HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 553 wrw
CERTIFICATION
I, 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 553, adopted by the
Atascadero City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on January 11, 2011, and that it has been
duly published pursuant to State Law
DATED- iRA4 d4s� Qj
Marcia McClure Torgerson, C.M.C.
City Clerk
City of Atascadero, California
ORDINANCE NO 553
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 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, and Title 4 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 189415
require the City Council,before making any modifications or changes to the California Building
Standards Code pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 189415 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,
topographical or green 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,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Atascadero, at a duly noticed Public Hearing
held on December 14, 2010, studied and considered the proposed municipal code text amendments and
changes and,
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 2 of 58
am 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,J1014,J103.2,J108 1 and J110.2
of the 2010 California Building Code, Sections 710 1, 713.5, 717 0, 719 1 and Appendix Sections K1(A)
of the 2010 California Plumbing Code,Article 230-70(A)(1) of the 2010 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 13,
14114, and 1415 1 of the 2010 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
am 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 2010 California Building Code,Article 230-70 of the 2010 California
Electrical Code,and Sections 311.2, 503 1, 505 1, 508.2.2, 603 4, 609 2, 903 2, 904 11 4.2,
904 116 4„ 1011 1 1-1011 1.3, 14114, and 1415 1 of the 2010 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 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
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 3 of 58
wnr 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 2010 California
Building Code,Article 230-70 of the 2010 California Electrical Code, and Sections 311.2,
503 1, 505 1, 508.2.2, 603 4, 609.2, 903.2, 904 11 4.2,904 116 4„ 1011 1 1-1011 1.3,
14114, and 1415 1 of the 2010 California Fire Code.
3 That the central commercial area in the City of Atascadero consists of nuxed 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 13, 1505 1 and
1506.3 1 of the 2010 California Building Code, Article 230-70 of the 2010 California
Electrical Code, and Sections 3112, 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, 14114, and 1415 1 of the 2010 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 mayor 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
�rrr 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 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 2010 California Building Code, Article 230-70 of the
2010 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 13, 14114 and 1415 1 of the 2010 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
ow land. The same climatic conditions may result in the concurrent occurrence of one or more
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 4 of 58
wr. 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 13, 1505 1 and
1506.3 1 of the 2010 California Building Code, Article 230-70 of the 2010 California
Electrical Code, and Sections 311.2, 503 1 505 1 508.2.2, 603 4, 609 2, 903.2, 904 11 4.2,
904 116 4„ 1011 1 1-1011 1.3, 14114, and 1415 1 of the 2010 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 2010 California Building Code,
Sections 710 1, 713.5, 717 0, 719 1 and Appendix Section Kl(A) of the 2010 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
am 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,
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.
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 5 of 58
am TITLE 8
Chapter 1
ADMINISTRATIVE
Title 8 Atascadero Municipal Code
Chapter 1 ADMINISTRATIVE
8-1 101 Title.
This title shall be known as the City of Atascadero Building Construction Code, Title 8 of the
Atascadero Municipal Code (Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
8-1.102 Adoption of Codes.
Seven (10) 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
1 2010 Edition of the California Building Code (Volumes 1 and 2) published by the
International Code Council
2 2010 Edition of the California Residential Code published by the International Code
Council
3 2010 Edition of the California Electrical Code published by the National Fire Protection
Association
4 2010 Edition of the California Mechanical Code published by the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
5 2010 California Plumbing Code published by the International Association of Plumbing
and Mechanical Officials
6 2010 Edition of the California Green Building Code
7 2010 Edition of California Energy Code
8 2010 Edition of the California Historical Building Code
9 2010 Edition of the California Existing Building Code
10 2009 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
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 6 of 58
�..r 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 (Ord. 520 § 1 (part),
2007)
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 (Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
Chapter 2 ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT
8-2.101 Administration of adopted Codes.
The administration and enforcement of this title shall be in accordance with Chapter 1, Division
II of the California Building Code as adopted in Chapter 1 of this title and amended in this
chapter (Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
8-2.102 Modification of Chapter 1, Division II.
(a) Amend 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 Section 105 1 and add Section 105 13 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 without HUD certification label, 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
compliance with all applicable codes shall be substantiated by a California licensed architect or
engineer
(c) Add Section 105.2 4 to read as follows
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 7 of 58
am 1 One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar
uses, exempt from a building permit under Section 105.2 may not exceed 16 ft in total height.
2.In residential one and two family dwellings, decks not exceeding 200 sq ft (18 58m2) in area,
that are not more than 30 inches (762mm) above grade at any point, that are not attached to a
structure and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311 4
(d) Amend Section 105 3.2 to read as follows
105.3.2 Time limitation of application.
1 Expiration of Plan Review Applications for which no permit is issued within 180 days
following date of notification of approval/ready for issuance by the Building Division, or
applications within 180 days following date of notification of permit corrections to be picked up
or returned, shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may
thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official.
In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and
pay a new plan review fee No extension is allowed except by written appeal to the Building
Official The Building Official is authorized to grant one extension of time for an additional
period not exceeding 180 days No application shall be extended more than once
2 Fee refund. Application fees and permit fees are assessed to cover the cost of providing
permit issuance services and therefore are not refundable once service has been obtained. A full
refund (100%) can only be given when a cancelled application was submitted and/or reviewed
due to staff error Refunds for cancelled applications will not include submittal fees, document
imaging fees, and plan review fees (once a plan review has been completed) Refunds must be
requested in writing and within one (1) year of application submittal date Refunds for cancelled
permits will include up to 80% of the permit fee, provided no work has commenced and the
request for refund is within one (1) year from permit issuance Refunds must be requested in
writing and within one (1) year of permit issuance Refunds will not be processed for
applications and/or permits that have been suspended or revoked, or that have expired due to
limitation
3 Dormant building permits application one-time-only blanket extension. In addition to the
time extension allowed in section 105.3.2 1 , any building permit application for new single-
family-residence, new multi-family-residence, new commercial or industrial building, or a
commercial or industrial addition, submitted to the City of Atascadero on or before September 9,
2008, may opt into a one-time-only application extension In order to be considered for this
program, all outstanding plan check fees must be paid in full on or before February 28, 2009, and
any subsequent building permit regulated by this program must be paid for in full and issued on
or before June 30, 2010 Any building permit application or subsequent building permit
regulated by this program that does not meet all timeframes indicated in this section will be
cancelled and become null and void, and any subsequent work will require a new permit
r.r application, new plans, and new plan check and permit fees
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 8 of 58
+r (d) Amend Appendix Section 105.5 to read as follows
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 permitted 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 113 to read as follows
SECTION 113
BOARD OF APPEALS
113.1 General.The Board of Building Appeals shall be as described in Section 2-12 01 of the
Atascadero Municipal Code
113.2 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
(f) Add Sections 114 Sand 114 6 to read as follows
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 9 of 58
*r. 114.5 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.
114.6 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 116 1 of to read as follows
116.1 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 2009 edition
of the International Property Maintenance Code, as adopted. A vacant structure that is not
secured against entry shall be deemed unsafe
(h) Add Section 117 to read as follows
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 10 of 58
am
SECTION 117
CONSTRUCTION SITE
117 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 fob 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
(Ord. 533 §§ 1, 2, 2008, Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
8-2.101 Administration of adopted Codes.
The administration and enforcement of this title shall be in accordance with Chapter 1, Division
II of the California Building Code as adopted in Chapter 1 of this title and amended in this
chapter (Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
Chapter 3 BUILDING CODE
+r.r 8-3.101 Modifications of the California Building Code.
(a) Delete Appendix A, B, C, D, E. F, G, H and K. Adopt Appendix I and J
(b) Amend Section 701A.1 to read as follows 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 whose first application for construction permit was submitted
after October 4, 2004, and located in a High or Very High Fire Seventy Zone as described on the
approved City of Atascadero Fire Seventy Zone map on file in the office of the Fire Chief of the
City of Atascadero
(c) Amend 701A.2 to read as follows
701A.2 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum standards for the
protection of life and property by increasing the ability of a building located in a High or Very
High Fire Seventy Zone within the City of Atascadero to resist the intrusion of flames or burning
embers projected by a vegetation fire and contributes to a systematic reduction in conflagration
losses
(d) Amend Section 701A.3 to read as follows
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 11 of 58
`w 701A.3Application.New buildings, or additions or alterations to buildings whose first
application for construction permit was submitted after October 4, 2004, located in a High or
Very High Fire severity zone shall comply with all sections of this chapter, as amended.
Exceptions.
1 1 Detached trellises, patio covers, gazebos and similar structures, 450 sq ft or less,
with open trellis roof or Class A roofing, when open on all sides and located at least
10 feet from adjacent buildings.
2. Accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area and exempt from a
building permit per Section 105 2, as amended.
3 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.
4Additions or modifications to existing building whose first application for construction
permit was submitted prior to October 5, 2004
(f) Amend 704A.1 as follows
704A.1General.The materials prescribed herein for ignition resistance shall conform to the
requirements of this chapter Wood shake or wood shingle roofing products shall not be installed
on any exterior part of any building.
(g) Delete Sections 903.2 through 903.2.18 Add new Sections 903 2 and 903.2 1
through 903 2 18 to read as follows
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 than500 square feet (46 45 m2) 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 m2) 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
3occupancy
3 Agricultural buildings 3,000 square feet in area or less when open on at least 3
""" sides
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 12 of 58
�.. 2 Throughout an existing building other than a Group R, Division 3 occupancy or a U
occupancy when accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy 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
3. Throughout an existing Group R, Division 3 occupancy or Group U occupancy when
accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy whenever additions exceed ten (10)
percent of the total floor area of the existing building and the total combined floor
area will exceed 5,000 square feet (185 8 m2)
Exceptions.
1 Group R, Division 3 occupancies where the total combined floor area will
not exceed 3,000 square feet (278 7 m2)
2 Group B and M occupancies whenever single or multiple additions will not
exceed 1,000 square feet (92 9 m2) beyond the size of the structure on the
effective date of this regulation or the total combined floor area will not
exceed 5,000 square feet (464.5 m2), and a second story or greater is not
added, and the occupancy is not changed to a more hazardous use
4 When occupancy change increases fire risk or hazard
(h) Add section 903.2.1 Fire Sprinkler Hazard Categories to read as follows
903.2.1.Fire Sprinkler Hazard Categories. Hazard categories in regard to fire sprinkler
system requirements shall be in accordance with Table 903.2 1
Table 903.2.1
Fire Sprinkler System Relative Hazard
Fire Sprinkler System Relative Hazard Categories
Relative Hazard Occupancy Classifications
1 (highest hazard) H
2 A, F-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 1, R-4, 1
3 F-2, R-3, E
4 B, M,S-2, U
5 In additions to existing buildings equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 13 of 58
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 903.2.18 not used. Text continues with Section 903 3
(i) 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 UL 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
0) Add Section 1506.3 1 to read as follows
1506.3.1 Wood shake and shingle limitations. Wood shake or wood shingle roofing products
shall not be installed on any exterior part of any building.
Exceptions.
1 Roof coverings on additions to existing wood shingle or wood 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.
0) 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.
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Ordinance No. 553
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arra 1 The building official need not require a foundation and soils investigation report
where satisfactory data from adjacent areas is available that demonstrates 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 investigation report for
one-story, wood-frame and light-steel-frame additions to Group R, Division 1 and 3 occupancies
of 1,000 square feet of floor area or less, or new one-story, wood-frame and light-steel-frame
detached accessory structures 1,000 square feet of floor area or less, or one-story, wood-frame
and light-steel-frame additions to detached accessory structures 1,000 square feet of floor area or
less when a licensed architect or engineer provides foundation design and a site observation
report with a statement of site suitability
(k) Add Sections 3408 1 1 through 3408 14 3 to read as follows
3408.1.1 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 3408 1 1, 3408 12 and 3408 13 Such determination shall be the
basis for the application of Sections 3408 1.2 through 3408 14.3
3408.1.2 Means of egress, general. Hazard categories in regard to life safety and means of
egress shall be in accordance with Table 3408 1.2
Table 3408.1.2
Means of Egress Hazard Categories
Relative Hazard Occupancy Classifications
1 (Highest Hazard) H
2 1-2,13,14
3 A,E,I1,M,R 1,R 2,R-4
4 B,F-1,R 3,S-1
5 (Lowest Hazard) F-2,S-2,U
3408.1.2.1 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
3408.1.2.2 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 12, 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
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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..r. 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 required to comply with the
maximum riser height and minimum tread depth requirements.
3408.1.3 Heights and areas. Hazard categories in regard to height and area shall be in
accordance with Table 3408 13
Table 3408.1.3
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
3408.1.3.1 Height and area change to higher hazard category When a change of occupancy
is made to a higher category as shown in Table 3408 13, heights and areas of buildings and
structures shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 5 of the California Building Code for
�r the new occupancy classification.
3408.1.3.2 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 3408 1.3, the
height and area of the existing building shall be deemed acceptable
3408.1.3.3 Fire barriers. When a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher hazard
category as shown in Table 3408 13, 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.
3408.1.4 Exterior wall fire-resistance ratings. Hazard categories in regard to fire-resistance
ratings of exterior walls shall be in accordance with Table 3408 14
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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Table 3408.1.4
Exposure of Exterior Walls Hazard Categories
Relative Hazard Occupancy Classification
1(Highest Hazard) H
2 F-1,M,S-1
3 A,B,E,I,R
4(Lowest Hazard) F-2,S-2,U
3408.1.4.1 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 3408 14, 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
3408.1.4.2 Exterior wall rating for change of occupancy classification to an equal or lesser
.r hazard category When a change of occupancy classification is made to an equal or lesser
hazard category as shown in Table 3408 14, existing exterior walls, including openings, shall be
accepted.
3408.1.4.3 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
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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am 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 3408 14
(1) amend Section 3109 4 4.2 as follows
Section 3109.4.4.2Construction permit, safety features required. Commencing January 1,
2007, except as required by Section 3109 4 4.5, whenever a building permit was issued for
construction of a new swimming pool or spa or any building permit issued for remodeling of an
existing pool or spa, at a private, single-family home, it shall be equipped with at least one of the
following seven drowning prevention safety features
Items 4 and 5 may only be used in conjunction with an enclosure meeting the
requirements of Section 3109 4 4 3, that isolates the swimming pool, spa or hot tub
from adjoining property
1 The pool shall be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that meets
the requirements of Section 3109 4 4.3
2. The pool shall incorporate removable mesh pool fencing that meets American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifications F2286 standards in
conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can
accommodate a key lockable device
3 The pool shall be equipped with an approved safety pool cover that meets all
requirements of the ASTM Specifications F 1346
4 The residence shall be equipped with exit alarms on those doors providing
direct access to the pool
5 All doors providing direct access from the home to the swimming pool shall
be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism
placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor
6 Swimming pool alarms that, when placed in pools, will sound upon detection
of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water These pool alarms shall
meet and be independently certified to the ASTM Standard F 2208 "Standards
Specification for Pool Alarms" which includes surface motion, pressure,
sonar, laser and infrared type alarms. For purposes of this article, "swimming
pool alarms" shall not include swimming protection alarm devices designed
for individual use, such as an alarm attached to a child that sounds when the
child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water
7 Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or
greater than that afforded by any of the devices set forth in items 1- 4, and
have been independently verified by an approved testing laboratory as
meeting standards for those devices established by the ASTM or the
American Society of Testing Mechanical Engineers (ASTM)
(m) Amend Appendix J101 1 to read as follows
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Ordinance No. 553
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err 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
(n) 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
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.
+wrr
(o) 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
(p) Amend Appendix Section J103 2 to read as follows
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Ordinance No. 553
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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.
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
(q) Add Appendix Sections 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.
am
City of Atascadero
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wr.r 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. The drainage plan shall include provisions to mitigate the impact of
drainage on nearby creeks, swales and offsite properties or structures. The drainage plan shall
comply with the requirements of any Council adopted City Engineering Standard Specifications
and Drawings, Low Impact Development, or Hydromodification Control Standards.
6 A soils 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.
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 erosion and sedimentation control and site revegetation, including
the location, species, container size and quantity of plant materials proposed, and the proposed
time of planting.
9 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
10 Where grading area of disturbance exceeds one acre, a Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plan will be submitted. The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan shall be in
compliance with the most recent General Construction Permit issued by the State Water
Resources Control Board.
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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aw 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 The grading plan shall also include
1 If located in a Flood Hazard Area, the grading plan shall include flood way and
flood zone boundaries and appropriate mitigations required by Municipal Code Title 7, Chapter
11 Flood Damage Prevention.
2 If located in a Geologic Hazard Overlay Zone, 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.
(r) 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.
(s) 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 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
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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• 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
(Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
Chapter 4 RESIDENTIAL CODE
8-4.101 Modifications to the California Residential Code.
(a) Delete Appendix A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, 3, K, L, M, N P, Q and R. Adopt Appendix H and O
(b) Delete Chapter I, Division II Administration of the California Residential Code shall be as set
forth in Chapter 1 Division II of the California Building Code, as amended
(c) Delete Section R313.Add new Section R313 to read as follows
Section R313Required.Fire sprinkler systems shall be as set forth inspection 903.2 of the
California Building Code, as amended
(d) Amend Section R401 1 to read as follows.
Section R401.1 Required. The owner or applicant shall submit foundation and soils
investigation report to the building official as set forth in the California Building
err Code, as amended.
Chapter 5 ELECTRICAL CODE
8-5 101 Modifications of the California Electrical Code.
(a) Administration of the California Electrical Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 1
Division II 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
(Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
ern
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 23 of 58
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�.r
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 24 of 58
rrrr Chapter 6 PLUMBING CODE
8-6.101 Modifications of the California Plumbing Code. (a) Delete Chapter 1, Division II.
Administration of the plumbing code shall be as set forth in Chapter 1 Division 11 of the
California Building Code, as amended.
(b) Delete Appendix D, G, and L. Adopt Appendix A, B, I and K.
(c) Amend Section 710 1 to read as follows
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
(d) 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.
(e) 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
(f) 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.
(g) 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
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 25 of 58
rrrr 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 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
(Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
8-6.102 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 six (6) and eight (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 four(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 twenty-four(24) hours unless the site consists of
w.r sandy soils containing little or no clay In sandy soils where the water on two (2) consecutive
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 26 of 58
am readings seeps away faster than one-half(1/2) the wetted depth in twenty-five (25) minutes or
less, re-fill the hole with water, and pre-soak for an additional two (2) hours After the two (2)
hour pre-soak, the test may then be run. The time interval between measurements shall be taken
at ten (10) minutes and the test run for one (1) hour Re-fill to original depth after each reading.
(4) For all other soils, the percolation rate measurement shall be made on the day
following the twenty-four(24) hour pre-soaking.
(5) Pre-soak the boring as described above After twenty-four(24) hours have
elapsed, re-fill the hole to the proposed inlet depth. The fall of water should be measured every
one-half(1/2) hour over a five (5)hour period. Re-fill the hole after each one-half(1/2) hour
reading. During the last or the sixth hour, do not re-fill the hole after the one-half(1/2) hour
reading. Be sure to check the total hole depth every one-half(1/2) 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 (3) separate test holes
am 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 four
(4) and twelve (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 (2) 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
one (1) foot above the gravel or sand with clear water, which is to be kept in the hole for at least
four(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
twenty-four (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
City of Atascadero
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+rrr► (i) If water remains in the test hole after the overnight swelling period, adjust the
depth to approximately six (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 six (6) inches over the gravel
or sand. From a fixed reference point, measure the drop in water level at approximately thirty
(30) minute intervals over four(4) hours refilling six (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 six (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 ten (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 groundwater
(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 one
hundred twenty (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 = A,, x Nb x Af
T,,,
Aa= Absorption area per bedroom
Nb=Number of bedrooms
Af=Trench adjustment factor
T,,, =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
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 28 of 58
am 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
(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 thirty (30) minutes per inch.
(4) Standard Trench Lengths Standard trench lengths for percolation rates less than
thirty (30) minutes per inch are included in Table 4-6 The trench lengths shown in Table 4-6 are
for a standard three (3) foot wide trench with three (3) 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
(1) 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 (1) 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 twenty (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 thirty (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 thirty (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 thirty (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 one hundred twenty (120) minutes/inch, a
private sewage disposal system, solely dependent upon soil absorption, shall not be allowed,
""" unless the lot size is two (2) acres or greater
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 29 of 58
(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 thirty (30) minutes/inch, a private
sewage disposal system using a seepage pit shall not be allowed.
(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 one hundred (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 four (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.
+rr
(1) Septic tank manholes more than twenty-four(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
(i) 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
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 30 of 58
err. (iii) Septic tanks and other system components installed with more than three (3) 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 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 twenty (20) inches Risers shall be covered
with tight fitting lids that are gas tight, securely fastened with stainless steel or other
noncorrosive 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 (6) 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 four (4)
feet, or more than six (6) feet. Construction of a seepage pit with a diameter less than four (4)
feet or greater than six (6) feet may be permitted with written approval of the Authority Having
Jurisdiction.
(3) Seepage pits shall have a centrally located four (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 three-fourths (3/4) inch to two and one-half(2
1/2) 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 unperforated.
(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 twelve (12)
inches of clean earth cover, free of debris and rock.
(5) Seepage pits shall have an effective disposal depth of at least ten (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 fifty (50) feet, unless the building
" ' official provides written approval for a greater depth
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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�.r (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.
(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) One hundred Percent (100%) Expansion Area. All systems shall be designed and
constructed to reserve sufficient site area for a one hundred percent (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.
(i) Design Flow Rate. For single-family dwellings, the daily design flow shall be
three hundred seventy-five (375) gallons per day for up to four(4)bedrooms, with one hundred
fifty (150) gallons per day for each additional bedroom in excess of four(4) For other
occupancies, refer to the California Plumbing Code, Appendix K.
�) 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.
am
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 32 of 58
am (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 (1) acre or larger in size and
meets other regulations and requirements regarding septic setbacks and distance separation
(5) One Hundred Percent (100%)Expansion Area. All systems shall be designed and
constructed to reserve sufficient site area for a one hundred percent (100%) replacement
dispersal systemlarea. 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
(1) A private sewage disposal system shall not be replaced by another system if
sewers are available and are either within two hundred (200) feet of the structure, as required by
the plumbing code, or sewers are at the property line
arra (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
(1) Tables.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 33 of 58
w.r 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
71-80 430
81-90 520
91-100 660
101-110 830
111-120 1250
Table 4-2
Standard Trench Adjustment Factor
Depth of Gravel Below Pipes
(Inches) Trench Width(Inches)
12 1 18 24 30 36 42 1 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 1 44 47 .50 .52 .54 .56 .58
42 .33 .37 40 43 45 48 .50 .52 .54
48 .30 33 1 .36 1 .39 1 42 44 1 46 48 .50
Note.For trenches not shown in Table 4-2,the standard trench adjustment factor may be.
W + 2
Trench Adjustment Factor= W + 1 + 2D
W = width of trench (in feet)
D = depth of gravel below pipe (in feet)
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 34 of 58
Table 4-3
Horizontal Distance Separation (In Feet)
Leach Field or
Building Sewer Septic Tank Seepe e Bed See a e Pit
Buildings or structures,including porches,steps, 2 5 8 8
breezeways,patios,and carports whether covered
or not
Property line Clear"') 5 5 10
Water supply well in unconfined aquifer 50") 50 100 150
Watercourse 50 50 100 100
Swales ' 50 50 50 50
Native Trees * 10() * 10(x)
Seepage pits — 5 5 12
Leach field or seepage bed — 5 6 5
On-site domestic water service line 10 1 5 5 5
Distribution box — — 5 5
Pressure public water main 10(5) 10 10 10
Sloping round,cuts,or other embankments — — 1501) 151'
Reservoirs 1 including ponds,lakes,tanks, 200 200 200 200
basins,etc.for storage,regulation and control of
water recreation,power,flood control or linking
Springs 100 100 100 100
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.
(21 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
171 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.
Wr
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 35 of 58
rn. Table 4-4
Vertical Distance Separation (In Feet)
Leach Field or Seepage Bed Seepage Pit
Ground water, where percolation rate(min/in) is
<1 50
1-4 20
5-29 8
>30 5
Groundwater, where soil is
Gravels 50
Gravels with few fines 3 20
Other 10
Bedrock 10 10
Note:Distance is measured from bottom of trench or pit.
Unless a setback distance of at least two hundred fifty(250)feet to any domestic water supply well or surface water is
assured.In this case the minimum separation shall be ten(10)feet.
2 Gravels—Soils with over ninety-five percent(95%)by weight coarser than a No.200 sieve and over one-half(1/2)of the
coarse fraction larger than a No.4 sieve.
3 Gravels with few fines—Soils with ninety percent(90%)to ninety-four percent(94%)coarse fraction larger than a No.4
sieve.
Mr
Table 4-5
Hi Capacity Infiltrator System Design
Requirements
Percolation Rate Infiltrator Trench Length(feet)*
High Ca acit Chambers
1 bed 2 bed 3 bed 4 bed
<1-9 30 60 90 120
10 36 66 96 132
11-15 42 72 114 154
16-20 48 84 126 172
21-26 54 90 138 180
26-29 60 96 150 198
30+ Design by Engineer
Trench lengths good for up to three(3)bedrooms.
t Homes larger than four(4)bedrooms shall be calculated as required by this chapter
# Consult manufacturer design criteria for alternative product design criteria.This information shall be submitted to the City
for review prior to system approval.
irrr
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 36 of 58
irr
Table 4-6
Requirements for Gravel Standard System Trench Lengths
Standard 3'x3'Trench Length(feet)*
Gravel Trench
Percolation Rate 1 bed 2 bed 3 bed 4 bed
<1-9 25 50 75 100
10 28 55 83 110
11-15 32 63 95 127
16-20 36 72 108 143
21-26 38 77 115 1 153
26-29 42 83 125 167
30+ Design by Engineer
Three(3)ft.wide by three(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
t Homes larger than four(4)bedrooms shall be calculated as required by this chapter
+rrw
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 1,000
4 1,200
5 or 6 1,500
See California Plumbing Code for an expanded list of tank sizes.
(Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
rwr
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 37 of 58
rrr Chapter 7 MECHANICAL CODE
8-7 101 Modifications to the California Mechanical Code.
(a) Delete Chapter 1, Divison 11. Administration of the mechanical code shall be as
set forth in Chapter 1 Division II of the California Building Code
(b) Adopt Appendix A, B, C and D (Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
Chapter 8 GREEN BUILDING CODE
8-8.101 Modifications to the California Green Building Code
(a) Delete Appendix A4 and A5
Chapter 9 UNSAFE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
8-9 101 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"
�r.
(b) Amend Section 102 3 to read as follows
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)
(Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
Chapter 10 WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION
aw
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 38 of 58
r.r 8-10.101 Purpose.
Consistent with California State law, it is the purpose of this chapter to
(a) Promote the values and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to use
water resources as efficiently as possible,
(b) Prevent unreasonable water waste by limiting landscape water use to the amount
reasonably required for beneficial use,
(c) Establish a structure for planning, designing, installing, maintaining, and
managing water efficient landscapes in new construction and rehabilitated projects (Ord. 548 §
2, 2010)
8-10.102 Definitions.
"Certificate of completion" means the document required under Section 8-8 105(c)
"Landscapable area" means all the planting areas, turf areas, and water features in a
landscape design plan. The landscape area does not include footprints of buildings or structures,
sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, or patios
"Landscape contractor" means a person licensed by the State of California to construct,
maintain, repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems
"Landscape documentation package (LDP)" means the documents required under Section
8-8 105(b)
"Landscape project" means total area of landscape in a project as defined in "landscape
area" for the purposes of this chapter
"Multifamily residential" means two (2) or more attached residential units. Landscape
areas for multiple detached units on one (1) parcel will be considered single-family units for the
purposes of this chapter
"New construction" means, for the purposes of this chapter, a new building with a
landscape or other new landscape, such as a park, playground or greenbelt without an associated
building.
"Permit" means an authorizing document issued by local agencies for new construction
or rehabilitated landscapes
"Pervious" means any surface or material that allows the passage of water through the
material and into the underlying soil
err.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 39 of 58
rrr "Project applicant" means the individual or entity requesting a permit, plan check or
design review from the local agency A project applicant may be the property owner or designee
"Rehabilitated landscape" means any relandscaping project that requires a permit, plan
check, or design review
"Runoff" means water which is not absorbed by the soil or landscape to which it is
applied and flows from the landscape area. For example, runoff may result from water that is
applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or when there is a slope
"Single-family residential" means one (1) home on one (1) lot, or multiple detached units
on one (1) lot (not attached)
"Soil moisture sensing device" or"soil moisture sensor" means a device that measures
the amount of water in the soil. The device may also suspend or initiate an irrigation event.
"Turf" means a ground cover surface of mowed grass Annual bluegrass, Kentucky
bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Red fescue, and Tall fescue are cool-season grasses
Bermudagrass, Kikuyugrass, Seashore Paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalo
grass are warm-season grasses
"Valve" means a device used to control the flow of water in the irrigation system.
"Water conserving plant species" means a plant species identified as having a low plant
factor
"Water waste runoff' means water flowing away from property and which is caused by
excessive application(s) of water beyond reasonable or practical flow rates, water volumes or
duration of application. (Ord. 548 § 2, 2010)
8-10.103 Applicability
The information within this chapter applies to new construction and rehabilitated
landscapes for commercial, industrial and residential projects that are subject to the development
review process and/or a building permit with the exception of subsection (f), which applies to all
properties within the City limits
(a) Development Review Process In conjunction with the submittal of a project for
development review (tentative parcel map, tentative tract, development plan or conditional use
permit), conceptual landscape and irrigation plans shall be provided that demonstrate that the
design of the landscaping and irrigation complies with the standards within this chapter These
plans shall be reviewed by City staff during the development review process
(b) Building Permit. In conjunction with the submittal of a project for building permit
plan check, final landscape and irrigation plans, in compliance with this chapter, shall be
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 40 of 58
UM submitted with the project. After a plan check review by the Planning and/or Building and/or
Public Works Departments for compliance with this chapter, a building permit may be issued.
Fees consistent with the fees established for building plan check will be applied for staff review
of the landscape and irrigation plan
(1) Residential Building Permits
(i) Landscape plans in compliance with this chapter shall be required to be submitted
with all new single-family residences and new second unit building permits
(ii) Landscape plans shall be required in conjunction with residential remodels and
additions only when new landscape is proposed to be installed. All new landscape and
relandscaping shall be compliant with this chapter
(2) Nonresidential Building Permits
(i) Landscape plans in compliance with this chapter shall be required to be submitted
with building permits for all new nonresidential construction.
(h) When submitting a building permit for nonresidential remodels and additions, a
landscape plan shall be submitted to bring the site into compliance with Section 8-8 104 Only
alterations required for compliance with Section 8-8 104 shall be required to be shown on the
landscape plan.
(c) Certificate of Completion. Once the landscape and irrigation plans and necessary
documentation has been provided in substantial compliance with the LDP, a certificate of
completion may be issued. A certificate of completion shall be issued prior to the project
receiving a certificate of occupancy by the Building Division.
(d) Landscape and Irrigation Installation. For both projects less than or greater than
one (1) acre, the landscape and irrigation shall be installed per the approved plans prior to the
issuance of a certificate of occupancy or"final' of the building/project.
(e) Landscape Bond.
(1) For projects that have a landscape area of one (1) acre or greater and require a
LDP, a bond may be posted which would allow a building to be finaled and a certificate of
occupancy to be issued prior to the site landscape and irrigation being completed. The bond shall
be based on an estimate for labor and materials to complete the landscape and irrigation project
per the approved plans, plus an additional twenty-five (25) percent. The applicant shall fill out
the landscape bond security bond agreement along with the necessary bonding information, to
the Public Works Department for review and approval to determine the specific bond amount.
lrw
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 41 of 58
rr.. (2) For projects that have a landscape area of less than one (1) acre which does not
require the LDP, the Community Development Director or designee may approve a bond to be
posted which would allow a building to be finaled and a certificate of occupancy to be issued
prior to the site landscape and irrigation being completed.
(f) Water Waste Prevention This provision applies to all properties with the City
limits.
(1) Overhead irrigation of residential and commercial landscapes, including golf
courses, parks, school grounds and recreation fields, shall be prohibited between the hours of
10.00 a.m. and 5 00 p.m.
(1) Exceptions to the permitted watering timeframe are permitted for renovation or
repair of the irrigation system with an operator present, landscape irrigation audits, the reseeding
or planting of turf grass not to exceed an establishment period of twenty-one (21) consecutive
days, or the application of a landscape fertilizer that requires watering in.
(2) Water runoff shall be prohibited. Watering or irrigating of any lawn, landscape or
other vegetated area in a manner that causes or allows excessive water flow or runoff onto an
adjoining sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, street, alley, gutter, ditch, or adjacent property is
prohibited. (Ord. 548 § 2, 2010)
�trrr 8-10.104 Landscape standards and limitations for new construction and rehabilitated
landscapes.
(a) All project landscaping and irrigation plans/designs (residential, commercial,
industrial) shall comply with the following standards and limitations
(1) Turf areas less than eight (8) feet in width in any direction are prohibited,
(2) Turf shall be prohibited within the public right-of-way, including parkways,
(3) Turf shall be prohibited on slopes greater than twenty (20) percent where the toe
of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape (where twenty (20) percent means one (1)
foot of vertical elevation change for every five (5) feet of horizontal length rise divided by run X
100 = slope percent),
(4) Developments shall be graded to maximize the on-site distribution of runoff to
planted areas,
(5) For nonturf areas, landscape shall utilize a planting palette of low water use plants
designated by the Atascadero Mutual Water Company's list of water conserving plants,
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 42 of 58
am (6) A minimum two (2) inch layer of mulch shall be applied on all exposed soil
surfaces of planting areas except in turf areas, creeping or rooting groundcovers, or direct
seeding applications where mulch is contraindicated,
(7) For nonturf areas, drip irrigation and nonoverhead spray methods shall be utilized,
(8) Irrigation control systems shall utilize rain sensors, either integral or auxiliary,
that suspend irrigation during and after rainfall events,
(9) Irrigation systems shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage,
overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto nontargeted areas, such
as adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures,
(10) Spray irrigation shall be prohibited within twenty-four(24) inches of
nonpermeable surfaces such as, but not limited to, concrete sidewalks and driveways Allowable
irrigation within the setback from nonpermeable surfaces may include drip, drip line, or other
low-flow nonspray type of systems. The setback area may be planted or nonplanted. The
surfacing of the setback may be mulch, gravel, cobles, or other porous material. These
restrictions may be modified if the landscape area is adjacent to permeable surfacing, and no
runoff occurs or the adjacent nonpermeable surface drains entirely to landscaped areas,
(11) Water features shall use recirculating water systems,
(12) The architectural guidelines and codes, covenants, and restrictions of common
interest developments shall not have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants or
requiring turf grass in landscaped areas,
(13) The Building Official shall have the authority to grant modifications to
subsections (1) through (12) for individual cases provided that the Building Official first finds
that the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this chapter and that such
modification does not create water waste or additional water use than would be created if
subsections (1) through (12) were implemented.
(b) Commercial and industrial projects shall comply with the following turf
limitations
(1) The area planted in turf grass and irrigated with spray irrigation shall be limited to
ten (10) percent of the development's landscapable area or two thousand five hundred (2,500)
square feet, whichever is less
(i) Exceptions This section does not apply to cemeteries, plant collections as part of
botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public, City and public parks, and school sports
fields.
"""" (c) Single-family residences shall comply with the following turf limitations
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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(1) Turf grass installed with spray irrigation on residential lots shall be limited to
twenty-five (25) percent of the landscapable area or two thousand five hundred (2,500) square
feet, whichever is less.
(d) Multifamily projects and residential subdivision tracts shall comply with the
following turf limitations
(1) Turf grass installed with spray irrigation on individual residential lots shall be
limited to twenty-five (25) percent of the landscapable area or two thousand five hundred (2,500)
square feet, whichever is less.
(i) Landscape area for new residential subdivisions will be calculated on an
individual lot basis as each lot develops, not a total of landscape areas prior to subdivision.
(2) Turf grass in common outdoor areas (including landscape and lighting district
areas) shall be limited to ten (10) percent of the landscapable area.
(i) The ten (10) percent limitation shall be exclusive of areas designed as active play
surfaces (e g., ballfields, playgrounds, picnic areas) All other common landscape within the
subdivision or multifamily project will be designed under one (1) permit subject to the maximum
turf limitations
rir�r (ii) Active play areas open to the public are exempt from this provision.
(e) Model homes shall comply with the following-
(1) Turf grass shall be prohibited in the front yards of model homes, and shall be
limited to fifty (50) percent of the landscapable area in back and side yards, or two thousand five
hundred (2,500) square feet, whichever is less
(2) Model homes shall be used to educate future home owners about water efficient
landscape and irrigation techniques Education features for model homes shall include
(1) The installation of interpretive landscape information signs that describe the
principles of water efficient landscapes including features such as hydrozones, appropriate
irrigation equipment and others techniques that contribute to the overall water efficient irrigation
theme
(ii) Information shall be provided to new home owners that include techniques on
designing, installing, managing, and maintaining water efficient landscapes
(f) Rehabilitated landscapes shall comply with the following:
(1) Rehabilitated landscapes shall comply with the turf limitations and water use
am standards as outlined in subsections (a) through (e), as appropriate to the property type
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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f.r (2) Landscape plans for rehabilitated landscapes shall be reviewed for compliance
with the standards when proposed or required as part of a building or grading permit,
discretionary review, and/or when required by Section 8-8 105 (Ord. 548 § 2, 2010)
8-10.105 Requirements for landscaped areas equal to or greater than one (1) acre.
(a) Projects that have a landscape area equal to or greater than one (1) acre shall meet
the following requirements
(1) Project shall comply with all of the items identified in Section 8-8 104
(2) Weather-based irrigation controllers, soil moisture-based controllers, or other self-
adjusting irrigation controllers shall be required for irrigation scheduling.
(b) The following documents and plans shall be submitted prior to the issuance of a
building permit for the associated project (please refer to the Landscape and Irrigation Design
Guide for specific forms and criteria)
Compliance with landscape documentation package which includes completion of the
following items
(1) Project information,
err
(2) Water efficient landscape worksheet,
(3) Soil management report,
(4) Landscape design plan,
(5) Irrigation design plan,
(6) Grading design plan.
Note the landscape area for new residential subdivisions will be calculated on an
individual lot basis as each lot develops, not a total of landscape areas prior to subdivision.
Therefore, generally a residential subdivision will not require an LDP for individual lot
landscaping.
However, if the common landscape areas within the subdivision, multifamily project, or
landscape and lighting district total one (1) acre or greater, an LDP for those areas shall be
completed under a single permit.
(c) The following documents and plans need to be completed and the landscape and
irrigation project shall be installed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or building
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r.r permit final for the associated project (please refer to the Landscape and Irrigation Design Guide
for specific forms and criteria)
Certificate of completion which includes documentation of the following items
(1) Irrigation scheduling;
(2) Landscape and irrigation maintenance schedule,
(3) Irrigation audit, irrigation survey and irrigation water use analysis,
(4) Irrigation efficiency;
(5) Stormwater management. (Ord. 548 § 2, 2010)
Chapter 9 RESERVED
Chapter 10 UNREINFORCED MASONRY
8-11.101 Modifications to the California Existing Building Code.
(a) Adopt Appendix Al
(b) 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.
(c) 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
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.
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(d) 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 A115 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
rrr
Type of Building Class
Essential Building I
High Risk BuildingII
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
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saw 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.
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
Deadline for Building Permit From Date of Permit Issuance
Submission of Issuance Deadline
Rating Occupant Rehabilitation for Strengthening Complete
Um Classification Load Plans or Demolition Commence Within Within
I Any Janu ry 1,2005 January 1,2005 180 days 3 years
II Any January 1,2005 January 1,2005 180 days 3 years
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
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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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 A115.2 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 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.
(Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
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Ordinance No. 553
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wr Chapter 12 POST-DISASTER REGULATIONS
8-12.101 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. (Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
8-12.102 Application of provisions.
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 (Ord. 520 § 1 (part) 2007)
8-12.103 Definitions.
SAFETY ASSESSMENT A visual, nondestructive examination of a building or
structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued use (Ord. 520 § 1 (part),
2007)
8-12.104 Placards.
+rw
(a) The following official placards shall be used to designate the condition for
occupancy of buildings or structures
(1) 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.
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Ordinance No. 553
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err (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 (Ord. 520 § 1 (part), 2007)
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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irrr ATASCADERO MUNICIPAL CODE
TITLE 4
Chapter 7 FIRE CODE
4-7 101 Title.
4-7 102 Adoption of Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
4-7 103 Modifications to the California Fire Code.
4-7 104 Modifications to the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
4-7 101 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the City of Atascadero Fire Code (2010)
4-7 102 Adoption of Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
Two (2) 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 (2010)Edition of the California Fire Code
and the 2009 Edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code published by the
International Code Council are hereby adopted, including chapters and sections not adopted by
..r 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(2010)
4-7 103 Modifications to the California Fire Code.
kO (a)Delete Appendix Chapter A.
(b) Adopt Appendix D without Table D 103 4 and Figure D 103 1
(c) Amend Chapter I,Division II, 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"
(d) Add Chapter I, Division II, Section 105 14 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
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
(e) Amend Chapter I, Division II, Section 108 1 to read as follows
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Ordinance No. 553
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em
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.
(f) Amend Section 311.2 2 by deletion of Exceptions 1 and 2
(g) 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
am
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 occupancies
(h) 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
(i) Amend Section (507.2) to read as follows
(507.2.2) Water tanks. Water Tanks are not permitted for private fire protection.
"" 0) Amend Section 609 2 and add Section 609.2.1 to read as follows
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
Page 53 of 58
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.
(k) Amend Section 9017 to read as follows
9017 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.
(1)Delete Sections 903.2 through 903.2 18 Add new Sections 903.2 and 903.2 1 through
903.2 18 to read as follows
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
than500 square feet (46 45 m2) 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 m2) 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 3occupancy
3 Group U occupancy buildings that are open on at least three sides and not greater
than 3,000 square feet.
2 Throughout an existing building other than a Group R, Division 3 occupancy or a U
occupancy when accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy 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 m`), or a second story or
greater is added, or the occupancy is changed to a more hazardous use
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City of Atascadero
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3 Throughout an existing Group R, Division 3 occupancy or Group U occupancy when
accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy whenever additions exceed ten (10)
percent of the total floor area of the existing building and the total combined floor
area will exceed 5,000 square feet (185 8 m2)
Exceptions
1 Group R, Division 3 occupancies where the total combined floor area will
not exceed 3,000 square feet (278 7 m 2)
2 Group B and M occupancies whenever single or multiple additions will not
exceed 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2) beyond the size of the structure on the
effective date of this regulation or the total combined floor area will not
exceed 5,000 square feet (464 5 m2), provided a second story or greater is
not added, and/or the occupancy is not changed to a more hazardous use.
4 When occupancy change increases fire risk or hazard
(n) Add section 903.2.1 Fire Sprinkler Hazard Categories to read as
follows
903.2.2.Fire Sprinkler Hazard Categories. Hazard categories in regard to fire sprinkler
Now system requirements shall be in accordance with Table 903.2.1
Table 903.2.1
Fire Sprinkler System Relative Hazard
Fire Sprinkler System Relative Hazard Categories
Relative Hazard Occupancy Classifications
1 (highest hazard) H
2 A, F-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 1, R-4, I-
3 F-2, R-3, E
4 B, M,S-2, U
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
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aw 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 General. An automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be installed 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
(o) Add Section 904 114 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 (69 1pm) at 7 psi for each head. There shall be a separate control valve for the fire
sprinkler system protecting the commercial-type cooking equipment.
(p) Amend Section 904 116 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
(q) Add Sections 907.20 5 1 through 907.20 5.3 to read as follows
(907.9.5.1) 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.
(907.9.5.2) False alarm frequency The cost recovery fee will be charged for all responses after
the second false alarm in a calendar year
(907.9.5.3)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.
(r) Add Section 1411.3 to read as follows
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No. 553
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aw 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 budding 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 2AIOBC
4-7 104 Modifications to the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
(a) Delete Appendix C,E and G
(b) Amend Section 101 1 to read as follows
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
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Ordinance No. 553
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NNW 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 Chapter 5 to read as follows
Section 501 Chapter 5 is deleted in its entirety Ignition Resistant Construction shall be
as set forth in Chapter 7A of the California Building Code as amended in Section 8-3 101of the
Atascadero Municipal Code
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on December 14, 2010, and PASSED and
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Atascadero, State of California, on January 11 2011 by
the following roll call vote.
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fir..
AYES Council Members Clay Fonzi, Kelley, Sturtevant, and Mayor O'Malley
NOES None
ABSTAIN None
ABSENT None
ClS F RO
Tom O'M ley Mayor
ATTEST
Marcia McClure 1'orgerson, C.M.C.,City rk
�rrr APPROVED AS TO FORM.
4 k-a 1)
Brian A. Pierik, City Attorney
err.