12STAFF REPORT: November 7, 2007 Page 3
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION: (cont.)
Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy and Administrative Codes
All of these codes are being modified with local amendments to clarify that the setting of
fees are by City Council resolution. There are a few additional local amendments outlined
below. The proposed local amendments to the 2007 California Electrical Code include
increasing the size of underground utilities for all residential or nonresidential structures
requiring electrical services from a minimum two -inch (2 ") to three inch (3 ") size
underground raceway. The proposed local amendments to the 2007 California Mechanical
Code include clarifications to the issuance of permits. The proposed local amendments to
the 2007 California Administrative Code include continuing the 2002 adopted local
amendment regarding the building code appeals board process. No other local
amendments are proposed to the 2007 California Plumbing Code or 2007 California Energy
Code.
Fire Code
The proposed fire code amendments include both the adoption of the 2007 California Fire
Code and the 2006 International Fire Code. The proposed fire code amendments also
include continuing to require the previously adopted local code requirements from the 2002
code regarding mid -rise buildings from 4 stories up to 75 feet in height, existing fire
department access, water supply, and general fire safety requirements. Additional
amendments regarding the above - mentioned four topic areas are proposed because they
are not addressed in the 2007 California Fire Code and in the case of the requirements to
maintain fire department access, water supply, and general fire safety requirements have
not been incorporated in the International Fire Code. The mid -rise building amendments
will only affect new construction and substantial building renovations, and are not
retroactive to existing buildings. Fire Department staff proposes to have the existing mid -
rise, fire department access, water supply and general fire safety requirements continued.
The mid -rise requirements will continue to allow developers to realize a cost savings.
Proposed Ordinance Effective Date
Staff recommends that the ordinances become effective on January 1, 2008 to coincide
with the State's effective date. This would provide additional time for current applications to
be processed in accordance with existing regulations. Additionally, the Fire Department
inspects all businesses on an annual basis. Adopting the Fire Code on January 1, 2008
will coincide with the 2008 annual fire inspection cycle.
Council Action on October 16, 2007
On October 16, 2007, the City Council waived first reading and introduced seven
ordinances to adopt the 2007 California Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire,
Energy, and Administrative Codes and the 2006 International Fire Code with local
amendments to the El Segundo Municipal Code. It also set the public hearing for adopting
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