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

Chapter 17.08 BUILDING CODE Sections: 17.08.010 Short title. 17.08.020 Applicability. 17.08.030 Uniform Building CodeBAdopted. 17.08.040 Uniform Building CodeBProvisions not adopted. 17.08.050 Uniform Building CodeBAmendmentsBGeneral. 17.08.060 Section 106.1, 106.2 amendedbpermits requiredb Exempted work. 17.08.070 Section 107.2, 107.3 amendedbpermit feesbplan review fees. 17.08.080 Section 108.4, 108.8 amendedbapproval requiredb Reinspections. 17.08.090 Table 5-A amendedbwall and opening protection. 17.08.100 Section 904.2.2 amended, 904.2.3.9 added, 904.2.8 deleted, 904.2.9 amended, and 904.2.10 addedb Automatic fire-extinguishing systemsbwhere required. 17.08.110 Section 1618 amendedbbasic wind speed. 17.08.120 Section 1629.4.1 amendedbseismic zones. 17.08.130 Section 1637 addedbgeological or flood hazard. 17.08.140 Chapter 16, Figure 5 addedbkern County basic windspeed. 17.08.150 Section 1701.5 (13) and 1701.7 amendedbtypes of workb Approved fabricators. 17.08.160 Section 18.01.1 amendedbgeneral. 17.08.170 Section 1905.1.3 amendedbconcrete quality. 17.08.180 Appendix Chapter 3, Division II, Section 327.3 addedb Special greenhouse provisions. 17.08.190 Deleted. 17.08.200 Appendix Chapter 15, Section 1514 and 1515 amendedb GeneralBInspections. 17.08.010 Short title. This chapter may be cited as the "Kern County Building Code." 17.08.020 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. 17.08.030 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

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. 17.08.040 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 104.1 Creation of Enforcement Agency; B. Section 104.2.1 Powers and Duties of Building Official, General; C. Section 104.2.7 Modifications; D. Section 104.2.8 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction; E. Section 104.2.9 Tests; F. Section 105 Board of Appeals; G. Section 106.4.4 Expiration of Permit; H. Section 107.4 Expiration of Plan Review; I. Section 107.5.1 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 17.08.050 Uniform Building CodeBAmendmentsBGeneral. The following sections of the Uniform Building Code, 1997 Edition, are amended to read as set out in Sections 17.08.060 through 17.08.190 of this chapter. 17.08.060 Section 106.1, 106.2 amendedbpermits requiredbexempted work. A. Section 106.1 of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as Section 106.1 Permits Required. Except as specified in Subsection 106.2 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

B. Section 106.2 of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as Section 106.2 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

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. 17.08.070 Section 107.2, 107.3 amendedbpermit feesbplan review fees. A. Section 107.2 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

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 107.3 of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as Plan Review Fees. If a plan is required to be submitted under Section 106.3.2, 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 106.3.4.2, an additional plan review fee may be charged. 17.08.080 Section 108.4, 108.8 amendedbapproval requiredbreinspections. A. Section 108.4 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 108.8 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. 17.08.090 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. 17.08.100 Section 904.2.2 amended, 904.2.3.9 added, 904.2.8 deleted, 904.2.9 amended, and 904.2.10 addedbautomatic fireextinguishing systemsbwhere required. A. Section 904.2.2 of the Uniform Building Code is amended by changing the first paragraph to read: All occupancies except Group U Occupancies. Except for 15

Group U Occupancies, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed: B. Section 904.2.2 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 508. 7. 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 904.2.3 of the Uniform Building Code is amended to read as 904.2.3 Group A occupancies. 904.2.3.1 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. 904.2.3.2 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. 904.2.3.3 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 904.2.8 of the Uniform Building Code is deleted. E. Section 904.2.9 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 904.2.12 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

with section 504.6 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. 17.08.110 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. 17.08.120 Section 1629.4.1 amendedbseismic zones. Section 1629.4.1 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. 17.08.130 Section addedbgeological or flood hazard. A new Section 1637 is added to the Uniform Building Code to read as Section 1637. 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 17.48 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

for which a qualified registered geologist or engineer shall assume full responsibility. 17.08.140 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. 17.08.150 Section 1701.5 (13) and 1701.7 amendedbtypes of workb Approved fabricators. A. Section 1701.5 (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 17.28 of this title. B. Section 1701.7 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. 17.08.160 Section 1801.1 amendedbgeneral. Section 1801.1 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. 17.08.170 Section 1905.1.3 amendedbconcrete quality. Section 1905.1.3 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. 17.08.180 Appendix Chapter 3, Division II, Section 327.3 addedbspecial 18

greenhouse provisions. Section 327.3 of Appendix Chapter 3, Division II (Agricultural Buildings) of the Uniform Building Code is amended by adding Subsection 327.3 to read as 327.3 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 17.08.060 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. 17.08.200 Appendix Chapter 15, Section 1514 and 1515 amendedbgeneralbinspections. 19