Chapter 15.04
TECHNICAL BUILDING CODES*
Sections:
15.04.010 Adoption of codes by reference—Copies on file.
15.04.020 City Council findings.
15.04.030 Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code.
15.04.050 Title 24, Part 3, California Electrical Code, with amendments and modifications.
15.04.060 Title 24, Part 4, California Mechanical Code with appendices.
15.04.070 Title 24, Part 5, California Plumbing Code with appendices.
15.04.080 Title 24, Part 6, California Energy Code with appendices.
15.04.090 Title 24, Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
15.04.100 Title 24, Part 8, California Historical Building Code.
15.04.110 Title 24, Part 9, California Fire Code.
15.04.120 Title 24, Part 10, California Existing Building Code.
15.04.125 Title 24, Part 11, California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).
15.04.130 Title 24, Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code.
15.04.140 1997 Uniform Building Security Code.
15.04.150 2024 International Property Maintenance Code.
15.04.160 Safety Assessment Program (SAP) placards.
* Prior ordinance history: Ords. 1021, 1078, 1099, 1104 and 1267.
15.04.010 Adoption of codes by reference—Copies on file.
The City Council finds that the requirements of Government Code Sections 50022.4, 50022.5 and 50022.6 relating to adopting codes by reference have been met. The City Council directs that one (1) copy of each code adopted by reference shall be placed on file with the Building Official and maintained there for public inspection while the said codes are in effect. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.020 City Council findings.
The City Council finds that modifications are required for the respective codes being adopted herein. Specifically, local climatic, geologic, topographic, and social conditions necessitate the modifications listed in Section 15.04.170. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1448 § 2, 2012: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.030 Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code.
Title 24, Part 1, the California Administrative Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.040 Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2, with appendices, amendments, and modifications.
Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, 2025 Edition, Volumes 1 and 2, is hereby adopted by reference, with the following selected appendices, amendments and modifications:
A. Section 113, Board of Appeals, is deleted in its entirety and replaced with Title 24, Part 3, the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, Section 89.108.8, Appeals Board.
B. Division II, Scope and Administration, is adopted and amended as follows:
Section 105.2(2) Fences not over 6 feet high. Add: plus 12" of lattice. See the San Carlos Municipal Code, Section 18.15.040.
Section 105.2(4) Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids. Add: Wood retaining walls are limited to 3 feet tall without permits. Retained soil at top of wall limited to 2:1 slope.
Section 105.2 (6) is deleted.
C. Section 901.2, add:
as amended by the City of San Carlos Fire Department.
D. Section 1705A.3, Exception, add:
where the structural design of the footing is based on a specified compression strength, f’c, no greater than 2,500 pound per square inch (psi) (17.2 Mpa).
E. Section 2308.7.1, Foundation plates or sills, is modified to read as follows:
Section 2308.7.1 Foundation plates or sills. Foundation plates or sills resting on concrete or masonry foundations shall comply with Section 2304.3.1. Foundation plates or sills shall be bolted or anchored to the foundation with not less than 5/8-inch diameter (15.875 mm) steel bolts or approved anchors spaced to provide the equivalent anchorage as the steel bolts. Bolts shall be embedded not less than 7 inches (178 mm) into concrete or masonry. The bolts shall be in the middle third of the width of the plate. Bolts shall be spaced not more than 6 feet (1829 mm) on center and there shall be not less than two bolts or anchor straps per piece with one bolt or anchor strap located not more than 12 inches (305 mm) or less than 4 inches (102 mm) from each end of the piece. Bolts in sill plates of braced wall lines in structures over two stories above grade shall be spaced not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center. A properly sized nut and washer shall be tightened on each bolt to the plate.
F. CBC Appendix Chapter I is selected and adopted. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.045 Title 24, Part 2.5, California Residential Code with appendices, amendments, and modifications.
Title 24, Part 2.5, California Residential Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference, with the following selected appendices, amendments, and modifications:
A. Section R105.2, Work exempt from permit. Items 2, 5, and 10 are deleted.
B. Section R112, Board of Appeals, is deleted in its entirety and replaced with Title 24, Part 3, the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, Section 89.108.8, Appeals Board.
C. Chapter 2, Definitions, add:
RESIDENTIAL RECONSTRUCTION. A residential-type project where the building at any time is uninhabitable, including removal of any or all utilities (water, electrical, natural gas, or sewer); or the project provides no permanent kitchen or bathroom facilities; or the project provides no shelter or ability to maintain heat as defined by code; or when over 50% of the foundation is replaced or reinforced other than the repair of a foundation failure; or when over 50% of the exterior wall framing above the foundation is removed or replaced. Final determination whether a project meets the definition of residential reconstruction shall be made by the Building Official.
D. Section R309.2, One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire systems, add:
An automatic residential fire sprinkler system, in accordance with R309 or NFPA 13D, shall be installed in Residential Reconstruction projects of 2,500 square feet or greater, or the structure increases height from one-story to a two-story single-family dwelling and is greater than 2,500 square feet.
E. Section R403.1.6, Foundation anchorage, is modified to read as follows:
R403.1.6 Foundation anchorage. Wood sill plates and wood walls supported directly on continuous foundations shall be anchored to the foundation in accordance with this section.
Cold-formed steel framing shall be anchored directly to the foundation or fastened to wood sill plates in accordance with Section R505.3.1 or R603.3.1, as applicable. Wood sill plates supporting cold-formed steel framing shall be anchored to the foundation in accordance with this section.
Wood sole plates at all exterior walls on monolithic slabs, wood sole plates of braced wall panels at building interiors on monolithic slabs and all wood sill plates shall be anchored to the foundation with minimum 5/8-inch diameter (15.875 mm) anchor bolts spaced not greater than 6 feet (1829 mm) on center or approved anchors or anchor straps spaced as required to provide equivalent anchorage to 5/8-inch diameter (15.875 mm) anchor bolts. Bolts shall extend not less than 7 inches (178 mm) into the concrete or grouted cells of concrete masonry units. The bolts shall be in the middle third of the width of the plate. A nut and washer shall be tightened on each anchor bolt. There shall be no fewer than two bolts per plate section with one bolt located not more than 12 inches (305 mm) or less than seven bolt diameters from each end of the plate section. Interior bearing wall sole plates on monolithic slab foundation that are not part of a braced wall panel shall be positively anchored with approved fasteners. Sill plates and sole plates shall be protected against decay and termites where required by Sections R304 and R305. Anchor bolts shall be permitted to be located while concrete is still plastic and before it has set. Where anchor bolts resist placement or consolidation of concrete around anchor bolts is impeded, the concrete shall be vibrated to ensure full contract between the anchor bolts and concrete.
Exceptions:
1. Walls 24 inches (610 mm) total length or shorter connecting offset braced wall panels shall be anchored to the foundation with no fewer than one anchor bolt located in the center third of the plate section.
Connection of walls 12 inches (305 mm) total length or shorter connecting offset braced wall panels to the foundation without anchor bolts shall be permitted.
F. CRC Appendix Chapters BB, BF, BG, BH, BO, CI, and CJ are selected and adopted. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.050 Title 24, Part 3, California Electrical Code, with amendments and modifications.
Title 24, Part 3, California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference, with the following amendments and modifications:
A. Section 89.108.4.1, Permits (a), add:
A California State Licensed Electrical Contractor is required to obtain the permit for all electrical work performed in all occupancies except single family dwellings, attached or detached garages, carports or accessory buildings.
B. Chapter 1, Article 100, Definitions: Approved, add:
Existence of a factory applied label or application of a field applied label by an agency listed on OSHA’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program is an alternate method of approval.
C. Chapter 1, Article 100, Definitions: Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), add:
The Authority Having Jurisdiction is the Building Official of the City of San Carlos.
D. Section 705.20, Disconnecting means: replace item 3 “Located where readily accessible” with:
All ESS and battery back-up power systems, not located at the building main power connection location, shall be provided with an emergency power off switch, readily accessible at the location of the main power disconnect for the structure it services. This switch shall be required to shut down all output conductors at the ESS or battery system at its source.
(Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.060 Title 24, Part 4, California Mechanical Code with appendices.
Title 24, Part 4, California Mechanical Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference, with the following selected appendices:
A. CMC Appendix Chapters B, C, D, F, and G are selected and adopted. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.070 Title 24, Part 5, California Plumbing Code with appendices.
Title 24, Part 5, California Plumbing Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference, with the following selected appendices:
A. CPC Appendix Chapters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, J, and K are selected and adopted. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.080 Title 24, Part 6, California Energy Code with appendices.
Title 24, Part 6, the California Energy Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference, with all appendices. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1570 § 2, 2021; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.090 Title 24, Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
Title 24, Part 7, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference, with all appendices. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.100 Title 24, Part 8, California Historical Building Code.
Title 24, Part 8, the California Historical Building Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.110 Title 24, Part 9, California Fire Code.
Title 24, Part 9, the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference, with amendments and modifications (San Carlos Fire Ordinance).
A. Adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code and the 2025 California Fire Code. These codes are hereby adopted in their entirety by the City of San Carlos, for the purposes of prescribing regulations governing the conditions hazardous to life and property and for protection from fire, hazardous materials, or explosion, contained within the 2024 International Fire Code and the 2025 California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9, including all appendix chapters with the exceptions of the following appendix chapters: A—Board of Appeals, E—Hazard Categories, F—Hazard Ranking, G—Cryogenic Fluids, J—Building Information Sign, L—Fire Fighter Air Replenishment Systems, M—High-Rise Buildings—Retroactive Automatic Fire Sprinkler Requirements, O—Valet Trash and Recycling Collection in Group R-2 Occupancies, Q—Community Wildland Urban Interface Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework, and the International Fire Code Standards, as compiled, recommended and published by the International Code Council (ICC). One (1) copy of said code and standards, including local amendments herein adopted and made part thereof, entitled “Amendments to the 2024 International Fire Code and the 2025 California Fire Code” have been, and are now, filed with the office of the Clerk for the City of San Carlos. The same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein, and from the date on which the ordinance codified in this chapter shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the City of San Carlos Fire Department. Note: When sections noted in this section stipulate the IFC, this shall mean the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code for non-State Fire Marshal regulated occupancies. When sections noted in this section stipulate the CFC, this shall mean the 2025 California Fire Code, for California State Fire Marshal regulated occupancies for both building and nonbuilding regulations.
B. Establishment and Duties of the Bureau of Fire Prevention. The International Fire Code and the California Fire Code, including International Fire Code Standards as adopted and amended herein, shall be enforced by the City of San Carlos Fire Department, and managed by the City of Redwood City Fire Department (Bureau of Fire Prevention), and shall operate under the direction of the Fire Chief and the Fire Marshal of the Redwood City Fire Department. Both Fire Officers shall be known as the Fire Code Officials.
C. Definitions.
1. Whenever the word “jurisdiction” is used in the International/California Fire Code, and Fire Code Standards, it is the City of San Carlos.
2. The party responsible for the enforcement of the International/California Fire Code and Fire Code Standards under the direction of the Fire Chief of the Redwood City Fire Department shall be the Fire Marshal.
3. Add the following definition:
“Fire Marshal” is the Fire Code Official of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
D. Appeals. Whenever the Fire Code Official disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal the decision of the Fire Code Official to the City Council of the City of San Carlos. For State Fire Marshal regulated occupancies, see Section 111.2.5 of the California Fire Code, Part 9, Title 24 CCR.
E. Penalties—109, 2024 IFC and 2025 CFC. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Code or standards hereby adopted, or fails to comply therewith, or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made thereunder, or who shall build in violation of any detailed statement of specifications or plans submitted and approved thereunder, or any certificate or permit issued thereunder, and from which no appeal has been taken, or who shall fail to comply with such an order affirmed or modified by the Fire Code Official shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the court shall impose a fine not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment for not less than one hundred eighty (180) days or both.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, whenever violation of any section contained in this Code is punishable as a misdemeanor, the prosecuting attorney having jurisdiction to prosecute said misdemeanor may specify that the offense is an infraction and proceed with prosecution as an infraction, unless the defendant, at the time of his arraignment or plea, objects to the offense being made an infraction, in which event the complaint shall be amended to charge a misdemeanor and the case shall proceed on a misdemeanor complaint.
The imposition of one (1) penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue; and all such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects; and when not otherwise specified, each day that prohibited conditions are maintained shall constitute a separate offense.
1. The application of the above penalty shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions.
2. Due to the potential danger of the hazardous materials regulated under the International/California Fire Code, any person, firm, or corporation who violates any of the provisions of the International/California Fire Code shall be liable for civil penalties not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) per day for the first ten (10) days; and one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day for the next twenty (20) days; and five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day after twenty (20). This shall apply to each violation.
3. In addition to the penalties set out in this Code, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this Code shall be deemed a public nuisance and may be summarily abated as such, and each day such condition continues shall be regarded as a new separate offense. The City of San Carlos shall also be permitted the right of recovering those funds, used to mitigate continuous, unabated hazards, which present a clear and present danger. The cost recovery fee shall be based on the actual hourly rate for Fire Department personnel, used in gaining compliance for those in violation.
F. Text Language and Local Amendments.
1. Chapter 1—Administration.
a. Section 104.10.3 is hereby added to read as follows:
104.10.3. New materials, processes, occupancies, requiring permits. The Fire Chief and the Fire Marshal shall act as a committee to determine and specify, after giving affected persons an opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes, or occupancies, which shall require permits, in addition to those now enumerated in the Fire Code.
b. Sections 112.1, 112.2, 112.3, and 112.4 are hereby deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following language:
Appeals. In order to determine the suitability of alternate materials and types of construction, to provide for reasonable interpretations of this Code, and relief by way of appeal from the granting or denial of any permit, this shall be and hereby is created a Board of Appeals consisting of members of the City Council, to pass upon pertinent matters, who shall grant such relief or make such interpretation or explanation as may be necessary and proper pursuant to the provisions of this Code. The Fire Chief shall be an ex officio member and shall act as Secretary of the Board. The Board of Appeals shall be the San Carlos City Council. The Board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the Fire Chief, with duplicate copy to the appellant, and may recommend to the executive body such new legislation consistent therewith.
Whenever the Fire Code Official/Fire Marshal disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal the decision of the Fire Code Official to the San Carlos City Council. Such appeal shall be made within thirty (30) days from the date of the decision being appealed and shall be in writing and filed with the City Clerk of the City of San Carlos. Said notice of appeal shall be accompanied by a payment of $100.00, payable to the City of San Carlos.
The notice of appeal shall:
1. Specify the substance and particulars of the decision being appealed.
2. Show the date of the decision.
3. Be signed by the appellant or his/her duly authorized agent.
4. Indicate the mailing address of the appellant.
Whenever a notice of appeal is filed with the City Clerk, the Clerk shall set the matter for the hearing at the earliest reasonable time and shall notify the appellant of the place, date and time for the hearing and consider the appeal.
The City Clerk shall give notice of the hearing to the appellant at least seven days prior to the time set for the hearing. Notice shall be given to the appellant by mailing said notice to the address shown on the notice of appeal.
c. Section 105.1.2.1—Added. Section 105.1.2.1 is hereby added to the Fire Code and shall read as follows:
105.1.2.1. Fees and Special Requirements.
The fees for permits and other services shall be as established by resolution of the San Carlos City Council. The fees shall be set as a cost recovery for services provided by the Fire Department staff and Redwood City Fire Department Management staff to review and inspect the intended activities, operations, or functions as stipulated by section 105.1.1 and section 105.1.2 “Types of Permits”. Subsection 2, Construction Permit is adopted as written by model code. Operational Permits as indicated in section 105, subsection 105.1.2, Sub-section 1 is “not” adopted as written by model code for this ordinance. Section 105.1.1 is amended and enforceable as follows:
105.1.1. Construction Permits Required and Fire Clearance Inspections.
105.1.1. Permits required by this Code for construction related provisions for fire and life safety that are under the responsibility of the fire department, shall be obtained upon approval of said construction plans and documents. This includes but is not limited to; architectural fire plan review, site plan review, automatic fire alarm systems, automatic fire sprinkler systems, automatic fire suppression systems, wildland urban intermix mitigation plans, and any other review of plans and specifications that require the approval of the Fire Code Official.
105.1.2. Fire clearance inspections are that maintenance type of fire code inspections performed to all occupancies that are under the jurisdictional enforcement powers of the Redwood City Fire Department.
Operational use permits “are not” issued on a regular or annual basis as per section 105.6 of the 2025 California Fire Code. Fire clearance inspections are designed to unify fire code operational use permits under one fire clearance inspection procedure, thereby having one inspection inclusive of any potentially issued operational use permits. On a case-by-case basis, operational use permits may be issued when deemed necessary by the Fire Code Official.
All fire construction plan check and construction permit fees and fire clearance inspection fees must be paid to the City of San Carlos prior to engaging in the listed activities, operations, or functions. A penalty for all permit payments delinquent after 30 days shall be a doubling of the original fee.
2. Chapter 3—General Fire Safety Precautions.
a. Section 307—Amended. Section 307 is deleted in its entirety and is replaced by the following section:
Section 307.1. General. Open burning is strictly prohibited within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of San Carlos. Open burning does not include approved exterior fireplaces or barbecues that are used in a safe manner and used for cooking or warming purposes only. The Fire Chief prohibits burning of trash or vegetation, except for fire hazard reduction purposes when deemed necessary to abate an immediate fire hazard or during wildland fire suppression activities.
b. Section 324 is hereby added to the Fire Code to read as follows:
324 Car Stackers and Car Puzzler Systems. Car stackers and car puzzler systems are defined as manual, or automatic, rack vehicle storage systems designed to park cars vertically and/or horizontally inside structures or under canopies such that the vehicles are near one another with limited access for firefighters. The configuration of the vehicles stored in these systems presents an exposure hazard from one vehicle to another in the event of a vehicle fire.
Parking areas inside buildings or under attached canopies equipped with car stackers or car puzzler systems shall be protected from above by an automatic fire sprinkler system designed to a density of Extra Hazard Group 2. Standard coverage sidewall sprinklers, listed for Ordinary Hazard Group 2, shall be provided to protect each parking level, including the bottom levels. The maximum coverage of a sidewall sprinkler is 80 sq. ft. and the use of extended coverage sidewall heads for protection is prohibited.
The basic design area of application for the increased density fire sprinkler system protecting the car stacker or car puzzler systems shall be 2,500 square feet. The design area of application may be reduced upon approval by the Fire Code Official but never less than 1,500 square feet if one-hour rated walls are provided between the stacker parking area and other standard parking stalls or storage areas, and the car stacker system is divided into a maximum of 1,000 square foot fire areas by one-hour rated fire barriers. Flow from all fire sprinkler heads, upright, pendant, and sidewall, at all levels, and located in the design area of application shall be included in the hydraulic calculations for the fire sprinkler system.
Car stackers and car puzzler systems installed inside structures or under attached canopies shall be provided with Manual Wet or Automatic Wet Standpipe connections at all points of access and at each parking level within the structure so that every part of the parking area is within 150 feet by hose pull of a standpipe connection.
Car stackers and car puzzler systems installed inside structures shall be provided with a mechanical smoke and heat removal system as per Section 910.4 of the California Fire Code. The smoke and heat removal system shall be automatically activated upon detection of fire by the fire alarm system. Section 910.4.4 is not applicable to this requirement.
Car stacker and car puzzler systems installed outside structures that are open to the environment shall be configured to limit fire spread from one vehicle to another and from vehicles to adjacent structures. This shall be accomplished with one-hour fire rated barriers creating a maximum of 2500 square foot fire areas between stackers or puzzlers and by providing adequate setbacks from adjacent structures.
3. Chapter 5—Fire Service Features.
a. Section 503.1.1 of the Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Exception 1.3 is not adopted.
503.1.1 Buildings and Facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building, hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.
Exceptions:
1. The Fire Code Official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45,720 mm) where any of the following conditions occur:
1.1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.
1.2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.
2. Where approved by the Fire Code Official, fire apparatus access roads shall be permitted to be exempted or modified for solar photovoltaic power generation facilities.
b. Section 503.2.3 of the Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced to provide all weather driving capabilities. This is defined as Asphaltic Concrete or Concrete (including pervious concrete) installed over an adequate compacted roadbed to support the imposed loads (75,000 pounds) of fire apparatus. Any type of pavers, whether grouted or bedded in sand, or grass block type surfaces, are not approved for fire access roads or fire lanes.
c. Section 507.1.1 is hereby added to the Fire Code to read as follows:
507.1.1. Fire Main, Hydrant Specifications. Maintenance of privately-owned water mains, fire hydrants, or other fire service systems (collectively referred to as “Facilities”) shall be performed by, and be the responsibility of, the owners thereof, and the City shall assume no liability for damages to the Facilities in performing tests to, or in using, such Facilities. Appendix Table B105.1(1) is not adopted under this ordinance. Minimum fire flow for one- and two-family dwellings under 3,600 square feet shall be 1,000 gallons of water per minute with two-hour flow duration. Residual pressure shall not be less than 20 psi. For one- and two-family dwellings over 3,600 square feet, the required fire flow shall be 50% of the value in Appendix Table B105.1(2) with automatic fire sprinklers installed per Section 903.3.1.3 of the California Fire Code with a minimum flow requirement of 1,000 gallons of water per minute. Appendix Table B105.2 is amended to allow a maximum reduction in required fire flow of 50% of the value in Table B105.1(2) with a minimum fire flow of 1,500 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for buildings other than one- and two-family residential dwellings with automatic fire sprinklers installed per Sections 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 of the California Fire Code.
d. Section 507.5.1.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
507.5.1.1 Hydrant for standpipe systems and fire sprinkler systems. Buildings equipped with a standpipe system installed in accordance with Section 905 or a fire sprinkler system complying with section 903.3.1.1 shall have a fire hydrant within 100 feet (30,480 mm) of the fire department connections (FDC). For high-rise buildings, the fire hydrant shall be within 50 (15,240 mm) located on the same side of the roadway.
e. Section 510.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
510.2 Emergency Responder Communication Coverage in Existing Buildings. Existing buildings, with the exception of individual single family or duplex residential structures, shall be provided with approved in-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage for emergency responders as required in Chapter 11 or when an addition, tenant improvement, remodel, alterations, or modernization meets the definition of a substantial remodel, addition, or repair.
f. Section 510.4.2.10 is hereby amended to read as follows:
510.4.2.10 UL Certification. New ERCES systems shall be UL-Certified. A Certificate of Completion and other documentation as listed in UL 2524 shall be provided for all new emergency responder communication system installations. It is the responsibility of the building owner or owner’s representative to obtain and maintain a current and valid Certificate.
4. Chapter 9—Fire Protection Systems and Equipment.
a. Section 901.6.3 of the Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
901.6.3 Records. All contractors who service, test, install and/or maintain fire protection systems within the City of San Carlos are required to enroll and utilize the approved single-point repository service to file records of all system inspections, tests, and maintenance required by the referenced standards. This repository service shall be maintained and provided to the Fire Code Official through a third-party inspection reporting system. Fees, as applicable, will be paid directly from the contractor to the approved single-point repository service vendor.
b. Section 903.2 of the Fire Code is hereby amended as follows:
903.2 New Construction. When the provisions of section 903.2.1 through 903.2.11 of the 2025 California Fire Code do not mandate automatic fire sprinkler system protection, and when the following occupancies are of new construction and the total square footage of the new building exceeds 2,500 square feet in size, or more than one-story in height, an automatic fire sprinkler system, shall be installed in the following occupancy classifications: Group A, Group B, Group E, (Non-public schools), Group F, Group H, Group I, Group M, Group R, and Group S occupancies.
903.2 Existing Construction. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all locations of existing Group A, Group B, Group E (Non-public schools), Group F, Group H, Group I, Group M, Group R, and Group S occupancies, when the total square footage of the existing building exceeds 2,500 square feet in size, or is greater than one-story in height, and one or more of the following items apply:
a. Change to a more hazardous use/occupancy.
b. When the Fire Code Official determines that an automatic sprinkler system is necessary due to emergency vehicle access, fire load, occupant load or an existing condition which may hinder fire suppression efforts in the event of a fire or other perils.
c. Section 903.2.8—Amended. Section 903.2.8 of the Fire Code is amended, and the following new sections are added:
903.2.8.(a) New Construction.
When the provisions of Section 903 of the Fire Code do not mandate automatic fire sprinkler system protection, an approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in all new Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies. Installation of the sprinkler system shall conform to NFPA Standard 13R if the residential building is four stories or less in height and with the following additional protection:
1. Sprinklers shall be installed throughout garages, open attached porches, carports, large under-floor spaces that are of combustible construction, and accessible for storage use.
903.2.8(b) Group R, Division 3 Occupancies—New Construction.
An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed as per sections R313.1 and R313.2 of the 2025 California Residential Code. Installation of the automatic fire sprinkler system shall be in accordance with section 903.3.1.3 (NFPA 13D) and with the following areas of the residence to be protected by automatic fire sprinklers:
1. Sprinklers shall be installed throughout garages, carports, and similar attached structures.
903.2.8(c) Group R, Division 3 Occupancies—Existing Construction.
An approved automatic fire sprinkler system meeting the design criteria as stipulated in section 903.1.3 of the Fire Code is required for existing Group R, Division 3 when the existing structure is demolished and is reconstructed to become 2,500 square feet or greater in size.
Demolished and Reconstruction means:
1. The building has been completely torn down to the foundation; the structure is being renovated and is made uninhabitable during said renovation or reconstruction. This includes the removal or inoperability of any or all the utilities to the building for a period of more than twenty-four consecutive hours. Utilities mean, water, electrical, natural gas, and sanitary sewer.
2. The structure increases height from one story to a two-story single-family dwelling and is greater than 2,500 habitable square feet.
d. Section 903.4.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.4.2 Alarms. One exterior approved audible device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. In addition, for automatic sprinkler systems installed under section 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3, activation of all the interconnected single station smoke alarms throughout the residence is required. An acceptable alternative to interconnection to the smoke alarms is the installation of horn strobe devices in locations that will provide adequate notification to all sleeping rooms with at least one notification device per floor. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system. Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required except when required by Section 907.
e. Section 905.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
905.4 Location of Class I Standpipe Hose Connections. Class I standpipe hose connections shall be provided in all the following locations:
1. In every required interior exit stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each story above and below grade plane. Hose connections shall be located at the intermediate floor landing unless otherwise approved by the Fire Code Official.
f. Section 907.1.8 is hereby added to read as follows:
907.1.8 Certification. New fire alarm systems shall be UL-Certified. A Certificate of Completion and other documentation listed in NFPA 72 shall be provided for all new fire alarm systems installations. It is the responsibility of the building owner or owner’s representative to obtain and maintain a current and valid Certificate in accordance with UL 2524.
g. Section 907.1.9 is hereby added to read as follows:
907.1.9 Zone Transmittal. Fire alarm signals shall be transmitted by zone to the central required UL station monitoring company and retransmitted by zone to the public fire service communications center.
h. Section 907.1.10 is hereby added to read as follows:
907.1.10 Service. All fire alarm systems shall be provided with Underwriters Laboratories central station monitoring service by the responsible party, including but not limited to the building’s owner, property manager, or tenant(s).
i. Section 907.2.30 is hereby added to read as follows:
907.2.30 Multistoried, Mid and High Rise Building Safety Requirements.
A. Firefighters Communications Systems: Are not allowed in lieu of an approved ERRCS, but when required by the fire code official for buildings six (6) or more stories in height, firefighter’s communication systems shall be installed in accordance with the following requirements:
1. One access jack shall be provided at each stairwell landing and two (2) access jacks shall be provided in a lobby area of the building in plain view of elevator doors, and in any event at locations and according to specifications subject to the approval of the fire code official.
2. One telephone set shall be provided at each floor of the building; provided, that such telephone sets shall be located in the lobby area at a location and according to specifications subject to the approval of the fire code official.
3. One additional telephone set shall be provided with not less than five hundred feet (500') of telephone cord and shall be maintained on a roller device providing convenient portability. Said telephone set shall likewise be maintained at a location and according to specifications approved by the fire code official.
B. Emergency Planning and Information: Buildings and occupancy groups specified in Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 3.09, and buildings with four (4) or more stories in height shall have posted a floor plan sign which shall provide emergency procedures at every stairway landing, elevator landing, and immediately inside all public entrances to the building. Information contained in the floor plan signs shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
1. Location of exits and fire alarm initiating stations.
2. Description of fire alarm sounds and appearance.
3. Fire Department emergency telephone number “911.”
4. Prohibition of the use of elevators during emergencies.
5. Instructions to be followed by ambulatory, non-ambulatory, and disabled persons in the event of an emergency.
6. Notation “you are here” or other readily understandable marking specifying the location on the floor plan sign.
Floor plan signs shall be printed in a non-decorative lettering which shall not be less than three-sixteenths of an inch (3/16 ") in height and shall provide a sharp contrast with the background. The information shall accurately depict the layout of the floor where the sign is located. Signs shall be mounted as specified by the California Building Code.
C. Public Address System: In buildings four (4) or more stories in height, a public address system shall be installed for the exclusive use of Fire Department personnel, peace officers, or other City enforcement personnel according to specifications approved by the Redwood City Fire Prevention Bureau. Controls for, and access to, such system shall be installed on the ground floor of the building at a location subject to the approval of the Fire Code Official.
D. Fire Equipment Enclosure: Buildings of four (4) or more stories in height, a secure cabinet or other enclosed area shall be provided as directed by the Fire Code Official for housing fire equipment. Fire equipment required to be provided by the property owner or developer shall be at the direction of the Fire Code Official.
j. Section 907.8.5 is hereby added to read as follows:
907.8.5 Alarm Response, Violations.
A. In General. It shall be a violation of this Code to cause the Fire Department to respond to more than two (2) unintentional alarms in a sixty (60) day period at a commercial, industrial, or residential building.
B. Alarm System Testing, Maintenance or Repair. It is a violation of this Code to cause the Fire Department to respond to an alarm caused by alarm system testing, maintenance or repair.
C. As used in this Section, “unintentional alarm” means an alarm caused by equipment malfunction, operator inadvertence or operator negligence. “Unintentional alarm” does not include an alarm caused by alarm testing, maintenance or repair.
k. Section 907.9 is hereby amended to read as follows:
907.9 Where required in existing buildings and structures. An approved fire alarm system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures other than single family residential or duplex structures, where required in Chapter 11 or when an addition, tenant improvement, remodel, alterations, or modernization project meets the definition of a substantial remodel, addition, or repair within a five (5) year period.
l. Section 913.2.3 is hereby added to read as follows:
913.2.3 Alternate source of power. Notwithstanding the availability of a public utility to provide electric service for a fire pump, electrically driven fire pumps shall be provided with an alternate source of power in accordance with NFPA 20 due to foreseeable extended electrical service interruptions along the California Power Grid due to high demand, high heat, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, or damage to the power grid caused by destructive natural events such as wildfires, high winds, and earthquakes.
5. Chapter 56—Explosives Fireworks (Pyrotechnical Special Effects Materials).
a. Section 5601.1 Amended. Chapter 5601.1 is hereby amended, and the following sections are added:
5601.1(a) All non-professional fireworks listed by the California State Fire Marshal as “Safe and Sane” are prohibited within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of San Carlos on a year-round basis.
5601.1(b) All professional pyrotechnical devices used for public display, or special effects, shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the State of California Code of Regulations, Title 19 and the applicable sections of the State of California Fire Code. Permits for public display and/or special effects shall be obtained from the City of San Carlos. Application for a use permit shall be submitted to the Fire Department thirty days prior to the event.
6. Chapter 80.
a. Chapter 80 NFPA 13-25 13-19.1.1.1 is hereby added to read as follows:
13-19.1.1.1. Parking Areas with Electric Vehicle Charging.
1. Design Standards: Fire sprinkler systems must be designed as Extra Hazard Group II (EH2).
2. Sprinkler Density: Minimum of 0.40 GPM/ft² over the area of the EV charging stations.
3. Design Area Extension: Sprinkler coverage must extend at least 3 feet beyond the perimeter of the EV parking spaces. For areas less than 2,500 SF, the design is not required to extend 15 feet beyond as typically required by this code.
b. Chapter 80, 13-25, Section 27.10 of the Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Fire sprinkler systems for the protection of laboratory buildings shall be designed and installed in accordance with this standard, with a minimum design density of Ordinary Hazard Group II.
c. Chapter 80, 13D-25, Section 6.2.2(2) of the Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
(2) A stand-alone tank is permitted only if the following conditions are met:
(a) The pump shall be connected to a 220-volt circuit breaker shared with a common household appliance (e.g., range, oven, dryer),
(b) The pump shall be a stainless steel 220-volt pump,
(c) A valve shall be provided to exercise the pump. The discharge of the exercise valve shall drain to the tank, and
(d) A sign shall be provided stating: “Valve must be opened monthly for 5 minutes.”
(e) A means for automatically refilling the tank level, so that the tank capacity will meet the required water supply duration in minutes, shall be provided.
(f) A test connection shall be provided downstream of the pump that creates a flow of water equal to the smallest sprinkler on the system. The connection shall return water to the tank.
(g) Any disconnecting means for the pump shall be approved.
(h) A method for refilling the tank shall be piped to the tank.
(i) A method of seeing the water level in the tank shall be provided without having to open the tank.
(j) The pump shall not be permitted to sit directly on the floor.
(k) A stand-alone tank and pump are only allowed in areas not served by a municipal water system and only by approval of the fire code official.
d. Chapter 80, 13D-25, Section 8.3.4 of the Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
8.3.4 Sprinklers shall not be required in detached garages, open attached porches with no habitable space above, carports with no habitable space above, and similar structures.
(Ord. 1630 § 3 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1624 § 2, 2025; Ord. 1590 §§ 3 – 8, 2022; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1554 §§ 3 – 8, 2019: Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1512 §§ 3 – 8, 2016; Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013; Ord. 1469 §§ 3 – 8, 2013; Ord. 1432 §§ 1 – 5, 2011: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.120 Title 24, Part 10, California Existing Building Code.
Title 24, Part 10, the California Existing Building Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.125 Title 24, Part 11, California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).
Title 24, Part 11, the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1570 § 3, 2021; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1448 § 3, 2012: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010; Ord. 1422 § 3, 2010)
15.04.130 Title 24, Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code.
Title 24, Part 12, the California Referenced Standards Code, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.140 1997 Uniform Building Security Code.
The 1997 Uniform Building Security Code is hereby adopted by reference. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.150 2024 International Property Maintenance Code.
The 2024 International Property Maintenance Code is hereby adopted by reference, with the following amendments and modifications:
A. Section 101.1. Insert [City of San Carlos].
B. Section 103.1. Insert [San Carlos Building Division].
C. Section 106. Means of appeals, is deleted in its entirety. Reference applicable San Carlos Municipal Code Section for means of appeal.
D. Section 302.4. Insert [Twelve (12) inches].
E. Section 304.14. Insert [January 1] to [December 31].
F. Section 602.3. Insert [January 1] to [December 31].
G. Section 602.4. Insert [January 1] to [December 31].
(Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.160 Safety Assessment Program (SAP) placards.
The Safety Assessment Program (SAP) placards are hereby adopted and establish standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for continued occupancy. This section further authorizes the Building Official and his or her authorized representatives to post the appropriate placard at each entry point of a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment.
A. Application. The provisions of this section are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies regulated by the City of San Carlos. The City Council may extend the provisions as necessary.
B. Definitions. “Safety assessment” means a visual nondestructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy.
C. Placards. The following are general descriptions of the official City of San Carlos placards to be used to designate the condition for continued occupancy for buildings or structures. The actual placards shall be in a form approved by the City Manager and substantially similar in substance to the following:
1. “INSPECTED—Lawful Occupancy Permitted” is to be posted on any building or structure wherein no apparent structural hazard has been found. This placard is not intended to mean that there is no damage to the building or structure. This placard shall be green.
2. “RESTRICTED USE” is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged wherein the damage has resulted in some form of restriction to the continued occupancy. The individual who posts this placard will note in general terms the type of damage encountered and will clearly and concisely note the restrictions for continued occupancy. This placard shall be yellow.
3. “UNSAFE—Do Not Enter or Occupy” is to be posted on each building or structure that has been damaged such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life safety. Buildings or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstances except as authorized in writing by the Building Official or his or her authorized representative. Safety assessment teams shall be authorized to enter buildings posted with a red placard at any time. This placard shall not be used or considered as a demolition order. The individual who posts a red placard shall note in general terms the type of damage encountered. This placard shall be red.
The name of the jurisdiction, its address, and phone number shall be included on each placard posted.
Once a placard has been attached to a building or structure, it shall not be removed, altered, or covered except by an authorized representative of the Building Official, or upon written notification by the Building Official.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to alter, remove, cover, or deface a posted placard unless authorized by this section. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)
15.04.170 Findings.
The following findings have been made:
A. Geologic. The City of San Carlos is located near a very active seismic area, seismic zone E (previously known as seismic zone 4). The entire City is two (2) to seven (7) kilometers from the San Andreas Fault, a major active fault in California.
There are five (5) major soils types in the City from the bay to the hillsides. There is existing fill overlying unconsolidated Holocene Bay mud deposits. There is unconsolidated Holocene fine- to coarse-grained alluvial fan and basin deposits with a water table equal to or less than ten (10) feet. There is unconsolidated Holocene fine- to coarse-grained alluvial fan deposits with a water table equal to or greater than ten (10) feet. There are weak consolidated Pleistocene fine- to coarse-grained alluvial fan and basin deposits. There are colluvial and landslide deposits locally overlying sandstone and bedrock units.
There are high flooding hazards in two (2) of the five (5) soils types and moderate flooding hazards in two (2) of the five (5). There is high ground settlement potential in the area along the bay. There is high potential for seismically induced ground failure in the same area and moderate potential in the adjacent area.
There is a high potential for seismically induced ground shaking in all areas in the City. There is a high potential for liquefaction in the area adjacent to the bay and moderate potential in the adjacent area. There is moderate potential for erosion and slope instability/landslides in approximately fifty (50) percent of the City. Expansive soils or bedrock varies in significance in over two-thirds (2/3) of the entire City.
These actions can cause great damage to structures in or on the ground. Gypsum wallboard and exterior Portland cement plaster have performed poorly during recent California seismic events. Cyclic seismic action testing has proven the limited seismic resistance of these materials.
Potential Geologic and Seismic Hazards Map.
Based upon these geologic findings, the City Council hereby adopts and designates the Harlan Tait Associates “Potential Geologic and Seismic Hazards Map, City of San Carlos, California” dated February 22, 1996, and Hazard Zone A and Hazard Zone B handouts, as minimum criteria to determine when a geotechnical investigation report (soils report) is required for development within the City.
B. Climatic. The local climate is characterized by markedly delineated rainy and dry seasons, which tend to maximize the expansive characteristics of soil.
C. Topography. San Carlos topography includes mountain and foothill areas. The ground elevation rises over nine hundred (900) feet in less than one (1) mile in much of the City resulting in large areas of unstable, steep slopes. Upgraded structural provisions are required to construct housing on these unpredictable, unstable steep slopes. Upgraded automatic sprinkler provisions are required due to approximately one-quarter (1/4) of residential properties located in very high fire hazard severity zone.
D. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed the ordinance codified in this chapter sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph and section by section, and does hereby declare that any provisions in this chapter are severable and, if for any reason any sentence, paragraph or section of this chapter shall be held invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining parts of this chapter.
E. The ordinance codified in this chapter shall be published and posted according to law and shall take effect and be in force from and after thirty (30) days after its passage and adoption. (Ord. 1629 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1589 § 2 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1553 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2019: Ord. 1513 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2016: Ord. 1470 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2013: Ord. 1428 § 2 (part), 2010)