW' bo.Iildiogs constructed
fire area ~ -hazardous tire area-is
includes.. all ~roperty located -west of
See OFC A~ndix II-A. !/FPA 13·D shall
standard for residential installatioc.
subsection (5J below ..
in the hazardous
defined as, aI:!.d
Interstate ~8DJ ..
be the reference
For remodels see
4;. Existing buildings whiCh tla\t"E! occupiable sq"Bre
footage added to the gross square footage O!:" whiCh have the
principal occupancy classification changed to a more
hazardous classification, shall have an automatic fire
sprinkler system installed throug~Jt the entire building.
Hazards related to occupancy classificatiOQs sllall be
determined by the Fire Chief" using the Palo Alto Fire
Department Listing of Occupan-cies According to Relative
Hazards guideline FPB 24 (Sec. 15.04 .. 375).
':~~.-'~~-;
~. :'.
-..
.. • >
--/ . ,
"," S. When additions, alterations. or repairs within
~y twelve (12}-month period exceed fifty percent (50\} of
tbe value of an existing building or stru-cture, such
building shall be made to conform to the requirements of
SUbsection lO~S07Cb'5(aa} for nev buildings or structureS4
Value shall be determined from the ~ost per square f~
table in the most current SUildina StaOOards M3.gazine,
published by the International Conferen-ce of Building
Officials.
If the bu.ilding addition requires sprinklers under
Section 1. {listed above) , the entire building shall be
sprinklered.
64 If an aut-omatic fire sprinkler system is not
required for pu~~es otber than this section, the area,
height-or story increases or the fire resistive
substitutiooe which may have been permitted by the uniform
Buildi~ Code L~I shall apply.
1. The Fire Chief may vaive the lOOO-gpm fire flow
provision. "When. applied to buildings housing only R-:1 OCCil
pancies and open parking struct.ures not lo.:::ated in the
ha~ardQus fire area.
8.. Sprinkler systems shall be equipped witb a
DUnllnUIll two-way siamese Fire Department ccnnection~
Connections shall be located on a street front nee less
than three (3) feet or more tha.a four tol) feet abo-ve grade
and s~ll be equipped with an approved straigntway check
valve. Locations shall be subject to approval by the Fire
Chief prior to any installation.
EXCEPTION: Automatic sprinkler systems installed in
. accordance with the NFPA sta.ndards Il-D, and 13-R .. may have
a single 2 ~-inch connection with approved straightway
<::heck valve.
94 Any person,. firm.. -.company, or corporation
performing servicing as req...1ired by Title 19 of the
California State Fire Y~rshal·s Rules and ~egulations, on
any fire prote-c~ion appliance,. snaIl affix a permanent
label to the riser of tbe Fire Depa.rtment connect ion
directly below the two"~y siamese~ This sticker or label
shall meet the requirements of the California State Fire
Marshal"s Office~
1003.2.10 Lite Safety Systems in a·3 aDd a·l OCcupancies.
The Fire Chief may approve a life safety designed
automatic fire sprinkler systems for installation in 2"3
and R-l occupancies n~ more than three (3) stories or 35
fee~ in height.
5
,-. . -
1. Ydterials: Life safety a~tomatic fire sprinkler
systems may be installed using any rraterials listed for
sll'ch use :by tJL. o;r-other nat ionally recognized testing
laboratory incl~in9 materials mads of plastic.
2. Design standards: Life Safety autOtnatic fire
sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accor
dance with NFPA 13-R or may be designed and installed under
the supervision cf a licensed fire protection engineer who
rill certify that t.he-design. criteria will provide 1 ife
safety from fire equivalent to NFPA 13 -R standards as
lI"oOdified bele.., ..
3.. Additional requirements fcr R-l. occupan~ies: If
13R design criteria is approved by the Fire Chief~ the de
signer shall meet the requirements listed below in addition
to NFPA 11-R standardS. In buildings containing more than
four ~-1 units ~he following additior~l requirements shall
apply,
3.1 .. A 2 ]if-inch fire department. pumper con
nection er.all be provided.
3.2. A local vat.er flow alarm bell shall be
provided.
3.3. If a local tire alann is required sprinkler
water flow detection shall be inter
connected.
30.4~ systems containing more than 100 sprinklers
shall comply ~th the provisions of Article
10·Fire Protection Systems and Equipment
of this Code.
3.5. Common attics and usable under-floor spaces
shall be protected.
3.6_ water s".,pply demand for the system shall be
calculated to the most remote unit or attic
space.
,,_ Mixed occuparq conditions: Buildings containing
mixed uses shall be protected in accordance with the
hazardous classification of each use; reference for
determining ~4zard classes NFPA Standard 13.
EXCEPTION: R-l occupancies within mixed occupancy
buildings meeting all other criteria of this subsection may
be protected to life safety standards 00 the iLterior of
individual living units.
5. ~tamatic fire sprinkler trade-oEfs: Fire resistive
substitution or area and height increa.ses which might
." ..
~. !:3
" -
."-.
O;thervise be permitted shall not apply to buildings
protected by life safety fire sprinkler systems~
6~ Installation: All required life safety tire
sprinkler systems shall be installed by contractors
licensed by the State of California for installation of
automatic tire sprinkler syst~.
EXCEP'I'ION: An individua.l homeawner acting as his/her OYIl
contractor aay install a life safety fire sprinkler systaml
pravided that the syste;a design has been revie ... ·ed and
approved by a liceosed engineer or a C-16 licensed
contractor.
7. Licensed contractors installing plastic pipe shall
be certified by the manufacturer of the listed pipe~ in
addition ~o State of california CODtractors l licensing re
quirements. This certificate B~~ll be in the possession of
tbe installer on th~ jOb site at all times; ~~d shall be
p~esented upon request of the Fire Chief.
S. Installers using listed plastic pipe shall use
insulated pipe clamps or other ~lamps as approved by the
Fire Chief.
9. All NPPA 13·D~ or 13R systems shall be
hydrost&ticallytested at 2GO psi for two {21 hours.
15.Q4.112 Section LOQ1.5 added -Sprinkler Control valves.
Section 1QQ3.S cf ~~e Uniform Fire Code is aOded to read
as follows:
·1003~5 Floor Control Valves. Automatic sprinkler systems
serving buildings two {2J or more stories in height shall have
valves installed so as to control the system independently on each
floor including basements.
EXCEPTION! Buildings not over three (3) stories in height
containing only R-3 occupancies_
Floor control ~lves shall be protected from ta"l'lpering by
installation in lockable enclosures and by valve supervision in
accordance with sect-ion 10'03.3.1 of the Uniform Fire Code
15.04 • .175 SUbsection 1003.4 amended and subsectiQns .. and
S deleted from SectiOll 100).4 •• PermiSSible Sprinkler omissiOD.!!I.
S-ubsection 10'03.4 is and subsections 4 and 5 deleted
from Section 10'03.4: of the Uniform fire Cooe to read as follows:
·l003~( Subject to the awroval of the Fire Chief.
sprinklers may be omitted in roorrs or areas as follows:
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1~ When sprinklers are considered undesirable
becausl! of the nature of the cor:;.tents or in rooms or areas
which are of non~ornbu9tible construction with wholly
noooombustible contents and which are not exposed by other
areas~ Sprinklers shall not be omit.ted from any room
~erely because it is damps of fire-resistive construction
or contains electrical equipment.
2~ Sprinklers shall not be installed when the
application of water or flame and 'Water to the coc.tents may
constitute a serious life or fire hazards as ':n the
manufacture or storage of quantities of alumin~. powder,
calcium carbide. calcium phosphide, metallic sodium and
potassium .. quicklime, magnesitL'U powder and sodium peroxide_
3. In accordance .ith National Fire Protection
Association S~andar1s 13, 13-0 or 13~~
4. Deleted.
5. Deleted.-
~~~182 Seetlon 1103.2.4.1 added -Weed Removal.
section 1~03.2.4.1 of the Uniform Fire Code is added to
read as follows:
1103.2.4:.1 Weed re!r.oval .. The fire chief may cause the
removal of veeds on properties in. which further del.ay of weed
removal 'Would promote a hazard. The chief may also at his option
bill ,subject properties for any and all expenses related to the
removal or as outlined in Cha~er 8.08 of the Palo ~to MuniCipal
Code.
15.04.1.17 SubseCtion 1302 .. 4 added to Sectioll_l.-~
Preventable False Pire Alarms.
SUbsection 1302.4 is added to Section 1302 of the Unifor.m
Fire Code to read as follows:
'1"1302.4 Preventable Pal •• pire Al,RlS. More than three
false alarms received within a 30-day period and each consecutive
alar.m thereafter, fram a private alarm connection to the MuniCipal
alarm system or to the Coammnicatioos Center which are oetennined
after investigation by the Fire Chief to be preventable (as defined
in ~bE Palo Alto Fire Department General Orders} are subject to a
fine. as established by the MUnicipal Fee Schedule. that shall be
~~ivalent to ~he direct cost of all responding units. Cost shall
bE computed in increments of fifteen {is) ~nutes. Cancellation of
responses(s} enroute shall be deemed as a preventable false alarm.-
15.04.189 Subsections 1007.3.3~3~S and lC~7.3.3_3.6 added
t.o S~ctioo. 10'01.3.3. 3 ~ Graphic Annunciation.
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SUbsections ~OQ1.3.3.3.S and 10C1.3~3.3.~ add~-d to Secti~.
1007.3 of the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
·1001~3.3.3.5 Graphic Annun-ciator Panels. Graphic
annunciator pa!.J.els shall be provided at S\i.d":. locations as are
required by the Fire ~nief.
1001.3.3.3.6 ~xisting Buildings. The provisions of this
section shall apply to existing conditions as ~~11 as to conditions
arising after the adoption thereof.. except t.hat the conditions
legally in existence at the adoption of this section and not in
strict compliance therewith sr~ll be per.adtted to continue only if~
in the opinion cf the Fire Chief. they do not c~~titute a distinct
hazard to life or property.·
15.04.154 Sub.e~tions 2501.16.4, 2501.H.S, 2501.16.{
added to Section 2501~16 -Maximum Occupant Load.
Subsections 2501~16.4~ 2501.16.5~ 2501.16.6 are added to
Section 2501.16 of the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
12501.16.4 Occupant load signs. Occupant load sigcs,
when requized.. shall meet the requirements of the Palo A2to Fire
Department occupant load sign reguire~ents.
::i25·01.16.5 Y..aximum -room capacity sigIl shall be
.conspicuously posted by the owner of the building by means of
durable signs placed in each assembly room, aUditorium. or room
used fcc a sirrdlar purpose where fixed seats are not installed. It
shall be unlawful to rem~~e or deface su~h sign or to permit more
t.han t.he legal m,lmber of persons within such space.
. 2501..16.6 Sa.~le sign. The following sign iIle~ts tIle
requiremeIl·ts of subsection 2501.16.4 -::
o a
:r SEATING CAPACITY "'i
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NOT TO EXCEED¥ v, <v -r ASSEM~Y% 100 L 5
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C:J~ 46 T 01 N I NG --=l= ~ ..L 1-BY OROER-OF FIRE & BLDG.. OEPTS'r 0 0
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~5.04,201 Seqtion 209·B _me~e4
of lasar40gA xaterial. Juslnesa P1&g.
A4ditiop o~ definltloq
Section 209·H cf the Unifor.m Fire Code is amended with an
additional definition to read as follows:
HA1.ARDC>tJS MATERIALS .BUSINESS PLAN is a written plan
containing General Info~ation~ Emergency Response Plan, Training
Plan, Inventory Statement. and Site Plan. Each se~tioo 5~~11 be in
such detail as required. by the chief and shall coatain at a minimum
the information required pursuant to section 25500 et.seq~ of the
Health and Safety Code.
15.04t205 S¢ctlop 22Q·$ -mended -Addition of def!ni~{o~
of storaq~ Facility.
section 220·5 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended with an
additional definition to read as follows:
STORAGB FACILITY is any one o~ combination of tanks~ s~$
wet floors, waste treatment facilities, pipes. vaults or otber
portable or fixed con~ainers$ used; cr designed to be used; for the
storage of hazardous materials.
Securing rgmpreesed
ca-coctalpers, cylipder' And r,nks.
Sect-ion 7401.6_4 o,f the Uniform Fire Code is amended t.o
read as follows:
7401.S.4 Securing compressed gas containers, cylinders and
tank8. C~ressed gas cODtainers 6 cylinders and tanks shall be
individually secured to prevec.,t falling due to cootact .. vibration
or seismic: activitYt Securing of compressed gas containers$
cylinders and tanks shall be by one of the following methods:
1. SeC"Jring compressed g'as cont:.ainers, cylinders and
tanks to a fixed Object with one or IDOre noocombustible restraints.
Compressed gas CODtainers$ cylinders and tanks, 26-incbes (660 rom)
in heigbt or greater shall be secured by not less than two
restraints poSitioned as close as practical t~ one-thi~d ~nd two
thirds of tbe height of the container.
2. Securin9 compressed 9as containers, cy1inders and
t.ar.Jts 011 a cart or other D".obile device designed for the movement of
compressed gas c.on,tainers. cylinders and tanks.
3. Nesting of compressed gas containers$ cylinders and
tanks at cotltainer filling or servicing facilities or i~ seller"s
warehou~es ~ accessible to the public; nesting shall be allowed
provided the nested containers, cylinders or tanks, if dislodged ..
do not obstruct the required ~ans of egress.
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"-. Securing of compressed
tanks to or within an approved rack~
assembly designed for s~~h use.
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gas containeLs. cylinders or
frame..,.ork~ cabinet or similar
15.04,219" _ S~tiou 1901.1.1,1 AMed ·Un§.uthorited nre.1Moe.
Section 7901~1.1.1 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to
read as follOWS:
7901.1.1.1 unauthorized release. The storage~ dispensing,
IiWUng. handling and us. of flamnable and conWstible liquids shall
be done in a manner so as not to increase the risk of an
unauthorized rel~age.
15,04,211 Seetion 7901.8.1 amen4ed -General.
Section 7901.B.1 of tbe Uniform Fire Code is am£~~ed to
read as foll~~s!
1901.8.1 General. Buildings, rooms and areas sr..all be
provided with a means to control spillage and contain or drain
spillage and fire protection water as set forth in 7901. S. See
also Section a001.14.S.
1S.C4,21S Section 7901.11,1,3 added -Spill Control.
Section 7901.11.1.3 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to
read as follows:
. 7901.11.1. 3 Spill cont.rol. Spill control s-"hall be provided
for piping for flammable and combustible liquids. Spill control
includes but is ~ limited to double walled piping~
15,04.218 Section 7902.1.7.' 'm e p4ed __ -Upderground tanks~
Section 7902.1.7.2 of the unifoDn Fire Code is amended to
rea::! as follows:
7902.1.7.2 Underg~ound tanks. U~derground sto~age tanks
for flammable and combustible liquids shall ~ installed~
maintained~ operated and closed in ac~ordance yith Article 79 and
Title 23. Division 3~ Chapter 16 of t"!l.e california cooe of
Regulations. Where provisions cOllflict.. the ~rOre restrictive
requirement sha11 apply.
15~04.222 Subsection 'J'02~_h"t~1 amended _-___ Tanka
,.emporarily Out. of Service.
Section 7902.1~7.2.1 of che Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follaws~
7902.1.7.2.1 Tanks Temporarily OUt of Service.
Underground tanks temporarily out of service shall hav~ the fill
line, gage openingr vapor return and pump connection secured
against tampering. Vent lines shall remain open and be maintained
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in accordance ~th Sections 7902.1~lO and 7902.2.6. Environmental
monitoring required by thia article or other laws shall continue.-
15 .. 0'.225 Section "1'0:2 .1.,7.2.6' addAA -PI.oW Sanfequ.ardecl
Tanks 'ask in Sorvie •.
Section 7902.1.7.2.6 of the Uniform Fire Code is added to
read as follows:
7902.1.'.2.6 Placing safeguarded tanks back in service.
Tanks which are to be placed back in se~ice shall be tested in a
mar.ner approved by the chief. Environrnen·tal samples shall be taken
from approved locations and the analytical reports provided to the
Fire Chief.
"1"S" • ..;o"'4 ....... a" • .,2"-_-"S"e"'c"t"'1"o,,uLj7,,9 D:a ' 5, , • 5 added • Li" ted I.e fr lq~
Section 7902.S.9~5 is added to the uniform Fire Code to
read as follows:
?902.5.9~S Listed Refrigeration. Refrigeration of flamrra
hIe liquids shall be within appliances listed or apprc.ved by a
nationally recognized laboratory~ If refrigeration is needed to
prevent a hazardous condition the Fire Chief uey require standby
power or an ~ivalent Bafeguard~
15,04;12.. Section 7)02,2,2.1 amended -Locations where
ahoyeqrQllpA ta.n.kl! are prohibit-ad ..
Section 190~.2.2.1 o~ the unifo~ Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
7902~2.2.1 Locations where aboveground tanks are
prohibited,. The storage of Class I,. II and III liquids in
aboveground tanks outside of buildings is prOhibited ~ithin the
City of Palo Alto.
EXCEPTIONS!
1,. Class II. and III liquids protected by cu."" approved fire
extinguishing system and all other provisions of this Code
are met.
2. Class II and III liquids for emergency and standby power
systems.. i.n unprotected tanks with a capacity of 600
gallons or less .. or in protected taWts. as c'efined in
Appendix II-F .... ith a capacity of 2,000 gallons c'r less ..
...... he,] all other provisions of this Code are I(l,et.
3~ The Chief may approve tbe storage of Class I liquids in
aggregate quantities of 2,000 gallons or less; O~ Class II
and III liquids in aggregate quantities of 6~DOO gallons or
less... in agricultural land use zones and tempcrarily at
construction sites, at earth moving projects k ~nd other
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approved areas s pr~~ided all other provisions of this Code
are met~
15aO.,24' Section 7702,',1 amended -Leaking T~
Section 7902.6.8 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
7902.6.8 Leaking Tanks. Leaki.ng tanks aball be prompUy
report<2d, emptied.. and removed frO!l1 the ground or abandoned in
accordance with section 7902.1.7~4 or 7902.1.7.2.' .. respectively.
The Fire Chief 'may permit a double cODtained tank to be repaired by
an approved method and may require recommendations from a qJalified
engineer.
15.04.25' SectIon "'03.4 aMe\1. -"~cle EquIpment.
Section 7903.4 is added to the Onifo~ Fire Code to read as
follows:
7903.4 ~ecycle Equipment. Equipment to be utilized for
purifi.cation.... separation.. or recycling flaIm'.able or COrl\.bustible
materials and utilizing a heat source shall be reported to the Fire
Chief and reviewed for adeq~aLe safeguards~
15.04.261 Seetlog 8001.1.1 amepde4 -Gen«ral.
Sect ion BO'O~. 1.1 of the 'Uniform. Fire Code is amended to
read as fOllows:
8001.1.1 GEneral~ Preventioo# control and miti]ation of
dangerous conditions related t.o storage# dispensing, use .. and
handling of hazardous raterials# regardless of quantity,. and
information needed by emergency response personnel shall be in
accordan~e with Article eo~
This article shall include those parts of Cha.pter 6~9S
(carmenc:ing with Sec. 25500) and Chapt€r 6.7 CCOImlen.cing rith Sec.
25280} and Cha~er 6~75 (commencing with Sec. 25299) of the Health
and Safety Code ybich impose additional r~~i~ements or are more
restrictive.
15.04.265 Section 8001,_1.1,1 added -General S_~
Section 8001.1.1.1 is added to the Uniform Fir~ Coee to
read as follows:
8001.1.1.1 General Safety. The dispensing, m~x1ng,
handling~ use or storing of hazardous materials shall be done in a
manner so as n~ to increase the risk of an unauthoriz~d release.
In the abSence of direct regulation by this code~ other appropriate
regulations~ standards. laws ordinances. or other nationally
recognized and acce~ed methods of good practice may be applied to
define acce~able practices. In the event of ccnflicting
authorities~ the most restrictive shall apply.
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!L~' Se<:t;lo:o. 80~' amende!! -'KIlZIl:'dou8 :mate~
Mnaap-nt plan.
Section 80'01.3.2 of the Ullifort::l; Fire Cede is amended to
read as follows:
8001.3.2 Hazardous materials manage~ent plan. The
Hazardous Materials Management Plan {HMMP) shall m~an Hazardous
Materials Business Plan {HMBP}.
lS.04.2" Section 8001 ••. 1 a~4ed -Gener~
Section 8001.4.1 of tbe Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
80-01.4.1 -General. Containers .. cylinders and tanks
utilized for storage e dispe::'lsing. use or handling of ha.zardous
materials shall be in accordance ~~th Section SOOl.4.
Underground storage tanks for hazardous materials shall be
installed... maintained.. operated and closed in accordance with
Section 8001.4 and Title 23", Division 3~ Chapt.er 16 of the
California Code of Regulations. Where provisions conflict. the
~?re restrictive requirement shall apply~
15.0'.211
CODMtrus;tloIl.
Section 80Ql.~r).2 amended Design and
Section SD~1.4~3.2 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
BOOL 4.3.2
valves~ fittings
materials shall be
Design and
and related
in accordance
const.ru<:tion~ Pipins.. tubing ~
components used for hazardous
vith the follo~ing;
1-. Piping .. tubing, valves .. fittings and related components
s~l be designed and fabricated from materials compatible
with the uaterials to be. contained and shall be of adequate
strength a.nci durability to withstand pressure. structl.lral
and seismic stress. and exposure to which they are subject,
2. Piping and tubing shall be identified in accordance with
nationally recognized standards (see Article 90 Standard
a.2.1) to indicate the material conveyed.
3. Emergency shutoff valves shall be ide!ltified and the
location shall be clearly visible and indicated by means of
a sign l and
4.. Backflow--prevention or check valves shall be provided when
the backflaw af hazarOO-<.ls materials could create a
hazardous condition or cause the unauthorized disc~arge of
hazardous materials~
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materials~ Spill control includes
double ~~lled piping.
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but is not limited to
1.:;'04.271 SectIon 8001." ~ 7 . 2 amended ~ Abandonment and
Section 80,01.4.7.2 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as foll~ws:
8001.4.7.2 Abandonment and status of t.anks~ Any
stationary tank taken out of se.IVice shall be properly safeguarded
or removed: in accorda,n":e 'With Section 7902.1.7.
15,04.274 S~tiOD aOO~.".1.2.1 added ~ DlsP2§Al.
Section 8001.4.7.2.1 is added to read as follows:
B001. 4.7.2.1 Disposal. TaiJks ....... s.hall be disposed of in
accordance with federal, state aT1d local regulations. Removed
soils shall ~ be stockpilad on site for a period exceeding 30
days unless approval frem the Chisf has been obtained for a longer
period of time.
15.04.275 Section 8001.5.2,2 amended -Notification.
SectIon 80'01.5.2.2 of the Uniform Fire Code is ameoded to
read as follows:
a001~S.2.2 NotificatiOG.. The chief shall be notified
i:ro.me:diately wben a threatened relea.se oz unauthorized discharge
escapes secondary containment. or is con,tained but. presents a
threat to health or property, or becomes reportable und~r state.
federal or local regulations.
15.04.277 Section 8001.1 &menaRd -Identl~ic&tion signs,
Section 8001.7 of the Uniform. Fire Code is amended to read
as follows =-
80'01. '1 Identification signs. Visible hazard
id.entification signs as specified in U.F.C. Standard 79-3 shall be
placed at entrances to locations where hazardous materials are
storeo. dispensed. used or handled in quantities requ.lrlng a
permit. Signs shall be provided at specific entran~es deSignated
by the chief.
Individual cODtainers~ cartons. packages, p~plng~ gas
<:abinets~ equipment.. or roo[l'lS shall be conspicuously marked or
labeled in accordance with the departments la~ling guideline or in
accordance with nationally recognized standards. See alsc Section
8003.1. 2.
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F;roduct conveying du<:ts for venting hazardous ;naterials
operations shall be labeled with the hazard class of the ~terial
being vente~ and the direction of flow.
l.L.U..27' $1)9t.ion 8QOl. ,. e 'wended Separation of
iP~tlbl ... tertals~
Section eOD1.9.! of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
S()01.9.8 Separation of incompatible. Incompatible
hazardous materials shall be separated. Separation by bazard clas~
is appropriate unless otherwise approved by t.hE chief or in
following nationally recogni~ed standards.
Separation shall be accomplished by=
1. Segregating incompatible hazardous materials by a distance
of not less than 20 feet (6"096 mm) and a."l independent
contai~en~ system, or secondar}· containment.
2. Isolatins incompatible hazardous u:aterials by a non
combustible partition extending not less than 18 inches
(451.2 rom) above and to the sides of the stored material.
3. Storing ltquid and solid materials in hazardous materials
storage cabine~s~ {See Section e003.1.10). or
4. Storing compressed gases
enclosures in accordance
90'03. 3. 1. 3 .3.
in gas cabinets or exhausted
with Sections 8001.1.1.3.2 and
Materials which are incompatible shall not be within the
same cabinet or eXhausted en~losure.
lS.04.281 Section 800 •. 10.1.1 &M.e4 ~ :fAcilit.y t_~an_li-.RQX.L.
Section 6001.10.1.1 is added to the Uniform Fire C<~e to
read as follows:
8001.10.1.1 Facility transport. When hazardous materials
are in transport in or about a facility. they shall remain in the
travel path ooly for the time reasonably necessary to effect the
t-ransfer.
Section 8001.10.1.2 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to
read as follo~s:
aOOL1D.1.2 Transport. safety. M'o".rement of hazardous
materials in or about a facility shall be done in a man~eY whicn
will not substantially increase the risk of unauthorized release.
HazaIQous materials shall be accompanied by a ~rained (pursuant to
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Sec. 8001.1.9.1) person when in transit to their use or storage
poInt.
15.04.28S Section 8001.1~.3.1 am~ed • Beight.
section 8001.12.3.3 of the uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follo'~:
B001.12.).3 Beight. Display height shall not exceed 6
feet (1929 DID".). Storage shall not exceed six (6') feet. in areas
open to the public unless such storage is seismically secure to
prevent any unsafe znove-ornent in the event. of a major earthquake.
1S.04.287 Section 80Ql.14.~S __ Aa~d4~e~dL-~~S~p~i~1~1 coatrgl.
dr&ipage poptrol ap4 s§eond&rv eoat&ipmAnt.
Section 8001.14.5 is added to the Lluiform Fire Code to read
as follows:
8001.14.5 Spill controls drainage control and secondary
contaifU.!!.ent.. Spill control shall be required for all hazardous
materials which are li~~ids or eolids at oormal t~~rature and
pressure (NTP} in ac~ordance with Section e003.1~7.2. Secondary
containment shall be provided for all outdoor storage of hazardous
materia.ls whic~% are liquids or solids at normal temperature aDd
~ressure {NTP) in accordance with Section 8003~1.7.
1$.04,300 Section 8003.1.$ amended ~ xax~um Quantity on
Section S003.1.5 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
eO(l3r1~S Maximum Quantity on Site. The storage of
hazardous materials shall conform to all applicable provisions of
~he Palo Alto ~nicipal Code.
ll.04.3Q5 seetloa 8GOl.1,' .. 2.1 added· C.,-oaolty.
s~ction SQ03~1,1.2,~ is added to the Uniform Fire Code to
read as follows:
a003~1.J.2.1 Capacity. In the case of a.n installation
vith one primary cont.ainer. the spill centrol system shall boe large
enough to contain not. less than 10'0 percent of the volume of t.he
primary container or t.ank. In the case of IriUltiple priIl'.ary tanks,
the spill coc.trol S'-.IStem shall be large enough to contain not less
than lSQ percent of the volume of the largest primary container or
tank placed in it. or 1~ percent of the volume of the aggregate
internal vo~ume of all primary containers and tanks, ~hichever is
greater.
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1,$.04.]Q1 Sec,tJoc. 8903.1.7.4.1 added -Capa.tl.~
Section 8003.1.1.4.1 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to
read as follClWS-:
!O¢3.1.1.4.1 Capacity. For installations ~ covered by
fire sprinklers or exposed to rainfall~ secondary ~ontainment shall
be si~ed in accordance ~th Section S~03.1.7.(.1. In the case of an installation with one pri.mary container ... the containment shall
be large enough to contain ~ less than 100 percent of the volume
of the primary tank. In the case of multiple primary tanks~ the
coc.tainr.tent shall be large enough to contain not less than 150
percent of the volume of the largest primary tank placed in it. or
10 percent of the volume of the aggregate internal volume of all
primary tanks, whichever is greater.
15,04.]19 .section 8001.14,1,1 amended ~ LiJait. Controls«
Temperature ..
Section 8003.1.1~.3 of the ~~iform Fire Code is aF~nded to
read as follows:
80-03.1.14-.3 Temperature. Process tanks and equipment
which involve temperature control of the material shall be provided
with limit controls to maint.ain the temperature within a safe
range. Redundant t~~rature control eqJipment which will operate
upoa failure of the primary temperature control shall be provided
if the system is ~thin combustible construction or if the ventila
tion system is of combustible constructioa. Manually activated
reset may be required ..
15,04.34:2 ~_lorL. 8204.2 amended ~J!&Xi.sum Capacity
-1thi~ Established LLmlts.
Section 8204.2 of the Uniform Fire Code ls a.'I1ended to read:
S204.2 Storage and use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is
prOhibited withirt the City limits of Palo ~to where Latural gas
mains exist.
EXCEPTION: The Fire Chief may permit the use of LPG for
the following purposes and in the following uenner:
ill A single tank of no more than SDO-gallon (1692 Ll
vater capacity in connection with portable eq..:.ipment or
devices which are approved for use ~th LPG.
(2) As an ~T~rgency standby fuel supply for critical
industrial, medica~ or research equipment.
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L} water
installed
A single tank of no ~~re than 2000-gallon (1570
capacity used in vehicle servicing operations
in accordance with applicable safety standards.
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'the storage of LPG shall conform to the provisions of
applicab1e stat.e and lccal Codes aoo ordinances.
15~Of.l41 ~kJ.1. added··Regulatlon of Fa.oilitie.s
Elere )l&terials Which Are or Kay Become Toxic Gases Are "Q-J,l.cl;''''~.
Article
follows:
9190 is added to the OnifcDn Fire Code to read as
·P"l'ICLB 9l.
Regula~ion of Facilities Where ~~terials Which
Are or May Become Toxic Gases are Found
DIVISION 1. APPLICA~IONS AND DEFINITIONS
91 .101 Applicatioo..
ta) Thie article appli~s to all ~ew and existing
faciliti~s where regulated materials subject to this article are
present in concentrations which exceed the Level of Concern as
determined in accordance witb this article.
0>1 It is intended that this article suppleroentl and be
used in conjunction witb r ~her sections of this cha~er and with
the Uniform Building Code~ 1988 editi~~.
{c) III the event of conflicting c:r overlawing regulatory
provisions within the Palo Alto ~nicipal Code# the Fire Code and
this article# tbe more stringent requirem€nt shall prevail.
(d} In the even,t of conflicting or overlapping regulatory
provisions with a federal law or state law or regulation# unless
the applicatIon of this article is expressly pre~ed by an Act cf
COOgress or enactmemt of t.he state legislature,. the more stringent
reqtlirlSmeot shall be deemed to apply.
91.102 Definitions.
(a) Geoer,:al. Unless the context othenrise requiree ... the
words and ~~ase8 in this article shall have the ~eanID9s set forth
in this section and shall govern the construction of this article~
For words and phrases DOC defined in this chap<er, the definitions
set forth in other articles of the Fire Code shall control.
(b) Limited Applications. For the purpose of this article#
certain ter,m~ and yords are defined as follows:
1.. ·Controls· are a means to regulate matf:rials so
as to prevent unauthorized discharges,
2. ·Control Area-means a space within a building
,where regulated materials may be stored, han
dled, dispensed or used. A control ar~a is an
area fonned by one or more of the following:
.':
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i
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(i) An O<...~pan.cy separation ..nth a minimum one
hour fire resistive rating. or
{iii The exterior wa.1-1. roof or foo.ndation of
the buildiag~ A tl'laJ(imum of four control
areas shall be permitted within a building
except buildings or portions of buildings
used for retail sales c ~blch shall have a
maxi~~ of two control areas.
1. -Equ11ibrium. Vapor Concentration-("EVe'J meaz:s
the state of a regulated ~terial at which vapor
press'.lre has stabili!!ed and is 110 longer rising
or falling. EVe value of a reg1l1ated: material
is determined by multiplying vapor pressure
('V?-~ by 1i)5. and dividing by atmospberic
pressure; as sho~n in the following ¢quation:
_ Vapor Pressure x-..1..Q..6
Atmospheric Pressure 1760 mmllgl
Note: vapor pressure for materials 'With a.
boiling point equal to or less t.t.an 25 C
shallbe 760 In!ll!s: materials with a boiling pcint
greater than 25 C shall use
the actual vaporpressure for that
-material at 2S C. AtlI\.Ospheric
pressure is assumed to be 760 rnm
at sea 1 evel •
4. -Pacility· means any building, structure,
installatiOQ, equipment, pipe. container, Site,
area, appurtenant stru~ture, or surrounding land
area where ~egula~ed materials are stored, used,
dispensed. handled,. placed or otbenrise have
come to be located.
50. 'Fire Code-means tbe Uniform FirE: Code P·UFC·).
as a~ed or modified by tbe Palo ~to MUnici
pal Code.
6. 'Gas-means an
gaseous st.ate
pressure.
aeriform fluid which is
at norma1. temperature
in a
and
1. 'Inert Constru·ction ll"..ateria16· lfieans materia.ls
wbich UDder "t"easonabl)"~ foreseeable conditioos
viII not. degrade o:r rea.ct upon contact vit:h tfJ.e
regulated mat~rials to be contained.
e. -Level. of Concern-(11 LOC') means th'=. maximum
concentration of a substance in air that viII
~ cause serious health effects in the majority
of the population yben exposed to tbe substance
for a relatively shert perioo of tim-e. For
20
purposes of this article. the LOC is eq~al to
O~1 of ~be IDLH value 6 as 6~fined io AIticle SO
of the Fire Code .. if the particular substan.ce
bas an established IDLH., or if no IDLH ·,talue has
been established 6 the LOC shall be considered t?
be 0.01 r.c,.,. 0.1 LCLo. 0.001 W", or 0.01 LOLa.
9. ·Lethal Concentration' t '~') means the median
lethal concentration level, at which SO percent
of appropriate test animals die ~hen exposed by
inhalation for a scientifically appropriate
specified time period4
10. 'Lethal Coa<:ec.tration Low" ('LeLa') means the
lowest concentration of a chemical at which same
test anima~s died following inhalation expcsure.
11~ 'Lethal Dose Median' ('LD~') means the dose at
which 50 percent of test animals die fOllowing
exposure. The lethal dose is given in
milligrams per kilogram. of body weight of the
test animals.
12. 'Lethal Dose Low" l'LDLo'll} means the lowest dose
of a chemical at which some test animals died
following exposure.
13. 'Material :Hazard Index-(·MHI"} means a D,umeric
value used for ranking of chemical substances
(materials) in order to determine the level of
controls necessary tor regulated materials. MHI
is determined by dividing the EVe of a material
at 2S'\:' by the LeX: for the material I as shown in
the following equaticn:
MHI "" EVe (ppm) I :2 50s:
LOC (ppm)
14 _ "MiXimum Threshold Qua!'ltity' (·Max. T .0. 'I) means
the max£mum quantlty of a Class II or Class III
regulated If\3.terial which may be stored in a
single vessel before a stricter category of
regulation is required by this article. Max.
T.O. is determined by the following equation:
Max. T.Q. (lbs) -£..!;_2Ll0·
MIl!
15. ·Minimum Threshold Quantity· ("MiD. T.O.I) means
the aggregate quantity in a control area whicn r due to the mdnimal aggregate quantities present,
need ooly comply vith specific control
requirements established in SUbsection 91.401{e)
of this article, and ~ vith the requirements
for Class I I II.. or III regulated rnaterials.
21
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Mio. T.O. for mixtures shall
aggregat.e weight. (in pounds)
components.
be based 00 the
of the regulated
For D.O.T. Poison A (those materials character·
ized by tbe United States Department of Trans·
portation ,·D.O.T.·J as Poison A): ~~n. T.O. =
1 Ib~ or less.
For other regulated ~aterials!
Ibs. or less ..
Min. T.Q. -2
Min~um threshold quantity cootrols are set
£or~h in subsection 91.401(e) of this article.
16. ·Perron-means an individual .. trust,. firm. joint
stock company,. corporation, partaership,
association or ~her business entity? city.
county, district. tbe state, any department or
agency thereof, or the United States, to -the
extent authoriled by law.
17. • itegulated Materials-mea!lS all I!'.aterials.
regardless of form (i.e •• liquid, solid or gas)
~hich meet the criteria established by subsec
tion 91.201(bJ. below_
18. ·Responsi:tle Persons" or ·pel.sons responsible
means permittees under -this article" owners,
managers and persons responsible for the day-to
day operation of any fa.cility subject to this
article.
19. ·Unautoox:iz.ed Discharge· means releasing.
spilling. leaking, pumping~ pouring. emitting.
~ying,. injecting, escaping ... leaching, durr~ing
or disposing a regulated material into the
environment, inclu~ing any sever, storm drain.
ditch, drainage canal, lake... river or tidal
waterway. surface water. grour..d water, land sur
face, sidewalk, street or highway .. subsurface
strata. or ambient air .. exce~:
111 A -Pederally Permitted Release-.. as that.
term is defined in Section 101 of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response.
Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C.
Section 9602,10), or pursuant to a permit
of the Bay Area .Air Qt;.ality I"".:.anageroent
District, or vaste dis~harge requirements
of the San Francisco Bay Regior..al Water
Quality Control Board or local vastewater
pretreatment requirements for publ icly
o....-ned: treatment works; or
22
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tii) The DOnal application of materials used in
weed abatement~ erosicn control~ soil
amendment. or similar applicatioQ. when used
in accordance with manufacturers' instruc
t.ions o·r nationally recognized standards.
DIVISION II. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sll.201 (a.} General a This article governs the storage ..
dispensing. use and handlio9 of regulated materials.
To che extent that the application of this article to
the registrati~ and use of pesticides is preempted by
an express provision of an Act of Congress or a
statute a~ed by the state legis12ture~ this article
does Do': apply.
(b} Regulated Materia19~ -Regulated Materia15~. including
but ~ limited to. gases, are thos~ materiAls which
meet the following criteria:
(e}
1. The material has an estal:ll.ished L-evel of Concern
(aLOC a } as defined in this article; and
2. The material meets either of the followiog
crite~ia:
ti) It is shipped in compressed gas cylinders.
and the ~aterial is or becomes Dr acts as a
gas upon release at normal temperature and
pressure .. PO F and 76·0 mmHg) or;
{ii) The material is used or handled as a gaS I
whether or not the material ~ets the
definition of a compressed gas as set fortb
in article 9 of the Fire Code.
Ma~erials ~hich meet the foregoing criteria are
subject to the proviSions of this article.
General Obligation.
permit the storage~
materials regulated
No person shall cause~ suffer
~~ndlin9. use~ or dispensing
by tbis article:
or
of
1. In a manner which is contrary to a provision of
this article or any other federal.. state or
local statute. code. ordinance I rvle l regulation
or standard o·f performance relating to !!'.a.terials
subject to this article; or
2~ In a manner which causes an unQ~thorized
discl'.arge or whiCh poses a significa!"_: risk of
such unauthorized discharge.
-. '. '~A:"' .\':~'" .,-.< .~.
A person responsible for a facility shall, as
soon as he or she has knowledge of an unautho
ri~ed discharse from or at such facility, i!Jl[f.e
diately notify the Fire Chief of such discharge.
(d) Permits.
1. General. No person shall store. dispense, use
or handle any regulated raterial in excess of ~
exempt amount at a facility unless a compliance
plan has been submdtted to the Fire Chief and a
oermit for the facility has been issued pursuant
to this article. The specific re~~irements for
obtaining a pe~~t shall be established by the
Fire Chief in accordance with the previsions of
Article, of the Fire Code. The Fire Chief may
charge a fee or fees in C?IlIlectioo with the
filing of a compliance plan and the issuan~e of
a Permit, in accordance with the Municipal Fee
5<:lledule.
2. ~ffiI calculations for each regulated material to
be stored, dispensed. used or handled at the
facility shall be submitted to the Fire Chief as
part O-f the COCl'plia!l-Ce plan. The Fire Chief may
require t.he submission of any additional
available acute toxicity data to support the MH!
~~lue proposed for each material.
{el Compliance.
1. Notwithstanding section 1.103 of the Fire Code,
persons responsible for any facility lawfully in
existence oc. April 16, 19'90 which is not. in
complian~e with the provisions of this article
shall submit a CClCIl'liance plan to the Fire Chief
no later than April 16, 1991~ For p~rposes of
this section, the term -lawfully in existence
includes, but is not limited to~ thOSE:
facilities for vhich a building permit has been
issued and construction has begun. '1'he
compliance plan shall set forth the time and
manner in which the facility is proposed to be
brought into compliance.
2. Persons responsible for facilities la".tully in
existence on April 16. 15190 shall cause their
facilities to be in full compliance with this
article ~ later than April 16, 1993. The Fire
Chief may extend this time period at the request
<:If a responsible person for a maximum of two (2)
additional years if tbe Fire Chief makes a
written determination that hardshi~. unique
circumstances or other good cause exists for
such extension. The Fire Chief may charge a fee
24
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for processing a re~~est for extension~ in
accordance with the MUnicipal Fee Schedule.
3. Persoos responsible for a facility not lawfully
in existEnce or operating or.. April 16,. 1.990
shall submit a compliance plan and obtain a
permit prior to storing. dispensing,. using or
handling any regulated material.
(f) Closure.
1 ~ C~DeraL rt shall be unlawful for any person to
abandon,. remove. or close a facility or other
area regulated by this article until a closure
plan has been submitted to and approvad by the
Pire Chief. The Fire Chief may charge a fee or
fees for reviewing and processing a closure plan
in accordance with the MUnicipal Fee Schedule~
2. Closu~e Plan. A closure plan shall be submitted
by a responsible person to. t'tie Fire Chief at.
least 30 days prior to facility closure. The
closure plan shall demonstrate to the
sa..tisfaction of the Fire Chief t.bat regulated
materials which are or have been stored r
dispensed~ handled or used in the facility viII
be transported,.. -disposed of or reused in a
manne~ consistent with public health and
saf~ty. The Fire Chief may waive all or part of
the 30 day period upon a finding of good cause.
rg} Seismic protectioo~ Persons respoDsible for a
facility with one or more stationary tanks and piping
systems used for regulated IMterials shall cause su,ch
~anks and piping systems to be seismically braced in
ac~ordance with the provisions of Chapter 16.04 (the
Uniform Building Code) of the Palo AI to Ml,.lnicipal
Code.
(h) Security. Responsible persons shall cause facilities
where materials subject to this article are stored~
handled.. dispensed or used to be secured against
unauthorized entry.
ti) Breathing Apparatus.
1. In order t.o provide for il'rInediate initial on
scene response in the event of an unauthorized
dis~harge and to provide on-scene assistance to
fire fighters and ~her emergency response
personnel, persons responsible for any facility~
where Class I or corrosive regulated ~~terials
are present shall provide a minimum of t~o self
contained breathing apparatus. Wh~n selt
contained breathing apparatus ~=lUld be
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inadequate protection due to the nature of the
gases present, other appropriate protective
e~lipment shall be p=ovided~
2. The breathing apparatus or ~her protective
equipment. shall be suitable fer use with the
material present and shall be in a ~onspicuously
marked place immediately near the area w~ere t~e
materials are present in a location that
provides safety for those expected to don the
apparatuSl~
3. A ·location that provides safety· is one which
Is DOe likely to be immediately affected by the
release of a re~~lated material.
Incompatible Materials. Responsible persons shall
cause incompatible classes of regulated materials to
be separated l and shall cause regulated ~~terials to
be separated from other incompatible hazardous
D".aterials as listed in Table Sl-110-A of the Fire
Code. Separatioo. shall be maintained by mear.s of one
bour fire resistive construction~ or by the use of
separate gas cabinets. For purposes of this section.
the term lIincompatible'll' shall mean tbose materials
list~d in the above me~tioned Table 51-1~O-A.
Leak Testing. ~espon9ible persons shall cause
containers of regulated l:Ilaterials co be tested for
leaks Unnediately upon delivery. and again immediately
p~icr to departure of su~h con~ainers fr~ facilitiES.
Testing shall be approved by t.he Fire Chief in
ac~ordance vith appropriate nationally recognized
industry standards and practices .. if any.. Appt:opriate
remedial actions shall be immediately undertaken when
leaks are detected ..
Protective Plugs/Caps.. Respocsible persons shall
cause the protective plugs and caps of regulated
materials to be in place at all times unless and until
the materials are properly placed into use.
Emergency Response Plans~
1. If the preparation of an emergency response plan
for the facility is not required by any other
law. respoosible persons sha11 prepare .. or cause
to be prepared. and filed with the Fir~ Chief .. a
~itten emergency response plan.
2. If the preparation of an emergency resfionse plan
is required by any ot.her law.. a r€:sponsible
person shall file a copy of the plan with the
Fire Chief.
" \~. \ ''c:"
{p) Emergency ~~9ponse Team.
1. "If not required to 'do so by anotb~r law .. a
~rson responsible for a facility subject to
this article shall designate" or cause to be
designated~ an on-site emergency re~ponse team
whloh shall be ca<rposed of a.., adequate number of
trained.. responsible persocs.. and which shall
serve as liaison to the fire depar~nt.
2. Emergency response team members shall ascertain
all on-site locations where regulated materials
are stored..-handled and used. shall became
familiar with the emergency response plan, and
the ~~emical ~ature of such regulated material,
shall act as fa~ility liaison to the Fire De
partment and shall be prepared to respocd in an
e!!'.ergency ..
(oj Emergency Drills.
1. R.esponsihle persons shall cause emergency drills
of each on-site emergency response team to be
conducted Dot less frequently t.han on.ce every
t.hree months.
2. Records of drills condu~ted shal1 be maintained
at the facility for t.hree years and shall be
made available for inspecticn upon request by
the Fire Chief ..
(p) An,nual Maintenance.
1. Responsible persons shall cause all safety
control systems at a facility to be tested not
less frequently than annually and maintained in
good working condition ..
2. Maintenance and testing shall be performed by
persons qtlal ified to perform the maintenance and
tests.
1. Maintenance records and certifications shall be
available to the Fire Chief upon inspection or
request.
{q) Flow Limiting Orifices and Devices for D.O.7. Poison
A. Containers for those materialS classified as
D.O.T. Poison A~ regardless of the amount of D.O.T.
Poison AI shall be equipped with a flov restricting
orific~~ yhen available from the Supplier of the
D.O.T. Poison A. If a flow restricting orifice is ~
available~ the container shall be used with a flow
limiting device.
:'1
",-.. " .
· -
91.301
. . j
"-~ -, -. ,.-.-
(rJ Fire Extinguishing Systems.
[al
1_ Except as hsreinafter prcvided s responsible
persons ISMll cause all interior and exterior
use areas atld interior storage areas and stora,ge
buildings to be protected by automatic spriLkler
systems ..
2. The design of the sprinkler systems shall be ~
less than that required under Uniform Building
Code Standard No. 3B-~ for Ordinary Hazard Group
3 with a minimum. design area of 3~OOO squ.are
fee-t.. Where the JDaterials or storage
arrangement reqyire a hightr level of sprinkler
system protection in accordan~e with ~2itionally
recogniEed standards, the higher level of
sprinkler system protection shall be provided.
3. If the chemical properties of the regulated
materials are such that. tbe materials will be
incompatibl~ ~th the use of a sprinkler system,
the Fire Chief may require alternative forrr~ of
fire pr~eceion.
DIVISION III. CLASSIFICATION OF ~TERIALS
General.
according
value.
Regulated materials shall be classified
to their Ma.terial Hazard Index i "MHI')
(b} Cla.ss I Regulated Materials. ot the materials
regulated by this article~ Class I materials ~e Che
greates_t potent:ial bazard. A regulated material which
has an Jr.mI value equal to or sreater than five hundred
thousand {SO'O.OOO) or which is classified as D.O~T.
Poison A. sball be classified as a Ciass I regulated
material.
{c} Class 11 Regulated Materials~ A regulated material
which has an MHI equal to or greater tr..an ten thou.sand
(10,~~) but less than five hundred thousand (SOC,COD)
shall be classified as a Class II regulated material.
Cd) Class III Regulated Materials. A regulated material
'Which has an MnI equal to or greater than four
thousand nine hundred (4. .. 900) but less than. ten
thousand (lO~OOOl shall be classified as a Class III
regulated roaterial~
(el Maximum Threshold Quantity ,-Max. T~Q.·J. Regulated
materials which exceed. their Max. T .0. shall be
classified one level higher than ocherwise determined
by the MEl (i.e ... Class III to Class II~ or Class II
t.o Class 11.
28
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l-f] Materials not Exceeding Minimum 'Inreshold Qua.ntity
('~..in. T .0 .• ). Regulat.ed materials which do DOt.
exceed the ~n. T.Q~ ehall satisfy only the specific
requirements established in section 91.~Ol, and shall
net otherwise be required to meet the requirements
applicable to materials classified as Class I, II or
III regulated materiale.
(g) Exempt Amounts.
1. Bxcept as provided in subsection (ll of this
section, .material which lIIould ot.het'1Mise be
regulated is ex~pt fram regulation under this
article if,
(iJ The material has an MHr less than 4~90D; or
(ii) The aggregate quantit~ of the mate~ial in a
control area does ~ exceed the Min~ T.Q.~
and the quantity of the mat€:rial in a
single vessel does n~ exceed the amo~nts
specified as follows:
D.O.T .. Poison A
~ber ~egulated Materials
l/( lb.
1 lb.
2 & Notwithstanding the exemption in subsection (1),
above l no Class I raterial, regardless Qf the
amount thereof .. is exe'mpt from the provisior.s
relating to 'flow limiting devices', set forth
in subsection 91.2'01 ~ql nor fr-om t:he provisions
relating to 'fire extinguishing systems' 8" set
forth in subsection 91&01 (r).
DIVISION IV. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS
9 1~4Dl (a) General.
1. The specific proviSions required by this
article shall be in addition to those
requiremen,ts specified in other articles of
the Fire Code. The requirements for the
use or indoor storage of regulated
materials shall be cumulative as the hazard
class of regulated material in~reases, in
accordan~e w1th the follo~in9 table!
HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS Nil) CONTROLS
KAZAAD CLASSIFICATION
Class I Includes Class 1, Class 11. Class
III.. Mini.mum Threshold Quantity
ar.ld Exempt Amount Contrcls
29
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Class II
Class III
Includes Class II, Class III,
Minimum Threshc1d Quantity and
Exe~ Amount Controls
In~ludes Class III~
Threshold Quant.ity and
Amount Controls
Minimum
Exempt
Minimum Threshold Io.cludes
Quantity
COntrols
Minimum Threshold
EXerrpt Amounts
and Ex~ k~nt
~her Applicable Statutes, Codes.
O-rdinances
2~ Exterior storage of regula~ed materials is
covered by subsection (f) of ~his secticn.
3. ~l control equipment for materials regulated by
this article shall meet appropriate nationally
recognized standards ... if any, approved by t.he
Fire Chief ..
fb) Class I Controls. Persons responsible for any
facility wbere Class 1 materials are present shall
c<X!'Ply with all o·t the requirements of this subsection
{bl and with subsections (e). (d). (e}. and (f) of
this section.
1.. Piping.
(i) Piping for Class I materials shall be
designed and fabricated from materials
compatible with the D"aterial to be
contained~ Piping shall be of strength and
durability sufficient to vithstand tbe
pres'Sure, structural, and seismic stress
and exposure to which it may be subjected,
as required by Chapter 16.02 (Uniform
Buildi~9 Code) ~f the Palo Alto MUnicipal
Code.
{ii I Secondary containment shall be provided for
piping for Class r materials. The second
ary containment shall be capable of
directing a sudden release into an approved
discharge treatment system, and shall be
monitored continually ~ith a continuous gas
monitoring system approved by the Fire
Chief. Secondary containment includes, but
is not lindted to, double walled piping.
2. Automatic Shut·off. An automatic shut-off valve
which is of a -fail·safe to close-deSign shall
30
be provided. Each of the following shall
activate automatic shut-off:
(1) Gas detection.
{ii, ~~ually. from remote locations.
(iii) Failure or" emergency po.·er.
(iv) Seismic act.ivity~ upoo a seislI1.ic event.
within 5 seconds of horizontal semisoidal
oscillation havipg a peak acceleration of
.39 (-2.9(m/sec'l and a period of .( sec·
~ds.
{v) Failure of primary containment.
(vi) Activation of manual fire alar.m.
3. Emergency Control Stat ion. Signals from
encrgency equipment shall be transmitted to an
emergency control station which is continually
staffed by trained perSonnel.
te) Class II Controls. Responsible persons shall cause
materials wbicb are classified as Class II materials
~o be provided with the cootrols specified in this
subsection (el 2L~ in subsections (d). {e) and <il of
this section.
9~ IW2 J!D !10414U,1
1. Connections..
(if Piping and tubing shall be installed. in
ac'Cor~nce -with apprOfriate nationally
recognized standards~ it any~ approved by
the Fire Chief. and shall have welded
connections compatible ~th the regulated
Ir.aterial throughout unless an exhausted
enclosure is provided.
(ii} Material which is not compatible wit.h
ferrous piping I!\ay be installed in nOD.
ferrous piping approved by the Fire Chief.
'iiiJ Wbere connections other than welded
connections meet appropriate nationally
recognized industry standards~ if any,. a
person responsib~e for a facility ~1 seek
an except.ion from the Fire Chief, by filing
a req~eEt for exception with the Fire
Chief,. which shall document the standards
and reason for the exception.
2. Local Gas Shut-off.
••
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"'-.
Manual activation controls shall
provided at locations near the point of
and nea.r the source., as approved by
i'ire Chief.
be
use
the
{iii The Fi1'e Chief may require additional
controls at other places, includiog. but
~ limited tO I the entry to the building,
tbe area in the building 'Where regulated
materials are stored or used, and emergency
cootrol stations.
(iii} Manually activated shut~off valves shall be
of -fail safe to close-design~
Emergency Power •
provid~d for:
Err~rgency power shall be
(i) Exhaust. ventilat ion. iIlcluding the power
supply tor treatment syst~s.
aiJ Gas-detection systezr.s.
(iii), Emergency alarm systems.
{ivl Tempe ra.ture -control systems which comply
~th the Fire Code~
<I ~ Excess Flow-Control ~
(il Portable tanks and cyl iooers shall be
provided ~th excess flow control.
{if) Valves shall be permanently marked to
indicate the maxim\L~ design flow rate.
5. Gas Detection. A continuous gas-detection
system in accordance with Section eO.)03(a] 9,
shall be provided to detect ~he presence of gas
at or below the permissible exposure limit. Th:;
detection system shall initi.ate a local alarm
and transmit a signal to a conti.n·ually staffed
remote location to provide an immediate response
to an alarm. The alarm shall be both visual and
audible and snall be designed to provide warniDg
both inside and outside cf the storage, use or
handl ing area~ T.oe audible alarm snaIl be
distinct from all other OIl-site alarms.
6~ Jteduced Flow Valves~ Reduced flow valves may be
utilized to reduce the maximum flow rate from
cylinders and tanks under full flow conditions.
Valve flow rates !r.ay be considered in
determining the size of treatment systems
required for a 'Worst case release_
32
7. Seismic S~utoft Valves. A seismically activat~d
valve meeting standards a.pproved by tl-.e Fire
Chief shall be provided for auto~dtic shut off
of r-egulated materials upon a seismic event
within 5 seconds of horizontal sernisoidal
oscillation having a peak acceleration Of .3~ (~
2. 94.m/sec l J and a period of ~4 seconds.
e. Class II Corrosives. Inert construction
materials shall be used for tr.e primary con
tainment of Class II ~egulated Materials which
are corrosives. Alternatively. seC'OlXlary
containment shall be provided for Class II
materials vhich are corrosives.
9. Emergency 'Jarms. When materials regulated by
this article are transported through exit corri
dors or exit enclosures.. tbere shall be an
emergen-cy telephone system or a local 1l'1.anual
alarm station or a Signaling device approved by
the Fire Chief at not more than lSQ-foot
int;ervals and at each exit doorway througnout
the transpert route. The signal shall be
relayed to an approved central, proprietary Gr
remoce station service or a constantly attended
on·slte location and shall also iniciate a local
audible alarm~
fd) Class III Controls. Persons responsible for a
faci1ity shall cause ma~eria15 Which are classified as
Class III materials to be provided with the controls
specified in this subsection [d} ~ in subsections
(el and (t) of this section.
1. Piping. valves, and fittings.
{iJ ~iping, valves.. fitti.ngs and relat.ed
components shall be deSigned and fabricated
fram materials con~tible ~th the ~~terial
to be cootained. They shall have strength
and durability sufficient to withstand the
pressure.. structural and seismiC.. and any
other stress and exposure to Which they may
be subjected.
(ii) Expansion chambers shall be provided
between valves whenever the r~~lated gas
may be sUbjected to thermal expansion.
Chambers shall be sized -to provide
prot.ection for piping r valv'2s and
instrumentation and to accornmr~ate the
expansion of re3U1ated materials.
2. Signage.
33
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(i) Stationary above ground tanks 6hall be
placarded with hazard id~ntification signs
as specified i~ fire Code Standard No. 7g-
3. for the specific material contained.
liil Signs prohibiting smoking shall be posted
in indoor storage, use and handling areas
and within 2S feet of outdoor storage. use
and handling area •.
(iii) Signs shall ~ be obscured or r~~~ed.
(iv} Signs shall be in English and such other
languages may be appl'opriate. as determined
by the Fire Chief.
ev] Signs shall be durable.
(vi) The sjze., color a.nd lettering shall 't,€. in
conformance with nationally recognized
Btandards dete~ined by the Fire Chi~f to
be applicable to the re~~lated ~aterial.
3. Inert Gas Purge System. Gas systems-fer
regulated materials sb~ll be provided with
individually dedicated inert gas purge systems
(e.g., nitrogen, helium l argon and neon).
(e) Minimum. Thresbold Quantity Controls. ltesponsible
persons shall cause materials which do ~~ exce~j the
Minimum Threshold Quantity to be provided with the
cootrols specified in t.his subsection tel and in
sUbsection tfl of tnis section~
1. Exhaust Ventilation.
(:1) Storage of cylinders snaIl be within
ventilated gas cabinets l exhausted
en~losures or ~thin a ventilated separate
gas storage room as defined in t.he Fire
Code.
(UIStorage of portable and stationary tanks
shall be within a separate ventilated room
~thout other occupan~y or use.
(iii) If gas cabinets are provided~ the roam or
area in which they are located shall have
independent exhaust ventilation.
(iv) EXhaust systems for gas cabinets~ exhausted
enclosures and separate gas storage rooms
sball be designed to handle the accidental
release of gas~ SUch ~~aust systems shall
be capable of dilutingl adsorbing.
34
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absorbing~ neutrali.ziDgr burning or
otherwise processing the entir~ contents of
the single tank or cyl inder of gas which
presents the highest ~ential hazard.
(v) Sys~ems u~ilized for such processing shall
be designed as a treatment system, as de
scribed in subsection {e} 3 of this
section. If a total containment system is
utilized. the system shall be designed to
handle the maximum anticipated pressure of
release to the system wben the system
reaches equilibrium.
2. Gas Cabinets. When gas cabinets are provided
t:hey shall be:
(i) Operated at negative pressure in relation
to the surrounding area.
Iii} Provided ~th self-closing limited access
ports or fire-rated windows to give access
to equipment controls. Tbe average velocity
of ventilation at the face of access ports
or windows shall be ~ less than 2~O feet
per minute tfpmJ with a minimum of 15·0 fpm
at any other point of the access port or
window.
(iii) Connected to a treatment system.
{iv) Provided with self-closing doors.
(v) Constru~ted of steel with a thickness n~
less tha~ 12-gauge.
3. Treatment systems ..
(i) Tr~atmeut systems shall be utilized to
process ~11 exhaust ventilation to be
discharged from ga~ cabinets. exhausted
enclosures or separate storage rooms.
Treatment systems shall be designed to
reduce tfie maxinrum allowable discharge
concentration of the gas to one-half rDLH
at the point of diSCharge to the atmosphere
as specified in subsections (e) S and 6
below.
(ii' When more than one gas may be emitted to
the treatment sy9tem~ the treatment system
shall be designed to handle the ~orst case
release based 00 the release rate, the
quantity and the IDLH for all the gases
stored or used.
3S
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... Treatmeat system sizing ~ TreatlItEnt systems
shall be sized to process the worst case release
of each gas based on the maxi~~ flow rate of
release from the cylinder or tank utilized which
presents the highest potential ha2ard. The
entire contents of tanks and cylinders shall be
considered~
s. Stationary tanks~
Ii} Stationary tanks shall be labeled with the
maximum rate of release for the gas
contained based on any valves or fittings
that are inserted directly into the tank.
(iil If multiple valves or fittings are provid
ed.. the maxint'Jm. flow rate of release for
the valve or fitting ~ith the highest flow
rate snall be indicated~ If liquefied
gases are in conta.ct with any valve or
fitting, the liquid flow rate shall ~e uti
lized for purposes of computation of t.he
maximum floW' rate of release. All flow
rates indicated 00 the label shall be
converted to cubic feet per minute of gas
at normal temperatu~e and pressure.
6. Portable tanks and cylinders.
{iJ For portable tanks aDd cylil",ders.. t.he
maximum flow rate of release shall be
.calculated ba~ed on assuming tbe t.otal
release from the cylinder or tar..k -wit-bin
che time specified in the Table b~low:
Non~liquefied
Container (Minutes}
Cylio<'lers 5
Portable Tanks 40
Liquefied
(Minutes)
tiil When portable tanks or cylinders are
equipped with approved reduced tIc ..... valves,
tbe worst case release ~ll be ceter.miaed
by the maximum achievable flow from the
valve as determined by .the valve
manufacturer 0"[' t.he gas supplier. Reduced
flow and excess flow valves shall b~ perma
nently marked to indicate the maximum
design flow rate. Such markings shall
indicate the flow rate for ai~ under
standard conditions~
36
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Gas Detection for D~O. T Poison A. A portable or
fixed ga.s cktectlon system capabl-2 of monito:dog
at PEL for each reg~lated material classified as
a D~04T .. PoisOll A stored or used within the
facility shall be provided.
{f) Exterior Storage.
1 ~ General.. Persons responsible for a facility
where there is exterior storage of any regulated
material shall comply with the provisicns of
tbis subsection Ifl and of C'napter 10.02 (tbe
Building COde) of tbe Palo ~lto Municipal Code.
2. Distance Limitation to Exposures.. Exterior
storage of regulated lrateriala shall not be
wlthin 75 feet of a building. structure 6
property line~ street, alley, public way or exit
to a pUblic way unle9~ the storage is Ehielded
by a structure which ~~s a minimum fire
resistive rating of two hours and 'Which
interrupts the line of sight between the storage
and the exposure.. The shielding structure shall
be at least five (SJ feet from any exposure.
'Ille shielding structure shall bave not more than
t.wo ·sides which shall be at approximat~ly .90-
degree directlone~
3.. Openings in Buildings Subject to Exposure. lrf"1len
an exterior stora.ge area is located withi!l 75
feet of a building~ openings into tee bUilding
~he~ than piping sr~ll not be above the height
of the top of the shielding structure referred
t.o in subsect ion (n 2 o·f t.his sect-ion or 'Wi thin
50 feet horizontally from t.he storage area,
whetber or DOt protected by a snielding
structure.
". Air Intakes. No exterior storage area for
regulated materials shall be within 75 feet of
any air inta);e~
S. Canopies. Portable t.a.nks and cylinders sta·red
outside of bu:1ldings shall be stored under a
canopy constructed of nonc~stible materials~
Su<:h exterior storage sha\ 1 not be cocsidered
indoor storage. An automatic fire-sprinkler
system, or alternative systems as determined by
the Fire Chief for materials incompatible vith
~ater, shall be provided for canopies installed
for the storage of regulated materials.
6. Stationary Tank Controls~ C.ontrols on sta
tionary tanks shall be in accordance 'With the
following;
37
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(1) Pressure-relief devices shall be vented to
a treatment ey~tem designed in accordance
with· the provisions of subsectioG (el l of
this section.
'iiI Where filling or dispensing connec~ions ~re
provid-eo... they shall be provided with a
means of local e~haus~. Such exhaust B~all
be designed to cap-ture flJlnes and vapcrs~
The exharlst shall be directed to a
treatment sy$te~ desig::led in. accordan-ce
with the provisions of this subsection (e)
3 of this section.
{iii} Stationary tanks shall be provided with a
means of excess flow control on all t.ank
inlet or ov.tlet connections. Inlet
connections that are designed to preclude
hackfl~ and pre.ssure-t:elief de-vices are
exempt from this requirement~
? Gas cabine~$ for leaking cylinders.
(il At least one -gas -cabinet or exbausted
enclosure shall be provided for the han·
dling of leaking cylinders. The cabinet or
enclosu.re shall be wit.hin or adjacent to
the exterior storage area and connec~ed to
a treatm.en-t system as specified in
subsection {e) 3 of this section.
(ii) A gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure need
not. be provided for leaking cyliooers if
all cylinders are st.ored within gas
cabinets or exhausted enclosures.
8. Local exhaust for leaking portable ta.. ... .Jts.
(il A means of local exhaust shall be provided
to capture regulated material leaking from
portable tank.s~ The local exhaust may
consist of portable ducts or collection
systems designed to be applied to the site
of a leak in a valve or fitting on the
tank:. The local exhaust system shall be
connected to a treatment system as
specified in subsection {e} 3 of this
sectioD_
(Ii] A local exh2ust system shall be provided
within or immediately adja.cent to every
exterior storage area; and within SEparate
gas storage rooms used for portable or
stationary tanks~
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IgI Tank Cars and Piping.
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1. The provisions of this article shall not apply
to tank cars which meet all requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation .. 'While such
tarJt cars are used for the transportation and
unloading of regulated material .. as such te~~
axe used in the Hazardous i·taterials
Transportation ]'ct, C9 U.S.C. Section 1801 et
seq. ·Unloading-does not include the use of
tank cars to store regulated materials.
2". The prOVisions of this article shall apply to
piping and control systems, automatic shut off
valves~ emergency control stations, gas
detection systems.. treatment systems and alarm
systems 'Used with piping which connects tank
care to facilities for the unloading and deliv
ery of regulated material .. and to tank cars used
to store regulated materials.
DIVISION V. PROVISIONS SEVERABLE
91~401 Previsions Severable.
The prO'V'I.s.l.ons of t.his article are severable. If any
provision of this article or its application t.o any person or
circumstance is held invalid$ the invalidity shall ~ affect ~her
provisions or applications of this art-icle yhich can be given
effect without tbe i~valid provision or application.
DIVISION VI. CIVIL PENALTIES
91.~Ol {a} Any person. property owner, firm or corporatio~ who
intentionally or Degligently violates any provision of
this Article 91 of the Uniform Fire Code or who fails
to comply with any order issued thereunder, snaIl be
liable for .a civil penalty which shall be not less
than five hundred dollars nor more than six thOUSand
dollars per day for each violation, ~hich sball be
assessed and recovered i.n a civil actioa brought in
the name of the people by t.he City Attorney.
(bJ In any civil action brought to seek such civil
penaltiea, and/or to obtain injunctive relief for
violation of any provision of said Article SO of the
Unifor.m Fire Code in which action the City prevails;
the court shall determine and impose r'5::asonable
expenses, including attorneys' fees. incur.r-o;d h~ tt-...e
City in the investigation and prosecut:.iG!l of the
action .
39
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Ie) &~ch remedies are in
or l1mi tony and
criminal.
-"
addition to and do not supersede
all ~her remedies. c1vil or
L5.04.145 App'ndix laB ameude4··Life Safety Requiremen~
fOE Ezl.~lnq .i9h~'1.e &qildings.
2.1 GENERAL
'M-PENDIX I-B
LIFB SAFE'IT REQUIl<EMEl/TS FOlI. EXIS'I'ING
BIGH-RISB BUILDINGS
Cal purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to provide
a. reasofiable degree of safety to persons occupying
existing high-rise buildings by req..J.iring ndnimum
standards for exit corridors. exit stairways and
elevator shafts, monitored alarm systems and ~mergency
plans.
(b) Scope. The req~iremeot6 shall apply to all high-rise
buildings constructed prior to the adoption date of
this appendix which have floors used for tuman
occupa.ncy located more than 75 feet above the lowest
level of approved fire d~partment vehicle access or
other Physical configuratio.."l that qualifies a building
as high rise by local ordinan~e~
{ct Permits Required4
1. Building permits shall be obtained as required
by the Buildin3 Code_
2~ Not less ~han ~o days p~icr to subw.itting plans
for a building permit, a preplan review meeting
shall be held" in-c:1.uding the owner's design
tea~~ building official and the chief~ to
determine the adequacy of the life-safety
emergency systems concept: for the building. The
1ife-safety emergency systems shall be reflected
on the plans for the building and become: a
permanent part of the building department' s
records. The building official aLd the chief
may r~ire sufficient documentation, based upon
engineering analYSiS" that the con~ept meets the
intent of nationally recognized good practices
and such guidelines as the building official and
chief have published.
'd) Enforcement. The provisions of this appendix sl"lall be
enforced by the chief.
(e) Compliance. ~l buildings
with the requirements of
following time periods:
40
shall be made to conform
SeC'ti~ 2.2 within the
" -
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•• ": 0" >--:-" #-
• 1. Subsections (kl. ll) and em) shall be completed
within six months of the a~ion date of this
apPendix.
2. 'The owners of buIldings affected by this
appendix or their representatives shall submit
~lans to tbe building official 5 how i n g
intended methods of compliance with Subsections
(al through (j) within six mocths of adoption
date of this appendix.
3. S-Jbsections Ie). (h). and Ii) shall be COII1Dleted
within one year of the adoption date of this
appendix.
4. Subsections (a). Co). (c). Cd). (f). (gl and (j I
shall be completed on o~ before April lr 1994.
Note: Regardless of any specific compliance date
stipulated above~ a building shall not be deemed in
violation of this appendix until such date has
e>.:pired~
(f} Exce~iocs. rne Fire Chief uay grant certain
exce~ions to the requi~ements of this Appendix I-B,
under the following circumstan~es:
i. The Fire Chief may allow the use of alternate
materials or methods of -compliance upon a
finding tbat the use of su<:h alternate zr.aterials
or methods of compliaD~e viII provids levels of
fire and life safety equal to or greater than
those otherwise required in this Appendix I-B.
2.. The Fire Chief may 'Waive individual reguireU'.e.nts
of t.his Appendix 1-8 or grant reasonable
extensions of time in which to comply with said
requirements upon a finding that such
requireme~ts arc not practical or possible p or
pose an unreasonable hardsbip_ The
determination of 'Whether compliance is not
practical or possible~ or an unreasonable
hardship, shall be based upon ao overall
evaluation of the following factors:
(i) The amount vi fire and life safety that
would be lost if the requirernects were
waived or deferred;
(il) The cost of complying with the requirements;
(iii) Tne financial ha:rdship and disr-<Jp-tion to
occupants and users of the b"\.lilding in
question;
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(ivl The type and nature of t.he use of the
building in que2~ion; and
(v) Su'ch ocher factors as in the judgment of
Fire Chief vil1 result in providing a
reasonable degree of safety as required by
this Uniform Fire Code f to persons occupy·
ing or using tbe building.
3~ The Fire Chief may grant reasonable extensioas
of time. up to two additional years, within
which to comply with t.he requirements of
Subsections 2.2 tal, (b), tel, (d), (fl, (gJ and
(j) of this Appendix I-E, upon making a finding
of hardship based upon the tactors set fo~th in
subsection i2} of this subsect ion 2.1 (fl, or
upon the agreement of the building owner that
within .aid time, the building "ill be 1001
aprinklered, as defined in the applicable NFPA
standards.
4. rne Fire Chief shall prepare written notice of
determinat ion to grant or not to grant
exceptions pursuant to -this paragrapb. The Fire
Chief shall distribute the ~ice of
determlnation in the next available council
packet; shall mail notice~ postage prepaid; to
the affected building owner; and sball V~blish
such notice on.ce in a newspaper of general
circulation not later than five t5~ days after
t.he distribution of the notice on the city
council packet. The notice shall stat.i! t.he
address and general description of the subject
property and the nature of the det-enr.ination.
The notice shall also state that the details
regarding the decision ~ll be available in the
Fire Chief~s office, and that an appeal u~y be
taken wittdn t.en. (10) days after t.he date of
?iblication of the notice.
{gl Appeals.
1. Any person agg=-ieved or affected by any
detenmination made by the Fire Chief pursuant to
Paragraph 2.l(f) of Appendix I-B may appeal that
determination in accordan~e with this Paragraph
2.HgJ.
2 ~ An appeal from the decision of the Fire Chief
shall be initiated within ten (10) days after
the publication of ~ice, as provided in
Paragraph 2.1(fJ; by the filing at the office of
-the City Manager of a written, dated appeal;
Signed by all parties named as appellants,
stating the names and official mailing addresses
42
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of all appellan~{sl participating
and their relationship to the
appealed.
in the appeal
matter being
3. The a.ppeal shall contain a statement of all
facts supporting the con·tention of tbe
appellan·t (s} and all reasons why the decision of
the Fire Chief ShoUld be reversed, modified or
set asIde.
4: • The appeal shall be acccxrpanied by a fee, as set
forth in t.he Municipal Fee Schedule for Fire
Department appeals.
5. Upon ~eceipC of any appeal. the City Manager or
designee sr~ll set a date for a heari~. SU~h
hearing s~~ll be held within fifteen (15) days
of recei~ of tbe appeal. A notice of ~he time
and place of the hearing ~hal1 be siveo to the
appellant(s) by the City ~ager or design~e in
writing. The notice shall be mailed, postage
prepaid .. addressed t.o t.he appellant. {s) at t.he
address res) listed on the appeal, or it shall be
delivered to the appellant tsl personally" a.t
leas~ ten flO) days prior to the hearing date.
If the appellant is ot.her u-.an the wilding
owner" the building owner shall also be notified
of t.he bearins.
6. The City Manager or designee tot-hoer t.han a.ny
pe~sonnel from t.he Fire Departmeat)~ shall hear
t.he appeal. At the time and place set for the
hearing" the City Matlager or designee shall
receive all testimonial~ documentary and
-tangible evidence bearing on the issues. The
City Manager or designee tnay coo·tinue the
hearing from time to time. TOe City Manager or
designee may approve. modify or disapprove the
determination of the Fire Chief. Within three
(3) workiog days of the close of the bearing.
the City 'Manager or desigr::.ee shall render a
decision in writing. The decision shall be
mailed" postage prepaid" to the appellant(s) at
the address res) listed Oil the appeal or
dp.livered t.o the appellant (s) personally. If
th~ appellant is other than tbe building owner,
the building owner shall also be notified of the
decisioo.
7~ The decision of t.he City Manager or designee
shall be final.
(h) penalty. Fal1~ce to comply with Subsection te} above
is unlawful and any person" firm or corporation,
wbether as princlpal, agent~ employee or otherwise,
o
violating any prO'.risions of the above requirements
shall be guilty of a misde~~ancr. Such person. fi~
or corporation is guilty of a separate offense for
each and every day during any portion of wbich any
violation of these requirements is COfiUY\itted.
continued or permitted by such person,. firm or
corporation.
U) Severabl1ity~ Should any section.. subsection~
paragrapbl sentence. clause or phrase of this apper~ix
be declared unconstitutional or invalid for any
reasOD, ~h decision shall n~ affect the validity of
the remaining portions of these requirements.
:2 • 2 REQUIREMENTS
faJ Automati.c Sprinklers. All requ.ired exit corridors ..
stairwells,. elevator lobbies, plblic assembly areas
occupied by 10-0-'Or m.ore persons and cQr.1II1E;rcial
kitchens shall be protect.ed by an approved automatic
sprinkler system meeting the design criteria of U.B.C.
Standard No. 38-1. One sprinkler head shall be
provided on the room side of every corridor openiDg.
(b)
EXCEPTION: Sprinkler beads may be omitted in
stairwells of noncombustible construction.
Corridor [)(x;)rs.
corridors shall
Code.
All doors opening into required exit
be in conformance with the Building
EXCEPTION: Existing 1-3/8 inc}: bonded, solid-core
~ood doors, if equipped vith self-closures, need DOt
be replaced.
(el Corridor Openings. ~l openings into r~~ired exit
corridor~ other than doors, shall be in co~forman~e
with the Building Code.
(d) Exit Stain.tays. All high-rise ~Jildings shall have a
minimum of two apprc-.::d exit stair....ays. The Fire
Chief may alloW' a minimum of one apprmred stairway
upon a finding that additional automatic sprir.kler
protection is provided that meets the spirit ~f this
Appendix and provides at least the €:quivalen·t
protection of that prescribed in this AppeDdix~
(el Exit Stairwell Doors. All stairwell doors wbich are
to be locked from the stairwell sid-=-shall
automatically unlock .. without unlatching, when the
alarm system activates.
(f) Elevator Lobby Separation. All elevators on all
floors shall open into elevator lobbies .... !" .. ich are
separated from the re.."rlainder of the building as is
/
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o
required for corridor -construction in the Building
Cooe. The Fire Chief rray vaive this requirement upon
a findins that additional automat ic sprinkler
protection is p~ovided that meets the spizit of this
Appendix and. providea at least the equivalent
protection of that: prescribed in this Appendix.
(g) Blevator Recall. All atltomatic elevators shall be
equipped for-emerg~ncy operation in conformance with
the Building Code.
(h) Fire Alarm Systems. All high-rise buildings shall
have an alarm system ~eting the re~Jirements of this
section. All required fire alarm systems shall be
designed to be heard clearly by all ~cupantg within
the buildiDg but in no case shall it be less than 60
db, or 15 db above ambient noise levers~ as ~easured
in the A scale .. within all habitable areas of the
building. All required alarm SySt2~S shall or~rate
automatically by smoke oz products of coroustiOD
detectozs ~~ by manual pull stations as approved by
ttJe chief.
(i) Fire Alarm. Supervision. All fit:e al~rm systems s1"..a.ll
be connect.ed to an approved central station or the
local fire department dispatch office in conformance
with the Fire Code as approvsd ~y the chief.
(jl Exit Ill1.mUnatioa. Exits shall be illuminated at. any
time the buildir~ is ~cupied ~th lights having an
intensity of not less than 1 footcandle at floor
level. Su.cb lighting shall have an independent
alternate sourCE of supply such as an emergency
battery pack.
(k) Emergency Plan. The management fer all buildings
shall establish and maintain a ~itten fire and life
safety emergen~y plan ~hich has' been appzoved by the
chief. The chief shall develop written criteria and
~~idelines upon which all plans shall be based.
(l) Posting of Emergen-cy Plan and Exit Plans. Copies of
the emergency plan and exiting plans (iDCluding ele ..... -a
tor and stairway placa~ding) sha~1 be posted in
locations approved by the chief.
(m) Fire Drills. The management of all buildings shall
conduct fire drills fer their staff CL~ employees at
leas~ every 120 days. The fire department must be
advised of such drills at least 24 hours in advance.
A ~Titten record of each drill shall be maintained in
the buildin9 ~anagement cffice and made available to
the fire department fer review.
45
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11.04.355 Seotion
Protection Requiremsnts.
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o
25 of Appe"d!x II·J!. added .fire
Section 2S of Appendix II-A of the Unifo~ Fire Code is
added to read:
·SBCTION 25. Fire pTotectloc. Requlrem,o:o...Jlta~ All bo.Jilders of
b'..lildings constructed aft.er the effective date Of tbe ordinance
adopting this section within the boUndaries of the hazardous fire
area (hazardous fire area· is defined as.. and inc:lude:3.. all
property located west of Interstate 280) of the City of Palo Alto
shall provide fire protection as follOws:
1. Access and adequate water s~pply for emergen~y Fire
Depar~t operations as required in Article 10 of the
Uni form Fire Code; and
2. For residential buildings, an au~omatic fire sprinkler
syst~~ designed in accordance with the National Fire
Pr~ectlon Association (NFPA Pamphlet i3-D) St~~ard
for the installation of sprinkler systems in one and
two-family dwellings~ and in mobile homes; for this
section.~ the use of approved plastic piping with
insulated hangers or others as approved by the Fire
Chief, shall be permitted.
3. W'"nen additions, alterations~ or repairs within any
twelve (12J-month period exceed fifty percent (SOl) of
the value of an existing building or st-ructure, sucb
building shall be made to conform to the requirements
of sections 1003.2.' and 1003.2.10 for new buildings
or structures. ValUe shall be determined from the
cost per square fcot table in the most Current
Building Standards Magazine, published periodically by
the Intercational Conference of Building Officials.
4. For buildings other than residential buildings ... an
automatic fire sprinkler system designe,j for the
applicable hazard class as defined in the NFPA
tPamphlet 13) Standard for the installation of
automatic sprinkler systems.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapt€t" and the
provisions c,f the Uniform. Fire Code ... whenever the lIiords ·shall· or
-must-are used in establishing responsibility or duty of the City.
its elected or appointed officers. employees. or agents. it is the
legislative intent that such words establish a discretionary
responsibility or duty requiring the exercise of judgment and
discretion.
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105.04.365 SeeHoa 5 of Appendix Ill·>. amended -Fire Plow
1equl.r_t.
Section 5,
amended: t.o read as:
of Appendix II!-A of the uniform Fire Code is
follow.:
5.1 Pire Flow Re~~irements fo~ Buildings. Tr.e ~iDimum
fire-flew require:nent; for: buildings shall be
determined by Pa.lo Alto fire Department Flow Work
Sheet .. F.P.B~ 23 (see 15.04.370 for fire flow 'Work
sheet.) ...
15.04.!61 SeotiOl18 ~ and 5 of Appendix In-B amended -Pire
Jlydrant Loc&UOIlO and "h trl.butiOll.
Sectl.OI18 3 &ad 5 of Appendix III-B of thE uniform Pire Code
U'e aze.n4e4 to re6d &. follows1
1. :Mumbe.r of 'ire Hydrants~ Tbe number of fire hydrants
shall be determined in accordance ~th section '03 .... ~
of this Cooe.
So. Diat.ri.]:)utlO11 of Fb:e Hydrants. The distribution of
fire hydrants shall be in accordance with sections
tOl.4. and 903.4.2.1 of this Code.
15~04.37Q. '.10 AJto Fir@ Depa~tmen~ Pire flaw Work S~eet_
F.P.B .. 23 is added to read as follows:
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FIRE PREYEl'<llON
fF rn Flo ...
II CODJU1U.
'C CccU")CiQI. of constructiOJl;
A -: G1-O!II!looz eta
T)?C' I Type. II Type m T.we IV
R FI. n:r. N i hr. 1'l. H!
fl FIRE FLOW: FF = 1 s.: • ...:-FF=
,. EXPOSURE HAZAR!:>. [)(stance 10 property lin<: w!ticb Inigoit be 1><.'>11 upon 0< 0",,",
buildings on same pmpeny. Ccmplelt four (4) basic sides using the table belo .... Total
'i; of <!istalu 10 exposun: all sides an~ add L'Ia! % of' 110 "2, . .,. Ois"~t
6iT = ~ plus a fa! ucfa foat ~ .<r ~,: L-
W -....... .s ... fa< ..... I0OI 30' L-
10' ., 16'" plus l' r." c.ac.Ja fool: lC' L-
.c lIr. wall ir.t 1004 CODI!itima Dtl P,It. = ~ '--Total. 'i<
fF Adjust<d :0. occup:mcy mle><po<ure llaurd =
f3 ROOF COVERING HAZARD: If ord"d1ary JOOf.ng is used wilen: iI ",ould COIlO'iDu'"
significan~, ., fire 51'''''<1. add 500 GPM" n-
o FF Adjusted for roof covering =
;;OTE: If !he 10tal fF after Sl<p #4 is 1,000 GP A Of more.
a'UlDmat5c fi.'"'t sprinklers.,.ill be JCqUire~
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15,04.310
Typo " 1 'hr. }oj
GPM
..
GPM
GPM
GPM
TOTAL
i4 Jo. UTOMA TlC FIRE SPR..Il\'Kl..ER.: If bui1ding is ~ype ] Of If consu''Uction, FF lI'_2.1 ~ reduo:'.ed by
15% cf #2. If buildlng is t:J?C Ill. N Of V coW'.rua!or.. FF ma:t be. reduced by 50~ 't/f 12,
Sobrraa automat><: .6 re sprtnk1er rej'ucUon from 14 rOf fir..:ll fF requi rerncnl
fF adJustcd fer autOln:.tlc sprinlUcr = GPM
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S,JCTIOH 2~ Tne City Couucil hereby adopts the findings tor
local amendmente to the 1994 Uniform Fire Code, attached hereto
as Exhibit -A' and incorpcrate~ herein by reference.
SSCTIQN 3. The provisions of t"his ordinance are severable.
If any provision of this ordinance or its application to any person
or circumstance is held inva11d~ the invalidity shall ~ affect
other provisions O~ applications of this ordina~~e or the
provisions hereby a~ed wbich can be 9iven effect without the
invalid provision or application,
SIC'ltON' 4. This ordinan-ce and the provisions herein
enacted are to be read in ~njunctio~ with any provisioo of State
or Federal law relating to the handling or storage of materials
herein regulated.. and is intended to supplement such State or
Federal regulation in tbe interest of public safety.
SRCTJON ~. The Coun~il finds that this project is exempt
from the provisions of the california B~vironmental Quality Act
'"CEQA-j. because it can be seen -witb certainty that there is no
possibility that the amendments herein a~ed will have a
sigaificant effect on the environment.
SRGTION E. This ordinance· sball be effective on the
thirty· first day after the date of its adoption 6 provided~ bowever6
the provisions herein enacted shall be operative fram and after
July 1, 1995
IN'I'RODUCED :
PASSBD:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
A'ITEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Manager
Senior Asst. City Attorney Fire Chief
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Findings
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The following local ~~ndments to the 1994 Uniform Fire
Code make modifications as authorized by the California Health and
Safety Code. In accordance with Section 1S.94-1.5 of said Ccde~
findings are hereby U'ade to show that weh modifl cations or changes
are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or
t~raphical conditionS4
The majority Of local amem3ments are trade strictly to_
conform to other parte of. the Palo ~to MUnjcipal Code (PAMC) or
fo~ similar sdministrative purposes.
The amendments for ..... bich findings are -made are as follows.
For specific findings, see attached narrative {Exhibit A-i).
1. PAMC S 15.04.120
Finding: This modification re?Jires larger elevators~ when
they are otherwise required. It is necessary for faster
emergency response time due to traffic layout~ See finding
3. topographical.
~. PAMC § lS.04.165
Finding: This is an administrative amendment only to
reference the Fire Department as the appropriate permitting
authority for fire exttn~~ishiog systerr~.
3. PAMC 5 lS.C4.17~
Finding: This ~'">dification requires additional
extinguishing systems in the f~hills. See findings
and 3~ cl~atic, geographical and topographical.
4. FAMe S 15.04.172
i:iDQiJ}g: Sarne as 15.04. 170.
5. PAMe S 15.04.345
fire
1, 2
Finding: This modification requires additional fire and
life safety features in existi.ng high-rise buildings. See
all fi.ndings~
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Findings for Local Amendments to the
19H Fire Code
PREAMBLB
Findings of fact:
Pursuant to Section 11959.5 of the California Health and
Sa.fety Cooe.. t.he report contained herein is submitted as the
-Findings of Fact.-document 'With regard to the adopt ion of the
Uniform. Fire Code.. 1994 Edition. and amendments. Under this
a~ing ordinance .. ~ific amendments have been established which
are more restrictive in nature than those a~ed by the State of
California {State Building Codoa Sta.ooards.. State Housing and
Community DevelopmeDt Codes} commonly referred to as California
Code of Regulations. Ti~les 19. 24 and 25.
Tbese amendments to the Uniform Fire Code, 1934 Edition.
have been recognized by the City of Palo Alto as tools for
addressing the fire prObl~~i concerns SL~ future direction by which
the authority can establish and maintain an environment which will
afford a level of fire and life safety to all who 1 ive and work
within the City~s boundaries.
Under the provisions of Section 17958.5 of the Health and
Safety Code, localameO<lmeots shaH be based upon the fol1oving:
climatic, geological/geographical, and topographical conditions.
The findings of fact contained bereln shall aOdress each of these
situations and shall present the leo::al situation which.. either
Singularly or in cc::trhination .. caused the established amendInen-t5 to
be adopted.
The district, on an average.. experiences an
annual rainfall of 16--18-. ~nis rainfall can be expected bet~en
October and April of each year. However. during the summer months
there is litt.le, if any. measurable precipitatioo.. During this dry
period the temperatures are usually between 70 o -90 c with light to
gusty westerly winds. These drying winds.. combined with the
natural vegetation which is dominant tbrougbout the area.. Create a
hazardous fuel condition which has caused extensive grass and
brushland fires. With more and more development encroaching into
these wooded and grass covered ar.eas .. wind-driven fires Could have
severe coasequences~ as has been demonetrated on several occasions
in palo Alto and other areas of the state.
Because of the weather patter.cs~ a normal
rainfall cannot always be relied upon. This can result in water
rationing and water allocation systems .. as demonstrated by the
drought years of 1ge~-1991. Water shortages can also be expected
i!l the future due to the current water storage capacities and
increased ccnsum~ion.
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2. GEOLOGICAL/GEOGRAPHICAL:
~ograph1cal L~atiog. Palo Alto is located at
the northern most part. of santa Clara County. Palo Alto is a major
focus of the "Silicon Valley." the center for an ~ndin9 and
changing electronics industry, as .ell as pharmaceutical, biomedi
cal, and senetic research ..
Seismic l«atiQn. 'Palo Alto is situated 00
alluvial soils between san iran~isco Bay and the San Ar~reas Fault
.zone.. The City's location makes it particularly vulnerable to
da.ma.ge to taller and older stru'ctures caused by seismic events.
Tbe relatively young geological processes that have crEated the San
Francisco Bay ~ea are still active today. Seismically, the City
sits between two active earthquake faults (San ~..ndreas and the
Hayward/Calaveras) s and numero';lS potentially active faul ts~
Approximately 5St of the City~s land surface is in the higb-to·
moderate SEismic ba~ard 200es~
Se1Smi c and FiSe Hazards ~ Fire [ollo'4ro-ing an
earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss .of life and
d~ge than the eart~~ake itself.
The majority of the City·s hi9h-rise structures
are located in seismic risk zones. Should a significant seismic
event occur~ Public Safety resources would have to be prioritized
to mdtigate the greatest threat~ and may not be available for every
structural fire. In such event I individual stru~tures~ including
high-r!se building9~ should be equipped to help in mitigating the
risk of damage.
situation:
Otber variables may tend to intensify the
a. The extent of damage to tbe ~ter system;
b. The extent of isolation due to bridge
and/or freeway overpass collapse;
C L Tbe extent of roadway danage and/or amount
of debris blocking the roadways;
d. Climatical conditions (hot~ dry -weather
with high winds);
e. Time of day will illfluence the amount of
t~affic on roadways and could intensify the
risk to life du_ring normal business hours:-
f. The availability of timely mutual aid or
military assistan~e;
g. Many high-rise structures are locat~d near
areas oE high fire danger necessitating
special precautions.
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• h. Transportatioo4 Palo ~to is Dissected by
a major state highway (El Camino Realj and two major freeways II-
2B() and 0: S. 101), whi.;h potentia.lly could affect response times of
fire suppression ~quipment.
i. Soil Conditions. Palo Alto lies at the
SOl,),thern end of San Francis.co Bay and is built atop the alluvial
~eposits ~hat surround the ~argins of the Bay_ The alluvium was
created by the flooding of the many streams emptying into the San
Fran'Cisco Bay depression, and from intern'll tt.ent sea water inunda
tion that has oc~urred over the last 2 or 3 million years. The
areas closest to the Bay are overlain by un~onsolidated fine silty
clay. known as Bay MUd which varies in thickness from a few feet to
as much as 30 feet. Generally .. the older more stable alluvium is
to the south and the younger less stable material is to the north.
Bedrock lies beneath the area at depth gene.:r"ally 300' or IOOI"e~
3 _ TOPOGRAPHI CAL:
The findings of fact for the topographical element. a~
~~ld be expected~ are closely associated with the geological/geog
raphical element. With the elevation changes within the district,
devel~Dt is of course following the path of least resistance~
~reating a meandering pattern. This then does ~ot lend itself to
a good systematic street and road layout~ which would pr~e easy
traffic flow. It haS., in fact, resulted in few major crosstown
thoroughfares which tend to be heavily congested, primarily during
com:nute bours and seasonal periods of the year _ Tnis creates"
barriers which reduce the response time ~f fire equipment and other
emergency services. The topography of the district is being
burdened by major stru~tures. Employment areas are throughout the
district. The people who work in these complexes have addE'd to the
traffic congestion throughout the City. thereby reducing the fire
department·s respoDse time capabilities.
Inherent delays caused by the traffic patterns to rrany
of these types of projects~ make it. necessary to mitigate this
proolem by requiring additional built-in automatic fire protection
systems., that provide early detection and initial control until the
arrival of the fire department.
As a result of the findings of facts which identifies
the various climatic. geological/geographical and topographical
ele~~nts., those additional requirements as specified in the
ame~ents to the adopting ordinance for the Unifor.m Fire Code 1991
Edition., by the City of Palo Alto area considered reasonable and
Ilecessa.cy modifications. The experience of several disastrous
fires ~it~in the City in addition to santa Clara, Monterey. San
Mateo. Alameda and Contra Costa counties have cemonstrated the need
for other fire protectio~ features. the most significant of which
~s located in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills in which over 3,000 homes
~ere destroyed and 25 people were killed. While it is clearly
understood that the adoption of su-ch regulations may not prevent
the incidence of fire., the implementation of these various
amendments to the Code may reduce the severity and potent ial of
loss of life and property. .
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