§ 5.04.010. California Building Code.

5.04.011 Adopted by reference.

The California Building Code, 2016 Edition ("CBC"), including Volumes I and II, published by the California Building Standards Commission 2525 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 130 Sacramento, CA 95833-2936, are hereby adopted as the City's building code.

5.04.012 Amendments, additions and deletions.

After consideration, the City Council finds that as a result of existing local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions that amendments, additions, and deletions as the CBC are reasonably necessary to provide sufficient and effective levels of safety for the protection of life, health and property. Therefore, the CBC is amended, added to, or deleted from, as set forth below:

(A)

Division II Administrative. Is deleted and replaced with Section 5.02 of this Title.

(B)

Chapter 7A. Materials and construction methods for exterior wildfire exposure.

Chapter 7A of the 2016 California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

Section 701A.2 is amended as follows:

701A.2 PURPOSE. The purpose of this Section is to provide a minimum standard for the fire protection of buildings and structures hereafter erected in proximity to areas of the County where concentrations of highly flammable brush, grass, or other combustible growth combined with periods of hot, dry winds create a high fire hazard, and where lives and property may thereby be endangered.

Section 701A.3 is amended as follows:

701A.3 APPLICATION. Buildings or structures hereafter erected, constructed or moved within or into designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including mobile homes, shall be one of the Types of Construction as defined in this Code and shall meet the requirements of this Chapter. Manual or automatic fire extinguishing systems or similar water spraying devices shall not be substituted for the fire protection set forth herein.

Section 702A is amended as follows:

702A. FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES are geographical areas in unincorporated Ventura County designated by the Ventura County Fire Protection District pursuant to California Public Resources Codes Sections 4201 through 4204 and classified as Very High, High, or Moderate in State Responsibility Areas or as Local Agency Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones designated pursuant to California Government Code, Sections 51175 through 51189. See California Fire Code Article 86 The California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1280, entitles the maps of these geographical areas as "Maps of Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the State Responsibility Area of California.

Section 704A.3 is amended as follows:

704A.3 Alternative methods for determining ignition-resistant material. Any one of the following shall be accepted as meeting the definition of ignition-resistant material:

1.

Noncombustible material. Material that complies with the definition for noncombustible materials in Section 202.

2.

Fire-retardant-treated wood. Fire-retardant-treated wood identified for exterior use that complies with the requirements of Section 2303.2.

Section 705A.2 is amended as follows:

705A.2 ROOF COVERINGS. Roof coverings shall be fire retardant Class "A" as specified in Section 1505 of this Code. Where the roof profile allows a space between the roof covering and roof decking, the spaces shall be constructed to prevent the intrusion of flames and embers, be fire stopped with approved materials or have one layer of minimum 72 pound (32.4 kg) mineral-surfaced non-perforated cap sheet complying with ASTM D-3909 installed over the combustible decking.

Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes shall not be permitted except for additions, alterations and repairs where such work includes alteration, repair or extension of an existing roof assembly in accordance with Section 1505 or R902 of this Code.

Section 706A.3 is amended as follows:

706A.3 Ventilation openings on the underside of eaves and cornices: Vents shall not be installed on the underside of eaves and cornices.

Exceptions:

1.

The building official may accept or approve special eave and cornice vents that resist the intrusion of flame and burning embers.

2.

Vents complying with the requirements of Section 706A.2 may be installed on the underside of eaves and cornices in accordance with either one of the following conditions:

1.

The attic space being ventilated is fully protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system or,

2.

The exterior wall covering and exposed underside of the eave are of noncombustible material, or ignition-resistant-materials as determined in accordance with SFM Standard 12-7A-5 Ignition-Resistant Material and the vent is located more than 12 feet from the ground or walking surface of a deck, porch, patio or similar surface.

Section 706A.3.1 is added as follows:

706A.3.1 Other Ventilation openings. Ventilation openings or louvers shall not be located at or within 18", measured vertically, of rakes, soffits, balconies, decks, or similar exterior overhangs which may be directly exposed to a fire.

Section 711 A is added to read as follows:

711A. WAIVER OF REQUIREMENTS. The Building Official may waive the requirements of this Chapter, in whole or in part, for specific construction projects within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone when such waiver is approved by the Fire Marshal, based upon site conditions which justify a reduction in fire resistance.

(C)

Automatic Fire Sprinklers: Section 903 is amended to read as follows:

903.1.2 Code exceptions or reductions. Where exceptions to, or reduction in, code provisions have been granted because of the installation of a fire sprinkler system, an NFPA 13 compliant system shall be installed.

a)

Delete Sections 903.2 through 903.2.11.3. Add new Sections 903.2 and 903.2.1 through 903.2.11.3 to read as follows:

903.2 Where required. An automatic fire sprinkler system approved by the fire code official shall be installed, maintained and be accessible for servicing:

1.

Throughout new buildings.

Exception: A building containing only a detached Group U occupancy where gross floor area is less than 500 square feet (46.45 m ).

2.

Throughout existing and new sections of an existing building where floor area of additions or alterations exceeds 25 percent of the existing gross floor area.

Exceptions:

1.

Buildings containing Group R, Division 3 occupancies, including attached Group U occupancies, where the floor area of addition or alterations are 50 percent or less of the existing gross floor area.

2.

Alterations limited to replacement of exterior coverings, windows, roofing, electrical services, sewer laterals, retaining walls, and routine plumbing, electrical and mechanical repairs.

3.

In additions to existing buildings equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system.

4.

Throughout an existing building where there is an occupancy classification change resulting in a higher hazard.

For the purpose of requiring the automatic fire sprinkler systems specified in this chapter, the floor area within the surrounding exterior walls shall be considered as one building.

An automatic fire sprinkler system need not be installed in spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system and are separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers consisting of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated walls and 2-hour fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling assemblies.

b)

Add Section 903.3.1.2.2 to read as follows:

903.3.1.2.2 Code exceptions or reductions. Where NFPA 13R sprinkler systems are provided in Group R occupancies, exceptions to, or reductions in, code requirements are not permitted. This shall also include requirements in the California Building Code and the California Fire Code.

c)

Add Section 903.3.1.3.1 to read as follows:

903.3.1.3.1 Additional sprinkler protection. Where allowed, sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13D in Group R, Division 3 Occupancies shall provide sprinkler protection for attached Group U occupancies and all bathrooms

(D)

Roof Covering. Table 1505.1 is amended, by the deletion of Table 1505.1 and the addition of a new Table 1505.1 thereto to read as follows:

Table 1505.1
Minimum Roof Covering Classifications
Types of Construction

1A	1B	11A	1B	11A	11B	1V	VA	VB
A	A	A	A	A	A	A	A	A

 

 

For S1: 1 foot= 304.8 mm, 1 square foot= 0.929 m2.

a. Unless otherwise required in accordance with Chapter 7A.

(E)

Section 1505.1.3 is amended, by the deletion of the entire section and the addition of a new section thereto, to read as follows:

1505.1.3 Roof coverings within all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one- year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.

g)

Section 1505.5 is amended, by the deletion of the entire section. h) Section 1505.7 is amended, by the deletion of the entire section.

(F)

Drainage. Section 1804.7 is added to read as follows:

1804.7.1 General. Provisions must be made for the control and drainage of surface water around buildings. Concentrated drainage such as rainwater from gutters and downspouts, scuppers, and roof valleys must be diverted away from building foundations by means of concrete splash blocks and/or other approved non-erosive devices.

1804.7.2 Gutters and Downspouts. When buildings are located on expansive soil having an expansion index greater than 50, gutters, downspouts, piping, and/or other non-erosive devices must be provided to collect and conduct rainwater to a street, storm drain, or other approved watercourse or disposal area.

1804.7.3 Vapor Barrier. An approved vapor barrier must be installed below slab floors of all residential occupancies in such a manner as to form an effective barrier against the migration of moisture into the slab. When sheet plastic material is employed for this purpose it must be not less than 6 mils (.006 inch) in thickness. The installation of a vapor barrier must not impair the effectiveness of required anchor bolts or other structural parts of a building.

Foundations at the perimeter of the concrete floor slabs must form a continuous moisture barrier of Portland cement concrete or solid grouted masonry to the depths required by Table 1809.7.

(G)

Footing Supporting Walls of Light-Frame Construction. Table 1809.7 is deleted and new Table 1809.7 to read as follows:

TABLE 1809.7 Attachment 1

Weighted Expansion Index	Foundations For Slab & Raised Floor Systems (2)(5)(7)
	# of Stories	Stem Thickness (8)	Footing Width (9)	Footing Thickness	All Perimeter Footings (6)	Interior Figs. For Slab & Raised Floors (6)	Reinforcement for Continuous Foundation (3)(8)
					Depth Below Natural Surface of Ground and Finish Grade
0—20 Very Low (Non-Expansive)	1 2 3	6 8 10	12 15 18	6 7 8	12 18 24	12 18 24	1 - #4 Top Bottom
21—50 Low	1 2 3	6 8 10	12 15 18	6 7 8	12 18 24	12 18 24	1 - #4 Top Bottom
51—90 Medium	1 2 3	6 8 10	12 15 18	6 8 8	21 21 24	12 18 24	1 - #4 Top Bottom
91—130 High	1 2 3	6 8 10	12 15 18	8 8 8	27 27 27	12 18 24	2 - # 4 Top Bottom
Above 130 Very High	Special Design by Licensed Engineer or Architect Required

 

 

FOOTNOTES TO TABLE 1809.7(1)1809.7

1.  Premoistening is required where specified in Table 1809.7(1)1809.7 in order to achieve maximum and uniform expansion of the soil prior to construction and thus limit structural distress caused by uneven expansion and shrinkage. Other systems which do not include premoistening may be approved by the Building Official when such alternatives are shown to provide equivalent safeguards against the adverse effects of expansive soil.

2.  Reinforcement for continuous foundations shall be placed not less than 3" above the bottom of the footing and not less than 3" below the top of the stem.

3.  Reinforcement shall be placed at mid-depth of slab.

4.  After premoistening, the specified moisture content of soils shall be maintained until concrete is placed. Required moisture content shall be verified by an approved testing laboratory not more than 24 hours prior to placement of concrete.

5.  Crawl spaces under raised floors need not be pre-moistened except under interior footings. Interior footings which are not enclosed by a continuous perimeter foundation system or equivalent concrete or masonry moisture barrier complying with Footnote# 12 of Table 1809.7(1)1809.7 shall be designed and constructed as specified for perimeter footings in Table 1809.7(1)1809.7.

6.  Foundation stem walls which exceed a height of three times the stem thickness above lowest adjacent grade shall be reinforced in accordance with Chapter 21 and Section 1914 in the IBC, or as required by engineering design, whichever is more restrictive.

7.  Bent reinforcing bars between exterior footing and slab shall be omitted when floor is designed as an independent, "floating' slab.

8.  Underfloor access crawl holes must be provided with curbs extending not less than six (6) inches above adjacent grade to prevent surface water from entering the foundation area. thickness of 4 inches when the expansion index exceeds 50.

9.  The ground under a raised floor system may be excavated to the elevation of the top of the perimeter footing, except where otherwise required by engineering design or to mitigate groundwater conditions.

10. GRADE BEAM, GARAGE OPENING. A grade beam not less than 12" x 12" in cross section, or 12" x depth required by Table 1809.7(1)1809.7, whichever is deeper, reinforced as specified for continuous foundations in Table 1809.7(1)1809.7, shall be provided at garage door openings.

11. Where a post-tensioning slab system is used, the width and depth of the perimeter footings shall meet the requirements of this table.

12. An approved vapor barrier shall be installed below concrete slab-on-grade floor of all residential occupancies in such a manner as to form an effective barrier against the migration of moisture into the slab. When sheet plastic material is employed for this purpose it shall be not less than 6 mils (.006 inch) in thickness. The installation of a vapor barrier shall not impair the effectiveness of required anchor bolts or other structural parts of a building. Foundations at the perimeter of concrete floor slabs shall form a continuous moisture barrier of Portlan cement concrete or solid grouted masonry to the depths required by Table 1809.7(1)1809.7.

13. When buildings are located on expansive soil having an expansion index greater than 50, gutters, downspouts, piping, and/or other non-erosive devices shall be provided to collect and conduct rainwater to a street, storm drain, or other approved watercourse or disposal area.

14. Fireplace footings shall be reinforced with a horizontal grid located 3" above the bottom of the footing and consisting of not less than No. 4 Bars at 12" on center each way. Vertical chimney reinforcing bars shall be hooked under the grid. Depth of fireplace chimney footings shall be no less than that required by Table 1809.7(1)1809.7.

_____

(H)

Anchorage. Section 2308.12.9 to read as follows:

2308.12.9 Steel bolts with minimum normal diameter of 5/8" spaced a maximum of 4' on center must be used in seismic design category E.

(I)

Swimming pool design and construction. Section 3109.6 is added to read as follows:

3109.6 Swimming pool design and construction. Pool design and construction shall be in accordance with accepted engineering practice and shall be structurally suitable for the soil, topographic and geologic conditions prevailing at the construction site.

3109.6. Expansive soil design. A pool constructed below grade shall be designed on the assumption that the construction is to be in area of moderately expansive soil having an expansion index of 51-90 and an equivalent fluid pressure of not less than 45 pounds per cubic foot (45 pcf). Where the pool construction site may consist of highly expansive soils, the building official shall require a site investigation, soil testing and engineering analysis by a registered civil engineer.

Exceptions: Where tests indicate that soils at the pool site are non-expansive or have a low expansion characteristic from ground surface to the full depth of the pool, structural design may be based on an equivalent fluid pressure not less than 30 pounds per cubic foot (30 pcf).

3109.6.2 Hydrostatic uplift. In areas of anticipated high water table, swimming pool construction shall include an approved hydrostatic relief system or device.

3109.6.3 Thermal protection for plastic piping. Between the outlet of pool heating equipment and any plastic water piping connected thereto, not less than 5 feet of approved metal pipe shall be installed for the purpose of dissipating heat and a check valve shall be installed to prevent thermal damage to plastic piping.

Exception: A check valve may be omitted where rapid or high-rate filters are used.

3109.6.4 Special inspection. Special inspection in accordance with Section 1704 shall be provided for pneumatically-placed concrete (gunite) for swimming pool construction.

(J)

Appendix Chapters. Appendix F, H, I, J is adopted as part of this code with modifications as listed in this section.

(K)

Design Loads for Patios. Section I 105 is added to read:

Sections I 105.1 shall only apply to lattice roof designs or solid roof design of less than 3 lb. per square foot. Roof designs not meeting this criterion must be designed to meet other applicable sections of this code.

(Ord. No. 11-826, 4-12-2011; Ord. No. 13-838, §§ 4—7, 12-10-2013; Ord. No. 16-870, §§ 5, 6, 1-10-2017)