ORD 312 ORDINANCE NO. 312
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, VOLUMES 1, 2, AND 3, THE
UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE, THE UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE, THE
UNIFORM HOUSING CODE, THE UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND THE
UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS BUILDINGS, 1994
EDITIONS, AND THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1993 EDITION; 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. A. Except as hereinafter provided, the
Uniform Building Code, 1994 Edition, Volumes 1, 2 and 3, published by the
International Conference of Building Officials, including the generic fire-resistive
assemblies listed in the Fire Resistance Design Manual, Thirteenth Edition, dated April
1992, published by the Gypsum Association as referenced in Tables Nos. 7-A, 7-B,
and 7-C and 1994 Uniform Building Code, including Chapters 1 through 35, and
Appendix Chapters 3 Division II, 11, 15, 18, 29, 30, 31 Division III, 33 and 34,
including ANSI/ASME A17.1, 1987, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators,
including Supplements A-17.1 a-1988, A17.1 b-1989, and ANSI/ASME Al 7.3a-1986,
Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators, including Supplement
Al 7.3a-1989, published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and
including the Structural Welding Code-Reinforcing Steel, AWS D1 .4-92 (U.B.C.
Standard 19-2), and the American National Standard for Accessible and Useable
Buildings and Facilities A117.1-1992, published by the Council of American Building
Officials as modified or amended in the Uniform Building Code referenced herein, is
hereby adopted by reference and shall constitute the Building Code of the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
B. In the event of any conflict between a provision of the Uniform Building
Code, 1994 Edition, and a provision applicable to cities of the California Building
Code, 1995 Edition, as contained in Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, the provision of the California Building Code shall prevail.
C. A copy of the Uniform Building Code, 1994 Edition, has been deposited in
the office of the City Clerk in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, and shall be at all
times maintained by said Clerk for use and examination by the public.
15.04.020. Building Code Amended, Administrative Provisions Deleted.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010 of this Chapter, Chapter 1 of
the Building Code, except for Section 101, is hereby deleted. The administrative
provisions governing the Building Code shall be as set forth in the Administrative
Code, as adopted in Section 15.18.010 of this Title. Violation and penalty provisions
shall be as set forth in Section 205 of the Administrative Code, as amended in
Section 15.18.040 of this Title.
15.04.030. Building Code Amended. Fire Resistive Roofing Required.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010 of this Article, Section 1503 of
the Building Code is amended to read:
SECTION 1503 - ROOF-COVERING REQUIREMENTS
The roof covering on any structure regulated by this code shall be Class A as
classified in Section 1504.
The roof covering assembly includes the roof deck, 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. Seismic Safety Requirements.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.04.010 of this Article, the Building
Code is amended as follows:
A. Section 106.3.3 of the Building Code is amended by adding the following
to read:
Plans and specifications shall show the lateral force resisting systems of each
structure, and elevations and detail references showing applicable conditions
for shear walls, frames, etc.
B. Section 1628.11 of the Building Code is added to read:
1628.11 Open/Soft Story Design. Column deflection shall be limited to
0.005H, where "H" is story height.
C. Section 2307.5 of the Building Code is added to read:
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Page 2 of 17
2307.5 Cantilevered Columns. "K" =2.1 shall be used as the buckling factor
for the design of cantilevered columns.
D. Section 2311 .2 of the Building Code is amended by adding the following
language to read:
Hold-down connection bolts/nuts shall be torqued 1/2 turn beyond finger tight
or as otherwise required by manufacturer. The following note shall be made
on plans: "Inspector to verify by random inspection prior to covering walls."
E. Section 2311 .2.1 of the Building Code is added to read:
2311.2.1 Bolt holes. All bolt-holes shall be 1/16 inch (maximum) over-sized
at the connection of hold-down to posts. The following note shall be made on
plans: "Inspectors to Verify."
F. Section 2314.1 is amended by adding the following language to read:
The principle of rotation to distribute shear forces shall not be permitted.
G. Table 23-I-K-1 of the Building Code is amended as follows:
1 . The allowable values for plywood shear walls shall be reduced to
seventy-five percent (75%) of the shear values listed in Table 23-I-K-1 of the Uniform
Building Code; and
2. The ratio "h/d" shall be limited to 2:1; and
3. Three inch (3") thick boundary and panel edge members for all
plywood shear walls with shear values exceeding 300 pounds per foot shall be
required; and
4. Minimum 1/2 inch edge distance for nailing at the 3-X boundary and
panel edge-members of these shear walls shall be required.
H. Table 25-I of the Building Code is amended as follows:
1 . The allowable shear values for portland cement plaster (stucco) shall
be reduced as follows:
a. The allowable shear value shall be reduced to 90 pounds per
foot; and
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b. The ratio "h/d" shall be limited to 1; and
c. The required minimum nail size shall be No. 11 gage, 1 1/2
inch long, galvanized nails with lath furred to 1/4 inch. Staples and
self-furring lath shall not be permitted .
2. The allowable shear values for gypsum sheathing board and gypsum
wall board (1/2 inch or 5/8 inch thickness) (drywall) shall be reduced as follows:
a. The allowable shear value shall be reduced to 30 pounds per
foot (for both blocked and unblocked shear walls); and
b. The maximum nail spacing shall be 7 inches; and
c. The ratio "h/d" shall be limited to 1 .
3. Frame wall assemblies constructed of portland cement plaster,
gypsum sheathing board, or gypsum wall board carrying loads at the ground floor of
multi-level buildings shall not be permitted.
15.04.050. Building Code Amended, Grading., Notwithstanding the provisions
of Section 15.04.010 of this Article, Appendix Chapter 33 of the Building Code is
amended by adding Section 3319 to read:
SECTION 3319 - STORM DAMAGE PRECAUTIONS
3319.1 General. 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 a 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 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, all protective measures
shall be installed on or before November 1, or, if grading is begun after
November 1, before grading is begun. All protective measures shall be
maintained in good working order until April 15 of the following calendar year,
where grading is done between November 1 and December 31, or until April
15 of the same calendar 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.
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3319.2 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.
3319.3 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 3319.1, 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 3319.1 .
The revised plans required by this section shall be accompanied by an
application for plan checking services and plan checking fees equal in amount
of 10 percent of the original grading permit fee.
3319.4 Effect of Noncompliance. Should the owner fail to submit the plans or
fail to provide the protective measures required by Sections 3319.1 and
3319.3 by 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 15.18.040 of this
Title.
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. A. Except as hereinafter provided, the
National Electrical Code, 1993 Edition, including the appendices thereto, published
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by the National Fire Protection Association, is hereby adopted by reference and shall
constitute the Electrical Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The administrative
provisions governing the Electrical Code shall be as set forth in the Administrative
Code, as adopted in Section 15.18.010 of this Title. Violation and penalty provisions
shall be as set forth in Section 205 of the Administrative Code, as amended in
Section 15.18.040 of this Title.
B. In the event of any conflict between a provision of the National Electrical
Code, 1993 Edition, and a provision applicable to cities of the California Electrical
Code, 1994 Edition, as contained in Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, the provision of the California Electrical Code shall prevail.
C. A copy of the National Electrical Code, 1993 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. A. The Uniform Plumbing Code, 1994
Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical
Officials, including appendices A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J and including the
Installation Standards, is hereby adopted by reference and shall constitute the
Plumbing Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
B. In the event of any conflict between a provision of the Uniform Plumbing
Code, 1994 Edition, and a provision applicable to cities of the California Plumbing
Code, 1995 Edition, as contained in Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, the provision of the California Plumbing Code shall prevail.
C. A copy of the Uniform Plumbing Code, 1994 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 of this Chapter, Part I of the
Uniform Plumbing Code, except for Sections 101 .1, 101 .2 and 101 .4, is hereby
deleted. The administrative provisions governing the Plumbing Code shall be as set
forth in the Administrative Code, as adopted in Section 15.18.010 of this Title.
Violation and penalty provisions shall be as set forth in Section 205 of the
Administrative Code, as amended in Section 15.18.040 of this Title.
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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. A. Except as hereinafter provided, the
Uniform Mechanical Code, 1994 Edition, published by the International Conference
of Building Officials and the International Association of Building and Plumbing
Officials, including appendices A, B, C, and D, is hereby adopted by reference and
shall constitute the Mechanical Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
B. In the event of any conflict between a provision of the Uniform Mechanical
Code, 1994 Edition, and a provision applicable to cities of the California Mechanical
Code, 1995 Edition, as contained in Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, the provision of the California Mechanical Code shall prevail.
C. A copy of the Uniform Mechanical Code, 1994 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 of this Chapter, Chapter 1 of
the Mechanical Code, except Sections 101 and 102, is hereby deleted. The
administrative provisions governing the Mechanical Code shall be as set forth in the
Administrative Code, as adopted in Section 15.18.010 of this Title. Violation and
penalty provisions shall be as set forth in Section 205 of the Administrative Code, as
amended in Section 15.18.040 of this Title.
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. A. Except as hereinafter provided,
the Uniform Administrative Code, 1994 Edition, published by the International
Conference of Building Officials, is hereby adopted by reference and shall constitute
the Administrative Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
B. A copy of the Uniform Administrative Code, 1994 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.
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15.18.020. Administrative Code Amended. Liability., Notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this Chapter, Section 202.9 of the Administrative
Code is amended to read:
202.9 Liability. A. The Building Official, or his or her authorized representative
charged with the enforcement of this Code and the technical codes, acting in
good faith and without malice in the discharge of his or her duties, shall not
thereby be rendered personally liable, nor shall the City be vicariously liable, for
any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act or
omission or by reason of any act or omission in the discharge of his or her
duties.
B. Any suit brought against the Building Official or other 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 City shall be defended by the City
until final termination of such proceedings, and any judgment resulting
therefrom, other than punitive damages, shall be assumed by the City. The
provisions of this paragraph B shall apply only if the Building Official, or his or
her authorized representative, is an employee of the City.
C. 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 City or any of City's agents or
employees be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspections
authorized by this Code or any permits or certificates issued under this Code.
15.18.030. Administrative Code Amended. Appeals. Notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 15.18 010 of this Chapter, Section 204 of the Administrative
Code is amended to read:
SECTION 204 - APPEALS
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 and Mechanical Codes shall be interpreted by the International
Conference of Building Officials. The Plumbing Code shall be interpreted by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials or its 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.
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15.18.040. Administrative Code Amended. Violations and Penalties.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this Chapter, Section 205 of
the Administrative Code is amended to read:
SECTION 205 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
205.1 Violations. No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move,
improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any
building, structure or building service equipment or perform any grading in the
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.
205.2 Penalties. 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 as set forth in Section 1 .08.010 of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code.
15.18.050 Administrative Code Amended, Expiration of Permits.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this Chapter, Section 303.4
of the Administrative Code is amended to read:
303.4 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,
or if the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned
at any time after the work is commenced 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
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prevented action from being taken. No permit shall be extended more than
once.
15.18.060. Administrative Code Amended, Permit Fees. Notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this Chapter, 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, elevator and grading permits, inspections and plan reviews.
15.18.070. Administrative Code Amended, Required Building Inspections.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this Chapter, Section 305.4
of the Administrative Code is amended to read:
305.4 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 in subsection 305.5.
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.
15.18.071 Administrative Code Amended, Certificate of Occupancy.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this Chapter, Section 309.1
of the Administrative Code is amended to read:
309.1 Use and Occupancy. Buildings or structures shall not be used or
occupied nor shall a change in the existing occupancy classification of a
building or structure or portion thereof be made until the building official has
issued a certificate of occupancy therefore as provided herein.
Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval
of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the
jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the
provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be
valid.
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15.18.080. Administrative Code Amended. Prohibited Use of Building Sites.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15.18.010 of this Chapter, Chapter 3 of
the Administrative Code is amended by adding Sections 310, 311, and 312 to read:
310 - GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS
310.1 Offsite Geotechnical and Geological 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.
310.2 Geological and Geotechnical Hazards. Work requiring a certificate of
occupancy or 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 310.4 through 310.8.
These hazards include, but are not limited to, loose debris, slopewash, and
potential mudflows from natural or graded slopes.
310.3 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 civil 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 coordinating before submission to the Building Official.
310.4 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
310.3, 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.
310.5 Hazard Eliminated. A certificate of occupancy or permit under this title
may be issued only if the reports required by Section 310.3 contain sufficient
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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
of not less than 1 .5.
310.6 Pools and Spas. Subject to the provision of Section 310.1, 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
B. The applicant signs and records an agreement in a form approved 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.
310.7 Outdoor Improvements. Subject to the provisions of Section 310.1, 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 than 400 square feet.
310.8 Repairs and Alterations in Areas of Potential Geological Hazard. Subject
to the provisions of Section 310.1, 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 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 310.6, a certificate
of occupancy or permit under this title may be issued when the application is
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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 the 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 310.6, 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.
310.9 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 engineering geologist, geotechnical engineer, or other person with
relevant expertise.
SECTION 311 - 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
recommendation 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 312 - 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.
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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 the Building Official indicate that the
property is subject to flood hazard by reason of inundation, overflow, or
erosion; and
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.
A. Except as hereinafter provided, the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings, 1994 Edition, prepared by the International Conference of Building Officials,
is hereby adopted by reference and shall constitute the Dangerous Buildings Code of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
B. A copy of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings,
1994 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. Dangerous Buildings Code. Penalty for Violation., The penalty for
violation of the Dangerous Buildings Code shall be as set forth in Section 205 of the
Administrative Code, as amended in Section 15.18.040 of this Title.
Ordinance No. 312
Page 14 of 17
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 A. Except as hereinafter
provided, the Uniform Housing Code, 1994 Edition, published by the International
Conference of Building Officials, is adopted by reference and shall constitute the
Housing Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
B. A copy of the Uniform Housing Code, 1994 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 205 of the Administrative Code, as
amended in Section 15.18.040 of this Title.
Section 8: The modifications to the State 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 are reasonably
necessary because of the local climate which is characterized by not, 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 an earthquake fault and historic and active landslides, require regulation of
grading operations to prevent damage to persons, property and public ways. Grading
operations in the City, which is a hilly area with steep canyons, a substantial portion
of which is already heavily developed, are likely to create hazardous conditions.
Accordingly, the Council finds such modifications to be necessary for the protection
of the public health, safety, and welfare.
The modifications regarding fire safety are 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 and participation in the
Natural Communities Conservation Planning program promote the preservation of
coastal sage scrub habitat. Grass fires are a frequent and natural part of Southern
California's ecosystem, including areas adjacent to the coast. Structures located near
coastal sage scrub require additional protection against ignition from flying embers.
Ordinance No. 312
Page 15 of 17
The modifications regarding administrative provisions are necessary to allow the
uniform administration of the technical 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 climatic, geological, and topographical conditions and to provide
sufficient staff support for the time-consuming inspections and analyses required by
the City's geological hazards.
The modifications regarding geological, geotechnical, and flood hazards are
necessitated by the local climate as described above which makes flooding more likely
than elsewhere in the state, by the City's proximity to active earthquake fault zones,
including the Palos Verdes Fault, and existence of historic and active landslides on the
Palos Verdes Peninsula. This hilly community has an extensive history of ground
failures which necessitates regulation of construction in areas subject to geological
hazard. New construction or additions in an active landslide area must be regulated
to assure the slide will not be exacerbated, and if possible, will be improved.
Section 9: All inconsistencies between the Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical
Code and Plumbing Code, as adopted by this Ordinance, and Parts 2, 3, 4 and 5 of
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations are changes, modifications,
amendments, additions or deletions thereto authorized by California Health and Safety
Sections 17858 and 17858.7.
Section 10: The numbering of the 1994 editions of the Uniform Building Code,
Uniform Mechanical Code, and Uniform Plumbing Code has been completely revised
from earlier editions. All references to the Building Code or Mechanical Code in the
sections of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code which are not amended by this
or a subsequently enacted ordinance shall refer instead to the appropriate section or
sections of the 1994 editions of the Uniform Building Code and Uniform Mechanical
Code as determined by the 1991/1994 Cross-Reference Directory to the Uniform
Building Code and Uniform Mechanical Code published by the International
Conference of Building Officials. All references to the Plumbing Code in sections of
the Rancho Palos Municipal Code which are not amended by this or a
subsequently enacted ordinance shall refer instead to the appropriate section or
sections of the 1994 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code as determined by the
Format Comparison Chart located at the beginning of the 1994 edition of the Uniform
Plumbing Code.
Section 11 : If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, part or portion of
this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any 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 section, subsection, sentence, clause,
phrase, part or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more of said
Ordinance No. 312
Page 16 of 17
sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, parts or portions may be declared
invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 12: The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and shall
cause the same to be published in the manner prescribed by law, and shall further file
a copy of this ordinance with the Department of Housing and Community
Development of the State of California.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 8th day of January, 1996.
Afti
ayor
ATTEST:
f
,
si►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. 312, passed first reading on
December 19, 1995, was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of said
City at a regular meeting thereof held on January 8, 1996, and that the same was
passed and adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES: McTAGGART, BYRD, FERRARO, HOLLINGSWORTH, AND
MAYOR LYON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ITY CLERK
Ordinance No. 312
Page 17 of 17
ORDINANCE NO. 312
44
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
The undersigned, being first duly sworn, deposes and
says:
That at all times herein mentioned, she was and now is
the appointed City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes;
That on 1/17/96 , she caused to be
posted the following document entitled:
• ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, VOLS 1 , 2 , and 3, THE
UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE, THE ON • 4' • i ' : • P =:RM HOUSING
CODE, THE UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND THE UNIFORM CODE FOR ,THE
ABATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS BLI , • l , . . . . . . . . . . .
a copy of which is attached hereto, in the following
locations:
City Hall Los Angeles County Fire Station
30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Miraleste Station
Rancho Palos Verdes 4000 Miraleste Plaza
Rancho Palos Verdes
U. S. Post Office
28649 S. Western Ave. Ladera Linda Community Center
Rancho Palos Verdes , 32201 Forrestal Drive
Rancho Palos Verdes
Hesse Park
29301 Hawthorne 'Blvd. Rancho Palos Verdes Park
Rancho Palos Verdes 30359 Hawthorne Blvd. ,
Rancho Palos Verdes
I certify under penalty of perjury that th foregoing is a
true and correct affidavit of posting.
p
•
ITY CLERK
3
30940 HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD / RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA 90274.5391 i (213) 377-0360