Chapter 15.04
CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE1
Sections:
15.04.010 Adoption by reference.
15.04.020 Copies on file.
15.04.030 Amendments made in the California Building Code.
15.04.010 Adoption by reference.
The California Building Code, 2010 Edition, Volumes 1 and 2, Chapter 1, Division II and Appendix I published by the International Code Council is adopted by reference the same as though fully set forth in this chapter.
A. Section 105.3.2 of Chapter 1, Division II is amended to read as follows:
An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned six (6) months after the date of filing unless such application has been pursued in good faith, or a permit has been issued; except that the building official is authorized to grant one extension of six (6) months. The extension shall be requested in writing and justified cause demonstrated. Whatever the case, a permit application is valid for a maximum one (1) year after which time the application expires and a new plan review fee must be paid. The code in effect at the time the newest application is made shall be the code that is enforced.
B. Section 105.5 (Building Permit) of Chapter 1, Division II is amended to read as follows:
Building Permit. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within six (6) months after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of six (6) months after the time the work is commenced. The permit will remain valid for a total of two (2) years from the date of the permit issuance. If the work becomes invalid, a new permit must be issued and the permit fees paid as per the city fee schedule for the amount of work required to finish the job.
C. Chapter 1, Division II, Subsection 107.6 (Standard plans) is added to read as follows:
106.1.1 – Standard plans. The building official may approve a set of plans for a building or structure as a “standard plan,” provided the applicant has made proper application, submitted complete sets of plans, and paid the plan checking fee as required by Benicia Municipal Code Chapter 15.26. When it is desired to use an approved “standard plan” for an identical structure, three plot plans shall be submitted, and a plan-checking fee equal to one-half of the full plan-checking fee required by Benicia Municipal Code Chapter 15.26 shall be paid at the time application is made for such identical structure. Such duplicate plans shall be compared, stamped, and kept on the job as required by California Building Code Appendix 106.3.1. In case of any deviation whatsoever from this standard plan, complete plans, together with a full plan-checking fee, shall be submitted for the proposed work, as required by California Building Code Appendix Section 106.1. Standard plans shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of approval. This period may be extended by the building official when there is evidence that the plan may be used again. The code in effect when the plan review application is submitted and the plan review fee paid shall be the governing code.
D. Appendix Chapter 1, Section 113.1 (Unlawful Act). Chapter 1, Division II, Section 114.5 – Violation a Public Nuisance, is added to read as follows:
It is declared that any violation of this code, the CPC, CMC, CEC or other state building codes constitutes a public nuisance. In addition to any other remedies this code provides for enforcement, the city may bring civil suit to enjoin violation of its provisions.
(Ord. 10-05 § 1; Ord. 08-08 § 1).
15.04.020 Copies on file.
One copy of the California Building Code and Appendix as adopted by BMC 15.04.010, and all amendments thereto, shall be kept on file in the building official’s office for inspection by the public. (Ord. 10-05 § 1; Ord. 08-08 § 1).
15.04.030 Amendments made in the California Building Code.
The California Building Code is amended and changed in the following respects:
A. Section 202 of Chapter 2 (Definitions) is amended to add the following definition to read as follows:
Pool: Any outside body of water created by artificial means, any portion of which exceeds eighteen inches (18") in depth.
B. Section 501.2 of Chapter 5 (General building heights and areas) is amended to read as follows:
1. Address numbers. Apartment, Condominium and Townhouse Complexes – An illuminated, diagrammatic representation of the complex shall be installed at the primary vehicular and walkway entrance to each complex. This diagram shall be of sufficient size to be easily visible from said vehicular and walkway entrance.
a. An apartment, condominium, or townhouse complex shall be defined as a group of three or more separate, non-connecting buildings, all located on common ground where each building contains two or more living units.
b. Each building shall be marked at a location clearly visible from the nearest vehicular access with the street address, building number/letter and numbers of units located in that building.
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Example: |
2237 Address |
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Bldg. “B” Building designation |
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Units 1 – 8 Units in building |
Minimum numeral size shall be 6" high with a stroke of 1" and shall contrast with the background.
2. Commercial – Individual units shall be addressed front and back. Minimum numeral size shall be 6" high with a stroke of 1" and shall contrast with the background. Units with entrances on both the front and rear of the building shall have identical addresses at both locations.
3. Industrial – Individual units within a building shall be addressed front and back. Individual buildings shall be marked at a point clearly visible from the street. Minimum numeral size shall be 12" high with a 3" wide stroke and shall contrast with the background. Units with entrances on both the front and rear of the building shall have identical addresses at both locations.
4. Lighting of building addresses – The building address for all new buildings constructed after the date of this ordinance shall be automatically lighted at night.
C. Subsection 1505.1.5 (Shingles and shakes) is added to Chapter 15 (Roofing) of the California Building Code to read as follows:
Shingles and shakes. All new roof coverings shall be a class B or better roof covering assembly as defined by CBC 1505.6.
D. Subsection 1910.1.1 (Minimum slab thickness) is added to Chapter 19 (Concrete) of the California Building Code to read as follows:
Minimum slab thickness. A minimum of four inches (4") of gravel and 4” of concrete shall be required under all non-engineered concrete floor slabs supported directly on the ground in all occupancies except “M” occupancies that are not attached to another structure. Non-engineered concrete floor slabs on grade shall be reinforced with deform reinforcing bars not less than three-eighths inch (3/8") at twenty-four inches (24") each way.
E. Subsection 2111.14 (Wood burning stove appliances) is added to Chapter 21 (Masonry) of the California Building Code to read as follows:
Wood burning stove appliances. Any new wood-burning appliance must be one of the following:
1. A pellet-fueled wood device;
2. A U. S. EPA Phase II certified device; or
3. A low mass fireplace, masonry heater or other wood burning device of a make and model that meets EPA emission targets and has been approved in writing by the air pollution control officer of the bay area air quality management district or the designee thereof.
F. Section 3109 (Pools) is added to Chapter 31 (Special construction) of the California Building Code to read as follows:
Pools.
1. Any body of water to which a permit is issued after March 19, 1998, shall comply with the following: An outdoor swimming pool, spa, hot tub or manmade body of water such as decorative fountains or ponds over 18" deep, shall be provided with a barrier that shall be installed, inspected and approved prior to plastering or filling with water. The barrier shall comply with the following:
a. 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 pool. The vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall not be more than 2 inches measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. Any decorative design work on the side away from the swimming pool, such as protrusions, indentations or cutouts, which render the barrier easily climbable, is prohibited.
b. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4" diameter sphere.
c. Chain link fences used as the barrier shall be substantial and shall not be less than 11 gage.
d. Access gates shall comply with the requirements of Items a. through c. Pedestrian access gates shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device with the latching service at least 60" above grade. Pedestrian gates shall swing away from the pool area. Any gates other than pedestrian access gates shall be equipped with attached lockable hardware or padlocks and shall remain locked at all times when not in use. This gate must have only occasional use.
e. All doors of a dwelling or garage providing direct access to the water area shall provide a separation fence and gate meeting the requirements of Items a, b, c and d.
EXCEPTION: When approved by the building official, one of the following may be used:
i. Self-closing and self-latching devices installed on all doors with direct access to the pool with the release mechanism located a minimum of 60 inches (1,372 mm) above the floor.
ii. An alarm shall be installed on all doors with direct access from the living area of the dwelling to the pool. The alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 seconds immediately after the door and its screen, if present, are opened, and be capable of providing a sound pressure level of not less than 85 dba when measured indoors at 10 feet (3,048 mm). The alarm shall automatically reset under all conditions. The alarm system shall be equipped with a manual device, such as a touchpad or switch to temporarily deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivations shall last no longer than 15 seconds. The deactivation switch shall be located at least 60 inches (1,524 mm) above the threshold of the door.
iii. Hot tubs or spas with locking safety covers complying with ASTM-ES 13-89 shall be considered in compliance with Pool Enclosure Requirements.
Indoor Swimming Pool. For an indoor swimming pool, protection shall comply with the requirements of Item e.
2. Any pool, spa or hot tub for which a building permit was issued prior to March 19, 1998, shall comply with the following. Every swimming pool shall be completely enclosed by a wall, fence or other substantial structure not less than four feet (4') in height measured on the outside of the enclosure. No openings other than doors and gates with any dimension greater than four inches (4") shall be permitted therein except that a picket fence may be erected or maintained having horizontal spacing between pickets not more than four inches (4"). All gates or door openings through such enclosures shall be equipped with self closing and self-latching devices designed to keep and are capable of keeping such door or gate securely closed at all times when not in actual use; provided, however, that the door of any dwelling occupied by human beings and forming any part of the enclosure hereinabove required need not be so equipped. Any self-latching device accessible from the outside of the pool enclosure shall be located at least four feet (4') above the ground or otherwise equally inaccessible to small children. This requirement applies to any manmade body of water over 18" deep, including decorative fountains or ponds.
G. Section 2505 (Shear wall construction) of Chapter 25 (Gypsum board and plaster) is amended to read as follows:
Shear wall construction.
1. 2505.1 – Resistance to shear (wood framing) is amended to read as follows:
Delete the section and replace with the following: Wood framed Shear walls sheathed with gypsum board, lath and plaster are not to be permitted to resist wind and seismic loads.
2. 2505.2 – Resistance to shear (steel framing) is amended to read as follows:
Delete the section and replace with the following: Steel framed shear walls sheathed with gypsum board, lath and plaster shall not be permitted to resist wind and seismic loads.
H. Subsection 2509.3 (Gypsum board in showers and water closets) of Chapter 25 (Gypsum board and plaster) is amended by adding the following:
4. Gypsum board in showers and water closets. Paper-backed gypsum board products shall not be used as a backer for tile in showers and bathtub areas.
(Ord. 10-05 § 1; Ord. 08-08 § 1).
Prior legislation: Ords. 87-6, 87-25, 88-15, 93-6, 95-15, 98-2, 99-11, 02-4 and 07-07.