ORD 280 ORDINANCE NO. 280
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE
UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, UNIFORM MECHANICAL
CODE, UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE, UNIFORM HOUSING
CODE, UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, UNIFORM
CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS BUILDINGS,
1991 EDITIONS, AND NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE,
1990 EDITION AND MAKING AMENDMENTS TO SAID
CODES AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE.
SECTION, 1: Chapter 15. 04 of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code is amended to read:
Chapter 15. 04
Building Code
15. 04. 010. Building, Code, Adopted. Except as
hereinafter provided the Uniform Building Code, 1991 edition,
published by the International Conference of Building
Officials, including the generic fire-resistive assemblies
listed in the Fire Resistance Design Manual, Twelfth Edition,
dated August 1988, published by the Gypsum Association as
referenced in Tables Nos. 43-A, 43-B, and 43-C and Appendix
Chapter 35, 1991 Uniform Building Code, including Chapters 1,
Division I and II, 7, 10, 11, 12, Division II and III, 23 ,
Division II, III, IV, 24, 25, 26, 29, 32, 35, 38, 49, 51,
including ANSI/ASME A17. 1, 1984 Safety Code for Elevators and
Escalators, including supplements A17. 1a-1985, A17. 1b-1985,
A17. 1c-1986, A17. 1d-1986 and A17. 1e-1987, published by the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and appendix
chapters 55, 57, and 70 of the appendix to said Uniform
Building Code and the Uniform Building Code Standards, 1988
Edition including the Structural Welding Code-Reinforcing
Steel, AWS D1.4-79 (UBC Standard No. 26-8) , Structural
Welding Code-Steel, ANSI/AWS D1. 1-84 (UBC Standard No. 27-6)
and Structural Welding Code-Sheet Steel, ANSI/AWS D1. 3-81
(UBC Standard No. 27-13) published by the American Welding
Society, Inc. are hereby adopted by reference as the Building
Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
A copy of the Building Code of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk in
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, and shall be made available
for public inspection while this Code is in force.
15. 04 . 020. Building Code Amended, Administrative
Provisions Deleted. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 15. 04. 010, Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the Uniform
Building Code, except for Sections 101, 102 and 103 , are
hereby deleted. The Administrative provisions governing the
building code shall be as set forth in section 15. 18. 010, of
this ordinance. Violation and penalty provisions shall be as
set forth in section 15. 18. 020
15. 04. 030. Building Code, Amended, Fire Resistive
Roofing Required. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
15. 04 . 010, Section 3203 of the Building Code is amended to
read:
The roof covering on any structure regulated by this code
shall be Class A as classified in Section 3204.
The roof covering assembly includes the roofdeck,
underlayment, interlayment, insulation and covering which is
assigned a roof-covering classification.
Exception: Repairs of and additions to existing structures
which repairs and additions require the replacement or
installation of less than 25% of the total roof area of a
structure within one 12-month period may be made using
material matching the existing roof.
15. 04. 040. Building Code Amended, Swimming Pool Fencing
and Gates. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
15. 04 . 010, Section 1243 (a) 1 of the Uniform Building Code
Appendix, Chapter 12, Division III, is amended to read:
The top of the barrier shall be at least 60 inches above
grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away
from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance
between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be two
inches measured on the side of the barrier which faces away
from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure
is above grade, such as an aboveground pool, the barrier may
be at ground level, such as the pool structure, or mounted on
top of the pool structure. Where the barrier is mounted on
top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance
between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the
barrier shall be four inches.
15. 04. 050. Building Code Amended, Grading.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15. 04. 010, Appendix
Chapter 70 of the Building Code is amended by adding Sections
7016, 7017, 7018, and 7019 to read:
Section 7016. Storm Damage Precautions.
No grading permit shall be issued for work to be commenced
between October 1 of any year and April 15 of the following
calendar year, when the Building Official finds the work may
cause significant storm damage hazard, unless the plans for
such work include details of protective measures, including
desilting basins or other temporary drainage or control
measures, or both, as may be necessary to protect adjoining
-2-
ORD. NO. 280
public and private property from damage by erosion, flooding,
or the deposition of mud or debris which may originate from
the site or result from such grading operations.
If protective measures are required under this Section, and
grading is begun on or after November 1, all protective
measures shall be installed before grading is begun. All
protective measures shall be maintained in good working order
until April 15 of the succeeding year, where grading is done
between November 1 and December 31, or until
April 15 of the same year where grading is done between
January 1 and April 15, unless their removal at an earlier
date is agreed to by the Building Official.
Section 7017. Security Required.
A permit shall not be issued for grading involving more than
1000 cubic yards (sum of cut and fill) unless the owner shall
first post with the City Engineer security in a form
acceptable to the City. The amount of such security shall be
based upon the estimated cost of the grading operation
including all drainage and other protective devices, as
determined by the City Engineer. The amount of such security
shall be equal to 1. 1 times the estimated cost of the grading
operation and all drainage and protective devices.
Section 7018. Storm Damage Precautions, Incomplete
Work.
Where a grading permit is issued and the work is commenced
after April 15 and before October 1 of any year and the plans
for such work do not include details of the protective
measures described in Section 7010, and it appears on October
1 that the grading and installation of the permanent drainage
devices as authorized by the permit will not be completed
prior to November 1, and the Building Official finds the work
may cause significant storm damage hazard, then on or before
October 15 the owner of the site on which the grading is
being performed shall file or cause to be filed with the
Building Official revised plans which include details of the
protective measures described in, and in all other respects
follow the provisions of, Section 7010.
The revised plans required by this section shall be
I/ accompanied by an application for plan checking services and
plan checking fees equal in amount of 10 percent of the
original grading permit fee.
Section 7019. Storm Damage Precautions, Effect of
Noncompliance.
Should the owner fail to submit the plans or fail to provide
the protective measures required by Sections 7016 and 7018 by
-3-
ORD. NO. 280
the dates specified therein, it shall cause forfeiture of the
grading permit security. Thereupon, the Building Official
may enter the property for the purpose of installing, by City
forces or by other means, the drainage and erosion control
devices shown on the approved plans, or if there are no
approved plans, as he or she may deem necessary to protect
adjoining property from storm damage. The cost of such
action shall be deducted from the grading permit security.
Such a failure shall also constitute a violation of the
Building Code and may be prosecuted as provided in Section
15. 18. 020.
SECTION 2 : Chapter 15.08 of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code is amended to read:
Chapter 15. 08
Electrical Code
15. 08 . 010. Electrical Code Adopted. Except as
hereinafter provided, the National Electrical Code, 1990
edition, published by the National Fire Protection
Association, is adopted by reference as the Electrical Code
of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The administrative
provisions governing the Electrical Code shall be as set
forth in section 15. 18.010 of this ordinance. Violation and
penalty provisions shall be as set forth in Section 15. 18. 020
of this ordinance.
A copy of the National Electrical Code, 1990 edition, has
been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes and shall be at all times maintained by
said Clerk for use and examination by the public.
SECTION 3 : Chapter 15. 12 of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code is amended to read:
Chapter 15. 12
Plumbing Code
15. 12 . 010. Plumbing Code Adopted. The Uniform Plumbing
Code, 1991 edition, published by the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and
including appendices A, B, C, D, E, H, and I, and including
the Installation Standards is adopted by reference as the
Plumbing Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
A copy of the Uniform Plumbing Code, 1991 edition, has been
deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the city of
Rancho Palos Verdes and shall be at all times maintained by
said Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15. 12 . 020. Plumbing Code Amended, Administrative
Provisions Deleted. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 15. 12 . 010, Part I of the Uniform Plumbing Code,
-4-
ORD. NO. 280
except for Sections 10. 1, 10.2 and 10. 3 is hereby deleted.
The administrative provisions governing the Plumbing Code
shall be as set forth in section 15.18. 010 of this ordinance.
Violation and penalty provisions shall be as set forth in
Section 15. 18 .020 of this ordinance.
SECTION 4 : Chapter 15. 16 of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code is amended to read:
Chapter 15. 16
Mechanical Code
15. 16. 010. Mechanical Code Adopted. Except as
hereinafter provided, the Uniform Mechanical Code, 1991
edition, published by the International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and including appendices A,
B, C, and D is adopted by reference as the Mechanical Code of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
A copy of the Uniform Mechanical Code, 1991 edition, has been
deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes and shall be maintained by said Clerk for
use and examination by the public.
15. 16. 020. Mechanical Code Amended, Administrative
Provisions Deleted. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 15. 16. 010, Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the Uniform
Mechanical Code, except Sections 101, 102 and 103, are hereby
deleted. The administrative provisions governing the
Mechanical Code shall be as set forth in section 15. 18 . 010 of
this ordinance. Violation and penalty provisions shall be as
set forth in section 15. 18. 020 of this ordinance.
SECTION 5: Chapter 15. 18 of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code is amended to read:
Chapter 15. 18
Administrative Code
15. 18 . 010. Administrative Code Adopted. Except as
hereinafter provided, the Uniform Administrative Code, 1991
Edition, published by the International Conference of
Building Officials is hereby adopted by reference as the
Administrative Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
I/ A copy of the Uniform Administrative Code, 1991 edition, has
been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes and shall be maintained by said Clerk for
use and examination by the public.
15. 18. 020. Administrative Code Amended, Penalty for
Violation. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
15. 18 . 010, Section 205 of the Administrative Code is amended
to read:
-5-
ORD. NO. 280
A. No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, .
• p remove, convert, demolish, equip,
repair, move, improve,
maintain any building or structure or
use, occupy or maint y g
buildin service equipment or perform any grading in the
g .
I/
City or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary
to, or in violation of, any of the provisions of this
code or any of the technical codes.
B. Any person who violates any provision of this code
or any of the technical codes shall be deemed guilty of
a misdemeanor, and shall be deemed guilty of a separate
offense for each and every day or portion thereof during
which any violation continued or was permitted, and upon
conviction is punishable by a fine not exceeding one
thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail
for a eriod not exceeding six months, or by both such
p
fine and imprisonment.
15. 18. 030. Administrative Code Amended, Liability.
N d
otwith-standin the provisions of Section 15. 18. 010, Section
202 (i) of the Administrativ e Code is amended to read:
T he Buildin Official, or his authorized representative
(i) Building this Code and the technical
charged with the enforcement of
codes, acting in good faith and without malice in the
discharge of his duties, shall not thereby render himself
personally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons
or property as a result of any act or by reason of any act or
•p •p .y of his duties. Any suit brought
omission in the discharge Y
against the Building Official or any agent or employee of
the
City because of such act or omission performed in the
enforcement of any provision of such Codes or other pertinent
laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of
this Code or enforced by the code enforcement agency shall be
defended by the City until final termination of such
proceedings,s, and any judgment resulting therefrom shall be
assumed by the City.
The p rovisions of this section shall apply if the Building
Official or his authorized representative are employees of
this jurisdiction and shall also apply if the Building
Official or his authorized representative are acting under
contract as agents of the jurisdiction.
Such Codes shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen
the responsibility of any person owning, operating or
controlling any building, structure or building service
equipment therein for any damages to persons or property
caused by defects, nor shall the code enforcement agency or
its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming any such this by reason of the inspection authorized by this code
Y Y
or any permits or certificates issued under this code.
_6-
ORD. NO. 280
15. 18. 040. Administrative Code Amended, Appeals.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15. 18. 010, Section
204 (a) of the Administrative Code is amended to read:
Section 204 (a) In the event that an appeal from a decision
of the Building Official regarding interpretation of the
technical codes is requested, the Building Official shall
seek a code interpretation by the appropriate code writing
organization. The Building Code shall be interpreted by the
International Conference of Building Officials. The Plumbing
and Mechanical Codes shall be interpreted by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical
Officials or their designated agent. The Electrical Code
shall be interpreted by the National Fire Protection
Association. The interpretation of the code writing
organization shall govern. The cost of obtaining the
interpretation shall be paid by the applicant.
15. 18. 050. Administrative Code Amended, Expiration of
Permits. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
15. 18 . 010, Section 303 (d) of the Administrative Code is
amended to read:
(d) Expiration. Every permit issued by the Building
Official under the provisions of the technical codes shall
expire by limitation and become null and void, if the
building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced
within 180 days from the date of such permit, or if the
permittee fails to obtain an inspection and approval required
by Section 305 for a period of 180 days. Before such work
can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained, and
the fee therefor shall be one half the amount required for an
original permit for such work, provided no changes have been
made or will be made in the original plans and specifications
for such work; and provided further that such suspension or
abandonment has not exceeded one year. In such event, the
permittee shall pay the full permit fee.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an
extension of the time within which to commence work under
that permit when the permittee is unable to commence work
within the time required by this section for good and
satisfactory reasons. The Building Official may extend the
time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding
180 days upon written request by the permittee showing that
circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have
prevented action from being taken. No permit shall be
extended more than once.
_7_
ORD. NO. 280
15.18 . 060. Administrative Code Amended, Permit Fees.
Tables 3-A, 3-B, 3-C, 3-D, 3-E, 3-F, 3-G, and 3-H of the
Administrative Code are hereby amended to read as set forth
in the most recent resolution of the City Council regarding
fees for building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and
grading permits and plan review.
15. 18. 070. Administrative Code Amended, Required
Building Inspections. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 15. 18. 010, Section 305 (d) of the Administrative Code
is amended to read:
(d) Approval Required. Work shall not be done on any part of
the building or structure beyond the point indicated in each
successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of
the Building Official. Such approval shall be given only
after an inspection has been made on each successive step in
the construction as indicated by each of the inspections
required in subsection (e) .
There shall be a final inspection and approval on all
buildings when completed and ready for occupancy, provided,
however, that no such approval shall be given to any new
dwelling unit, new commercial building, or new industrial
building until there has been full compliance with all
requirements of this Code and of Chapter 3 . 20 of the Rancho
Palos Verdes Municipal Code, including payment of the
environmental excise tax provided for therein. Upon such
compliance the final inspection approval and Certificate of
Occupancy shall be issued concurrently by the Building
Official.
15. 18. 080. Administrative Code Amended, Prohibited Use
of Building Sites. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
15. 18. 010, Chapter 3 of the Administrative Code is amended by
adding Sections 309, 310, 311, 312, 313 , 314, 315, 316, 317,
318, and 319 to read:
Section 309. Offsite Geological, and Geotechnical,
Hazards. No certificate of occupancy or permit under this
title shall be issued under the provisions of this chapter
when the Building Official finds that the proposed work on,
or change in use of, the site for which the permit is
requested could activate or accelerate a geological or
geotechnical hazard that could damage other property.
Section 310. Geological and Geotechnical Hazards. Work
requiring a certificate of occupancy or a permit under this
title is not permitted in an area determined by the Building
Official to be subject to hazard from any variety of
landsliding or settlement or slippage except as allowed by
Sections 312, 313, 314, and 315. These hazards include, but
are not limited to, loose debris, slopewash, and potential
mudflows from natural or graded slopes.
-8-
ORD. NO. 280
Section 311. Geological and Geotechnical, Reports. The
Building Official may require a geological or geotechnical
report, or both, when there is evidence of geologic
instability on the subject property or on neighboring
property and such reports are necessary for proper evaluation
of the proposed work or use of the site. A geological report
shall be prepared by a certified engineering geologist
licensed by the State of California. A geotechnical report
shall be prepared by a registered engineer. Every report
shall contain a finding regarding the safety of the site for
the proposed structure or use against hazard from any variety
of landsliding or settlement or slippage and a finding
regarding the effect the proposed building, grading,
construction, and use of the site will have on the geological
stability of property outside the site. When both a
geological and a geotechnical report are required for the
evaluation of the safety of a site, the two reports shall be
coordinated before submission to the Building Official.
Section 312 . Safe Site. A certificate of occupancy or
permit under this title may be issued if the reports required
by the Building Official, pursuant to Section 311, contain
information sufficient to satisfy the Building Official that:
A. The proposed work on or use of the site will not
adversely affect property by activating or accelerating
a geological hazard; and
B. The site is not subject to a geological hazard.
Section 313 . Hazard Eliminated. A certificate of
occupancy or permit under this title may be issued only if
the reports required by Section 311 contain sufficient
information to satisfy the Building Official that all
geological or geotechnical hazards will be eliminated prior
to use or occupancy of the land or structure by modification
of topography, reduction of subsurface water, buttresses, or
by other means or combination of means sufficient to provide
a factor of safety or not less than 1.5 to 1.
Section 314. Pools and Spas. Subject to the provisions
of Section 309, a certificate of occupancy or permit under
this title may be issued for pools, spas or fish ponds with a
capacity less than 2 , 000 gallons of water provided:
A. The applicant signs and records with the Los Angeles
county Registrar-Recorder a statement in a form approved
by the City Attorney that he or she is the owner of the
real property and that he or she is aware that the
records of the Building Official
indicate the property is subject to a physical hazard of
a geological nature; and,
-9-
ORD. NO. 280
B. The applicant signs and records an agreement in a
form approved by the City Attorney releasing the City
and all officers, employees, and agents thereof from any
liability for any damage or loss which may result from
issuance of such permit.
Section 315. Outdoor Improvements. Subject to the
I/
provisions of Section 309, a certificate of occupancy or
permit under this title may be issued for outdoor
improvements including, but not limited to, patios, decks or
gazebos covering not more that 400 square feet.
Section 316. Repairs, and Alterations in Areas of
Potential Geological Hazard. Subject to the provisions of
Section 309, a certificate of occupancy or permit under this
title may be issued in the following cases when the applicant
seeks only to alter, repair, or replace existing facilities
with no change in grade.
A. MINOR ALTERATIONS OR REPAIRS OF CONDITIONS WHICH ARE
NOT DUE TO GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS BUT WHICH MAY BE DUE TO
GEOTECHNICAL CONDITIONS: A certificate of occupancy or
permit under this title may be issued when the
application is for alteration or repair or both not
exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) of the value of the
existing structure, where there is no increased water
use or enlargement, expansion, or extension of the
structure and the alterations or repairs are not
required due to damage from a geological hazard.
B. MAJOR ALTERATIONS OR REPAIRS OF CONDITIONS WHICH ARE
NOT DUE TO GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS BUT WHICH MAY BE DUE TO
GEOTECHNICAL CONDITIONS: Subject to the conditions set
forth in Section 314.A & 314.B, a certificate of
occupancy or permit under this title may be issued when
the application is for alteration or repair work
exceeding twenty five percent (25%) of the value of the
existing structure, where there is no increased water
use or enlargement, expansion, or extension of structure
and the alterations or repairs are not required due to
damage from a geological hazard.
C. MINOR REPAIRS OF CONDITIONS DUE TO UNDERLYING
GEOLOGIC CONDITIONS: Subject to the conditions set
forth in Section 314.A & 314.B, a certificate of
occupancy or permit under this title may be issued when
the application is for repair work not exceeding twenty
five percent (25%) of the value of the existing
structure, where there is no increased water use or
enlargement, expansion, or extension of the structure
and repairs are required due to damage from a geological
hazard.
-10-
ORD. NO. 280
Section 317. Expert Advice. In carrying out his or her
duties pursuant to this Chapter, the Building Official may
consult with and rely upon the advice of a certified
I/ engineering geologist, geotechnical engineer, or other person
with relevant expertise.
Section 318. Fills Containing Decomposable Material.
Building or grading permits shall not be issued for buildings
or structures regulated by this code located within 1, 000
feet of fills containing rubbish or other decomposable
material unless the fill is isolated by approved natural or
man-made protective systems or unless designed according to
the recommendations contained in a report prepared by a
licensed civil engineer. Such report shall contain a
description of the investigation, study and recommendation to
minimize the possible intrusion, and to prevent the
accumulation, of explosive concentrations of decomposition
gases within or under enclosed portions of such buildings or
structures. At the time of the final inspection, a licensed
civil engineer shall furnish a signed statement attesting
that the building or structure has been constructed in
accordance with his or her recommendations as to
decomposition gases.
Buildings or structures regulated by this code shall not be
constructed on fills containing rubbish or other decomposable
material unless provision is made to prevent damage to
structures, floors, underground piping, and utilities due to
uneven settlement of the fill.
Section 319. Flood hazards. Buildings are not
permitted in an area determined by the Building Official to
be subject to flood hazard by reason of inundation, overflow,
or erosion.
Buildings and other structures shall be placed on a site so
that water or mud flow will not be a hazard to the building
or to adjacent property.
Minor structures which are not intended for human habitation
such as fences, trellises, patios, decks, spas, pools, and
sheds may be placed in flood hazard areas provided:
A. Such placement will not increase the hazard to
adjacent property from inundation, erosion, or related
causes.
B. Prior to issuance of a permit for such minor
structure the owner shall sign and record with the Los
Angeles County Registrar-Recorder a statement in a form
approved by the city Attorney that the applicant is the
owner of the property and is aware that the records of
-11-
ORD. NO. 280
the Building Official indicate that the property is
subject to flood hazard by reason of inundation,
overflow, or erosion.
C. The applicant signs and records an agreement in a
form approved by the City Attorney releasing the City
and all officers, employees, and agents thereof from any
liability for damage or loss which may result from
issuance of such permit including damage to the minor
structure authorized by the permit.
SECTION, 6: Chapter 15.24 of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code is amended to read:
Chapter 15.24
Dangerous Buildings
15.24. 010. Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings Adopted. Except as hereinafter provided, the
Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1991
Edition, prepared by the International Conference of Building
Officials, is adopted by reference.
A copy of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings, 1991 Edition, has been deposited in the office of
the City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and shall
be maintained by the Clerk for use and examination by the
public.
15.24. 020. The penalty for violation of this code shall
be as set forth in section 15. 18. 020.
SECTION 7 . Chapter 15.28 of Title 15 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code is amended to read:
Chapter 15.28
Housing Code
15.28.010. Uniform Housing, Code Adopted. Except as
hereinafter provided, the Uniform Housing Code, 1991 Edition,
published by the International Conference of Building
Officials, is adopted by reference as the housing code of the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
A copy of the Uniform Housing Code, 1991 Edition, has been
deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes and shall be maintained by the Clerk for
use and examination by the public.
15.28 . 020. Housing Code, Penalty for Violation. The
penalty for violation of the housing code shall be as set
forth in Section 15. 18. 020 of this ordinance.
-12-
ORD. NO. 280
SECTION 8. Amendments Necessary., The modifications to the
Building Standards enacted by this Ordinance are merely a
continuation of the Rancho Palos Verdes Building, Electrical,
Plumbing, Mechanical, Administrative, and Housing Codes, and
all the changes and modifications to such. Codes, whether
previously enacted or contained in this ordinance, are
reasonably necessary because of local climactic, geological,
and/or topographical conditions.
In particular, the modifications regarding storm damage
precautions stated in 15.04.050 are reasonably necessary
because of the local climate which is characterized by hot,
dry summers, followed by strong Santa Ana winds and heavy
winter rains. These conditions, combined with the geological
characteristics of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, which includes
historic and active landslides, require regulation of grading
operations to prevent damage to occupants of other property
and users of public ways. Grading operations in the City,
which is a mountainous area that is already heavily
developed, are likely to create hazardous conditions.
Accordingly, the council finds the provisions of 15. 04 . 050 to
be necessary for the protection of the public health, safety,
and welfare.
The fire safety regulations added by 15. 04. 030 is
necessitated by the climatic conditions stated above which
make structures in the City particularly vulnerable to
rapidly spreading, wind-driven fires. The City's zoning
ordinances promote the preservation of grasslands and canyon
lands. Grass fires are a frequent and natural part of
Southern California's ecosystem. Structures located near
grasslands require additional protection against ignition
from flying embers.
The amendment of the Administrative Code stated in 15. 18. 030
is necessitated by the fact the City, unlike larger
municipalities, often obtains contract services to assist its
own staff in administering the building codes in a manner
consistent with the City's experience with local climactic,
geological, and topographical conditions and to the resources
of staff obligated to perform time-consuming inspections and
analyses required by the . City's geological hazards.
The changes effected by 15. 18. 010, 15. 18. 020, 15. 18.030,
15. 18 . 040, and 15. 18. 050 are necessary to allow the uniform
administration of the building codes by procedures suited to
the size and nature of the City's staff and administrative
agencies by means suited to the City's experience with local
climactic, geological, and topographical conditions and to
provide sufficient staff support for the time-consuming
inspections and analyses required by the City's geological
hazards.
-13-
ORD. NO. 280
Sections 15. 18 . 080 adopt specific precautions against
geological, geotechnical, and flood hazards necessitated by
the local climate as described above which makes flooding
more likely than elsewhere in the state, by the City's
III
proximity to active earthquake fault zones, including the
Palos Verdes Fault, and the existence of historic and active
landslides on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This mountainous
community has an extensive history of ground failures which
necessitates regulation of construction in areas subject to
geological hazard. New constructions or additions in an
active landslide area must be regulated to assure the slide
will not be exacerbated, and if possible, will be improved.
The factors require specific and greater protections than are
afforded by the Uniform Codes.
SECTION 9. Severability. If any subsection, sentence,
clause, phrase or word of this Ordinance is for any reason
held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares
that it would have passed and adopted this Ordinance and each
and all provisions thereof, irrespective of the fact that any
one or more of said provisions may be declared invalid.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED, this 19th • .y of ay, 1992 .
ail ,I dLk/2rT
ATTEST:
(() Ci y Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES)
I, JO PURCELL, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the
City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
ordinance, being Ordinance No. 280, passed first reading on
April 21, 1992, was duly and regularly adopted by the City
Council of said City at a regular meeting thereof held on
May 19, 1992, and that the same was passed and adopted by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: BROOKS, RYAN, KUYKENDALL, BACHARACH, AND
MAYOR McTAGGART
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
4!
Aler ,21.4.-/16,--& -----
CITY CLD , CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
-14-
ORD. NO. 280
•
LMHO PALOS VERDES
ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION NO. ORD. 280 FILE: 201
SUBJECT: ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, UNIFORM MECHANICAL
CODE, UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE, UNIFORM HOUSING CODE, UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE CODE,
UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS BUILDINGS, 1991 EDITIONS, AND
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1990 EDITION AND MAKING AMENDMENTS TO SAID CODES AND
AMENDING THE wog PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE.
INTRODUCED: 17pi "a. ADOPTED j `42. POSTED/PUBLISHED JJ27/7II.
cet
ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION DISTRIBUTION: r
CITY ATTORNEY PBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT " _/
RICHARDS WATSON, & . GERSHON ` /ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES /2'3/
--
333 SOUTH HOPE ST. , 38TH FLOOR RECREATION & PARKS
LOS ANGELES, CA 90071 CITY MANAGER
/ BOOK SCHOOL
PUBLISHING COMPANY -1 _■ HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
201 WESTLAKE AVENUE N. APPLICANT
SEATTLE, WA 98109
REGISTAR SOUTH BAY MUNICIPAL COURT
5557 FERGUSON DRIVE 825 SOUTH MAPLE AVE.
LOS ANGELES, CA 90022 TORRANCE, CA 90503
ATTN: MARGARET MILLER, ATTN: EXECUTIVE OFFICES
ELECTIONS ADM.
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
(STREET VACATIONS/EASEMENTS/ 702 HILTON CENTER
ABANDONMENTS/ NAME CHANGES/ LOS ANGELES, CA 90017
DEDICATIONS/TRAILS)
L.A. COUNTY REGISTRAR-RECORDER LA COUNTY DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS/
227 NORTH BROADWAY PUBLIC ROADS
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 ATT: CITY SERVICES
P.O. BOX 1460
L.A. COUNTY ASSESSOR ALHAMBRA, CA 91802-1460
500 WEST TEMPLE STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 SPCA
(OWNERSHIP, EXEMPTION & MAPPING DIV. ) 5026 WEST JEFFERSON BLVD.
LOS ANGELES, CA 90717
SO. CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY
22741 HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD
TORRANCE, CA 90501 STATION COMMANDER
26123 NABONNE AVE.
SO. CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY LOMITA, CA 90717
P.O. BOX 2944
TORRANCE, CA 90509 T.M. CABLEVISION
31244 P.V. DRIVE WEST, SUITE 207
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY RA HO PALOS VERDES, CA 90274
5837 CREST ROAD WEST
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA 90274 INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES
LIBRARY, 109 MOSES HALL
GENERAL TELEPHONE COMPANY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA c/2-217.A.
22715 HAWTHORNE BLVD. BERKELEY, CA 94720
TORRANCE, CA 90509 / )(q)0/POSTED AT THE FOLLOWING: (1) Ladera
inda, R.P�.V. Park, He s sE park,
PACIFIC TELEPHONE COMPANY ' ' City Hall, U.S. Post Office,
19310 GATEWAY DRIVE, ROOM 208 Fire Station Miraleste Plaza.
TnRRAATrT rA 4f c f 7