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ITEM NUMBER: B-2
DATE: 06/14/05

Atascadero City Council
Staff Report - Community Development Department

Title 8 Building Regulations Update and
2004 California Electrical Code Adoption with Minor Modifications

RECOMMENDATION:
Council introduce for first reading, by title only, Draft Ordinance A, approving
amendments to Title 8 of the Atascadero Municipal Code pertaining to Building
Regulations.

DISCUSSION:
Background: Title 8 is the local building regulations (Local Building Code). Every three
years California adopts the State Codes, and gives local jurisdictions an opportunity to
modify them, or adopt them in their entirety. The State has adopted a new California
Electrical Code, with an effective date of August 1, 2005. The City’s only proposed
modification to this portion of the State Codes is the authority to disconnect in the event
of an emergency. This is consistent with our current electrical code modification.

Building staff has also made some slight changes to the Building Code in Title 8, in
order to clarify and/or correct minor issues. These changes include a change to the soils
report requirements for swimming pools, an exception to construction requirements for
deck projections over descending slopes, and an additional chapter to provide
regulations after a declared natural or man-made disaster.

Summary: Due to the adoption of the 2004 California Electrical Code, and the
opportunity to modify this code with local amendments, the Division of Building Services
proposes these modifications to the City’s Building Regulations. The Codes and
amendments proposed, will improve public safety by throughout our community.

The significant modification to the Electrical Code includes:

o Electrical Code modified to authorize disconnection of electrical service in
case of emergency, with no additional changes
Minor changes to the Building Code include:

o Change the requirement for soils reports for swimming pools from 10%
slope to 30% slope
o Provide an exception for deck projections over descending slopes to
eliminate the requirement for enclosing the unused underfloor space on
decks when at least 50% of the perimeter is a minimum of 6 feet above
grade

An additional chapter has been added to Title 8 to include:

o Placement of standard placards after a natural or man-made disaster
o Establishment of standards and regulations for the repair and
reconstruction of structures damaged as a result of a natural or man-made
disaster

Analysis: Currently Title 8 requires soils reports for swimming pools constructed on
slopes greater than 10%. This requirement has been changed to 30% to be consistent
with the requirements of the 2001 California Building Code. . Construction in Designated
Fire Severity Zones is mandated by the adoption of the Urban Wildland Interface Code,
and is consistent with Title 4-7. There has been some confusion over construction
requirements on appendages, such as decks, projecting over descending slopes. We
have provided an exception to Section 8-3.106.F.6 and 8-3.106.G.6 to eliminate the
requirement to enclose the underfloor area on decks when more than 50% of the
perimeter is at least 6 feet above grade. The placement of placards and repair and
reconstruction requirements after a natural or man-made disaster will provide additional
security in emergency situations.

Conclusion: The Title 8 update is a routine process provided by the State of California
when new codes are adopted. Building Services staff has taken this opportunity to
clarify and update Building and Post Disaster regulations. This Ordinance will take the
guesswork out of many of the City’s regulations.

FISCAL IMPACT:
None

ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council may approve the code amendment subject to minor changes and
additions. The Council’s motion to approve needs to include any changes.
Significant changes should be referred back to staff for additional analysis.

2. The Council may continue the hearing and refer the item back to staff for additional
information or analysis. Direction should be given to staff and the applicant on
required information.

ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Draft Ordinance A
Attachment 1: Draft Ordinance A

DRAFT ORDINANCE A
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 8
(BUILDING REGULATIONS) OF THE CITY OF
ATASCADERO MUNICIPAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY AND
ADOPTING CERTAIN UNIFORM MODEL CODES
RELATING TO BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE

WHEREAS, Government Code Section 50022, et seq. and California Health & Safety
Code Section 17922 empower the City of Atascadero ("City") to adopt by reference the
California Building Standards Code (the “California Building Standards Code”) as provided in
Titles 24 and 25 of the California Code of Regulations and other codes, including, without
limitation, the Uniform Housing Code, Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
and Uniform Administrative Code; and

WHEREAS, the California Building Standards Commission ("Commission") recently
adopted new amendments to the California Building Standards Code; and

WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code, Section 17958.5 authorizes cities to
modify the California Building Standards Code by adopting more restrictive standards and
modifications if such standards and modifications are accompanied by express findings that they
are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Atascadero ("City Council") finds that local
climatic, geological or topographical conditions exist within the City, which include, but are not
limited to, the following:

FINDING 1

That the City of Atascadero is situated at the base of a watershed of the Santa Lucia
Mountains and that flooding of Atascadero Creek, Graves Creek, and Salinas River
results in conditions rendering fire department vehicular traffic unduly burdensome or
impossible as witnessed in major floods that occurred in 1952, 1961, 1969, 1973, 1978,
1982, and 1995. Furthermore, flood conditions described above create the potential for
overcoming the ability of the fire department to aid or assist in fire control, evacuations,
rescues and other emergency task demands inherent in such situations. The resulting
overburdening of fire department personnel may cause a substantial or total lack of
protection against fire for the buildings and structures located in the City of Atascadero.
The afore-described conditions support the imposition of fire protection requirements
greater than those set forth in the California State Building Standards Code and, in
particular, support the imposition of greater requirements than set forth in Sections
601.5.9, 705, 904.2.2, and 1503, and Appendix Sections 3104.2, 3106, and 3107.2 of the
1998 California Building Code, Article 230-70 of the 1998 California Electrical Code,
and Sections 902.2.4.3, 902.3.4, 903.3, 1001.9, 1002.1, 1003.2, 1003.3.1, 1006.1,
1007.3.3.6.1, 1102.3.1, 1102.4.1, 5202.3.6, 7802.3, 7902.2.2.1, and 8204.2 and Appendix
II-F Sections 1 and 4.3 of the 2001 California Fire Code.

FINDING 2

That the City of Atascadero is situated near three major faults each capable of generating
earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.5. These are the San Andreas to the east of the City,
the Nacimiento-Rinconada that crosses Hwy 101 north of the City then parallels the City
to the east, and the Hosgri to the South West. Other faults of importance are the Huasna
and West Huasna to the Southeast of the City, the San Simeon to the Northwest. In as
much as these faults are included as major California earthquake faults, which are subject
to becoming active at any time, the City Atascadero is particularly vulnerable to
devastation should such an earthquake occur. The potential effects include isolating the
City of Atascadero from the North and South due to the potential for collapsing of
freeway overpasses or a slide on both the Cuesta and Ontario Grades and the potential for
horizontal or vertical movement of the Edna fault rendering surface travel across the
southern extremities of the city unduly burdensome or impossible. Additional potential
situations inherent in such an occurrence include broken natural-gas mains causing
structure and other fires, leakage of hazardous materials, the need for rescues from
collapsed structures, and the rendering of first aid and other medical attention to large
numbers of people. The protection of human life and the preservation of property in the
event of such an occurrence support the imposition of fire protection requirements greater
than those set forth in the California State Building Standards Code and in particular
support the imposition of greater requirements than set forth in Sections 601.5.9, 705,
904.2.2, and 1503 of the 1998 California Building Code, Article 230-70 of the 2001
California Electrical Code, and Sections 902.2.4.3, 902.3.4, 903.3, 1001.9, 1002.1,
1003.2, 1003.3.1, 1006.1. 1007.3.3.6.1, 1102.3.1. 1102.4.1. 5202.3.6, 7802.3, 7902.2.2.1,
and 8204.2 and Appendix II-F Sections 1 and 4.3 of the 2001 California Fire Code.

FINDING 3

That the central commercial area in the City of Atascadero consists of mixed conditions
that create the potential for possible conflagration, including congested streets during the
business day, numerous older buildings without adequate internal fire-resistance, and
contemporary low-rise buildings. Significant spread of fire in said area will actually
exceed the fire suppression capabilities of regional firefighting personnel. The continued
development of the Atascadero commercial area and the current and potential
development of high-rise buildings pose a substantial threat of fire to human life, public
safety, and the preservation of property and support the imposition of fire protection
requirements greater than those set forth in the California State Building Standards Code,
and in particular, support the imposition of greater requirements than set forth in Sections
601.5.9, 705, 904.2.2, and 1503 of the 2001 California Building Code, Article 230-70 of
the 1998 California Electrical Code, and Sections 902.2.4.3, 902.3.4, 903.3,1001.9,
1002.1,1003.2, 1003.3.1, 1006.1.1007.3.3.6.1, 1102.3.1, 1102.4.1, 5202.3.6, 7802.3,
7902.2.2.1, and 8204.2 and Appendix II-F Sections 1 and 4.3 of the 2001California Fire
Code.

FINDING 4
That the City of Atascadero is bisected by a major freeway (Hwy 101), traversing in the
north/south direction and a major highway (Hwy 41) traversing in an east/west direction.
The City is also transected by a mainline railroad that traverses in the north/south
direction. It is a frequent occurrence for the aforementioned highways and railway to
support the transportation of hazardous materials. The potential for release or threatened
release of a hazardous material along one of these routes is highly probable given the
volume transported daily. Incidents of this nature will normally require all available
emergency response personnel to prevent injury and loss of life, and to prevent as far as
practicable, property losses. Emergency personnel responding to said incidents may be
unduly impeded and delayed in accomplishing an emergency response as a result of this
situation, with the potential result of undue and unnecessary risk to the protection of life
and public safety, particularly in those buildings or structures without the protection of
automatic fire sprinklers. The above-described problems support the imposition of fire
protection requirements greater than those set forth in the California State Building
Standards Code, and in particular support the imposition of greater requirements than set
forth in Sections 601.5.9, 705,904.2.2, and 1503 of the 2001 California Building Code,
Article 230-70 of the 1998 California Electrical Code, and Sections 902.2.4.3, 902.3.4,
903.3, 1001.9, 1002.1, 1003.2, 1003.3.1, 1006.1, 1007.3.3.6.1, 1102.3.1, 1102.4.1,

FINDING 5

That seasonal climatic conditions during the late summer and fall create numerous
serious difficulties in the control and protection against fire situations in the City of
Atascadero. The hot, dry weather in combination with Santa Ana winds frequently
results in wildland fires in the brush-covered slopes on the Santa Lucia Mountains and
several areas surrounding. The aforementioned areas completely surround the City.
When a fire occurs in said areas, such as occurred in 1994, the Highway 41 fire burned
for several days and entered the City, the entirety of local fire department personnel is
required to control, monitor, fight and protect against such fire situations in an effort to
protect life and preserve property and watershed land. The same climatic conditions may
result in the concurrent occurrence of one or more fires in the more populated areas of the
City without adequate fire department personnel to protect against and control such a
situation. Therefore, the above-described findings support the imposition of fire-
protection requirements greater than those set forth in the California State Building
Standards Code, and in particular support the imposition of greater requirements than set
forth in Sections 601.5.9, 705, 904.2.2, and 1503 of the 2001 California Building Code,
Article 230-70 of the 2001 California Electrical Code, and Sections 902.2.4.3, 902.3.4,
903.3, 1001.9, 1002.1, 1003.2, 1003.3.1, 1006.1, 1007.3.3.6.1, 1102.3.1, 1102.4.1,
5202.3.6, 7802.3, 7902.2.2.1, and 8204.2 and Appendix II-F Sections 1 and 4.3 of the
2001 California Fire Code.

FINDING 6

That for the most part, the soils in the City of Atascadero are medium to highly expansive
in nature, and such soils may cause damage to foundations, structures and underground
utilities if not properly mitigated through known construction techniques. Furthermore, a
significant part of the City lies on hills and rolling topography subject to earth slides and
movements and present problems to developments constructed in such areas due to
surface water drainage and disposal. The above-described conditions support the
imposition of requirements greater than those set forth in the California State Building
Standards Code and, in particular, support the imposition of greater requirements than
those set forth in Sections 1804.7, 1806.1, and 1900.4.4, Table 18-I-C, 3102.7.2, and
Appendix Sections 421, 3305, 3306, 3307, 3308, 3309.3, 3309.4, 3309.8, 3309.10,
3309.11, 3311, 3316.1, and 3318.3 of the 2001 California Building Code and Section
315.4 of the 2001 California Plumbing Code.

FINDING 7

That the more-restrictive modifications requiring automatic fire-sprinkler systems in
buildings evidenced by the afore-described findings allow a trade-off for, and reduction
of, other less effective fire-resistive components of a building support the acceptance of
requirements lesser than those set forth in the California State Building Standards Code
and, in particular, support the imposition of lesser requirements than those set forth in
Section 709.4.1 of the 2001 California Building Code and Sections 902.2.1 and 903.2 of
the California Fire Code.

WHEREAS, based upon the recommendations of the Building Official and Fire Chief,
the City Council finds that the proposed amendments to the California Building Standards Code
("amendments") are more restrictive than the standards adopted by the California Building
Standards Commission, would decrease the potential incidence of property damage, injury and
death due to fires and earthquakes, and are reasonable and necessary to mitigate the
aforementioned local climatic, geologic or topographical conditions.

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that each of the local amendments to the California
Building Standards Code are supported by the local climatic, geologic and/or topographic
conditions described herein.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The City Council hereby adopts the recitals contained in this Ordinance as
findings to support the modifications to the California Building Standards Code.

Section 2. Title 8 of the Atascadero Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in full as
follows:

1. 1997 Uniform Administrative Code;

2. 2001 California Building Code, Volume I (including Appendix Chapter 4;
Appendix Chapter 15; Appendix Chapter 31 Division I and Division III;
and Appendix Chapter 33 except Section 3310), and Volume II;

3. 2004 California Electrical Code;

4. 2001 California Plumbing Code;
5. 2001 California Mechanical Code;

6. 1997 Uniform Housing Code;

7. 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings;

8. California Building Standard Commission Emergency Standards

INDEX

CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATIVE

8-1.101 Administrative
8-1.102 Purpose
8-1.103 Authority
8-1.104 Applicability

CHAPTER 2 ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT

8-2.101 Creation of Division of Building Services
8-2.102 Powers and Duties of Building Official
8-2.103 Appointing Authority
8-2.104 Custodian of Records
8-2.105 Permits, Inspections, and Fees
8-2.106 Establishment of Board of Appeals
8-2.107 Adoption of Uniform Administrative Code
8-2.108 Modifications of Certain Parts of the Uniform Administrative Code
8-2.109 Right of Entry
8-2.110 Violations and Enforcement
8-2.111 Cargo Containers and Railroad Cars
8-2.112 Temporary Toilet Facilities

CHAPTER 3 PRIMARY BUILDING CODE

8-3.101 Adoption of California Building Code
8-3.102 Modifications of Certain Parts of the California Building Code
8-3.103 Soils Reports
8-3.104 Roof Covering Limitations
8-3.105 Fire Sprinkler Systems
8-3.106 Special Building Construction Requirements Based on Fire Zones
8-3.107 Sign Permits

CHAPTER 4 PRIMARY ELECTRICAL CODE

8-4.101 Adoption of National Electrical Code
8-4.102 Authority to Disconnect

CHAPTER 5 PRIMARY PLUMBING CODE

8-5.101 Adoption of California Plumbing Code
8-5.102 Modifications of Certain Parts of California Plumbing Code
8-5.103 Building Sewers

CHAPTER 6 PRIMARY MECHANICAL CODE

8-6.101 Adoption of the California Mechanical Code
8-6.102 Modifications of Certain Parts of the California Mechanical Code

CHAPTER 7 SWIMMING POOL BARRIERS

8-7.101 Barriers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs

CHAPTER 8 PRIMARY HOUSING CODE

8-8.101 Adoption of Uniform Housing Code
8-8.102 Modifications of Certain Parts of the Uniform Housing Code

CHAPTER 9 UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS
BUILDINGS

8-9.101 Adoption of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings

CHAPTER 10 UNREINFORCED MASONRY

8-10.101 Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
8-10.102 Scope
8-10.103 Definitions
8-10.104 Rating Classifications
8-10.105 General Requirements
8-10.106 Administration
8-10.107 Analysis and Design
8-10.108 Materials of Construction
8-10.109 Information Required on Plans
8-10.110 Glossary of Symbols and Notations

CHAPTER 11 PRIMARY ENERGY CODE

8-11.101 Adoption of the California Building Standards Commission Emergency
Standards

CHAPTER 12 POST-DISASTER REQUIREMENTS

8-12.101 Scope

8-12.102 Application of Provisions
8-12.103 Definitions
8-12.104 Placards
8-12.105 Repair Criteria
8-12.106 Repair Criteria for Historic Buildings
8-12.107 Repair Criteria for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
Title 8 of the City of Atascadero Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read
as follows:

CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATIVE

8-1.101 Title

A. This Title shall be known as the City of Atascadero Building Code,
Title 8 of the Atascadero Municipal Code.

8-1.102 Purpose

A. The City Council expressly finds that the purpose of this Code is to
provide minimum standards to safeguard life, limb, health, property
and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design,
construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and
maintenance of buildings and structures within the City of
Atascadero.

8-1.103 Authority

A. This Code is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by Section 7 of
Article XI of the State constitution to a City to make and enforce
such local, police, sanitary and other regulations as are not in
conflict with the general laws of the State. It is further adopted
pursuant to the applicable provisions of the State Housing Laws
(Health and Safety Code Section 17910 et seq., and particularly
Sections 17922 and 17958 thereof) and applicable rules and
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto as Title 24 and 25 of the
California Code of Regulations.

8-1.104 Applicability

A. The provisions of this Code shall apply to the construction, alteration,
moving, demolition, repair, maintenance and use of buildings and
structures located within the incorporated territory of the City of
Atascadero.

EXCEPTIONS: Public projects located in a public way and not subject to
County land use regulations; public utility towers and poles; mechanical
equipment not specifically regulated in this Code; hydraulic flood control
structures; and buildings and structures owned and constructed by a Federal,
State, or other agency whose authority preempts that of City government. It
shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct,
enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use,
occupy, or maintain any building or structure in the County, or cause the same
to be done, contrary to, or in violation of, any of the provisions in this Code,
and Title 8 of the City of Atascadero Municipal Code, the Uniform Housing
Code, the California Building Code, the California Plumbing Code, the
California Mechanical Code, the California Electrical Code and any other
codes as adopted by this Code and the State Housing Law.

CHAPTER 2 ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT; ADOPTION OF
PRIMARY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

8-2.101 Creation of Division of Building and Safety

A. There is hereby contained within the City governmental structure the
"Division of Building Services" of Community Development, herein
referred to as the "Building Division", which shall be under the
administrative jurisdiction of the Building Official as designated by
the appointing authority.

8-2.102 Powers and Duties of the Building Official

A. The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce
the provisions of this Code and of the codes adopted by reference
herein. For such purpose, the Building Official shall have the power
of a law enforcement officer. The Building Official is hereby
authorized to consult experts qualified in fields related to the subject
matter of this Code and codes adopted by reference herein as
necessary to assist him/her in carrying out his/her duties. The
decisions of the Building Official in enforcing, interpreting, or in
exercising the authority delegated by the provisions of this Code
and of the codes adopted hereby shall be deemed final, subject to
appeal as provided in Section 10-2.106 of this Code.

8-2.103 Appointing Authority

A. The Director of Community Development of the City of Atascadero
shall appoint the Building Official and shall authorize the Building
Official to appoint such number of officers, inspectors, assistants
and other employees for the Building Division as shall be
authorized by the City Council from time to time. The Building
Official may deputize such employees as may be necessary to carry
out the functions of the Building Division.

8-2.104 Custodian of Records

A. The Building Official shall cause a record to be kept of all permits
and all other pertinent transactions of the Building Division under
this Code and the codes adopted hereby.

8-2.105 Permits, Inspections and Fees

A. Permits Required. No person, firm, or corporation shall erect,
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or
demolish any building or structure regulated by this Code, or cause
the same to be done, without first obtaining the necessary permits
for each separate building or structure from the Building Official.
B. Permits Required / Grading or Waste Disposal Not Separate.

1. Grading and or waste disposal system permits for residential
sites shall not be issued separately from the residence permit
without the specific approval of the Building Official and City
Planner.

2. Grading permits are required for earth movement of over 50
cubic yards and/or for cuts or fills in excess of 3 feet.

C. Expiration of Permit. Section 106.4.4 is replaced with the
following:

1. Every permit issued by the building official under the
provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become
null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit
is not commenced within 180 days from the date of issuance of
such permit, or if the building or work authorized by such
permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is
commenced for a period of 180 days.

2. Failure to request and receive a recorded inspection by the
Administrative Authority within the 180-day period constitutes
a condition of suspension or abandonment.

3. Before such abandoned or suspended work can be
recommenced, a new permit shall be obtained to do so, and the
fee therefore shall be one half the amount required for a new
permit for such work, but in no case less than $84.00, provided
no changes have been made or will be made in the original
plans and specifications for such work, and provided further
that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one
year. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the
permittee shall pay a new full permit fee.

4. Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an
extension of the time within which work may commence under
that permit when the permittee is unable to commence work
within the time required by this section for good and
satisfactory reasons. The building official may extend the time
for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days
on written request by the permittee showing that circumstances
beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from
being taken. No permit shall be extended more than once.

D. Expiration of Plan Review. Section 106.4.4 is replaced with the
following:

Applications for which no permit is issued within 180 days
following date of notification of approval/ready for issuance by the
Building Division, or applications within 180 days following date of
notification of permit corrections to be picked up or returned, shall
expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review
may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the
building official. In order to renew action on an application after
expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan
review fee. No extension is allowed except by written appeal to the
Building Official. No application shall be extended more than once.

E. Permit Fees. Section 107.2 is replaced with the following:

Permit fees shall be established by City Council resolution as may be
necessary from time to time. The value to be used in computing the
building permit and building permit plan review fees shall be the
total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued as
well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing,
heating, air conditions, elevators, site work, fire-extinguishing
systems and any other permanent equipment, The regional modifier
shall be 1.0.

F. Emergency Permits. Emergency permits may be issued by the
Building Official for any area of work regulated by this Code when
it is determined that the work is of an emergency nature and failure
to perform the work may be detrimental to the health, safety, or
welfare of the occupants, public, or the environment. Applications
for emergency permits shall be filed no later than 10 days from the
date of commencement of emergency work. An emergency permit
may also require a land use permit.

G. Exempted Work. Exempted work shall be as described in Section
106.2 of the California Building Code.

8-2.106 Establishment of Board of Appeals

A. The City Council shall constitute the Board of Building Appeals.

8-2.107 Adoption of Uniform Administrative Code

A. Certain documents marked and designated as the "Uniform
Administrative Code", 1997 Edition are hereby adopted for
establishing technical codes that regulate site preparation and
construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, use and
occupancy of buildings. Regulations, provisions, conditions and
terms of such "Uniform Administrative Code", 1997 Edition on file
in the Building Division, are hereby referred to and made a part
hereof as if fully set out in this Chapter, except as otherwise
provided in this Chapter."

8-2.108 Modifications of Certain Parts of the Uniform Administrative Code. The
following portions of the Uniform Administrative Code are hereby amended:

A. Section 104.2.3 (Right of Entry).
8-2.109 Right of Entry. The following replaces Section 104.2.3 of the Uniform
Administrative Code:

During the course of exercising the duties delegated to the Building Official in
Section 8-2.102 this Code, and when, in the opinion of the Building Official,
there exists a reason to believe that a violation of this Code or due cause exists
to inspect a property, the Building Official, or designee, is hereby authorized
to enter such property or premises at any reasonable times and to inspect and
perform any duty imposed on him/her by the provisions of Section 8-2.102 of
this Code or by other applicable law. If such property or premises is
occupied, the Building Official or designee shall first present proper
credentials to the occupant and request entry, explaining his/her reasons
therefore. If such entry is refused or cannot be obtained because the owner or
person having charge or control of the property cannot be located after due
diligence, the Building Official shall seek judicial authorization for entry
pursuant to an inspection warrant in accordance with the procedures set forth
in the California Code of Civil Procedure sections 1822.50-1822.57.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Building Official or designee has
reasonable cause to believe that there exists an unsafe, substandard, or
dangerous condition within the building or premises as to require immediate
inspection to safeguard the public health or safety, he/she shall have the right
to immediately enter and inspect such property and may use any reasonable
means required to secure such entry and make such inspection, whether such
property is occupied or unoccupied and whether or not permission has been
sought or obtained."

8-2.110 Violations, Enforcement, Compliance Official. The following is added to the
Uniform Administrative Code:

A. Purpose. This section establishes procedures for enforcement of
violations of this Code. The enforcement procedures set forth are intended
to assure due process of law in the abatement or correction of violations
and substandard, or otherwise noncompliant conditions subject to the
jurisdiction of this Code.

B. Violations. It shall be unlawful for a person, firm or corporation to erect,
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or
demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building, structure or
building service equipment or cause or permit the same to be done in
violation of this code and any adopted model code.

C. Enforcement Responsibility. The responsibility for the enforcement of
the provisions of this Code shall be per Title 12 of the Atascadero
Municipal Code.

D. Cost of Abatement or Compliance; Tax Lien.

1. Liability for Costs of Enforcement. Any person who maintains any
premises in violation of any provision of this Code, or any adopted
model code, or the State Housing Law shall be liable for and obligated
to pay to the City of Atascadero all costs incurred by the City of
Atascadero in obtaining abatement or compliance that is attributable to
or associated with the enforcement or abatement action, whether the
action is administrative, injunctive, or legal, and for all damages
suffered by the City of Atascadero, its agents, officers, and employees
as a result of such violation or efforts to abate the violation.

2. Failure to Pay. If the owner of the property involved in such
abatement or compliance action fails to pay for the costs of such
abatement or compliance action upon demand by the City of
Atascadero, the City Council by resolution may order the cost of the
abatement to be specially assessed against the parcel. Such assessment
shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ordinary
City taxes are collected and shall be subject to the same penalties and
the same procedure and sale in case of the delinquency as are provided
for ordinary City taxes.

E. Notice of Noncompliance.

1. When Determined by the Building Official that work has been done
without required permits, or has not been completed in accordance
with the requirements of this Code, the State Housing Laws, or any
other code adopted herein, the Building Official may cause a Notice of
Noncompliance to be recorded with the County Recorder and shall
notify the owner of the property of such action. The Notice of
Noncompliance shall describe the property, shall set forth the non-
complying conditions, and shall state that the owner of such property
has been duly notified. The Building Official shall record a notice of
release of the Notice of Noncompliance with the County Recorder
when it has been determined by the Building Official that the non-
complying conditions have been corrected.

F. Public Nuisance.

1. Nuisance Defined. Buildings or structures, or portions thereof,
regulated by this Code that are unsafe, or not provided with adequate
egress, or that constitute a fire hazard, or that are determined
substandard under the provisions of the Uniform Housing Code, the
Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, or the State
Housing Law, or that are otherwise dangerous to human life, or that
constitute a hazard to health, safety or public welfare by reason of
inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, damage, obsolescence, or
abandonment as specified in this Code, or any other effective
ordinance, shall be declared unsafe buildings and shall be declared
public nuisances and shall be ordered abated by repair, rehabilitation,
removal, or demolition pursuant to the provisions of this code.

8-2.111 Cargo Containers and Railroad Cars. The following is added to the Uniform
Administrative Code:

A. Relocation. When proposed use is other than originally designed and/or
intended as determined by the Building Official, railroad cars, cabooses,
shipping containers, mobile homes, and similar assemblies, etc., may not
be moved into or relocated within the City limits without his/her approval.

B. Not Conventional Construction. Railroad cars, cabooses, shipping
containers, mobile homes, and similar assemblies, etc, do not qualify as
conventional construction; therefore, all design/engineering work, plans,
calculations, etc., must be accomplished by a California licensed architect
or engineer.

8-2.112 Temporary Toilet Facilities Required. The following is added to the Uniform
Administrative Code:

A. No person shall initiate or proceed with construction, erection, alteration,
repair, or razing a project without first having provided an adequate
number of suitable sanitary job toilet facilities for the use of workers on
the project in a ration of 1 toilet per 30 workers. Toilets must be within
two hundred (200) feet of each work area within the project site.

CHAPTER 3 PRIMARY BUILDING CODE

8-3.101 Adoption of California Building Code

A. Certain documents marked and designated as the "California Building
Standards Code", 2001 Edition are hereby adopted for establishing
technical codes that regulate site preparation and construction, alteration,
moving, demolition, repair, use and occupancy of buildings. Regulations,
provisions, conditions and terms of such "California Building Standards
Code", 2001 Edition on file in the Building Division, are hereby referred
to and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Chapter, except as
otherwise provided in this Chapter."

8-3.102 Modifications of Certain Parts of the California Building Code. The
following portions of the "California Building Code", 2001 Edition, are hereby
deleted:

(a) Section 101 (Section, Scope, and General)

(b) Section 103 (Violations)

(c) Sections 104.1 (Organization and Enforcement), 104.2 (Powers and
Duties of the Building Official), 104.2.3 (Right of Entry).

(d) Section 105 (Board of Appeals)

(e) Sections 106.1 (Permits Required), 106.4.4 (Expiration).

(f) Sections 107.2 (Permit Fees), 107.3 (Plan Review Fees), 107.4
(Expiration of Plan Review)

8-3.103 Soils Reports. The following is added to Section 106.3.2:
A. Soils reports are required for all new single and multi-family dwellings,
new commercial buildings, commercial additions, swimming pools on
slopes equal to or greater than 30%, residential additions and detached
accessory structures over 1000 sq. ft., and other structures as determined
by the Building Official, to determine soil characteristics. The soils report
shall include foundation recommendations for the proposed structure
based upon the determined soil characteristics.

EXCEPTION: When determined by the Building Official that a soils
report is not necessary due to the minor scope of the project, or evidence
observed by site investigation, or substantive information provided by
project owner or authorized agent.

B. An expansive index test is required for all structures not included in
Section A above to determine foundation design.

EXCEPTION:

1. When determined by the Building Official that an Expansive Index
Test is not necessary due to the minor scope of work, or evidence
observed by site investigation, or substantive information provided by
project owner or authorized agent.

2. In lieu of providing an expansive index test, a foundation design
meeting the requirements of 91 – 130 High weighted expansion tests
may be used.

8-3.104 Roof Covering Limitations. Roofing Materials. The following is added to
Section 1503:

A. Installation of wood roofing materials is prohibited.

B. Roof covering for all new buildings, and for any re-roofing of existing
buildings, shall be no less than Class "A" rating, regardless of building
type or occupancy. Any reference to the approved use of roofing materials
with less than Class "A" rating is hereby deleted.

EXCEPTION:

1. Roof coverings on additions to existing wood shingle roofs amounting
to no greater than twenty-five percent (25%) of the existing roof area
may be Class "B" rating.

2. Repairs to existing wood roofs not exceeding 25% of existing roof
area per calendar year may be Class "B" ratings.

8-3.105 Fire Sprinkler Systems. In addition to the requirements of Section 904.2.1 of
the California Building Code, an automatic fire extinguishing system shall be
installed in the occupancies and locations as set forth below:
A. New Construction. An automatic fire extinguishing system shall be
installed and maintained in all new buildings in "A," "B," "E," "F," "H,"
"I," "M," "R", "S" and "U" (when "U" structure is attached to an "R")
occupancies as defined by the Uniform Building Code, regardless of type
of construction or floor area, for which any Building Permit is issued after
the effective date of this Ordinance.

EXCEPTIONS:

Detached Group B or M occupancies not exceeding 500 square feet and
located at least 10 feet from adjacent buildings and 5 feet from adjacent
property lines;

Note: "U" occupancies converted to conditioned habitable space will be
required to install an automatic fire extinguishing system.

a. Existing Construction. Unless the California Fire Code is more
restrictive, an automatic fire extinguishing system shall be
installed in all existing buildings or structures where proposed
or ongoing additions exceed 10% of the total floor area of the
existing building or structure, and which meet one or more of
the following:

(i) Have a total floor area exceeding two thousand (2,000) square feet,

(ii) When a second story or higher is added,

(iii)When occupancy change increases fire risk or hazard

EXCEPTIONS

(iv)Additions to single-family residences resulting in a total floor area
of less than 3,000 square feet.

Regardless of additions, alterations or repairs in existing sprinklered
buildings, sprinkler coverages shall remain as per the National Fire
Protection Association 13, 13R, or 13D standards, whichever are
applied by the Fire Chief.

8-3.106 Special Construction Requirements Based on Fire Severity Zones

A. General: The provisions of this article shall apply within the boundaries
of Fire Hazard Zones as defined herein and shown on a map entitled "Fire
Hazard Map of Atascadero", on file in the office of the Chief of the City
Fire Department and adopted hereby as part of this Code.

B. Definitions: For the purpose of this article, certain terms are defined as
follows:

1. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone: Are those areas of the City
of Atascadero designated by the Chief of the City Fire Department as
having a very high propensity for wild fire due to the existence of
excessive wild brush fuel, lack of adequate water for fire suppression,
or lack of adequate access to fire fighting equipment.

2. High Fire Hazard Severity Zone: Are those areas of the City of
Atascadero designated by the Chief of the City Fire Department as
having a high propensity for wild fire due to the existence of excessive
wild brush fuel, lack of adequate water for fire suppression, or lack of
adequate access to fire fighting equipment.

3. Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone: Are those areas of the City of
Atascadero designated by the Chief of the City Fire Department as
having a moderate propensity for wild fire due to the existence of
excessive wild brush fuel, lack of adequate water for fire suppression,
or lack of adequate access to fire fighting equipment.

C. Construction in Very High, High, and Moderately High Fire Hazard Zones
shall be per the 2000 Edition of the Urban-Wildland Interface Code, and
Title 4 of the Atascadero Municipal Code.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area when
located at least 50 feet from buildings containing habitable spaces.

2. Agricultural buildings at least 50 feet from buildings containing
habitable spaces.

D. Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish minimum
standards to locate, design and construct buildings and structures or
portions thereof for the protection of life and property, to resist damage
from wildfires, and to mitigate building and structure fires from spreading
to wildland fuels. The minimum standards set forth in this chapter vary
with the critical fire weather, slope and fuel type to provide increased
protection, above the requirements set forth in the Building Code, from the
various levels of hazards.

E. Fire hazard severity maps. The fire hazard severity of building sites for
all buildings hereafter constructed, modified or relocated into urban-
wildland interface areas shall be established in accordance with the
Wildland Fire Hazard Maps on file with the City of Atascadero Fire
Department.

F. Construction in very high severity fire zones. Construction in very high
severity fire zones shall be as described for Class 1 ignition-resistant
construction in the 2000 edition of the Urban-Wildland Interface Code and
Title 4 of the Atascadero Municipal Code.

2. Protection of Eaves. Eaves and soffits shall be protected on the
exposed underside by materials approved for a minimum of one-hour-
rated fire-resistive construction. Fascias are required and must be
protected on the backside by materials approved for a minimum of
one-hour-rated fire-resistive construction or 2-inch (51 mm) nominal
dimension lumber.

3. Gutters and Downspouts. Gutters and downspouts shall be
constructed of noncombustible material.

4. Exterior Walls. Exterior walls of buildings or structures shall be
constructed with materials approved for a minimum of one-hour-rated
fire-resistive construction on the exterior side or constructed with
approved noncombustible materials.

EXCEPTION: Heavy timber or log wall construction. Such
material shall extend from the top of the foundation to the
underside of the roof sheathing.

5. Unenclosed Underfloor Protection. Buildings or structures shall
have all underfloor areas enclosed to the ground with exterior walls in
accordance with Section 8-3.106.F.4.

EXCEPTION: Complete enclosure may be omitted where the
underside of all exposed floors and all exposed structural columns,
beams and supporting walls are protected as required for exterior one-
hour-rated fire-resistive construction or heavy timber construction.

6. Appendages and Projections. Unenclosed accessory structures
attached to buildings with habitable spaces and projections, such as
decks, shall be a minimum of one-hour-rated fire-resistive
construction, heavy timber construction or constructed of approved
noncombustible materials.

When the attached structure is located and constructed so that the
structure or any portion thereof projects over a descending slope
surface greater than 10 percent, the area below the structure shall have
all underfloor areas enclosed to within 6 inches of the ground, with
exterior wall construction in accordance with Section 8-3.106.F.4.

EXCEPTION: Decks with more than 50% of the perimeter 6 feet or
more above grade may be a minimum of one-hour fire resistive
construction, heavy timber construction or approved noncombustible
materials.

7. Exterior Glazing. Exterior windows, window walls and glazed doors,
windows within exterior doors, and skylights shall be tempered glass,
multilayered glazed panels, glass block or have a fire-protection rating
of not less than 20 minutes.

8. Exterior Doors. Exterior doors shall be approved non-combustible
construction, solid core wood not less than 1-3/4 inches (45 mm) thick,
or have a fire-protection rating of not less than 20 minutes. Windows
within doors and glazed doors shall be in accordance with Section 8-
3.106.F.7.

EXCEPTION: Vehicle access doors.

9. Vents. Attic ventilation openings shall not be located in soffits, in
eave overhangs, between rafters at eaves, or in other overhang areas.
Gable end and dormer vents shall be located at least 10 feet (3048
mm) from property lines. Underfloor ventilation openings shall be
located as close to grade as practical.

10. Detached Accessory Structures. Detached accessory structures
located less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from a building containing
habitable space shall have exterior walls constructed with materials
approved for a minimum of one-hour-rated fire-resistive construction,
heavy timber, log wall construction or constructed with approved
noncombustible materials on the exterior side.

When the detached structure is located and constructed so that the
structure or any portion thereof projects over a descending slope
surface greater than 10 percent, the area below the structure shall have
all underfloor areas enclosed to within 6 inches of the ground, with
exterior wall construction in accordance with Section 8-3.106.F.4 or
underfloor protection in accordance with Section 8-3.106.F.5.

EXCEPTION: The enclosure may be omitted where the underside of
all exposed floors and all exposed structural columns, beams and
supporting walls are protected as required for exterior one-hour-rated
fire-resistive construction or heavy timber construction.

See Section 8-3.106.F.1 for roof requirements.

G. Construction in high severity fire zones. Construction in high severity
fire zones shall be as described for Class 2 Ignition-resistance construction
in the 2000 edition of the Urban-Wildland Interface Code and Title 4 of
the Atascadero Municipal Code.

2. Protection of Eaves. Combustible eaves, fascias and soffits shall be
enclosed with solid materials with a minimum thickness of ¾ inch. No
exposed rafter tails shall be permitted unless constructed of heavy
timber materials.

3. Gutters and Downspouts. Gutters and downspouts shall be
constructed of noncombustible material.

4. Exterior Walls. Exterior walls of buildings or structures shall be
constructed with materials approved for a minimum of one-hour-rated
fire-resistive construction on the exterior side of constructed with
approved noncombustible materials.

EXCEPTION: Heavy timber or log wall construction. Such material
shall extend from the top of the foundation to the underside of the roof
sheathing.

5. Unenclosed Underfloor Protection. Buildings or structures shall
have all underfloor areas enclosed to the ground, with exterior walls in
accordance with Section 8-3.106.F.4.

EXCEPTION: Complete enclosure may be omitted where the
underside of all exposed floors and all exposed structural columns,
beams and supporting walls protected as required for exterior one-
hour-rated fire-resistive construction or heavy timber construction.

When the attached structure is located and constructed so that the
structure or any portion thereof projects over a descending slope
surface greater than 10 percent, the area below the structure shall have
all underfloor areas enclosed to within 6 inches (152 mm) of the
ground, with exterior wall construction in accordance with Section 8-
3.106.F.4.

8. Exterior Doors. Exterior doors shall be approved non-combustible
construction, solid core wood not less than 1-3/4-inch thick, or have a
fire-protection rating of not less than 20 minutes. Windows within
doors and glazed doors shall be in accordance with Section 8-
3.106.G.7.

EXCEPTION: Vehicle access doors.

9. Vents. Attic ventilation openings, foundation or underfloor vents or
other ventilation openings in vertical exterior walls and vents through
roofs shall not exceed 144 square inches each. Such vents shall be
covered with noncombustible corrosion-resistant mesh with openings
not to exceed ¼ inch.

Attic ventilation openings shall not be located in soffits, in eave
overhangs, between rafters at eaves, or in other overhang areas. Gable
end and dormer vents shall be located at least 10 feet from property
lines. Underfloor ventilation openings shall be located as close to
grade as practical.

10. Detached Accessory Structures. Detached accessory structures
locate less than 50 feet from a building containing habitable space
shall have exterior walls constructed with materials approved for a
minimum of one-hour-rated fire-resistive construction, heavy timber,
log wall construction, or constructed with approved noncombustible
material on the exterior side.

When the detached structure is located and constructed so that the
structure or any portion thereof projects over a descending slope
surface greater than 10 percent, the area below the structure shall have
all underfloor areas enclosed to within 6 inches of the ground, with
exterior wall construction in accordance with Section 8-3.106.G.4 or
underfloor protection in accordance with Section 8-3.106.G.5.

See Section 8-3.106.G.1 for roof requirements.

H. Construction in moderate severity fire zones. Construction in moderate
severity fire zones shall be as described for Class 2 Ignition-resistance
construction in the 2000 edition of the Urban-Wildland Interface Code and
Title 4 of the Atascadero Municipal Code.

1. Roof Covering. Installation of wood roofing products shall be per
Section 802.104 of the Atascadero Municipal Code. For roof coverings
where the profile allows a space between the roof covering and roof
decking, the space at the eave ends shall be fire stopped to preclude
entry of flames or embers.
2. Unenclosed Underfloor Protection. Buildings or structures shall
have all underfloor areas enclosed to the ground with exterior walls.

3. Vents. Attic ventilation openings, soffit vents, foundation or
underfloor vents or other ventilation openings in vertical exterior walls
and vents through roofs shall not exceed 144 square inches each. Such
vents shall be covered with noncombustible corrosion-resistant mesh
with openings not to exceed ¼ inch.

I. Replacement or repair of roof coverings

1. Roof coverings on buildings or structures in existence prior to the
adoption of this code that are replaced or have 25 percent or more
replaced in a 12-month period shall be replaced with roof covering
required for new construction as described in Section 8-3.104 of this
Code.

Roof coverings for repairs less than 25 percent in a 12-month period
shall be replaced with not less than Class A fire-treated materials.

8-3.107 Sign Permits. The following signs shall not require a building permit:

A. These exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the
sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its
compliance with the provisions of this code or any other law or
ordinance regulating the same.

1. Changing the advertising copy or message on a painted, printed,
or nonstructural sign face. Including theater marquees and
similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable
copy. Sign changes that require structural or electrical
modifications shall not be included in this exception.

2. Painting, repairing or cleaning of an advertising structure or the
changing of the advertising copy or message thereon shall not be
considered an erection or alteration that requires a sign permit
unless a structural change is made.

CHAPTER 4 PRIMARY ELECTRICAL CODE

8-4.101 Adoption of National Electrical Code: Certain documents marked and
designated as the "California Electrical Code", 2004 Edition, are hereby adopted
for establishing administrative, organizational and enforcement rules and
regulations for technical codes that regulate site preparation and construction,
alteration, moving, demolition, repair, use and occupancy of buildings.
Regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of such "California Electrical
Code", 2004 Edition, on file in the Building Division, are hereby referred to and
made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Chapter, except as otherwise provided
in this Chapter.

8-4.102 Authority to Disconnect. The building official is hereby authorized to
disconnect any wire or electrical conductor in case of an emergency where
necessary to safeguard life or property, or where such wire may interfere with the
work of the Fire Department. The building official is further authorized to
disconnect or order the discontinuance of electrical service to any electrical
wiring, device, appliance, apparatus, or equipment found to be dangerous to life
or property, or where illegally connected. When such equipment or installation is
to be disconnected, a notice shall be given to the owner or tenant listing the causes
for such action. The building official shall provide written notice to the occupant
or property owner at least 24 hours in advance of such disconnection, stating the
reasons therefore. In cases of immediate danger to life and property, the building
official shall notify the serving utility in writing of the order to discontinue
service and request that the service be disconnected. It shall be unlawful for any
person, firm, corporation or utility company tosupply electrical service to any
electrical device, apparatus, appliance or equipment that has been disconnected or
has been ordered disconnected by the building official until a verification of
approval has been granted by the building official.

CHAPTER 5 PRIMARY PLUMBING CODE

8-5.101 Adoption of California Plumbing Code: Certain documents marked and
designated as the "California Plumbing Code", 2001 Edition, are hereby adopted
for establishing administrative, organizational and enforcement rules and
regulations for technical codes that regulate site preparation and construction,
alteration, moving, demolition, repair, use and occupancy of buildings.
Regulations, provisions, conditions, and terms of such "California Plumbing
Code", 2001 Edition, on file in the Building Division, are hereby referred to and
made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Chapter, except as otherwise provided
in this Chapter.

8-5.102 Modifications of Certain Parts of the California Plumbing Code. The
following portions of the "California Building Code", 2001 Edition, are hereby
amended:

1. Pursuant to Section 103.4 of the California Plumbing Code (Permit
Fees) plumbing fees shall be by the current fee resolution as adopted
by the City Council for the City of Atascadero.

8-5.103 Building Sewers. The California Plumbing Code, as adopted by Section 8-1.101
of this title, is amended as follows:

A. The following requirements shall apply to building sewers and related
drainage piping:
1. All building sewers shall be constructed with pipe of internal diameter
not less than four (4) inches, unless a pipe of internal diameter not less
than three (3) inches is approved by the Administrative Authority.

2. A cleanout shall be placed in every building sewer within five (5) feet
of each building, at all changes in alignment or grade in excess of one
hundred thirty five (135) degrees, within five (5) feet of the junction
with the public sewer, and at intervals not to exceed one hundred (100)
feet in straight runs. The cleanout shall be made by inserting a "Y"
fitting in the line and fitting the cleanout in the "Y" branch in an
approved manner. In the case of a cleanout near the junction of the
public sewer, the "Y" branch riser shall be extended to a depth of not
more than one (1) foot. All other cleanouts shall be extended to finish
grade.

3. Drainage piping serving fixtures located at an elevation of less than
one (1) foot above the nearest upstream manhole cover in the main
sewer serving said fixtures shall drain by gravity into the main sewer,
and shall be protected from backflow of sewage by installing an
approved backwater valve. Each such backwater valve shall be
installed only in that branch or section of the drainage system that
receives the discharge from fixtures located less than one (1) foot
above the nearest upstream manhole cover.

B. Private Sewage Disposal Systems. The design, installation operation and
maintenance of private sewage disposal systems shall be in conformance
with Appendix K of the Uniform Plumbing Code and with standards
specified in this section. Where specific standards are not provided within
this section or where the Administrative Authority determines that higher
requirements are necessary to maintain a safe and sanitary condition, the
"Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin" (adopted by the
Regional Water Quality Control Board of the Central Coast Region) or
other recognized industry standards may be used as a guideline by the
Administrative Authority.

C. Percolation Test. An on-site investigation shall be made by a registered
engineer competent in sanitary engineering in order to determine the
suitability of a particular site for a private sewage disposal system and to
provide the data necessary to design a private sewage disposal system. A
percolation test shall be required prior to issuance of a permit for all new
or enlarged private sewage disposal systems.

D. Test Procedures. The following percolation test procedure shall be used
in performing percolation tests, except that other accepted test procedures
may be used when approved by the Administrative Authority:

1. Number and Location of Test Holes. A minimum of three separate
test holes spaced uniformly through and located in the immediate
vicinity of the proposed leach field site are to be made.
2. Type of Test Holes. The test hole shall have horizontal dimensions
between four (4) and twelve (12) inches and vertical sides to the depth
of the absorption trench.

3. Preparation of Test Holes. Smeared soil surfaces shall be removed
from the sides and bottom of the test hole to provide a natural soil
interface. All loose material shall be removed from the test hole. Two
(2) inches of coarse sand or fine gravel shall be added to the test hole
to protect the bottom from scouring and sediment.

4. Soil Saturation and Swelling. The test hole is to be carefully filled to
a depth of one (1) foot above the gravel or sand with clear water,
which is to be kept in the hole for at least four (4) hours but preferably
overnight. This step may be omitted in sandy soils containing little or
no clay.

5. Measurement of Percolation Rate. The percolation rate shall be
determined twenty-four (24) hours after water is first added to the test
holes; except, in sandy soils containing little or no clay, the percolation
rate shall be determined after the water from one (1) filling, of the test
hole has completely seeped away.

(i) If water remains in the test hole after the overnight swelling
period, adjust the depth to approximately six (6) inches over
the gravel or sand and, from a fixed referenced point, measure
the drop in water level over a thirty (30) minute period to
calculate the percolation rate.

(ii) If no water remains in the test hole after the overnight swelling
period, add clear water to bring the depth of water in the test
hole to approximately six (6) inches over the gravel or sand.
From a fixed reference point, measure the drop in water level at
approximately thirty (30) minute intervals over four (4) hours
refilling six (6) inches over the gravel or sand as necessary.
The drop that occurs during the final thirty (30) minute period
is used to calculate the percolation rate. The drops during prior
periods provide information for possible modification of the
test procedure to suit local conditions.

(iii) In sandy soils (or in other soils in which the first six (6) inches
of water seeps away in less than thirty (30) minutes after the
overnight swelling period), the time interval between
measurements shall be taken as ten (10) minutes and the test
shall run for one (1) hour with the drop during the final ten (10)
minutes being used to calculate the percolation rate.

6. Deep Boring. A soil boring, to a minimum depth of ten (10) feet
below the bottom of the absorption trench or pit, shall be made in
order to determine the presence of impermeable bedrock and/or
ground water.
7. General Design Standards. The following standards shall be used in
the design of new or enlarged private sewage disposal systems where
the percolation rate does not exceed one hundred twenty (120) minutes
per inch.

(i) Determination of Size of Absorption Area. The absorption
area, measured in lineal feet of absorption trench, shall be
calculated as set forth in this section. Tables 4-1 (Absorption
Area Requirements) and 4-2 (Standard Trench Adjustment
Factors), included in this chapter, shall be referred to as
necessary. (absorption area per bedroom.) × (no. of bedrooms.)
× adjustment factor

(ii) Location of Private Sewage Disposal Systems. The minimum
distance between components of a private sewage disposal
system and other site features shall be as set forth in Table 4-3
(Horizontal Distance Separation) and Table 4-4 (Vertical
Distance Separation). Where physical limitations on a site
preclude conformance with distance separation requirements,
the Administrative Authority may approve a lesser separation
when the design is prepared by a registered engineer competent
in sanitary engineering and when adequate substantiating data
is submitted with the design. The Administrative Authority
shall not approve a separation less than that set forth in the
"Water Quality Control Plan--Central Coast Region" unless the
Regional Water Quality Control Board or its designated
representatives have previously approved the design.

8. Additional Standards:

(i) Existing legal building sites that are served by an individual
on-site well may be approved for a private sewage disposal
system only if the site meets lot size standards for private
sewage disposal systems.

(ii) Private sewage disposal systems proposed to be installed on
slopes of twenty percent (20%) or more shall be designed by
and have their installation inspected and certified by a
registered civil engineer. The design shall minimize grading
disruption associated with access for installation and
maintenance. Such systems shall be prohibited on slopes of
thirty percent (30%) or more, unless approved by both the
Administrative Authority and the Regional Water Quality
Control Board.

(iii) When the percolation rates is more then thirty (30)
minutes/inch, a private sewage disposal system shall be
designed, inspected, and certified to work by a registered civil
engineer.
(iv) When the percolation rates exceeds one hundred twenty (120)
minutes/inch, a private sewage disposal system, using solely
dependent upon soil absorption, shall not be allowed.

(v) The design of private sewage disposal systems shall
incorporate an approved filtering device to remove solids from
effluent at the outlet of septic tanks.

(vi) When the percolation rate exceeds thirty (30) minutes/inch, a
private sewage disposal system using a seepage pit shall not be
allowed.

(vii) Expansion area shall be provided on all building sites, shall be
identified on all plans submitted for private sewage disposal
systems, and shall remain available for system expansion. If
areas reserved for system expansion are not accessible for
future installation, then the expansion area shall be installed
with the original system.

(viii) Inspection risers with four (4) inches minimum diameter shall
be installed at the ends of each absorption trench or bed.

(ix) Septic tank manholes more than twenty-four (24) inches below
grade, valves, distribution boxes, and pumps shall be
permanently accessible to the surface in a manner acceptable to
the Building Official.

9. Special Design Standards. The following standards shall be used in
the design of new or enlarged private sewage disposal systems where
the percolation rate exceeds sixty (60) minutes per inch. Designs for
alternate types of private sewage disposal systems shall be by a
registered civil engineer and may be approved by the Administrative
Authority when the design engineer submits adequate substantiating
data with the design.

(i) Determination of Size of Disposal Field. The size of the
disposal field shall be determined by the design engineer using
methods of accepted engineering practice including manuals
and documents specified in this chapter or as otherwise
approved by the Administrative Authority.

(ii) Location of Private Sewage Disposal System. The minimum
distance between components of a private sewage disposal
system and other site features shall be as set forth in Table 4-3
(Horizontal Distance Separation) and Table 4-4 (Vertical
Distance Separation) using the column entitled "Leach Field or
Seepage Bed."

(iii) When private sewage disposal systems are designed pursuant
to this section, the design engineer shall provide the owner
with information on the location, design operation and
maintenance of the private sewage disposal system.

(iv) Existing legal building sites that are served by an individual
on-site well may be approved for a private sewage disposal
system only if the site is one acre or larger in size and meets
other regulations and requirements regarding distance
separation.

(v) Expansion area shall be provided on all building sites.

10. Replacement of Existing Private Sewage Disposal System. Where
an existing private sewage disposal system has failed, the replacement
system shall be designed in conformance with this chapter and shall be
designed, inspected and certified to work by a registered civil
engineer. In the event that the replacement system cannot be designed
to conform with this chapter, the Administrative Authority may
approve a system designed to lesser standards when it is designed,
inspected and certified to work by a registered civil engineer.

(i) A private sewage disposal system shall not be replaced by
another system if sewers are available.

(ii) The Administrative Authority shall not approve a replacement
system that does not conform with prohibitions set forth in the
"Water Quality Control Plan--Central Coast Basin," unless the
Regional Water Quality Control Board or its designed
representative has previously approved the design. The
Administrative Authority may authorize a temporary means of
sewage disposal pending such approval. (Ord. 360 § 3 (part),
1999)

Table 4-1. Absorption Area Requirements

Absorption
Percolation Area Per
Rate Bedroom
(Minutes/Inch) (Square
Feet)
0--9 150
10 165
11--15 190
16--20 215
21--25 230
26--30 250
31--35 270
36--40 285
41--45 300
46--50 315
51--60 330
61--70 380
71--80 430
81--90 520
91--100 660
101--110 830
111--120 1250
Table 4-2. Standard Trench Adjustment Factor

Depth of Gravel Trench Width (in inches)
Below Pipes
(in Inches)
12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60
12 .75 .78 .80 .82 .83 .85 .86 .87 .87
18 .60 .64 .66 .69 .71 .73 .75 .77 .78
24 .50 .54 .57 .60 .62 .64 .66 .68 .70
30 .43 .47 .50 .53 .55 .58 .60 .62 .64
36 .37 .41 .44 .47 .50 .52 .54 .56 .58
42 .33 .37 .40 .43 .45 .48 .50 .52 .54
48 .30 .33 .36 .39 .42 .44 .46 .48 .50

Note 1. For trenches not shown in Table 4-2, the standard trench
adjustment factor may be
computed as follows:
Where W = width of trench (in feet)
D = depth of gravel below pipe (in feet)
W+2
W+ 1 +2D

Table 4-3. Horizontal Distance Separation (In Feet)

Building Septic Leach Seepage
Sewer Tank Field or Pit
Seepage
Bed
Buildings or structures, including 2 5 8(1) 8(1)
porches, steps, breezeways,
patios, and carports whether
covered or not
Property line Clear(2) 5 5 10
(3)
Water supply well 50 50 100 150
Streams, when shown 7 1/2 minute 50 50 100 100
USGS Map and when a defined
channel with definite bed and
banks exists
Swales, ephemeral draws or other 50 50 50 50
natural watercourses with drainage
areas larger than 10 acres
Trees * 10(*) * 10(*)
Seepage pits -- 5 5 12
Leach field or seepage bed -- 5 6 5
(4)
On-site domestic water service line 1 5 5 5
Distribution box -- -- 5 5
(5)
Pressure public water main 10 10 10 10
Sloping ground, cuts, or other -- -- 15(6) 15(6)
embankments
Reservoirs, including ponds, lakes, 200 200 200(7) 200(7)
tanks, basins, etc. for storage,
regulation and control of water
recreation, power, flood control or
linking
Springs 100 100 100 100

Notes:
(1) Distance separation shall be increased to twenty (20) feet when building or structure
is located on a downward slope below a leach field, seepage bed or seepage pit.
(2) See Section 315 (c) of Uniform Plumbing Code.
(3) Distance separation may be reduced to twenty-five (25) feet when the drainage
piping is constructed of materials approved for rise within a building.
(4) See Section 1108 of Uniform Plumbing Code.
(5) For parallel construction or crossings, approval by the Health Department shall
be required.
(6) Distance is measured as horizontal distance to daylight. This distance may be
reduced where it is demonstrated that favorable geologic conditions and soil
permeability exist based on a report and analysis prepared by a licensed
geologist or soils engineer.
(7) Distance is measured at spillway elevation.
(*) See tree protection guidelines.
Table 4-4. Vertical Distance Separation (In Feet)

Leach Field or Seepage
Seepage Bed Pit
Ground 5 5
water
Bedrock 10 4
Note: Distance is measured from bottom of
trench or pit.

CHAPTER 6 PRIMARY MECHANICAL CODE

8-6.101 Adoption of California Mechanical Code: Certain documents marked and
designated as the "California Mechanical Code", 2001 Edition, are hereby
adopted for establishing administrative, organizational and enforcement rules and
regulations for technical codes that regulate site preparation and construction,
alteration, moving, demolition, repair, use and occupancy of buildings.
Regulations, provisions, conditions and terms of such "California Mechanical
Code", 2001 Edition, on file in the Building Division, are hereby referred to and
made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Chapter, except as otherwise provided
in this Chapter.

8-6.102 Modifications of Certain Parts of the California Mechanical Code. The
following portions of the "California Mechanical Code", 2001 Edition, are hereby
deleted:

1. Pursuant to Section 115.1 and 115.2 of the California Mechanical Code
(Permit Fees) mechanical fees shall be by the current fee resolution as
adopted by the City Council for the City of Atascadero.

CHAPTER 7 SWIMMING POOL BARRIERS

8-7.101 Barriers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. All swimming pools, spas
and hot tubs within the City shall conform to the requirements as specified in
sections 115920 through 115927 of the California Health and Safety Codes and
Appendix Chapter 4 of the 2001 Edition of the California Building Code.

CHAPTER 8 PRIMARY HOUSING CODE

8-8.101 Adoption of Uniform Housing Code. Certain documents marked and
designated as the "Uniform Housing Code", 1997 Edition, published by the
International Code Council, are hereby adopted for establishing administrative,
organizational and enforcement rules and regulations for technical codes that
regulate site preparation and construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair,
use and occupancy of buildings, regulations, provisions, conditions and terms of
such "Uniform Housing Code", 1997 Edition, published by the International Code
Council, on file in the Building Division, are hereby referred to and made a part
hereof as if fully set out in this Chapter, except as otherwise provided in this
Chapter.

8-8.102 Modifications of Certain Parts of the Uniform Housing Code. The following
portions of the "Uniform Housing Code", 1997 Edition, are hereby deleted:

A. Section 203.1 (Appeals Board)

B. Section 302 (Fees)

8-8.103 The following replaces Section 302 of the Uniform Housing Code:

A. Whenever work is required to be done under the provisions of this Code, a
building, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit may be required by
the building official prior to the commencement of work. Appropriate fees
shall be assessed by the building official pursuant to permit fee resolutions
as adopted by the City Council. In the event that abatement proceedings
must be initiated against a property in order to gain compliance with the
provisions of this Code, all costs associated with the abatement shall be
paid by the property owner pursuant to the provisions of Section 8-
2.110.D.1 of this Code.

CHAPTER 9 UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS
BUILDINGS

8-9.101 Adoption of Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.
Certain documents marked and designated as the "Uniform Code for the
Abatement of Dangerous Buildings", 1997 Edition, published by the International
Code Council, are hereby adopted for establishing administrative, organizational
and enforcement rules and regulations for technical codes that regulate site
preparation and construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, use and
occupancy of buildings, regulations, provisions, conditions and terms of such
"Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings", 1997 Edition,
published by the International Code Council, on file in the Building Division, are
hereby referred to and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Chapter, except
as otherwise provided in this Chapter.

CHAPTER 10 UNREINFORCED MASONRY

8-10.101 Unreinforced Masonry Buildings

A. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and
welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury that may result from the
effects of earthquakes on unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings.
Such buildings have been widely recognized as posing a threat to life
because of a history of poor performance, i.e. partial or complete collapse,
during moderate to strong earthquakes.

B. Provisions. The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum
standards for structural seismic resistance established primarily to reduce
the risk of life loss or injury. Compliance with these standards will not
necessarily prevent loss of life or injury or prevent earthquake damage to
rehabilitated buildings. This chapter does not require alteration of existing
electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems (unless they
constitute a hazard to life or property).

C. This chapter provides systematic procedures and standards for
identification and classification of unreinforced masonry bearing wall
buildings based on their present use. Priorities, time periods and standards
are also established under which these buildings are required to be
structurally analyzed and anchored. Where the analysis finds deficiencies,
this chapter requires the buildings to be strengthened or demolished.

Qualified Historical Buildings shall comply with the State Historical
Building Code (SHBC) established under Part 8, Title 24 of the California
Administrative Code. (Ord. 360 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 226 § 1 (part), Exh.
A (part), 1991)

8-10.102 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all unreinforced masonry
buildings.

A. This chapter shall not apply to detached one- or two-family dwellings and
detached apartment houses containing less than five dwelling units and
used solely for residential purposes.

B. This chapter shall not apply to warehouses and similar buildings used for
emergency services or supplies. (Warehouses that have been converted to
retail, office, commercial, or residential occupancies are not exempt.)

C. This chapter shall not apply to buildings owned by the Federal or State
Government. (Buildings owned by local jurisdictions are not exempt.)

All conforming and legal nonconforming buildings that are required to be
strengthened by alteration as a result of this chapter shall not be required
to comply with current site improvement standards of the City zoning
ordinance, including parking and landscaping.

In the event a building owner does not agree with zoning or signage
conditions, he or she may seek relief through appeal to the Planning
Commission. (Ord. 360 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 226 § 1 (part), Exh. A
(part), 1991)

8-10.103 Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, the applicable definitions in
Sections 2302 and 2312 of the Uniform Building Code shall apply:
A. "Essential building" means any building housing a hospital or other
medical facility having surgery or emergency treatment areas; fire and
police stations; municipal government disaster operation and
communication centers.

B. "High-risk building" means any building not classified as an essential
building.

Exception: A high-risk building shall not include the following:

1. Any building having exterior walls braced with masonry crosswalls or
wood frame crosswalls spaced less than forty (40) feet apart in each
story.

2. Crosswalls shall be full story height with a minimum length of one and
one-half (1 1/2) times the story height.

C. "Unreinforced masonry bearing wall" means a masonry wall having all of
the following characteristics:

1. Provides the vertical support for a floor or roof.

2. The total superimposed load is over two hundred (200) pounds per
lineal foot.

3. The area of reinforcing steel is less than fifty (50) percent of that
required by Section 8-3.107 of this chapter. (Ord. 360 § 2 (part), 1999;
Ord. 226 § 1 (part), Exh. A (part), 1991)

8-10.104 Rating classifications. The rating classifications shown in Table No. 8-10.104A
of this section are established and each building within the scope of this chapter
shall be placed in one such rating classification by the Building Official.

Table No. 8-10.104A
Rating Classifications

Type of Building Class

Essential Building I
High Risk Building II

Exception: For the purpose of this chapter, portions of buildings
constructed to act independently when resisting seismic forces may
be placed in separate rating classifications.

(Ord. 360 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 226 § 1 (part), Exh. A (part), 1991)

8-10.105 General requirements.
A. The owner of each building within the scope of this chapter shall cause a
structural analysis of the building to be made by a civil or structural
engineer or architect licensed by the State of California. If the building
does not meet the minimum earthquake standards specified in this chapter,
the owner shall either cause it to be structurally altered to conform to such
standards; or cause the building to be demolished.

B. The owner of each building within the scope of this chapter shall comply
with the requirements set forth above by submitting to the Building
Official for review within the stated time limits:

1. On or before January 1, 2005, a structural analysis, which is subject to
approval by the Building Official, and which shall demonstrate that the
building meets the minimum requirements of this chapter; or

2. On or before January 1, 2005, a structural analysis and plans for the
proposed structural alterations of the building necessary to comply
with the minimum requirements of this chapter; or

3. On or before January 1, 2005, plans for the demolition of the building.

C. After plans are submitted and approved by the Building Official, the
owner shall obtain a building permit, commence and complete the
required construction within the time limits set forth in Table No. 8-
10.105A of this section.

Table No. 8-10.105A
Time Limits for Compliance

Rating Occupant Deadline for Building Permit From Date of Permit
Classification Load Submission Issuance Issuance
of Deadline for Commence
Rehabilitation Strengthening Within Complete
Plans or Demolition Within
I Any January 1, January 1, 180 days 3 years
2005 2005
II Any January 1, January 1, 180 days 3 years
2005 2005

(Ord. 360 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 356 §§ 1, 2, 1999; Ord. 280 § 1, 1994: Ord. 226 § 1 (part), Exh.
A (part), 1991)

8-10.106 Administration.
A. Service of Order. The Building Official shall issue an order, as provided
in subsection (b) of this section, to the owner of each building within the
scope of this chapter within sixty (60) days from the effective date of these
regulations.

B. Contents of Order. The order shall be in writing and shall be served
either personally or by certified or registered mail upon the owner as
shown on the last equalized assessment, and upon the person, if any, in
apparent charge or control of the building. The order shall specify that the
building has been determined by the Building Official to be within the
scope of this chapter and, therefore, is required to meet the minimum,
seismic standards of this chapter. The order shall specify the rating
classification of the building and shall be accompanied by a copy of
Section 8-10.105 of this chapter, which sets forth the owner's alternatives
and time limits for compliance.

C. Appeal Form Order. The owner or person in charge of or in control of
the building may appeal to the Board of Appeals the Building Official's
initial determination that the building is within the scope of this chapter.
Such appeal shall be filed with the Board in accordance with Section 2-
12.02 of this Code.

Appeals or request for slight modifications from any other determinations,
order or actions by the Building Official pursuant to this chapter, shall be
made in accordance with the normal appeal procedures established in this
Code.

D. Recordation. At the time that the aforementioned order is served, the
Building Official shall file with the Office of the County Recorder a
certificate stating that the subject building is within the scope of Chapter
3, Earthquake Hazard Reductions in Existing Unreinforced Masonry
Buildings. The certificate shall also state that the owner thereof has been
ordered to structurally analyze the building and to structurally alter or
demolish it where it is not found to comply with Chapter 3.

If the building is found not to be within the scope of this chapter, or as a
result of structural alterations or an analysis is found to be structurally
capable of resisting minimum seismic forces required by this chapter, or is
demolished the Building Official shall file with the Office of the County
Recorder a certificate terminating the status of the subject building as
being classified within the scope of Chapter 3 Earthquake Hazard
Reduction in Existing Unreinforced Masonry Buildings.

E. Enforcement. If the owner or other person in charge or control of the
subject building fails to comply with any order issued by the Building
Official pursuant to this chapter within any of the time limits set forth in
Section 8-10.105, the Building Official shall order the entire building
vacated and remain vacated until such order has been complied with. If
compliance with such order has not been accomplished within ninety (90)
days after the date the building has been ordered vacated, or by such
additional time as may have been ordered vacated, or by such additional
time as may have been granted by the Appeals Board, the Building
Official may order the demolition of the building in accordance with the
Abatement of Dangerous Building provisions in this Code. (Ord. 360 § 2
(part), 1999; Ord. 226 § 1 (part), Exh. A (part), 1991)

8-10.107 Analysis and design.

A. General. Every structure within the scope of this division shall be
analyzed and constructed to resist minimum total lateral seismic forces
assumed to act nonconcurrently in the direction of each of the main axes
of the structure in accordance with the following equation:

V = ZCIW ÷ RW

The value of ZCI/RW need not exceed the values set forth in Table 8-
10.107A.

Exception: The Building Official, upon receipt of adequate justification
prepared by a civil or structural engineer or architect licensed by the state,
may accept structural analysis and design in accordance with the latest
edition of the Uniform Code for Building Conservation, published by the
International Conference of Building Officials, as an alternate method of
compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

B. Lateral Forces on Elements of Structures. Parts or portions of
structures shall be analyzed and designed for lateral loads in accordance
with Section 8-10.107(a) of this chapter and 2312(g) of the Uniform
Building Code but not less than the value from the following equation:

Fp = ZICp Wp (UBC 2312)

Exception: Unreinforced masonry walls in buildings that are not of a
Class I rating may be analyzed in accordance with Section 8-10.108.

The value of Cp need not exceed the values set forth in Table 8-10.107C.

C. Anchorage and Interconnection. Anchorage and interconnection of all
parts, portions and elements of the structure shall be analyzed and
designed for lateral forces in accordance with Table No. 8-10.107C of this
code and the equation Fp = ZECp Wp as modified by Table No. 8-
10.107B. Minimum anchorage of masonry walls to each floor or roof shall
resist a minimum force of two hundred (200) pounds per lineal foot acting
normal to the wall at the level of the floor or roof.

D. Level of Required Repair. Alterations and repairs required to meet the
provisions of this chapter shall comply with all other applicable
requirements of the Uniform Building Code unless otherwise specifically
provided for in this chapter.

E. Required Analysis.
1. General. Except as modified in this chapter, the analysis and design
relating to the structural alteration of existing structures within the
scope of this chapter shall be in accordance with the analysis specified
in Chapter 23 of the UBC.

2. Continuous Stress Path. A complete, continuous stress path from every
part or portions of the structure to the ground shall be provided for the
required horizontal forces.

3. Positive Connections. All parts, portions or elements of the structure
shall be interconnected by positive means.

F. Analysis Procedures.

1. General. Stresses in materials and existing construction utilized to
transfer seismic forces from the ground to parts or portions of the
structure shall conform to those permitted by the Uniform Building
Code and those materials and types of construction specified in
Section 8-10.108.

2. Connections. Materials and connectors used for interconnection of
parts and portions of the structures shall conform to the Uniform
Building Code. Nails may be used as part of an approved connector.

Table No. 8-10.107A

Horizontal Force Factors Based
on Rating Classification

Rating
Classification ZCI/RW

I 0.229
II 0.183

Table No. 8-10.107B
Horizontal Force Factors "ZI"
for Parts or Portions of Structures

Rating
Classification ZCI/RW

I 0.50
II 0.40

3. Unreinforced Masonry Walls. Except as modified in this chapter,
unreinforced masonry walls shall be analyzed as specified in UBC
Sections 2406, 2407 and 2408 to withstand all vertical loads as
specified in Chapter 23 of the Uniform Building Code in addition to
the seismic forces required by this chapter. The fifty percent (50%)
increase in the seismic force factor for shear walls as specified in
Section 2407 (h) 4F of the Uniform Building Code may be omitted in
the computation of seismic loads to existing shear walls.

No allowable tension stress will be permitted in unreinforced masonry
walls. Walls not capable of resisting the required design forces
specified in this chapter shall be strengthened or shall be removed and
replaced.

Exception:

(i) Unreinforced masonry walls in buildings not rated as a Class I
building pursuant to Table No. 8-10.104 may be analyzed in
accordance with Section 8-10.108.

(ii) An unreinforced masonry wall that carries no design loads
other than its own weight may be considered as veneer if it is
adequately anchored to new supporting elements.

G. Combination of Vertical and Seismic Forces.

1. New Materials. All new materials introduced into the structure to meet
the requirements of this section that are subjected to combined vertical
and horizontal forces shall comply with Section 2303 of the Uniform
Building Code.

2. Existing Materials. When stresses in existing lateral force resisting
elements are due to a combination of dead loads plus live loads plus
seismic loads, the allowable working stress specified in the Uniform
Building Code may be increased one hundred percent (100%).
However, no increase will be permitted in the stresses allowed in
Section 8-10.108, and the stresses in members due only to seismic and
dead loads shall not exceed the values permitted by Section 2303 (d)
of the Uniform Building Code.
3. Allowable Reduction of Bending Stress by Vertical Load. In
calculating tensile fiber stress due to seismic forces required by this
chapter, the maximum tensile fiber stress may be reduced by the full
direct stress due to vertical dead loads.

Table No. 8-10.107C

Horizontal Force Factor Cp Applicable to Rigid Items

Elements of Structures and
Nonstructural Components Value
of Cp*

A. Part of Portion of Structure
1. Walls, including the following:
a. Unbraced (cantilevered)
parapets……………………..…………………………. 2.00
b. Other exterior walls above the ground
floor………..………………………...….. 0.75
c. All interior bearing and nonbearing walls and
partitions………..………………. 0.75
d. Masonry or concrete fences over 6 feet
high……………………….…………… 0.75
2. Penthouse (except where framed by an extension of the building
frame)………..…. 0.75
3. Connections for prefabricated structural elements other than walls, with force
applied at center of
gravity…………………………………………………………..0.75
4. Diaphragms
………………….………………………………………………………… --

B. Nonstructural Components
1. Exterior and interior ornamentations and
appendages……………………………… 2.00
2. Chimneys, stacks, trussed towers and tanks on legs
a. Supported on or projecting as an unbraced cantilever above the roof
more than one-half its total
height……………………………………………………………….2.00
b. All others, including those supported below the roof with unbraced
projection above the roof less than one-half its height, or braced
or guyed to the structural frame at or above its center of
mass………………….0.75
3. Signs and
billboards………………………………………………………………… 2.00
4. Mechanical, plumbing and electrical equipment and machinery and
associated
piping……………………………………………………………………. 0.75
5. Tanks and vessels (plus contents), including support systems and
anchorage………0.75
6. Storage racks (include
contents)……………………………………………………..0.75
7. Anchorage for permanent floor-supported cabinets and bookstacks more
than 5 feet in height (includes
contents)……………………………………………..0.75
8. Anchorage for suspended ceilings and light fixtures (See also Section
4701(e))…... 0.75
9. Access floor
systems………………………………………………………………... 0.75

* See Section 8-10.107(b) for use of Cp.

See UBC C Table No. 23-P (1988) for footnote references.

(Ord. 360 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 226 § 1, Exh. A (part), 1991)

8-10.108 Materials of construction.

A. General. All materials permitted by the Uniform Building Code including
their appropriate allowable stresses and those existing configurations of
materials specified in this chapter may be utilized to meet the
requirements of this chapter.

B. Existing Materials.

1. Unreinforced Masonry Walls. Unreinforced masonry walls analyzed in
accordance with this section may provide vertical support for roof and
floor construction and resistance to lateral loads. The facing and
backing of such walls shall be bonded so that not less than four (4)
percent of the exposed face area is composed of solid headers
extending not less than four (4) inches into the backing. The distance
between adjacent full-length headers shall not exceed twenty-four (24)
inches vertically or horizontally. Where the backing consists of two or
more wythes, the header shall extend not less than four (4) inches into
the most distant wythe, or the backing wythes shall be bonded together
with separate headers whose area and spacing conform to the
foregoing.

Tension stresses due to seismic forces normal to the wall may be
neglected if the walls do not exceed the height to thickness ratio in
Table 8-13.108A and the in-plane shear stresses due to seismic loads
as set forth in Table No. 8-10.108B.

If the wall height-thickness ratio exceeds the specified limits, the wall
may be supported by vertical bracing members designed in accordance
with this section. The deflections of such bracing member at design
loads shall not exceed one-tenth of the wall thickness.
Table No. 8-10.108A

Allowable Value of Height-Thickness Ratio of Unreinforced Masonry
Walls with Minimum Quality Mortar1,2

Buildings with Crosswalks All Other
Wall Location as Defined by Section AC2403 Buildings

Walls of One Story Buildings 16 13

First Story Wall of Multi-Story Buildings 16 15

Walls in Top Story of Multi-Story Buildings 14 9

All Other Walls 16 13

(1) Minimum quality mortar shall be determined by laboratory testing in accordance
with Section 8-10.108(e).

(2) Table No. 8-10.108A is not applicable to buildings of rating Classification I.
Walls of buildings within rating Classification I shall be analyzed in accordance
with 8-10.107(f).

Table No. 8-10.108B

Allowable Shear Stress for Tested Unreinforced Masonry Wall

Eighty Percent of Seismic In-
plane
Test Results of PSI Average Test Results Shear Based
on
Not Less Than of Cores in PSI Gross
Area1

30 plus axial stress 20 3 psi

40 plus axial stress 27 4 psi

50 plus axial stress 33 5 psi

100 plus axial stress 67 or more 10 psi
max
or more
1
Allowable shear stress may be increased by addition of 10% of the axial stress
due to the weight of the wall directly above.
Exception: The wall may be supported by flexible vertical
bracing members designed in accordance with Section 8-
10.107, if the deflection at design loads is not less than one-
quarter nor more than one-third of the wall thickness.

All vertical bracing members shall be attached to floor and roof
construction for their design loads independently of required
wall anchors. Horizontal spacing of vertical bracing members
shall not exceed one-half the unsupported height of the wall
nor ten (10) feet.

The wall height may be measured vertically to bracing
elements other than a floor or roof. Spacing of the bracing
elements and wall anchors shall not exceed six (6) feet. Bracing
elements shall be detailed to minimize the horizontal
displacement of the wall by components of vertical
displacements of the floor or roof.

2. Existing Roof, Floors, Walls, Footings and Wood Framing. Existing
materials including wood shear walls utilized in the described
configuration may be used as part of the later load resisting system,
provided that the stresses in these materials does not exceed the value
shown in Table No. 8-10.108C.

C. Strengthening of Existing Materials. New materials including wood shear
walls may be utilized to strengthen portions of the existing seismic
resisting systems in the described configurations provided that the stresses
do not exceed the values shown in Table No. 8-10.108D.

Table No. 8-10.108C

Values for Existing Materials

Existing Materials or Configuration of Materials1 Allowable
Values

1. Horizontal Diaphragms.

a. Roofs with straight sheathing and roofing 100 lbs. per foot for seismic
shear applied directly to the sheathing.

b. Roofs with diagonal sheathing and roofing 400 lbs. per foot for seismic
shear applied directly to the sheathing.

c. Floors with straight tongue and groove sheathing. 150 lbs.
per foot
d. Floors with straight sheathing and finished wood flooring. 300 lbs. per foot for seismic
shear

e. Floors with diagonal sheathing and finished wood flooring. 450 lbs. per foot for seismic
shear

f. Floors or roofs with straight sheathing and plaster Add 50 lbs.
per foot sheathing and plaster applied to the joist or rafters.2
to the allowable values
for Items 1a
and 1c.

2. Shear Walls. Wood stud walls with lath and plaster. 100 lbs. per foot each side for seismic
shear

3. Plain Concrete Footings. f' = 1500 psi unless otherwise shown by
tests.

4. Douglas Fir Wood. Allowable stress same as no. 1
D.F.3

5. Reinforcing Steel. f = 18,000 lbs. per square inch
maximum.3

6. Structural Steel. f = 20,000 lbs. per square inch
maximum.3
1
Material must be sound and in good condition.
2
The roof lath and plaster must be reattached to existing joists or rafters in a manner approved
by the Building Official.
3
Stresses given may be increased for combinations of loads as specified in Section 8-10.107.G.2.

Table No. 8-10.108D

Allowable Values of New Materials Used in Conjunction
with Existing Construction

Existing Materials or Allowable Values
Configuration of Materials1 From UBC Tables
1. Horizontal Diaphragms. Plywood Same as specified in Tables No. 25-J of
sheathing applied directly over UBC.
existing straight sheathing with ends
of plywood sheets bearing on joists or
rafters and edges of plywood located
on center of individual sheathing
boards.
2. Shear Walls.
a. Plywood sheathing applied directly Same as values specified in Tables 25--
over existing wood studs. No value K of the UBC.
shall be given to plywood applied over
existing plaster or wood sheathing.
b. Drywall or plaster applied directly 75% of the values specified in Table No.
over the existing wood studs. 47-1 of the UBC.
3. Shear Bolts. Shear bolts and shear 100% of the values for solid masonry
dowels embedded a minimum of 8 specified in Table No. 24E of UBC. No
inches into unreinforced masonry values larger than those given for 1/4
walls, bolt centered in a 2-1/2 inch inch bolts shall be used.
diameter hold with dry-pack or non-
shrink grout around circumference of
bolt or dowel.1
4. Tension Bolts. Tension bolts and 1200 lbs. per bolt or dowel.
tension dowels extending entirely
through unreinforced masonry walls
secured with bearing plates on far side
of wall with at least 20 sq. inches of
area.2
5. Wall Anchors (8-10.109(2)(a)).
a. Bolts extending to t he exterior face 600 lbs. per bolt.
of the wall with a 2-1/2 inch round
plate under the head. Installed as
specified for shear bolts. Spaced not
closer than 12 inches on centers.1,2
b. Bolts or dowels extending to the 1200 lbs. per bolt or dowel.
exterior face of the wall with a 2-1/2
inch round plate under the head and
drilled at an angle of 22-1/2 degrees to
the horizontal. Installed as specified in
shear bolts.1,2

Table No. 8-10.108D (Continued)

Allowable Values of New Materials Used in Conjunction
with Existing Construction

Existing Materials or Allowable Values
Configuration of Materials1 From UBC Tables
6. Infilled Walls. Reinforced masonry Same as values specified for
infilled openings in existing unreinforced masonry walls.
unreinforced masonry walls with keys
or dowels to match reinforcing.
7. Reinforced Masonry. Masonry piers Same values as specified in Chapter
and walls reinforced per Section 2407 24, UBC.
of the UBC.
8. Reinforced Concrete. Concrete Same values as specified in Chapter
footings, walls, and piers reinforced as 26, UBC.
specified in Chapter 26 of the UBC
and designed for tributary loads.
9. Existing Foundation Loads. Calculated existing foundation loads
Foundation loads for structures due to maximum dead load plus live
exhibiting no evidence of settlement. load may be increased 25% for dead
load and may be increased 50% dead
load plus seismic load required by this
Division.

Notes:
1
Bolts and dowels to be tested as specified in Section 8-3.107(f).
2
Bolts and dowels to be 1/2 inch minimum in diameter.

D. Alternate Materials. Alternate materials, designs and methods of
construction may be approved by the Building Official in accordance with
the provisions of the Uniform Building Code.

E. Minimum Acceptable Quality of Existing Unreinforced Masonry
Walls:

1. General Provisions. All unreinforced masonry walls utilized to carry
vertical loads and seismic forces parallel and perpendicular to the wall
plant shall be tested as specified in this subsection. All masonry
quality shall equal or exceed the minimum standards established
herein or shall be removed and replaced by new materials. Alternate
methods of testing may be approved by the Building Official. The
quality of mortar in all masonry walls shall be determined by
performing in-place shear tests or by testing eight (8) inch diameter
cores. Alternative methods of testing may be approved by the Building
Official. Nothing shall prevent pointing with mortar of all the masonry
wall joints before the tests are first made. Prior to any pointing, the
mortar joints must be raked and cleaned to remove loose and
deteriorated mortar. Mortar for pointing shall be Type S or N except
that masonry cements shall not be used. All preparation and mortar
pointing shall be done under the continuous inspection of a special
inspector certified to inspect masonry or concrete, and approved by the
Building Official. At the conclusions of the inspections of, the
inspector shall submit a written report to the licensed engineer or
architect responsible for the seismic analysis of the building setting
forth the result of the work inspected. Such report shall be submitted to
the Building Official for approval as part of the structural analysis. All
testing shall be performed in accordance with the requirements
specified in this subsection by a testing agency approved by the
Building Official. An accurate record shall be kept of all such tests and
of their locations in the building, and these results shall be submitted
to the Building Official for approval as part of the structural analysis.

2. Number and Location of Tests. The minimum number of tests shall be
two per wall or line of wall elements resisting a common force, or one
(1) per fifteen hundred (1500) square feet of wall surface, with a
minimum of eight (8) tests in any case. The exact test or core location
shall be determined at the building site by the licensed engineer or
architect responsible for the seismic analysis of the subject building.

3. In-Place Shear Tests. The bed joints of the outer wythe of the masonry
shall be tested in shear by laterally displacing a single brick relative to
the adjacent bricks in that wythe. The opposite head joint of the brick
to be tested shall be removed and cleaned prior to testing. The
minimum quality mortar in eighty percent (80%) of the shear tests
shall not be less than the total of thirty (30) psi plus the axial stress in
the wall at the point of the test. The shear stress shall be based on the
gross area of both bed joints and shall be that at which movement of
the brick is first observed.

4. Core Tests. A minimum number of mortar test specimens equal to the
number of required cores shall be prepared from the cores and tested
as specified in this chapter. The mortar joint of the outer wythe of the
masonry core shall be tested in shear by placing the circular core
section in a compression testing machine with the mortar bed joint
rotated fifteen (15) degrees from the axis of the applied load. The
mortar joint tested in shear shall have an average ultimate stress of
twenty (20) psi based on the gross area. The average shall be obtained
from the total number of cores made. If test specimens cannot be made
from cores taken, then the shear value shall be reported as zero.

F. Testing of Shear Bolts. One-fourth of all new shear bolts and dowels
embedded in unreinforced masonry walls shall be tested by a Special
Inspector using a torque calibrated wrench to the following minimum
torques:

1/2" diameter bolts or dowels = 40 foot-lbs.
5/8" diameter bolts or dowels = 50 foot-lbs.
3/4" diameter bolts or dowels = 60 foot-lbs.

No bolts exceeding three-fourths (3/4) of an inch shall be used. All nuts
shall be installed over malleable iron or plate washers when bearing on
wood and heavy cut washers when bearing on steel.

G. Determination of Allowable Stresses for Design Methods Based on
Test Results.

1. Design Shear Values. Design seismic in-plane shear stresses shall be
substantiated by tests performed as specified in subsections (e)(3) and
(4) of this section.
Design stresses shall be related to test results obtained in accordance
with Table No. 8-10.108B. Intermediate values between three (3) and
ten (10) psi may be interpolated.

2. Design Compressions for Tension Values. Compression stresses for
reinforced masonry having a minimum shear value of three (3) psi
shall not exceed one hundred (100) psi. Design tension values for
unreinforced masonry shall not be permitted.

H. Tests Required. Five percent (5%) of the existing rod anchors utilized as
all or part of the required wall anchors shall be tested in pullout by an
approved testing laboratory. The minimum number tested shall be four (4)
per floor, with two (2) tests at walls with joist framing into the wall and
two (2) tests at walls with joists framing into the wall and two tests at
walls with joists parallel to the wall. The test apparatus shall be supported
on the masonry wall at a minimum distance of the wall thickness from the
anchor tested. The rod anchor shall be given a pre-load of three hundred
(300) lbs. prior to establishing a datum for recording elongations. The
tension test load reported shall be recorded at one-eighth (1/8) inch
relative movement of the anchor and the adjacent masonry surface.

Results of all tests shall be reported. The report shall include the test
results as related to the wall thickness and joist orientation. The allowable
resistance value of the existing anchors shall be forty percent (40%) of the
average of those tested anchors having the same wall thickness and joist
orientation.

I. Test Procedures. Qualification tests for devices used for wall anchorage
shall be tested with the entire tension load carried on the enlarged head at
the exterior face of the wall. Bond on the part of the device between the
enlarged head and the interior wall face shall be eliminated for the
qualification tests. The resistance value assigned the device shall be
twenty percent (20%) of the average of the ultimate loads. (Ord. 360 § 2
(part), 1999; Ord. 226 § 1, Exh. A (part), 1991)

8-10.109 Information required on plans.

A. General. In addition to the seismic analysis required elsewhere in this
chapter, the licensed engineer or architect responsible for the seismic
analysis of the building shall determine and record the information
required by this section on the approved plans.

B. Construction Details. The following requirements with appropriate
construction details shall be made part of the approved plans:

1. All unreinforced masonry walls shall be anchored at the roof level by
tension bolts through the wall as specified in Table 8-10.108D, or by
approved equivalent at a maximum anchor spacing of six (6) feet.

All unreinforced masonry walls shall be anchored at all floors with
tension bolts through the wall or by existing rod anchors at the
maximum anchor spacing of six (6) feet. All existing rod anchors shall
be secured to the joists to develop the required forces. The Building
Official may require testing to verify the adequacy of the embedded
ends of existing rod anchors.

Tests when required shall conform to Section 8-10.108(h).

When access to the exterior face of the masonry wall is prevented by
proximity to an existing building, wall anchors conforming to Items 5
and 6 in Table 8-10.108D may be used.

Alternative devices to be used in lieu of tension bolts for masonry wall
anchorage shall be tested as specified in Section 8-10.108(i).

2. Diaphragm chord stresses of horizontal diaphragms shall be developed
in existing materials or by addition of new materials.

3. Where trusses and beams other than rafters or joists are supported on
masonry, ledgers or columns shall be installed to support vertical load
of the roof or floor members.

4. Parapets and exterior wall appendages not capable of resisting the
forces specified in this chapter shall be removed, stabilized or braced
to ensure that the parapets and appendages remain in their original
position.

5. All deteriorated mortar joints in unreinforced masonry walls shall be
pointed with Type S or N mortar. (Masonry cements shall not be
used.) Prior to any pointing, the wall surface must be raked and
cleaned to remove loose and deteriorated mortar. All preparation and
pointing shall be done under the continuous inspection of a special
inspector certified to inspect masonry or concrete, and approved by the
Building Official. At the conclusion of the project, the inspector shall
submit a written report to the Building Official setting forth the portion
of the work inspected.

6. Repair details shall be prepared for any cracked or damaged
unreinforced masonry wall required to resist forces specified in this
chapter.

C. Existing Construction. The following existing construction information
shall be made part of the approved plans:

1. The type and dimensions of existing walls and the size and spacing of
floor and roof members;

2. The extent and type of existing wall anchorage to floors and roof;

3. The extent and type of parapet corrections, if any, which were
performed in accordance with the Uniform Building Code;
4. Accurately dimensioned floor plans and masonry wall elevations
showing dimensioned openings, piers, wall thickness and heights;

5. The location of cracks or damaged portions of unreinforced masonry
walls requiring repairs;

6. The type of interior wall surfaces and whether reinstalling or anchoring
of ceiling plaster is necessary;

7. The general condition of the mortar joints and whether the joints need
pointing. (Ord. 360 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 226 § 1, Exh. A (part), 1991)

8-10.110 Glossary of symbols and notations.

c = Numerical coefficient as specified in UBC Section 2312 (e) 2B.
cP = Numerical coefficient as specified in UBC Section
2312 (g) and given in Table No. 23-P.
f'c = Specified compressive strength of concrete, psi.
FP = Lateral forces on a part of the structure.
fT = That portion of the base shear, V, considered
concentrated at the top of the structure in addition to Fn.
hN = Height in feet above the base to Level i, n or x respectively.
I = Importance Factor given in UBC Table No. 23-L.
Rw = Numerical coefficient given in Tables 23-O and 23-Q of UBC.
V = The total design lateral force or shear at the base.
W = The total seismic dead load as defined in UBC Section 2312(e)1.
Wp = The weight of an element or component.
Z = Numerical coefficient of 0.40 for Seismic Zone 4.

(Ord. 360 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 226 § 1, Exh. A (part), 1991)

CHAPTER 11 PRIMARY ENERGY CODE

8-11.101 Adoption of California Energy Code: Certain documents marked and
designated as the "California Energy Code", 2001 Edition, specifically including,
without limitation, the California Building Standards Commission's Emergency
Standards "Building Standards Bulletin 01-03", dated on or about August 1, 2003,
are hereby adopted for establishing administrative, organizational and
enforcement rules and regulations for technical codes that regulate site
preparation and construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, use and
occupancy of buildings. Regulations, provisions, conditions and terms of such
"California Energy Code", 2001 Edition, on file in the Building Division, are
hereby referred to and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Chapter, except
as otherwise provided in this Chapter.
SECTION 3: The City Council finds that the changes made the uniform codes are enacted to
mitigate the threats posed to public peace, health and safety from earthquakes and fire. In this
regard, the recitals set forth in this Ordinance are incorporated herein by reference as findings.
Moreover, it can be seen with certainty that adoption of this Ordinance will not have a significant
adverse effect on the environment and is therefore exempt from California Environmental
Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. Staff is directed to file a
notice of exemption within five (5) days of the adoption of this Ordinance.

SECTION 4: If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase
added by this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or
invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the
validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The
City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision,
paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more
subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases are declared
unconstitutional, invalid or ineffective.

SECTION 5: A summary of this ordinance, approved by the City Attorney, together with the
ayes and noes, shall be published twice: at least five days prior to its final passage in the
Atascadero News, a newspaper published and circulated in the City of Atascadero, and; before
the expiration of fifteen (15) days after its final passage in the Atascadero News, a newspaper
published and circulated in the City of Atascadero. A copy of the full text of this ordinance shall
be on file in the City Clerk’s Office on and after the date following introduction and passage and
shall be available to any interested member of the public.

CHAPTER 12 POST DISASTER REGULATIONS

8-12.101 SCOPE.

This subchapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure
for continued occupancy after any natural or man-made disaster. It further authorizes the
Division of Building Services as well as authorized representatives to post appropriate placards
at each entry point to a building or structure upon completion of a safety assessment. This
subchapter also establishes standards and regulations for the repair and reconstruction of
structures damaged as a result of a disaster for which a local emergency has been declared by the
City Council. The subchapter does not allow exemptions from the building, fire, electrical,
mechanical, and plumbing codes, and other codes, or city ordinances.

8-12.102 APPLICATION OF PROVISIONS.

A. The provisions of this subchapter are applicable to all buildings and structures
regulated by the city following each disaster after a local emergency has been
declared by the City Council.
B. The requirements of this subchapter may be waived by the Building Official
subject to an engineering evaluation as defined in Section 8-12.103 of the
Atascadero Municipal Code.

8-12.103 DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply:

ARCHITECT. A person licensed by the State of California to practice architecture as
prescribed by the State of California Business and Professions Code.

BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the
administration and enforcement of this subchapter, or duly authorized representative.

CIVIL ENGINEER. A person registered by the State of California to practice civil
engineering as prescribed by the State of California Business and Professions Code.

CURRENT CODE. The edition of the California Building Code published by the
International Code Council, as adopted by the city in accordance with operation of law
pursuant to Cal. Health & safety Code 18938. The edition to be applied shall be that
edition in effect at the time of the declaration of a local emergency by the City Council.

ENGINEERING EVALUATION. An evaluation of a damaged building or structure,
or suspected damaged building or structure, performed under the direction of a structural
engineer, civil engineer, or architect retained by the owner of the building or structure.
ENGINEERING EVALUATIONS shall, at a minimum, contain recommendations for
repair with appropriate opinion of construction cost for those repairs. All
ENGINEERING EVALUATIONS shall include the engineer’s or architect’s stamp,
wet-signature and license expiration date.

ESSENTIAL SERVICE FACILITY. Those buildings or structures designated by the
city to house facilities necessary for emergency operations subsequent to a disaster.

EVENT. Any occurrence which results in the declaration of a disaster by the City
Council, including but not limited to, wind storms, earthquakes, fire and floods.

HISTORIC BUILDING OR STRUCTURE. Any building or structure registered with
a federal, state, county, or city government, or the register of points of interest.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND STRUCUTRES shall also include those buildings and
structures within a recognized historic district.

SAFETY ASSESSMENT. A visual examination of a building or structure for the
purpose of determining whether continued occupancy is appropriate following a natural
or man-made disaster.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER. A person registered by the State of California to practice
civil engineering and to use the title structural engineer as defined in the State of
California Business and Professions Code.
REPLACEMENT VALUE. The dollar value, as determined by a Building Official, for
replacing a damaged structure with a new structure of the same size, same type of
construction and same occupancy, and located on the same site.

VALUE OF REPAIR. The dollar value, as determined by a Building Official, for
making necessary repairs to the damaged structure.

8-12.104 PLACARDS.

A. The following official placards shall be used to designate the condition of buildings
or structures following a disaster.

1. Green: “INSPECTED – Lawful Occupancy Permitted” may be posted on any
building or structure where no apparent hazard has been found. Placement of
this placard does not mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.

2. Yellow: “RESTRICTED OR LIMITED ENTRY” may be posted on each
damaged building or structure where the damage has created a hazardous
condition which justifies restricted occupancy. The Building Official who
posts this placard will note in general terms the hazard created and will note in
general terms the hazard created and will clearly and concisely note the
restrictions on occupancy.

3. Red: “UNSAFE – Do Not Enter or Occupy” may be posted on each damaged
building or structure such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life or
health. Buildings or structures posted with this placard may be entered only
after authorization in writing by a building official. Safety assessment teams
are authorized to enter these buildings at any time. This placard shall not be
used or considered as a demolition order. The official who posts this placard
shall note in general terms damage encountered.

C. Once the placard has been attached to a building or structure, it shall not be removed,
altered or covered until authorized by a building official.

8-12.105 REPAIR CRITERIA.

Buildings and structures of all occupancies which have been damaged as the result of a
disaster, except as otherwise noted, shall be repaired in accordance with the following
criteria:

A. When the estimated value of repairs does not exceed 10% of the replacement value of
the structure, the damaged portion may be restored to the pre-disaster condition;
except that when the damaged elements include suspended ceiling systems, the
ceiling system shall be repaired with all bracing required by current code.
B. When the estimated value of repair is greater than 10% but less than 50% of the
replacement value of the structure, the damaged elements shall be repaired and/or
brought into conformance with the structural requirements of the current codes.

C. When the estimated value of repair is 50% or more of the replacement value of the
structure, the entire structure shall be brought into conformance with the fire and life
safety and structural requirements of the current applicable codes.

D. In Group R, Division 3 occupancies, the repair value of damaged chimneys may be
excluded from the computation of percentage of replacement value.

8-12-106 REPAIR CRITERIA FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES.

A. Buildings or structures which are included on a national, state, or local register of
historic places or which are qualifying structures within a recognized historic district,
which have been damaged as a result of a disaster, shall have an engineering
evaluation performed.

B. The minimum criteria for repair shall be as included in 8-12.107 with due
consideration given to the historical rating and nature of the structures. Additional
standards and criteria, as noted in the Cal. Code of Regs. Title 24, Part 8 shall apply.

C. Where conflicts exists between the standards contained herein and the State of
California Historic Code, the Historic Building Code shall govern.

8-13-107 REPAIR CRITERIA FOR UNREINFORCED MASONRY BUILDINGS.

All damaged buildings determined to be bearing wall buildings constructed of
unreinforced masonry shall be repaired and strengthened to fully comply with the
requirements of the Uniform Code for Building Conservation and the Atascadero
Municipal Code.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on June 14, 2005, and PASSED
and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Atascadero, State of California, on June 14,
2005, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

CITY OF ATASCADERO

By: ______________________________
Wendy Scalise, Mayor

ATTEST:

_______________________________________
Marcia McClure Torgerson, C.M.C., City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

_______________________________________
Patrick L. Enright, City Attorney