ORDINANCE 1538 ORDINANCE NO. 1538
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING APPENDIX V (VOLUNTARY
SEISMIC RETROFIT); VOLUNTARY PRESCRIPTIVE
PROVISIONS FOR SEISMIC STRENGTHENING OF CRIPPLE
WALLS AND SILL PLATE ANCHORAGE OF LIGHT, WOOD-
FRAME RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS; VOLUNTARY
EARTHQUAKE RISK REDUCTION IN WOOD-FRAME
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WITH SOFT,WEAK OR OPEN FRONT
WALLS; AND VOLUNTARY EARTHQUAKE HAZARD
REDUCTION IN EXISTING CONCRETE BUILDINGS; AND
AMENDING THE EL SEGUNDO MUNICIPAL CODE TO REFLECT
SUCH ADOPTION AND TO RE-NUMBER TITLE 13, CHAPTER 9
(EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING
BUILDINGS)
The City Council of the city of El Segundo does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1: Findings. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. The City may adopt model codes by reference pursuant to Government
Code §§ 50022.2, et seq.;
B. Health and Safety Code § 17958 requires the City to adopt certain codes
that are set forth in Health and Safety Code § 17922 and published in the
California Code of Regulations;
C. Additional amendments have been made to Codes are found to be either
administrative or procedural in nature or concern themselves with subjects
not covered in such Codes. The changes made include provisions making
each of said Codes compatible with other Codes enforced by the City;
D. El Segundo Municipal Code Title 13 Chapter 9 contains provisions for
earthquake hazard reduction in existing unreinforced masonry bearing wall
buildings constructed prior to 1934. It is in the public interest to adopt
Earthquake Hazard Reduction regulations for other types of buildings as set
forth in this Ordinance;
E. Notice of public hearing to consider the adoption of the codes was published
pursuant to Government Code § 6066 and a duly noticed public hearing
was held on December 6, 2016, regarding the adoption of the Codes;
F. Pursuant to § 50022.6 of the Government Code, at least one copy of all
codes adopted by reference were filed with the City Clerk of the City and
were available for public inspection for at least fifteen (15) days preceding
the date of the hearing;
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G. In 1990, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1152, which adopted
standards relating to Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Buildings;
and
H. The City Council desires to re-number the existing Earthquake Hazard
Reduction in Existing Buildings chapter, in its entirety, so that it now appears
in Title 13, Chapter 18 of the El Segundo Municipal Code.
SECTION 2: Title 13, Chapter 9 of the El Segundo Municipal Code ("ESMC") is hereby
re-numbered as Title 13, Chapter 18, to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 18
EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN EXISTING BUILDINGS
§ 13-18-1: PURPOSE
§ 13-18-2: SCOPE
§ 13-18-3: DEFINITIONS
§ 13-18-4: RATING CLASSIFICATIONS
§ 13-18-5: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
§ 13-18-6: ADMINISTRATION
§ 13-18-7: ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
§ 13-18-8: MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
§ 13-18-9: INFORMATION REQUIRED ON PLAN
§ 13-18-10: TABLES"
SECTION 3: Title 13, Chapter 18 of the ESMC is amended to read as follows:
"Section 13-18-11. ADOPTION OF APPENDIX V: VOLUNTARY SEISMIC
RETROFIT
§ 13-18-V100: VOLUNTARY EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN
EXISTING REINFORCED CONCRETE AND REINFORCED MASONRY WALL
BUILDINGS WITH FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGMS
§ 13-18-V101: PURPOSE
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing
the risk of death or injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes on
reinforced concrete and masonry wall buildings with flexible diaphragms designed
under the building codes in effect before January 1, 1995. These buildings are
potentially hazardous and prone to significant damage, including possible
collapse, in a moderate to major earthquake. These structures typically shelter
large numbers of persons and property for retail, food markets, food distribution
centers, warehousing, aerospace, industrial/manufacturing and general business
and office use. Their continued use after an earthquake is also essential to the
local economy and its post-earthquake recovery.
ORDINANCE No. 1538
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The provisions of this Chapter are minimum standards for structural seismic
resistance established primarily to reduce the risk of loss of life or injury on both
subject and adjacent properties and will not necessarily prevent all earthquake
damage to an existing building which complies with these standards. This Chapter
cannot require existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems to
be altered unless they constitute a hazard to life or property.
This Chapter provides voluntary retrofit standards for deficient wall anchorage
systems on structures that are not subject to the mandatory provisions of Chapter
When fully followed, these standards will strengthen the portion of the structure
that is most vulnerable to earthquake damage.
§ 13-184102: SCOPE
The voluntary provisions of this Chapter apply to existing buildings of the following
types:
1. Cast-in-place reinforced concrete or masonry wall buildings with flexible
diaphragms designed under building codes in effect before January 1, 1995.
2. Tilt-up concrete wall buildings with flexible diaphragms designed under
the building codes in effect before January 1, 1995, but after January 1,
1976.
All existing reinforced masonry or concrete buildings with flexible diaphragms,
including tilt-up concrete wall buildings, designed under the Building Code in effect
on or after January 1, 1995, must be designed in conformance with Chapter 16 of
the CBC.
§ 13-184103: DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Chapter, the applicable definitions in Chapter 2, Chapter
16, Chapter 19 and Chapter 23 of this Code; Chapter 1, Chapter 3, Chapter 4,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Chapter 11 of ASCE 7, and the following apply:
ANCHORAGE SYSTEM is the system of all structural elements and connections,
which support the concrete or masonry wall in the lateral direction, including
diaphragms and subdiaphragms, wall anchorage and continuity or cross tie
connectors in subdiaphragms and main diaphragms.
COMMENCED CONSTRUCTION is construction pursuant to a valid building
permit that has progressed to the point that one of the called inspections as
required by the Department has been made and the work for which the inspection
has been called has been judged by the Department to be substantial and has
been approved by the Department.
EXISTING BUILDING is an erected building for which a legal building permit and
a certificate of occupancy have been issued.
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FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGM is any diaphragm constructed of wood structural panel,
diagonal or straight wood sheathing, metal decking without a structural concrete
topping, or horizontal rod bracing.
HISTORICAL BUILDING is any building designated or currently in the process of
being designated as a historical building by an appropriate federal, state or City
jurisdiction.
REINFORCED CONCRETE WALL is a concrete wall that has 50 percent or more
of the reinforcing steel required for reinforced concrete in Chapter 19.
REINFORCED MASONRY WALL is a masonry wall that has 50 percent or more
of the reinforcing steel required by Chapter 21.
RETROFIT is strengthening or structurally improving the lateral force resisting
system of an existing building by alteration of existing or addition of new structural
elements.
TILT-UP CONCRETE WALL is a form of precast concrete panel construction
either cast in the horizontal position at the site and after curing, lifted and moved
into place in a vertical position, or cast off-site in a fabricator's shop.
§ 13-184104: ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
V104.1. Wall Panel Anchorage. Concrete and masonry walls must be anchored
to all floors and roofs which provide lateral support for the wall. The anchorage
must provide a positive direct connection between the wall and floor or roof
construction capable of resisting a horizontal force equal to 30 percent of the
tributary wall weight for all buildings, and 45 percent of the tributary wall weight for
essential buildings, or a minimum force of 250 pounds per linear foot of wall,
whichever is greater. The required anchorage must be based on the tributary wall
panel assuming simple supports at floors and roof.
EXCEPTION: An alternate design may be approved by the Building Official
when justified by well- established principles of mechanics.
V104.2. Special Requirements for Wall Anchors and Continuity Ties.The steel
elements of the wall anchorage systems and continuity ties must be designed by
the allowable stress design method using a load factor of 1.7. The 1/3 stress
increase permitted by Chapter 16 cannot be permitted for materials using
allowable stress design methods. The strength design specified in Chapter 19
using a load factor of 2.0 in lieu of 1.4 for earthquake loading, must be used for the
design of embedment in concrete. Wall anchors must be provided to resist out-of-
plane forces, independent of existing shear anchors.
ORDINANCE No. 1538
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EXCEPTION: Existing cast-in-place shear anchors may be used as wall anchors
if the tie element can be readily attached to the anchors and if the engineer or
architect can establish tension values for the existing anchors through the use of
approved as-built plans or testing, and through analysis showing that the bolts are
capable of resisting the total shear load while being acted upon by the maximum
tension force due to seismic loading. Criteria for analysis and testing must be
determined by the Building Official.
Expansion anchors are not allowed without special approval of the Building Official.
Attaching the edge of plywood sheathing to steel ledgers is not considered as
complying with the positive anchoring requirements of the Code; and attaching the
edge of steel decks to steel ledgers is not considered as providing the positive
anchorage of this Code unless testing and analysis are performed, which establish
shear values for the attachment perpendicular to the edge of the deck.
V104.3. Development of Anchor Loads into the Diaphragm. Development of
anchor loads into roof and floor diaphragms must comply with Chapter 12 of ASCE
7.
EXCEPTION: If continuously tied girders are present, then the maximum spacing
of the continuity ties is the greater of the girder spacing or 24 feet (7315 mm). In
wood diaphragms, anchorage cannot be accomplished by use of toe nails or nails
subject to withdrawal, nor must wood ledgers, top plates or framing be used in
cross-grain bending or cross-grain tension. The continuous ties required by
Chapter 12 of ASCE 7 must be in addition to the diaphragm sheathing. Lengths of
development of anchor loads in wood diaphragms must be based on existing field
nailing of the sheathing unless existing edge nailing is positively identified on the
original construction plans or at the site. At reentrant corners, continuity collectors
may be required for existing return walls not designed as shear walls, to develop
into the diaphragm a force equal to the lesser of the rocking or shear capacity of
the return wall, or the tributary shear but not exceeding the capacity of the
diaphragm. Shear anchors for the return wall must be commensurate with the
collector force. If a truss or beam other than rafters or purlins is supported by the
return wall or by a column integral with the return wall, an independent secondary
column is required to support the roof or floor members whenever rocking or shear
capacity of the return wall is governing.
V104.4. Anchorage at Pilasters. Anchorage of pilasters must be designed for the
tributary wall anchoring load per Section V104.1 of this Code, considering the wall
as a two-way slab. The edge of the two-way slab must be considered "fixed" when
there is continuity at pilasters, and considered "pinned" at roof or floor levels. The
pilasters or the walls immediately adjacent to the pilasters must be anchored
directly to the roof framing such that the existing vertical anchor bolts at the top of
the pilasters are by-passed without causing tension or shear failure at the top of
the pilasters.
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EXCEPTION: If existing vertical anchor bolts at the top of the pilasters are
used for the anchorage, then additional exterior confinement must be
provided. The minimum anchorage at a floor or roof between the pilasters
must be that specified in Section V104.1 of this Code.
V104.5. Symmetry. Symmetry of connectors in the anchorage system is required.
Eccentricity may be allowed when it can be shown that all components of forces
are positively resisted and justified by calculations or tests.
V104.6. Minimum Roof Member Size. Wood members used to develop
anchorage forces to the diaphragm must be of minimum nominal width for new
construction and replacement. All such members must be designed for gravity and
earthquake forces as part of the wall anchorage system. For existing structural
members, the allowable stresses must be without the 1/3 stress increase per
Section V104.2.
V104.7. Combination of Anchor Types. To repair and retrofit existing buildings,
a combination of different anchor types of different behavior or stiffness is
prohibited. The capacity of the new and existing connectors cannot be added.
V104.8. Prohibited Anchors. Usage of connectors that were bent or stretched
from the intended use is prohibited.
V104.9: Crack and Damage Repairs, Evaluation of Existing Structural
Alterations. The engineer or architect must report any observed structural
conditions and structural damage that have imminent life safety effects on the
buildings and recommend repairs. This includes alterations such as openings cut
in existing wall panels without a building permit. Evaluations and repairs must be
reviewed and approved by the Building Official.
V104.10. Miscellaneous. Existing mezzanines relying on the concrete or masonry
walls for vertical or lateral support must be anchored to the walls for the tributary
mezzanine load. Walls depending on the mezzanine for lateral support must be
anchored per Sections V104.1, V104.2 and V104.3 of this Code.
EXCEPTION: Existing mezzanines that have independent lateral and vertical
support need not be anchored to the concrete or masonry walls. Existing interior
masonry or concrete walls not designed as shear walls, which extend to the floor
above or to the roof diaphragm must also be anchored for out-of-plane forces per
Section V104.1, V104.2 and V104.3 of this Code. In the in-plane direction, the
walls may be isolated or must be developed into the diaphragm for a lateral force
equal to the lesser of the rocking or shear capacity of the wall, or the tributary shear
but not exceeding the diaphragm capacity.
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V104.11. Historical Buildings. Qualified historical buildings must be permitted to
use alternate building standards or deviations from this Chapter in order to
preserve their original or restored architectural elements and features.
§ 13-184105: MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION.
All materials permitted by this Code.
§ 13-184106: INFORMATION REQUIRED ON PLANS,
V106.1. General. In addition to the seismic analysis required elsewhere in this
Chapter, the licensed engineer or architect responsible for the seismic analysis of
the building must record the information required by this section on the approved
plans.
V106.2. Information Required. The plans must accurately reflect the results of
the engineering investigation and design and show all pertinent dimensions and
sizes for plan review and construction. The following must be provided:
1. Floor plans and roof plans must show the existing framing construction,
diaphragm construction, proposed wall anchors, cross-ties and collectors. Existing
nailing, anchors, ties and collectors must also be shown on the plans if these are
part of the design, and these structural elements need to be verified in the field.
2. At elevations where there is alterations or damage, the details must show the
roof and floor heights, dimensions of openings, location and extent of existing
damage, and proposed repair.
3. Typical concrete or masonry wall sections with wall thickness, height, and
location of anchors must be provided.
4. Details must include the existing and new anchors and the method of
development of anchor forces into the diaphragm framing; existing and new cross-
ties, existing and new or improved support of the roof and floor girders at pilasters
or walls.
V106.3. Engineer's or Architect's Statement. The responsible engineer or
architect must state on the approved plans, the following:
1. "1 am responsible for this building's seismic strengthening design of the
tilt-up concrete wall anchorage system in compliance with the minimum
seismic resistance standards of Chapter V1 of the California Building Code,
as adopted by the El Segundo Municipal Code." or when applicable:
2. "The Registered Deputy Inspector, required as a condition of the use of
structural design stresses requiring continuous inspection, will be
responsible to me, the California Licensed Engineer or Architect, as
required by Section 1704 of the California Building Code, as adopted by the
El Segundo Municipal Code."
§ 13-184107: REQUIRED BUILDING MAINTENANCE.
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Every building within the scope of this Chapter which has been analyzed to
demonstrate compliance or structurally altered to comply with the minimum
earthquake standards in this Chapter must be maintained in conformity with the
requirements of this Chapter in effect at the time of such analysis or structural
alteration.
TABLE NO. V1-A
RATING CLASSIFICATIONS
Classification Occupant Load
Essential N/A
Group 1 300 or more
Group II 100 to 299
Group 111 50 to 99
Group IV Less than 50
Section 13-18-12. ADOPTION OF VOLUNTARY PRESCRIPTIVE
PROVISIONS FOR SEISMIC STRENGTHENING OF
CRIPPLE WALLS AND SILL PLATE ANCHORAGE OF
LIGHT, WOOD-FRAME RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
§ 13-18-V200: VOLUNTARY PRESCRIPTIVE PROVISIONS FOR SEISMIC
STRENGTHENING OF CRIPPLE WALLS AND SILL PLATE ANCHORAGE OF
LIGHT, WOOD-FRAME RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS. Pursuant to California
Government Code § 50022.1 to 50022.8, Chapter A3 of the California Existing
Building Code ("CEBC"), 2016 Edition, published at Title 24, Part 10, of the
California Code of Regulations, is adopted by reference, subject to the
amendments, additions and deletions set forth below. One true copy of the CEBC,
is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public inspection
as required by law."
Section 13-18-13. ADOPTION OF VOLUNTARY EARTHQUAKE RISK
REDUCTION IN WOOD-FRAME RESIDENTIAL
BUILDINGS WITH SOFT, WEAK OR OPEN FRONT
WALLS.
§ 13-18-V300: VOLUNTARY EARTHQUAKE RISK REDUCTION IN WOOD-
FRAME RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WITH SOFT, WEAK OR OPEN FRONT
WALLS. Pursuant to California Government Code § 50022.1 to 50022.8, Chapter
A4 of the California Existing Building Code ("CEBC"), 2016 Edition, published at
Title 24, Part 10, of the California Code of Regulations, is adopted by reference,
subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth below. One true copy
of the CEBC, is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public
inspection as required by law."
Section 13-18-14. ADOPTION OF VOLUNTARY EARTHQUAKE HAZARD
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REDUCTION IN EXISTING CONCRETE BUILDINGS.
§ 13-18-V400: VOLUNTARY EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION IN
EXISTING CONCRETE BUILDINGS. Pursuant to California Government Code §
50022.1 to 50022.8, Chapter A5 of the International Existing Building Code
("IEBC"), 2015 Edition, published by the International Code Council, is adopted by
reference, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth below.
Sections A502 through A507 are amended as follows: All references to
"International Building Code" shall be amended to read "2016 California Building
Code ("CBC") as amended by the El Segundo Municipal Code". One true copy of
the IEBC, is on file in the office of the Building Official and is available for public
inspection as required by law."
SECTION 4: Environmental Assessment. The City Council determines that this
ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act
(California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations
promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA
Guidelines") because it consists only of minor revisions and clarifications to an existing
code of construction-related-regulations and specification of procedures related thereto
and will not have the effect of deleting or substantially changing any regulatory standards
or findings required therefor, and therefore does not have the potential to cause significant
effects on the environment. In addition, this ordinance is an action being taken for
enhanced protection of the environment and is exempt from further review under CEQA
Guidelines § 15308.
SECTION 5: Construction. This Ordinance must be broadly construed in order to achieve
the purposes stated in this Ordinance. It is the City Council's intent that the provisions of
this Ordinance be interpreted or implemented by the City and others in a manner that
facilitates the purposes set forth in this Ordinance.
SECTION 6: Savings Clause. Repeal of any provision of the ESMC or any other city
ordinance herein will not affect any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred before, or
preclude prosecution and imposition of penalties for any violation occurring before, this
Ordinance's effective date. Any such repealed part will remain in full force and effect for
sustaining action or prosecuting violations occurring before the effective date of this
Ordinance.
SECTION 7: Severability. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid
by a court of competent jurisdiction, the city council intends that such invalidity will not
affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the
provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
SECTION 8: Validity of Prior Code Sections. If this the entire Ordinance or its application
is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, any repeal of the ESMC or other
the city ordinance by this Ordinance will be rendered void and cause such ESMC
provision or other the city ordinance to remain in full force and effect for all purposes.
ORDINANCE No. 1538
Page 10 of 10
SECTION 9: Publication. The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption
of this Ordinance; cause it to be entered into the City of El Segundo's book of original
ordinances; make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting; and,
within fifteen (15) days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be
published or posted in accordance with California law.
SECTION 10: Effective Date. This Ordinance will become effective on the 31st day
following its passage and adoption.
SECTION 11: Filing with Building Standards Commission. The City Clerk must file a
certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED ORDINANCE No. 1538 on this 6th day of
December, 2016.
uz . e Fuentes, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Mark . Hensley, C ty ttorney
ATTEST:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF EL SEGUNDO )
I, Tracy Weaver, City Clerk of the City of El Segundo, California, do hereby certify that
the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
Ordinance No. 1538 was duly introduced by said City Council at a regular meeting held
on the 1 st day of November, 2016, and was duly passed and adopted by said City Council,
approved and signed by the Mayor, and attested to by the City Clerk, all at a regular
meeting of said Council held on the 6th day of December, 2016, and the same was so
passed and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Fuentes, Mayor Pro Tern Boyles, Council Member Dugan and
Council Member Pirsztuk
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Brann
ABSTAIN: None
Tr y Wa aver, City Clerk
, ,...,.
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