Chapter 15.04
GENERAL BUILDING PROVISIONS
Sections:
15.04.010 Adoption of the California Building Standards Code.
15.04.020 Fees.
15.04.030 Amendment of Part 2, California Building Code.
15.04.050 Amendment of Part 2.5, California Residential Code.
15.04.060 Amendment of Part 3, California Electrical Code.
15.04.070 Amendment of Part 5, California Plumbing Code.
15.04.080 Amendment of Part 11, California Green Building Standards Code.
15.04.010 Adoption of the California Building Standards Code.
A. Subject to the amendments and changes set forth herein, the following Parts of the 2010 California Building Standards Code as set forth in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations are hereby adopted by reference in their entirety including all the Appendix Chapters and shall apply as the building regulations of the city of Gardena:
Part 1 – California Building Standards Administrative Code.
Part 2 – California Building Code.
Part 2.5 – California Residential Building Code.
Part 3 – California Electrical Code, in its entirety.
Part 4 – California Mechanical Code, in its entirety.
Part 5 – California Plumbing Code, in its entirety.
Part 6 – California Energy Code, in its entirety.
Part 8 – California Historical Building Code.
Part 10 – California Existing Building Code.
Part 11 – California Green Building Standards Code.
Part 12 – California Reference Standards Code.
B. The most recent version of the Los Angeles County Fire Code, as set forth in Gardena Municipal Code Section 8.08.020, shall be part of the building regulations of the city. In cases of conflict between any provision of the Los Angeles County Fire Code and the other provisions of the building regulations of the city of Gardena, the most restrictive provision shall prevail. (Ord. 1720 § 3 (part), 2010)
15.04.020 Fees.
The city shall charge fees for all permits, plan checks, inspections and other services performed by the city relating to any portion of the building regulations of the city or any other provision of this title in an amount set by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 1720 § 3 (part), 2010)
15.04.030 Amendment of Part 2, California Building Code.
A. Section 403, first paragraph of Section 403.1, and no. 2 definition of Section 403.1.1 are amended to define high-rise building at fifty-five feet instead of seventy-five feet. The revised sections are to read as follows:
SECTION 403
HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS HAVING OCCUPIED FLOORS LOCATED MORE THAN 55 FEET ABOVE THE LOWEST LEVEL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE ACCESS AND GROUP I-2 OCCUPANCIES HAVING OCCUPIED FLOORS LOCATED MORE THAN 75 FEET ABOVE THE LOWEST LEVEL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE ACCESS
403.1 Applicability. New high-rise buildings having occupied floors located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access and new Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall comply with Sections 403.2 through 403.6.
403.1.1 Definitions. “High-rise structure” means every building of any type of construction or occupancy having floor used for human occupancy located above 55 feet above the lowest floor level having building access (see Section 403.1.2), except buildings used as hospitals as defined by the Health and Safety Code Section 1250.
B. Sections 403.4.7.2 and 403.4.8.1 are modified by moving item “2. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures” from Section 403.4.7.2, Standby power loads, and placing it in 403.4.8.1, Emergency power loads. The revised sections are to read as follows:
403.4.7.2 Standby power loads. The following are classified as standby power loads:
1. Power and lighting for the fire command center required by Section 403.4.5; and
2. Standby power shall be provided for elevators in accordance with Sections 1007.4, 3003, 3007, and 3008.
403.4.8.1 Emergency power loads. The following are classified as emergency power loads:
1. Exit signs and means of egress illumination required by Chapter 10;
2. Elevator car lighting;
3. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems;
4. Automatic fire detection systems;
5. Fire alarm systems;
6. Electrically powered fire pumps; and
7. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures.
C. Section 903.2, Where required, is hereby revised to read as follows:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be provided in the following locations:
1. New buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12, an automatic fire-extinguishing system shall also be installed in all occupancies when the total building area, as defined in Section 502.1, exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 m2), or more than two stories in height, regardless of fire areas or allowable area.
Exception: Group R-3 occupancies. Group R-3 occupancies shall comply with Section 903.2.8.
2. Existing buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and when one of the following conditions exists:
a. When the addition is 33% or more of the existing building area and the resulting building area, as defined in Section 502.1, exceeds 5000 square feet (465 m2); or
b. When the addition exceeds 2000 (185.81 m2) square feet and the resulting building area, as defined in Section 502.1, exceeds 5000 square feet (465 m2); or
c. An additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area.
D. Section 903.2.8, Group R, is hereby revised to read as follows:
903.2.8. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows:
1. New buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings.
2. Existing buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when the building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (334.5 m2) and when one of the following conditions exists:
a. When an addition is 50% or more of the existing building area, as defined in Section 502.1, within a two year period; or
b. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or
c. When an existing Group R occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building.
E. Section 905.4 is hereby amended to read as follows (addition of items 7 and 8):
905.4 Location of Class I standpipe hose connections. Class I standpipe hose connections shall be provided in all of the following locations:
1. In every required stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each floor level above or below grade. Hose connections shall be located at an intermediate floor level landing between floors, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official. See Section 909.20.3.2 for additional provisions in smokeproof enclosures.
2. On each side of the wall adjacent to the exit opening of a horizontal exit.
Exception: Where floor areas adjacent to a horizontal exit are reachable from exit stairway hose connections by a nozzle attached to 100 feet (30,480 mm) of hose, as measured along the path of travel, a hose connection shall not be required at the horizontal exit.
3. In every exit passageway, at the entrance from the exit passageway to other areas of a building.
Exception: Where floor areas adjacent to an exit passageway are reachable from exit stairway hose connections by a 30-foot (9144 mm) hose stream from a nozzle attached to 100 feet (30,480 mm) of hose, a hose connection shall not be required at the entrance from the exit passageway to other areas of the building.
4. In covered mall buildings, adjacent to each exterior public entrance to the mall and adjacent to each entrance from an exit passageway or exit corridor to the mall.
5. Where the roof has a slope less than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), each standpipe shall be provided with a hose connection located either on the roof or at the highest landing of a stairway with stair access to the roof. An additional hose connection shall be provided at the top of the most hydraulically remote standpipe for testing purposes.
6. Where the most remote portion of a nonsprinklered floor or story is more than 150 feet (45,720 mm) from a hose connection or the most remote portion of a sprinklered floor or story is more than 150 feet (45,720 mm) from a hose connection, the fire code official is authorized to require that additional hose connections be provided in approved locations. The distance from a hose connection shall be measured along the path of travel.
7. The centerline of the 2.5 inches (64 mm) outlet shall be no less than 18 inches (457 mm) above and no more than 24 inches (610 mm) above the finished floor.
8. Every new building with any horizontal dimensions greater than 300 feet (91,440 mm) shall be provided with either access doors or a 2.5 inch (64 mm) outlet so that all portions of the building can be reached with 150 feet (45,720 mm) of hose from an access door or hose outlet. Required access doors shall be located in the exterior of the building and shall be accessible without the use of a ladder. The door dimensions shall be not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width, and not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) in height. These doors are for fire department access only.
F. Section 907.2.13 is hereby revised as follows:
907.2.13 High-rise buildings having occupied floors located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access and Group I-2 occupancies having floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level fire department vehicle access. High-rise buildings having occupied floors located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access and Group I-2 occupancies having floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level fire department vehicle access shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1, a fire department communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.6.2.2.
Exceptions:
1. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Section 907.2.22 and Section 412.
2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.3.
3. Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1.
4. Low-hazard special occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1.
5. In Group I-2 and R-2.1 occupancies, the alarm shall sound at a constantly attended location and general occupant notification shall be broadcast by the emergency voice/alarm communication system.
G. Section 907.5.2.2 is revised to read as follows (addition of items 5 and 6):
907.5.2.2 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. Emergency voice/alarm communication system required by this code shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 72. The operation of any automatic fire detector, sprinkler waterflow device or manual fire alarm box shall automatically sound an alert tone followed by voice instructions giving approved information and directions for a general or staged evacuation in accordance with the building’s fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404. In high-rise buildings having occupied floors located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, and Group I-2 occupancies having floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level fire department vehicle access, the system shall operate on a minimum of the alarming floor, the floor above and the floor below. Speakers shall be provided throughout the building by paging zones. At a minimum, paging zones shall be provided as follows:
1. Elevator groups.
2. Exit stairways.
3. Each floor.
4. Areas of refuge as defined in Section 1002.1.
5. Dwelling Units in apartment houses.
6. Hotel guest rooms or suites.
Exception: In Group I-1 and R-2.1 occupancies, the alarm shall sound in a constantly attended area and a general occupant notification shall be broadcast over the overhead page.
H. Section 907.6.3.2 is hereby revised as follows:
907.6.3.2 High-rise buildings. High-rise buildings having occupied floors located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access and Group I-2 occupancies having floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level fire department vehicle access, a separate zone by floor shall be provided for all of the following types of alarm-initiating devices where provided:
1. Smoke detectors.
2. Sprinkler waterflow devices.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4. Other approved types of automatic detection devices or suppression systems.
I. Section 910.3.2.2 is hereby amended as follows:
910.3.2.2 Sprinkler buildings. Where installed in buildings provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall be designed to operate automatically by actuation of a heat-responsive device rated at least 100º F above the operating temperature of the sprinkler, unless otherwise approved.
J. Table 1505.1 is amended, by the deletion of Table 1505.1 and the addition of a new Table 1505.1 thereto, to read as follows:
|
IA |
IB |
IIA |
IIB |
IIIA |
IIIB |
IV |
VA |
VB |
|
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
a. Unless otherwise required in accordance with Chapter 7A.
K. Section 1505.1.3 is amended, by the deletion of the entire section and the addition of a new section thereto, to read as follows:
1505.1.3 Roof coverings within all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class B.
L. Section 1505.5 is amended by the deletion of the entire section.
M. Section 1505.7 is amended by the deletion of the entire section.
N. Section 3109.4.4 is amended to clarify that pool barriers which are already in the Code are scoped so as to apply on all private swimming pools and is to read as follows:
1. Amend 3109.4.4.1 by adding the following definition:
PRIVATE POOL, is any constructed pool, permanent or portable, and over 18 inches deep which is intended for non-commercial use as a swimming pool by not more than three owner families and their guests.
2. Section 3109.4.4.2 is modified by deleting the first paragraph in its entirety and a new paragraph is substituted to read as follows:
3109.4.4.2 Construction permit; safety features required. Commencing January 1, 1998, except as provided in Section 3109.4.4.5, whenever a construction permit is issued for construction of a new private pool at a residence, it shall have an enclosure complying with 3109.4.4.3 and, it shall be equipped with at least one of the following safety features:
(Ord. 1720 § 3 (part), 2010)
15.04.050 Amendment of Part 2.5, California Residential Code.
A. Table R301.2(1) is revised to read as follows:
|
GROUND SNOW LOAD |
WIND DESIGN |
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORYf |
SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM |
WINTER DESIGN TEMPe |
ICE BARRIER UNDERLAY- MENT REQUIREDh |
FLOOD HAZARDSg |
AIR FREEZ- ING INDEXi |
MEAN ANNUAL TEMPj |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Speedd (mph) |
Topographic effectsk |
Weatheringa |
Frost line Depthb |
Termitec |
|||||||
|
Zero |
85 |
No |
D2 or E |
Negligible |
12-24" |
Very Heavy |
43 |
No |
See Exhibit B |
0 |
60 |
For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
a. Weathering may require a higher strength concrete or grade of masonry than necessary to satisfy the structural requirements of this code. The weathering column shall be filled in with the weathering index (i.e., “negligible,” “moderate” or “severe”) for concrete as determined from the Weathering Probability Map [Figure R301.2(3)]. The grade of masonry units shall be determined from ASTM C 34, C 55, C 62, C 73, C 90, C 129, C 145, C 216 or C 652.
b. The frost line depth may require deeper footings than indicated in Figure R403.1(1). The jurisdiction shall fill in the frost line depth column with the minimum depth of footing below finish grade.
c. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table to indicate the need for protection depending on whether there has been a history of local subterranean termite damage.
d. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the wind speed from the basic wind speed map [Figure R301.2(4)]. Wind exposure category shall be determined on a site-specific basis in accordance with Section R301.2.1.4.
e. Temperatures shall be permitted to reflect local climates or local weather experience as determined by the building official.
f. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the seismic design category determined from Section R301.2.2.1.
g. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with (a) the date of the jurisdiction’s entry into the National Flood Insurance Program (date of adoption of the first code or ordinance for management of flood hazard areas), (b) the date(s) of the Flood Insurance Study and (c) the panel numbers and dates of all currently effective FIRMs and FBFMs or other flood hazard map adopted by the authority having jurisdiction, as amended.
h. In accordance with Sections R905.2.7.1, R905.4.3.1, R905.5.3.1, R905.6.3.1, R905.7.3.1 and R905.8.3.1, where there has been a history of local damage from the effects of ice damming, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES.” Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “NO.”
i. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403.3(2) or from the l00-year (99%) value on the National Climatic Data Center data table “Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°)” at www.ncdc.noaa.gov/fpsf.html.
j. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the mean annual temperature from the National Climatic Data Center data table “Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°F)” at www.ncdc.noaa.gov/fpsf.html.
k. In accordance with Section R301.2.1.5, where there is local historical data documenting structural damage to buildings due to topographic wind speed-up effects, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES.” Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table.
B. Section R313.1 is modified by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
R313.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinklers systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed in Townhouses as follows:
New buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings.
Existing buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when the building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (334.5 m2) and when one of the following conditions exists:
1. When an addition is 50% or more of the existing building area, as defined in Section 502.1, within a two year period; or
2. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or
3. When an existing Group R occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building.
Section R313.2 is modified by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinklers systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed in Townhouses as follows:
New buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings.
Existing buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when the building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (334.5 m2) and when one of the following conditions exists:
1. When an addition is 50% or more of the existing building area, as defined in Section 502.1, within a two year period; or
2. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or
3. When an existing Group R Occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building.
C. Section R403.1.3 is modified by deleting the exception for masonry stem walls:
In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 masonry stem walls without solid grout and vertical reinforcing are not permitted.
D. Section R405.1 is modified to read as follows:
...at least one sieve size larger than the tile joint opening or perforation and covered with not less than 6 inches of the same material.
E. Section R902.1 is amended by revising it to allow only class A or B roofs as follows:
R902.1 Roofing covering materials. Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. A minimum Class A or B roofing shall be installed in areas designated by this section. Classes A or B roofing required by this section to be listed shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E 108.
Exceptions:
1. Class A roof assemblies include those with coverings of brick, masonry and exposed concrete roof deck.
2. Class A roof assemblies also include ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal sheets and shingles, clay or concrete roof tile, or slate installed on noncombustible decks.
F. Section R902.1.3 is amended by revising it to require a minimum Class B roof as follows:
R902.1.3 Roof coverings within all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class B.
G. Section R902.2, first paragraph is amended by revising it to allow only Class A or B treated wood roofs as follows:
R902.2 Fire-retardant-treated shingles and shakes. Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles are wood shakes and shingles complying with UBC Standard 15-3 or 15-4 which are impregnated by the full-cell vacuum-pressure process with fire-retardant chemicals, and which have been qualified by UBC Standard 15-2 for use on Class A or B roofs.
H. The definition of “Swimming Pool” in Section AG 102 is amended to read as follows:
SWIMMING POOL. Any structure intended for swimming or recreation bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.
I. Section 105.2 is hereby amended by revising section 1 and adding a section 11 to read as follows:
1. 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 2 inches (52 mm) 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 above-ground pool, the barrier may be at ground level, such as the pool structure, or mounted on the 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 4 inches (102 mm).
11. If such lot or premises upon which such pool is located is vacant or unoccupied, all gates or doors opening into the area where such pool is located shall be kept securely locked at all times during such vacancy or unoccupancy, whether such pool is empty or filled.
(Ord. 1720 § 3 (part), 2010)
15.04.060 Amendment of Part 3, California Electrical Code.
A. Section 310.2(B) is hereby amended by the addition of a second paragraph to read as follows:
Copper wire shall be used for wiring No. 6 and smaller in all installations. Consideration for use of aluminum wiring can be made by the Chief Building Official for feeder lines only on an individual basis where adequate safety measures can be ensured.
B. Article 310 is amended by addition of a new Article 310.16 to read as follows:
310.16 Continuous inspection of aluminum wiring.
Aluminum conductors of No. 6 or smaller used for branch circuits shall require continuous inspection by an independent testing agency approved by the Chief Building Official for proper torquing of connections at their termination point.
(Ord. 1720 § 3 (part), 2010)
15.04.070 Amendment of Part 5, California Plumbing Code.
A. Section 604, Materials for water piping, is amended by adding Section 604.1.2 to read as follows:
604.1.2 All metallic pipe, fittings and parts of fixtures buried in the ground shall be protected by at least 40 mils plastic sleeve or equivalent wrapping. Ferrous piping shall not be permitted under floor slab within a building.
B. Section 1209.5, Materials for gas piping, is amended by adding Section 1209.5.1.4 to read as follows:
1209.5.1.4 Approved Polyethylene or other pipe material approved for underground installation shall be used in exterior buried piping systems.
(Ord. 1720 § 3 (part), 2010)
15.04.080 Amendment of Part 11, California Green Building Standards Code.
A. Section 202 is amended to read as follows:
Sustainability. Consideration of present development and construction impacts on the community, the economy, and the environment without compromising the needs of the future.
B. Section 4.301.1 is amended to read as follows:
Irrigation controllers. Automatic irrigation system controllers for landscaping provided and installed at the time of final inspection and shall comply with the following:
1. Controllers shall be weather- or soil moisture-based irrigation controllers that automatically adjust irrigation in response to changes in plants’ needs as weather conditions change.
2. Weather-based controllers without integral rain sensors or communication systems that account for local rainfall shall have a separate wired or wireless rain sensor which connects or communicates with the controller(s). Soil moisture-based controllers are not required to have rain sensor input.
(Ord. 1720 § 3 (part), 2010)