HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 520CERTIFICATION
L Marcia McClure Torgerson, C.M.C., City Clerk of the City of Atascadero, hereby
certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 520, adopted by the
Atascadero City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on November 27, 2007, and that it has
been duly published pursuant to State Law.
DATER:
Marcia McClure Torgerson, C.M.C7
City Clerk
City of Atascadew, California
ORDINANCE NO. 520
' AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA REPEALING TITLE 8 (BUILDING
REGULATIONS) AND CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 4 (FIRE CODE), AND
AMENDING TITLE 8 AND CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 4 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT AND AMEND THE LATEST EDITIONS
OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE CODES, AND AMENDING
CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 7 RELATED TO SEWER CONNECTION
AVAILABILITY, AND ADOPT FINDINGS OF FACTS TO SUPPORT THE
IMPOSITION OF REQUIREMENTS GREATER THAN THE
REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY OR PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
(City of Atascadero)
The City Council hereby finds and declares as follows:
WHEREAS, an application has been received from the City of Atascadero (6907 El
Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422), to consider a project consisting of Amendments to Title 8,
Title 4, and Title 7 of the Atascadero Municipal Code to be consistent with the California
Building Standards Code; and,
WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of the City Council of the Atascadero to provide
citizens with the greatest degree of fire, life and structural safety in buildings in the most cost
effective manner by adopting that body of regulations referred to as the California Building
Standards Code with amendments specific to the City of Atascadero; and
WHEREAS, the California Health and Safety Code, Section 17958.5 and Section
18941.5, require the City Council, before making any modifications or changes to the California
Building Standards Code pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 18941.5 and 17958.5, to
make an express finding that each such modification or change is needed; and,
WHEREAS, the California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that such
changes must be determined to be reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or
topographical conditions; and,
WHEREAS, such findings must be made available as a public record and a copy thereof
with each such modification or change shall be filed with the State of California Building
Standards Commission; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed text amendments are exempt per section 15061(b)(3) in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and,
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 2 of 45
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Atascadero, at a duly noticed Public Hearing
held on November 13, 2008, studied and considered the proposed municipal code text
amendments and changes; and,
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Atascadero affirms the findings justifying
previous changes and modifications to the adopted construction and fire codes previously
adopted; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby determines that Sections 701A.3.2, 903.2,
1011.1.1-1011.1.3, 1505.1, 1506.3.1 and 1802.2, and Appendix Sections J101.3, J101.4, J103.2,
J108.1 and J110.2 of the 2007 California Building Code, Sections 710.1, 713.5, 717.0, 719.1 and
Appendix Sections KI (A) of the 2007 California Plumbing Code, Article 230-70(A)(1) of the
2007 California Electrical Code, and Sections 311.2, 503.1, 505.1, 508.2.2, 603.4, 609.2, 903.2,
904.11.4.2, 904.11.6.4, 1011.1.1-1011.1.3, 1411.4, and 1415.1 of the 2007 California Fire Code
are required to be modified due to the findings contained herein to greater requirements than
those set forth in the California State Building Standards; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that each of the changes or modifications to
measures referred to therein are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or
topographical conditions in the area encompassed by the boundaries of the City of Atascadero,
and the City Council further finds that the following findings support the local necessity for the
changes or modifications:
1. That the City of Atascadero is situated at the base of a watershed of the Santa Lucia
Mountains and that flooding of Atascadero Creek, Graves Creek, and Salinas River
results in conditions rendering fire department vehicular traffic unduly burdensome or
impossible as witnessed in major floods that occurred in 1952, 1961, 1969, 1973,
1978, 1982, and 1995. Furthermore, flood conditions described above create the
potential for overcoming the ability of the fire department to aid or assist in fire
control, evacuations, rescues and other emergency task demands inherent in such
situations. The resulting overburdening of fire department personnel may cause a
substantial or total lack of protection against fire for the buildings and structures
located in the City of Atascadero. The afore -described conditions support the
imposition of fire protection requirements greater than those set forth in the California
State Building Standards Code and, in particular, support the imposition of greater
requirements than set forth in Sections 701A.3.2, 903.2, 1011.1.1-1011.1.3, 1505.1,
and 1506.3.1 of the 2007 California Building Code, Article 230-70 of the 2007
California Electrical Code, and Sections 311.2, 503.1, 505.1, 508.2.2, 603.4, 609.2,
903.2, 904.11.4.2, 904.11.6.4„ 1011.1.1-1011.1.3, 1411.4, and 1415.1 of the 2007
California Fire Code.
2. That the City of Atascadero is situated near three major faults each capable of
generating earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.5. These are the San Andreas to the east
of the City, the Nacimiento-Rinconada that crosses Hwy 101 north of the City then
parallels the City to the east, and the Hosgri to the South West. Other faults of
importance are the Huasna and West Huasna to the Southeast of the City, the San
Simeon to the Northwest. In as much as these faults are included as major California
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 3 of 45
earthquake faults, which are subject to becoming active at any time, the City
Atascadero is particularly vulnerable to devastation should such an earthquake occur.
The potential effects include isolating the City of Atascadero from the North and
South due to the potential for collapsing of freeway overpasses or a slide on both the
Cuesta and Ontario Grades and the potential for horizontal or vertical movement of
the Edna fault rendering surface travel across the southern extremities of the city
unduly burdensome or impossible. Additional potential situations inherent in such an
occurrence include broken natural-gas mains causing structure and other fires,
leakage of hazardous materials, the need for rescues from collapsed structures, and
the rendering of first aid and other medical attention to large numbers of people. The
protection of human life and the preservation of property in the event of such an
occurrence support the imposition of fire protection requirements greater than those
set forth in the California State Building Standards Code and in particular support the
imposition of greater requirements than set forth in Sections 701A.3.2, 903.2,
1011.1.1-1011.1.3, 1505.1, and 1506.3.1 of the 2007 California Building Code,
Article 230-70 of the 2007 California Electrical Code, and Sections 311.2, 503. 1,
505.1, 508.2.2, 603.4, 609.2, 903.2, 904.11.4.2, 904.11.6.4„ 1011.1.1-1011.1.3,
1411.4, and 1415.1 of the 2007 California Fire Code.
3. That the central commercial area in the City of Atascadero consists of mixed
conditions that create the potential for possible conflagration, including congested
streets during the business day, numerous older buildings without adequate internal
fire -resistance, and contemporary low-rise buildings. Significant spread of fire in said
area will actually exceed the fire suppression capabilities of regional firefighting
personnel. The continued development of the Atascadero commercial area and the
current and potential development of high-rise buildings pose a substantial threat of
fire to human life, public safety, and the preservation of property and support the
imposition of fire protection requirements greater than those set forth in the California
State Building Standards Code, and in particular, support the imposition of greater
requirements than set forth in Sections 701A.3.2, 903.2, 1011.1.1-1011.1.3, 1505.1,
and 1506.3.1 of the 2007 California Building Code, Article 230-70 of the 2007
California Electrical Code, and Sections 311.2, 503.1, 505.1, 508.2.2, 603.4, 609.2,
903.2, 904.11.4.2, 904.11.6.4„ 1011.1.1-1011.1.3, 1411.4, and 1415.1 of the 2007
California Fire Code.
4. That the City of Atascadero is bisected by a major freeway (Hwy 101), traversing in
the north/south direction and a major highway (Hwy 41) traversing in an east/west
direction. The City is also transected by a mainline railroad that traverses in the
north/south direction. It is a frequent occurrence for the aforementioned highways and
railway to support the transportation of hazardous materials. The potential for release
or threatened release of a hazardous material along one of these routes is highly
probable given the volume transported daily. Incidents of this nature will normally
require all available emergency response personnel to prevent injury and loss of life,
and to prevent as far as practicable, property losses. Emergency personnel responding
to said incidents may be unduly impeded and delayed in accomplishing an emergency
response as a result of this situation, with the potential result of undue and
unnecessary risk to the protection of life and public safety, particularly in those
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 4 of 45
buildings or structures without the protection of automatic fire sprinklers. The above-
described problems support the imposition of fire protection requirements greater
than those set forth in the California State Building Standards Code, and in particular
support the imposition of greater requirements than set forth in Sections 701A.3.2,
903.2, 1011.1.1-1011.1.3, 1505. 1, and 1506.3.1 of the 2007 California Building Code,
Article 230-70 of the 2007 California Electrical Code, and Sections 311.2, 503. 1,
505.1, 508.2.2, 603.4, 609.2, 903.2, 904.11.4.2, 904.11.6.4, 1011.1.1-1011.1.3,
1411.4, and 1415.1 of the California Fire Code.
5. That seasonal climatic conditions during the late summer and fall create numerous
serious difficulties in the control and protection against fire situations in the City of
Atascadero. The hot, dry weather in combination with Santa Ana winds frequently
results in wildland fires in the brush -covered slopes on the Santa Lucia Mountains
and several areas surrounding. The aforementioned areas completely surround the
City. When a fire occurs in said areas, such as occurred in 1994, the Highway 41 fire
burned for several days and entered the City, the entirety of local fire department
personnel is required to control, monitor, fight and protect against such fire situations
in an effort to protect life and preserve property and watershed land. The same
climatic conditions may result in the concurrent occurrence of one or more fires in the
more populated areas of the City without adequate fire department personnel to
protect against and control such a situation. Therefore, the above-described findings
support the imposition of fire -protection requirements greater than those set forth in
the California State Building Standards Code, and in particular support the imposition
of greater requirements than set forth in Sections 701A.3.2, 903.2, 1011.1.1-1011.1.3,
1505. 1, and 1506.3.1 of the 2007 California Building Code, Article 230-70 of the
2007 California Electrical Code, and Sections 311.2, 503.1, 505.1, 508.2.2, 603.4,
609.2, 903.2, 904.11.4.2, 904.11.6.4„ 1011.1.1-1011.1.3, 1411.4, and 1415.1 of the
2007 California Fire Code.
6. That for the most part, the soils in the City of Atascadero are medium to highly
expansive in nature, and such soils may cause damage to foundations, structures and
underground utilities if not properly mitigated through known construction
techniques. Furthermore, a significant part of the City lies on hills and rolling
topography subject to earth slides and movements and present problems to
developments constructed in such areas due to surface water drainage and disposal.
The above-described conditions support the imposition of requirements greater than
those set forth in the California State Building Standards Code and, in particular,
support the imposition of greater requirements than those set forth in Sections 1802.2,
and Appendix Sections J101.3, J101.4, J103.2, J108.1 and J110.2 of the 2007
California Building Code, Sections 710.1, 713.5, 717.0, 719.1 and Appendix Section
K1(A) of the 2007 California Plumbing Code; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the provisions of the State Building
Standards Code are shall be modified, changed and amended, as provided for in this ordinance,
based upon the foregoing findings and that said Council takes said action because of the public
interest in protecting life and preserving public safety and property; and,
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 5 of 45
WHEREAS, the Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a copy of
this ordinance to the California Building Standards Commission as required by California Health
and Safety Code Section 17958.7.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO
HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. All Chapters of Title 8 of the City of Atascadero Municipal Code are
hereby repealed and replaced by new Title 8 as follows.
TITLE 8
Chapter 1
ADMINISTRATIVE
Section 8-1.101 Title.
This title shall be known as the City of Atascadero Building Construction Code, Title 8 of
the Atascadero Municipal Code.
Section 8-1.102 Adoption of Codes.
Seven documents, three (3) each of which are on file in City offices, identified by the
Seal of the City of Atascadero, marked and designated as the 2007 edition of the
California Building Code (Volumes 1 and 2) published by the International Code
Council, the 2007 edition of the California Electrical Code published by the National Fire
Protection Association, the 2007 editions of the California Mechanical Code and the
California Plumbing Code published by the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials, the 2007 edition of California Energy Code, the 2007 edition of the
California Historical Building Code, the 2007 edition of the California Existing Building
Code, and the 2006 edition of International Property Maintenance Code published by the
International Code Council are hereby adopted, including chapters and sections not
adopted by agencies of the State of California, and including appendices thereto, as the
Building Construction Regulations of the City of Atascadero. The provisions of such are
hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Chapter
except as modified hereinafter.
Section 8-1.103 Building Official Designated.
The Building Official is hereby designated as the building official and code official for
the City of Atascadero. Where the "authority having jurisdiction" is used in the adopted
codes, it shall mean the building official.
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 6 of 45
Chapter 2
ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Section 8-2.101 Administration of Adopted Codes.
The administration and enforcement of this Title shall be in accordance with Appendix
Chapter 1 of the California Building Code as adopted in Chapter 1 of this Title and
amended in this Chapter.
Section 8-2.102 Modification of Appendix Chapter 1.
A. Amend Appendix Section 103.1 to read as follows:
103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The Building Services Division is hereby
created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building official.
B. Amend Appendix Section 105.1 and add Appendix Section 105.1.3 to read as
follows:
105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge,
alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to
erect, install, enlarge, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas,
mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or
cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official
and obtain the required permit. Grading and/or waste disposal system permits for
residential sites shall not be issued separately from the building permit for the
residence without specific approval of the building official and Community
Development Director.
105.1.3 Cargo containers and railroad cars. Railroad cars, cabooses, shipping
containers, mobile homes, and similar assemblies shall not be moved into or relocated
within the City limits for habitation, storage or any structural purpose without
approval of the building official. Said structures do not qualify as conventional
construction, and therefore shall be substantiated by structural plans and calculations
prepared by a California licensed architect or engineer.
C. Amend Appendix Section 105.3.2 to read as follows:
105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any
proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of
filing, unless a permit has been issued; except that the building official is authorized
to grant one extension of time for an additional period not exceeding 180 days. In
order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit
plans and pay a new plan review fee.
D. Amend Appendix Section 105.5 to read as follows:
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 7 of 45
105.5 Expiration of permit. Every permit issued by the building official under the
provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the
building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 180 days from
the date of issuance of such permit, or if the building or work authorized by such
permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days at any time after the work
is commenced. Failure to request and receive a recorded inspection by the building
official within the 180 -day period constitutes a condition of suspension or
abandonment.
Before work can be recommenced after expiration of a permit, a new permit shall be
obtained to do so, and the fee therefore shall be one half the amount required for a
new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in
the original plans and specifications for such work, and provided further that such
suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. In order to renew action on a
permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time
within which work may commence under that permit when the permittee is unable to
commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory
reasons. The building official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a
period not exceeding 180 days on written request by the permittee showing that
circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being
taken. No permit shall be extended more than once.
E. Amend Appendix Section 112 to read as follows:
SECTION 112
BOARD OF APPEALS
112.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or
determinations made by the building official relative to the application and
interpretations of the California Building Standards Code and the International
Property Maintenance Code, there shall be and is hereby created a Board of Appeals.
Said Board shall also serve as the Housing Appeals Board and the Local Appeals
Board referenced in the California Building Standards Code. The building official
shall be an ex officio member and shall act as secretary to said board but shall have
no vote upon any matter before the board. The Board of Appeals shall be the City
Council. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business.
112.2 Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim
that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted hereunder have been
incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equally
good or better form or construction is proposed. The board shall have no authority to
waive requirements of this code. For appeals relating to accommodations for the
disabled, the authority of the board shall include the ability authorize reasonable
alternatives to disabled access requirements imposed by the California Building
Standards Code.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 8 of 45
F. Add Appendix Sections 113.2.1 and 113.3.1 to read as follows:
113.2.1 Notice of noncompliance. When determined by the building official that
work has been done without required permits, or has not been completed in
accordance with the requirements of this code, the State Housing Laws, or any other
adopted code, the building official may cause a Notice of Noncompliance to be
recorded with the County Recorder and shall notify the owner of the property of such
action. The Notice of Noncompliance shall describe the property, shall set forth the
non -complying conditions, and shall state that the owner of such property has been
duly notified. The building official shall record a notice of release of the Notice of
Noncompliance with the County Recorder when it has been determined by the
building official that the non -complying conditions have been corrected.
113.3.1 Liability for costs of enforcement. Any person who maintains any
premises in violation of any provision of this code, the State Housing Law, or any
other adopted code shall be liable for and obligated to pay to the City of Atascadero
all costs incurred by the City of Atascadero in obtaining abatement or compliance that
is attributable to or associated with the enforcement or abatement action, whether the
action is administrative, injunctive, or legal, and for all damages suffered by the City
of Atascadero, its agents, officers, and employees as a result of such violation or
efforts to abate the violation.
If the owner of the property involved in such abatement or compliance action fails to
pay for the costs of such abatement or compliance action upon demand by the City of
Atascadero, the City Council by resolution may order the cost of the abatement to be
specially assessed against the parcel. Such assessment shall be collected at the same
time and in the same manner as ordinary City taxes are collected and shall be subject
to the same penalties and the same procedure and sale in case of the delinquency as
are provided for ordinary City taxes.
G. Amend Appendix Section 115.1 of to read as follows:
115.1 Conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become
unsafe, unsanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress facilities,
inadequate light and ventilation, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise
dangerous to human life or public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper
occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe
structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as the building official
deems necessary and as provided for in this section and the 2006 edition of the
International Property Maintenance Code, as adopted. A vacant structure that is not
secured against entry shall be deemed unsafe.
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 9 of 45
H. Add Section 116 to read as follows:
SECTION 116
CONSTRUCTION SITE
116.1 Temporary toilet facilities required. No person shall initiate or proceed with
construction, erection, alteration, repair, or razing a project without first having
provided an adequate number of suitable sanitary job toilet facilities for the use of
workers on the project in a ration of 1 toilet per 30 workers. Toilets must be within
two hundred (200) feet of each work area within the project site.
Chapter 3
BUILDING CODE
Section 8-3.101 Modifications of the California Building Code.
A. Delete Appendix A, B, D, and F.
B. Amend Section 701A.1 to read as follows:
701A.1 Scope. This chapter applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies
used in the exterior design of construction of new buildings and additions to existing
buildings located within a Wildland-Urban Interface Area as defined in Section 702A.
C. Amend Section 701A.3.2 to read as follows:
701A.3.2 New buildings or additions to buildings located in any fire hazard
severity zone. New buildings and additions to existing buildings located in any Fire
Hazard Severity Zone, or any Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area designated by the
enforcing agency for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or
after January 1, 2008, shall comply with all sections of this chapter and the provisions
of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code adopted and amended in Sections
8-7.102 and 8-7.104 of the Atascadero Municipal Code.
Exceptions:
1. Accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area.
2. Agricultural buildings where located at least 50 feet from buildings
containing habitable spaces on the same lot and 50 feet from an adjacent
property line.
3. Additions to existing buildings where the floor area of the addition is not
more than 25 percent of the floor area of the existing building and the
exterior details of the addition will match the existing building.
D. Delete Sections 903.2 through 903.2.10.3. Add new Sections 903.2 and 903.2.1
through 903.2.10.3 to read as follows:
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 10 of 45
903.2 Where required. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be
installed:
1. Throughout all new buildings.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings containing Groups B and M occupancies where floor
area is not more than 500 square feet (46.45 m 2 ) and located not
less than 10 feet from adjacent buildings on the same property and
not less than 5 feet from adjacent property lines.
2. Buildings containing Group U occupancies where floor area is less
than 1000 square feet (92.9 m 2 ) and located not less than 10 feet
from adjacent buildings on the same property and not less than 5
feet from adjacent property lines, unless part of a mixed -occupancy
building containing a Group R, Division 3 occupancy.
2. Throughout an existing building whenever additions exceed ten (10) percent
of the total floor area of the existing building and the total combined floor area
will exceed 2,000 square feet (185.8 m2), or a second story or greater is added,
or the occupancy is changed to a more hazardous use.
Exception: Group R, Division 3 occupancies where the total combined
floor area will not exceed 3,000 square feet (278.7 m2).
3. In additions to existing buildings equipped with an automatic fire
sprinkler system.
For the purpose of requiring the automatic fire sprinkler systems specified in this
chapter, the floor area within the surrounding exterior walls shall be considered as
one building.
An automatic fire sprinkler system need not be installed in spaces or areas in
telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment,
associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines,
provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm
system and are separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers
consisting of not less than 1 -hour fire -resistance -rated walls and 2 -hour fir -resistance -
rated floor/ceiling assemblies.
903.2.1 through 903.2.10.3 not used. Text continues with Section 903.2.11.
E. Add Sections 1011.1.1 through 1011.1.3 to read as follows:
1011.1.1 Floor level exit signs. All buildings, or portions of a building with an
occupant load of 50 or more shall be provided with floor level exit signs. The floor
level exit signs shall be readily visible from any direction of egress travel. Access to
exits shall be marked by readily visible floor level exit signs in cases where the exit or
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 11 of 45
the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. Floor level exit
sign placement shall be such that no point in a corridor is more than 100 feet (30.5 m)
or the listed viewing distance for the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible
exit sign.
1011.1.2 Installation. Floor level exit signs shall be installed so the bottom of the
sign is not less than 6 inches (152 mm), nor more than 8 inches (203 mm) above the
adjacent grade. The sign shall be installed on the latch side of exit doors and shall be
not less than four inches from the door opening.
1011.1.3 Floor level exit sign illumination. All floor level exit signs shall be
illuminated as set forth in Sections 1011.2, 1011.4, and 1011.5.
F. Amend Section 1505.1 to read as follows:
1505.1 General. Roof assemblies shall be divided into the classes as defined below.
Class A, B and C roof assemblies and roof coverings required to be listed by this
section shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 108 or LTL 790. In addition, fire -
retardant -treated wood roof coverings shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D
2898. The minimum roof coverings installed on new and existing buildings shall be a
Class A assembly.
Exception: Skylights and sloped glazing that comply with Chapter 24 or Section
2610.
G. Add Section 1506.3.1 to read as follows:
1506.3.1 Wood shake and shingle roof covering limitations. Wood shake or
shingle roof coverings shall not be installed on any building.
Exceptions:
1. Roof coverings on additions to existing wood shingle or shake roofs not
greater than 25 percent of the existing roof area may be a fire -retardant -
treated wood shingles or shakes to match existing.
2. Repairs to existing wood roof coverings not exceeding 25 percent of
existing roof area per calendar year may be fire -retardant -treated wood
shingles or shakes to match existing.
H. Amend Section 1802.2 to read as follows:
1802.2 Where required. The owner or applicant shall submit foundation and soils
investigation report to the building official where required in Sections 1802.2.1
through 1802.2.7.
Exceptions:
1. The building official need not require a foundation or soils investigation
where satisfactory data from adjacent areas is available that demonstrates
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 12 of 45
an investigation is not necessary for any of the conditions in Sections
1802.2.1 through 1802.6.
2. The building official may not require a foundation and soils for additions
to Group R, Divisions 1 and 3 occupancies of less than 1000 square feet of
floor area and detached accessory structures with less than 1000 of floor
area, provided an expansive index test is provided. In lieu of providing an
expansive index test, a foundation design meeting the requirements of 91 —
130 High weighted expansion tests may be used.
I. Add Sections 3406.1.1 through 3406.1.4.3 to read as follows:
3406.1.1 Change of occupancy classification based on hazard category. The
relative degree of hazard between different occupancy classifications shall be
determined in accordance with the category specified in Tables 3406.1.1, 3406.1.2
and 3406.1.3. Such determination shall be the basis for the application of Sections
3406.1.2 through 3406.1.4.3.
3406.1.2 Means of egress, general. Hazard categories in regard to life safety and
means of egress shall be in accordance with Table 3406.1.2.
Table 3406.1.2
Means of Egress Hazard Categories
Relative Hazard
Occupancy Classifications
1 (Highest Hazard)
H
2
I-2, I-3, I-4
3
A, E, I-1, M, R-1, R-2, R-4
4
B, F-1, R-3, S-1
5 (Lowest Hazard)
F-2, S-2, U
3406.1.2.1 Means of egress for change to higher hazard category. When a change
of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard category (lower number) as
shown in Table 3406.1.2, the means of egress shall comply with the requirements of
Chapter 10 of the California Building Code.
3406.1.2.2 Means of egress for change of use to equal or lower hazard category.
When a change of occupancy is made to an equal or lesser hazard category (higher
number) as shown in Table 3406.1.2, existing elements of the means of egress shall
not be reduced below the level established by the code under which the building was
constructed for the new occupancy classification. Newly constructed or configured
means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10 of the California
Building Code.
Exception: Any stairway replacing an existing stairway within a space where the
pitch or slope cannot be reduced because of existing construction shall not be
1
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 13 of 45
required to comply with the maximum riser height and minimum tread depth
requirements.
3406.1.3 Heights and areas. Hazard categories in regard to height and area shall be
in accordance with Table 3406.1.3.
Table 3406.1.3
Heights and Areas Hazard Categories
Relative Hazard
Occupancy Classifications
1 (Highest Hazard)
H
2
A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, I,R-1, R-2, R-4
3
E, F-1, S-1, M
4 (Lowest Hazard)
B, F-2, S-2, A-5, R-3, U
3406.1.3.1 Height and area change to higher hazard category. When a change of
occupancy is made to a higher category as shown in Table 3406.1.3, heights and areas
of buildings and structures shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 5 of the
California Building Code for the new occupancy classification.
3406.1.3.2 Height and area change to equal or lesser category. When a change of
occupancy classification is made to an equal or lesser hazard category as shown in
Table 3406.1.3, the height and area of the existing building shall be deemed
acceptable.
3406.1.3.3 Fire barriers. When a change of occupancy classification is made to a
higher hazard category as shown in Table 3406.1.3, fire barriers in separated mixed-
use buildings shall comply with the fire resistance requirements of the California
Building Code.
Exception: Where the fire barriers are required to have a 1 -hour fire -resistance
rating, existing wood lath and plaster in good condition or existing 1/2 -inch -thick
(12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard shall be permitted.
3406.1.4 Exterior wall fire -resistance ratings. Hazard categories in regard to fire -
resistance ratings of exterior walls shall be in accordance with Table 3406.1.4.
Table 3406.1.4
Exposure of Exterior Walls Hazard Categories
Relative Hazard
Occupancy Classification
1(Hi hest Hazard)
H
2
F-1, M, S-1
3
A, B, E,I,R
4 (Lowest Hazard)
F-2, S-2, U
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 14 of 45
3406.1.4.1 Exterior wall rating for change of occupancy classification to a higher
hazard category. When a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher
hazard category as shown in Table 3406.1.4, exterior walls shall have a fire -resistance
and exterior opening protectives as required by the California Building Code. This
provision shall not apply to walls at right angles to the property line.
Exception: A 2 -hour fire -resistance rating shall be allowed where the building
does not exceed three stories in height and is classified as one of the following
groups: A-2 and A-3 with an occupant load of less than 300, B, F, M, or S.
3406.1.4.2 Exterior wall rating for change of occupancy classification to an
equal or lesser hazard category. When a change of occupancy classification is
made to an equal or lesser hazard category as shown in Table 3406.1.4, existing
exterior walls, including openings, shall be accepted.
3406.1.4.3 Opening protectives. Openings in exterior walls shall be protected as
required by the California Building Code. Where openings are required to be
protected because of distance from the property line, the sum of the area of such
openings shall not exceed 50 percent of the total area of the wall in each story.
Exceptions:
1. Where the California Building Code permits openings in excess of 50
percent.
2. Protected openings shall not be required in buildings of Group R
occupancy that do not exceed three stories in height and that are located
not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the property line.
3. Where exterior opening protectives are required, an automatic sprinkler
system throughout may be substituted for opening protection.
4. Exterior opening protectives are not required when the change of
occupancy group is to an equal or lower hazard classification in
accordance with Table 3406.1.4.
J. Amend Appendix J 101.1 to read as follows:
J101.1 Scope. Grading, excavation, and earthwork construction, including fills and
embankments, shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and Title 9, Sections
9-4.138 through 9-4.154 of the Atascadero Municipal Code. Where conflicts occur
between the technical requirements of this chapter and the soils report, the soils report
shall govern. Where conflicts occur between this chapter and Title 9 provisions, the
most restrictive shall govern.
K. Add Appendix Section J101.3 to read as follows:
J101.3 Special grading standards. All excavations and fills except for minor
grading shall be conducted in accordance with the following special standards:
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 15 of 45
1. Area of cuts and fills. Cuts and fills shall be limited to the minimum
amount necessary to provide stable embankments for required parking
areas or street rights-of-way, structural foundations, and adequate yard
areas. Consideration shall be given to revising the building design to
minimize unnecessary grading.
2. Creation of building sites: slope limitations. Grading for the purpose
of creating a site for a building or structure shall be prohibited on
slopes of 20 percent or greater except where authorized through
precise plan approval.
3. Final contours. Contours, elevations and shapes of finished surfaces
shall be blended with adjacent natural terrain to achieve a consistent
grade and natural appearance.
L. Add Appendix Section J101.4 to read as follows:
J101.4 Grading near watercourses such as creeks, streams and rivers
(collectively referred to as "creeks"). Grading, dredging, or diking may not
alter any intermittent or perennial stream or natural body of water shown on
any USGS 7 1/2 minute map, except as permitted through approval of a
grading and drainage plan, and appropriate permits from the California
Department of Fish and Game and any other federal or State agency with
jurisdiction over work near or in creeks. Watercourses are to be protected as
follows:
1. Watercourses shall not be obstructed unless an alternate drainage facility is
approved.
2. Fills placed within creeks shall have suitable protection against erosion during
flooding.
3. Grading equipment shall not cross or disturb channels containing live streams
without siltation control measures approved by the City Engineer in place.
4. Excavated materials shall not be deposited or stored in or alongside creeks
where the materials can be washed away by high water or storm runoff.
M. Amend Appendix Section J103.2 to read as follows:
J103.2 Exempted work. A grading permit shall not be required for the following:
1. Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the
public, that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties, and
that such grading is approved by the City Engineer.
2. Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code.
3. Cemetery graves.
4. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
5. Excavations for wells, or trenches for utilities.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 16 of 45
6. Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing, or stockpiling of rock, sand,
gravel, aggregate, or clay controlled by other regulations, provided such
operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly increase stresses
in, soil on adjoining properties.
7. Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered design
professional. Any grading needed to gain access to exploratory excavation
areas is not included in this exemption.
8. Excavation and/or fill not greater than 50 cubic yards (38.3 m3) that is not
intended to support a structure does and will not obstruct a drainage course.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this appendix shall not be deemed to
grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the
provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
N. Add Appendix Section J104.2.1 and J104.2.2 to read as follows:
J104.2.1 Application content. To apply for a grading permit, the grading
plan shall be submitted together with the additional information required by
this section. Where grading requiring a permit is proposed in conjunction with
a precise plan or conditional use permit request, those applications may be used
to satisfy grading permit information requirements as long as all required
information is submitted.
Where a grading permit is required and the grading will move less than 500
cubic yards and is located on slopes less than 20 percent, the application for a
grading permit shall include the following:
1. Contour Information.
a. For sites with slopes of 10 percent or less, accurate contours of existing
ground at one foot intervals and drainage channels, including areas of the
subject site (and adjoining properties) that will be affected by the
disturbance either directly or through drainage alterations.
b. For sites with slopes greater than 10 percent and less than 30 percent,
details of area drainage and accurate contours of existing ground at 2 -foot
intervals; for slopes 30 percent or greater, contours at 5 -foot intervals.
2. Location of any buildings or structures existing or proposed on the site within
50 feet of the area that may be affected by the proposed grading operations.
3. Proposed use of the site necessitating grading.
4. Limiting dimensions, elevations or finished contours to be achieved by the
grading, slopes of cut and fill areas and proposed drainage channels and
related construction.
5. Drainage plan.
6. Where required by the building official, a soil engineering report, including
date regarding the nature, distribution and strength of existing soils,
conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures and criteria for
corrective measures when necessary and opinions and recommendations
covering adequacy of sites to be developed by the proposed grading.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 17 of 45
7. Where required by the building official, an engineering geology report,
including a description of site geology, conclusions and recommendations
regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development, and
opinions and recommendations covering the adequacy of sites to be developed
by the proposed grading.
8. Intended means of revegetation, including the location, species, container size
and quantity of plant materials proposed, and the proposed time of planting.
9. Where required by the building official, protective measures to be taken
during construction, such as hydro -mulching, berms (temporary or
permanent), interceptor ditches, subsurface drains, terraces, and/or sediment
traps in order to prevent erosion of the cut faces of excavations or of the
sloping surfaces of fills.
Where the grading will move 500 cubic yards or more, is located on slopes of 20
percent or greater, or is located within a Geologic Hazard overlay zone or Flood
Hazard overlay zone, the grading plan shall be prepared and certified by a registered
civil engineer and shall include specifications covering construction and material
requirements in addition to the information required above.
A soils report prepared by a registered design professional shall be provided for
projects over 500 cubic yards of grading work. The report shall identify the nature
and distribution of existing soils; conclusions and recommendations for grading
procedures; soil design criteria for any structures or embankments required to
accomplish the proposed grading; and, where necessary, slope stability studies, and
recommendations and conclusions regarding site geology.
O. Amend Appendix J108.1 to read as follows:
J108.1 General. Cut and fill slopes shall be set back from the property lines in
accordance with this section. Setback dimensions shall be measured perpendicular to
the property line and shall be as shown in Figure J108.1, unless substantiating data is
submitted justifying reduced setbacks. The building official may require an
investigation and recommendation by a qualified engineer or engineering geologist to
demonstrate that the intent of this section has been satisfied prior to approval of
alternate setbacks.
P. Add Appendix Section J110.2 to read as follows:
J110.2 Revegetation. Where natural vegetation has been removed through grading
in areas not affected by the landscaping requirements and that shall not be occupied
by structures, such areas shall be replanted to prevent erosion after construction
activities are completed as follows:
1. Preparation for revegetation. Topsoil removed from the surface in
preparation for grading and construction shall be stored on or near the site and
protected from erosion while grading operations are underway, provided that
such storage may not be located where it would cause suffocation of root
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 18 of 45
systems of trees intended to be preserved. After completion of such grading,
topsoil shall be restored to exposed cut and fill embankments or building pads
to provide a suitable base for seeding and planting.
2. Methods of revegetation. Acceptable methods of revegetation include hydro -
mulching, or the planting of rye grass, barley or other seed with equivalent
germination rates. Where lawn or turf grass is to be established, lawn grass
seed or other appropriate landscaping cover shall be sown at not less than four
(4) pounds to each one thousand (1000) square feet of land area. Other
revegetation methods offering equivalent protection may be approved by the
building official. Plant materials shall be watered at intervals sufficient to
assure survival and growth. Native plant materials are encouraged to reduce
irrigation demands.
3. Off-site effects. Grading operations shall be conducted to prevent damaging
effects of erosion, sediment production and dust on adjacent property,
including public and private rights-of-way.
Chapter 4
ELECTRICAL CODE
Section 8-4.101 Modifications of the California Electrical Code.
A. Administration of the electrical code shall be as set forth in Appendix Chapter 1
of the California Building Code, as amended.
B. Amend Article 230-70(A)(1) to read as follows:
(1) Readily Accessible Location. The service disconnecting means shall be
installed at a readily accessible location either outside the building or other structure,
or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors. The disconnecting
means shall be accessible to emergency personnel, either directly or by a remote
actuating device, without requiring transit of the building interior. Dedicated
electrical equipment rooms located at the building perimeter and providing direct
access to the outside shall satisfy accessibility for emergency personnel.
Chapter 5
PLUMBING CODE
Section 8-5.101 Modifications of the California Plumbing Code.
A. Delete Appendix Chapters 1, F, and L, and Appendix Table 1-1. Administration of
the plumbing code shall be as set forth in Appendix Chapter 1 of the California
Building Code, as amended.
B. Amend Section 710.1 to read as follows:
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 19 of 45
710.1 Drainage piping serving fixtures located at an elevation of less than one (1)
foot above the nearest upstream manhole cover in the main sewer serving said
fixtures shall drain by gravity into the main sewer, and shall be protected from
backflow of sewage by installing an approved backwater valve. Each such backwater
valve shall be installed only in that branch or section of the drainage system that
receives the discharge from fixtures located less than one (1) foot above the nearest
upstream manhole cover.
C. Amend Section 713.5 to read as follows:
713.5 No permit shall be issued for the installation, alteration, or repair of any private
sewage disposal system, or part thereof, on any lot where a public sewer is available
at the property line or where the public sewer is within 200 feet of the proposed or
existing building.
D. Amend 717 to read as follows:
717.0 Size of building sewers.
The minimum size of any building sewer shall be determined on the basis of the total
number of fixture units drained by such sewer, in accordance with Table 7-8. No
sewer shall be smaller than the building drain. All building sewers shall be
constructed with pipe of internal diameter not less than four (4) inches (100 mm),
unless a pipe of internal diameter not less than three (3) inches is approved by the
Authority Having Jurisdiction.
E. Amend Section 719.1 to read as follows:
719.1 A cleanout shall be placed in every building sewer within five (5) feet of each
building, at all changes in alignment or grade in excess of one hundred thirty five
(135) degrees, within five (5) feet of the junction with the public sewer, and at
intervals not to exceed one hundred (100) feet in straight runs. The cleanout shall be
made by inserting a "Y" fitting in the line and fitting the cleanout in the "Y" branch in
an approved manner. In the case of a cleanout near the junction of the public sewer,
the "Y" branch riser shall be extended to a depth of not more than one (1) foot. All
other cleanouts shall be extended to finish grade.
F. Amend Appendix Section K1 (A) to read as follows:
(A) Where permitted by Section 713.0 the building sewer may be connected to a
private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this appendix and
Section 8-5.102 of the Atascadero Municipal Code. The type of system shall be
determined on the basis of location, soil porosity, and groundwater level, and shall be
designed to receive all sewage from the property. The system, except as otherwise
approved, shall consist of a septic tank with effluent discharging into a subsurface
disposal field, into one (1) or more seepage pits, or into a combination of subsurface
disposal field and seepage pits. The Authority Having Jurisdiction may grant
exceptions to the provisions of this appendix for permitted structures that have been
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 20 of 45
destroyed due to fire or natural disaster and that cannot be reconstructed in
compliance with these provisions.
Where conflicts occur between this appendix and provisions of Section 8-5.102 of the
Municipal Code, the most restrictive shall govern.
Section 8-5.102 Private sewage disposal systems.
The design, installation operation and maintenance of private sewage disposal systems
shall be in conformance with Appendix K of the California Plumbing Code and with
standards specified in this section. Where specific standards in this section and the
Appendix K conflict, the most restrictive standard shall apply. Where specific standards
are not provided within this section or where the Authority Having Jurisdiction
determines that higher requirements are necessary to maintain a safe and sanitary
condition, the "Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin" (adopted by the Central
Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board or other recognized industry standards may
be used as a guideline by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
A. Percolation test. An on-site investigation shall be made by a registered engineer
competent in sanitary engineering in order to determine the suitability of a particular
site for a private sewage disposal system and to provide the data necessary to design a
private sewage disposal system. A percolation test shall be required prior to issuance
of a permit for all new, replacement or enlarged private sewage disposal systems.
Percolation tests shall be conducted within the soil that will be used for the leachfield.
B. Percolation testing procedure for seepage pits. The following percolation test
procedure shall be used in performing percolation tests, except that other accepted
test procedures may be used when approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction:
1. The hole diameter shall be between 6 and 8 inches. The test depth shall be
equal to the depth of the proposed dry well, plus sufficient depth to prove
proper setback to groundwater and impervious material as required by this
chapter.
2. Carefully fill the hole with clear water to a maximum depth of 4 feet below
the surface of the ground, or if cuts are anticipated, to the depth of the
assumed inlet.
3. All holes shall be pre-soaked for 24 hours unless the site consists of sandy
soils containing little or no clay. In sandy soils where the water on two
consecutive readings seeps away faster than half the wetted depth in 25
minutes or less, re -fill the hole with water, and pre-soak for an additional two
hours. After the two hour pre-soak, the test may then be run. The time
interval between measurements shall be taken at ten minutes and the test run
for one hour. Re -fill to original depth after each reading.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 21 of 45
4. For all other soils, the percolation rate measurement shall be made on the day
following the 24-hour pre-soaking.
Pre-soak the boring as described above. After 24 hours have elapsed, re -fill
the hole to the proposed inlet depth. The fall of water should be measured
every half hour over a five hour period. Re -fill the hole after each half hour
reading. During the last or the sixth hour, do not re -fill the hole after the half
hour reading. Be sure to check the total hole depth every half hour as well to
see if any caving has occurred.
6. Readings will be recorded and reported in min/inch.
C. Leachfield percolation test procedure. The following percolation test procedure
shall be used in performing percolation tests, except that other accepted test
procedures may be used when approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction:
1. Number and location of test holes. A minimum of three separate test
holes spaced uniformly through and located in the immediate vicinity of
the proposed leach field site are to be made.
2. Type of test holes. The test hole shall have horizontal dimensions between
4 and 12 inches and vertical sides to the depth of the absorption trench.
3. Preparation of test holes. Smeared soil surfaces shall be removed from
the sides and bottom of the test hole to provide a natural soil interface. All
loose material shall be removed from the test hole. Two inches of coarse
sand or fine gravel shall be added to the test hole to protect the bottom
from scouring and sediment.
4. Soil saturation and swelling. The test hole is to be carefully filled to a
depth of 1 foot above the gravel or sand with clear water, which is to be
kept in the hole for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. This step may
be omitted in sandy soils containing little or no clay.
5. Measurement of percolation rate. The percolation rate shall be
determined 24 hours after water is first added to the test holes; except, in
sandy soils containing little or no clay, the percolation rate shall be
determined after the water from one (1) filling of the test hole has
completely seeped away.
i. If water remains in the test hole after the overnight swelling period,
adjust the depth to approximately 6 inches over the gravel or sand and,
from a fixed referenced point, measure the drop in water level over a
thirty (30) minute period to calculate the percolation rate.
ii. If no water remains in the test hole after the overnight swelling period,
add clear water to bring the depth of water in the test hole to
approximately 6 inches over the gravel or sand. From a fixed reference
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 22 of 45
point, measure the drop in water level at approximately thirty (30)
minute intervals over four (4) hours refilling 6 inches over the gravel
or sand as necessary. The drop that occurs during the final thirty (30)
minute period is used to calculate the percolation rate. The drops
during prior periods provide information for possible modification of
the test procedure to suit local conditions.
iii. In sandy soils or other soils in which the first 6 inches of water seeps
away in less than thirty (30) minutes after the overnight swelling
period, the time interval between measurements shall be taken as ten
(10) minutes and the test shall run for one (1) hour with the drop
during the final ten (10) minutes being used to calculate the
percolation rate.
6. Deep boring. A soil boring, to a minimum depth of 10 feet below the bottom
of the absorption trench or pit, shall be made in order to determine the
presence of impermeable bedrock and/or ground water.
D. General design standards. The following standards shall be used in the design of
new or enlarged private sewage disposal systems where the percolation rate does not
exceed 120 minutes per inch.
1. Determination of size of absorption area. The absorption area, measured in
lineal feet of absorption trench, shall be calculated as set forth in this section.
Tables 4-1 (Absorption Area Requirements) and 4-2 (Standard Trench
Adjustment Factors), included in this chapter, shall be referred to as
necessary. The formula for calculating trench length is included below.
Trench Length = Aa x Nb x Af
T,N
Aa = Absorption area per bedroom
Nb = Number of Bedrooms
Af = Trench Adjustment Factor
T,v = Trench Width
2. Location of private sewage disposal systems. The minimum distance
between components of a private sewage disposal system and other site
features shall be as set forth in Table 4-3 (Horizontal Distance Separation) and
Table 4-4 (Vertical Distance Separation). Where physical limitations on a site
preclude conformance with distance separation requirements, the Authority
Having Jurisdiction may approve a lesser separation when the design is
prepared by a registered engineer competent in sanitary engineering and when
adequate substantiating data is submitted with the design. The Authority
Having Jurisdiction shall not approve a separation less than that set forth in
the "Water Quality Control Plan --Central Coast Region" unless the Regional
Water Quality Control Board or its designated representatives have previously
approved the design.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 23 of 45
3. Plastic leach chamber. Plastic leach chamber systems shall be installed per
the requirements of Table 4-5, when the percolation rate is less than 30
minutes per inch.
4. Standard trench lengths. Standard trench lengths for percolation rates less
than 30 minutes per inch are included in Table 4-6. The trench lengths shown
in Table 4-6 are for a standard three foot wide trench with three feet of gravel
below the distribution pipe. Other trench configurations may require different
trench lengths and system design. The sections included in this chapter shall
be complied with for designs that differ from the lengths shown in Table 4-6.
E. Additional standards.
Existing legal building sites that are served by an individual on-site well may
be approved for a private sewage disposal system only if the site is one acre or
larger in size and meets other regulations and requirements regarding septic
setbacks and distance separation.
2. Private sewage disposal systems proposed to be installed on slopes of 20
percent or more shall be designed by and have their installation inspected and
be certified to be in substantial conformance with the City approved
engineering plans by a registered civil engineer or Registered Environmental
Health Specialist. The design shall minimize grading disruption associated
with access for installation and maintenance. Such systems shall be prohibited
on slopes of 30 percent or more, unless approved by both the Authority
Having Jurisdiction and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
3. When the percolation rate is below 30 minutes/inch, the contractor, developer,
installer or homeowner, shall certify in writing that the private sewage
disposal system conforms to the prescriptive standards of this section at or
before calling for final inspection.
4. When the percolation rates equals or exceeds 30 minutes/inch, a private
sewage disposal system shall be designed, inspected, and be certified to be in
substantial conformance with the City approved engineering plans by a
registered civil engineer or Registered Environmental Health Specialist.
5. When the percolation rate exceeds 120 minutes/inch, a private sewage
disposal system, solely dependent upon soil absorption, shall not be allowed,
unless the lot size is 2 acres or greater.
6. The design of private sewage disposal systems shall incorporate an approved
filtering device to remove solids from effluent at the outlet of septic tanks.
7. When a seepage pit percolation rate exceeds 30 minutes/inch, a private
sewage disposal system using a seepage pit shall not be allowed.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 24 of 45
8. Seepage pit (dry well) types systems shall be designed, inspected, and be
certified to be in substantial conformance with the City approved engineering
plans by a registered civil engineer.
9. A 100 percent expansion area shall be provided on all building sites, shall be
identified on all plans submitted for private sewage disposal systems, and
shall remain available for system expansion. If areas reserved for system
expansion are not accessible for future installation, then the expansion area
shall be installed when the primary system is installed. When the primary and
expansion systems are installed jointly, a means of switching flows to each
field shall be provided.
10. Inspection risers with 4 inches minimum diameter shall be installed at the
ends of each absorption trench or bed. The inspection riser shall be open on
the bottom of the trench or perforated.
F. Septic tanks.
Septic tank manholes more than 24 inches below grade, valves, distribution
boxes, and pumps shall be permanently accessible to the surface in a manner
acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
2. Septic tanks shall be constructed and installed as specified in the California
Plumbing Code, Appendix K. In addition, the following standards shall be
met. Septic tank sizes shall be in conformance with Table 4-7. Septic tanks
shall be repaired only by a licensed contractor.
Water tightness shall be ensured prior to backfilling the excavation
around the tank. The water tightness test shall be conducted in
conformity with the American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) Standard C 1227 or equivalent. The installer shall provide a
written report of the results of the test to the building official.
ii. All septic tanks for new systems and replacement tanks for existing
systems shall be equipped with an effluent filter that complies with the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard 46. The filter
shall be accessible for cleaning, replacement and maintenance. Filters
shall be maintained as required by their listing; the owner shall
maintain records of filter maintenance but need not submit these
records to the County.
iii. Septic tanks and other system components installed with more than
three feet of earth cover or beneath surfaces subject to vehicular traffic
(such as driveways and vehicle turnarounds) shall be traffic rated or
engineered to support the additional load.
iv. Each compartment of the septic tank shall be provided with a
watertight riser, capable of withstanding anticipated structural loads
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 25 of 45
and extending to grade level for ease of maintenance. Risers shall be
constructed of concrete, PVC, fiberglass or other approved material,
with a minimum inside horizontal measurement of 20 inches. Risers
shall be covered with tight fitting lids that are gas tight, securely
fastened with stainless steel or other non corrosive fasteners, resistant
to vandals, tampering, and access by children. Surface water shall be
diverted away from the riser cover or septic tank lid providing a
sloping surface away from the riser, or extending the riser at least six -
inches above grade. If the lid is in a driveway or other traffic area, the
lids and risers shall be structurally designed to support vehicle weight.
v. Wooden and metal septic tanks are prohibited, as are cesspools.
G. Seepage Pit Design
1. A statement of infeasibility of leaching trenches or beds is required, except for
a seepage pit that is designed to the standards of this section to replace an
existing seepage pit system.
2. Seepage pits shall be cylindrical in shape with a diameter of not less than 4
feet, or more than 6 feet. Construction of a seepage pit with a diameter less
than 4 feet or greater than 6 feet may be permitted with written approval of the
Authority Having Jurisdiction
3. Seepage pits shall have a centrally located 4 -inch diameter perforated pipe
which extends from the inlet to the bottom of the pit and the space around the
pipe shall be filled with washed gravel which may vary in size from 3/4 inch to
2'/2 inches. A smaller gravel size may be used if the design engineer can
provide justification for its use and written approval is obtained from the
Authority Having Jurisdiction. When necessary to meet minimum slope
setback requirements, the upper portion of the central pipe shall be un-
perforated.
4. Rock fill in seepage pits shall be covered with one layer of a geotextile fabric
designed for the purpose or approved equivalent, and backfilled with a
minimum of 12 inches of clean earth cover, free of debris and rock.
5. Seepage pits shall have an effective disposal depth of at least 10 feet.
Effective disposal depth is defined as total depth subtracted by the distance
below the grade to the uppermost disposal pipe perforation.
6. The maximum depth of a seepage pit shall be 50 feet, unless the building
official provides written approval for a greater depth.
7. Multiple seepage pit installations shall receive septic tank effluent via an
approved distribution method. The percentage distribution of effluent entering
each seepage pit shall be determined by the performance test of the seepage
pit and shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 26 of 45
8. The maximum effluent application rate for a seepage pit is 0.30 gallons/square
foot/day.
9. Seepage pits shall maintain all horizontal and vertical setback requirements
listed in this chapter.
H. 100% Expansion Area. All systems shall be designed and constructed to reserve
sufficient site area for a 100% replacement dispersal system/area. Installation of dual
fields shall be required for all sites when access for installation of the replacement
field/area would not be feasible after initial site development. When the primary and
expansion systems are installed jointly, a means of switching flows to each field shall
be provided.
Design Flow Rate. For single family dwellings, the daily design flow shall be 375
gallons per day for up to four bedrooms, with 150 gallons per day for each additional
bedroom in excess of four. For other occupancies, refer to the California Plumbing Code,
Appendix K.
J. Special Design Standards. The following standards shall be used in the design of
new or enlarged private sewage disposal systems where the percolation rate equals or
exceeds thirty 30 minutes per inch. Designs for alternate types of private sewage
disposal systems shall be by a registered civil engineer and may be approved by the
Administrative Authority, and shall be approved by the Central Coast Regional Water
Quality Control Board, when the design engineer submits adequate substantiating
data with the design.
1. Determination of Size of Disposal Field. The size of the disposal field shall
be determined by the design engineer using methods of accepted engineering
practice including manuals and documents specified in this chapter or as
otherwise approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
2. Location of Private Sewage Disposal System. The minimum distance
between components of a private sewage disposal system and other site
features shall be as set forth in Table 4-3 (Horizontal Distance Separation) and
Table 4-4 (Vertical Distance Separation) using the column entitled "Leach
Field or Seepage Bed."
3. When private sewage disposal systems are designed pursuant to this section,
the design engineer shall provide the owner with information on the location,
design operation and maintenance of the private sewage disposal system.
4. Existing legal building sites that are served by an individual on-site well may
be approved for a private sewage disposal system only if the site is one acre or
larger in size and meets other regulations and requirements regarding septic
setbacks and distance separation.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 27 of 45
5. 100% Expansion Area. All systems shall be designed and constructed to
reserve sufficient site area for a 100% replacement dispersal system/area.
Installation of dual fields shall be required for all sites when access for
installation of the replacement field/area would not be feasible after initial site
development.
K. Replacement of Existing Private Sewage Disposal System. Where an existing
private sewage disposal system has failed, the replacement system shall be designed
in conformance with this chapter and shall be designed, inspected and be certified to
be in substantial conformance with the City approved engineering plans by a
registered civil engineer. In the event that the replacement system cannot be designed
to conform with this chapter, the Authority Having Jurisdiction may approve a system
designed to lesser standards when it is designed, inspected and be certified to be in
substantial conformance with the City approved engineering plans by a registered
civil engineer.
A private sewage disposal system shall not be replaced by another system if
sewers are available and are either within 200 feet of the structure, as required
by the plumbing code, or sewers are at the property line.
2. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall not approve a replacement system that
does not conform to prohibitions set forth in the "Water Quality Control Plan --
Central Coast Basin," unless the Regional Water Quality Control Board or its
designed representative has previously approved the design. The
Administrative Authority may authorize a temporary means of sewage disposal
pending such approval.
L. Tables.
1
TABLE 4-1
Absorption Area Requirements
Percolation
Rate
(Minutes/Inch)
Absorption Area
Per Bedroom
(Square Feet)
0--9
150
10
165
11--15
190
16--20
215
21--25
230
26--30
250
31--35
270
36--40
285
41--45
300
46--50
315
51--60
330
61--70
380
1
1
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 28 of 45
71--80
12
430
81--90
48
520
91--100
12
660
101--110
.80
830
111--120
.85
1250
TABLE 4-2
Standard Trench Adjustment Factor
Depth of Gravel
Below Pipes
(Inches)
12
18
Trench Width (Inches)
24 1 30 36 1 42
48
54
60
12
.75
.78
.80
.82
.83
.85
.86
.87
.87
18
.60
.64
.66
.69
.71
.73
.75
.77
.78
24
.50
.54
.57
.60
.62
.64
.66
.68
.70
30
.43
.47
.50
.53
.55
.58
.60
.62
.64
36
.37
.41
.44
.47
.50
.52
.54
.56
.58
42
.33
.37
.40
.43
.45
.48
.50
.52
.54
48
.30
.33
.36
.39
.42
.44 1
.46
.48
.50
Note: For trenches not shown in Table 4-2, the standard trench adjustment factor
may be:
Trench Adjustment Factor =
W+2
W+ 1 +2D
W = width of trench (in feet)
D = depth of gravel below pipe (in feet)
TABLE 4-3
Horizontal Distance Separation (In Feet)
Buildin
Septic
Leach
Seepage
g Sewer
Tank
Field or
Pit
Seepage
Bed
Buildings or structures, including
2
5
8
8
porches, steps, breezeways, patios,
and carports whether covered or not
Property line
Clear
5
5
10
Water supply well in unconfined
50
50
100
150
aquifer
Watercourse
50
50
100
100
Swales
50
50
50
50
Native Trees
*
10
*
1617-
0See
a e pits
Seepage
--
5
5
12
1
1
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 29 of 45
Leach field or seepage bed
--
5
6
5
On-site domestic water service line
1
5
5
5
Distribution box
--
--
5
5
Pressure public water main
10
10
10
10
Sloping ground, cuts, or other
--
--
15
15
embankments
Reservoirs , including ponds, lakes,
200
200
200
200
tanks, basins, etc. for storage,
regulation and control of water
recreation, power, flood control or
linking
Springs
100
1 100
1 100
1 100
Notes:
(1) Distance separation shall be increased to twenty (20) feet when building or structure is located
on a downward slope below a leach field, seepage bed or seepage pit.
(2) See Section 315 (c) of this code.
(3) Distance separation may be reduced to twenty-five (25) feet when the drainage piping is
constructed of materials approved for rise within a building.
(4) See Section 1108 of this code.
(5) For parallel construction or crossings, approval by the Health Department shall be required.
(6) Distance is measured as horizontal distance to daylight. This distance may be
reduced where it is demonstrated that favorable geologic conditions and soil
permeability exist based on a report and analysis prepared by a licensed
geologist or soils engineer.
(7) Distance is measured at spillway elevation.
(8) A natural or artificial channel for passage of water, a running stream of water, or a
natural stream fed from permanent or natural sources such as rivers, creeks, runs,
and rivulets. There must be a stream, usually flowing in a particular direction
(though it need not flow continuously) in a definite channel, having a bed or
banks and usually discharging into a stream or body of water.
(9) A pond, lake, tank, basin or other space either natural or created whole or in part
by the building of engineering structures, which is used for storage, regulation,
and control of water, recreation, power, flood control, or drinking.
(10) Topographic low point that conveys water to watercourses.
(*) See tree protection guidelines.
TABLE 4-4
Vertical Distance Separation (In Feet)
Leach Field
Seepage
or
Pit
Seepage Bed
Ground water, where percolation rate
(min/in) is
50'
<1
20'
1-4
8
5-29
5
1
1
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 30 of 45
>30
Infiltrator Trench Length (feet)*
Rate
Ground water, where soil is
1 bed
Gravels2
3 bed
50'
Gravels with few fines
60
20'
Other
-------------------
10
Bedrock
10
10
Note: Distance is measured from bottom of trench or pit.
' Unless a set -back distance of at least 250 feet to any domestic water supply
well or surface water is assured. In this case the minimum separation shall be
10 feet.
2 Gravels - Soils with over 95 percent by weight coarser than a No. 200 sieve
and over half of the coarse fraction larger than a No. 4 sieve.
3 Gravels with few fines - Soils with 90 percent to 94 percent coarse fraction
larger than a No. 4 sieve.
TABLE 4-5
Hi Capacity Infiltrator System Design Requirements
Percolation
Infiltrator Trench Length (feet)*
Rate
High Ca a ity Chambers*
1 bed
2 bed
3 bed
4 bed
30
60
90
120
-------------------
-------------------
-------------------
1036
---------------
--------------
66
---------------
96
---------------
132
-------------------
-------------------
15
---------------
42
--------------
72
114
154
-------------------
-11-------------------
16 - 20
---------------
48
--------------------------
84
126
172
-------------------
-------------------
21 - 26
---------------
54
--------------------------
90
138
180
-------------------
-------------------
26-29
---------------
60
--------------------------
96
1 150
198
30+
Design by Engineer
* Trench Lengths good for up to 3 bedrooms.
t Homes larger than 4 bedrooms shall be calculated as required by Section 7
$ Consult manufacturer design criteria for alternative product design criteria.
This information shall be submitted to the City for review prior to system
approval.
TABLE 4-6
Requirements for Gravel Standard System Trench Lengths
Percolation Standard 3'x3' Trench Length (feet)*
Rate Gravel Trench
1
i
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 31 of 45
* 3 ft. wide by 3 ft. deep trench, with .5' of gravel above pipe invert. Any
alternative trench configuration shall be calculated according to the
requirements of this Chapter.
' Homes larger than 4 bedrooms shall be calculated as required by Section 7
TABLE 4-7
Required Size of Septic Tank For Single -Family Dwelling
Number of Bedrooms
Minimum* Septic Tank Capacity
in Gallons
1 bed
2 bed
3 bed
4 bed'
25
50
75
-------------------------
100
-------------------------
-------------------
1028
---------------------------
-------------------------
55
83
-------------------------
110
-------------------------
-------------------
11-
15
---------------------------
32
-------------------------
63
95
-------------------------
127
-------------------------
-------------------
16 -
20
---------------------------
36
-------------------------
72
108
-------------------------
143 ----
---
- - - - - -
21-26
21 -
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
26
---------------------------
38
-------------------------
77
115
-------------------------
153
-------------------------
-------------------
26 -
29
---------------------------
42
-------------------------
83
-------------------------
125167
-------------------------
--------- 167
30+
---------------------------
Design by
Engineer
* 3 ft. wide by 3 ft. deep trench, with .5' of gravel above pipe invert. Any
alternative trench configuration shall be calculated according to the
requirements of this Chapter.
' Homes larger than 4 bedrooms shall be calculated as required by Section 7
TABLE 4-7
Required Size of Septic Tank For Single -Family Dwelling
Number of Bedrooms
Minimum* Septic Tank Capacity
in Gallons
1 or 2
750
3
1000
4
1200
5 or 6
1500
*See California Plumbing Code for an expanded list of tank sizes.
Chapter 6
MECHANICAL CODE
Section 8-6.101 Modifications to the California Mechanical Code.
A. Delete Appendix Chapter 1 and Table 1-1. Administration of the mechanical code
shall be as set forth in Appendix Chapter 1 of the California Building Code.
Chapter 7
UNSAFE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
Section 8-7.101 Modifications to the International Property Maintenance Code.
A. Amend Section 101.1 to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Property Maintenance Code of
Atascadero, hereinafter referred to as "this code".
B. Amend Section 102.3 to read as follows:
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 32 of 45
102.3 Application of other codes. Repairs, additions or alterations to a structure, or
changes of occupancy, shall be done in accordance with the procedures and
provisions of the California Building Standards Code and other applicable laws and
ordinances.
C. Amend Section 103.1 to read as follows:
103.1 General. The office of property maintenance inspection is hereby created and
the executive official in charge thereof shall be known as the code official.
D. Amend Section 103.5 to read as follows:
103.5 Fees. The fees for activities and services performed by the code official under
this code shall be in accordance with the schedule as established by the applicable
governing authority.
E. Add Section 108.1.5 to read as follows:
108.1.5 Dangerous structure or premises. For the purpose of this code, any
structure or premises that has any or all of the conditions or defects described below
shall be considered dangerous:
1. Any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, exit or other means of egress does not
conform to the approved building or fire code of the jurisdiction as related to
the requirements for existing buildings.
2. The walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway, exit or other means of
egress is so warped, worn loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not provide
safe and adequate means of egress.
3. Any portion of a building, structure, or appurtenance that has been damaged
by fire, earthquake, wind, flood, deterioration, neglect, abandonment,
vandalism or by any other cause to such an extent that it is likely to partially
or completely collapse, or to become detached or dislodged.
4. Any portion of a building, or any member, appurtenance or ornamentation on
the exterior thereof is not of sufficient strength or stability, or is not so
anchored, attached or fastened in place so as to be capable of resisting natural
or artificial loads of one and one half the original designed value.
5. The building or structure, or part of the building or structure, because of
dilapidation, deterioration, decay, faulty construction, the removal or
movement of some portion of the ground necessary for the support, or for any
other reason, is likely to partially or completely collapse, or some portion of
the foundation or underpinning of the building or structure is likely to fail or
give way.
6. The building or structure, or any portion thereof, is clearly unsafe for its use
and occupancy.
7. The building or structure is neglected, damaged, dilapidated, unsecured or
abandoned so as to become an attractive nuisance to children who might play
in the building or structure for committing a nuisance or an unlawful act.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 33 of 45
8. Any building or structure has been constructed, exists or is maintained in
violation of any specific requirement or prohibition applicable to such
building or structure provided by the approved building or fire code of the
jurisdiction, or of any law or ordinance to such an extent as to present either a
substantial risk of fire, building collapse or any other threat to life safety.
9. A building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes,
because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty
construction or arrangement, inadequate light, ventilation, mechanical or
plumbing system, or otherwise, is determined by the code official to be
unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condition that is likely to
cause sickness or disease.
10. Any building or structure, because of lack of sufficient or proper fire -resistive
construction, fire protection systems, electrical system, fuel connections,
mechanical system, plumbing system or other cause is determined by the code
official to be a threat to life or health.
11. Any portion of a building remains on a site after the demolition or destruction
of the building or structure or whenever any building or structure is
abandoned so as to constitute such building or portion thereof as an attractive
nuisance or hazard to the public.
Chapter 8
RESERVED
Chapter 9
RESERVED
Chapter 10
UNREINFORCED MASONRY
Section 8-10.101 Modifications to the California Existing Building Code.
A. Add Appendix Section 102.3 to read as follows:
102.3 Compliance with other codes. All conforming and legal nonconforming
buildings that are required to be strengthened by alteration as a result of this chapter
shall not be required to comply with current site improvement standards of the City
zoning ordinance, including parking and landscaping.
B. Add definitions to Section A103 to read as follows:
ESSENTIAL BUILDING. A building of unreinforced masonry construction that
contains a hospital or other medical facility having surgery or emergency treatment
areas, fire and police stations or a municipal government disaster operation and
communication center.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 34 of 45
HIGH-RISK BUILDING. A building of unreinforced masonry construction that is
not an essential building. A high-risk building shall not include a building having
exterior walls braced with masonry crosswalls or wood frame crosswalls spaced less
than forty (40) feet apart in each story; crosswalls shall be full story height with a
minimum length of one and one-half (1 1/2) times the story height.
C. Add Appendix Section Al 15 entitled "Administrative Provisions" to read as follows:
SECTION A115
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
A115.1 Rating classifications. The rating classifications shown in Table Al 15.1 of
this section are established and each building within the scope of this chapter shall be
placed in one such rating classification by the building official.
Exception: Portions of buildings constructed to act independently when resisting
seismic forces may be placed in separate rating classifications.
TABLE A115.1
RATING CLASSIFICATIONS
Type of Building Class
Essential Building I
High Risk Building II
A115.1.1 General requirements.
The owner of each building within the scope of this chapter shall cause a structural
analysis of the building to be made by a civil or structural engineer or architect
licensed by the State of California. If the building does not meet the minimum
earthquake standards specified in this chapter, the owner shall either cause it to be
structurally altered to conform to such standards or cause the building to be
demolished.
The owner of each building within the scope of this chapter shall comply with the
requirements set forth above by submitting to the building official for review within
the stated time limits:
1. On or before January 1, 2005, a structural analysis, which is subject to
approval by the building official, and which shall demonstrate that the
building meets the minimum requirements of this chapter; or
2. On or before January 1, 2005, a structural analysis and plans for the proposed
structural alterations of the building necessary to comply with the minimum
requirements of this chapter; or
3. On or before January 1, 2005, plans for the demolition of the building.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 35 of 45
After plans are submitted and approved by the building official, the owner shall
obtain a building permit, commence and complete the required construction within
the time limits set forth in Table A115.1.1.
TABLE A115.1.1
TIME LIMITS FOR COMPLIANCE
Rating
Occupant
Deadline for
Building Permit
From Date of Permit
Classification
Load
Submission of
Issuance Deadline for
Issuance
Rehabilitation
Strengthening or
Commence
Complete
Plans
Demolition
Within
Within
I
Any
January 1,
January 1, 2005
180 days
3 years
2005
II
Any
January 1,
January 1, 2005
180 days
3 years
2005
A115.2 Notice and Order
A115.2.1 General. The building official shall, within 30 days of the determination
that a building is of unreinforced masonry construction issue a notice and order as
provided in this section to the owner of a building within the scope of this chapter.
A115.2.2 Service of notice and order. A notice or order issued pursuant to this
section shall be in writing and shall be served either personally or by certified or
registered mail upon the owner as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, and
upon the person, if any, in apparent charge or control of the building. The failure of
any such person to receive such notice or order shall not affect the validity of any
proceedings taken under this chapter or relieve any such person from any duty or
obligation imposed on him by the provisions of this chapter.
A115.2.3 Content of notice and order. The notice shall specify that the building
has been determined by the building official to be within the scope of this chapter
and, therefore, is subject to the minimum seismic standards of this chapter. The order
shall direct the owner to obtain a building or demolition permit as required by this
chapter and cause the building to be structurally altered to conform to the provisions
of this chapter, or cause the building to be demolished. The notice or order shall be
accompanied by a copy of Section A115.1, which sets forth the owner's
responsibilities.
A115.3 Appeal. The owner of the building may appeal the building official's initial
determination that the building is within the scope of this chapter to the Board of
Appeals established by Appendix Section 112 of the California Building Code, as
adopted. Such appeal shall be filed with the Board within 60 days from the service
date of the order described in Section A 115.2. Any appeal shall be decided by the
Board no later than 90 days after filing and the grounds thereof shall be stated clearly
and concisely. Appeals or requests for modifications from any other determinations,
orders or actions by the building official pursuant to this chapter shall be made in
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 36 of 45
accordance with the procedures established in Appendix Section 104.10 of the
California Building Code.
A115.4 Recordation. At the time that the building official serves the
aforementioned notice, the building official shall also file and record with the office
of the county recorder a certificate stating that the subject building is within the scope
of this chapter and is a potentially earthquake hazardous building. The certificate
shall also state that the owner thereof will be ordered to structurally analyze the
building to determine compliance with this chapter.
If the building is either demolished, found not to be within the scope of this chapter,
or is structurally capable of resisting minimum seismic forces required by this chapter
as a result of structural alterations or an analysis, the building official shall file and
record with the office of the county recorder a form terminating the status of the
subject building as being classified within the scope of this chapter.
A115.5 Enforcement. If the owner in charge or control of the subject building fails
to comply with any order issued by the building official pursuant to this chapter
within the time limit set forth in Section A115.1, the building official shall verify that
the record owner of this building has been properly served. If the order has been
served on the record owner, then the following provisions apply:
1. The building official may order that the entire building be vacated and that the
building remain vacated until such order has been complied with. If
compliance with such order has not been accomplished within 90 days after
the date the building has been ordered vacated or such additional time as may
have been granted by the Board of Appeals, the building official may order its
demolition in accordance with the provisions of Sections 107, 108, and 109 of
the International Property Maintenance Code.
2. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of a
misdemeanor, and is subject to the penalty as provided for in Chapter 1 of the
City of Atascadero Municipal Code.
Chapter 11
POST -DISASTER REGULATIONS
Section 8-11.101 Intent
This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a
structure for continued occupancy following an earthquake or other destructive event.
The chapter further authorizes the building official and his or her representatives to post
the appropriate placard at each entry to a building or structure upon completion of a
safety assessment.
Section 8-11.102 Application of provisions.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 37 of 45
The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all
occupancies regulated by the City of Atascadero following each destructive event. The
City Council may extend the provisions as necessary.
Section 8-11.103 Definitions.
SAFETY ASSESSMENT. A visual, nondestructive examination of a building or
structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued use.
Section 8-11.104 Placards.
A. The following official placards shall be used to designate the condition for occupancy
of buildings or structures:
Green: "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.
2. Yellow: "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
restriction on continued occupancy.
3. Red: "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 these buildings at any time. This placard is not to be used or considered
as a demolition order. The individual who posts this placard will note in general
terms the type of damaged encountered.
B. The placard shall display the number of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and the
name, address and phone number of the jurisdiction.
C. Once the placard has been attached to the building or structure, it shall not be
removed, altered or covered until authorized representative by the building official. It
shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to alter, remove, cover or deface
a placard unless authorized pursuant to this section.
1
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 38 of 45
SECTION 2. Chapter 7 of Title 4 of the City of Atascadero Municipal Code is hereby
repealed and replaced by new Chapter 7 of Title 4 as follows:
TITLE 4
Chapter 7
FIRE CODE
Section 4-7.101 Title
This chapter shall be known as the City of Atascadero Fire Code.
Section 4-7.102 Adoption of Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
Two documents, three (3) of which are on file in City offices, identified by the Seal of the
City of Atascadero, marked and designated as the 2007 edition of the California Fire
Code and the 2006 edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code published
by the International Code Council are hereby adopted, including chapters and sections
not adopted by agencies of the State of California, and including appendices thereto, as
the Fire Prevention Regulations of the City of Atascadero. The provisions of such are
hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Chapter
except as modified hereinafter.
Section 4-7.103 Modifications to the California Fire Code.
A. Delete Appendix Chapters A and D.
B. Amend Appendix Section 101.1 to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of Atascadero,
hereinafter referred to as "this code".
C. Amend Appendix Section 103.1 to read as follows:
103.1 General. The office of fire prevention is established within the jurisdiction
under the direction of the fire code official for the implementation, administration and
enforcement of the provisions of this code
D. Add Appendix Section 105.1.4 to read as follows:
105.1.4 Construction permit consolidation. Construction permits required under
Appendix Section 105.7 may be included with a construction permit issued by the
building official under Appendix Chapter 1 of the California Building Code. All
applicable construction permit fees shall be included in the consolidated construction
permit issued by the building official.
I. Amend Appendix Section 108.1 to read as follows:
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 39 of 45
108.1 Board of appeals established. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders,
decisions or determinations made by the fire code official relative to the application
and interpretations of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of
appeals. The board of appeals shall be the City Council. The fire code official shall be
an ex officio member and shall act as secretary to said board but shall have no vote
upon any matter before the board. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for
conducting its business.
E. Amend Section 311.2.2 by deletion of Exceptions 1 and 2.
F. Amend Section 503.1.1 to read as follows:
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 within 150 feet (45 720mm) of
all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the
building measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or
facility.
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150
feet (45 720 mm) where:
1. 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 protection is provided.
2. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occcupancies.
G. Amend Section 505.1 to read as follows:
505.1 Address numbers. New and existing buildings shall have approved address
numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position
that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. All
buildings with access via an alley or other similar roadways shall have the address
number provided on the rear door of the building or tenant space. Address numbers
shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or
alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high with a
minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) or as otherwise determined necessary
by the fire code official.
H. Amend Section 508.2 to read as follows:
508.2.2 Water tanks. Water Tanks are not permitted for private fire protection.
I. Amend Section 603.4 to read as follows:
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 40 of 45
603.4 Portable un -vented heaters. The use of portable un -vented fuel -fired heating
equipment shall be prohibited in all occupancies except where a permit has been
issued by the fire code official.
J. Amend Section 609.2 and add Section 609.2.1 to read as follows:
609.2 Where required. A Type I hood shall be installed at or above all commercial
cooking appliances and domestic cooking appliances used for commercial purposes
that produce grease vapors. Hood systems shall be tied into existing alarm systems.
609.2.1 Hood servicing. A certificate of inspection/service shall be forwarded to the
fire code official within five (5) working days of completion of the six (6) month
service, or upon service rendered after the activation of any fire suppression system.
The submission of the certificate of inspection service is the responsibility of the
contractor performing the service. The certificate may be a copy of the invoice as
long as it has the required information is contained therein. The certificate shall
include:
1.
The name, address and phone number of the licensed contractor performing
the service.
2.
The name, address and phone number of the business for whom the service is
being done.
3.
Date and time of the service.
4.
Make, model and manufacturer of the system.
5.
A detailed list of all work completed on the system (clean nozzles, replace
links, recharge system...).
6.
Specific date of the previous service on the system.
7.
The cleanliness of the hood and associated appliances.
8.
Alterations to the system or appliances that causes the system to be out of
compliance with the manufacturer's specifications.
K. Amend Section 901.7 to read as follows:
901.7 Systems out of service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the
fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the fire code
official, the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be
provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shut down until the fire protection
system has been returned to service.
Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with at least one approved means for
notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant
patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires. The person assigned to
fire watch shall maintain a written log of their activities during their assigned shift
and the log shall be provided to the fire code official upon request.
L. Amend Section 903.2 and delete Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.10.3 to read as
follows:
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 41 of 45
903.2 General. An automatic fire -extinguishing system shall be installed in new
buildings as set forth in Section 903.2 of the California Building Code as amended in
Section 8-3.101 of the Atascadero Municipal Code.
Section 903.2.3 through Section 903.2.10.3 not used. Text continues with Section
903.2.11.
M. Add Section 904.11.4.2 to read as follows:
904.11.4.2 Wood or wood product fueled cooking. All commercial -type cooking
equipment using wood or wood products as fuel shall be protected by an automatic
sprinkler system within the hood and the duct work. The water supply may be
provided from the building's fire sprinkler system, or the domestic water supply. The
minimum water flow calculation shall be 18 gallons per minute (691pm) at 7 psi for
each head. There shall be a separate control valve for the fire sprinkler system
protecting the commercial -type cooking equipment.
N. Amend Section 904.11.6.4 to read as follows:
904.11.6.4 Extinguishing system service. Automatic fire -extinguishing systems shall be
serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the California
State Fire Marshal's Standards at least every 6 months and after activation of the
system. Service shall be by licensed and qualified individuals, and a certificate of
inspection shall be forwarded to the fire code official as set forth in section 609.2.1.
O. Add Sections 907.20.5.1 through 907.20.5.3 to read as follows:
907.20.5.1 False alarms. The fire code official is authorized to seek cost recovery
for a fire department response to an alarm system activation which is determined to
be a false alarm caused by system malfunction, system misuse or other non-
emergency causes.
907.20.5.2 False alarm frequency. The cost recovery fee will be charged for all
responses after the second false alarm in a calendar year.
907.20.5.3 False alarm fee. The amount of the cost recovery fee will be as set forth
in the City of Atascadero User Fees Schedule. Additional fees may be charged for
extraordinary circumstances.
P. Add Sections 1011.1.1 through 1011.1.3 to read as follows:
1011.1.1 Floor level exit signs. All buildings, or portions of a building with an
occupant load of 50 or more shall be provided with floor level exit signs. The floor
level exit signs shall be readily visible from any direction of egress travel. Access to
exits shall be marked by readily visible floor level exit signs in cases where the exit or
the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. Floor level exit
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
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sign placement shall be such that no point in a corridor is more than 100 feet (30.5 m)
or the listed viewing distance for the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible
exit sign.
1011.1.2 Installation. Floor level exit signs shall be installed so the bottom of the
sign is not less than 6 inches (152 mm), nor more than 8 inches (203 mm) above the
adjacent grade. The sign shall be installed on the latch side of exit doors and shall be
not less than four inches from the door opening.
1011.1.3 Floor level exit sign illumination. All floor level exit signs shall be
illuminated as set forth in Sections 1011.2, 1011.4, and 1011.5.
R. Add Section 1411.3 to read as follows:
1411.3 Temporary exit signage. All buildings under construction or undergoing
demolition shall be provided with temporary exit signage when any one or more of
the following conditions are present:
1. The building is 15,000 square feet or larger.
2. When in the opinion of the fire code official, exit signage is necessary due to
the design of the building or other unusual circumstances are present.
The location and design of the exit signs shall be determined by the fire code official.
S. Amend Section 1415.1 to read as follows:
1415.1 Where required. Structures under construction, alteration or demolition
shall be provided with not less than one approved portable fire extinguisher in
accordance with Section 906 and sized for not less than ordinary hazard as follows:
1. At each stairway on all floor levels where combustible materials have
accumulated.
2. In every storage and construction shed.
3. Additional portable fire extinguishers shall be provided where special hazards
exist, including, but not limited to, the storage and use of flammable and
combustible liquids.
4. Throughout the building under construction in sufficient quantity so travel
distance does not exceed 75 feet.
5. The minimum rating for fire extinguishers shall be 2A10BC.
Section 4-7.104 Modifications to the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
A. Delete Appendix C, E and G.
B. Amend Section 10 1. 1 to read as follows:
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 43 of 45
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Wildland-Urban Interface Code
of the City of Atascadero, hereinafter referred to as "this code." References
throughout this code to the International Building Code shall mean California
Building Code. References throughout this code to the International Fire Code shall
mean California Building Code.
C. Add Section 101.1.1 to read as follows:
101.1.1 Code official designated. For the purposes of this code, the code official
shall be the fire code official or building official as established in the building
construction and fire codes adopted by the City.
D. Amend Section 104.1 to read as follows:
104.1 General. To determine the suitability of alternate materials and methods and
to provide for reasonable interpretations of the provisions of this code, there shall be
and hereby is created a board of appeals. The board of appeals shall be the City
Council. The building official and fire code official shall be ex officio members, and
shall act as secretary of the board. The board shall adopt reasonable rules and
regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render decisions and findings in
writing to the code official, with a duplicate copy to the applicant.
E. Amend Section 108 to be titled CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY and amend
Section 108.1 to read as follows:
108.1 General. A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued by the building
official until the code official determines that the project is in compliance with this
code.
F. Amend Section 302.1 to read as follows:
302.1 Declaration. Wildland-Urban Interface areas shall be established by the Fire
Hazard Severity Zones designated by the State of California or as declared by the
City Council.
G. Amend Section 505.2 to read as follows:
505.2 Roof covering. Roofs shall have at least a Class A roof covering, Class A roof
assembly or an approved noncombustible roof covering. For roof coverings where
the profile allows a space between the roof covering and decking, the space at the
eave ends shall be firestopped to preclude entry of flames or embers.
H. Amend Section 506.2 to read as follows:
506.2 Roof covering. Roofs shall have at least a Class A roof covering, Class A roof
assembly or an approved noncombustible roof covering. For roof coverings where
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 44 of 45
the profile allows a space between the roof covering and decking, the space at the
eave ends shall be firestopped to preclude entry of flames or embers.
SECTION 3. Section 7-3.001 of Title 7 of the Atascadero Municipal Code is hereby
repealed and replaced by new Section 7-3.001 as follows:
7-3.001 Sewer connection availability.
For the purposes of this chapter a public sewer shall be deemed to be available to a
building if the sewer is installed in a public right-of-way or easement at the property line
of the lot upon which the building is located or is within 200 feet of the proposed or
existing structure.
SECTION 4. If any provision of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid by a
court of competent jurisdiction, the City of Atascadero hereby declares that it would have passed
each and every remaining provision irrespective of such holding in order to accomplish the intent
of this ordinance.
SECTION 5. Approval. The City Council of the City of Atascadero, in a regular
session assembled on November 27, 2007 resolved to approve on second reading, by title only,
an ordinance that would amend above referenced codes as described.
SECTION 6. This Ordinance or a comprehensive summary thereof shall be published
once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Atascadero within 15 days after its
adoption. A copy of the full text of this ordinance shall be on file in the City Clerk's office on
and after the date following introduction and passage and shall be available to any interested
member of the public.
1
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 520
Page 45 of 45
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on November 13, 2007, and
PASSED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Atascadero, State of California, on
November 27, 2007, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Beraud, Brennler, Clay, O'Malley and Mayor Luna
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
CI4r.G
ASC ERO
B
e Luna,Mayor
ATTEST:
Marcia McClure Torgerson, C.M.C., City Jerk
APPROVED A c O FORM:
7
-tel/
Brian Pierik, City Attorney
1