Short title. This chapter may be cited as the "Kern County Building Code."

Transcription

1 Chapter BUILDING CODE Sections: Short title Applicability Uniform Building CodeBAdopted Uniform Building CodeBProvisions not adopted Uniform Building CodeBAmendmentsBGeneral Section 106.1, amendedbpermits requiredb Exempted work Section 107.2, amendedbpermit feesbplan review fees Section 108.4, amendedbapproval requiredb Reinspections Table 5-A amendedbwall and opening protection Section amended, added, deleted, amended, and addedb Automatic fire-extinguishing systemsbwhere required Section 1618 amendedbbasic wind speed Section amendedbseismic zones Section 1637 addedbgeological or flood hazard Chapter 16, Figure 5 addedbkern County basic windspeed Section (13) and amendedbtypes of workb Approved fabricators Section amendedbgeneral Section amendedbconcrete quality Appendix Chapter 3, Division II, Section addedb Special greenhouse provisions Deleted Appendix Chapter 15, Section 1514 and 1515 amendedb GeneralBInspections Short title. This chapter may be cited as the "Kern County Building Code." Applicability. This chapter shall apply to the construction, erection, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, improvement, removing, conversion, demolition, and use and occupancy of every building and structure in the unincorporated territory of the County of Kern, excepting those exempted therefrom Uniform Building CodeBAdopted. That portion of the California Building Standards Code that imposes substantially the same requirements as are contained in the Uniform Building Code, 1997 Edition (with appendices and standards adopted and copyrighted by the International Conference of Building Officials), as modified and amended by this chapter, is adopted by this reference into the Kern County Building Code. To 11

2 facilitate ease of use by industry and building officials, amendments, additions and modifications to the California Building Standards Code (made by this Chapter) are made by reference to the appropriate section of the Uniform Building Code Uniform Building CodeBProvisions not adopted. The following provisions of the Uniform Building Code, 1997 Edition, are not adopted as part of this chapter and shall not apply thereto: A. Section Creation of Enforcement Agency; B. Section Powers and Duties of Building Official, General; C. Section Modifications; D. Section Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction; E. Section Tests; F. Section 105 Board of Appeals; G. Section Expiration of Permit; H. Section Expiration of Plan Review; I. Section Investigation Fees: Work Without a Permit; J. Table 1-A Building Permit Fees; Appendix Chapters K. Chapter 3, Division I, Detention and Correctional Facilities; L. Chapter 3, Division III, Requirements of Group R, Division 3 Occupancies; M. Chapter 13, Energy Conservation in New Building Construction; N. Chapter 21, Prescriptive Masonry Construction in High-Wind Areas; O. Chapter 23, Conventional Light-Frame Construction in High-Wind Areas; P. Chapter 29, Minimum Plumbing Fixtures; Q. Chapter 33, Excavation and Grading; R. Chapter 34, Life Safety Requirements for Existing Buildings Uniform Building CodeBAmendmentsBGeneral. The following sections of the Uniform Building Code, 1997 Edition, are amended to read as set out in Sections through of this chapter Section 106.1, amendedbpermits requiredbexempted work. A. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as Section Permits Required. Except as specified in Subsection of this section, no person, firm, corporation, owner of the land, or possessor shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure in the County, or cause or allow the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate building permit for each such building or structure from the building official. No person, firm, corporation, owner of the land, or possessor shall maintain or occupy any building or structure erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, or converted without obtaining all permits required for such work from the building official. 12

3 B. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as Section Exempted Work. A building permit will not be required for the following: 1. One-story residential detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15m 2 ). 2. Fences not over six (6) feet (1829mm) high. 3. Accepted oilfield activities, except where construction is part of a cogeneration facility, as a. Tanks which meet API or AWWA standards and are supported directly upon grade (grade being the final ground surface elevation of the site prior to installation of the tank) with associated foundations if the ratio of height to diameter or width in the shortest direction does not exceed two to one. This also includes the associated equipment such as piping, walkways, stairs, guardrails, handrails and ladders which are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). b. Processing equipment and pressure vessels which meet API, ASME or ANSI standards and are supported directly upon grade (grade being the final ground surface elevation of the site prior to installation of the equipment or vessel) with associated foundations if the ratio of height to width in the shortest direction does not exceed one and one-half to one. This also includes the associated equipment such as piping, walkways, stairs, guardrails, handrails and ladders which are covered by OSHA. c. Miscellaneous equipment which meets API, ASME or ANSI standards and is mounted on skids or supported on flanges. Placement of this equipment on an at grade concrete slab or similar foundation, without attaching it for structural support to the same is considered part of the exempted activity. d. Flatwork or non-supporting concrete slabs. e. One-story detached accessory buildings which do not contain a work station and are used as storage sheds, typically unattended control or electrical enclosures or gauging sheds, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15m 2 ). f. Oil derricks, artificial lift equipment and associated foundations. g. Pipe racks and associated foundations, if the structure height does not exceed 8 feet (2438mm). h. Process piping. i. Oilfield containment walls not over four feet (1219mm) measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Exemption from a building permit does not abrogate the responsibility for obtaining clearance or permits from any other entity having jurisdiction over oil field activities. 4. Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over five feet nine inches (1753mm) high. 13

4 5. Retaining walls not over four feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Exceptions: a. Supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or II-A liquids. b. Walls retaining soils within a 2:1 (horizontal to vertical) slope of the lowest finished grade at property line shall be constructed from 6-inch minimum nominal thickness masonry or concrete, unless a permitted retaining wall or otherwise exempt retaining wall is protecting the property line. Other construction materials may be approved on a case by case basis by the building official. 6. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one. 7. Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches (762mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below, except platforms and walks at commercial or multifamily sites. 8. Painting, papering, and similar finish work. 9. Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery. 10. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches (1372mm). 11. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927L). Requirements for pool barriers, alarms, safety glazing, etc. still apply. Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items. Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this Code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction Section 107.2, amendedbpermit feesbplan review fees. A. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as Permit Fees. A fee for each building permit, including a related plan review fee, shall be paid to the building official, as established by the Board of Supervisors and as set by Board Resolution. The determination of value or valuation under any of the provisions of this Code shall be made by the building official. The valuation to be used in computing the permit and 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 conditioning, elevators, fire extinguishing systems, and any other permanent work or permanent 14

5 equipment. Where work for which a permit is required by this Code is started or proceeded with prior to obtaining said permit, the fees specified by Board of Supervisors Resolution shall be doubled, but the payment of such double fee shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements of this Code in the execution of the work nor from any other penalties prescribed herein. B. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as Plan Review Fees. If a plan is required to be submitted under Section , a plan review and administrative fee shall be paid to the building official at the time the plans and specifications are submitted for review. The fees shall be established by the Board of Supervisors and set by Board Resolution. Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan review, or the project involves deferred submittal items as defined in Section , an additional plan review fee may be charged Section 108.4, amendedbapproval requiredbreinspections. A. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended by adding a paragraph to read as Approval Required. No building or structure of Group R, Division 3 Occupancy shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the building official has completed the final inspection. B. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended by changing the fourth paragraph to read as Reinspections. The fee for each reinspection shall be established by the Board of Supervisors and as set by Board Resolution Table 5-A amendedbwall and Opening Protection. A. Table 5-A of the Uniform Building Code is amended by changing the following: 1. Under Occupancy Group A-3: For construction type II one-hour, II-N, V one-hour, V-N, the exterior wall protection for bearing and nonbearing walls shall be: two-hour less than 5 feet, onehour less than 10 feet. 2. Under Occupancy Groups B, F-1, M, S-1, S-3: For construction type II one (1) hour, II-N, V one (1) hour, V-N, the exterior wall protection for bearing and nonbearing walls shall be: one (1) hour less than ten (10) feet Section amended, added, deleted, amended, and addedbautomatic fireextinguishing systemsbwhere required. A. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended by changing the first paragraph to read: All occupancies except Group U Occupancies. Except for 15

6 Group U Occupancies, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed: B. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Item 6 and Item 7 to read as 6. In buildings over three stories in height, however, this shall not restrict the substitution of an automatic sprinkler system for one-hour fire resistive construction in accordance with Section In every story and basement of all buildings when the combined total floor area exceeds ten thousand (10,000) square feet. This requirement shall not restrict the substitution of an automatic sprinkler system for one (1) hour fire resistive construction in accordance with Section 508. C. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as Group A occupancies Group A, Division 1, 2, 2.1, and 3 occupancies. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in Group A, Division 1, 2, 2.1, and 3 Occupancies Stairs. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in enclosed usable space below or over a stairway in Group A, Divisions 2, 2.1, 3 and 4 Occupancies Substitution. This subsection shall not restrict the substitution of an automatic sprinkler system for one (1) hour fire resistive construction in accordance with section 508 of this chapter. D. Section of the Uniform Building Code is deleted. E. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended by changing the Section to read as Group R, Division 1 Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout apartment houses three (3) or more stories in height or containing five (5) or more dwelling units, in congregate residences three or more stories in height or having an occupant load of eleven (11) or more, and every hotel three (3) or more stories in height or containing six (6) or more guest rooms. Residential or quick-response standard sprinkler heads shall be used in the dwelling units and guest room portions of the building. For the purposes of this Section, area separation walls shall define separate buildings only if such walls are of at least four-hour fire resistive construction and have no openings. F. Section of the Uniform Building Code is added to read as Existing Buildings. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in existing buildings as 1. When the total floor area of an existing building is increased by twenty-five (25) percent or more, and the total floor area exceeds ten thousand (10,000) square feet after the addition, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building, or area separation wall(s) may be constructed in accordance 16

7 with section to subdivide the new and existing portions of the building into areas of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or less, provided the floor area of each area does not exceed that allowed by this code. 2. When the total floor area of a building is increased by less than twenty-five (25) percent and the total floor area exceeds ten thousand (10,000) square feet after the addition, an automatic sprinkler system is not required unless otherwise required by this code. 3. This subsection shall not restrict the substitution of an automatic sprinkler system for one (1) hour fire resistive construction in accordance with section 508 of this chapter Section 1618 amendedbbasic wind speed. Section 1618 of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as The minimum basic wind speed for determining design wind pressure shall be taken from Figure 5?Kern County Basic Wind Speed.? Where terrain features and local records indicate that fifty (50) year wind speeds at standard height are higher than those shown in Figure 5, these higher values shall be the minimum basic wind speed Section amendedbseismic zones. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended by adding a paragraph to read as Seismic Zones - All unincorporated territory in the County of Kern is designated Seismic Zone 4 for the purposes of the Code of Building Regulations Section addedbgeological or flood hazard. A new Section 1637 is added to the Uniform Building Code to read as Section Geological or Flood Hazard. If, in the opinion of the building official, a structure to be used for human habitation or occupancy is proposed to be located such that it would be subject to geological or flood hazard to the extent that it would endanger human life safety, a permit to construct shall be denied, unless corrective work satisfactory to the building official can be done to eliminate or sufficiently reduce the hazard. No structures shall be permitted where expressly prohibited under Title 19 of the Kern County Ordinance Code or Chapter of this code. The building official, in formulating his opinion as to the extent of the hazard, may take into consideration such data as is available from federal, state, and local agencies, and other County departments having information and knowledge relative to such hazardous conditions. He may require applicants to furnish geological and/or engineering studies, reports, and recommendations for corrective work sufficient to establish the safety of the proposed structure, and 17

8 for which a qualified registered geologist or engineer shall assume full responsibility Chapter 16, Figure 5 addedbkern County basic wind speed. A new Figure 5 is added to Chapter 16 of the Uniform Building Code as found at the end of this Chapter Section (13) and amendedbtypes of workb Approved fabricators. A. Section (13) of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as 13. Special Grading, Excavation and Filling: During earthwork excavations, grading and filling operations inspection to satisfy requirements of Chapter 18 of this code and Chapter of this title. B. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended by adding a paragraph to read as Exception: The building official may accept fabricators approved by other authorized agencies Section amendedbgeneral. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as General. This chapter sets forth requirements for excavation and fills for any building or structure and for foundations and retaining structures. Reference is made to Chapter 17.28, Grading Code, for requirements governing excavation, grading and earthwork construction, including fills and embankments Section amendedbconcrete quality. Section of the Uniform Building Code is amended by adding third and fourth paragraphs to read as All concrete shall attain a minimum twenty-eight (28) day compressive strength of 2500 P.S.I. This includes concrete for all structures, footings, floor slabs, driveways, porches, patios, sidewalks, etc. All concrete shall contain a minimum of five (5) sacks of cement for each cubic yard of concrete. The concrete proportions for all concrete mixes shall meet the requirements of this building code and be submitted to the building official for approval upon request. Exception: The cement content may be reduced to less than five (5) sacks per cubic yard if a mix design which meets the requirements of Section 1904 of the Uniform Building Code is prepared and signed by a qualified registered civil engineer. This mix design shall be submitted to and approved by the building official prior to use. The engineer shall provide general field supervision of the concrete placement. At the completion of the concrete placement, the engineer shall provide the building official with a Certificate of Compliance with the approved mix design Appendix Chapter 3, Division II, Section addedbspecial 18

9 greenhouse provisions. Section of Appendix Chapter 3, Division II (Agricultural Buildings) of the Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Subsection to read as Special Greenhouse Provisions. A. The area of a one (1) story Group U, Division 3 Occupancy with a maximum height of twenty (20) feet above grade may be increased to fortyfive thousand (45,000) square feet under the following conditions: 1. The structure is used expressly for growing flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables, shrubs, or trees. The general public shall not enter the structure nor shall it be used for retail sales. 2. Framing may be of any approved material with roof and wall covering of fire retardant treated reinforced plastic panels, fire retardant treated plastic shade screens, or film plastic (thickness not to exceed six mils) approved by the Uniform Building Code. Film plastic having a thickness not more than six mils may be of material approved by the Uniform Building Code or of material approved by the Kern County Fire Department. 3. The structure shall not exceed a maximum dimension of three hundred (300) feet in any direction. A minimum distance of twenty (20) feet between structures and not less than twenty (20) feet from any structure to property lines shall be provided. 4. Chimneys and heating apparatus shall be as specified in the Uniform Mechanical Code. 5. Roof framing structure, when roof and wall covering materials is of a rigid reinforced plastic panel type, shall be designed for actual vertical dead loads or five pounds per square foot total load, whichever is larger; design criteria for horizontal wind pressure and uplift wind pressure shall be as required in Chapter 16 of the Uniform Building Code. 6. Roof framing structure, when roof and wall covering material is of a plastic screen or film plastic type, shall be designed for loading as approved by the building official. Such loading shall be as recommended by a State of California licensed civil or structural engineer or architect and shall be based on rational design methods, actual field loading tests, or a combination of both, acceptable to the building official. B. An owner-operated agricultural building or greenhouse can be considered an exempt building or structure per Section of this Ordinance, provided all the following conditions are met: 1. The structure is used expressly for growing flowers, plants, vegetables, shrubs, or trees. The general public shall not enter the structure nor shall it be used for retail sales. 2. No employees are involved in the operation. Only the owner or member of his immediate family enters the structure at any time. 3. The property is zoned for agricultural use. 4. The structure is limited in size to four hundred (400) square feet Appendix Chapter 15, Section 1514 and 1515 amendedbgeneralbinspections. 19