Ordinance 3083
1
..Title
CITY OF ALAMEDA ORDINANCE No.3083
New Series
AMENDING THE ALAMEDA MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING CHAPTER XIII
(BUILDING AND HOUSING) BY REPEALING ARTICLE I (UNIFORM CODES
RELATING TO BUILDING, HOUSING AND TECHNICAL CODES) IN ITS
ENTIRETY AND ADDING A NEW ARTICLE I (UNIFORM CODES RELATING TO
BUILDING, HOUSING AND TECHNICAL CODES) TO ADOPT THE CURRENT
EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, THE CURRENT EDITION OF
THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE, THE CURRENT EDITION
OF THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, THE CURRENT EDITION
OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, THE CURRENT EDITION OF THE
CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, THE CURRENT EDITION OF THE
CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, THE CURRENT EDITION OF THE
CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, THE CURRENT EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, THE 1997 UNIFORM HOUSING CODE,
AND THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS, AMENDING ARTICLE IV UNSAFE, DANGEROUS
AND SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS; NUISANCES; SUMMARY ABATEMENT BY
REPEALING SECTION 13-12 AND 13-13 AND RETITLING THE ARTICLE
VACANT BUILDINGS AND BY AMENDING CHAPTER XV (FIRE PREVENTION)
BY REPEALING SECTION 15-1 IN ITS ENTIRETY AND BY ADDING A NEW
SECTION 15-1 TO ADOPT THE CURRENT EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA
FIRE CODE
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Alameda that:
Section 1. The Alameda Municipal Code is amended by repealing Article I of
Chapter XIII in its entirety.
Section 2. The Alameda Municipal Code is amended by adding a new Article I
to Chapter XIII of the Alameda Municipal Code which shall read as follows:
ARTICLE I. UNIFORM CODES RELATING TO BUILDING, HOUSING AND
TECHNICAL CODES
13-1 ALAMEDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
13-1.1 Adoption of the Alameda Administrative Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, Chapter 1, Division II SCOPE AND
ADMINISTRATION of the California Building Code, Current Edition, published by the
California Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and made a part
hereof as if fully set forth herein at length, and shall be known as the Alameda
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Administrative Code.
13-1.2 Modifications, Amendments and Deletions to the Chapter 1, Division II
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION of the California Building Code,
current Edition.
a. Section 103.1 of Chapter 1, Division II SCOPE AND
ADMINISTRATION of the California Building Code, Current Edition, is
amended by substituting the words “A code enforcement agency” for
“The Department of Building Safety”
b. Section 105.5 of Chapter 1, Division II SCOPE AND
ADMINISTRATION of the California Building Code, Current Edition, is
amended to read as follows:
Section 105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall expire by limitation and
become null and void 36 months from the date such permit is issued. Before such
work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the
fee therefore shall be based on the work remaining after the last successful
required inspection, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the
original plans and specifications for such work.
Exception: Permits issued as a result a violation of Section 105.1 shall
expire by limitation and become null and void 12 months from the date such
permit is issued.
c. Section 109.4 of Chapter 1, Division II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION of
the California Building Code, Current Edition, is amended to read as follows:
Section 109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. An investigation fee,
in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or
subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be as established by the City
Council. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt an applicant from
compliance with all other provisions of either this code or the technical codes nor
from the penalty prescribed by law.
d. Section 111.5 of Chapter 1, Division II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION of
the California Building Code, Current Edition, is added to read as follows:
Section 111.5 Posting. The certificate of occupancy shall be posted in a
conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the
building official.
e. Section 113.4 of Chapter 1, Division II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION of
the California Building Code, Current Edition, is added to read as follows:
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Section 113.4 Appeals. Any person adversely affected by any written orders,
decisions or determinations made by the Building Official relative to the application
and interpretation of the Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code,
Electrical Code and Fire Code or any other Alameda building regulations may
appeal to the Housing and Building Code Hearing and Appeals Board. Such
appeal shall be filed no later than ten (10) days following the date of the written
decision by filing with the Community Development Department an appeal form
specifying the basis of the appeal.
f. Section 113.5 of Chapter 1, Division II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION of
the California Building Code, Current Edition, is added to read as follows:
Section 113.5 Appeal Fee. The fee for filing an appeal shall be established by
resolution of the City Council. The appeal fee shall be required to be paid at the
time that the appeal application is filed with the Community Development
Department. Appeal forms shall not be accepted witho ut the appropriate appeal
fee.
13-1.3 Copy of Alameda Administrative Code with the Community
Development Department
A copy of the Alameda Administrative Code has been deposited in the Office of the
Community Development Department of the City and shall be maintained by the Building
Official for use and examination by the Public.
13-2 ALAMEDA BUILDING CODE
13-2.1 Adoption of California Building Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Building Code, Current Edition,
published by the California Building Standards Commission, including Appendix Chapter
I, (Patio Covers), is adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth
herein at length, and shall be known as the Alameda Building Code.
13-2.2 Modifications, Amendments and Deletions to the California Building
Code.
a. Section 105.2 Building (7) of the California Building Code, Current Edition,
is amended to read as follows:
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops and similar work.
Exception: The replacement of kitchen counter tops in buildings originally
built prior to May 4, 1989 wherein the kitchen has not been legally
remodeled since May 4, 1989, shall trigger a kitchen remodel permit
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requiring the upgrading of the kitchen electrical to current code.
b. Section 311.4 of the California Building Code, Current Edition, is am ended
by inserting a new section number 311.4 to read as follows:
311.4 Storage Areas. Storage areas within or adjacent to R occupancies shall be
restricted to one electrical receptacle and one electrical light unless otherwise
approved by the Building Of ficial.
c. Section 1208.2 of the California Building Code, Current Edition, is amended
by inserting a new exception to read as follows:
Exception:
6. In qualified historical buildings, as defined in Section 8 -201 of the
California Historical Building Code Current Edition, occupiable
spaces, habitable spaces and corridors shall have a ceiling height of
not less than 7 feet.
d. Section 1505.1 of the California Building Code, Current Edition, is amended
by inserting the following ahead of the first paragraph:
Section 1505.1 Fire Classification. Any roof installed on any structure with an
occupancy classification of "R" or "U" shall have a fire rating of Class A, which
complies with the Section 1505.2 Class A roof assemblies.
e. Section 1510.7 is added to the California Building Code, Current Edition, to
read as follows:
Section 1510.7 Spark Arrester. Spark arrestors in compliance with California
Building Code, Current Edition, Section 2802 shall be installed on all operational
chimneys on any building when the building is re-roofed.
13-2.3 Findings.
Pursuant to Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the California Health and Safety
Code, the City Council finds that the modifications of the California Building Code,
Current Edition, contained in subdivisions (a) through (e) of Section 13-2.2, are
reasonably necessary because of certain local climatic, geographical and topographical
conditions existing in the City of Alameda which are more specifically described as
follows:
a. The City of Alameda is an island community with access dependent upon
bridges and underwater tubes and, in the event of a disaster, could be completely
isolated from outside assistance.
b. The City of Alameda is adjacent to several earthquake faults, which make
buildings and structures susceptible to structural ruptures and fires.
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c. The entire municipal water supply for the City of Alameda is transported via
three aqueducts, which are vulnerable to earthquake and tidal flooding.
d. Alameda is a low-lying island community with soil and groundwater
conditions, which are corrosive to metals.
e. Alameda has very fine, sandy soil conditions.
f. The City of Alameda lies in the path of two (2) airport landing and takeoff
zones.
13-2.4 Copy of California Building Code with Community Development
Department.
A copy of the California Building Code, Current Edition, has been deposited in the
Office of the Community Development Department of the City and shall be maintained by
the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
13-3 ALAMEDA RESIDENTIAL CODE
13-3.1 Adoption of California Residential Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Residential Code, Current Edition,
published by the California Building Standards Commission, including Appendix Chapters
G, H are adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein at
length, and shall be known as the Alameda Residential Code.
13-3.2 Modifications, Amendments and Deletions to the California
Residential Code.
a. Section R105.2 Building (6) of the California Residential Code, Current
Edition, is amended to read as follows:
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops and similar work.
Exception: The replacement of kitchen counter tops in buildings originally
built prior to May 4, 1989 wherein the kitchen has not been legally remodeled
since May 4, 1989, shall trigger a kitchen remodel permit requiring the upgrading
of the kitchen electrical to current code.
10. Decks that are not more than 30” above grade at any point.
b. Section R303 of the California Residential Code, Current Edition, is
amended by inserting a new section number 303.10 to read as follows:
303.10 Storage Areas. Storage areas within or adjacent to R occupancies shall
be restricted to one electrical receptacle and one electrical light unless otherwise
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approved by the Building Official.
c. Section R902.1 of the California Residential Code, Current Edition, is
amended by inserting the following ahead of the first paragraph:
Section R902.1 Roof Classification. Any roof installed on any structure with an
occupancy classification of "R" or "U" shall have a fire rating of Class A.
d. Section R902.5 is added to the California Residential Code, Current Edition,
to read as follows:
Section R902.5 Spark Arrester. Spark arrestors in compliance with California
Building Code, Current Edition, Section 2802 shall be installed on all operational
chimneys on any building when the building is re -roofed.
13-3.3 Findings.
Pursuant to Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the California Health and Safety
Code, the City Council finds that the modifications of the California Residential Code,
Current Edition, contained in subdivisions (a) through (d) of Section 13 -3.2, are
reasonably necessary because of certain local climatic, geographical and to pographical
conditions existing in the City of Alameda which are more specifically described as
follows:
a. The City of Alameda is an island community with access dependent upon
bridges and underwater tubes and, in the event of a disaster, could be
completely isolated from outside assistance.
b. The City of Alameda is adjacent to several earthquake faults, which make
buildings and structures susceptible to structural ruptures and fires.
c. The entire municipal water supply for the City of Alameda is transported via
three aqueducts, which are vulnerable to earthquake and tidal flooding.
d. Alameda is a low-lying island community with soil and groundwater
conditions, which are corrosive to metals.
e. Alameda has very fine, sandy soil conditions.
f. The City of Alameda lies in the path of two (2) airport landing and takeoff
zones.
13-3.4 Copy of California Residential Code with Community Development
Department.
A copy of the California Residential Code, Current Edition, has been deposited in
the Office of the Community Development Department of the City and shall be maintained
by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
13-4 ALAMEDA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
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13-4.1 Adoption of California Historical Building Code.
The California Historical Building Code, Current Edition, published by the California
Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if
fully set forth herein at length, and shall be known as the Alameda Historical Building
Code.
13-4.2 Copy of California Historical Building Code with Community
Development Department.
A copy of the California Historical Building Code, Current Edition, has been
deposited in the Office of the Community Development Department of the City and shall
be maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
13-5 ALAMEDA ELECTRICAL CODE
13.5.1 Adoption of California Electrical Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Electrical Code, Current Edition,
published by the National Fire Protection Association, is adopted by reference and made
a part hereof as if fully set forth herein at length, and shall be known as the Alameda
Electrical Code.
13.5.2 Modifications, Amendments and Deletions to the California Electrical
Code.
a. Article 230-8, Installation of Service Entrance Conductors, of the California
Electrical Code, the Current Edition, is amended by adding the following:
Ends of service conductors, raceways and ducts in underground boxes
shall be sealed to prevent entrance of moisture.
b. Article 230-24 (B) Vertical Clearance From Ground, of the California
Electrical Code, Current Edition, is amended by adding the following:
The service head shall be located on that portion of the building served
which is facing the serving line. The service head shall be located at that
height which will allow for the proper clearance of the service drop over
street, curb, and sidewalk. This will require that the service head for
residential occupancies be not less than twelve feet, six inches (12'6")
above the driveway where the drops may cross a private driveway, and not
less than ten feet, six inches (10'6") above the ground where persons may
walk, other than a public walk, which requires a clearance of sixteen feet
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(16') above the curb. If the height of the building involved is such that these
clearance heights cannot be maintained, then a periscope-type service or
some other auxiliary structure shall be resorted to. In the event that a
periscope-type service is used, it may be placed on the side of the building
served not more than eighteen inches (18") back of the wall, which is facing
the serving line.
c. Article 230.27 Point of Attachment, of the California Electrical Code, Current
Edition, is amended to read as follows:
230.27 Means of Attachment. Unless special permission is granted in
advance to do otherwise, the location of the point of service drop support or
attachment on a building shall be at that portion of the building facing and
nearest to the street, alley, easement, or public way on which is located the
utility's pole having facilities for rendering service of the type required to fit
the needs of the particular installation involved. The point of attachment
shall be the portion of the service conduit adjacent to the service head. The
service conduit shall be securely fastened to structure served and space
provided for attachment of a service drop strain clamp by the serving utility.
The outer or upper end of the overhead service conduit shall not overhang
or project horizontally more than eighteen inches (8") beyond the last point
at which the conduit is supported and fastened. In cases where it is
necessary to obtain the required height for support of the service drops by
extending the service conduit above the roof of the build ing, only rigid
metallic and intermediate metal conduit shall be used for this purpose and
shall not be smaller than one and one -quarter inches (1 1/4") trade size, not
to extend more than thirty inches (30") beyond the last support for
periscope service without brace. If nonferrous metal conduit is used, it shall
not be smaller than two inches.
d. Article 230.30 Insulation, of the California Electrical Code, Current Edition, is
amended by deleting the exceptions and adding the following:
Service entrance conductors entering buildings or other structures shall be
insulated. Conductors installed in underground raceways shall have XHHW,
THW or other suitable insulation as listed in 75C column of Table 310 -16
and subject to Article 110.14(1)(a) of the National Electrical Code.
e. Article 230.43 Wiring Methods for 600 Volts, Nominal, or Less, of the
California Electrical Code, Current Edition, is amended by deleting items 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8,
11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 and by adding the following:
Except when installed as busways or cablebus, all service entrance
conductors in or on buildings shall be installed in rigid metal conduit or
intermediate metal conduit. Service entrance conduits installed to supply
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single and duplex family units shall not be smaller than one and one-quarter
inch (1 1/4") trade size.
f. Article 230.50, (A) Protection Against Physical Damage--Underground, of
the California Electrical Code, Current Edition, is amended by adding the following:
Underground service entrance conductors shall be installed in rigid metal
conduit or rigid non-metallic conduit sized not smaller than two inches (2").
On utility poles conduit risers shall be Schedule 80 rigid non-metallic up to a
height above grade of eight feet (8').
g. Article 230.70 General, (A) Location, of the California Electrical Code,
Current Edition, is amended to read as follows:
The service disconnecting means shall be located at a readily accessible
point nearest to the entrance of the service conductors, and in residential
property shall be accessible from the exterior, except where a meter room
is provided. Such service disconnecting means shall not be installed under
show windows, or in the cases of multiple occupancies, in any location not
readily accessible to all parties concerned. Service disconnecting means
shall not be installed in bathrooms.
h. Article 230.71, Maximum Number of Disconnects, of the California Electrical
Code, Current Edition, is amended to read as follows:
A separate service disconnecting means shall be provided for each
separately metered subdivision of the service conductors. Switches or
circuit breakers accessible from the exterior of the building shall be limited
to one for each meter; in new construction however, exceptions will be
granted in cases involving provisions for the installation of major household
appliances, provided that the over current devices are contained within a
single panel board assembly approved for the purpose, in which case the
number of circuits shall be limited to six (6). More than six (6) disconnects
will require a main disconnect. The service disconnecting means shall have
provisions for locking each subservice disconnect in the "Off" position with
a utility-type seal. All 480 volt services and all services equaling greater
than 800 amps shall have a single disconnect installed and approved by the
Building Official.
i. Article 240.24, Location in or on Premises, (B) Occupancy of the California
Electrical Code, Current Edition, is amended by adding the following:
In new installations, not more than two feeder or branch-circuit over current
devices shall be installed on the load side of any meter in any meter cabinet
opening to the exterior of a building. For a larger number of over current
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devices, a distribution center shall be provided at a suitable location within
the building. Exceptions to this rule will be granted in cases involving
provision for the installation of major household appliances, provided that
the over current devices are contained within a single panel board
assembly approved for the purpose. In apartment houses and other
buildings of multiple occupancies, branch circuit over current devices which
are located in an apartment or portion of the building intended to be
separately occupied by a tenant will not be considered as being readily
accessible if they protect circuits supplying any outlets or equipment not for
this exclusive use of this tenant. The over current device may be located in
a commonly accessible location, but all circuits supplying individual
apartments in multifamily dwellings shall be confined to each individual
apartment served.
j. Article 250.50 Grounding Electrode System and Grounding Electrode
Conductor, of the California Electrical Code, Current Edition, is amended by adding the
following:
The concrete encased electrode described in 250 -52(A)(3) shall be
installed during the construction of all new buildings as the primary ground
and when new foundations are constructed for existing buildings. A ground
rod electrode shall be installed a t the service entrance location at time of
alteration or installation of service to existing buildings as a primary
grounding means.
k. Article 250.104, Bonding of Piping Systems and Exposed Structural Steel,
of the California Electrical Code, Current Ed ition, is amended by adding the following:
General. Interior and exterior hot and cold water system shall be bonded to
the neutral buss and the interior gas piping. Such connection shall not be
located in under-the-floor crawl spaces, except by permission of the
Building Official.
l. Article 300.3, Conductors, (C) Conductors of Different Systems, of the
California Electrical Code, Current Edition, is amended by adding the following:
Conductors Supplied by Individual Disconnecting Means in Two or More
Occupancy Buildings. Conductors or circuits derived from a sub -service
disconnecting means for an occupancy shall not occupy the same wiring
enclosure, cable, or raceway with conductors for other occupancies.
Exception 1. Emergency circuit wiring. Exception 2. Group-mounted
service boards in single enclosures and auxiliary gutters at service
switchboard location.
m. Article 334.10, Uses Permitted, of the California Electrical Code, Current
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Edition, is amended by adding the following:
Nonmetallic-sheathed cable may be used in the hollow spaces of walls and
ceilings of wood frame construction and must be concealed by the
permanent finish of the building. It is limited to use on circuits not exceeding
300 volts between conductors or 150 volts to ground.
n. Article 334.15(c), In Unfinished Basements, of the California Electrical
Code, Current Edition, is amended by adding the following:
In wood frame construction where the basement has less than (3’) three
foot vertical clearance and the cable is not exposed t o physical damage,
the cable shall either be run through bored holes in joists, parallel to joist, or
on girders or running boards and shall closely follow the vertical surface of
such members. Where cable is exposed to physical damage, a metal-clad
system of wiring shall be used in the unfinished area of the building, subject
to the requirements of Article 300 of the California Electrical Code.
o. Article 338.10, Uses Permitted as Service -Entrance Conductors, of the
California Electrical Code, Current Edition, is deleted.
p. Article 358.12, Uses Not Permitted, of the California Electrical Code,
Current Edition, is amended by adding the following:
(7) Electrical metallic tubing shall not be used in the ground floor slab or in
any location where it would be in contact with the ground.
q. Article 394 of the California Electrical Code, Current Edition, is deleted.
13-5.3 Findings.
Pursuant to Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the California Health and Safety Code, the
City Council finds that the modifications of the California Electric Code, Current Edition,
contained in subdivisions (a) through (r) of Section 13 -5.2, are reasonably necessary
because of certain local climatic, geographical and topographical conditions existing in
the City of Alameda which are more specifically described as follows:
a. The City of Alameda is an island community with access dependent upon
bridges and underwater tubes and, in the event of a disaster, could be completely
isolated from outside assistance.
b. The City of Alameda is adjacent to several earthquake faults, which make
buildings and structures susceptible to structural ruptures and fires.
c. The entire municipal water supply for the City of Alameda is transported via
three (3) aqueducts, which are vulnerable to earthquake and tidal flooding.
d. Alameda is a low-lying island community with soil and groundwater conditions,
which are corrosive to metals.
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e. Alameda has very fine, sandy soil conditions.
f. The City of Alameda lies in the path of two (2) airport landing and takeoff zones.
g. Electrical power in the City of Alameda is provided by Alameda Municipal
Power, a City-owned and operated municipal utility, which has the authority to regulate
acceptable materials, arrangement, location and type of service equipm ent.
13-5.4 Copy of California Electrical Code with Community Development
Department.
A copy of the California Electrical Code, Current Edition, has been deposited in the
Office of the Community Development Department of the City and shall be maintained by
the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
13-6 ALAMEDA PLUMBING CODE
13-6.1 Adoption of California Plumbing Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Plumbing Code, Current Edition,
published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, including
Appendix Chapters A, B, D through G, I and L, is adopted by reference and made a part
hereof as if fully set forth herein at length, and shall be known as the Alameda Plumbing
Code. Any conflicts between the requirements contained in the Current Alameda
Plumbing Code Chapter I, Division II Administration and the Current Alameda
Administrative Code shall be controlled by the latter.
13-6.2 Modifications, Amendments and Deletions to the California Plumbing
Code.
a. Section 609.3 of the California Plumbing Code, Current Edition, is amended
to read as follows:
Section 609.3 Water piping shall not be installed in or under a concrete floor slab
within a building.
b. Section 719.7 of the California Plumbing Code, Current Edition, is added to
read as follows:
Section 719.7 A property line cleanout shall be placed at the junction of the
building sewer and the street lateral whenever a new building sewer is installed or
when more than fifty percent of any building sewer is replaced or repaired. Such
cleanout shall be installed by the use of an approved cast iron double cleanout
fitting. A cast iron riser shall also be required to be extended to grade.
c. Section 1210.18 of the California Plumbing Cod e, Current Edition is
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amended to read as follows:
Section 1210.18 Earthquake–actuated Gas Shutoff Valves. Earthquake-
actuated gas shutoff valves, certified by the State Architect as conforming to
California Referenced Standard 12-12-1, shall be provided as follows:
a. On all projects in which a permit is issued for gas piping.
b. Prior to entering into an agreement for sale, or prior to close of escrow
when an escrow agreement has been executed in connection with the
sale.
13-6.3 Findings.
Pursuant to Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the California Health and Safety
Code, the City Council finds that the modifications of the California Plumbing Code,
Current Edition, contained in subdivisions (a) through (c) of Section 13 -6.2, are
reasonably necessary because of certain local climatic, geographical and topographical
conditions existing in the City of Alameda which are more specifically described as
follows:
a. The City of Alameda is an island community with access dependent upon
bridges and underwater tubes and, in the event of a disaster, could be completely
isolated from outside assistance.
b. The City of Alameda is adjacent to several earthquake faults, which make
buildings and structures susceptible to structural ruptures and fires.
c. The entire municipal water supply for the City of Alameda is transported via
three (3) aqueducts, which are vulnerable to earthquake and tidal flooding.
d. Alameda is a low-lying island community with soil and groundwater conditions,
which are corrosive to metals.
e. The City of Alameda lies in the path of two (2) airport landing and takeoff zones.
13-6.4 Copy of California Plumbing Code with the Community Development
Department.
A copy of the California Plumbing Code, Current Edition, has been deposited in the
Office of the Community Development Department of the City and shall be maintained by
the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
13-7 ALAMEDA MECHANICAL CODE.
13-7.1 Adoption of California Mechanical Code.
The California Mechanical Code, Current Edition, including Appendix Chapter A,
published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is
adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein at length, and
shall be known as the Alameda Mechanical Co de. Any conflicts between the
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requirements contained in the Current Alameda Mechanical Code Chapter I, Division II
Administration and the Current Alameda Administrative Code shall be controlled by the
latter.
13-7.2 Copy of California Mechanical Code with Community Development
Department.
A copy of the California Mechanical Code, Current Edition, shall be deposited in
the Office of the Community Development Department of the City and shall be maintained
by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
13-8 ALAMEDA HOUSING CODE
13-8.1 Adoption of Uniform Housing Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, the Uniform Housing Code, 1997 Edition,
published by the International Conference of Building Officials, is adopted by reference
and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein at length, and shall be known as the
Alameda Housing Code. With respect to residential structures, Health and Safety Code
Division 13, 1.5, Section 17920.3, et seq., known as the State Housing Law, supersedes
the applicability of the Uniform Housing Code to the degree of any conflict between the
State Housing Law and either of the building standards.
13-8.2 Copy of Uniform Housing Code with Community Development
Department.
A true copy of the Uniform Housing Code, 1997 Edition, has been deposited in the
office of the Community Development Department of the City and shall be maintained by
the Building Official for use and examination of the public.
13-9 ALAMEDA CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
13-9.1 Adoption of Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.
Except as hereinafter provided, the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings, 1997 Edition, published by the International Conference of Building Officials is
adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein at length, and
shall be known as the Alameda Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.
13-9.2 Copy of Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings with
Community Development Department.
A copy of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997
Edition, has been deposited in the Office of the Community Development Department of
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the City and shall be maintained by the Building Official for use and examina tion by the
Public.
13-10 ALAMEDA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE.
13-10.1 Adoption of California Green Building Standards Code.
The California Green Building Standards Code, the Current Edition published by
the California Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and made a part
hereof as if fully set forth herein at length, and shall be known as the Alameda Green
Building Standards Code.
13-10.2 Copy of California Green Building Standards Code with Community
Development Department.
A copy of the California Green Building Standards Code, the Current Edition, shall
be deposited in the Office of the Community Development Department of the City and
shall be maintained by the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
13-11 ALAMEDA ENERGY CODE.
13-11.1 Adoption of California Energy Code.
The California Energy Code, the Current Edition published by the California
Building Standards Commission, is adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if
fully set forth herein at length, and shall be known as the Alameda Energy Code.
13-11.2 Copy of California Energy Code with Community Development
Department.
A copy of the California Energy Code, the Current Edition, shall be deposited in the
Office of the Community Development Department of the City and shall be maintained by
the Building Official for use and examination by the public.
Section 3. The Alameda Municipal Code is amended by amending Article
IV to Chapter XIII of the Alameda Municipal Code which shall read as follows:
ARTICLE IV. UNSAFE, DANGEROUS AND SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS;
NUISANCES; SUMMARY ABATEMENT VACANT BUILDINGS
13-12 RESERVED
13-13 RESERVED
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Section 4. The Alameda Municipal Code is hereby amended by repealing
Section 15-1 (Alameda Fire Code) Chapter IV of the Alameda Municipal Code in its
entirety and substituting the following:
15-1 ALAMEDA FIRE CODE
15-1.1 Adoption of the California Fire Code.
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Fire Code, Current Edition, including
Appendix Chapters 4, B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,& K, and the International Fire Code published by
the International Code Council, being particularly the 2012 Edition thereof and the whole
thereof, is adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if fully herein at length, and
shall be known as the Alameda Fire Code.
15-1.2.1 Modifications, Amendments and Deletions to the California Fire Code.
a. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 101.1 is amended to read as
follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Alameda Fire Code,
hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
b. California Fire Code Current Edition, Section 102.1 is amended to read as
follows:
102.1 Construction and design provisions. The construction and design
provisions of this code shall apply to:
1. Structures, facilities and conditions arising after the adoption
of this code.
2. Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legally in
existence at the time of adoption of this code.
3. Existing structures, facilities and conditions when required in
Chapter 11.
4. Existing structures, facilities and conditions, which, in the
opinion of the fire code official, constitute a distinct hazard to
life and property.
5. Existing structures to which additions, alterations or repairs
are made that involve the addition, removal or replacement of
fifty percent (50%) or greater of the linear length of the walls
of the existing building (exterior plus interior) within a one-
year period.
c. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 102.3 is amended to read as
follows:
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102.3 Change of use or occupancy. No change shall be made in the use
or occupancy of any structure that would place the structure in a different
division of the same groups or occupancy or in a different group of
occupancies, unless such structure is made to comply with the provisions of
this code.
d. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 103.5 is added to read as
follows:
103.5 Police powers. The fire code official and deputies shall have the
powers of police officers in performing their duties under this code. When
requested to do so by the fire code official, the chief of police of the
jurisdiction is authorized to assign such available police officers as
necessary to assist the fire code official in enforcing the provisions of this
code.
e. California Fire Code, the Current Edition, Chapter 1, Section 105.1.1 added
to read as follows:
105.1.1 Permit Fees. The fees for permits and inspections shall be
established by resolution of the City Council.
f. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 308.3.1.1 is amended to
delete exception #1.
g. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 319 is added to read as
follows:
SECTION 319 STORAGE OF IDLE PALLETS
319.1 General. The requirements of this section apply to all pallets,
whether wood or plastic.
319.2 Storage of idle pallets. Storage of idle pallets shall be regulated as
follows:
1. Idle pallets shall be stored outside, except as permitted by
Section 319.3 of this code.
2. Idle pallets shall be permitted to be stored in a building if the
building is sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13.
3. Idle pallets stored outside shall be stored in accordance with
Section 319.3 of this code.
319.3 Physical characteristics of outside storage.
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1. Idle pallet stacks shall not exceed fifteen feet (15’) in height.
2. Idle pallet stacks shall not cover an area of greater than 400
square feet.
3. Idle pallet stacks shall be arranged to form stable piles.
4. A distance of not less than twenty feet (20’) shall sepa rate
stacks.
5. Stacks shall be no closer than twenty feet (20’) to any
property line.
6. Stacks shall be no closer than twenty feet (20’) to any other
yard storage.
7. Stacks shall be no closer than the distances shown in Table
31.3 to buildings.
TABLE 319.3
REQUIRED CLEARANCES BETWEEN OUTSIDE IDLE PALLET STORAGE AND
BUILDINGS
Wall Construction Under 50 Pallets 51-200 Pallets Over 200 Pallets
Masonry with no
openings
No restrictions No restrictions 15 feet
Masonry with wired
glass in openings,
outside sprinklers,
and one-hour
doors
No restrictions 10 feet 20 feet
Masonry with wired
or plain glass,
outside sprinklers,
and ¾ hour doors
10 feet 20 feet 30 feet
Wood or metal with
outside sprinklers
10 feet 20 feet 30 feet
Wood, metal, or
other
20 feet 30 feet 50 feet
h. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 506.1 is amended to read as
follows:
506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is
restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is
necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the fire code official is
authorized to require a key box or other approved emergency access
device to be installed in an approved location. The key box or other
approved emergency access device shall be of an approved type and shall
contain keys or other information to gain necessary access as required by
the fire code official. The key box shall be of an approved type listed in
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accordance with UL 1037 and shall contain keys to gain necessary access
as required by the fire code official.
i. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 507.5.2 is amended to read
as follows:
507.5.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire hydrant systems
shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the fire code off icial. Fire
hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times
and shall be repaired where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and
servicing shall comply with approved standards. When required by the fire
code official, hydrants shall be painted in accordance with the most current
edition of NFPA 291.
j. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 901.1.1 is added to read as
follows:
901.1.1 Responsibility. The owner of the protected premises shall be
responsible for all fire protection systems within the protected premises,
whether existing or installed under this code.
k. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 901.4.5.1 is added to read as
follows:
901.4.5.1 Non-operational equipment. Any fire protection equipment that
is no longer in service shall be removed.
l. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 903.1 is amended to read as
follows:
Section 903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems required in this Code
shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter.
m. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 903.2 is amended to read as
follows:
Section 903.2 Where required. An automatic sprinkler system shall
be installed in the occupancies and locations as set forth in this section.
n. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 903.2.1 is amended to read
as follows:
Section 903.2.1 Occupancies requiring automatic sprinkler systems .
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An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all newly
constructed occupancies. All occupancy group types or buildings moved
into or relocated within the City and shall comply with NFPA Standard 13,
13-R and 13-D, and the following:
1. Bathrooms, regardless of size, and all spaces used for the
storage of combustible materials.
2. When an existing building is added to, repaired or remodeled,
if the cost of addition, repair or remodeling, is equal to or
greater than 25% of the current value of the building . The
value shall be based on the International Code Council
Building Valuation Data Table.
Exception: Existing Group R, Division 3 and Group
R, Division 2, with less than 16 units, are occupancies
excluded from this requirement.
3. The minimum hazard classification shall be designed to meet
“Ordinary Hazard, Group 2.” for NFPA 13 systems.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic sprinkler system need not
be installed in detached Group U
Occupancies (utility) less than 300
square feet.
2. An automatic sprinkler system need not
be provided when the floor area of a
temporary building as defined in the
California Building Code is less than
1,000 square feet and the exit travel
distance from any point is less than 50
feet.
3. An automatic sprinkler system need not
be provided when the floor area of a
Group B (Business), Group F (Factory),
and Group S (Storage) Occupancy is
less than 300 square feet, as
determined by the fire code official.
o. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 903.3.1.3 is amended to read
as follows:
903.3.1.3 NFPA 13D sprinkler system. An automatic sprinkler system is
required in all newly constructed Group R, Division 3 and R -4 congregate
living facilities, townhouses occupancies, and manufactured homes. The
systems shall comply with NFPA Standard 13-D and the following:
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1. All fire sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA
Standard 13-D shall be tested for leakage by undergoing a
hydrostatic test made at 200 psi for a two-hour duration or at
50 psi above static pressure in excess of 150 psi for two-hour
duration.
2. Local water flow alarms on residential type sprinkler systems
(Standard 13-D) shall be powered from the kitchen
refrigerator circuit.
3. Attached garages, bathrooms, attic spaces regardless of
size, and spaces used for the storage of combustible
materials.
p. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 903.3.1.1.2 is added to read
as follows:
903.3.1.1.2 Elevators. Automatic fire sprinklers shall not be installed at
the top of passenger elevator hoist ways or in the associated passenger
elevator mechanical rooms.
903.3.1.1.2.1 Where automatic fire sprinklers are not installed at the top of
passenger elevator hoist ways, heat detectors for the shunt trip mechanism
shall not be installed, nor shall smoke detectors for elevator recall be
installed.
903.3.1.1.2.2 Where automatic fire sprinklers are not installed in
associated elevator mechanical rooms, heat detectors for the shunt trip
mechanism shall be installed. A smoke detector shall be installed for
elevator recall.
q. California Fire Code, Current Edition Section 903.4.2. Alarms is amended to
read as follows:
903.4.2 Alarms. Approved audible devices shall be connected to every
automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water-flow alarms devices shall be
activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a si ngle sprinkler of the
smallest orifice size installed in the system. Alarm devices shall be provided
inside each tenant space in a normally occupied area and on the exterior of the
building in an approved location. Where a fire alarm system is installed,
actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall activate the building fire alarm
system.
r. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 903.4.3 is amended to read
as follows:
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903.4.3 Floor control valves. Approved indicating control valves and
water flow switches shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser
on each floor in all buildings over one story in height, and shall be
individually annunciated as approved by the fire code official.
s. California Fire Code, Current Edition Section 907.1.6 is added to read as
follows:
907.1.6 Multiple Fire Alarm Systems. Multiple fire alarm systems within a
single protected premises are not permitted, unless specifically authorized
by the fire code official.
t. California Fire Code, Current Edition, Section 3405.1 is amended to read as
follows:
3405.1 Individual piles. Tire storage shall be restricted to individual piles
not exceeding 2,500 square feet of continuous area. Piles shall not exceed 25,000 cubic
feet in volume or 10 feet in height.
u. California Fire Code, Current Edition , Appendix B is amended to read as
follows:
B105.2 Exception 1. A reduction in required fire-flow of up to 50%, as
approved when is allowed when the building is provided with an approved automatic
sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. The
resulting fire-flow shall not be less than 1,500 gallons per minute for the prescribed
duration as specified in Table B105.1.
v. California Fire Code, Current Edition , Appendix D is amended to read as
follows:
D102.1 Access and loading. Facilities, buildings or portions of buildings
hereafter constructed shall be accessible to fire department apparatus by way of an
approved fire apparatus access road with asphalt, concrete or other approved surface
capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 78,000
pounds.
15-1.3 Findings
Pursuant to Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the California Health and Safety
Code, the City Council finds that the modifications of the California Fire Code, the Current
Edition, contained in subdivision (a) through (ff) of Section 15 -1.2, is reasonably
necessary because of certain local climatic, geographical and topographical conditions
existing in the City of Alameda which are more specifically described as follows:
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a. The City of Alameda is an island community with access dependent upon
bridges and underwater tubes and, in the event of a disaster, could be completely
isolated from outside assistance.
b. The City of Alameda is adjacent to several earthquake faults, which make
buildings and structures susceptible to structural ruptures and fires.
c. The entire municipal water supply for the City of Alameda is transported via
three aqueducts which are vulnerable to earthquake and t idal flooding.
d. Alameda is a low-lying island community with soil and groundwater
conditions which are corrosive to metals.
e. The City of Alameda lies in the path of two (2) airport landing and takeoff
zones.
15-1.4 Copy of California Fire Code With Fire Administration and Fire
Preventative Services.
A true copy of the California Fire Code, Current Edition, has been deposited in the
Fire Administrative Offices and Preventative Services Division of the City and shall be
maintained by the Fire Department for u se and examination of the public.
15-1.4.1 Enforcement Officer.
Any Chief, Assistant Chief or other Fire Department personnel assigned to the Fire
Preventative Services Division of the City Fire Department shall be an enforcement
officer.
15-1.6 Establishment and Duties of the Preventative Service.
a. The Alameda Fire Code shall be enforced by the Preventative
Services in the Fire Department of the City of Alameda which is established
and which shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire
Department.
b. The Chief in charge of Preventative Services shall be
appointed by the Chief of the Fire Department.
c. The Chief of the Fire Department may detail such members of
the Fire Department as inspectors as shall from time to time be necessary.
The Chief of the Fire Department shall recommend to the City Manager the
employment of technical inspectors, who, when such authorization is made,
shall be selected through an examination to determine their fitness for the
position. The examination shall be open to members a nd nonmembers of
the Fire Department, and appointments made after examination shall be for
an indefinite term with removal only for cause.
15-1.7 New Materials, Processes or Occupancies Which May Require
Permits.
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The Building Official, the Chief of the Fire Department, and the Chief of
Preventative Services shall act as a committee to determine and specify, after giving
affected persons an opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes or
occupancies for which permits are required, in addition to those n ow enumerated in said
Code. The Chief of Preventative Services shall post such list in a conspicuous place in his
office, and distribute copies thereof to interested persons.
15-1.8 Appeals.
Whenever the Chief disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit
applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the Alameda Fire Code do not
apply or that the true intent and meaning of the Alameda Fire Code have been
misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal from the decision of the
Chief to the Housing and Building Code Hearings and Appeals Board, within thirty (30)
days from the date of the decision of the Chief.
Section 5. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this
ordinance is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect
the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City
Council of the City of Alameda herby declares that it would have passed this ordinance,
and each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact
that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared
unconstitutional.
Section 6. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or
inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance hereby adopted, to the extent of such
conflict only, are hereby repealed.
Section 7. The City Clerk of the City of Alameda is hereby directed to
cause this ordinance to be published in the Official Newspaper of the City of Alame da
Section 8. This ordinance and the rules, regulations, provisions,
requirements, orders and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and
be in full force and effect 30 days after the date of its final passage and adoption.
___________________________
Presiding Officer of the Council
Attest:
_____________________________
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
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* * * * *
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was duly and
regularly adopted and passed by Council of the City of Alameda in regular meeting
assembled on the 19th day of November, 2013, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers Chen, Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam and
Mayor Gilmore – 5.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official
seal of said City this 20th day of November, 2013.
______________________
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
City of Alameda