11STAFF REPORT: November 7, 2007 Page 2
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION: (cont.)
Introduction
Every three years the State of California adopts the model uniform codes (building,
plumbing, mechanical, electrical, energy, fire, and administrative). After these model codes
are adopted, local governments have 180 days to add any local amendments to these
uniform codes. The California Building Standards Commission requires all jurisdictions
throughout the State of California to begin enforcing the latest edition of the California
codes by January 1, 2008. The Planning and Building Safety Department staff and the Fire
Department staff recommend that the City Council adopt these new codes with
amendments with an effective date of January 1, 2008.
The California uniform codes provide the minimum standards for any building or structure
which is erected, constructed, altered or demolished. Staff is recommending some local
amendments to the uniform codes to protect public health, safety and the welfare of the
occupants and the economic viability of the community.
Proposed Amendments
Both the Building Safety Division and Fire Department staff are proposing a limited number
of amendments to the Building and Fire Codes. Those changes are identified in the
attached ordinances. Adopting these local amendments will have an insubstantial effect on
wood and metal construction since the new uniform codes incorporate most of the local
amendments made to previously adopted uniform codes.
Building Code
The proposed building code amendments include adding definitions for administrator and
building access; modifying the definitions for low -rise and mid -rise buildings consistent with
the proposed fire code amendments to clarify that the height of a building is measured from
the topside of the roof above the topmost space that can be occupied to the lowest floor
level of building access; adding a requirement consistent with the proposed fire code
amendments that requires Group B occupancy buildings (office buildings) larger than
12,000 square feet to have automatic sprinkler systems; and to add a requirement
consistent with the proposed fire code amendments to require automatic sprinkler systems
for buildings four stories or more in height. Other proposed building code amendments
include local amendments (which are substantially the same as the amendments made to
the 2001 codes) establishing the requirements and permit process for temporary buildings,
structures and trailers; permit fees; construction debris; and what type of buildings require
building permits; when permits can and cannot be issued because of environmental
regulations and pending discretionary approvals before the Planning Commission.
Additionally, a new proposed building code amendment includes a clarification that shear
walls cannot be made of particle board, fiberboard, gypsum wall board or stucco.
P: \Planning & Building Safety \Staff Reports 2007 \2007 building & fire code update 11- 07- 07.doc , }
G11