O26231
City Council Meeting: October 22, 2019 Santa Monica, California
ORDINANCE NUMBER 2623 (CCS)
(City Council Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA MONICA AMENDING ARTICLE VIII OF THE SANTA MONICA
MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADOPTING THE 2019 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS
CODE AND THE SANTA MONICA LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE
CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 18938 provides that the triennial
edition of the California Building Standards Code establishes building standards for all
occupancies throughout the State and requires that these standards incorporate the latest
editions of the Technical Codes with necessary California amendments; and
WHEREAS, on July 1, 2019, the California State Building Standards Commission
approved and published the 2019 edition of the California Building Standards Code which
incorporated the various editions of the Technical Codes by reference with necessary
California amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Technical Codes incorporated by reference in the 2019 California
Building Standards Code include the 2019 California Building Code, 2019 California
Existing Building Code, 2019 California Residential Code, 2019 California Electrical
Code, 2019 California Mechanical Code, 2019 California Plumbing Code, 2019 California
Energy Code, 2019 California Fire Code, and 2019 California Green Building Standards
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
2
Code; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Sections 18938 and 17958 make the
California Building Standards Code applicable to all cities and counties throughout
California, including the City of Santa Monica, 180 days after publication by the State
Building Standards Commission, which is January 1, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5
provide that the City may make changes or modifications to the building standards
contained in the California Building Standards Code based upon express findings that
such changes or modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic,
geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, on August 14, 2019 and October 2, 2019, the Building and Fire Life
Safety Commission met to consider recommendations to the City Council regarding
adopting the 2019 California Building Standards Code, local amendments to that Code,
and local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, at the August 14, 2019 and October 2, 2019 meetings, the Building
and Safety Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt a
resolution making necessary local findings and adopt the 2019 California Building
Standards Code with local amendments, as modified by the Commission; and
WHEREAS, the majority of the local amendments were recommended from a
collaborative group of Building Officials from the Los Angeles County region; and
WHEREAS, at its September 10, 2019 meeting, the Santa Monica City Council
adopted a resolution making findings regarding local climatic, geological, topographical,
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
3
and environmental conditions to support certain local amendments to the 2019 California
Energy Code and 2019 California Green Building Standards Codes; and
WHEREAS, at its September 24, 2019 meeting, the Santa Monica City Council
enacted an ordinance adopting and making certain local amendments to the 2019
California Energy Code and 2019 California Green Building Standards Codes; and
WHEREAS, based upon the findings contained in the Resolution adopted
concurrently with this Ordinance, the City Council has found that certain modifications
and additions to the California Building Standards Code are reasonably necessary based
upon local climatic, geological and topographical conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. It is the purpose and intent of this Ordinance to adopt the 2019
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2), 2019 California Existing Building Code (Title
24, Part 10), 2019 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5), 2019 California
Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3), 2019 California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4), 2019
California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5), 2019 California Historical Building Code (Title
24, Part 8), and 2019 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9), along with local modifications
and changes that are necessary to address local climatic, geographical, and
topographical conditions, and to readopt and make various administrative amendments
to certain provisions of the Santa Monica Municipal Code relating to the 2019 California
Building Standards Code.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
4
SECTION 2. Chapter 8.04 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
readopted in its entirety without amendment to read as follows:
8.04.010 Criminal sanctions.
(a) No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove, improve,
convert, demolish, occupy, equip, use or maintain any building or structure, mobile home
or trailer, or fixture attached thereto, or commence or perform any grading, or import or
export any earth materials to or from any site, in violation of any condition, provision or
regulation contained in Article VIII of the Municipal Code.
Any person violating Article VIII of the Municipal Code shall be guilty of an infraction,
which shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars, or a
misdemeanor, which shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars
per violation, or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not exceeding six months,
or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Any person convicted of violating any provision of this Article shall be ordered to
reimburse the City its full investigative costs.
(b) Continuing Prosecution. Amendments to this Article VIII shall not in any manner
affect the prosecution for violations thereof, which violations were committed prior to the
effective date of the ordinance adopting the amendment to this Article VIII and shall not
affect any prosecution or action which may be pending in any court for the violation of any
of the provisions thereof. As to any such violation or as to any such prosecution or pending
prosecution or action, the provisions of this Article VIII in effect prior to the adoption of the
ordinance adopting the amendment shall be deemed to continue and be in full force and
effect.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
5
(c) Restatements of Existing Law. The provisions of this Article VIII, insofar as they
are substantially the same as the provisions in effect prior to the adoption of the ordinance
adopting any amendment of this Article VIII, shall be construed as restatements and
continuations and not as new enactments.
(d) Creation and Enforcement of Local Laws. The provisions of Article VIII are
adopted pursuant to Article XI, Sections 5 and 7 of the California Constitution, in addition
to the authority contained in the Health and Safety Code, and are adopted to protect the
public health, safety and welfare of the City.
(e) Legislative Intent. The preamble to the ordinance adopting the Chapters in
Article VIII, and the Resolution adopted by the City Council concurrently therewith, should
be consulted for further findings, background and legislative history.
8.04.020 Effective date for building standards.
(a) General. The editions of the California Building Standards Code and the local
amendments contained in Article VIII of this Code in effect at the time an application for
a permit is submitted shall apply to the plans and specifications for, and to the construction
performed under that permit unless one of the following conditions exist:
(1) The City is subject to an emergency proclaimed pursuant to the California
Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8850) of Division 1 of Title
2 of the Government Code).
(2) The permit is expired pursuant to Section 8.08.070(c) of this Code.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
6
(3) The permit holder has suspended or abandoned the work authorized by the
permit at any time after the work is commenced for a period of one hundred eighty
consecutive days.
(4) The permit is subsequently deemed suspended or revoked because the Building
Officer has, in writing, suspended or revoked the permit due to its issuance in error or on
the basis of incorrect information supplied.
SECTION 3. Chapter 8.08 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
readopted and amended to read as follows:
8.08.010 Purpose, scope and conflicting provisions.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to establish the minimum requirements
necessary to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through the
administration and enforcement of the California Building Standards Code as adopted by
this jurisdiction and codified in Article VIII of the Municipal Code.
(b) Scope. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the construction, alteration,
moving, demolition, repair, site preparation, use, maintenance and occupancy of
buildings, structures and building service equipment, and shall serve as the
administrative, organizational and enforcement rules and regulations for the applicable
codes and standards.
(c) Conflicting Provisions. When conflicting provisions or requirements occur
between this Chapter and other codes, standards, or laws, the most restrictive provisions
shall govern. When there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific
requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. When conflicts occur between
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
7
specific provisions of this Chapter and administrative provisions of applicable state codes
and other standards, the specific provisions of this Chapter shall prevail.
8.08.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this Chapter, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives
shall be construed as specified in this Section. Where a term, phrase or word does not
appear in this Chapter but appears in the California Building Standards Code, the
definition in the California Building Standards Code shall be applicable. Where terms are
not defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context with
which they are used.
Alter or Alteration is a change or modification in construction or building service
equipment.
Approved, as to materials, types of construction, equipment and systems, refers to
approval by the Building Officer as the result of investigation and tests conducted by the
Building Officer, or by reason of accepted principles or tests by recognized authorities,
technical or scientific organizations.
Building Code is the Building Code of the City of Santa Monica.
Building, Existing is a building for which a legal building permit has been issued.
Building Officer is the Building Officer of the City of Santa Monica appointed pursuant
to Article VII of the City Charter, or his or her regularly authorized deputy.
Building Service Equipment is the plumbing, mechanical, electrical, elevator
equipment or other services that are essential to the occupancy of a building or structure
for its designated use.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
8
Code and this Code is the Santa Monica Municipal Code, unless otherwise noted.
Electrical Code is the Electrical Code of the City of Santa Monica.
Energy Code is the Energy Code of the City of Santa Monica.
Existing Building Code is the Existing Building Code of the City of Santa Monica.
Green Building Code is the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Santa
Monica.
Jurisdiction, as used in this Code, is the City of Santa Monica.
Listed and Listing are terms referring to equipment and materials included in a list
published by an approved testing laboratory, inspection agency, or other organization
concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of current
productions of listed equipment or materials. The published list shall state that the
material or equipment complies with approved nationally recognized codes, standards or
tests and has been tested or evaluated and found suitable for use in a specified manner.
Mechanical Code is the Mechanical Code of the City of Santa Monica.
Occupancy is the purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or intended to
be used.
Owner is any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in
the property.
Plumbing Code is the Plumbing Code of the City of Santa Monica.
Residential Code is the Residential Code of the City of Santa Monica.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
9
Structure is that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any
piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite
manner.
Valuation is the estimated fair market value of the cost of all construction work for
which the permit is issued as determined by the Building Officer. To determine the
valuation, the Building Officer may use the most current building valuation table published
by the International Code Council, the mean of three responsible bids from properly
licensed contractors or any other commonly accepted method to estimate construction
costs.
8.08.030 Powers and duties of the Building Officer.
(a) General. The Building Officer is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the
provisions of Article VIII of this Code, the California Building Standards Code and
applicable codes and standards. For such purposes, the Building Officer and authorized
deputies shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer.
The Building Officer shall have charge of the supervision and inspection of all buildings
within the City and shall have power and be required to:
(1) Examine building plans in order to determine conformity with State laws and
ordinances and issue building permits in connection therewith; and
(2) Enforce the laws and ordinances regulating the construction and maintenance of
buildings and other structures.
(b) Mobile Home Parks. The Building Officer is hereby authorized and directed to
enforce the provisions of the Mobilehome Parks Act and Title 25 California Code of
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
10
Regulations and shall have authority to promulgate and/or adopt administrative
regulations governing the appeal of orders, decisions and determinations of the Building
Officer for matters related to such enforcement.
(c) Deputies. The Building Officer may appoint such number of technical officers and
inspectors and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. The Building
Officer may deputize such inspectors or employees as may be necessary to carry out the
functions of this Chapter. In post disaster events, the Building Officer may deputize private
citizens who are qualified to provide damage assessment of buildings and structures on
behalf of the City.
(d) Rules and Interpretations. The Building Officer shall have the power to render
interpretations, and to adopt and enforce supplemental rules and regulations as may be
deemed necessary to clarify the application of the provisions of this Chapter,
the California Building Standards Code and applicable codes and standards. Such
interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformity with the intent and purpose of
this Chapter.
(e) Right of Entry. When necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the
provisions of this Chapter and applicable codes and standards, or when the Building
Officer has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon a
premises any condition which is contrary to or in violation of this Code, which makes the
building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the Building Officer, or designee,
may enter the building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect or to perform the
duties imposed by this Code. The Building Officer shall have recourse to all remedies
provided by law to secure entry.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
11
If the Building Officer has reasonable cause to believe that the building, structure or
any condition on a property is so unsafe, dangerous or hazardous as to require immediate
inspection to safely protect public health and safety, the Building Officer, or designee,
shall have the right to immediately enter and inspect such property, and may use any
reasonable means required to effect such entry and make such inspection, whether such
property be occupied or unoccupied and whether or not permission to inspect has been
obtained. If the property is occupied, then the Building Officer, or designee, shall first
present credentials to the occupant and demand entry, explaining the reasons therefor
and the purpose of the inspection.
(f) Orders to Stop Construction Work. When work is being done contrary to any
permit, to the provisions of this Chapter, the California Building Standards Code, any
development agreements or any other pertinent Federal, State or local ordinances and
regulations, the Building Officer, or any subordinate authorized to act on behalf of the
Building Officer, may order the work stopped, by giving notice in writing to persons
engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done. No person shall fail to comply with
the stop work order.
(g) Suspension or Revocation of Permits or Certificate of Occupancy. The
Building Officer may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit or Certificate of Occupancy
issued under the provisions of this Chapter whenever the permit or Certificate of
Occupancy has been issued in error, on the basis of incorrect information supplied,
without the payment of the required fees, or in violation of any Federal, State or local
ordinances or regulations.
Local ordinances and regulations include, but shall not be limited to:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
12
(1) Any provision of the approved plans, applicable codes and standards or any other
provision of the City’s Municipal Code, which is applicable to the work, including, but not
limited to, exterior noise standards and permitted hours of operation pursuant to
Sections 4.12.130 and 4.12.140 of the Municipal Code;
(2) Any condition of City permit approval, including, but not limited to, planning and
zoning requirements, required construction mitigation measures for occupied buildings
and adjacent properties and tenant protection during construction;
(3) Safety standards for onsite use or occupancy, adjacent properties or the public
way, as determined by the Building Officer;
(4) Any administrative citations and compliance orders including the payment of any
fines or penalties;
(5) Any air or water quality standards, including, but not limited to, asbestos
contamination;
(6) Any required license, security or insurance related to the work;
(7) Any requirement set forth in a development agreement ordinance.
(h) Discontinue Use of Building Occupancy and Service Equipment. When a
building or structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this Code and
applicable codes and standards is being used, maintained or occupied contrary to the
provisions of such codes, or is dangerous to human life, the Building Officer may order
such use or occupancy discontinued, entry to any such structure or building be limited,
and require such structure, building or requirement be made safe and brought into
compliance with this Code. No person shall fail to comply with such an order. The Building
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
13
Officer may further post signs limiting access to any building, structure or service
equipment subject to a correction order issued pursuant to this Section. No person shall
fail to comply with any such signage. No person shall deface, cover or remove such
signage.
(i) Authority to Disconnect Utilities. The Building Officer or the Building Officer’s
authorized representative shall have the authority to disconnect a utility service or energy
supplied to the building, structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this
Code or applicable codes and standards in case of emergency where necessary to
eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property.
The Building Officer shall whenever possible notify the serving utility, the owner and
occupant of the building, structure or building service equipment of the decision to
disconnect prior to taking such action, and shall notify such serving utility, owner and
occupant of the building, structure or building service equipment, in writing, of such
disconnection immediately thereafter.
(j) Approval of Alternate Materials, Methods of Design and Methods of
Construction. The Building Officer may approve an alternate material, method of design
or method of construction not specifically prescribed by the applicable codes and
standards, provided the Building Officer finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and
complies with the provisions of applicable codes and standards and that the material,
method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that
prescribed in applicable codes and standards in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire
resistance, durability, safety and sanitation. The Building Officer shall require that
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
14
sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate claims that may be made
regarding its use.
(k) Requiring of Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with
the provisions of applicable codes and standards or evidence that materials or
construction do not conform to the requirements of applicable codes and standards, the
Building Officer may require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense
to the jurisdiction.
Test methods shall be as specified by applicable codes and standards or by other
recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the
Building Officer shall determine test procedures. Tests shall be made by an approved
agency. The Building Officer shall retain reports of such tests for the period required for
the retention of public records.
(l) Maintaining Records. The Building Officer shall maintain sufficient records to
show the approved use, occupancy and type of construction for all structures requiring
permits and the applicable code standards applicable to any existing building. Such
records shall include any special administrative approvals including alternate materials,
methods of design and construction, modifications and tests.
The Building Officer shall also maintain an official copy of the plans of every building
issued a building permit during the life of the building except for: Any building containing
a bank, other financial institution, or public utility.
(m) Cooperation of Other Officials, Officers, and Managers. The Building Officer
may request, and shall receive, the assistance and cooperation of other officials, officers,
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
15
and managers of this jurisdiction so far as is required in the discharge of the duties
required by this Code or other pertinent laws or ordinances.
(n) Liability. The Building Officer charged with the enforcement of this Code,
the California Building Standards Code and applicable codes and standards, acting in
good faith and without malice in the discharge of duties, shall not thereby be rendered
personally liable for damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of an act
or omission in the discharge of the assigned duties. A suit brought against the Building
Officer or employee because of such act or omission performed by the Building Officer or
employee in the enforcement of the provisions of such codes or other pertinent laws or
ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this Code or enforced by the code
enforcement agency shall be defended by this jurisdiction until final termination of such
proceedings, and any judgment resulting therefrom, shall be assumed by this jurisdiction.
This Section shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any
person owning, operating or controlling a building, structure or building service equipment
therein for damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the code
enforcement agency or its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming such liability by reason
of the inspections authorized by this Code or permits or certificates issued under this
Code.
8.08.040 Board of Appeal.
(a) General. Pursuant to this Chapter, Section 1002 of the Santa Monica City
Charter, the California Building Standards Code, the Building and Fire Life Safety
Commission is hereby created as the Board of Appeal.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
16
Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the City Council to serve a term of
four years unless removed for cause. No Commission member shall hold any paid office
with the City.
The Commission shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting
investigations and business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the
responsible official and appellants. Said Commission may also recommend to the
appointing authority such new legislation as is consistent therewith.
The Building Officer and/or Fire Marshal or designee shall be an ex-officio member of
the Commission and shall act as secretary.
(b) Membership. The Building and Fire Life Safety Commission shall be composed
of seven members. To the extent practicable as determined by the City Council, the
Commission’s membership shall be composed as follows: at least one State of California
licensed or registered architect, civil engineer or structural engineer; one State of
California licensed building contractor; one State of California Certified Access Specialist;
and one State of California Registered Fire Protection Engineer.
(c) Jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of this Commission shall be limited to hearing
appeals of determinations, decisions and orders, including stop work, suspension or
revocation orders, issued by the Building Officer or the Fire Marshal relative to the
application and interpretations of the California Building Standards Code and related
codes and standards.
Unless otherwise specified above, the Commission shall have no jurisdiction over any
matter reserved for any other board or commission established by City Charter or this
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
17
Code, any citations or orders issued pursuant to Chapter 1.09 or 1.10 of this Code, or any
abatement proceedings initiated under Chapter 8.92 or 8.96 of Article VIII of this Code or
their successors.
(d) Timing of Appeals of Stop Work, Suspension or Revocation Orders. Any
appeal of a stop work, suspension or revocation order issued by the Building Officer or
the Fire Marshal shall be filed with the Building Officer within three business days after
the issuance of the order. Enforcement of the suspension or revocation order is stayed
pending resolution of the administrative appeal unless immediate enforcement of the
order is mandated because:
(1) Continuation of the work presents an actual or potential danger to construction
workers, occupants of adjacent structures, adjacent public infrastructure, or members of
the public;
(2) Continuation of the work would be in violation of Santa Monica Building Code
Section 108;
(3) Continuation of the work would constitute a nuisance; or
(4) No permit has been issued for the work.
When any of these factors are present, any person ordered to stop work shall comply
with such order forthwith. If the suspension or revocation order is stayed pending appeal,
any materials installed or constructed after issuance of the order may be required to be
removed should the Building Officer or Building and Fire Life Safety Commission affirm
the order.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
18
(e) Timing of Other Appeals. Unless otherwise specified by this Code, any appeal
to the Building and Fire Life Safety Commission shall be filed within ten business days
after the issuance of the underlying decision by the Building Officer or the Fire Marshal.
(f) Persons Eligible to Appeal. Appeals may be filed by any permit applicant, the
property owner of any permit at issue, or the recipient of any order. Whenever there are
multiple parties with the right to appeal, the property owner’s decision to appeal or not
appeal shall control.
(g) Judicial Review. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Building and Fire
Life Safety Commission may seek judicial review of the decision.
8.08.050 Permits required.
(a) General. No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve,
remove, convert, maintain or demolish any building, structure or building service
equipment regulated by this Chapter, the California Building Standards Code and related
codes and standards without first obtaining an appropriate permit for each building,
structure or building service equipment from the Building Officer except as specified in
this Section.
No person shall do any exterior sandblasting within the City without first obtaining an
appropriate permit for each separate work location or contractor.
No person shall perform any excavation or grading work without first obtaining an
appropriate permit from the Building Officer except as specified in this Section.
No person shall erect any temporary structures within the City without first obtaining
an appropriate permit from the Building Officer except as specified in this Section.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
19
Exemption from the permit requirements of this Chapter shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of applicable codes
and standards or any other laws or ordinances.
(b) Temporary Structures. Temporary structures such as reviewing stands,
platforms, displays and other miscellaneous structures, sheds, canopies or fences used
for the protection of the public around and in conjunction with construction work may be
erected by special permit from the Building Officer for a limited period of time. Buildings
or structures erected under a special permit need not comply with the type of construction
or fire-resistive time periods required by the Building Code. Temporary structures shall
be completely removed upon the expiration of the time limit stated in the permit.
(c) Work Exempt from Building Permit. A building permit shall not be required for
the following:
(1) One-story detached accessory buildings not more than fourteen feet in height
when used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor
area does not exceed one hundred twenty square feet, when the surface of adjacent
grade does not exceed one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (i.e. ten percent slope); the
building does not contain electrical, mechanical or plumbing work and the building
conforms to the applicable zoning regulations of Chapter 9.04 of the Municipal Code.
(2) Exterior freestanding walls and fences not over six feet high.
(3) Oil derricks.
(4) Movable cases, counters and partitions not over five feet nine inches high.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
20
(5) Retaining walls that are not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of
the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable
liquids.
(6) Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed five
thousand gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
(7) Platforms, walks and driveways not more than thirty inches above grade and not
over or surcharging any basement or story below.
(8) Painting, papering and similar finish work, including color or texture coating of
exterior plaster.
(9) Flooring when installed on a concrete floor slab or when weighing not more than
four pounds per square foot or replacing the same weight per square foot.
(10) Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
(11) Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to one- and two-family dwellings in
which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and the capacity does not
exceed five thousand gallons and there are no electrical, gas or plumbing equipment or
components associated with the prefabricated swimming pool.
(d) Work Exempt from a Grading Permit. A grading permit is not required for the
following:
(1) Any grading work authorized by a valid combination-building permit.
(2) An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building,
retaining wall or other structure authorized by a valid building permit.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
21
(3) Cemetery graves.
(4) Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
(5) Excavations for wells or tunnels or utilities.
(6) Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing or stockpiling of rock, sand, gravel,
aggregate or clay where established and provided for by law, provided such operations
do not affect the lateral support or increase the stresses in or pressure upon any adjacent
or contiguous property.
(7) Exploratory excavations under the direction of geotechnical engineers or
engineering geologists.
(8) An excavation that is less than two feet in depth or does not create a cut slope
greater than five feet in height and steeper than one unit vertical in one and one-half units
horizontal (sixty-six and seven-tenths percent slope).
(9) A fill less than one foot in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter
than one unit vertical in five units horizontal (twenty percent slope), or less than three feet
in depth, not intended to support structures, that does not exceed fifty cubic yards on any
one lot and does not obstruct a drainage course.
(e) Work Exempt from Plumbing Permit. A plumbing permit shall not be required
for the following:
(1) Any plumbing work authorized by a valid combination-building permit.
(2) The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that
should any concealed trap, drain pipe, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it
becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
22
be considered as new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as
provided in this Code.
(3) The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, nor
for the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve
or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
(f) Work Exempt from Electrical Permit. An electrical permit shall not be required
for the following:
(1) Any electrical work authorized by a valid combination-building permit.
(2) Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of a cord or
cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when
the Electrical Code permits that cord or cable.
(3) Repair of fixed motors, transformers or fixed approved appliances of the same
type and rating in the same location.
(4) Temporary decorative lighting.
(5) Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch, contactor or control
device.
(6) Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets therefor.
(7) Replacement of an over-current device where the device is installed in the same
location and is of the same manufacturer, same voltage, same ampere rating, same
characteristics, and has an interrupting capacity meeting conditions at the time of
replacement.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
23
(8) Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and
capacity for signs or gas tube systems.
(9) Taping joints.
(10) Removal of electrical wiring.
(11) Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable experimental
laboratories.
(12) The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture or television stage sets.
(13) Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less
than twenty-five volts and not capable of supplying more than fifty watts of energy.
(14) Low-energy power, control and signal circuits of Class II and Class III as defined
in the Electrical Code.
(15) Installation, alteration or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment or the
generation, transmission, distribution or metering of electrical energy or in the operation
of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or private utility in the exercise of
its function as a serving utility.
(g) Work Exempt from Mechanical Permit. A mechanical permit shall not be
required for the following:
(1) Any mechanical work authorized by a valid combination-building permit.
(2) Portable heating appliance, ventilating equipment, cooling unit or evaporative
cooler.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
24
(3) Closed system of steam, hot or chilled water piping within heating or cooling
equipment regulated by the California Mechanical Code.
(4) Replacement of any component part of assembly of an appliance that does not
alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of applicable
codes and standards.
(5) Refrigerating equipment that is part of the equipment for which a permit has been
issued pursuant to the requirements of applicable codes and standards.
(6) A unit refrigerating system as defined in the Mechanical Code.
(h) Work Exempt from All Permitting Requirements. Reinstallation of new toilets,
urinals, and irrigation timers, in programs entirely undertaken by the City of Santa Monica
and directly supervised by the Building Officer shall not require any building, mechanical,
electrical, or plumbing permit. This exemption only applies to the fixture or equipment but
does not exempt plumbing, piping, drainage, electrical work associated with the
replacement. This exemption does not apply to installations in new buildings.
8.08.060 Permit application.
(a) Application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application in
writing on a form furnished by the Building Officer for that purpose. Every such application
shall identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which each application
is made, the responsible party for the work and such other information that the Building
Officer may require to show conformance to applicable laws and regulations. When an
architect or engineer prepares or is required to prepare submittal documents, the
application shall designate the architect and/or engineer of record.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
25
(b) Submittal Documents. When required by the Building Officer, plans,
specifications, engineering calculations, diagrams, soil investigation reports, sound tests,
material tests, Construction Management Plans as required by Chapter 8.98 of this Code,
special inspection and structural observation programs and other data shall be submitted
with each application for a permit. When an architect or engineer does not prepare such
plans, the Building Officer may require the applicant submitting such plans or other data
to demonstrate that State law does not require that a licensed architect or engineer
prepare the plans before accepting submittal documents or permit application.
Deferral of any submittal items shall require prior approval of the Building Officer. If
the Building Officer approves the deferral of submittals to a time after permit issuance,
the approved plans shall list the deferred submittals. The deferred submittal items shall
not be installed until the Building Officer has approved their design and submittal
documents.
(c) Investigation. Whenever work for which a permit is required by this Chapter has
been commenced without first obtaining a permit, a special investigation shall be made
before a permit may be issued for such work when so ordered by the Building Officer.
(d) Information on Plans and Specifications. Plans and specifications shall be
drawn to scale and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent
of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of all relevant
laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
(e) Special Inspection and Structural Observation Program. When the Building
Code requires special inspection and/or structural observation, the architect or engineer
of record shall prepare an inspection program which shall be submitted to the Building
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
26
Officer for approval prior to issuance of the building permit. The inspection program shall
designate the portions of the work to have special inspection, the name or names of the
individuals or firms who are to perform the special inspections and indicate the duties of
the special inspectors, including any required nondestructive testing.
The Building Officer, or when approved by the Building Officer, the owner, the engineer
or architect of record, or an agent of the owner, but not the contractor or any other person
responsible for the work, shall employ the special inspector. When structural observation
is required, the inspection program shall name the individuals or firms who are to perform
structural observation and describe the stages of construction at which structural
observation is to occur. The inspection program shall include samples of inspection
reports and provide time limits for submission of reports.
(f) Preconstruction Meetings. The Building Officer may require the permit holder
to participate in a preconstruction conference prior to the completion of plan review and
permit issuance to review the plans and specifications for adequacy and sufficiency of
details and conformance to building standards and interpretations.
(g) Change of Architect or Engineer of Record. If the circumstances require, the
owner may designate a substitute architect or engineer of record who shall perform all
the duties required of the original architect or engineer of record. In such cases, the owner
shall notify the Building Officer in writing if the architect or engineer of record is changed
or is unable to continue to perform the duties. The architect or engineer of record shall be
responsible for reviewing and coordinating all submittal documents prepared by others,
including deferred submittal items, for compatibility with the design of the building.
(h) Expiration of Application for Permit.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
27
(1) A permit application shall expire if no permit is issued within one year after the
date the permit application is filed, except as provided below.
(A) An application for a demolition permit for the demolition of residential buildings
and structures, which are subject to the replacement project requirements of the City’s
Zoning Ordinance, shall expire if no permit is issued within two years following the date
the application is filed.
(B) An application for a permit for a project subject to the construction rate program
of the City’s Zoning Ordinance shall not expire while that project remains on the waiting
list for a building permit.
(C) An application for a demolition permit for a building or structure in which the
original permit was issued more than forty years before the date of filing of the demolition
permit application shall expire if no permit is issued within three years following the date
the application is filed.
(2) No action may be taken on an application after expiration. Plans and other data
submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or purged by the Building
Officer. To obtain a permit, applicants shall submit a new application, new submittal
documents and pay a new plan review fee. All applicable standards in effect at the time
of the new application shall then apply to the project.
(i) Extensions. The Building Officer may grant one six-month extension of the one-
year plan check time period set forth in subsection (h)(1) above, if the applicant
demonstrates that:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
28
(1) No changes have been made or will be made to the original plans and
specifications except as required by the original plan review; and
(2) No pertinent laws or ordinances have been amended subsequent to the date the
original application was filed which would cause the development project at issue to be
inconsistent with such amended provisions; and
(3) Any approvals granted under Article IX of the Municipal Code are still valid and
have not expired; and
(4) Circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented the permit
from being issued in the authorized time period.
8.08.070 Permit issuance, extension and renewal.
(a) Issuance. If the Building Officer finds that the work described in an application
for a permit and submittal documents conforms to the requirements of this Article,
the California Building Standards Code and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that
the applicant has paid all required fees, the Building Officer shall issue a permit for the
work to the applicant. When a permit is issued for which plans are required, the
construction documents shall be approved in writing or by stamp.
No building permit or demolition permit shall be issued by the City for any development
that requires a coastal development permit under the California Coastal Act of
1976, Public Resources Code Section 30000 et seq., until such time as a coastal
development permit has been issued for such development.
(b) Partial Permit. The Building Officer may issue a permit for the construction of
part of a building, structure or building service equipment before the entire plans and
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
29
specifications for the whole building, structure or building service equipment have been
submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have
been filed complying with all pertinent requirements. The holder of a partial permit shall
proceed without assurance that the permit for the entire building, structure or building
service will be granted.
(c) Expiration. Every permit issued under the provisions of this Code expires by
limitation and becomes null and void when any of the following circumstances is
applicable:
(1) Failure to Start Construction. If the building or work authorized by such permit
is not started within one year from the date of permit issuance;
(2) Cessation of Work. If the building or work authorized is suspended or
abandoned at any time after the work has started, for a period of one hundred eighty days
or more;
(3) Time to Complete. In addition to subsections (1) and (2) above, every permit
issued under the provisions of this Chapter expires by limitation and becomes null and
void when the time allowed to complete all work authorized by the permit exceeds the
following time periods based on valuation:
Valuation
Time Allowed
Under $300,000.00 12 months
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
30
$300,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 24 months
$1,000,001.00 to $20,000,000.00 36 months
Over $20,000,000.00 48 months
When a project is divided into separate permits for the convenience of the owner or
tenants and the work on such permits is to be done concurrently, the time allowed to
complete all work on each separate permit shall be equal to the time period for the total
valuation of the separate permits.
(d) Extensions.
(1) Extensions of time from the stated periods in subsection (c) above may be
permitted for good reason, provided such requests are submitted to the Building Officer
in writing prior to permit expiration. The written request must demonstrate that:
(A) Due to circumstances beyond the owner’s or permittee’s control, construction
could not be commenced, continued or completed in the authorized time period;
(B) If construction has started, substantial progress has been made;
(C) The condition of the property presents no health or safety hazard; and
(D) The continued delay will not create any unreasonable aesthetic impact to the
neighborhood or substantial economic detriment to neighboring property owners.
(2) The time periods set forth to start construction within one hundred eighty days or
resume construction after cessation of work for one hundred eighty days may each be
extended no more than once, and the time period set forth to complete construction may
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
31
be extended no more than three times; however, if the project includes the preservation
of a designated City of Santa Monica landmark, the period to complete construction may
be extended no more than four times. Each extension of time shall not exceed one
hundred eighty days.
(e) Extension Request Appeals. The decision of the Building Officer may be
appealed to the Director of Planning and Community Development, who shall conduct a
de novo review. Any such appeal shall be filed in writing within seven days of the decision
of the Building Officer. The decision of the Director of Planning and Community
Development shall be final.
(f) Renewal. Before any work authorized under an expired permit can be
recommenced, the permit holder shall file an application for renewal. Such application
shall include all original submittal documents and shall identify any changes that have
been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work.
If the Building Officer finds that the work remaining to be completed under the permit
conforms to the requirements of applicable codes and standards and other pertinent laws
and ordinances, and that the applicant has paid all required fees, the Building Officer shall
renew the permit for the work to the applicant. No work shall recommence until the
renewal application and submittal documents are approved.
8.08.080 Fees.
(a) Fees. The fee for each service provided in the administration and enforcement of
this Chapter shall be as set forth by Resolution of the City Council based on the estimated
reasonable cost of providing the service, except for penalties.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
32
(b) Valuation. When valuation is a basis for fees, the Building Officer shall determine
the valuation in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
(c) Special Services. When plans, tests, inspections and associated reports require
special review and analysis by an outside entity, said fees shall be in an amount
reasonably necessary to defray costs to the City directly attributable to employing or
contracting with such private entity. Direct costs shall include administrative and overhead
costs of the City for procuring and monitoring the work attributable to the outside entity.
(d) Reinspection Fees. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or
reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or
when corrections called for are not made.
Reinspection fees may also be assessed when the inspection record card is not
posted or otherwise available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily
available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is
requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Officer.
(e) Refunds. The Building Officer shall authorize refunding of a fee paid under the
provisions of this Chapter that was erroneously paid or collected or when paid for services
not provided. When partial services are performed, the Building Officer shall determine
the proportion of the fee to be refunded based on the estimated reasonable cost of the
service not performed. Applications for refund must be made in writing within one year of
fee payment.
8.08.090 Standard inspections.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
33
(a) General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to
inspection by the Building Officer and the construction or work shall remain accessible
and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the Building Officer. It shall be the
duty of the permit holder to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for
inspection purposes. Neither the Building Officer nor this jurisdiction shall be liable for
expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow
inspection.
(b) Survey. The Building Officer may require a survey of the lot to verify that the
structure is located in accordance with the approved plans.
(c) Inspection Record Card. Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until
the permit holder or the agent of the permit holder shall have posted or otherwise made
available an inspection record card such as to allow the Building Officer conveniently to
make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. The permit holder
shall maintain this card available until the Building Officer has granted final approval.
(d) Maintenance of Approved Plans. Approved plans and specifications shall not
be changed, modified or altered without authorizations from the Building Officer, and all
work regulated by this Code shall be done in accordance with the approved plans, which
shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times during which the work
authorized thereby is in progress.
(e) Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized
by a permit to notify the Building Officer that such work is ready for inspection. The
Building Officer may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one working
day before such inspection is desired. Such request may be in writing or by telephone at
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
34
the option of the Building Officer. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any
inspections required either by this Code or applicable codes and standards to provide
access to and means for inspection of the work.
(f) Approval Required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each
successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the Building Officer. The
Building Officer, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either
indicate that that portion of the construction is satisfactory as completed or shall notify the
permit holder or an agent of the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with this
Code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be
covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Officer.
There shall be a final inspection and approval of all buildings and structures when
completed and ready for occupancy and use prior to such occupancy or use.
(g) Required Building Inspections. No work shall be covered or concealed without
first obtaining the approval of the Building Officer. The Building Officer may make or
require other inspections of construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions
of this Code or applicable codes and standards and other laws applicable to the work.
8.08.110 Approved fabricators.
(a) General. The Building Officer may approve portions of the work authorized under
any permit to be constructed off-site at the premises of an approved fabricator.
(b) Application for Approved Fabricator License. Prior to any work being
constructed off-site, the fabricator shall submit an application for approved fabricator
status on the form supplied for such purpose by the Building Officer.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
35
The application shall include a detailed fabrication procedural manual reflecting key
quality control procedures that provides a basis for inspection control of workmanship and
the fabricator plant and the name of the approved inspection or quality control agency
that will monitor the effectiveness of the quality control program.
(c) Special Inspection Requirements. The Building Officer shall determine if the
work is of such a nature to require periodic or continuous special inspection in addition to
the quality control measures of the fabricator and periodic monitoring by the approved
inspection or quality control agency.
(d) Certificate of Compliance. For any work constructed off-site, the approved
fabricator shall submit a certificate of compliance to the Building Officer and to the
engineer or architect of record stating that the work was performed in accordance with
the approved plans and specifications.
(e) Monitoring Reports. The approved inspection or quality control agency shall
notify the Building Officer in writing of any change to the procedural manual, the
fabricator’s quality control capabilities, plant and personnel as outlined in the fabrication
procedural manual and the results of periodic plant inspections.
(f) Revocation of Approved Fabricator Status. The Building Officer may revoke
the license of any approved fabricator if it is found that work done pursuant to the approval
is in violation of applicable codes and standards or this Chapter. The decision of the
Building Officer in these matters shall be final.
8.08.130 Certificate of occupancy.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
36
(a) Use or Occupancy. Buildings or structures shall not be used or occupied, nor
shall a change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion
thereof be made until the Building Officer has issued a Certificate of Occupancy therefor
as provided herein.
(b) Certificate Issued. After the Building Officer inspects the building or structure
and finds no violations of the provisions of this Code, approved plans and specifications,
or any other pertinent laws, the Building Officer shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy
that shall contain the following:
(1) Building permit number.
(2) Address of the building.
(3) Name and address of the owner.
(4) Description of that portion of the building for which the certificate is issued.
(5) A statement that the described portion of the building has been inspected for
compliance with the requirements of this Code for the group and division of occupancy
and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
(6) Name of the Building Officer.
(c) Temporary Certificate. The Building Officer may issue a Temporary Certificate
of Occupancy for the use of a portion or portions of a building or structure prior to the
completion of the entire building or structure if the Building Officer finds that substantial
hazard will not result from occupancy of a building or portion thereof before the same is
completed, and the required accessibility features are in place. The Building Officer may
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
37
require sufficient security to guarantee the completion of any outstanding construction
and the payment of all outstanding obligations.
(d) Posting. The Certificate of Occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous place on
the premises and shall not be removed except by the Building Officer.
8.08.140 Validity of approvals.
(a) Issuance of Permits. The issuance of a permit or approval of plans or submittal
documents shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of
any of the provisions of this Chapter, the California Building Standards Code, and other
applicable codes and standards, or of any other ordinance of this jurisdiction, State or
Federal law. Permits presuming to give authority to violate any pertinent law or ordinance
shall not be valid.
(b) Validity of Inspections. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be
construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this Code or of other
ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel
the provisions of this Code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
(c) Validity of Certificate of Occupancy. Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy
shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this Code or of
other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or
cancel the provisions of this Code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be
valid.
(d) Conformance to Code. The issuance of a permit based on plans, specifications
and other data or the approval as a result of an inspection shall not prevent the Building
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
38
Officer from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans, specifications and
other data or constructed work prior to use or occupancy or thereafter.
8.08.150 Copy of approved plans.
(a) Plans Available for Viewing. Approved plans maintained by the Building Officer
shall be open for inspection as a public record at the City facility designated by the
Building Officer.
(b) Copy of Approved Plans. Before duplicating in whole or part the approved
plans, the Building Officer shall request the written permission of the certified, licensed or
registered professional or his or her successor, if any, who signed the original documents
and the written permission of the original or current owner of the building, or, if the building
is part of a common interest development, with the written permission of the board of
directors or governing body of the association established to manage the common
interest development to duplicate the plans.
(c) Written Request to Owner and Professionals. The written request to a
licensed, registered, or certified professional may be made by sending a registered letter
to the licensed, registered, or certified professional requesting his or her permission to
duplicate the official copy of the plans and sending with the registered letter, a copy of the
affidavit furnished by the Building Officer, which has been completed and signed by the
person requesting to duplicate the official copy of the plans. The Building Officer shall
send registered letters to the most recent address of the licensed, registered, or certified
professional available from the California State Board that licensed, registered or certified
the professional.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
39
(d) Cost to Provide Copies. The City Council may establish a fee to be paid by any
person who requests the Building Officer to duplicate the official copy of any plans
pursuant to this Section, in an amount which it determines is reasonably necessary to
cover the costs pursuant to this Section.
(e) Approval or Authorization Unreasonably Withheld. The certified, licensed, or
registered professional’s refusal to permit the duplication of the plans is unreasonable if,
upon request from the Building Officer, the professional does either of the following:
(1) Fails to respond within thirty days of receipt by the professional of the request.
However, if the Building Officer determines that the professional is unavailable to respond
within thirty days of receipt of the request due to serious illness, travel, or other
extenuating circumstances, the Building Officer shall extend the time period to allow the
professional adequate time to respond, as determined to be appropriate to the individual
circumstance, but not to exceed sixty days.
(2) Refuses to give his or her permission for the duplication of the plans after
receiving the signed affidavit and registered letter specified in subsections (b) and (c).
(f) Requestor’s Affidavit. The Building Officer shall furnish the form of an affidavit
to be completed and signed by any person requesting to duplicate the approved plans,
which contains provisions stating all of the following:
(1) That the copy of the plans shall only be used for the maintenance, operation, and
use of the building.
(2) That drawings are instruments of professional service and are incomplete without
the interpretation of the certified, licensed, or registered professional of record.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
40
(3) That subdivision (a) of Section 5536.25 of the Business and Professions
Code states that a licensed architect who signs plans, specifications, reports, or
documents shall not be responsible for damage caused by subsequent changes to, or
use of, those plans, specifications, reports, or documents where the subsequent changes
or uses, including changes or uses made by State or local governmental agencies, are
not authorized or approved in writing by the licensed architect who originally signed the
plans, specifications, reports, or documents, provided that the written authorization or
approval was not unreasonably withheld by the architect and the architectural service
rendered by the architect who signed the plans, specifications, reports, or documents was
not also a proximate cause of the damage.
8.08.160 Connection to utilities.
(a) Utility and Energy Connections. Persons shall not make connections from a
utility or other source of electrical power; natural gas; potable, reclaimed or gray water; or
solar energy, to building service equipment, which is regulated by applicable codes and
standards and for which a permit is required by this Code, until approved by the Building
Officer.
(b) Temporary Connections. The Building Officer may authorize the temporary
connection of the building service equipment to a source of: electrical power; natural gas;
potable, reclaimed or gray water; or solar energy for the purpose of testing building
service equipment, or for use under a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
(c) Connection after Order to Disconnect. Persons shall not make connections
from a source of: electrical power; natural gas; potable, reclaimed or gray water; or solar
energy, nor supply energy or fuel to building service equipment which has been
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
41
disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the Building Officer or the use of which
has been ordered to be discontinued by the Building Officer until the Building Officer
authorizes the reconnection and use of such equipment.
8.08.170 Abrasive blasting regulations.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to establish minimum standards for
abrasive blasting; to safeguard property and public welfare; and to reduce human
exposure to noxious materials such as lead and asbestos.
(b) Definitions. The following words or phrases, as used in this Section shall have
the following meanings:
Abrasive blasting is the cleaning or preparing of a surface by forcibly propelling a
stream of abrasive material against the surface.
Abrasive material is any material used in an abrasive blasting operation including,
but not limited to, sand slag, steel shot, garnet or walnut shells.
Certified lead inspector/assessor means an individual who is currently certified in
accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17 Section 35005.
Certified lead project designer means an individual who is currently certified in
accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17 Section 35006.
Certified lead project monitor means an individual who is currently certified in
accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17 Section 35007.
Certified lead supervisor means an individual who is currently certified in
accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17 Section 35008.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
42
Certified lead worker means an individual who is currently certified in accordance
with the California Code of Regulations Title 17 Section 35009.
Lead-contaminated dust means lead-contaminated dust as defined pursuant to the
California Code of Regulations Title 17 Section 35035.
Lead-contaminated soil means lead-contaminated soil as defined pursuant to the
California Code of Regulations Title 17 Section 35036.
Lead hazard means lead hazard as defined pursuant to the California Code of
Regulations Title 17 Section 35037.
Lead-related construction work means lead-related construction work as defined
pursuant to the California Code of Regulations Title 17 Section 35040.
(c) Permit Required. No person shall do any exterior abrasive blasting sandblasting
within the City without first obtaining a permit. A permit shall be required for each separate
work location or contractor. A permit issued pursuant to this Section shall require
compliance with all local, State, and Federal regulations, including, but not limited to,
waste disposal, urban runoff control, and asbestos emission control per the South Coast
Air Quality Management District Rule 1403.
(d) Application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall file an application with the
Building Officer. Each application shall state the location, name and address of the
responsible party, estimated times abrasive blasting will take place, amount of insurance
for property damage and public liability that the applicant carries, the name of the
insurance company issuing the policy and the contractor qualifications.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
43
(e) Required Test Submittal Documents. Each application for abrasive
sandblasting shall also include a determination of the lead content of each surface(s) to
be abraded and shall be made by a certified lead inspector/assessor. This determination
shall be based on a representative sample of paints chips. Samples shall be collected in
accordance with a sampling plan developed for each separate work location. Samples
shall be analyzed by a laboratory currently accredited by the State of California
Department of Health Services, California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation
Program (ELAP). Analysis of surface coatings and materials shall be performed in a
manner that meets the requirements of subsection (d)(9) and subsection (n)(4) of Title 8
California Code of Regulations Section 1532.1
(f) Qualifications. Where the lead content of a surface(s) is below six hundred parts
per million (ppm), the contractor shall be required to have a California State Licensing
Board license with a specialty contractor classification C61 (D38 Sand and Water
Blasting) per the California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 8, Article 3.
Where the lead content of surface(s) is six hundred ppm or greater the contractor shall
be required to have a California State Licensing Board license with a specialty contractor
classification C61 (D38 Sand and Water Blasting) per the California Code of
Regulations Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. In addition, individuals who perform all work
including the preparation of the work plan, abatement, and clearance shall be properly
qualified in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Division 1,
Chapter 8, Article 1, Section 35001 et seq. Lead abatement plans shall be prepared by a
certified lead project designer or lead project monitor; lead abatement work shall be
performed by a certified lead supervisor(s) and certified lead worker(s). All clearance work
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
44
shall be performed by a certified lead inspector(s)/assessor(s) or a certified lead project
monitor(s).
(g) Lead Hazard. No person shall perform lead-related construction work on any
surface in a manner that creates a lead hazard pursuant to California Health and Safety
Code Section 105255(a). Where lead concentrations in paint are six hundred ppm or
greater and abrasive blasting has been performed, a clearance inspection shall be
performed by a certified lead inspector/assessor. In no case following abrasive blasting
shall residual soil concentrations of lead exceed four hundred ppm, unless a prior
determination established a background lead concentration in soil above four hundred
ppm, in which case no residual soil concentration of lead shall exceed the background
levels.
(h) Noise Restrictions. Abrasive blasting shall comply with the noise standards of
Municipal Code Section 4.12.110.
(i) Dry Sandblasting Limits. No dry abrasive blasting shall be permitted except
upon special permission of the Building Officer. Permission shall be granted only in those
situations where wet abrasive blasting cannot be done due to unique circumstances. Any
application for dry abrasive blasting shall state thereon the reasons why wet abrasive
blasting cannot be used and the additional precautions that will be taken to protect the
public.
(j) Notice Prior to Abrasive Blasting. A minimum of three days notice shall be
given to owners, tenants and occupants of all structures within one hundred fifty feet of
the site on which abrasive blasting is to be done.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
45
(k) Additional Requirements. At the Building Officer’s discretion, restrictions in
addition to the standards set forth in this chapter may be imposed on a case-by-case
basis, when such additional restrictions are necessary to protect the public health and
safety.
8.08.180 Responsibility for Code enforcement in mobile home parks.
(a) Local Authority. City Council hereby reaffirms Resolution Number 2536 (CCS)
adopted November 11, 1961, whereby the City assumes responsibility for enforcement
of State of California regulations and requirements for mobile home parks.
8.08.190 Temporary trailer permits.
(a) House-Type Trailers. Whenever the expression “house-type trailers” is used in
this Section, it shall mean house trailers, trailer coaches, mobile homes, and similar
vehicles as are defined in Section 18000 et seq., of the California Health and Safety Code.
(b) Regulations. The following regulations shall apply to house-type trailers other
than mobile homes located in mobile home parks for use other than as living
accommodations. No person, firm or corporation shall use, store, or place a house-type
trailer for any purpose or in any manner except as in these regulations provided:
(1) No person, firm or corporation shall use a house-type trailer for any purpose or in
any manner without first obtaining a written permit from the Building Officer authorizing
such use, storage, or placement.
(2) No person, firm or corporation shall use, store or place a house-type trailer for
any purpose or in any manner in violation of or in nonconformance with any of the terms
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
46
provided in a permit issued by the Building Officer for use, storage, or placement of said
house-type trailer.
(c) Permit Standards. The Building Officer shall be guided by the following
standards in the issuance of permits for the use, storage, and placement of house-type
trailers:
(1) No house-type trailer shall be used in any residential zone for any purpose other
than storage thereof, except when used in connection with the erection of new structures.
(2) No house-type trailer or house-type trailers singly, in connection groups, or
otherwise shall be used for any purpose on any lot or parcel, as defined in Article IX of
this Code, for a cumulative period of more than six months in any twelve consecutive
months, except as hereinafter provided for any purpose other than storage thereof.
(3) Except in connection with the erection of new structures, no house-type trailer
shall be used for any purpose not directly connected and associated with a business or
activity conducted within an enclosed building on the lot or parcel upon which it is used
or upon a lot or parcel immediately adjacent or contiguous thereto which is under the
ownership, operation, or direct control of the person, firm or corporation to whom the
permit is issued.
(4) No permit shall be issued for the use of a house-type trailer unless there are
legally provided toilet facilities located within a reasonable distance not to exceed two
hundred feet from the closest point of said house-type trailer, which toilet facilities are
owned, operated, or under the direct control of the permittee.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
47
(5) The total space occupied by a house-type trailer or trailers used under such
permit shall not exceed one percent of the total square footage of the enclosed portion of
the building described above for the activity, provided that the space occupied by the
house-type trailer may be limited to one house-type trailer used in connection with any
business or businesses which are related to each other and are, directly or indirectly,
under a common ownership or management, if the space which would be occupied by
any house-type trailers in excess of one is normally used for parking of automobiles or
has been so used within three months of the time of the application for the permit, and
only if the automobiles so displaced may be accommodated on other off street parking
facilities owned or controlled by permittee.
(d) Permit Time and Frequency Limits. The permit issued hereunder may be
extended for a period not to exceed one year, provided that in the event of such an
extension, no further permit shall be issued for use on the same or adjacent premises or
on premises owned, operated, or controlled by the permittee or his or her successor or
successors in interest for a period of two years succeeding expiration of the extended
permit.
8.08.200 Bracing of water heaters.
Prior to any building sale, or as part of any building permit or inspection carried out by
the Building and Safety Division, all water heaters shall be braced in conformance with
the minimum standards established by the Division of the State Architect or California
Building Code.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
48
8.08.210 Building addresses.
(a) Assigning of Address Ranges to Land. The City Engineer shall assign address
numbers to all parcels of land in the City of Santa Monica and shall indicate the same
upon an official City map.
One hundred numbers shall be assigned to each and every block between streets and
avenues and wherever such streets and avenues do not extend through any platted or
unplatted lands, the number shall be assigned to the spaces between such streets if
extended through such lands.
(b) Assigning of Addresses to Buildings or Use of Land. The Building Officer
shall assign address numbers to buildings and when land is used for approved purposes.
To facilitate emergency services and record keeping, the Building Officer shall assign
only one numerical address for any new building. Portions of a building divided for
separate tenants shall use unit numbers or letters subordinate to the main numerical
address. Addresses shall not be assigned to accessory structures. The Building Officer
may grant exceptions to these requirements when requested by the Fire Chief or Chief of
Police to improve emergency response efforts or to facilitate City record keeping.
(c) Posting of Building Addresses. All buildings shall display the assigned address
number so as to be visible from the street upon which the address is based.
8.08.220 Expedited solar system permitting.
Solar energy systems which qualify for expedited permit processing, pursuant
to Government Code Section 65850.5, shall be subject to the administrative permitting
procedures set forth in the City’s Solar Energy System Permit Expediting Ordinance.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
49
8.08.230 Expedited electric vehicle charging station permitting.
Electric vehicle charging stations which qualify for expedited permit processing,
pursuant to Government Code Section 65850.7, shall be subject to the administrative
permitting procedures set forth in the City’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit
Expediting Ordinance.
SECTION 4. Chapter 8.12 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
readopted and amended to read as follows:
8.12.010 Adoption.
That certain document entitled “California Building Code, 2019 Edition,” which adopts
by reference the International Building Code, 2018 Edition, as published by the California
Building Standards Commission and the International Code Council including “Seismic
Hazard Maps,” as published by the United States Geological Survey (excluding Chapter
1 Division II, and Chapters 7A, 16A, 17A, 18A, 19A, 21A, 22A), including Chapter 1,
Division I, and Appendix J are hereby adopted with the local amendments and provisions
of this Chapter, and with Chapters 8.18 and 8.48 through 8.80 of the Santa Monica
Municipal Code, as the Building Code of the City of Santa Monica.
8.12.020 Local amendments to the California Building Code.
Notwithstanding any provisions of the California Building Code, California Building
Standards Code, State Housing Law or other codes adopted by any Chapter in Article
VIII of the Municipal Code to the contrary, the following local amendments shall apply.
8.12.040 Essential facilities.
The following facilities are designated as essential facilities, which are necessary for
emergency operations subsequent to a natural or man-made disaster: police stations, fire
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
50
stations and City Hall. Such facilities shall be categorized as Risk Category IV as defined
in Chapter 16 of the California Building Code.
8.12.050 Supplemental land hazard zone requirements.
In addition to those areas recognized under the State Seismic Hazards Mapping Act,
certain portions of the City are hereby established as Seismic Hazard Zones and Geologic
Hazard Zones. Said zones shall be known as outlined, illustrated and designated in the
Safety Element of the General Plan on the Districting Maps. Said maps together with all
legends, indices and explanatory notes thereon are hereby made a part of these codes.
It is further provided that adjustments and changes may be made hereafter in the
boundaries of said zones by the Building Officer to implement the Safety Element of the
General Plan as additional geologic or subgrade data is made public.
For the purposes of these codes, all construction within the scope of these codes that
is within a Land Hazard Zone shall be subject to special design requirements, which are
necessary to effect the stated purpose of these codes. Special design requirements shall
conform to the guidelines of the California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines
and Geology.
8.12.070 Fire retardant roofing.
Section 1505.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
All roofs shall be Class A or B roofing assemblies in accordance with the Building Code.
The use of non-fire-retardant wood shingles or non-fire-retardant shakes for new or
replacement roofing is prohibited. Class A or B roof assemblies and roof coverings shall
be listed and tested in accordance with ASTM E108 or UL 790. In addition, fire-treated
wood roof covering shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D2898.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
51
Section R902.1 of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. A minimum
Class A or B roofing shall be installed. The use of non-fire-retardant wood shingles or
non-fire-retardant shakes for new or replacement roofing is prohibited. Class A or B
roofing shall be listed and tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E108.
8.12.080 General structural design provisions.
(a) Rooftop Coverings. Section 1507.3.1 of the California Building Code is
amended to read as follows:
1507.3.1 Deck Requirements. Concrete and clay tile shall be installed only over solid
structural sheathing.
(b) Building Separations. Section 1613.5.3 is added to Chapter 16 of the California
Building Code to read as follows:
1613.5.3 ASCE 7, 12.12.3. Modify ASCE 7 Equation 12.12-1 of Section 12.12.3 to
read as follows:
δM = Cd δmax
(12.12-1)
(c) Vertical Combination of Lateral Force Resisting Systems.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
52
Sections 1613.5 and 1613.5.1 are added to Chapter 16 of the California Building Code to
read as follows:
1613.5 Amendments to ASCE 7. The provisions of Section 1613.5 shall be permitted as
an amendment to the relevant provisions of ASCE 7.
1613.5.1 Values for vertical combinations. Modify ASCE 7 Section 12.2.3.1 Exception
3 to read as follows:
3. Detached one- and two-family dwellings up to two stories in height of light frame
construction.
(d) Subdiaphragm Design. Section 1613.5.2 is added to Chapter 16 of the
California Building Code to read as follows:
1613.5.2 Wood Diaphragms. Modify ASCE 7, Section 12.11.2.2.3 to read as follows:
12.11.2.2.3 Wood Diaphragms. In wood diaphragms, the continuous ties shall be in
addition to the diaphragm sheathing. Anchorage shall not be accomplished by use of toe
nails or nails subject to withdrawal nor shall wood ledgers or framing be used in cross-
grain bending or cross-grain tension. The diaphragm sheathing shall not be considered
effective as providing ties or struts required by this section.
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, wood diaphragms
supporting concrete or masonry walls shall comply with the following:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
53
1. The spacing of continuous ties shall not exceed 40 feet. Added chords of
diaphragms may be used to form subdiaphragms to transmit the anchorage forces to the
main continuous crossties.
2. The maximum diaphragm shear used to determine the depth of the subdiaphragm
shall not exceed 75% of the maximum diaphragm shear.
(e) Hillside Building. Section 1613.6 is added to Chapter 16 of the California Building
Code to read as follows:
1613.6 Seismic Design Provisions for Hillside Buildings.
1613.6.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum regulations for
the design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when
constructing such buildings on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units
horizontal (33.3%). These regulations establish minimum standards for seismic force
resistance to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of earthquakes.
1613.6.2 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to the design of the lateral-
force-resisting system for hillside buildings at and below the base level diaphragm. The
design of the lateral-force-resisting system above the base level diaphragm shall be in
accordance with the provisions for seismic and wind design as required elsewhere in this
division.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
54
Exception: Non-habitable accessory buildings and decks not supporting or supported
from the main building are exempt from these regulations.
1613.6.3 Definitions. For the purposes of this section certain terms are defined as
follows:
BASE LEVEL DIAPHRAGM is the floor at, or closest to, the top of the highest level of
the foundation.
DIAPHRAGM ANCHORS are assemblies that connect a diaphragm to the adjacent
foundation at the uphill diaphragm edge.
DOWNHILL DIRECTION is the descending direction of the slope approximately
perpendicular to the slope contours.
FOUNDATION is concrete or masonry which supports a building, including footings,
stem walls, retaining walls, and grade beams.
FOUNDATION EXTENDING IN THE DOWNHILL DIRECTION is a foundation running
downhill and approximately perpendicular to the uphill foundation.
HILLSIDE BUILDING is any building or portion thereof constructed on or into a slope
steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3%). If only a portion of the
building is supported on or into the slope, these regulations apply to the entire building.
PRIMARY ANCHORS are diaphragm anchors designed for and providing a direct
connection as described in Sections 1613.6.5 and 1613.6.7.3 between the diaphragm
and the uphill foundation.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
55
SECONDARY ANCHORS are diaphragm anchors designed for and providing a
redundant diaphragm to foundation connection, as described in Sections 1613.6.6 and
1613.6.7.4.
UPHILL DIAPHRAGM EDGE is the edge of the diaphragm adjacent and closest to the
highest ground level at the perimeter of the diaphragm.
UPHILL FOUNDATION is the foundation parallel and closest to the uphill diaphragm
edge.
1613.6.4 Analysis and Design.
1613.6.4.1 General. Every hillside building within the scope of this section shall be
analyzed, designed, and constructed in accordance with the provisions of this division.
When the code-prescribed wind design produces greater effects, the wind design shall
govern, but detailing requirements and limitations prescribed in this and referenced
sections shall be followed.
1613.6.4.2 Base Level Diaphragm-Downhill Direction. The following provisions shall
apply to the seismic analysis and design of the connections for the base level diaphragm
in the downhill direction.
1613.6.4.2.1 Base for Lateral Force Design Defined. For seismic forces acting in the
downhill direction, the base of the building shall be the floor at or closest to the top of the
highest level of the foundation.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
56
1613.6.4.2.2 Base Shear. In developing the base shear for seismic design, the response
modification coefficient (R) shall not exceed 5 for bearing wall and building frame
systems. The total base shear shall include the forces tributary to the base level
diaphragm including forces from the base level diaphragm.
1613.6.5 Base Shear Resistance-Primary Anchors.
1613.6.5.1 General. The base shear in the downhill direction shall be resisted through
primary anchors from diaphragm struts provided in the base level diaphragm to the
foundation.
1613.6.5.2 Location of Primary Anchors. A primary anchor and diaphragm strut shall
be provided in line with each foundation extending in the downhill direction. Primary
anchors and diaphragm struts shall also be provided where interior vertical lateral-force-
resisting elements occur above and in contact with the base level diaphragm. The spacing
of primary anchors and diaphragm struts or collectors shall in no case exceed 30 feet
(9144 mm).
1613.6.5.3 Design of Primary Anchors and Diaphragm Struts. Primary anchors and
diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of Section
1613.6.8.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
57
1613.6.5.4 Limitations. The following lateral-force-resisting elements shall not be
designed to resist seismic forces below the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction:
1. Wood structural panel wall sheathing,
2. Cement plaster and lath,
3. Gypsum wallboard, and
4. Tension only braced frames.
Braced frames designed in accordance with the requirements of Section 2205.2.1.2
may be used to transfer forces from the primary anchors and diaphragm struts to the
foundation provided lateral forces do not induce flexural stresses in any member of the
frame or in the diaphragm struts. Deflections of frames shall account for the variation in
slope of diagonal members when the frame is not rectangular.
1613.6.6. Base Shear Resistance-Secondary Anchors.
1613.6.6.1 General. In addition to the primary anchors required by Section 1613.6.5, the
base shear in the downhill direction shall be resisted through secondary anchors in the
uphill foundation connected to diaphragm struts in the base level diaphragm.
Exception: Secondary anchors are not required where foundations extending in the
downhill direction spaced at not more than 30 feet (9144 mm) on center extend up to and
are directly connected to the base level diaphragm for at least 70% of the diaphragm
depth.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
58
1613.6.6.2 Secondary Anchor Capacity and Spacing. Secondary anchors at the base
level diaphragm shall be designed for a minimum force equal to the base shear, including
forces tributary to the base level diaphragm, but not less than 600 pounds per lineal foot
(8.76 kN/m) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels. The secondary anchors
shall be uniformly distributed along the uphill diaphragm edge and shall be spaced a
maximum of four feet (1219 mm) on center.
1613.6.6.3 Design. Secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in
accordance with Section 1613.6.8.
1613.6.7 Diaphragms Below the Base Level-Downhill Direction. The following
provisions shall apply to the lateral analysis and design of the connections for all
diaphragms below the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction.
1613.6.7.1 Diaphragm Defined. Every floor level below the base level diaphragm shall
be designed as a diaphragm.
1613.6.7.2 Design Force. Each diaphragm below the base level diaphragm shall be
designed for all tributary loads at that level using a minimum seismic force factor not less
than the base shear coefficient.
1613.6.7.3 Design Force Resistance-Primary Anchors. The design force described in
Section 1613.6.7.2 shall be resisted through primary anchors from diaphragm struts
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
59
provided in each diaphragm to the foundation. Primary anchors shall be provided and
designed in accordance with the requirements and limitations of Section 1613.6.5.
1613.6.7.4 Design Force Resistance-Secondary Anchors.
1613.6.7.4.1 General. In addition to the primary anchors required in Section 1613.6.7.3,
the design force in the downhill direction shall be resisted through secondary anchors in
the uphill foundation connected to diaphragm struts in each diaphragm below the base
level.
Exception: Secondary anchors are not required where foundations extending in the
downhill direction, spaced at not more than 30 feet (9144 mm) on center, extend up to
and are directly connected to each diaphragm below the base level for at least 70% of
the diaphragm depth.
1613.6.7.4.2 Secondary Anchor Capacity. Secondary anchors at each diaphragm
below the base level diaphragm shall be designed for a minimum force equal to the design
force but not less than 300 pounds per lineal foot (4.38 kN/m) based on Allowable Stress
Design (ASD) levels. The secondary anchors shall be uniformly distributed along the
uphill diaphragm edge and shall be spaced a maximum of four feet (1219 mm) on center.
1613.6.7.4.3 Design. Secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in
accordance with Section 1613.6.8.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
60
1613.6.8 Primary and Secondary Anchorage and Diaphragm Strut Design. Primary
and secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with the
following provisions:
1. Fasteners. All bolted fasteners used to develop connections to wood members shall
be provided with square plate washers at all bolt heads and nuts. Washers shall be
minimum 0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.82 mm by 76 mm by 76 mm) in size. Nuts
shall be tightened to finger tight plus one half (1/2) wrench turn prior to covering the
framing.
2. Fastening. The diaphragm to foundation anchorage shall not be accomplished by
the use of toenailing, nails subject to withdrawal, or wood in cross-grain bending or cross-
grain tension.
3. Size of Wood Members. Wood diaphragm struts collectors, and other wood
members connected to primary anchors shall not be less than three-inch (76 mm) nominal
width. The effects of eccentricity on wood members shall be evaluated as required per
Item 9.
4. Design. Primary and secondary anchorage, including diaphragm struts, splices,
and collectors shall be designed for 125% of the tributary force.
5. Allowable Stress Increase. The one-third allowable stress increase permitted under
Section 1605.3.2 shall not be taken when the working (allowable) stress design method
is used.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
61
6. Steel Element of Structural Wall Anchorage System. The strength design forces for
steel elements of the structural wall anchorage system, with the exception of anchor bolts
and reinforcing steel, shall be increased by 1.4 times the forces otherwise required.
7. Primary Anchors. The load path for primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be
fully developed into the diaphragm and into the foundation. The foundation must be
shown to be adequate to resist the concentrated loads from the primary anchors.
8. Secondary Anchors. The load path for secondary anchors and diaphragm struts
shall be fully developed in the diaphragm but need not be developed beyond the
connection to the foundation.
9. Symmetry. All lateral force foundation anchorage and diaphragm strut connections
shall be symmetrical. Eccentric connections may be permitted when demonstrated by
calculation or tests that all components of force have been provided for in the structural
analysis or tests.
10. Wood Ledgers. Wood ledgers shall not be used to resist cross-grain bending or
cross-grain tension.
1613.6.9 Lateral-Force-Resisting Elements Normal to the Downhill Direction.
1613.6.9.1 General. In the direction normal to the downhill direction, lateral-force-
resisting elements shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of this section.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
62
1613.6.9.2 Base Shear. In developing the base shear for seismic design, the response
modification coefficient (R) shall not exceed 5 for bearing wall and building frame
systems.
1613.6.9.3 Vertical Distribution of Seismic Forces. For seismic forces acting normal
to the downhill direction the distribution of seismic forces over the height of the building
using Section 12.8.3 of ASCE 7 shall be determined using the height measured from the
top of the lowest level of the building foundation.
1613.6.9.4 Drift Limitations. The story drift below the base level diaphragm shall not
exceed 0.007 times the story height at strength design force level. The total drift from the
base level diaphragm to the top of the foundation shall not exceed 3/4 inch (19 mm).
Where the story height or the height from the base level diaphragm to the top of the
foundation varies because of a stepped footing or story offset, the height shall be
measured from the average height of the top of the foundation. The story drift shall not
be reduced by the effect of horizontal diaphragm stiffness.
1613.6.9.5 Distribution of Lateral Forces.
1613.6.9.5.1 General. The design lateral force shall be distributed to lateral-force-
resisting elements of varying heights in accordance with the stiffness of each individual
element.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
63
1613.6.9.5.2 Wood Structural Panel Sheathed Walls. The stiffness of a stepped wood
structural panel shear wall may be determined by dividing the wall into adjacent
rectangular elements, subject to the same top of wall deflection. Deflections of shear walls
may be estimated by AWC SDPWS Section 4.3.2. Sheathing and fastening requirements
for the stiffest section shall be used for the entire wall. Each section of wall shall be
anchored for shear and uplift at each step. The minimum horizontal length of a step shall
be eight feet (2438 mm) and the maximum vertical height of a step shall be two feet, eight
inches (813 mm).
1613.6.9.5.3 Reinforced Concrete or Masonry Shear Walls. Reinforced concrete or
masonry shear walls shall have forces distributed in proportion to the rigidity of each
section of the wall.
1613.6.9.6 Limitations. The following lateral force-resisting-elements shall not be
designed to resist lateral forces below the base level diaphragm in the direction normal
to the downhill direction:
1. Cement plaster and lath,
2. Gypsum wallboard, and
3. Tension-only braced frames.
Braced frames designed in accordance with the requirements of Section 2205.2.1.2
of this Code may be designed as lateral-force-resisting elements in the direction normal
to the downhill direction, provided lateral forces do not induce flexural stresses in any
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
64
member of the frame. Deflections of frames shall account for the variation in slope of
diagonal members when the frame is not rectangular.
1613.6.10 Specific Design Provisions.
1613.6.10.1 Footings and Grade Beams. All footings and grade beams shall comply
with the following:
1. Grade beams shall extend at least 12 inches (305 mm) below the lowest adjacent
grade and provide a minimum 24-inch (610 mm) distance horizontally from the bottom
outside face of the grade beam to the face of the descending slope.
2. Continuous footings shall be reinforced with at least two No. 4 reinforcing bars at
the top and two No. 4 reinforcing bars at the bottom.
3. All main footing and grade beam reinforcement steel shall be bent into the
intersecting footing and fully developed around each corner and intersection.
4. All concrete stem walls shall extend from the foundation and reinforced as required
for concrete or masonry walls.
1613.6.10.2 Protection Against Decay and Termites. All wood to earth separation shall
comply with the following:
1. Where a footing or grade beam extends across a descending slope, the stem wall,
grade beam, or footing shall extend up to a minimum 18 inches (457 mm) above the
highest adjacent grade.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
65
Exception: At paved garage and doorway entrances to the building, the stem wall need
only extend to the finished concrete slab, provided the wood framing is protected with a
moisture proof barrier.
2. Wood ledgers supporting a vertical load of more than 100 pounds per lineal foot
(1.46 kN/m) based on Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels and located within 48 inches
(1219 mm) of adjacent grade are prohibited. Galvanized steel ledgers and anchor bolts,
with or without wood nailers, or treated or decay resistant sill plates supported on a
concrete or masonry seat, may be used.
1613.6.10.3 Sill Plates. All sill plates and anchorage shall comply with the following:
1. All wood framed walls, including nonbearing walls, when resting on a footing,
foundation, or grade beam stem wall, shall be supported on wood sill plates bearing on a
level surface.
2. Power-driven fasteners shall not be used to anchor sill plates except at interior
nonbearing walls not designed as shear walls.
1613.6.10.4 Column Base Plate Anchorage. The base of isolated wood posts (not
framed into a stud wall) supporting a vertical load of 4,000 pounds (17.8 kN) based on
Allowable Stress Design (ASD) levels or more and the base plate for a steel column shall
comply with the following:
1. When the post or column is supported on a pedestal extending above the top of a
footing or grade beam, the pedestal shall be designed and reinforced as required for
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
66
concrete or masonry columns. The pedestal shall be reinforced with a minimum of four
No. 4 bars extending to the bottom of the footing or grade beam. The top of exterior
pedestals shall be sloped for positive drainage.
2. The base plate anchor bolts or the embedded portion of the post base, and the
vertical reinforcing bars for the pedestal, shall be confined with two No. 4 or three No. 3
ties within the top five inches (127 mm) of the concrete or masonry pedestal. The base
plate anchor bolts shall be embedded a minimum of 20 bolt diameters into the concrete
or masonry pedestal. The base plate anchor bolts and post bases shall be galvanized
and each anchor bolt shall have at least two galvanized nuts above the base plate.
1613.6.10.5 Steel Beam to Column Supports. All steel beam to column supports shall
be positively braced in each direction. Steel beams shall have stiffener plates installed on
each side of the beam web at the column. The stiffener plates shall be welded to each
beam flange and the beam web. Each brace connection or structural member shall
consist of at least two 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) diameter machine bolts.
(f) Suspended Ceilings. Add Section 1613.7 to Chapter 16 of the California
Building Code to read as follows:
1613.7 Suspended Ceilings. Minimum design and installation standards for suspended
ceilings shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of Section 2506.2.1 of
this Code and this subsection.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
67
1613.7.1 Scope. This part contains special requirements for suspended ceilings and
lighting systems. Provisions of Section 13.5.6 of ASCE 7 shall apply except as modified
herein.
1613.7.2 General. The suspended ceilings and lighting systems shall be limited to 6 feet
(1,828 mm) below the structural deck unless the lateral bracing is designed by a licensed
engineer or architect.
1613.7.3 Sprinkler Heads. All sprinkler heads (drops) except fire-resistance-rated
floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies, shall be designed to allow for free movement of
the sprinkler pipes with oversize rings, sleeves or adaptors through the ceiling tile.
Sprinkler heads and other penetration shall have a 2-inch (50 mm) oversize ring, sleeve,
or adapter through the ceiling tile to allow for free movement of at least 1-inch (25 mm) in
all horizontal directions. Alternatively, a swing joint that can accommodate 1-inch (25 mm)
of ceiling movement in all horizontal directions is permitted to be provided at the top of
the sprinkler head extension.
Sprinkler heads penetrating fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling
assemblies shall comply with Section 714 of this Code.
1613.7.4 Special Requirements for Means of Egress. Suspended ceiling assemblies
located along means of egress serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall comply with
the following provisions.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
68
1613.7.4.1 General. Ceiling suspension systems shall be connected and braced with
vertical hangers attached directly to the structural deck along the means of egress serving
an occupant load of 30 or more and at lobbies accessory to Group A Occupancies.
Spacing of vertical hangers shall not exceed 2 feet (610 mm) on center along the entire
length of the suspended ceiling assembly located along the means of egress or at the
lobby.
1613.7.4.2 Assembly Device. All lay-in panels shall be secured to the suspension ceiling
assembly with two hold-down clips minimum for each tile within a 4-foot (1,219 mm) radius
of the exit lights and exit signs.
1613.7.4.3 Emergency Systems. Independent supports and braces shall be provided
for light fixtures required for exit illumination. Power supply for exit illumination shall
comply with the requirements of Section 1008.3 of this Code.
1613.7.4.4 Support for Appendages. Separate support from the structural deck shall be
provided for all appendages such as light fixtures, air diffusers, exit signs, and similar
elements.
8.12.090 Structural observation and special instructions.
(a) Structural Observation—General. Amend Section 1704.6 of the California
Building Code to read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
69
1704.6 Structural Observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1,
1704.6.2, or 1704.6.3, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent shall employ a structural
observer to perform structural observations. Structural observation does not include or
waive the responsibility for the inspections in Section 110 or the special inspections in
Section 1705 or the other section of this code. The structural observer shall be one of the
following individuals:
1. The registered design professional responsible for the structural design, or
2. A registered design professional designated by the registered design professional
responsible for the structural design.
Prior to the commencement of observations, the structural observer shall submit to the
building official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of structural
observations.
The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall coordinate and call a preconstruction
meeting between the structural observer, contractors, affected subcontractors and
special inspectors. The structural observer shall preside over the meeting. The purpose
of the meeting shall be to identify the major structural elements and connections that
affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the structure and to review
scheduling of the required observations. A record of the meeting shall be included in the
report submitted to the Building Official.
Observed deficiencies shall be reported in writing to the owner or owner’s authorized
agent, special inspector, contractor and the Building Official. Upon the form prescribed by
the Building Official, the structural observer shall submit to the Building Official a written
statement at each significant construction stage stating that the site visits have been
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
70
made and identifying any reported deficiencies which, to the best of the structural
observer’s knowledge, have not been resolved. A final report by the structural observer
which states that all observed deficiencies have been resolved is required before
acceptance of the work by the Building Official.
(b) Structural Observation—Seismic. Amend Section 1704.6.2 of the California
Building Code to read as follows:
1704.6.2 Structural Observation for Seismic Resistance. Structural observations shall
be provided for those structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, where
either of the following conditions exist:
1. The structure is classified as Risk Category III or IV
2. The structure is classified as Risk Category I or II, and a lateral design is required
for the structure or portion thereof.
Exception: One-story wood framed Group R-3 and Group U Occupancies less than
2,000 square feet in area, provided the adjacent grade is not steeper than 1 unit vertical
in 10 units horizontal (10% sloped), assigned to Seismic Design Category D.
4. When so designated by the registered design professional responsible for the
structural design.
5. When such observation is specifically required by the building official.
As applied to this Section, a registered design professional is an individual who is
registered and licensed in the State of California as a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
71
or Architect by the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and
Geologists or the California Architects Board.
(c) Special Inspection for Concrete Construction. Amend Section 1705.3 of
the California Building Code to read as follows:
1705.3 Concrete Construction. The special inspections and verifications for concrete
construction shall be as required by this section and Table 1705.3.
Exceptions: Special inspection shall not be required for:
1. Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade
plane that are fully supported on earth or rock, where the structural design of the footing
is based on a specified compressive strength, f’c, no greater than 2,500 pounds per
square inch (psi) (17.2 MPa) regardless of the compressive strength specific in the
construction documents or used in the footing construction.
2. Continuous concrete footings supporting walls of buildings three stories or less in
height that are fully supported on earth or rock where:
2.1. The footings support walls of light-frame construction;
2.2. The footings are designed in accordance with Table 1809.7 or
2.3. The structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive
strength, f’c, no greater than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 MPa), regardless
of the compressive strength specified in the construction documents or used in the footing
construction.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
72
3. Nonstructural concrete slabs supported directly on the ground, including
prestressed slabs on grade, where the effective prestress in the concrete is less than 150
psi (1.03 MPa).
4. Concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks, on grade.
TABLE 1705.3
REQUIRED VERIFICATION AND INSPECTION OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
73
(d) Special Inspection for Seismic Resistance. Amend Section 1705.12 of
the California Building Code to read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
74
1705.12 Special Inspection for Seismic Resistance. Special inspections for seismic
resistance shall be required as specified in Sections 1705.12.1 through 1705.12.9, unless
exempted by the exceptions of Section 1704.2.
Exception: Special inspections itemized in Sections 1705.12.1 through 1705.12.9 are
not required for structures designed and constructed in accordance with one of the
following:
1. The structure consists of light-frame construction; the design spectral response
acceleration at short periods, SDS, as determined in Section 1613.2.4, does not exceed
0.5 g; and the building height of the structure does not exceed 35 feet (10,668 mm) above
grade plane; or
2. The seismic force-resisting system of the structure consists for reinforced
masonry or reinforced concrete; the design spectral response acceleration at short
periods, SDS, as determined in Section 1613.2.4, does not exceed 0.5; and the building
height of the structure does not exceed 25 feet (7,620 mm);
3. Detached one- or two-family dwellings not exceeding two stories above grade
plane, provided the structure is not assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F and
does not have any of the following horizontal or vertical irregularities in accordance with
Section 12.3 of ASCE 7:
3.1 Torsional or extreme torsional irregularity.
3.2 Nonparallel systems irregularity.
3.3 Stiffness irregularity—extreme soft story and soft story.
3.4 Discontinuity in lateral strength—weak story irregularity.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
75
8.12.100 Foundations.
(a) Permanent Wood Foundation Systems. Amend Section 1807.1.4 of
the California Building Code to read as follows:
1807.1.4 Permanent Wood Foundations Systems. Permanent wood foundation
systems shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
(b) Prescriptive Design of Foundation Walls. Amend Section 1807.1.6 of
the California Building Code to read as follows:
1807.1.6 Prescriptive Design of Concrete and Masonry Foundation
Walls. Prescriptive design of foundation walls shall not be used for structures assigned
to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
(c) General. Amend Section 1809.3 of the California Building Code to read as
follows:
1809.3 Stepped Footings. The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface
of footings is permitted to have a slope not exceeding one unit vertical in ten units
horizontal (ten percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change
the elevation of the top surface of the footing or where the surface of the ground slopes
more than one unit vertical in ten units horizontal (ten percent slope).
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
76
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, the stepping
requirement shall also apply to the top surface of grade beams supporting walls. Footings
shall be reinforced with four No. 4 rebar. Two bars shall be placed at the top and bottom
of the footings as shown in Figure 1809.3.
FIGURE 1809.3
STEPPED FOOTING
(d) Prescriptive Footings. Amend Section 1809.7 and Table 1809.7 of
the California Building Code to read as follows:
1809.7 Prescriptive Footings for Light-Frame Construction. Where a specific design
is not provided, concrete or masonry-unit footings supporting walls of light-frame
construction shall be permitted to be designed in accordance with Table 1809.7
Prescriptive footings in Table 1809.7 shall not exceed one story above grade plane for
structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
77
TABLE 1809.7
PRESCRIPTIVE FOOTINGS SUPPORTING WALLS OF
LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION a, b, c, d, e
NUMBER OF FLOORS
SUPPORTED BY THE
FOOTING f
WIDTH OF
FOOTING
(inches)
THICKNESS OF
FOOTING (inches)
1 12 6
2 15 6
3 18 8 g
a. Depth of footings shall be in accordance with Section 1809.4.
b. The ground under the floor shall be permitted to be excavated to the elevation of the
top of the footing.
c. See Section 1905 for additional requirements for concrete footings of structures
assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F.
d. For thickness of foundation walls, see Section 1807.1.6.
e. Footings shall be permitted to support a roof addition to the stipulated number of
floors. Footings supporting roof only shall be as required for supporting one floor.
(e) Timber Footings. Amend Section 1809.12 of the California Building Code to
read as follows:
1809.12 Timber Footings. Timber footings shall not be used in structures assigned to
Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
(f) Timber. Amend Section 1810.3.2.4 of the California Building Code to read as
follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
78
1810.3.2.4 Timber. Timber deep foundation elements shall not be used in structures
assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
(g) Embedded posts and poles
Section 1807.3.1 of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1807.3.1 Limitations. The design procedures outlined in this section are subject to the
following limitations:
1. The frictional resistance for structural walls and slabs on silts and clays shall be
limited to one-half of the normal force imposed on the soils by the weight of the
fooling or slab.
2. Posts embedded in earth shall not be used to provide lateral support for structural
or nonstructural materials such as plaster, masonry or concrete unless bracing is
provided that develops the limited deflection required.
Wood poles shall be treated in accordance with AWPA U1 for sawn timber posts
(Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B) and for round timber posts (Commodity
Specification B, Use Category 4B). Wood poles and posts embedded in direct contact
with soil shall not be used for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
Exception: Wood poles and posts embedded in direct contact with soil may be used
to support nonhabitable, nonoccupiable structures such as fences when approved by
the building official.
8.12.110 Concrete.
(a) Minimum Reinforcement. Amend Section 1905.1.7 of the 20169 California
Building Code to read as follows:
1905.1.7 ACI 318, Section 14.1.4. Delete ACI 318, Section 14.1.4, and replace with
the following:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
79
14.1.4. Plain concrete in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or
F.
14.1.4.1. Structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F shall not have
elements of structural plain concrete, except as follows:
(a) Concrete used for fill with a minimum cement content of two (2) sacks of Portland
cement or cementious material per cubic yard.
(b) Isolated footings of plain concrete supporting pedestals or columns are
permitted, provided the projection of the footing beyond the face of the supported member
does not exceed the footing thickness.
(c) Plain concrete footings supporting walls are permitted provided the footings have
at least two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars. Bars shall not be smaller than No. 4
and shall have a total area of not less than 0.002 times the gross cross-sectional area of
the footing. A minimum of one bar shall be provided at the top and bottom of the footing.
Continuity of reinforcement shall be provided at corners and intersections.
Exceptions:
1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings three stories or less in height and
constructed with stud-bearing walls, are permitted to have plain concrete footings with at
least two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars not smaller than No. 4 are permitted to
have a total area of less than 0.002 times the gross cross-sectional area of the footing.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
80
(b) Reinforcement. Amend Section 1905.1 to read as shown below and add
Sections 1905.1.9 through 1905.1.11 to Chapter 19 of the California Building Code to
read as follows:
(1) 1905.1 General. The text of ACI 318 shall be modified as indicated in Sections
1905.1.1 through 1905.1.11.
1905.1.9 ACI 318, Section 18.7.5. Modify ACI 318, Section 18.7.5, by adding Section
18.7.5.7 and 18.7.5.8 as follows:
18.7.5.7 Where the calculated point of contraflexure is not within the middle half of the
member clear height, provide transverse reinforcement as specified in ACI 318 Sections
18.7.5.1, Items (a) through (c), over the full height of the member.
18.7.5.8 At any section where the design strength, φPn, of the column is less than the
sum of the shears Ve computed in accordance with ACI 318 Sections 18.7.6.1 and
18.6.5.1 for all the beams framing into the column above the level under consideration,
transverse reinforcement as specified in ACI 318 Sections 18.7.5.1 through 18.7.5.3 shall
be provided. For beams framing into opposite sides of the column, the moment
components are permitted to be assumed to be of opposite sign. For the determination
of the design strength, φPn, of the column, these moments are permitted to be assumed
to result from the deformation of the frame in any one principal axis.
1905.1.10 ACI 318, Section 18.10.4. Modify ACI 318, Section 18.10.4, by adding
Section 18.10.4.6 as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
81
18.10.4.6 Walls and portions of walls with Pu > 0.35Po shall not be considered to
contribute to the calculated shear strength of the structure for resisting earthquake-
induced forces. Such walls shall conform to the requirements of ACI 318 Section 18.14.
1905.1.11 ACI 318, Section 18.12.6. Modify ACI 318, by adding Section 18.12.6.2 as
follows:
18.12.6.2 Collector and boundary elements in topping slabs placed over precast floor and
roof elements shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) or 6 db in thickness, where db is
the diameter of the largest reinforcement in the topping slab.
8.12.120 Concrete and masonry fireplaces and chimneys.
(a) Existing Concrete and Masonry Fireplaces and Chimneys. Where
construction work of any kind is on the same wall or plane as an existing concrete or
masonry fireplace and/or chimney, and where the fireplace and/or chimney does not meet
the requirements of the current California Building Code, the fireplace and/or chimney
shall:
(1) Be retrofitted, to meet a minimum of seventy-five percent of the design load
requirements in the California Building Code and in accordance with all applicable laws,
including the City’s Zoning, and Landmark and Historic Preservation laws;
(2) Be demolished, in accordance with all applicable laws, including the City’s Zoning,
and Landmark and Historic Preservation laws.
8.12.140 Wood construction.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
82
(a) Fastener Requirements. Amend Section 2304.10.1 of the California Building
Code to read as follows:
2304.10.1 Fastener Requirements. Staple fasteners in Table 2340.10.1 shall not be
used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design
Category D, E or F.
Exception: Staples may be used to resist or transfer seismic forces when the allowable
shear values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the building official.
(b) Wood Used in Retaining Wall and Cribs. Amend Section 2304.12.5 of
the California Building Code to read as follows:
2304.12.5 Wood Used in Retaining Walls and Cribs. Wood shall not be used in
retaining or crib walls for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
(c) Quality of Nails. Section 2305.4 is added to Chapter 23 of the California Building
Code to read as follows:
2305.4 Quality of Nails. In Seismic Design Category D, E or F, mechanically driven nails
used in wood structural panel shear walls shall meet the same dimensions as that
required for hand-driven nails, including diameter, minimum length and minimum head
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
83
diameter. Clipped head or box nails are not permitted in new construction. The allowable
design value for clipped head nails in existing construction may be taken at no more than
the nail-head-area ratio of that of the same size hand-driven nails.
(d) Hold-Down Connectors. Section 2305.5 is added to Chapter 23 of the California
Building Code to read as follows:
2305.5 Hold-Down Connectors. In Seismic Design Category D, E or F, hold-down
connectors shall be designed to resist shear wall overturning moments using approved
cyclic load values or 75 percent of the allowable seismic load values that do not consider
cyclic loading of the product. Connector bolts into wood framing shall require steel plate
washers on the post on the opposite side of the anchorage device. Plate size shall be a
minimum of 0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.82 mm by 76 mm by 76 mm) in size.
Hold-down connectors shall be tightened to finger tight plus one-half (1/2) wrench turn
just prior to covering the wall framing.
(e) Wood-Frame Diaphragms. Amend Section 2306.2 of the California Building
Code to read as follows:
2306.2 Wood-Frame Diaphragms. Wood-frame diaphragms shall be designed and
constructed in accordance with AWC SDPWS.
The allowable shear values in Tables 2306.2(1) and 2306.2(2) are permitted to be
increased 40 percent for wind design.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
84
Wood structural panel diaphragms used to resist seismic forces in structures assigned
to Seismic Design Category D, E or F shall be applied directly to the framing members.
Exception: Wood structural panel diaphragms are permitted to be fastened over solid
lumber planking or laminated decking, provided the panel joints and lumber planking or
laminated decking joints do not coincide.
(f) Wood Frame Shear Walls. Amend Section 2306.3 and Section 2307.2 of
the California Building Code to read as follows:
2306.3 Wood-Frame Shear Walls. Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and
constructed in accordance with AF&PA SDPWS. For structures assigned to Seismic
Design Category D, E, or F, application of Tables 4.3A and 4.3B of AWC SDPWS shall
include the following:
1. Wood structural panel thickness for shear walls shall not be less than 3/8 inch thick
and studs shall not be spaced at more than 16 inches on center.
2. The maximum nominal unit shear capacities for 3/8 inch wood structural panels
resisting seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F is
400 pounds per linear foot (plf).
Exception: Other nominal unit shear capacities may be permitted if such values are
substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the Building Official.
3. Nails shall be placed not less than 1/2-inch in from the panel edges and not less
than 3/8-inch from the edge of the connecting members for shear greater than 350 plf
using ASD or 500 plf using LRFD. Nails shall be placed not less than 3/8 inch from panel
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
85
edges and not less than 1/4-inch from the edge of the connecting members for shears of
350 plf or less using ASD or 500 plf or less using LRFD.
4. Table 4.3B application is not allowed for structures assigned to Seismic Design
Category D, E, or F.
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, application of Table 4.3C of
AWC SDPWS shall not be used below the top level in a multi-level building.
Where panels are fastened to framing members with staples, requirements and
limitations of AWC SDPWS shall be met and the allowable shear values set forth in Table
2306.3(1), 2306.3(2) or 2306.3(3) shall only be permitted for structures assigned to
Seismic Design Category A, B, or C.
Exception: Allowable shear values where panels are fastened to framing
members with staples may be used if such values are substantiated by cyclic testing and
approved by the Building Official.
The allowable shear values in Tables 2306.3(1) and 2306.3(2) are permitted to be
increased 40 percent for wind design. Panels complying with ANSI/APA PRP-210 shall
be permitted to use design values for Plywood Siding in the AWC SDPWS.
2307.2 Wood-Frame Shear Walls. Wood-frame shear walls shall be designed and
constructed in accordance with Section 2306.3 as applicable.
(g) Braced Wall Line Support. Amend Section 2308.6.8.1 of the California Building
Code to read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
86
2308.6.8.1 Foundations. Braced wall lines shall be supported by continuous
foundations. For structures in Seismic Design Categories D and E, exterior braced wall
panels shall be in the same plane vertically with the foundation or the portion of the
structure containing the offset shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering
practice and Section 2308.1.1.
(h) Alternative Bracing. Amend Section 2308.6.5 and Figure 2308.6.5.1 of
the California Building Code to read as follows:
2308.6.5 Alternative bracing. An alternate braced wall (ABW) or a portal frame with
hold-downs (PFH) described in this section is permitted to substitute for a 48-inch (1219
mm) braced wall panel of Method DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP or HPS. For Method GB,
each 96-inch (2438 mm) section (applied to one face) or 48-inch (1219 mm) section
(applied to both faces) or portion thereof required by Table 2308.6.1 is permitted to be
replaced by one panel constructed in accordance with Method ABW or PFH.
2308.6.5.1 Alternate braced wall (ABW). An ABW shall be constructed in accordance
with this section and Figure 2308.6.5.1. In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a
length of not less than 2 feet 8 inches (813
mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on
one face with 3/8-inch (3.2 mm) minimum-thickness wood structural panel sheathing
nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance with Table 2304.10.1 and
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
87
blocked at wood structural panel edges. For structures assigned to Seismic Design
Category D or E, each panel shall be sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch-minimum-
thickness (11.9 mm) wood structural panel sheathing nailed with 8d common nails spaced
3 inches on panel edges, 3 inches at intermediate supports. Two anchor bolts installed in
accordance with Section 2308.3.1 shall be provided in each panel. Anchor bolts shall be
placed at each panel outside quarter points. Each panel end stud shall have a hold-down
device fastened to the foundation, capable of providing an approved uplift capacity of not
less than 1,800 pounds (8006 N). The hold-down device shall be installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The ABW shall be supported directly on a
foundation or on floor framing supported directly on a foundation that is continuous across
the entire length of the braced wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less
than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have
a depth greater than 12 inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305
mm) continuous footing is permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This
continuous footing shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom.
This reinforcement shall be lapped 24 inches (610 mm) with the reinforcement required
in the continuous foundation located directly under the braced wall line.
Where the ABW is installed at the first story of two-story buildings, the wood structural
panel sheathing shall be provided on both faces, three anchor bolts shall be placed at
one-quarter points and tie-down device uplift capacity shall be not less than 3,000 pounds
(13,344 N).
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
88
FIGURE 2308.6.5.1
ALTERNATE BRACED WALL PANEL (ABW)
2308.6.5.2 Portal frame with hold-downs (PFH). A PFH shall be constructed in
accordance with this section and Figure 2308.6.5.2. The adjacent door or window opening
shall have a full-length header.
In one-story buildings, each panel shall have a length of not less than 16 inches (406
mm) and a height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Each panel shall be sheathed on
one face with a single layer of 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) minimum-thickness wood structural
panel sheathing nailed with 8d common or galvanized box nails in accordance with Figure
2308.6.5.2. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D or E, each panel shall
be sheathed on one face with 15/32-inch-minimum-thickness (11.9 mm) wood structural
panel sheathing nailed with 8d common nails spaced 3 inches on panel edges, 3 inches
at intermediate supports and in accordance with Figure 2308.6.5.2. The wood structural
panel sheathing shall extend up over the solid sawn or glued-laminated header and shall
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
89
be nailed in accordance with Figure 2308.6.5.2. A built-up header consisting of at least
two 2-inch by 12-inch (51 mm by 305 mm) boards, fastened in accordance with Item 24
of Table 2304.10.1 shall be permitted to be used. A spacer, if used, shall be placed on
the side of the built-up beam opposite the wood structural panel sheathing. The header
shall extend between the inside faces of the first full-length outer studs of each panel. The
clear span of the header between the inner studs of each panel shall be not less than 6
feet (1829 mm) and not more than 18 feet (5486 mm) in length. A strap with an uplift
capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4,400 N) shall fasten the header to the inner studs
opposite the sheathing. One anchor bolt not less than 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) diameter
and installed in accordance with Section 2308.3.1 shall be provided in the center of each
sill plate. The studs at each end of the panel shall have a hold-down device fastened to
the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 3,500 pounds (15570 N).
Where a panel is located on one side of the opening, the header shall extend between
the inside face of the first full-length stud of the panel and the bearing studs at the other
end of the opening. A strap with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000 pounds (4400 N)
shall fasten the header to the bearing studs. The bearing studs shall also have a hold-
down device fastened to the foundation with an uplift capacity of not less than 1,000
pounds (4400 N). The hold-down devices shall be an embedded strap type, installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The PFH panels shall be
supported directly on a foundation that is continuous across the entire length of the braced
wall line. This foundation shall be reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and
bottom. Where the continuous foundation is required to have a depth greater than 12
inches (305 mm), a minimum 12-inch by 12-inch (305 mm by 305 mm) continuous footing
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
90
permitted at door openings in the braced wall line. This continuous footing shall be
reinforced with not less than one No. 4 bar top and bottom. This reinforcement shall be
lapped not less than 24 inches (610 mm) with the reinforcement required in the continuous
foundation located directly under the braced wall line.
Where a PFH is installed at the first story of two-story buildings, each panel shall have
a length of not less than 24 inches (610 mm).
FIGURE 2308.6.5.2
PORTAL FRAME WITH HOLD-DOWNS (PFH)
(i) Braced Wall Sheathing. Table 2308.6.1 of the 2019 Edition of the California
Building Code are amended to read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
91
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
92
(j) Attachment of Sheathing. Amend Section 2308.6.9 of the California Building
Code to read as follows:
2308.6.9 Attachment of Sheathing. Fastening of braced wall panel sheathing shall not
be less than that prescribed in Table 2308.6.1 or 2304.10.1. Wall sheathing shall not be
attached to framing members by adhesives. Staple fasteners in Table 2304.9.1 shall not
be used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design
Category D, E or F.
Exception: Staples may be used to resist or transfer seismic forces when the
allowable shear values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the
Building Official.
All braced wall panels shall extend to the roof sheathing and shall be attached to
parallel roof rafters or blocking above with framing clips (18 gauge minimum) spaced at
maximum 24 inches (6,096 mm) on center with four 8d nails per leg (total eight 8d nails
per clip). Braced wall panels shall be laterally braced at each top corner and at maximum
24-inch (6,096 mm) intervals along the top plate of discontinuous vertical framing.
(k) Retaining Walls. Section 1807.2 of the California Building Code is amended to read
as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
93
1807.2 Retaining walls. Retaining walls shall be designed in accordance with Section
1807.2.1 through 1807.2.3. Retaining walls over 4’ in height assigned to Seismic Design
Category D, E or F shall not be partially or wholly constructed of wood.
8.12.150 Swimming pools, spas hot tubs, and ponds.
(a) Fencing Regulations.
(1) Standards for New Enclosures. Every person, firm or corporation owning land
on which there is situated a swimming pool, pond or other body of water which contains
water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point shall completely surround such body
of water or property with a fence, wall or other structure not less than five feet above the
adjacent grade at all places and with no opening therein more than four inches in
maximum dimensions. Any gate in such fence shall have a latch at least five feet above
the underlying ground and such gate shall be self-closing and secured when adults are
not present.
(2) Existing Enclosures. Every person, firm or corporation owning land on which
there is situated a swimming pool, pond or other body of water which contains water
eighteen inches or more in depth at any point shall completely surround such body of
water or property with a fence, wall or other structure not less than four and one-half feet
above the adjacent grade at all places and with no opening therein more than four inches
in maximum dimensions. Any gate in such fence shall have a latch at least four and one-
half feet above the underlying ground and such gate shall be self-closing and secured
when adults are not present.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
94
For the purposes of this Section, existing enclosures are those enclosures that were
constructed under valid permit issued prior to July 1, 1999.
(3) Requirements for Nonconforming Enclosures. When an existing pool
enclosure is replaced or repaired in excess of fifty percent of its length, the enclosure
shall be made to conform to all of the requirements for a new enclosure under prevailing
law.
(4) Applicability of Other Codes and Laws. The provisions of this Section are in
addition to the pool enclosure requirements for public or private pools as required in
Chapter 31 B of the California Building Code.
When conflicting provisions or requirements occur between the provisions of this
Section, the Technical Codes, and other codes or laws, the most restrictive provisions or
requirements shall govern.
(b) Pool Water Clarity. The re-circulation and purification system of any swimming
pool, fish pond or any other body of water shall be operated and maintained so as to keep
the water in such pool or other body of water clean and of reasonable clarity.
The following standards shall be used to define reasonable clarity of the water in such
pool, pond or body of water:
A painted black disk, six inches in diameter on a twelve-inch by twelve-inch white tile,
placed at the bottom of the pool at its deepest point, shall be clearly visible from the
sidewalks around the pool from all distances up to ten yards from such disk, or the water
shall be determined to not be of reasonable clarity.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
95
8.12.160 Shipping Container Section 3114 is added; and Section 202, Section 3101.1
and Chapter 35 of the California Building Code are amended to read as follows:
SECTION 202
DEFINITIONS
INTERMODAL SHIPPING CONTAINER. A six-sided steel unit originally constructed as
a general cargo container used for the transport of goods and materials.
SECTION 3101
GENERAL
3101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern special building construction
including membrane structures, temporary structures, pedestrian walkways and tunnels,
automatic vehicular gates, awnings and canopies, marquees, signs, towers, antennas,
relocatable buildings, swimming pool enclosures and safety devices, and solar energy
systems, and intermodal shipping containers.
SECTION 3114
INTERMODAL SHIPPING CONTAINERS
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
96
3114.1 General. The provisions of Section 3114 and other applicable sections of this
code shall apply to intermodal shipping containers that are repurposed for use as
buildings or structures or as a part of buildings or structures.
Exceptions:
1. Stationary storage battery arrays located in intermodal shipping containers
complying with Chapter 12 of the California Fire Code.
2. Intermodal shipping containers that are listed as equipment complying with the
standard for equipment, such as air chillers, engine generators, modular
datacenters, and other similar equipment.
3. Intermodal shipping containers housing or supporting experimental equipment
are exempt from the requirements of Section 3114 provided they comply with
all of the following:
3.1. Single-unit stand-alone intermodal shipping containers shall be
supported at grade level and used only for occupancies as specified under
Risk Category I in Table 1604.5;
3.2. Single-unit stand-alone intermodal shipping containers shall be
located a minimum of 8 feet from adjacent structures and are not connected
to a fuel gas system or fuel gas utility; and
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
97
3.3. In hurricane-prone regions and flood hazard areas, single-unit stand-
alone intermodal shipping containers are designed in accordance with the
applicable provisions of Chapter 16.
4. Intermodal shipping containers approved as temporary structures complying
with Section 3103.
5. Single-unit stand-alone intermodal shipping containers used as temporary
storage or construction trailer on active construction sites. Construction support
facilities for uses and activities not directly associated with the actual processes
of construction, including but not limited to, offices, meeting rooms, plan rooms,
other administrative or support functions shall not be exempt from Section
3114.
3114.2 Construction documents. The construction documents shall contain information
to verify the dimensions and establish the physical properties of the steel components,
and wood floor components, of the intermodal shipping container in addition to the
information required by Sections 107 and 1603.
3114.3 Intermodal shipping container information. Intermodal shipping containers
shall bear the manufacturer’s existing data plate containing the following information as
required by ISO 6346 and verified by an approved agency. A report of the verification
process and findings shall be provided to the building owner.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
98
1. Manufacturer’s name or identification number
2. Date manufactured
3. Safety approval number
4. Identification number
5. Maximum operating gross mass or weight (kg) (lbs)
6. Allowable stacking load for 1.8G (kg) (lbs)
7. Transverse racking test force (Newtons)
8. Valid maintenance examination date
Where approved by the building official, the markings and manufacturer’s existing data
plate are permitted to be removed from the intermodal shipping containers before they
are repurposed for use as buildings or structures or as part of buildings or structures.
3114.4 Protection against decay and termites. Wood structural floors of intermodal
shipping containers shall be protected from decay and termites in accordance with the
applicable provisions of Section 2304.12.1.1.
3114.5 Under-floor ventilation. The space between the bottom of the floor joists and the
earth under any intermodal shipping container, except spaces occupied by basements
and cellars, shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Section 1202.4.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
99
3114.6 Roof assemblies. Intermodal shipping container roof assemblies shall comply
with the applicable requirements of Chapter 15.
Exception: Single-unit stand-alone intermodal shipping containers not attached to, or
stacked vertically over, other intermodal shipping containers, buildings or structures.
3114.7 Joints and voids. Joints and voids that create concealed spaces between
intermodal shipping containers, that are connected or stacked, at fire-resistance-rated
walls, floor or floor/ceiling assemblies and roofs or roof/ceiling assemblies shall be
protected by an approved fire-resistant joint system in accordance with Section 715.
3114.8 Structural. Intermodal shipping containers that conform to ISO 1496-1 and are
repurposed for use as buildings or structures, or as a part of buildings or structures, shall
be designed in accordance with Chapter 16 and this section.
3114.8.1 Foundations. Intermodal shipping containers repurposed for use as a
permanent building or structure shall be supported on foundations or other supporting
structures designed and constructed in accordance with Chapters 16 through 23.
3114.8.1.1 Anchorage. Intermodal shipping containers shall be anchored to
foundations or other supporting structures as necessary to provide a continuous
load path for all applicable design and environmental loads in accordance with
Chapter 16.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
100
3114.8.2 Welds. All new welds and connections shall be equal to or greater than the
original connections.
3114.8.3 Openings in containers. Where openings are made in container walls,
floors, and roofs for doors, windows and other similar openings:
1. The openings shall be framed with steel elements that are designed in
accordance with Chapter 16 and Chapter 22.
2. The cross section and material grade of any new steel element shall be equal
to or greater than the steel element removed.
3114.8.4 Detailed structural design procedure. A structural analysis meeting the
requirements of this section shall be provided to the building official to demonstrate
the structural adequacy of the intermodal shipping containers.
Exception: Intermodal shipping containers that meet the limitation of Section
3114.8.5.1 and designed in accordance with the simplified procedure in Section
3114.8.5.
3114.8.4.1 Material properties. Structural material properties for existing
intermodal shipping container steel components shall be established by material
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
101
testing where the steel grade and composition cannot be identified by the
manufacturer’s designation as to manufacture and mill test.
3114.8.4.2 Seismic design parameters. The seismic force-resisting system shall
be designed and detailed in accordance with one of the following:
1. Where all or portions of the intermodal shipping container sides are
considered to be the seismic force-resisting system, design and detailing
shall be in accordance with the ASCE 7 Table 12.2-1 requirements for light-
frame bearing-wall systems with shear panels of all other materials,
2. Where portions of intermodal shipping container sides are retained, but are
not considered to be the seismic force-resisting system, an independent
seismic force-resisting system shall be selected, designed and detailed in
accordance with ASCE 7 Table 12.2-1, or
3. Where portions of the intermodal shipping container sides are retained and
integrated into a seismic force-resisting system other than as permitted by
Section 3114.8.4.2 Item 1, seismic design parameters shall be developed
from testing and analysis in accordance with Section 104.11 and ASCE 7
Section 12.2.1.1 or 12.2.1.2.
3114.8.4.3 Allowable shear value. The allowable shear values for the intermodal
shipping container side walls and end walls shall be demonstrated by testing and
analysis accordance with Section 104.11. Where penetrations are made in the side
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
102
walls or end walls designated as part of the lateral force-resisting system, the
penetrations shall be substantiated by rational analysis.
3114.8.5 Simplified structural design procedure of single-unit containers.
Single-unit intermodal shipping containers conforming to the limitations of Section
3114.8.5.1 shall be permitted to be designed in accordance with Sections 3114.8.5.2
and 3114.8.5.3.
3114.8.5.1 Limitations. Use of Section 3114.8.5 is subject to all the following
limitations:
1. The intermodal shipping container shall be a single stand-alone unit
supported on a foundation and shall not be in contact with or supporting any
other shipping container or other structure.
2. The intermodal shipping container’s top and bottom rails, corner castings,
and columns or any portion thereof shall not be notched, cut, or removed in
any manner.
3. The intermodal shipping container shall be erected in a level and horizontal
position with the floor located at the bottom.
3114.8.5.2 Structural design. Where permitted by Section 3114.8.5.1, single-unit
stand-alone intermodal shipping containers shall be designed using the following
assumptions for the side walls and end walls:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
103
1. The appropriate detailing requirements contained in Chapters 16 through
23.
2. Response modification coefficient, R = 2,
3. Over strength factor, Ω0 = 2.5,
4. Deflection amplification factor, Cd = 2, and
5. Limits on structural height, hn = 9.5 feet (2900 mm).
3114.8.5.3 Allowable shear value. The allowable shear values for the intermodal
shipping container side walls (longitudinal) and end walls (transverse) for wind
design and seismic design using the coefficients of Section 3114.8.5.2 shall be in
accordance with Table 3114.8.5.3, provided that all of the following conditions are
met:
1. The total linear length of all openings in any individual side walls or end
walls shall be limited to not more than 50 percent of the length of that side
walls or end walls, as shown in Figure 3114.8.5.3(1).
2. Any full height wall length, or portion thereof, less than 4 feet (305 mm) long
shall not be considered as a portion of the lateral force-resisting system, as
shown in Figure 3114.8.5.3(2).
3. All side walls or end walls used as part of the lateral force-resisting system
shall have an existing or new boundary element on all sides to form a
continuous load path, or paths, with adequate strength and stiffness to
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
104
transfer all forces from the point of application to the final point of resistance,
as shown in Figure 3114.8.5.3(3).
4. A maximum of one penetration not greater than a 6-inch (152 mm) diameter
hole for conduits, pipes, tubes or vents, or not greater than16 square inches
(10 322mm2) for electrical boxes, is permitted for each individual 8 feet
length (2438 mm) lateral force resisting wall. Penetrations located in walls
that are not part of the wall lateral force resisting system shall not be limited
in size or quantity. Existing intermodal shipping container’s vents shall not
be considered a penetration, as shown in Figure 3114.8.5.3(4).
5. End wall door or doors designated as part of the lateral force-resisting
system shall be welded closed.
TABLE 3114.8.5.3
ALLOWABLE SHEAR VALUES FOR INTERMODAL SHIPPING CONTAINER
SIDE WALLS AND END WALLS FOR WIND OR SEISMIC LOADING
CONTAINER
DESIGNATION 2
CONTAINER
DIMENSION
(Nominal Length)
CONTAINER
DIMENSION
(Nominal Height)
ALLOWABLE SHEAR VALUES
(PLF) 1,3
Side Wall End Wall
1EEE 45 feet (13.7 M) 9.5 feet (2896 mm) 75
843
1EE 8.6 feet (2591 mm)
1AAA
40 feet (12.2 M)
9.5 feet (2896 mm)
84 1AA 8.5 feet (2592 mm)
1A 8.0 feet (2438 mm)
1AX <8.0 feet (2483 mm)
1BBB
30 feet (9.1 M)
9.5 feet (2896 mm)
112 1BB 8.5 feet (2591 mm)
1B 8.0 feet (2438 mm)
1BX <8.0 feet (2438 mm)
1CC
20 feet (9.1 M)
8.5 feet (2591 mm)
168 1C 8.0 feet (2438 mm)
1CX <8.0 feet (2438 mm)
1. The allowable strength for the side walls and end walls of the intermodal shipping containers are derived from ISO 1496-1 and
reduced by a factor of safety of 5.
2. Container designation type is derived from ISO 668.
3. Limitations of Sections 3114.8.5.1 and 3114.8.5.3 shall apply.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
105
FIGURE 3114.8.5.3(1)
Bracing Unit Distribution – Maximum Linear Length
FIGURE 3114.8.5.3(2)
Bracing Unit Distribution – Minimum Linear Length
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
106
FIGURE 3114.8.5.3(3)
Bracing Unit Distribution – Boundary Elements
FIGURE 3114.8.5.3(4)
Bracing Unit Distribution – Penetrating Limitations
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
107
CHAPTER 35
REFERENCED STANDARDS
ISO International Organization for Standardization
ISO Central Secretariet
1 ch, de la Voie-Creuse, Casa Postale 566
CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Standard Reference
Number
Title Referenced in code section
number
ISO 1496-1:2013 Series 1 Freight Containers – Specification and Testing – Part 1:
General Cargo Containers for General Purposes
3114.8, Table 3114.8.5.3
ISO 6346:1995, with
Amendment 3: 2012
Freight Containers – Coding, Identification and marking 3114.3
ISO 668:2013 Series 1 Freight Containers – Classifications, dimensions and
ratings.
Table 3114.8.5.3
SECTION 5. Chapter 8.18 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
readopted and amended to read as follows:
8.18.010 Adoption.
That certain document entitled “California Existing Building Code, 2019 Edition,” which
adopts by reference, portions of the International Existing Building Code, 2018 Edition,
as published by the California Building Standards Commission and the International Code
Council (excluding Sections 1.8.4 through 1.8.10, 1.9.2, Chapter 1, Division II, Sections
301.1.2 and 301.1.3, Sections 317 through 323, and Appendix Chapter A4) is hereby
adopted as the Existing Building Code of the City of Santa Monica.
SECTION 6. Chapter 8.20 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby added
to read as follows:
That certain document entitled “California Historical Building Code, 2019 Edition,”
as published by the California Building Standards Commission and the International Code
Council is hereby adopted as the Historical Building Code of the City of Santa Monica.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
108
SECTION 7. Chapter 8.22 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
readopted and amended to read as follows:
8.22.010 Adoption.
That certain document entitled “California Residential Code, 2019 Edition,” which
adopts by reference the International Residential Code, 2018 Edition, as published by the
California Building Standards Commission and the International Code Council (excluding
Chapter 1, Division II, R313), including Chapter 1, Division I, Appendix H, Appendix J are
hereby adopted with local amendments and provisions of this Chapter of the Santa
Monica Municipal Code, as the Residential Code of the City of Santa Monica.
8.22.020 Local amendments to the California Residential Code.
Notwithstanding any provisions of the California Residential Code, California Building
Standards Code, State Housing Law or other codes adopted by any Chapter in Article
VIII of the Municipal Code to the contrary, the following local amendments shall apply.
8.22.030 Residential structural provisions.
(a) Woodframe Structures. Amend Section R301.1.3.2 of the California Residential
Code to read as follows:
R301.1.3.2 Woodframe Structures. The building official shall require construction
documents to be approved and stamped by a California licensed architect or engineer for
all dwellings of woodframe construction more than one-story and basement in height
located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, D2 or E. Notwithstanding other sections of the
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
109
law, the law establishing these provisions is found in Business and Professions
Code Sections 5537 and 6737.1.
The building official shall require construction documents to be approved and stamped by
a California licensed architect or engineer for all dwellings of woodframe construction
more than one story in height or with a basement located in Seismic Design Category D0,
D1, or D2.
(b) Slopes Steeper than 33-1/3 Percent. Add Section R301.1.4 to the California
Residential Code to read as follows:
R301.1.4 Seismic Design Provisions for Buildings Constructed On or Into Slopes
Steeper Than One Unit Vertical In Three Units Horizontal (33.3 Percent Slope). The
design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when
constructed on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3
percent slope) shall comply with Section 1613.6 of the California Building Code.
(c) Irregular Buildings. Amend Section R301.2.2.2.6 to the California Residential
Code to read as follows:
R301.2.2.2.5.
1. When exterior shear wall lines or braced wall panels are not in one plane vertically
from the foundation to the uppermost story in which they are required.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
110
2. When the end of a braced wall panel occurs over an opening in the wall below.
3. When portions of a floor level are vertically offset.
(d) Application. Amend Section R501.1 of the California Residential Code to read
as follows:
R501.1 Application. The provision of this chapter shall control the design and
construction of the floors for all buildings including the floors of attic spaces used to house
mechanical or plumbing fixtures and equipment. Mechanical or plumbing fixtures and
equipment shall be attached (or anchored) to the structure in accordance with Section
R301.2.2.311.
(e) Equipment Anchorage. Section R301.2.2.11 is added to Chapter 3 of
the California Residential Code to read as follows:
R301.2.2.11 Anchorage of Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Components and
Equipment. Mechanical, electrical, or plumbing components and equipment shall be
anchored to the structure. Anchorage of the components and equipment shall be
designed to resist loads in accordance with the International Building Code and ASCE 7,
except where the component is positively attached to the structure and flexible
connections are provided between the component and associated ductwork, piping, and
conduit; and either:
1. The component weighs 400 lb. (1,780 N) or less and has a center of mass located
4 ft. (1.22 m) or less above the supporting structure; or
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
111
2. The component weighs 20 lb. (89 N) or less or, in the case of a distributed system,
5 lb./ft. (73 N/m) or less.
(f) Openings in Horizontal Diaphragms. Add Section R503.2.4 to Chapter 5 of
the California Residential Code to read as follows:
R503.2.4 Openings in Horizontal Diaphragms. Openings in horizontal diaphragms with
a dimension perpendicular to the joist that is greater than 4 feet (1.2 m) shall be
constructed in accordance with Figure R503.2.4.
Figure R503.2.4
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
112
a. Blockings shall be provided beyond headers.
b. Metal ties not less than 0.058 inch [1.47 mm (16 galvanized gage)] by 1.5 inches (38
mm) wide with eight 16d common nails on each side of the header-joist intersection. The
metal ties shall have a minimum yield of 33,000 psi (227 MPa).
c. Openings in diaphragms shall be further limited in accordance with Section
R301.2.2.6.
(g) Bracing Requirement. Amend Table R602.10.3(3) of the California Residential
Code to read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
113
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
114
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
115
b. Wall bracing lengths are based on a soil site class “D.” Interpolation of bracing
length between the SDS values associated with the Seismic Design Categories
shall be permitted when a site-specific SDS value is determined in accordance
with Section 1613.2 of the California Building Code.
c. Where the braced wall line length is greater than 50 feet, braced wall lines shall
be permitted to be divided into shorter segments having lengths of 50 feet or less
and the amount of bracing within each segment shall be in accordance with this
table.
d. Method LIB shall have gypsum board fastened to at least one side with nails or
screws per Table R602.3(1) for exterior sheathing or Table R702.3.5 for interior
gypsum board. Spacing of fasteners at panel edges shall not exceed 8 inches.
e. Method CS-SFB does not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2.
f. Methods GB and PCP braced wall panel h/w ratio shall not exceed 1:1 in SDC
D0, D1, or D2. Methods DWB, SFB, PBS, and HPS are not permitted in SDC D0,
D1, or D2.
(h) Bracing Methods. Amend Table R602.10.4 of the California Residential Code to
read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
116
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
117
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm, 1 degree = 0.0175 rad, 1 pound per
square foot = 47.8 N/m2, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
a. Adhesive attachment of wall sheathing, including Method GB, shall not be
permitted in Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1, and D2.
b. Applies to panels next to garage door opening when supporting gable end wall
or roof load only. May only be used on one wall of the garage. In Seismic Design
Categories D0, D1, and D2., roof covering dead load may not exceed 3 psf.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
118
c. Garage openings adjacent to a Method CS-G panel shall be provided with a
header in accordance with Table R502.5(1). A full height clear opening shall not
be permitted adjacent to a Method CS-G panel.
d. Method CS-SFB does not apply in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and
D2 and in areas where the wind speed exceeds 100 mph.
e. Method applies to detached one- and two-family dwellings in Seismic Design
Categories D0 through D2 only.
f. Methods GB and PCP braced wall panel h/w ratio shall not exceed 1:1 in SDC
D0, D1, or D2. Methods LIB, DWB, SFB, PBS, HPS, and PFG are not permitted
in SDC D0, D1, or D2.
g. Use of staples in braced wall panels shall be prohibited in SDC D0, D1, or D2.
(ij) Alternate Braced Wall Panel. Amend Figure R602.10.6.1 of the California
Residential Code to read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
119
FIGURE R602.10.6.1
METHOD ABW—ALTERNATE BRACED WALL PANEL
(j) Portal Frame. Amend Figure R602.10.6.2 of the California Residential Code to
read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
120
FIGURE R602.10.6.2
METHOD PFH-PORTAL FRAME WITH HOLD-DOWNS
AT DETACHED GARAGE DOOR OPENINGS
(k) Minimum Length of Braced Wall Panels. Table R602.10.5 of the California
Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
121
METHOD
(See Table R602.10.4)
MINIMUM LENGTHa
(inches)
CONTRIBUTING LENGTH
(inches) Wall Height
8 feet 9 feet 10 feet 11 feet 12 feet
DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP, HPS, BV-WSP 48 48 48 53 58 Actualb
GB 48 48 48 53 58 Double sided = Actual
Single sided = 0.5 × Actual
LIB 55 62 69 NP NP Actualb
ABW
SDC A, B and C, ultimate
design
wind speed < 140 mph
28
32
34
38
42
48 SDC D0, D1 and D2, ultimate design
wind speed < 140 mph
32
32
34
NP
NP
CS-G 24 27 30 33 36 Actualb
CS-WSP, CS-SFB
Adjacent clear opening height
(inches)
≤ 64 24 27 30 33 36
Actualb
68 26 27 30 33 36
72 27 27 30 33 36
76 30 29 30 33 36
80 32 30 30 33 36
84 35 32 32 33 36
88 38 35 33 33 36
92 43 37 35 35 36
96 48 41 38 36 36
100 — 44 40 38 38
104 — 49 43 40 39
108 — 54 46 43 41
112 — — 50 45 43
116 — — 55 48 45
120 — — 60 52 48
124 — — — 56 51
128 — — — 61 54
132 — — — 66 58
136 — — — — 62
140 — — — — 66
144 — — — — 72
METHOD
(See Table R602.10.4)
Portal header height
8 feet 9 feet 10 feet 11 feet 12 feet
PFH Supporting roof only 24 24 24 Note c Note c 48 Supporting one story and roof 24 24 24 Note c Note c
PFG 24 27 30 Note d Note d 1.5 × Actualb
CS-PF SDC A, B and C 16 18 20 Note e Note e 1.5 × Actualb
SDC D0, D1 and D2 24 24 24 Note e Note e Actualb
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. Linear interpolation shall be permitted.
b. Use the actual length where it is greater than or equal to the minimum length.
c. Maximum header height for PFH is 10 feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.2, but wall height shall be permitted to be
increased to 12 feet with pony wall.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
122
d. Maximum header height for PFG is 10 feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.3, but wall height shall be permitted to be
increased to 12 feet with pony wall.
e. Maximum header height for CS-PF is 10 feet in accordance with Figure R602.10.6.4, but wall height shall be permitted to be
increased to 12 feet with pony wall.
(l) Braced Wall Panel. Section R602.10.2.3 of the California Residential Code is
amended to read as follows:
R602.10.2.3 Minimum Number of Braced Wall Panels. Braced wall lines with a length
of 16 feet (4,877 mm) or less shall have a minimum of two braced wall panels of any
length or one braced wall panel equal to 48 inches (1,219 mm) or more. Braced wall lines
greater than 16 feet (4,877 mm) shall have a minimum of two braced wall panels. No
braced wall panel shall be less than 48 inches in length in Seismic Design Category D0,
D1, or D2.
(m) Method CS-PF. Amend Figure R602.10.6.4 of the California Residential Code to
read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
123
_____________________________________________________________________
FRONT ELEVATION SECTION
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
124
FIGURE R602.10.6.4
METHOD CS-PF-CONTINUOUSLY SHEATHED PORTAL FRAME PANEL
CONSTRUCTION
(n) Braced Wall Panel. Delete Section R602.10.9.1 of the California Residential
Code.
(o) Additional Requirements. Add Section R803.2.4 to Chapter 8 of the California
Residential Code to read as follows:
R803.2.4 Openings in Horizontal Diaphragms. Openings in horizontal diaphragms
shall conform with Section R503.2.4.
(p) Parapet Walls. Section R606.4.4 of the California Residential Code is amended
to read as follows:
R606.4.4 Parapet Walls. Unreinforced solid masonry parapet walls shall not be less than
8 inches (203 mm) thick and their height shall not exceed four times their thickness.
Unreinforced hollow unit masonry parapet walls shall be not less than 8 inches (203 mm)
thick, and their height shall not exceed three times their thickness. Masonry parapet walls
in areas subject to wind loads of 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa) or located in
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
125
Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2, or on townhouses in Seismic Design Category C
shall be reinforced in accordance with Section R606.12.
(q) Masonry Elements. Section R606.12.2.2.3 of the California Residential Code is
amended to read as follows:
R606.12.2.2.3 Reinforcement Requirements for Masonry Elements. Masonry
elements listed in Section R606.12.2.2.2 shall be reinforced in either the horizontal or
vertical direction as shown in Figure R606.11(3) and in accordance with the following:
1. Horizontal reinforcement. Horizontal joint reinforcement shall consist of at least
one No. 4 bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1,219 mm). Horizontal reinforcement shall
be provided within 16 inches (406 mm) of the top and bottom of these masonry elements.
2. Vertical reinforcement. Vertical reinforcement shall consist of at least one No. 4
bar spaced not more than 48 inches (1,219 mm). Vertical reinforcement shall be within 8
inches (203 mm) of the ends of masonry walls.
8.22.050 Residential foundations.
(a) Foundation Application. Amend Section R401.1 of the California Residential
Code to read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
126
R401.1 Application. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and
construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for all buildings. In addition to the
provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in areas prone to
flooding as established by Table R301.2(1) shall meet the provisions of Section R322.
Wood foundations shall be designed and installed in accordance with AWC PWF.
Exception: The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be used for wood
foundations only in the following situations:
1. In buildings that have no more than two floors and a roof.
2. When interior basement and foundation walls are constructed at intervals not
exceeding 50 feet (15,240 mm).
Wood foundations in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2 shall not be permitted.
Exception: In non-occupied, single-story, detached storage sheds and similar uses other
than carport or garage, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 200 square feet,
the plate height does not exceed 12 feet in height above the grade plane at any point,
and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches.
(b) Continuous Footings. Sections R403.1.2, R403.1.3.6 and R403.1.5 of
the California Residential Code are amended to read as follows:
R403.1.2 Continuous Footing in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 or D2. Exterior
walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 shall be supported
by continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings. All required interior
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
127
braced wall panels in buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 shall
be supported on continuous foundations.
403.1.5 Slope. The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings
shall be permitted to have a slope not exceeding one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal
(10-percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the
elevation of the top surface of the footing or where the surface of the ground slopes more
than one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope).
For structures located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 or D2, stepped footings shall
be reinforced with four No. 4 rebar. Two bars shall be placed at the top and bottom of the
footings as shown in Figure R403.1.5.
FIGURE R403.1.5
STEPPED FOOTING
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
128
(c) Wood Foundation Walls. Amend Section R404.2 of the California Residential
Code to read as follows:
R404.2 Wood Foundation Walls. Wood foundation walls shall not be used for structures
located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2.
8.22.060 Residential concrete and masonry chimneys.
(a) Vertical Reinforcing. Amend Section R1001.3.1 of the California Residential
Code to read as follows:
R1001.3.1 Vertical Reinforcing. For chimneys up to 40 inches (1,016 mm) wide, four
No. 4 continuous vertical bars adequately anchored into the concrete foundation shall be
placed between wythes of solid masonry or within the cells of hollow unit masonry and
grouted in accordance with Section R606. Grout shall be prevented from bonding with the
flue liner so that the flue liner is free to move with thermal expansion. For chimneys more
than 40 inches (1,016 mm) wide, two additional No. 4 vertical bars adequately anchored
into the concrete foundation shall be provided for each additional flue incorporated into
the chimney or for each additional 40 inches (1,016 mm) in width or fraction thereof.
8.22.080 Residential wood construction.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
129
(a) Fastener Schedule. Amend Lines 19, 20, 23, and 33 - 36 of Table R602.3(1) of
the California Residential Code to read as follows:
ITEM DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING ELEMENTS NUMBER AND TYPE OF FASTENERa, b, c SPACING AND
LOCATION
19 k
1" × 6" sheathing to each bearing
3-8d box (21/2" × 0.113"); or 2-8d common (21/2" × 0.131"); or 2-10d box (3" × 0.128"); or
2 staples, 1" crown, 16 ga., 13/4" long
Face nail
20 k
1" × 8" and wider sheathing to each bearing
3-8d box (21/2" × 0.113"); or
3-8d common (21/2" × 0.131"); or 3-10d box (3" × 0.128"); or
3 staples, 1" crown, 16 ga., 13/4" long
Face nail Wider than 1" × 8"
4-8d box (21/2" × 0.113"); or 3-8d common (21/2" × 0.131"); or 3-10d box (3" × 0.128"); or
4 staples, 1" crown, 16 ga., 13/4" long
Floor
23 k
1" × 6" subfloor or less to each joist
3-8d box (21/2" × 0.113"); or 2-8d common (21/2" × 0.131"); or 3-10d box (3" × 0.128"); or
2 staples, 1" crown, 16 ga., 13/4" long
Face nail
Other wall sheathingg
33 k 1/2" structural cellulosic fiberboard sheathing
11/2" galvanized roofing nail, 7/16" head diameter,
or 11/4" long 16 ga. staple with 7/16" or 1" crown
3
6
34 k 25/32" structural cellulosic fiberboard sheathing 13/4" galvanized roofing nail, 7/16" head diameter, or 11/2" long 16 ga. staple with 7/16" or 1" crown 3 6
35 k 1/2" gypsum sheathingd 11/2" galvanized roofing nail; staple galvanized, 11/2" long; 11/4" screws, Type W or S 7 7
36 k 5/8" gypsum sheathingd 13/4" galvanized roofing nail; staple galvanized, 15/8" long; 15/8" screws, Type W or S 7 7
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s; 1 ksi = 6.895 MPa.
TABLE R602.3(1)—continued FASTENING SCHEDULE
a. Nails are smooth-common, box or deformed shanks except where otherwise stated. Nails used for framing and sheathing
connections shall have minimum average bending yield strengths as shown: 80 ksi for shank diameter of 0.192 inch (20d
common nail), 90 ksi for shank diameters larger than 0.142 inch but not larger than 0.177 inch, and 100 ksi for shank diameters
of 0.142 inch or less.
b. Staples are 16 gage wire and have a minimum 7/16-inch on diameter crown width.
c. Nails shall be spaced at not more than 6 inches on center at all supports where spans are 48 inches or greater.
d. Four-foot by 8-foot or 4-foot by 9-foot panels shall be applied vertically.
e. Spacing of fasteners not included in this table shall be based on Table R602.3(2).
f. For wood structural panel roof sheathing attached to gable end roof framing and to intermediate supports within 48 inches of
roof edges and ridges, nails shall be spaced at 6 inches on center where the ultimate design wind speed is less than 130 mph
and shall be spaced 4 inches on center where the ultimate design wind speed is 130 mph or greater but less than 140 mph.
g. Gypsum sheathing shall conform to ASTM C1396 and shall be installed in accordance with GA 253. Fiberboard sheathing shall
conform to ASTM C208.
h. Spacing of fasteners on floor sheathing panel edges applies to panel edges supported by framing members and required
blocking and at floor perimeters only. Spacing of fasteners on roof sheathing panel edges applies to panel edges supported by
framing members and required blocking. Blocking of roof or floor sheathing panel edges perpendicular to the framing members
need not be provided except as required by other provisions of this code. Floor perimeter shall be supported by framing
members or solid blocking.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
130
(b) Alternate Attachment. Amend footnote “b” of Table R602.3(2) of the California
Residential Code to read as follows:
b. Use of staples in roof, floor, subfloor, and braced wall panels shall be prohibited in
Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2.
SECTION 8. Chapter 8.24 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
readopted and amended to read as follows:
8.24.010 Adoption.
That certain document entitled “California Electrical Code, 2019 Edition,” which adopts
by reference the National Electrical Code, 2018 Edition, as published by the California
Building Standards Commission and the National Fire Protection Association including
Article 89, Informative Annex C, Informative Annex F, are hereby adopted with the local
amendments and provisions of this Chapter, as the Electrical Code of the City of Santa
Monica.
8.24.020 Local amendments to the California Electrical Code.
Notwithstanding any provisions of the California Electrical Code, California Building
Standards Code, or other codes adopted by any Chapter in Article VIII of the Municipal
Code to the contrary, the following local amendments shall apply.
8.24.040 Electrical appliances, devices, materials and equipment regulations.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
131
(a) Use of Approved Materials. No person, firm or corporation shall use any
electrical material, device, appliance or equipment, designed or intended for attachment,
directly or indirectly, to any electrical system, circuit or electrical service for light, heat or
power in the City unless such electrical material, device, appliance or equipment complies
with the provisions of this Chapter. The Building Officer is hereby empowered to enforce
the provisions of this Chapter.
(b) Rating. All electrical materials, devices, appliances, or equipment designed or
intended for attachment, directly or indirectly, to any electrical system, circuit or electrical
service for light, heat or power, shall be only those that conform with the requirements of
this Chapter. Each such article shall bear or contain the makers name, trademark or
identification symbol, together with such rating by the manufacturer as may be necessary
to determine the intended use. The correct operating voltage, amperage and total watts
shall be stated and no person shall remove, alter, deface or obliterate any such marking.
(c) Revocation. Any approval granted by the Building Officer may be revoked if the
electrical material, device, appliance, or equipment is found to be hazardous, unsuitable
for the purpose used or intended, or does not conform with the standards under which it
was approved for use.
(d) Exceptions. The provisions of this Chapter shall not be deemed to apply to:
(1) Safe, substantial, used or second-hand devices or appliances, provided that all
parts or equipment used in rebuilding or reconstruction shall conform in all particulars with
the National Standards for such article, and provided further, that such articles shall have
the same degree of safety to life and property as may then be required in a new article of
the same type.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
132
(2) Electrical materials, devices, appliances and equipment which are safe and
suitable for the purpose used or intended, provided such materials, devices, appliances
and equipment are already fully covered and regulated by existing laws and ordinances
now in effect.
(3) Vehicles or motor vehicle equipment.
(4) Industrial or commercial appliances which are to be used in a specific location,
and which have been submitted to a recognized laboratory for approval as conforming to
the standards required hereof but on which final approval is still pending; provided,
however, that exemption from the provisions of this Code shall be granted separately for
each appliance only when satisfactory written evidence has been filed that laboratory
approval has been applied for, and shall continue in force only during such time as the
Building Officer has reason to believe that the testing laboratory will grant final approval
certifying compliance to the prescribed standards.
8.24.050 Used materials.
Previously used materials shall not be re-used in any work without the advance
approval of the Building Officer.
8.24.090 Protection of metallic enclosures in a marine environment.
Where a metallic enclosure is installed outdoors within 402.4 meters (0.25 miles) from
the mean shoreline, the enclosure shall have adequate protection against severe
corrosive influences.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
133
SECTION 9. Chapter 8.28 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
readopted and amended to read as follows:
8.28.010 Adoption.
That certain document entitled “California Mechanical Code, 2019 Edition,” which
adopts by reference the Uniform Mechanical Code, 2018 Edition, as published by the
California Building Standards Commission and the International Association of Plumbing
and Mechanical Officials, (excluding Sections 106.1, 106.2, 106.3, 106.4, 106.8, 106.9,
108, 109, 110 through 118), including Chapter 1, Division I, Sections 101, 102, 103, 104,
105, 106.5 through 106.7, 107, Appendices B, C, D, are hereby adopted as the
Mechanical Code of the City of Santa Monica.
SECTION 10. Chapter 8.32 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
readopted and amended to read as follows:
8.32.010 Adoption.
That certain document entitled “California Plumbing Code, 2019 Edition,” which adopts
by reference the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition, as published by the California
Building Standards Commission and the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials (excluding Sections 103.0, 104.0, 105.1, 105.2, 105.4, 106.1, 106.2,
106.3, 106.4, 107.0, Table 104.5), including Chapter 1, Division I, Sections 101.0, 102.0,
105.3, 106.5, 106.6, Appendices A, B, D, G, H, K, are hereby adopted with the local
amendments and provisions of this Chapter, as the Plumbing Code of the City of Santa
Monica.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
134
8.32.020 Local amendments to the California Plumbing Code.
Notwithstanding any provisions of the California Plumbing Code, California Building
Standards Code, or other codes adopted by any Chapter in Article VIII of the Municipal
Code to the contrary, the following local amendments shall apply.
8.32.040 Water softener using dry wells for discharge.
Water softener systems using dry wells for the discharge of effluents are prohibited,
except for systems with regeneration cycles discharging quantities of total dissolved
solids that do not exceed those stipulated in the water quality objectives set by the
Regional Water Quality Control Board.
8.32.070 Seismic gas shutoff devices.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to reduce the risks of fires caused by
leaks in fuel gas piping caused from earthquakes by use of earthquake-actuated
automatic gas shutoff systems.
(b) Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to:
(1) Any new building, structure or mobilehome park with fuel gas piping, for which an
application for permit for construction was first submitted on or after January 1, 2008.
(2) Any existing building or structure or mobilehome park with fuel gas piping for
which an application for alteration or addition is submitted on or after January 1, 2008,
when such alteration or addition is valued at more than ten thousand dollars.
(3) Any existing building or structure or mobilehome park with fuel gas piping on or
after January 1, 2008 for which an agreement for sale or exchange was first entered into.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
135
(c) Definitions. For the purpose of this Section, certain terms, phrases, words and
their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this Section. Where terms are not
defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context with which
they are used.
(1) Agreement of sale or exchange shall mean any agreement or written instrument
which provides that title to any property shall thereafter be transferred from one owner to
another owner.
(2) Customer-owned gas piping means all parts of the gas piping system downstream
of the gas utility point of delivery, including, but not limited to, downstream of the gas utility
meter and service tee (also known as a bypass tee).
(3) Application for permit means a written document submitted to the City in order to
obtain a permit to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert or
remove a portion of any building, structure or building service equipment including but not
limited to combination building permits and single trade permits.
(4) Seismic gas shutoff device means a seismic gas shutoff device installed on
customer-owned gas piping certified by the State Architect pursuant to Section 19202 of
the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, “seismic gas
shutoff device” does not include any device installed on a gas distribution system owned
or operated by a public utility.
(d) Duty to Install and Maintain Device. The owner of any building, structure or
mobilehome park subject to the provisions of this Section shall obtain a permit, install and
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
136
maintain a seismic gas shutoff device on the customer owned gas piping when one of the
triggering events specified in subsection (b) of this Section occurs.
(1) For agreement of sale or exchange or qualifying alterations or additions to
individual condominium units, the owner of the individual condominium shall obtain a
permit, install and maintain a seismic gas shutoff device on the portion of the customer
owned gas piping that serves the individual condominium unit if such a device does not
exist on the customer owned gas piping that serves the entire building.
(2) Seismic gas shutoff devices installed prior to January 1, 2008 on either customer
owned gas piping or on a gas distribution system owned or operated by a public utility are
deemed to comply with the requirements of this Section provided they remain installed
and maintained according to the terms of their original approval.
(e) Unreasonable Hardship. The Building Officer may grant exceptions to the
provisions of this Section when legal, physical or economic constraints will not allow
compliance without creating an unreasonable hardship. Unreasonable economic
hardship shall be deemed to exist when the Building Officer determines that the fair
market value of the cost of installation of the seismic gas shutoff device exceeds twenty
percent of the valuation of other alterations being proposed.
(f) Effect on Sale and Exchange of Property. No sale or exchange of property
shall be invalidated solely because of the failure of any person to comply with any
provision of this Section unless such failure is an act or omission which would be a valid
ground for rescission of such sale or exchange in the absence of this Section.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
137
(g) Incentives. All such applications shall receive priority service as defined in Santa
Monica Municipal Code Chapter 1.20.
SECTION 11. Chapter 8.40 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
readopted and amended to read as follows:
8.40.010 Adoption.
That certain document entitled “California Fire Code, 2019 Edition,” which adopts by
reference the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, as published by the California
Building Standards Commission and the International Code Council (excluding Section
108 and Section 319), including Chapter 1, Division I, Chapter 1, Division II, Appendix
Chapter 4, Appendices B, BB, C, CC, D, O, and the most recent referenced version,
adopted by the State of California, of the National Fire Codes as published by the National
Fire Protection Association, are hereby adopted with the local amendments and
provisions of this Chapter, and with Chapter 8.44 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code,
as the Fire Code of the City of Santa Monica.
8.40.020 Local amendments to the California Fire Code.
Notwithstanding any provisions of the California Fire Code, California Building
Standards Code, State Housing Law or other codes adopted by any Chapter in Article
VIII of the Municipal Code to the contrary, the following local amendments shall apply.
(a) Chapter 1, Section 105.6.51 of the California Fire Code is added to read as
follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
138
4. Temporary Sales Lots. An operational permit is required to operate a temporary
sales lot, including but not limited to: Christmas Tree Lots and Pumpkin Patches.
(b) Chapter 1, Section 108.3.1 of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
108.3.1 Submission of Records. Contractors, engineers, test companies, and licensed
and/or certified testers who perform inspection, testing and/or maintenance services on
fire protection and life safety systems and equipment within the City of Santa Monica are
required to electronically submit all compliant and non-compliant reports to the Santa
Monica Fire Department via a method approved by the Fire Marshal.
(c) Chapter 5, Section 505.1.1 of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
505.1.1 Additional Requirements. Numbers shall be a minimum of 6 inches high for
commercial structures and 4 inches high for interior suites, offices, rooms etc. and one-
and two-family dwellings with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch. All buildings shall
display the assigned address number so as to be visible from the street and alley upon
which the address is based. Numbers shall be in contrast to their background.
(d) Chapter 9, Section 901.11 of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
139
901.11 Problematic Systems and Systems Out of Service. In the event of a failure or
a faulty fire-protection system or an excessive number of accidental activations, the Fire
Chief is authorized to require the building owner or occupant to provide fire watch
personnel until the system is repaired. The chief is authorized to require the building
owner or occupant to provide a fire watch or vacate the building.
(e) Chapter 9, Section 901.12 of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
901.12 Firewatch. The chief is authorized to require the building owner or occupant to
provide a fire watch with personnel acceptable to the Fire Chief until documentation is
provided that the system is repaired and is operational. Such individuals 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.
(f) Chapter 9, Section 906.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers of the California Fire
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
906.1 Where Required. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in the following
locations.
1. In new and existing Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3.1, R-4 and
S occupancies.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
140
2. Within 30 feet (9,144 mm) of commercial cooking equipment.
3. In areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, used or dispensed.
4. On each floor of structures under construction, except Group R-3 occupancies, in
accordance with Section 3315.1.
5. Where required by the section indicated in Table 906.1.
6. Special-hazard areas, including but not limited to laboratories, computer rooms
and generator rooms, where required by the fire code official.
7. Large and small family day-care homes shall be equipped with a portable fire
extinguisher having a minimum 2-A:10-B:C rating.
8. Where required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1.
(g) Chapter 10, Section 1031.1.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as
follows:
1031.1.1 Pier. This section shall also apply to all areas of the Santa Monica Pier
structure and include the surrounding area that provides exit access and discharge for
the pier structure.
(h) Chapter 56, Section 5601.1.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as
follows:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
141
5601.1.3 Fireworks. All fireworks shall be illegal in the City of Santa Monica including
California State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” fireworks. No person shall possess,
transport, sell, or offer for sale any such fireworks.
Exception:
1. Aerial public fireworks display as approved by City Council.
2. The use of fireworks for pyrotechnics special effects in motion picture, television,
theatrical or group entertainment productions as authorized by State law.
3. Any use or transportation of fireworks by state or federal authorities pursuant to
state or federal law.
5601.7 Seizure. The Fire Marshal or his or her designee or any peace officer may remove
or cause to be removed, destroy or otherwise dispose, at the expense of the owner,
explosives, explosive materials or fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored,
possessed or used in violation of this Chapter.
SECTION 12. Chapter 8.44 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
readopted and amended to read as follows:
8.44.010 Application.
Notwithstanding any provisions of the California Building Code, California Residential
Code, California Fire Code, California Building Standards Code, State Housing Law or
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
142
other codes adopted by any Chapter in Article VIII of the Municipal Code to the contrary,
the following local amendments shall apply.
8.44.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the
cumulative impact of certain individual construction and building projects, each with an
increased potential demand on the rescue and fire suppression resources of the
community. The City Council establishes the policy of regulating both new and existing
buildings in this class by requiring approved automatic fire extinguishing and detection
systems, standpipes, fire resistive doors, and other construction to be provided in these
structures at the time of their construction, conversion, alteration and maintenance so as
to significantly reduce the potential demand from simultaneous incidents on emergency
service resources.
8.44.030 Scope.
The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all new and existing buildings within the
City, as indicated below. Structures for which a building permit has been issued prior to
November 1, 2002, shall be considered as existing buildings.
8.44.040 Definitions.
For purposes of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) Full automatic fire sprinkler system means a system that meets the
requirements of the Fire Code adopted by Chapter 8.40 of the Municipal Code.
(b) Automatic fire detection alarm system means a system that complies with
Santa Monica Fire Department requirements and is an approved arrangement of smoke,
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
143
rate-of-rise, fixed temperature, or any other detector, which is approved for the use
intended. The system shall alert all occupants of a building in case of fire and, when
required by the Fire Chief, notify the Fire Department through Central Station Monitoring.
(c) Fire alarm system means a system or portion of a system consisting of
components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of a fire alarm or
supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those
signals.
(d) False alarm means an activated fire alarm or fire alarm signal from any fire alarm
system which is responded to by the Santa Monica Fire Department but for which no
emergency situation exists or where there is no evidence to indicate that there was an
emergency situation as determined by the responding officer. False fire alarms, that
qualify under this Section include:
(1) Alarm caused by improper installation or maintenance of the fire alarm system.
This includes missing backup batteries, loose connections; poorly installed or mounted
smoke detectors near air vent or otherwise overly sensitive detection devices;
(2) Alarm caused by construction and/or demolition to the fire alarm system;
(3) Alarm caused by construction-related activities such as dust or painting operation;
(4) Alarms caused by problematic or out-of-service fire alarm systems;
(5) Alarms caused by failure of providing proper notification to the responsible parties
(alarm company and fire dispatch) of a fire alarm system in repair, test;
(6) Alarms caused by occupant or owner conducting a fire drill;
(7) Alarm caused by a burglar alarm reported as a fire alarm by an alarm company;
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
144
(8) Alarm for which there is no explanation. If a cause for the alarm cannot be
identified—no pull station activated, smoke was not present, etc.—the alarm system will
be assumed to have malfunctioned.
(e) Fiscal year means the period from and including July 1st of any year to and
including June 30th of the following year.
(f) Owner means any person who owns the premises in which a fire alarm system
is installed or the person or persons, who lease, operate, occupy or manage the premises.
The owner shall be responsible for the activation of a fire alarm system. This includes all
occupancy classification as defined in the California Building and Fire Codes as adopted
by the City of Santa Monica.
(g) Person means any individual, or entity, as defined in Section 1.12.150 of this
Code.
8.44.050 Requirements for automatic fire extinguishing and protection sprinkler
systems.
(a) When Required. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed
as set forth in this Chapter under the following conditions:
(1) In all newly constructed buildings, without regard to floor area or area separation
walls except detached one-story two-car residential garages (including minor accessory
uses such as laundry areas or bathrooms under one hundred square feet) provided that
the new garage is located a minimum of six feet away from any other building on the
same lot.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
145
(2) Throughout any existing building, when there is a change in occupancy
classification to a more hazardous division, as shown in Table 8.44-A or as determined
by the Fire Chief or the Fire Marshal.
TABLE 8.44-Al
DEGREE OF OCCUPANCY HAZARD
Rank Occupancy Class
1 Groups E and I
2 Groups A, Divisions 1, 2, 4 and 5
3 Group R, Divisions 1 and 2 and
Group A, Division 3
4 Group H, Divisions 1, 2 and 5
5 Group H, Divisions 3 and 4, Group
L, Group F
6 Groups B and M; Group S,
Divisions 1 and 2
7 Group R, Division 3
8 Group U, Division 1
1 To use the table - Step 1. Find the existing occupancy classification or division in the
occupancy class column. Step 2. If the new occupancy classification or division is
ranked above the existing class, then the entire building requires a full automatic fire
sprinkler system.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
146
(3) Throughout any existing building greater than one thousand square feet,
whenever more than fifty percent cumulative, of the existing floor area, including
mezzanines, is added to within three calendar years.
(4) Throughout any existing building one thousand square feet or less, whenever
more than seventy-five percent cumulative, of the existing floor area, including
mezzanines, is added within three calendar years.
(5) Throughout any existing building greater than one thousand square feet,
whenever more than a cumulative fifty percent of the interior walls and/or ceilings are
exposed.
(6) Throughout any existing building one thousand square feet or less, whenever
more than a cumulative seventy-five percent of the interior walls and/or ceilings are
exposed.
(7) Throughout any existing building other than a single-family dwelling, whenever an
additional story is added.
(8) Throughout any single-family dwelling greater than one thousand square feet,
whenever an additional story is added and the new floor area for the additional story
increases the existing floor area by more than thirty-three and one-third percent.
(9) Throughout any single-family dwelling one thousand square feet or less,
whenever an additional story is added and the new floor area for the additional story
increases the existing floor area by more than fifty percent.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
147
(10) Throughout any existing building or structure determined to be used primarily for
public assembly more than five thousand square feet in total floor area. This subsection
shall not apply to buildings or structures with an approved full automatic fire sprinkler
system or to churches and theaters with fixed seating.
(11) Throughout the entire floor of any existing building equipped with a partial fire
sprinkler system whenever more than fifty percent of the floor space is altered or
reconfigured.
(12) In a newly constructed ADU attached or detached, when the single family
dwelling has an existing residential automatic fire sprinkler system.
(13) Throughout any existing single family dwelling less than 1000 sq. ft. with an
attached ADU that adds 75% to the original home floor area.
(14) Throughout any existing single family dwelling greater than 1000 sq. ft. with an
attached ADU that adds 50% to the original home floor area.
(15) When a newly constructed ADU is greater than 150 feet from the primary street
access and has no rear alley access.
(b) Exceptions. The requirements of subsection (a) of this Section shall not apply to:
(1) Hospitals as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 1250;
(2) Buildings such as power plants, lookout towers, steeples, grain houses, and
similar structures with noncontinuous human occupancy only when so determined by the
Fire Chief;
(c) When a fire sprinkler system is required in any building that does not have a
designated occupant and use at the time fire sprinkler plans are submitted for approval,
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
148
the system shall be designed and installed to deliver a minimum density of not less than
that required for Ordinary Hazard, Group 2, with a minimum design area of not less than
three thousand square feet.
When a subsequent change in occupancy classification requires the fire sprinkler
system to deliver a higher minimum density, it shall be the responsibility of the building
owner to upgrade the system to the required density for the new use.
8.44.080 Standards.
The Fire Chief and Building Officer are jointly authorized to promulgate standards
regarding the installation and type of automatic fire sprinkler systems required by
Section 8.44.050 of the Municipal Code.
8.44.090 High-rise building requirements.
New buildings or structures housing any occupancy classification having floors used
for human occupancy more than fifty-five feet above the lowest level of Fire Department
vehicle access shall be defined as a high-rise building or structure. Such high-rise
buildings or structures shall comply with the high-rise building requirements contained in
Section 403 of the California Building Code unless modified through modifications and/or
alternate materials and methods approved by the Fire Marshal and the Building Officer.
These requirements shall not apply to:
(1) Hospitals as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 1250;
(2) Buildings used exclusively as open parking garages;
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
149
(3) Buildings such as power plants, lookout towers, steeples, grain houses and
similar structures with noncontinuous human occupancy only when so determined by the
Fire Chief;
Any full automatic fire sprinkler system installed in any high-rise building shall have
two connections with control valves to independent risers on each floor level, with each
riser being of the size necessary to supply the required water supply.
8.44.100 Smoke detectors—Existing residential occupancies.
(a) General. In every existing apartment, dwelling unit, guestroom, one- or-two family
dwelling or condominium, hotel or motel room, smoke detectors shall be installed in
accordance with the provisions of this Section.
(b) Existing Group R Occupancies. On or before July 1, 2001 approved and listed
smoke detectors, which may be battery-powered, shall be installed and located in
accordance with the California Fire Code.
(c) Residential Occupancy Remodels. Approved and listed smoke detectors,
which meet the provisions of the California Building Code, shall be installed when any of
the following occurs:
(1) Addition of a story which increases total floor area by more thirty-three and one-
third percent; or
(2) More than fifty percent of the existing roof structure is removed; or
(3) The floor area of an existing residence with a floor area of one thousand square
feet or less increases more than seventy-five percent; or
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
150
(4) The floor area of an existing residence with a floor area of more than one
thousand square feet increases more than fifty percent.
(d) Transfer of Property. Prior to the sale or exchange of residential buildings
subject to Chapter 9.08 of this Municipal Code, the seller shall certify, on the report of
residential building record, that approved and listed smoke detectors have been installed.
Smoke detectors, which may be battery-powered, shall be installed and located in
accordance with California Fire Code.
(e) Maintenance. Smoke detectors shall be maintained in an operable condition at
all times. Detectors shall be tested, maintained and cleaned at least annually by the
building owner. Proof of maintenance and cleaning shall be maintained by the building
owner for a minimum of five years. New batteries shall be installed in smoke detectors
annually or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. When it is determined that
any installed smoke detector was manufactured more than ten years prior to the effective
date of this Chapter, it shall be replaced.
Exception: Single-family dwellings, which are owner occupied, do not need to
maintain a written record of proof of maintenance and cleaning.
(f) Service. Smoke detectors shall be tested, cleaned, serviced, and replaced as
needed every five years by a licensed C-10 electrical/fire alarm contractor. Written record
of the service for each detector shall be maintained by the building owner and shall be
made available for review by the Fire Department upon request. Written certification of
the required five-year service shall be submitted to the Fire Prevention Division of the Fire
Department.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
151
Exception: Single-family dwellings, which are owner occupied, do not need to
maintain a written record.
(g) Hearing Impaired Occupants. In a dwelling unit occupied by one or more
hearing impaired persons, each smoke detector shall cause the operation of approved
notification appliances for the hearing impaired. Visible notification appliances used in
rooms where hearing impaired persons sleep shall have a minimum rating of one hundred
seventy-seven candela for a maximum room size of fourteen feet by sixteen feet. For
larger rooms, the notification appliance shall be located within sixteen feet of where the
pillow is normally located. Wall mounted visual notification appliances which are part of a
smoke detector shall be located between four and twelve inches below the ceiling
measured to the top of the smoke detector. Visual notification appliances in non-sleeping
areas shall have a minimum rating of fifteen candela.
Exception: Where a visual notification appliance in a sleeping room is mounted more
than twenty-four inches below the ceiling, a minimum rating of one hundred ten candela
shall be permitted. Since hearing deficits are often not readily apparent, the responsibility
to advise the property owner or manager shall rest with the hearing impaired party. The
responsibility for compliance shall rest with the property owner or manager.
8.44.110 Standards for fire protection systems.
(a) General. Fire protection systems shall conform to the standards adopted by
Chapter 8.40 of the Municipal Code and to supplemental requirements of the Fire Chief.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
152
(b) System Monitoring. Alarm systems, required by Chapter 8.40 of the Municipal
Code shall be monitored by an approved and listed central station. Exception: Fire
sprinkler systems containing less than six heads may be provided with a local alarm.
(c) Annunciation and Control. Extinguishing systems shall include control valves
and signaling devices to control and indicate system operation by floors or other approved
subdivisions. An approved annunciator panel shall be provided in an approved location
near the principal entrance.
(d) Fire Department Connections and System Zones. Systems shall be provided
with listed Fire Department connections at approved locations on public street
frontages. Multiple exterior connections and system zones shall be interconnected.
(e) Design, Approval, Acceptance, Testing and Maintenance. Fire alarm systems
shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times. When required by the Fire Chief,
an approved fire watch shall be provided and maintained while a fire and life safety system
is inoperative or impaired. The fire watch shall be maintained until the inoperative or
impaired system is restored a fully operational condition and a test is approved by the
Fire Department.
(f) Approval, Acceptance, Testing of New Fire Alarm Systems. New fire alarm
systems shall be designed, installed, tested and maintained in accordance with the
provisions of the National Fire Alarm Code published by the National Fire Protection
Association.
(g) Existing Fire Alarm Systems. Existing fire alarm systems shall be tested and
maintained in accordance with the provisions of the National Fire Alarm Code.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
153
(h) Notification Devices. All one- and two-family dwellings having a fire sprinkler
system installed in compliance with NFPA 13-D, NFPA 13D, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13
systems shall have a weather-proof horn/strobe installed on the address side of the
building or as approved by the Fire Marshal.
8.44.120 Seismic protection of fire sprinkler systems.
(a) General. This Section shall be applicable to all existing automatic fire sprinkler
systems installed prior to January 1, 1996. At the time of required five-year service, the
seismic protection of all automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be inspected in accordance
with this Section. The C-16 contractor performing the inspection shall prepare a written
notice of system deficiencies, which shall be submitted to the Fire Prevention Division.
(b) Standard. Seismic protection shall comply with the 1996 Edition of NFPA 13,
Standard for the Installation of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.
(c) Restricted Fasteners. Through bolts with washers and nuts shall be used to
secure earthquake bracing in wood members. Lag screws shall not be used to secure
longitudinal bracing in wood members.
Powder-driven studs shall not be used to secure earthquake bracing in concrete or
masonry members. When it is determined that powder-driven studs have been used, they
shall be replaced with an approved fastener.
(d) Suspended Ceilings. Ceilings shall be braced with splayed seismic bracing wire.
(e) Unsupported Sprinklers. Sprinkler drops longer than eight feet shall be braced
with splayed seismic bracing wire.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
154
(f) Armovers. Armovers used to position sprinkler heads in ceilings shall be braced
with splayed seismic bracing wire.
(g) Branch Lines. A listed wrap-around hanger shall be installed on all branch lines
within eighteen inches of the end.
(h) Unlisted Mechanical Couplings. All unlisted mechanical couplings shall be
replaced with approved and listed mechanical couplings.
(i) Unbraced Systems. Listed bracing shall be installed in accordance with NFPA
13, 1996 Edition.
(j) Threaded Pipe. All sprinkler systems shall use shop-welded branch lines. The
branch lines shall be secured to cross-mains by approved grooved mechanical fittings.
Longitudinal and lateral bracing shall be installed on feed mains, cross-mains and branch
lines larger than two and one-half inches. Bracing shall be installed on smaller branch
lines that could strike light fixtures, building system components, and building structural
members.
(k) Threaded Pipe Sway Bracing. No thin wall pipe shall be used for sway bracing.
Pipe used shall be minimum Schedule 40.
(l) Retaining Straps. All C-clamp type hangers shall be equipped with retaining
straps.
(m) Notification and Enforcement. Notification, enforcement and compliance shall
be in accordance with Sections 8.44.060 and 8.44.070 of the Municipal Code. When it is
determined that an existing automatic fire sprinkler system does not meet the minimum
standard, the building owner shall be notified in accordance with this subsection.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
155
8.44.130 Plans and specifications.
Prior to installation of any automatic fire extinguishing, life safety or fire protection
system required by this Chapter, the Fire Chief shall approve the plans and specifications
for the system.
8.44.140 Fire alarm requirements.
(a) False Alarm Reports Required. A report shall be generated by the Santa
Monica Fire Department responding fire companies as deemed necessary by the Fire
Marshal. The report shall include whether or not the alarm was a “false alarm” as defined
in Section 8.44.140(d) of this Code.
(b) Fire Alarm Requirements.
(1) Every person owning or maintaining a fire alarm system shall post a notice
containing the name and telephone number of the persons at which they may be reached
at any time of the day or night to be notified to render repairs or services when the fire
alarm is activated. Such notice shall be posted near the fire alarm panel and or the remote
annunciator panel in such a position so as to be legible.
(2) The owner or the owners’ representative of any fire alarm system shall be
responsible for deactivating any alarm within one hour after notification or after
reasonable efforts have been made to notify the owner or owners’ representative that
such alarm has been activated and is ringing. The ringing of an alarm for a period in
excess of one hour after such notification or efforts of notification have been made is
hereby declared to be a public nuisance and subject to misdemeanor prosecution or
summary abatement.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
156
8.44.150 Fees for excessive false alarm responses—Annual adjustment.
The following response fees shall be levied and paid by the responsible party (owner
or lessee) of a location that includes a fire alarm system. The fees are based on the total
number of false alarms, as defined in Section 8.44.040, which generate a fire company’s
response to the location during the same fiscal year.
No response fees shall be charged for the first and second false alarm responses to
a location during the same fiscal year. Based on the costs associated with the Fire
Department’s emergency response to a false alarm, a fee set by resolution of the City
Council shall be charged for the third false alarm response and each subsequent false
alarm response made to a location during the same fiscal year. The Fire Chief shall cause
to be issued a monthly bill for the unpaid service charges accrued during the billing period
and any prior periods. Such bill shall be due and payable within fifteen days after the
billing date.
All remedies shall be cumulative, and the use of one or more remedies by the City
shall not bar the use of any other remedy for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of
this Chapter. The amount of any service charge shall be deemed a debt to the City. An
action may be commenced in the name of the City in any court of competent jurisdiction
for the amount of any delinquent debt thirty days after it becomes due and payable.
Payment of any service charge shall not prohibit criminal prosecution for the violation of
any of the provisions of this Chapter.
A location with a fire alarm system that generates more than five false alarm responses
during a single fiscal year may be declared a public nuisance and the owners as defined
in Section 8.44.140(d) shall be prosecuted.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
157
8.44.160 Penalty.
A penalty of ten percent shall be added to the fees required by Section 8.44.150 in
connection with any fees that are not paid in the time and manner required by
Section 8.44.150.
SECTION 13. Section 8.60.010 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
8.60.010 Adoption.
Appendix Chapter A1 of the California Existing Building Code 2019 Edition, entitled
“Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Unreinforced Masonry Bearing Wall Buildings”
which adopts by reference Appendix Chapter A1 of the International Existing Building
Code, 2018 Edition, as published by the California Building Standards Commission and
the International Code Council, (excluding Sections A101, A102, A105, A114, Table A1-
G), is hereby adopted as the Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Requirements for Unreinforced
Bearing Wall Buildings, of the City of Santa Monica.
SECTION 14. Section 8.64.010 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
8.64.010 Adoption.
Appendix Chapter A2 entitled “Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Reinforced
Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms” of the
International Existing Building Code, 2018 Edition, as published by the International Code
Council (excluding Sections A201, A202, A203, A204, A205 and A207) is hereby adopted
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
158
as the Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Requirements for Existing Concrete and Reinforced
Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms of the City of Santa Monica.
SECTION 15. Section 8.68.010 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
8.68.010 Adoption.
Appendix Chapter A3 of the California Existing Building Code 2019 Edition, entitled
“Prescriptive Provisions for Seismic Strengthening Provisions of Cripple Walls and Sill
Plate Anchorage of Light, Wood-Frame Residential Buildings” which adopts by reference
Appendix Chapter A3 of the International Existing Building Code, 2018 Edition, as
published by the California Building Standards Commission and the International Code
Council, (excluding Sections A301), is hereby adopted as the Voluntary Seismic Retrofit
Requirements for Cripple Walls and Sill Plate Anchorage in Single-Family Dwellings of
the City of Santa Monica.
SECTION 16. Any provision of the Santa Monica Municipal Code or appendices
thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such
inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary to
effect the provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 17. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this
Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any
court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed
this Ordinance and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase not
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
159
declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of the ordinance
would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 18. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall attest to the passage
of this Ordinance. The City Clerk shall cause the same to be published once in the official
newspaper within 15 days after its adoption. This Ordinance shall become effective 30
days from its adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
LANE DILG
City Attorney
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
Approved and adopted this 22nd day of October, 2019.
_____________________________
G l e a m D a v i s , M a y o r
State of California )
County of Los Angeles ) ss.
City of Santa Monica )
I, Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk of the City of Santa Monica,
do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2623 (CCS) had its
introduction on October 15, 2019 and was adopted at the Santa Monica City
Council meeting held on October 22, 2019, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Morena, McKeown, Himmelrich, Winterer, Jara,
Mayor Pro Tem O’Day, Mayor Davis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ATTEST:
_____________________________________ _________________
Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk Date
A summary of Ordinance No. 2623 (CCS) was duly published pursuant to California
Government Code Section 40806.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1E216B3D-1969-484F-93C6-D071AAAC16FA
11/21/2019