HomeMy WebLinkAbout1835 ORDINANCE NO. 1835
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER
8.04 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS,
AMENDMENTS AND DELETIONS, THE 2013 CALIFORNIA BUILDING
CODE, INCLUDING APPENDICES C, I, AND J; THE 2013 CALIFORNIA
RESIDENTIAL CODE, INCLUDING APPENDIX H; THE 2013
CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE; THE 2013 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING
CODE, INCLUDING APPENDICES A, B, D, G, I AND K; THE 2012
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, INCLUDING ALL
APPENDICES; THE 2013 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE;
THE 2013 CALIFORNIA HISTORIC BUILDING CODE, INCLUDING
APPENDIX A; THE 2013 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE,
INCLUDING ALL APPENDICES; THE 2013 CALIFORNIA ENERGY
CODE, INCLUDING ALL APPENDICES; AND THE 2013 GREEN
BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, INCLUDING ALL APPENDICES,
AMENDING AND RESTATING ARTICLE IV OF CHAPTER 8.04 OF THE
PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, ADOPTING THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS BUILDING ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND REPEALING
ARTICLE VII OF CHAPTER 8.04 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL
CODE, RELATING TO SWIMMING POOL SAFETY STANDARDS.
CITYATTORNEY SUMMARY
This Urgency Ordinance adopts and amends the 2013 Building Standards
Code, Title 24 California Code of Regulations, which includes the
California Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, Existing Building,
Historic Building, Electrical, Energy, and the Green Building Standards
Codes (Parts 2, 2.5, 4, 5, 10, 8, 3, 6 and 11 respectively). In addition, this
Ordinance adopts the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code,
adopts the City of Palm Springs Building Administrative Code, and repeals
Article Vll of Chapter 8.04 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code relating to
Swimming Pool Safety Standards. This Urgency Ordinance will be
operative on January 1, 2014.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Article I of Chapter 8.04 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is
hereby amended and restated td read as follows:
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 2
ARTICLE I
BUILDING CODES
Section:
8.04.005 Citation of Building Code.
8.04.010 California Building Code—Adopted.
8.04.015 California Building Code—Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
8.04.016 California Residential Code—Adopted.
8.04.017 California Residential Code—Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
8.04.020 California Mechanical Code—Adopted.
8.04.021 California Mechanical Code—Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
8.04.030 California Plumbing Code—Adopted.
8.04.031 California Plumbing Code—Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
8.04.035 International Property Maintenance Code—Adopted.
8.04.040 California Existing Building Code—Adopted.
8.04.045 California Historic Building Code—Adopted.
8.04.050 California Electrical Code—Adopted.
8.04.055 California Electrical Code—Addition, Amendments and Deletions.
8.04.065 California Energy Code—Adopted.
8.04.070 California Green Building Standards Code—Adopted.
8.04.072 Reserved.
8.04.080 Reserved.
SECTION 2. Section 8.04.005 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.005 Citation of Building Code.
This chapter, the 2013 California Building Code, including Appendices C, I, and J; the
2013 California Residential Code, including Appendix H; the 2013 California Mechanical
Code; the 2013 California Plumbing Code; the 2012 Intemational Property Maintenance
Code; the 2013 California Existing Building Code; the 2013 California Historic Building
Code; the 2013 California Electrical Code; the 2013 California Energy Code; and the
2013 California Green Building Standards Code may be collectively referred to and
cited as the Palm Springs Building Code.
SECTION 3. Section 8.04.010 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.010 California Building Code—Adopted.
These certain documents, a copy of each of which are on file in the office of the City
Clerk, being marked and designated as the 2013 California Building Code, California
Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2, Volumes 1 & 2, including Appendices C, I and J,
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 3
and all tables and indices thereto, except as hereinafter modified, are hereby adopted
by reference as the Building Code of the City of Palm Springs pursuant to Section
50022.1 et seq. of the California Government Code.
SECTION 4. Section 8.04.015 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.015 California Building Code—Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
The California Building Code adopted herein by reference is hereby modified by the
following additions, amendments and deletions:
1) Part 2, Chapter 1, Division II — Scope and Administration is deleted in entirety
and replaced with the following:
PART 2 —ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 101 — GENERAL
The administrative and enforcement provisions of this Code shall be as listed in
the Palm Springs Building Administrative Code.
2) Amend section 202, Definitions, by adding the following definition:
FIVE MINUTE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TIME. The Five-Minute Fire
Department Response Time is defined as the time the fire station or response
personnel receive notification of a call for emergency service, allowing one-
minute for "firefighter turnout' and four-minutes for travel on paved streets. The
Palm Springs Fire Department Five-Minute Response Time Map is identified in
Appendix M of the Fire Code of the City of Palm Springs.
3) Add new subsection 901.6.1.1, Approval required, to read as follows:
901.6.1.1 Approval required. Prior to the removal of any fire protection system,
approval shall be obtained from the fire code official.
4) Amend subsection 903.2, Where required, is amended to read as follows:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings
and structures shall be provided in locations described in Sections 903.2.1
through 903.2.21 as amended by this code. For purposes of this code, fire
resistive construction shall not be considered for purposes of reducing the gross
fire area of any building.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 4
Exceptions: (1) Group U Occupancies of non-combustible construction;
and (2) Group S-2 carports — 100% open on all sides of non-combustible
construction.
An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in any building,
regardless of gross fire area, which is built beyond a five-minute fire department
emergency response time as defined in Section 202.
Exceptions: (1) Group U Occupancies of non-combustible construction;
and (2) Group S-2 carports — 100% open on all sides of non-combustible
construction.
An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in every Group A
Occupancy per Section 903.2.1 including those that result from a change of use
in an existing building or portion thereof.
Exception: Group A-2 occupancies.
5) Delete subsection 903.2.1.1, Group A-1.
6) Amend subsection 903.2.1.2, Group A-2, to read as follows:
903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for
Group A-2 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fully enclosed area exceeds 3,000 square feet. For the purposes of
this section, the term "fully enclosed area" means an area enclosed by fire
walls, fire barriers, or walls extending from floor to ceiling but does not
include patio areas included solely within the horizontal projection of the
roof or floor next above.
2. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.
3. The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
4. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge
serving such occupancies.
5. The structure exceeds 5,000 square feet, contains more than one fire area
containing Group A-2 occupancy, and is separated into two or more
buildings by fire walls of less than four-hour resistance rating without
openings.
7) Delete subsection 903.2.1.3, Group A-3.
8) Delete subsection 903.2.1.4, Group A-4.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 5
9) Delete subsection 903.2.1.5, Group A-5,
10) Amend item 1 of subsection 903.2.3, Group E, to read as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 3,000 square feet in area.
11) Amend the exception to item 2 of subsection 903.2.3, Group E, to read as
follows:
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any fire area
or area below the level of exit discharge where every classroom
throughout the building has at least one exterior exit door at ground level
and the fire area does not exceed 3,000 square feet.
12) Amend items 1 and 3 of subsection 903.2.4, Group F-1, to read as follows:
1. Where a Group F-1 fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
3. Where the combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including
any mezzanines, exceeds 3,000 square feet.
13) Amend items 1, 3, 4 and 5 of subsection 903.2.7, Group M, to read as follows:
1. Where a Group M fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
3. Where the combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including
any mezzanines, exceeds 3,000 square feet.
4. A Group M occupancy used for the display and sale of upholstered
furniture and mattresses exceeds 3,000 square feet.
5. The structure exceeds 3,000 square feet, contains more than one fire area
containing a group M occupancy and is separated into two or more
buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating.
14) Amend items 1, 3 and 4 of subsection 903.2.9, Group S-1, to read as follows:
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any
mezzanines, exceeds 3,000 square feet.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial trucks or buses
where the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 6
15) Amend items 1, 2 and 4 of subsection 903.2.9.1, Repair garages, to read as
follows:
1. Buildings two or more stories in height, including basements, with a fire
area containing a repair garage exceeding 3,000 square feet.
2. One-story buildings with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding
3,000 square feet.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for repair of commercial trucks or buses where
the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
16) Amend subsection 903.2.10, Group S-2 enclosed parking garages, to read as
follows:
903.2.10 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-2 occupancy, as
classified in accordance with section 406.6 of the California Building Code, where
one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-2 fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet; or
Exception: Group S-2 carports — 100% open on all sides of non-
combustible construction.
2. Where the enclosed parking garage is located beneath other groups.
17) Amend subsection 903.2.10.1, Commercial parking garages, to read as follows:
903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall
be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial trucks or buses
where the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
18) Add new subsection 903.2.20, Group B, to read as follows:
903.2.20 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout
all new buildings containing a Group B occupancy that exceeds 3,000 square
feet.
19) Add new subsection 903.2.21, Group F-2, to read as follows:
903.2.21 Group F-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided
throughout any new building containing a Group F-2 occupancy that exceeds
3,000 square feet.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 7
20) Amend subsection 903.3.8, Floor control valves, to read as follows:
903.3.8 Floor control valves. Approved supervised indicating control valves,
check valves, water flow detection assemblies and main drains shall.be provided
at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in buildings three or more
stories in height unless otherwise approved by the fire code official. Valve
locations will be determined and approved by the fire code official.
21) Add new subsection 903.6, Increased square footage, to read as follows:
903.6 Increased square footage. Any existing building or structure undergoing
construction or alteration which adds square footage exceeding the total area as
prescribed in Section 903.2 shall require an approved automatic fire sprinkler
system.
Exceptions: (1) One and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes;
and (2) additions to occupancies equating fifteen (15) percent or less of
total floor area. Fire sprinkler requirements for these occupancies shall be
determined based on California Fire Code Table B105.1 — Minimum
Required Fire Flow for Buildings.
22) Add new subsection 907.2.11.7, Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, to read as
follows.
907.2.11.7 Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Upon sale of any residential
dwelling and factory-built housing, the seller shall have installed therein,
permanently wired or battery powered approved detectors of products of
combustion other than heat only and carbon monoxide commonly known as
"smoke detectors." The smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required to be
State Fire Marshal approved and listed. The seller must obtain certification from
the Palm Springs Fire Department of the installation and proper operation prior to
close of sale of property. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms shall be
maintained as originally approved at the time of construction, or remodel.
23) Amend subsection 907.2.13, High-rise buildings, to read as follows:
907.2.13 High-rise buildings. High-rise buildings and buildings having occupied
floors located more than 60 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system in
accordance with 907.2.13.1 and emergency voice/alarm communication systems
in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
24) Amend subsection 907.2.19, Deep underground buildings, to read as follows:
907.2.19 Deep underground buildings. All underground buildings shall be
equipped throughout with a manual fire alarm system, including an emergency
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 8
voice/alarm communication system installed in accordance with Section
907.5.2.2.
25) Subsection 1207.1, Scope, is amended to read as follows:
1207.1 Purpose and Scope. The purpose of this section is to establish uniform
minimum noise insulation performance standards to protect persons within
hotels, motels, dormitories, apartment houses, attached dwellings, and those
detached single-family dwellings located within the airport 'N' zone overlay from
the effects of excessive noise, including, but not limited to, hearing loss or
impairment and interference with speech and sleep.
26) Amend subsection 1509.1, General, to read as follows:
1509.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the construction of
rooftop structures. All rooftop equipment, unless exempted by the Building
Official, shall be provided with an approved six (6) inch high platform equipped
with a sheet metal cover. Design of the platform shall be as per City detail or
approved equal.
27) Add new subsection J101, Building official, to Appendix J, Grading, to read as
follows:
J101 Building official. For the purpose of administration and enforcement of
this Appendix Chapter, Grading, the building official shall mean the director of public
works or his or her designated representative.
28) Add new subsection J104.1.1, Grading designation, to Appendix J, Grading, to
read as follows:
J104.1.1 Grading designation. Grading in excess of 2,000 cubic yards shall be
performed in accordance with an approved grading plan prepared by a civil
engineer, and shall be designated as "engineered grading". Grading involving
less than 2,000 but more than 50 cubic yards shall be performed in accordance
with an approved grading plan prepared by an appropriate design professional as
allowed by the building official, and shall be designated "regular grading" unless
the permittee chooses to have the grading performed as engineered grading, or
the building official determines that special conditions or unusual hazards exist,
in which case grading shall conform to the requirements for engineered grading.
Grading involving less than 50 cubic yards shall be exempt from the
requirements for a grading plan, unless determined otherwise by the building
official, in which case grading shall conform to the requirements for regular
grading.
Exception: Grading in excess of 2,000 cubic yards which is primarily of a
landscaping and "fine grading" nature, where no flood hazard is present,
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 9
may be designated "regular grading" at the discretion of the building
official.
29) Amend subsection J104.2, Site plan requirements' by adding text after the first
paragraph of the subsection to read as follows:
Dust Control. An effective means of dust control, which shall include provisions
or adequate watering during the grading provisions for adequate watering during
the grading process and provision for continuance of dust control after grading,
until such time that the graded surface presents sufficient protective cover
against wind or water erosion so that special dust control measures are no longer
necessary.
Engineered Grading Requirements. An application for a grading permit shall
be accompanied by two sets of plans and specifications, and a soils report
meeting the requirements of Section J104.3. The plans and specifications shall
be prepared and signed by an individual licensed to practice as a civil engineer
by the California Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
Specifications, when required, shall contain information covering construction
and material requirements.
Plans shall be drawn to scale and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the
nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that they will conform
to the provisions of this code and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules, and
regulations. The first sheet of each set of plans shall give the location of the
work, the name and address of the owners, and the person by whom they were
prepared.
The plans shall include the following information:
1. General vicinity of the proposed site.
2. Property limits and accurate contours of existing ground and details of
terrain and area drainage.
3. Limiting dimensions, elevations or finish contours to be achieved by the
grading, and proposed drainage channels and related construction.
4. Detailed plans of all surface and subsurface drainage devices, walls,
cribbing, dams and other protective devices to be constructed with, or as a
part of, the proposed work, together with a hydrology study including a
map showing the drainage area and the calculations of the estimated
stormwater runoff of the area served by any drains.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 10
5. Location of any buildings or structures on the property where the work is to
be performed and the location of any buildings or structures on land of
adjacent owners that are within 15 feet of the property or that may be
affected by the proposed grading operations.
6. Recommendations included in the soils report shall be incorporated in the
grading plans or specifications. When approved by the building official,
specific recommendations contained in the soils report, which are
applicable to grading, may be included by reference.
7. The dates of the soils report together with the names, addresses and
phone numbers of the firms or individuals who prepared the report.
Regular Grading Requirements. An application for a grading permit shall be
accompanied by two sets of plans and specifications, and a soils report meeting
the requirements of Section J104.3. The plans and specifications shall be
prepared and signed by an individual appropriately licensed to practice civil
engineering, architecture, or a similar field by the state of California, with
experience preparing grading plans, or as allowed by the building official.
Plans and specifications for regular grading shall conform to the requirements for
engineered grading; however, particular requirements may be waived at the
discretion of the building official given the particular nature of proposed grading
designated as "regular grading."
Exception: Grading in excess of 2,000 cubic yards which is primarily of a
landscaping and "fine grading" nature, where no flood hazard is present,
may be termed 'regular grading" at the discretion of the Building Official.
SECTION 5. Section 8.04.016 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.016 California Residential Code—Adopted.
That certain document, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, being
marked and designated as the 2013 California Residential Code, California Code of
Regulations Title 24, Part 2.5, including appendix H, and all tables and indices thereto,
except as hereinafter modified, is hereby adopted by reference as the Palm Springs
Residential Code pursuant to Section 50022.1 et seq. of the California Government
Code.
SECTION 6. Section 8.04.017 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.017 California Residential Code—Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 11
The California Residential Code adopted herein by reference is hereby modified by the
following additions, amendments and deletions:
1) Chapter 1, Division II —Administration is deleted in entirety and replaced with the
following:
DIVISION II —ADMINISTRATION
SECTION R101 — GENERAL
The administrative and enforcement provisions of this Code shall be as listed in
the Palm Springs Building Administrative Code.
2) Add new subsection R313.1.2, Townhouse increased square footage, to read as
follows:
R313.1.2 Townhouse increased square footage. Any existing building or
structure undergoingconstruction or alteration which adds square footage
q 9
exceeding the total area as prescribed in sections 903.2 and 903.6.1 of the Fire
Code shall require an approved automatic fire sprinkler system.
Exceptions: (1) One and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes;
and (2) additions to occupancies equating to fifteen (15) percent or less of
total floor area. Fire sprinkler requirements for these occupancies shall be
determined based on California Fire Code Table B105.1 — Minimum
Required Fire Flow For Buildings.
3) Add new subsection R313.2.2, Increased square footage, to read as follows:
R313.2.2 Increased square footage. Any existing building or structure
undergoing construction or alteration which adds square footage exceeding the
total area as prescribed in sections 903.2 and 903.6.1 of the Fire Code shall
require an approved automatic fire sprinkler system.
Exceptions: (1) One and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes;
and (2) additions to occupancies equating to fifteen (15) percent or less of
total floor area. Fire sprinkler requirements for these occupancies shall be
determined based on California Fire Code Table B105.1 — Minimum
Required Fire Flow For Buildings.
4) Amend subsection R801.2, Requirements, by adding a new paragraph at the end
of the subsection to read as follows:
All rooftop equipment unless exempt by the Building Official, shall be provided
with an approved six inch high platform equipped with a sheet metal cover.
Design of the platform shall be as per City detail or approved equal.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 12
SECTION 7. Section 8.04.020 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is amended
and restated to read as follows:
8.04.020 California Mechanical Code—Adopted.
That certain document, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, being
marked and designated as the 2013 California Mechanical Code, California Code of
Regulations Title 24, Part 4, including all tables and indices thereto, except as
hereinafter modified, is hereby adopted by reference as the Palm Springs Mechanical
Code pursuant to Section 50022.1 et seq. of the California Government Code.
SECTION 8. Section 8.04.021 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
Section 8.04.021 California Mechanical Code—Additions, Amendments and
Deletions.
The California Mechanical Code adopted herein by reference is hereby modified by the
following additions, amendments and deletions:
1) Chapter 1, Division II — Administration is deleted in entirety and replaced with the
following:
DIVISION II — ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 101 — GENERAL
The administrative and enforcement provisions of this Code shall be as listed in
the Palm Springs Building Administrative Code.
SECTION 9. Section 8.04.030 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.030 California Plumbing Code—Adopted.
That certain document, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, being
marked and designated as the 2013 California Plumbing Code, California Code of
Regulations Title 24, Part 5, including Appendices A, B, D, G, I and K, and all tables and
indices thereto, except as hereinafter modified, is hereby adopted by reference as the
Palm Springs Plumbing Code of pursuant to Section 50022.1 et seq. of the California
Government Code.
SECTION 10. Section 8.04.031 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 13
8.04.031 California Plumbing Code—Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
The California Plumbing Code adopted herein by reference is hereby modified by the
following additions, amendments and deletions:
1) Chapter 1, Division II — Administration is deleted in entirety and replaced with the
following:
DIVISION II — ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 101 — GENERAL
The administrative and enforcement provisions of this Code shall be as listed in the
Palm Springs Building Administrative Code.
SECTION 11. Section 8.04.035 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code his hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.035 International Property Maintenance Code—Adopted.
That certain document, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, being
marked and designated as the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, including
all appendices, tables and indices thereto, is hereby adopted by reference as the Palm
Springs Property Maintenance Code pursuant to Section 50022.1 et seq. of the
California Government Code.
SECTION 12. Section 8.04.040 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.040 California Existing Building Code—Adopted.
That certain document, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, being
marked and designated as the 2013 California Existing Building Code, California Code
of Regulations, Title 24, Part 10, is hereby adopted by reference as the Palm Springs
Existing Building Code pursuant to Section 50022.1 et seq. of the California
Government Code.
SECTION 13. Section 8.04.045 is hereby added to the Palm Springs municipal
Code to read as follows:
8.04.045 California Historic Building Code—Adopted.
That certain document, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, being
marked and designated as the California Historic Building Code, California Code of
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 14
Regulations Title 24, Part 8, and including Appendix A, and all tables and indices
thereto, is hereby adopted by reference as the Palm Springs Historic Building Code
pursuant to Section 50022.1 et seq. of the California Government Code.
SECTION 14. Section 8.04.050 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
08.04.050 California Electrical Code—Adopted.
That certain document, a copy of which is on file with the office of the City Clerk, being
marked and designated as the 2013 California Electrical Code, California Code of
Regulations Title 24, Part 3, including all appendices, tables and indices thereto except
as amended herein, is hereby adopted by reference as the Palm Springs Electrical
Code pursuant to Section 50022.1 et seq. of the California Government Code.
SECTION 15. Section 08.04.055 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
08.04.055 California Electrical Code—Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
The California Electrical Code adopted herein by reference is hereby modified by the
following additions, amendments and deletions:
1) Add new Section 89.115 to read as follows:
SECTION 89.115 ADMINISTRATION.
89.115.1 General. The administrative and enforcement provisions
of this Code shall be as listed in the Palm Springs Building
Administrative Code.
2) Add new item (1) following subsection 90-8(A) to read as follows:
(1) Provisions for Future Solar PV Energy Systems. A one-inch
diameter electrical conduit shall be provided for installation of future
solar PV energy systems. The one-inch diameter electrical conduit
shall extend from the exterior wall location adjacent to the main
electrical service panel and terminate into the attic space. At each
location, the conduit shall terminate at a two-gang, electric junction
box. Three open spaces shall be provided at the bottom of the
buss to accommodate future solar PV systems.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 15
3) Amend subsection 230.79(C), One-family Dwellings, to read as follows:
(C) One—family Dwellings. For a one-family dwelling, the service
disconnecting means shall have a rating of not less than 200
amperes, 3-wire, with a minimum 225 amp buss.
4) Add new subsection 310.10(I), Ambient Temperature in Exposed Attic or
Unconditioned Spaces, to read as follows:
(1) Ambient Temperature in Exposed Attic or Unconditioned
Spaces.—Where NM, NMC, NMS and other cables, conductors and
wiring methods listed in Chapter 3 are installed in an attic that is
exposed to outside temperatures, or in unconditioned spaces, the
ambient temperature shall be considered to exceed 140°F.
SECTION 16. Section 8.04.065 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
08.04.065 California Energy Code—Adopted.
That certain document, a copy of which is on file with the office of the City Clerk, being
marked and designated as the 2013 California Energy Code, California Code of
Regulations Title 24, Part 6, including all appendices, tables and indices thereto, is
hereby adopted by reference as the Palm Springs Energy Code, pursuant to Section
50022.1 et seq. of the California Government Code.
SECTION 17. Section 08.04.070 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
08.04.070 California Green Building Standards Code—Adopted.
That certain document, a copy of which is on file with the office of the City Clerk, being
marked and designated as the 2013 California Green Building Standards Code,
California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 11, including all appendices, tables and
indices thereto, is hereby adopted by reference as the Palm Springs Green Building
Code pursuant to Section 50022.1 et seq. of the California Government Code.
SECTION 18. Section 08.04.072 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
08.04.072 (Reserved).
SECTION 19. Section 08.04.080 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
08.04.080 (Reserved).
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 16
SECTION 20. Article IV of Chapter 8.04 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is
hereby amended and restated to read:
ARTICLE IV
PALM SPRINGS BUILDING ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Section:
8.04.300 Part 1—Scope and Application.
8.04.310 Part 2—Administration and Enforcement.
8.04.320 Reserved.
8.04.340 Building Code Appeals Board.
SECTION 21. Section 08.04.300 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
08.04.300 Part 1—Scope and Application.
SECTION 101 - GENERAL
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Building Administrative
Code of the City of Palm Springs, herein referred to as "this Code."
101.2 Scope. The provisions of this Code shall serve as the administrative,
organizational, and enforcement rules and regulations for the Palm Springs Building
Code, as specified by Section 8.04.005, herein referred to as "the Technical Codes",
which regulate the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement,
repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition
of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such
buildings or structures.
101.2.1 Building Code. Any reference to the International Building Code
or California Building Code shall mean the Palm Springs Building Code as with
amendments (Sections 8.04.010 and 8.04.015). The provisions of the Building
Code shall apply to every building or structure or any appurtenances connected
or attached to such buildings or structures except as provided for in the
Residential Code.
101.2.2 Residential Code. Any reference to the International Residential
Code or California Residential Code shall mean the Palm Springs Residential
Code as adopted with amendments (Sections 8.04.016 and 8.04.017). The
provisions of the Residential Code shall apply to detached one- and two-family
dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in
height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 17
101.2.3 Existing Building Code. Any reference to the International
Existing Building Code or California Existing Building Code shall mean the Palm
Springs Existing Building Code as adopted (Section 8.04.040). The provisions of
the Existing Building Code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of
occupancy, and addition of existing buildings.
101.2.4 Energy Code. Any reference to the California Energy Code shall
mean the Palm Springs Energy Code as adopted with amendments (Section
8.04.065) and shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of
commercial and residential buildings for energy efficiency.
101.2.5 Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code. Any reference to the California
Plumbing or Fuel Gas Code shall mean the Palm Springs Plumbing Code as
adopted with amendments (Sections 8.04.030 and 8.04.031). The provisions of
the Plumbing Code shall apply as follows:
1. The erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation,
replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing systems
within this jurisdiction, and outside this jurisdiction if the same are
connected to the city water or sewage systems.
2. Regulation of nonflammable medical gas, inhalation anesthetic,
vacuum piping, nonmedical oxygen systems and sanitary and
condensate vacuum collection systems.
3. The installation of fuel-gas piping systems, fuel gas appliances,
gaseous hydrogen systems and related accessories.
4. Coverage of fuel gas piping systems shall extend from the point
of delivery to the outlet of the appliance shutoff valves. Piping
system requirements shall include design, materials, components,
fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, inspection, operation and
maintenance.
5. Requirements for gas appliances and related accessories shall
include installation, combustion and ventilation air and venting and
connections to piping systems.
101.2.6 Mechanical Code. Any reference to the California Mechanical
Code shall mean the Palm Springs Mechanical Code as adopted with
amendments (Sections 8.04.020 and 8.04.021) and shall apply to the design,
installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems that
are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental
conditions and related processes within buildings
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 18
101.2.7 Electrical. Any reference to NFPA 70, the California Electrical
Code or Appendix K shall mean the Palm Springs Electrical Code as adopted
with amendments (Sections 8.04.050 and 8.04.04.055) and shall regulate:
1. The design, construction, installation, alteration, repairs,
relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of
electrical systems, electrical conductors, electrical equipment,
signaling and communications conductors and equipment, and fiber
optic cables and raceways.
2. The installation and alteration of electrical equipment, which shall
include electrical conductors, fittings, devices, signs, sign primaries,
fixtures, motors, generators, starters, controls, raceways and that
part of elevator installations consisting of signal systems, fans,
electrical lighting fixtures, illuminated thresholds, feeder conductor
and raceways to motor and generator disconnect switches and
controllers and all electrical installations in connection with
interlocking devices, other than on automatic elevators, located
within or on public and private buildings and premises, except as
excluded by paragraph (b) below.
3. Registration and licensing of those persons who will install or
maintain such electrical equipment.
101.2.8 Property Maintenance. Any reference to the International
Property Maintenance Code shall mean the provisions of the Building Code, the
Fire Code and the Palm Springs Property Maintenance Code that apply to
existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation,
space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety hazards; responsibilities of owners,
operators and occupants; and occupancy of existing premises and structures.
The provisions of the Technical Codes shall also apply to usage of the
surrounding site and access to and from the building, structure or site, as
necessary to achieve code compliance,
101.3 Intent. The purpose of this Code is to provide the administrative rules and
regulations for the administration and enforcement of the technical construction codes
adopted by the City of Palm Springs.
The purpose of the Technical Codes is to establish the minimum requirements to
safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength,
means of egress, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy
conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the
built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders
during emergency operations.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 19
SECTION 102 - APPLICABILITY
102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a
specific requirement of the Technical Codes, the specific requirement shall be
applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of the Technical Codes
specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most
restrictive shall govern.
102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this Code and the Technical Codes shall
not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.
102.3 Application of references. References to chapter or section numbers, or
to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such
chapter, section or provision of this Code.
102.4 Technical construction codes and standards. Other codes and
standards referenced within the Technical Codes shall be a part of the Technical Codes
as adopted by the City of Palm Springs.
102.4.1 Amendments. Whenever amendments have been adopted to the
referenced codes and standards, each reference to said code and standard shall be
considered to reference the amendments as well.
102.5 Partial invalidity. In the event that any part or provision of this Code or
the Technical Codes is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making
void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.
102.6 Existing structures. The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the
date of adoption of this Code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is
specifically covered in the Technical Codes, the International Property Maintenance
Code or the International Fire Code, or as is deemed necessary by the Building Official
for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, plumbing, mechanical and
electrical systems and equipment lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of the
Technical Codes may have their use, maintenance or repair continued if the use,
maintenance or repair is in accordance with the original design, if no hazard to life,
health or property has been created by such systems and equipment, and if the
electrical system and equipment are maintained in good repair.
102.7 Maintenance. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, equipment,
materials and appurtenances, both existing and new, and parts thereof shall be
maintained in proper operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a
safe, sanitary, and hazard-free condition. Devices or safeguards that are required by the
Technical Codes shall be maintained in compliance with the code edition under which
installed. The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 20
maintenance of the installed systems and equipment. To determine compliance with this
provision, the code official shall have the authority to require that the installed systems
and equipment be re-inspected.
102.8 Alteration and repair of systems. Alterations, renovations and repairs
to electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems shall conform to the requirements for
new systems and equipment without requiring that the existing unmodified systems or
equipment comply with all of the requirements of the Technical Codes. Alterations,
renovations and repairs shall not cause existing systems or equipment to become
unsafe, hazardous or overloaded.
102.9 Historic buildings. Unless specifically required, the provisions of the
Technical Codes relating to the construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration,
relocation or moving of buildings or structures shall not be mandatory for existing
buildings or structures identified and classified by the state or local jurisdiction as
historic buildings when such buildings or structures are judged by the code official to be
safe and in the public interest of health, safety and welfare regarding any proposed
construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration, relocation or moving of
buildings.
Exception: Buildings undergoing a change of occupancy shall comply
with the applicable provisions of the Technical Codes.
SECTION 22. Section 08.04.310 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.310 Part 2—Administration and Enforcement.
SECTION 103 - DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY
103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The Building and Safety Department
is hereby created as specified in the City Code and shall be referred to as "the
department."
Primary enforcement of the provisions of this Code and the Technical Codes
shall rest with the department as specified under the duties and powers of the Building
Official.
The provisions of this Code and the Technical Codes may be enforced by other
code enforcement divisions of this city but interpretation authority shall be retained by
the Director of Building and Safety hereafter referred to as the "Building Official'.
103.2 Appointment. The Building Official shall be appointed as specified in the
City Code.
103.3 Deputies. In accordance with prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 21
and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the Building Official shall have the
authority to appoint a deputy, the related technical officers, inspectors, plan examiners
and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the Building
Official.
103.3.1 Restriction of employees. An official or employee connected
with the enforcement of the Technical Codes shall not be engaged in or directly
or indirectly connected with the furnishing of labor, materials or appliances for the
construction, alteration or maintenance of a building; and such officer or
employee shall not engage in any work that conflicts with official duties or with
the interests of the department.
SECTION 104 - DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL
104.1 General. The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to
enforce the provisions of this Code and the Technical Codes. The Building Official shall
have the authority to render interpretations of all adopted codes and to adopt policies
and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations,
policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this Code
and the Technical Codes. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect of
waiving any specific code requirement.
104.2 Applications and permits. The Building Official shall receive applications,
review construction documents and issue permits for the erection, and alteration,
demolition and moving of buildings and structures, inspect the premises for which such
permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this Code and
the Technical Codes.
104.3 Notices and orders. The Building Official shall issue all necessary
notices or orders to ensure compliance with this Code and the Technical Codes.
104.4 Inspections. The Building Official shall make all of the required
inspections, or the Building Official shall have the authority to accept reports of
inspection by approved agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections shall be in
writing and be certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the
responsible individual. The Building Official is authorized to engage such expert opinion
as deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that arise, subject to the
approval of the appointing authority.
104.5 Identification. The Building Official shall carry proper identification when
inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this Code.
104.6 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the
provisions of the Technical Codes, or where the Building Official has reasonable cause
to believe that there exists in a structure or upon a premises a condition which is
contrary to or in violation of the Technical Codes which makes the structure or premises
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 22
unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the Building Official or designee is authorized to enter
the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties
imposed by this code or the Technical Codes, provided that if such structure or
premises be occupied that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry
requested. If such structure or premises be unoccupied, the Building Official shall first
make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of
the structure or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the Building Official shall
have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
An application for a permit shall be considered as permission from an authorized
representative to inspect the premises.
It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder or interfere with the Building Official
or his designees in the discharge of their duties under this Code.
104.7 Department records. The department shall keep official records of
applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of
inspections, and notices and orders issued. Such records shall be retained in the
official records for the period required for retention of public records.
104.8 Liability. The Building Official, member of the board of appeals or
employee charged with the enforcement of this Code, while acting for the jurisdiction in
good faith and without malice in the discharge of the duties required by this Code or
other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby be rendered liable personally and is
hereby relieved from personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property
as a result of any act or by reason of an act or omission in the discharge of official
duties. Any suit instituted against an officer or employee because of an act performed
by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of
this Code shall be defended by legal representative of the jurisdiction until the final
termination of the proceedings. The Building Official or any subordinate shall not be
liable for cost in any action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the
provisions of this Code. Any judgment resulting there-from shall be assumed by this
jurisdiction.
104.8.1 The liability exemption and defense protection provided in this
section are not extended to contracted inspection or plan review companies, or
their employees, agents or assignees.
104.9 Approved materials and equipment. Materials, equipment and devices
approved by the Building Official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with
such approval.
104.9.1 Used materials and equipment. The use of used materials
which meet the requirements of this Code for new materials is permitted. Used
equipment and devices shall not be reused unless approved by the Building
Official.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 23
104.10 Modifications. Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in
carrying out the provisions of the Technical Codes, the Building Official shall have the
authority to grant modifications for individual cases, upon application of the owner or
owner's representative, provided the Building Official shall first find that special
individual reason makes the strict letter of the Technical Codes impractical and the
modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of the Technical Codes and
that such modification does not lessen health, accessibility, life and fire safety, or
structural requirements. The details of any action granting modifications shall be
recorded and entered in the files of the Department.
104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and
equipment. The provisions of the Technical Codes are not intended to prevent the
installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not
specifically prescribed by the Technical Codes, provided that any such alternative has
been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be
approved where the Building Official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and
complies with the intent of the provisions of the Technical Codes, and that the material,
method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that
prescribed in the Technical Codes in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance,
durability Y and safety.
104.11.1 Research reports. Supporting data, where necessary to assist
in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in the
Technical Codes shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources.
104.11.2 Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance
with the provisions of the Technical Codes, or evidence that a material or method
does not conform to the requirements of the Technical Codes , or in order to
substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the Building Official shall
have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no
expense to this jurisdiction. Test methods shall be as specified in the Technical
Codes or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and
accepted test methods, the Building Official shall approve the testing procedures.
Tests shall be performed by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be
retained by the Building Official for the period required for retention of public
records.
SECTION 105 — PERMITS
105.1 Required. Any owner, individual, contractor or authorized agent who intends to
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building
or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any
electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by
the Technical Codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application
to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 24
A separate permit shall be obtained for each building or structure unless
otherwise authorized by the Building Official.
105.1.2 Glass replacement. Replacement of a window frame or sash
shall require a permit and comply with the applicable provisions of the Energy
Code, and the Technical Codes.
105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this
Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner
in violation of the provisions of the Technical Codes or any other laws or ordinances of
this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:
Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and
storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area
does not exceed 120 square feet.
2. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter top replacement,
and similar finish work.
3. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a
detached one- and two-family dwellings.
4. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and
partitions not over five (5) feet nine (9) inches (1753 mm) in height.
Electrical:
1. Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by
means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be
connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is
permitted by this Code.
2. Replacement or repair of overcurrent devices of the required
capacity in the same location.
3. Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the
same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems.
4. Taping joints.
5. Removal of electrical wiring.
6. Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable
experimental laboratories.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 25
7. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or
equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of
supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
8. Low-energy power, control and signal circuits of Classes II
and III as defined in this Code.
9. Electrical maintenance work, to include the replacement of
equipment electrical cords and plug ends, switches, outlets,
ballasts and lighting fixtures were not in conflict with provision of the
Palm Springs Energy Code.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliances;
2. Portable ventilation appliances and equipment.
3. Portable cooling units.
4. The replacement of any minor part that does not alter the
approval of equipment or an appliance or make such equipment or
appliance unsafe.
5. Portable evaporative coolers.
6. Self-contained refrigeration systems that contain ten (10)
pounds (4.5 kg) or less of refrigerant, or that are actuated by
motors of one (1) horsepower(0.75 kW) or less.
Plumbing:
1. The stopping of le
aks in drains water, soil waste or
pp g vent
pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe,
water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes
necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such
work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be
obtained and inspection made as provided in this Code.
2. The clearing of stoppages in drains, soil, waste and vent
piping or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures.
3. Removal and reinstallation of exposed traps; replacement of
valves, nipples to sinks and lavatories; replacement of plumbing
fixtures, water closets, garbage disposals, dishwashers, clothes
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 26
washers and similar appliances, provided that in all cases such
repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement
of valves, pipes or fixtures.
Exception: Replacement of water heaters, shower
pans and bathtubs shall require a permit.
4. Any portable fuel gas heating, cooking or clothes drying
appliance.
5. Replacement of any minor component of a fuel gas
appliance or equipment that does not alter approval of such
appliance or equipment or make such appliance or equipment
unsafe.
105.2.1 Emergency repairs. Where repairs and equipment replacements
must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be
submitted within the next business day to the Building Official.
105.2.2 Repairs. Application or notice to the Building Official is not
required for ordinary repairs to structures, replacement of lamps or the
connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently
installed receptacles. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall,
partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-
bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or
rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall
ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any
standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or
similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health
or general safety.
105.2.3 Public service agencies. A permit shall not be required for work
located primarily in a public way, public utility towers and poles, and hydraulic
floor control structures that is under the ownership and control of public service
agencies or government agency by established right and not specifically
regulated in the Technical Codes.
105.3 Application for Permit. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an
application therefore in writing on a form furnished by the department for that purpose.
Such application which shall:
1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for
which application is made.
2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by
legal description, street address or similar description that will
readily identify and locate the proposed building or work.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 27
3. Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed work is
intended.
4. Be accompanied by construction documents and other
information as required in Section 107.
5. State the valuation of the proposed work.
6. Be signed by the applicant, or the applicant's authorized agent.
7. Give such other data and information as required by the Building
Official.
When permits are restricted to licensed and/or registered individuals as required
by this or other codes and ordinances, permits shall only be issued to those individuals
as specified in this Code and the Technical Codes.
105.3.1 Action on application. The Building Official shall examine or
cause to be examined applications for permits and amendments thereto within a
reasonable time after filing. If the application or the construction documents do
not conform to the requirements of pertinent laws, the Building Official shall reject
such application in writing, stating the reasons therefore. If the Building Official is
satisfiedh that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of the Technical
Code, laws and ordinances applicable thereto, the Building Official shall issue a
permit as soon as practicable.
105.3.2 Expiration of plan review. Applications for which no permit is
issued within three hundred sixty five (365) days following the date of application
shall expire by limitation, and construction documents and other data submitted
for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the
Building Official
If the applicant submits a request for extension before the expiration date,
showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action
from being taken, the Building Official may extend the time for a period not exceeding
one hundred eighty (180) days. No application shall be extended more than once.
If the applicant submits a request for extension after the expiration date, the
applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee. The application shall be
subject to any new adopted laws, ordinances and regulations that became effective
since the original application date.
105.4 Validity of permit. The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be
construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of
the Technical Codes or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits presuming to
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 28
give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of the Technical Codes or other
ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on
construction documents and other data shall not prevent the Building Official from
requiring the correction of errors in the construction documents and other data. The
Building Official is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where in
violation of this Code, the Technical Codes or of any other ordinances of this
jurisdiction.
105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid after 180 days
unless a required inspection has been approved. Furthermore, permits expire when
more than 180 days has elapsed from the date of the last approved required inspection.
Where a permit has expired, a new permit shall be required, and the reactivation
fee shall be one-half (%2) the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided
no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for
such work, and provided further that such expiration has not exceeded one (1) year.
Exception: Permits related to code enforcement action may set for
expiration dates of less than 180 days and is subject to the discretion of
the Building Official.
105.5.1 Permit Extension. The Building Official is authorized to grant a
onetime permit extension for a permit not to exceed 180 days.
105.6 Suspension or revocation. The Building Official is authorized to suspend
or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this Code wherever the permit is
issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in
violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this Code or the
Technical Codes.
105.7 Responsibility. It shall be the duty of every person who performs work for
the installation or repair of building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing
systems, for which this Code is applicable, to comply with this Code and the Technical
Codes.
105.8 Preliminary inspection. Before issuing a permit, the Building Official is
authorized to examine or cause to be examined buildings, structures and sites for which
an application has been filed.
105.9 Permit issuance restrictions. It is unlawful to issue a permit for
electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work, on other than R-3 occupancies, to anyone
other than a California licensed contractor.
SECTION 106 - FLOOR AND ROOF DESIGN LOADS
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 29
106.1 Restrictions on loading. It shall be unlawful to place, or cause or permit
to be placed, on any floor or roof of a building, structure or portion thereof, a load
greater than is permitted by the Technical Codes.
SECTION 107 — SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS
107.1 General. Submittal documents consisting of construction documents and
other data shall be submitted in three (3) or more sets with each application for a permit.
The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional
where required by the State of California.
The Building Official may require plans, computations and specifications to be
prepared and designed by an engineer or architect licensed by the State of California to
practice as such even if not required by state law.
107.2 Construction documents. Construction documents shall be in
accordance with Section 107.2.1 through 107.2.9.
107.2.1 Information on construction documents. Construction
documents shall be dimensioned and drawn upon suitable material.
Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location,
nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to
the provisions of the Technical Codes and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations, as determined by the Building Official. Plans and specifications shall
be drawn to scale.
Plans, specifications, engineering calculations, diagrams, soil investigation
reports, special inspection and structural observation programs and other data
shall constitute the submittal documents and shall be submitted in one or more
sets with each application for a permit.
107.2.2 Site plans. The construction documents submitted with the
application for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the
size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site,
distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished
grades and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood
elevations; and it shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line
survey. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be
demolished and the location and size of existing structures and construction that
are to remain on the site or plot. The Building Official is authorized to waive or
modify the requirement for a site plan when the application for permit is for
alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted.
107.2.2.1 Design flood elevations. Where design flood elevations
are not specified, they shall be established in accordance with Section
1612.1 of the Building Code.
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 30
107.2.3 Means of egress. The construction documents shall show in
sufficient detail the location, construction, size and character of all portions of the
means of egress in compliance with the provisions of the technical codes. In
other than occupancies in Groups R-2, R-3, and 1-1, the construction documents
shall designate the number of occupants to be accommodated on every floor,
and in all rooms and spaces.
107.2.4 Exterior wall envelope. Construction documents for all buildings
shall describe the exterior wall envelope in sufficient detail to determine
compliance with this Code. The construction documents shall provide details of
the exterior wall envelope as required, including flashing, intersections with
dissimilar materials, corners, end details, control joints, intersections at roof,
eaves or parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive membrane and details
around openings.
The construction documents shall include manufacturer's installation
instructions that provide supporting documentation that the proposed penetration
and opening details described in the construction documents maintain the
weather resistance of the exterior wall envelope. The supporting documentation
shall fully describe the exterior wall system which was tested, where applicable,
as well as the test procedure used.
107.2.5 Daylight Zones. A duplicate lighting floor plan shall be provided
which identifies the various daylight zones required under the Energy Code.
Such plan shall identify the lights designated for each zone and how they will be
grouped or independently switched.
107.2.6 Electrical. Plans, specifications, engineering calculations,
diagrams, and other data shall constitute the submittal documents and shall be
submitted in one or more sets with each application for a permit. The plans shall
indicate all necessary information to include the following:
1. Calculated loads.
2. Main and feeder sizes.
3. Maximum short circuit current available at each point of
application of each protective device used on the project.
4. Electrical panel locations and clearances.
5. Location and type of all electrical components and equipment.
107.2.7 Plumbing. Plans, specifications, engineering calculations,
diagrams, and other data shall constitute the submittal documents and shall be
Ordinance No. 1835
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submitted in one or more sets with each application for a permit. The plans shall
indicate all necessary information to include the following:
1. Location and product information on plumbing fixtures.
2. Size and materials of all water, gas, drainage and vent piping.
3. Drainage and supply pipe sizing calculations.
4. Other information necessary to determine compliance with the
Plumbing Code.
107.2.7.1 Engineered Plumbing Systems. The design,
documentation, inspection, testing and approval of an alternative
engineered design plumbing system shall comply with the following:
1. Design criteria. An alternative engineered design shall conform
to the intent of the provisions of the Plumbing Code and shall
provide an equivalent level of quality, strength, effectiveness, fire
resistance, durability and safety. Material, equipment or
components shall be designed and installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
2. Submittal. The registered design professional shall indicate on
the permit application that the plumbing system is an alternative
engineered design. The permit and permanent permit records shall
indicate that an alternative engineered design was part of the
approved installation.
3. Technical data. The registered design professional shall submit
sufficient technical data to substantiate the proposed alternative
engineered design and to prove that the performance meets the
intent of the Plumbing Code.
107.2.8 Mechanical. Plans, specifications, engineering calculations,
diagrams, and other data shall constitute the submittal documents and shall be
submitted in one or more sets with each application for a permit. The plans shall
indicate all necessary information to include the following:
1. Location and product information on all mechanical equipment.
2. Size and materials of all gas lines and venting.
3. Other information necessary to determine compliance with the
Palm Springs Mechanical Code.
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107.2.9 Manufacturer's installation instruction. Manufacturer's
installation instructions, as required by this Code, shall be available on the job
site at the time of inspection.
107.3 Examination of documents. The Building Official shall examine or cause
to be examined the accompanying submittal documents and shall ascertain by such
examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in accordance with
the requirements of the Technical Codes and other pertinent laws or ordinances.
Such plans may be reviewed by other departments of this jurisdiction to verify
compliance with any applicable laws under their jurisdiction. If the Building Official finds
that the work described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications and
other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of the Technical Codes and other
pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the fees specified in Section 109 have been
paid, the Building Official shall issue a permit therefore to the applicant.
107.3.1 Approval of construction documents. When the Building
Official issues a permit, the construction documents shall be approved, in writing
or by stamp, as "APPROVED." One (1) set of construction documents so
reviewed shall be retained by the Building Official. The other set shall be returned
to the applicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection
by the Building Official or a duly authorized representative.
107.3.2 Previous approvals. This Code shall not require changes in the
construction documents, construction or designated occupancy of a structure for
which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully
authorized, and the construction of which has been pursued in good faith within
one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of the Technical Codes
and has not been abandoned.
107.3.3 Phased approval. The Building Official is authorized to issue a
permit for the construction of foundations or any other part of a building or
structure before the construction documents for the whole building or structure
have been submitted, provided that adequate information and detailed
statements have been filed complying with pertinent requirements of the
Technical Codes. The holder of such permit for the foundation or other parts of a
building or structure shall proceed at the holder's own risk with the building
operation and without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be
granted.
107.4 Design professional in responsible charge.
107.4.1 General. When it is required that documents be prepared by a
registered design professional, the Building Official shall be authorized to require
the owner to engage and designate on the building permit application a
registered design professional who shall act as the registered design
Ordinance No. 1835
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professional in responsible charge. If the circumstances require, the owner shall
designate a substitute registered design professional in responsible charge who
shall perform the duties required of the original registered design professional in
responsible charge. The Building Official shall be notified in writing by the owner
if the registered design professional in responsible charge is changed or is
unable to continue to perform the duties.
The registered design professional in responsible charge shall be
responsible for reviewing and coordinating submittal documents prepared by
others, including phased and deferred submittal items, for compatibility with the
design of the building.
107.4.2 Deferred submittals. For the purposes of this section, deferred
submittals are defined as those portions of the design that are not submitted at
the time of the application and that are to be submitted to the Building Official
within a specified period. Deferral of any submittal items shall have the prior
approval of the Building Official.
107.5 Amended construction documents. Work shall be installed in
accordance with the approved construction documents, and any changes made during
construction that are not in compliance with the approved construction documents shall
be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents.
107.6 Retention of construction documents. One (1) set of approved
construction documents shall be retained by the Building Official as prescribed by local
and state law.
107.7 Residential master plans. All Master Plans on file with the department
expire with the adoption of newer code editions. Unexpired, active permits may
continue to utilize the master plans that were in effect at the time of permit issuance.
SECTION 108 - TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES
108.1 General. The Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for temporary
structures, and temporary uses. Such permit shall be limited as to time of service, but
shall not be permitted for more than one hundred eighty (180) days. The Building
Official is authorized to grant extensions for up to 24 additional months.
108.2 Conformance. Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the
structural strength, fire safety, and means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation,
energy and sanitary requirements of the Technical Codes, as deemed appropriate by
the Building Official and Fire Chief, as necessary to ensure the public health, safety and
general welfare.
108.3 Temporary power. The Building Official is authorized to give permission
to temporarily supply and use power in part of an electric installation before such
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installation has been fully completed and the final certificate of completion has been
issued. The part covered by the temporary certificate shall comply with the requirements
specified for temporary lighting, heat or power in the Electrical Code.
108.4 Termination of approval. The Building Official is authorized to terminate
such permit for a temporary structure or use or power and to order the temporary
structure or use or power to be discontinued.
SECTION 109 - FEES
109.1 Payment of fees. A permit shall not be valid until the fees prescribed by
law have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional
fee, if any, has been paid.
109.2 Schedule of permit fees. Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the
provisions of this section or shall be as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the
jurisdiction.
109.2.1 Re-inspections. A re-inspection fee may be assessed for each
inspection or re-inspection when such portion of work for which inspection is
called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made. This section
is not to be interpreted as requiring re-inspection fees the first time a job is
rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of the Technical Codes, but
as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for
such inspection or re-inspection.
Re-inspection fees may be assessed when the inspection record card is
not posted or otherwise available on the work site, the approved plans are not
readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for
which inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval
of the Building Official.
In instances where re-inspection fees have been assessed, no additional
inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
109.2.6 Change of record. Any request for a record change, or any
mistake made by an applicant that requires a record change, including but not
limited to name or address changes, whether computer or paper record, must be
requested in writing with the payment of a Permit Issuance Administrative Fee.
Exceptions: For record changes that affect the permit fee, such as
adding equipment, fixtures or square footage, the Building Official
may require a separate permit for the extra items with the
appropriate fee.
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109.2.7 Plan review fees. When a plan or other data are submitted for
review, a non-refundable plan review fee shall be paid at the time of application.
Said plan review fee shall be as specified in the City of Palm Springs
Comprehensive Fee Schedule.
Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan
review, an additional plan review fee shall be charged at the rate specified in the
City of Palm Springs Comprehensive Fee Schedule. The fee, including the
minimum, shall be charged at each request for additional review.
109.3 Building permit valuations. The applicant for a permit shall provide an
estimated permit value at time of application. Permit valuations shall include total value
of work, including materials and labor, for which the permit is being issued, such as
electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing equipment and permanent systems. If, in the
opinion of the Building Official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, the
permit shall be denied, unless the applicant can show detailed estimates to meet the
approval of the Building Official. Final building permit valuation shall be set by the
Building Official.
109.4 Investigation fees: Work without a permit.
109.4.1 Investigation. Whenever any work for which a permit is required
by this Code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special
investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work.
Exceptions: This provision shall not apply to emergency work
when it shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Building Official
that such work was urgently necessary and that it was not practical
to obtain a permit therefore before the commencement of the work.
In all cases, a permit must be obtained as soon as it is practical to
do so, and if there be an unreasonable delay in obtaining such
permit, an investigation fee as herein provided shall be charged.
109.4.2 Fee. 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 equal to the amount of the permit fee required by this
Code. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from
compliance with all other provisions of this Code or the Technical Codes, nor
from any penalty prescribed by law.
109.5 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration,
removal or demolition for work done in connection to or concurrently with the work
authorized by a building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit
from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law.
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109.6 Fee refunds. The Building Official is authorized to establish a refund
policy subject to the provisions of the City of Palm Springs Comprehensive Fee
Schedule.
Plan review fees, extension and reactivation fees, investigation fees, and
application fees are non-refundable. Permit fees shall not be refunded for active
permits where an inspection has been performed, or for expired permits.
109.7 Administrative Hold. Any administrative discrepancy including but not
limited to, delinquency in payments, returned checks, failure to pay for re-inspection,
investigation fees, and failure to comply with any requirements of the City, may result in
a hold being placed on issuance of permits and performance of inspections of existing
permits until the administrative discrepancy is corrected.
SECTION 110 - INSPECTIONS
110.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be
subject to inspection by the Building Official and such construction or work shall remain
accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Approval as a result of
an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of
this Code, the Technical Codes or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections
presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this Code, the
Technical Codes or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. It shall be
the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for
inspection purposes. Neither the Building Official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for
expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow
inspection.
A survey of the lot may be required by the Building Official to verify that the
structure is located in accordance with the approved plans.
110.1.1 Permit Documents. Permit documents including the permit card,
inspection card, approved plans and other information related to the issuance of
the permit shall be available for review on site at the time of an inspection.
110.2 Preliminary inspection. Before issuing a permit, the Building Official is
authorized to examine or cause to be examined buildings, structures and sites for which
an application has been filed.
110.3 Required Inspections. The Building Official, upon notification, shall make
the inspections set forth in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.6.5.
110.3.1 Commercial Building Inspections. The minimum
inspection requirements for commercial structures are as listed
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110.3.1.1 Footing, pier and foundation inspection.
Footing, pier and foundation inspections shall be made after
excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing
steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms shall
be in place prior to inspection.
110.3.1.2 Concrete slab or under-floor inspection.
Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made after in-
slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment,
conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are
in place, but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing
installed, including the subfloor.
110.3.1.3 Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard areas,
upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement, and
prior to further vertical construction, the elevation certification
required in Section 1612.5 shall be submitted to the Building
Official
110.3.1.4 Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall be
made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing, fire-blocking and
bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be
concealed are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating
wires, pipes and ducts are approved.
110.3.1.5 Insulation inspection. Inspections shall be made
to determine compliance with the provisions of the Energy Code
Fire and smoke rated assemblies shall not be taped or concealed
until inspected and approved.
110.3.1.6 Lath and Drywall inspections. Lath and Drywall
inspections shall be performed prior to joints and fasteners being
taped and finished.
110.3.1.7 Final inspection. The final inspection shall be
made after all work required by the building permit is completed.
110.3.2 Residential Inspections. The minimum inspection
requirements for single family residences and duplexes are as listed:
110.3.2.1 Underground inspection. Underground
inspection of electrical, mechanical, plumbing and gas systems
shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded,
piping installed, and before any backfill is put in place.
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110.3.2.2 Footing, pier and foundation inspection.
Inspection of the footing, pier and foundation shall be made after
poles or piers are set or trenches or basement areas are excavated
and any required forms erected and any required reinforcing steel
is in place and supported prior to the placing of concrete. The
foundation inspection shall include excavations for thickened slabs
intended for the support of bearing walls, partitions, structural
supports, or equipment and special requirements for wood
foundations.
110.3.2.3 Concrete slab or under-floor inspection.
Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made after in-
slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment,
conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are
in place, but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing
installed, including the subfloor.
110.3.2.4 Plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical
systems inspection. Rough inspection of plumbing, mechanical,
gas and electrical systems shall be made prior to covering or
concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and
prior to framing inspection. When approved by the Building Official,
such inspections may be made at the same time as the framing
inspection.
110.3.2.5 Frame inspection. Inspection of framing and
construction shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, all
framing, fire-stopping, draft-stopping and bracing are in place and
pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and after
the rough plumbing, mechanical and electrical rough inspections
are approved.
110.3.2.6 Insulation inspection. Inspections shall be
made to determine compliance with the provisions of the Energy
Code.
110.3.2.7 Lath and Drywall inspections. Lath and Drywall
inspections shall be performed prior to joints and fasteners being
taped and finished.
110.3.2.8 Final inspection. Final inspection shall be made
after the permitted work is complete and prior to occupancy.
110.3.3 Mechanical Inspections. The minimum inspection
requirements for mechanical permits are as listed:
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110.3.3.1 Underground. Inspection shall be made after
trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and
before any backfill is put in place. When excavated soil contains
rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would
damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill
shall be on the job site.
110.3.3.2 Rough-in. Inspection shall be made after the roof,
framing, fire blocking, fire stopping, draft stopping and bracing are
in place and all ducting and other components to be concealed are
complete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
110.3.3.3 Final. Inspection shall be made after the building
is complete and the structure is ready for occupancy.
110.3.4 Plumbing Inspections. The minimum inspection
requirements for plumbing permits are as listed:
110.3.4.1 Underground. Inspection shall be made after
trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and
before any backfill is put in place. When excavated soil contains
rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would
damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill
shall be on the job site.
110.3.4.2 Rough-in. Inspection shall be made after the roof,
framing, fire blocking, fire stopping, draft stopping and bracing is in
place and all sanitary, storm and water distribution piping is
roughed-in, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling
membranes.
110.3.4.3 Final. Inspection shall be made after the building
is complete, all plumbing fixtures are in place and properly
connected, and the structure is ready for occupancy.
110.3.5 Electrical. The minimum inspection requirements for
electrical permits are as listed:
110.3.5.1 Underground. Inspection shall be made after
trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and
before any backfill is put in place. When excavated soil contains
rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would
damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill
shall be on the job site.
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110.3.5.2 Rough-in. Inspections shall be made after the
roof, framing, fire blocking, fire stopping, draft stopping and bracing
are in place and all ducting and other components to be concealed
are complete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling
membranes.
110.3.5.3 Final. Inspection shall be made after the building
is complete, all electrical systems are in place and properly
connected, and the structure is ready for occupancy.
110.3.6 Swimming Pools. The minimum inspection requirements for
swimming pool permits are as listed.
110.3.6.1 Pre-Gunite. Inspection shall be made after all pool steal
is in place and bonded but prior to application of any gunite.
110.3.6.2 Underground Plumbing, Gas and Electrical.
Inspection shall be made after the Pre-Gunite and installation of all
underground utilities, but prior to covering any pipes or conduits.
Note: A single Combination Inspection may be performed
which includes Pre-Gunite and Underground.
110.3.6.3 Deck Bonding. Inspection shall be made after the pool
deck steel is installed and bonded, but prior to pouring any concrete.
110.3.6.4 Encapsulation. Inspection shall be made after the pool
is gunited, and the lighting nitch is installed and wired, but prior to the
application of plaster or other finishes. All alarms, barriers and other
protective measures must be in place.
110.3.6.5 Final. Inspection shall be made after all work has been
inspected and complete and the pool is filled with water.
110.3.7 Other inspections. In addition to the inspections specified above,
the Building Official is authorized to make or require other inspections of any
construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of the Technical
Codes and other laws that are enforced by the department.
110.4 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the building
permit or their duly authorized agent to notify the Building Official when work is ready for
inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for
inspections of such work that are required by code. The person doing the work
authorized by the permit shall make sure that the work will stand tests prescribed
elsewhere in this Code and the Technical Codes, before giving the above notification.
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110.5 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in
each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official.
The Building Official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall
either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notify
the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with the Technical
Codes. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be
covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Official.
110.5.1 Covered work. Any work covered or concealed without inspection
shall be considered to constitute an unsafe structure and subject to the corrective
provisions of Section 116. Such consideration as an unsafe structure shall exist
every day until the work is inspected and approved as being in compliance with
the Technical Codes. Inspections will not be performed until a valid active permit
is obtained in accordance with this Code.
110.6 Inspection agencies. The Building Official is authorized to accept reports
of approved inspection agencies, provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to
qualifications and reliability.
SECTION 111 - CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
111.1 Use and occupancy. No building or structure shall be used or occupied,
and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or
portion thereof shall be made, until the Building Official has issued a certificate of
occupancy therefore as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not
be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this Code or of other
ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or
cancel the provisions of this Code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be
valid.
111.2 Certificate Issued. After the Building Official inspects the building or
structure and finds no violations of the provisions of this Code or other laws that are
enforced by the department, and clearances have been obtained from all other
applicable agencies, the Building Official shall issue a certificate of occupancy that
contains the following:
1. The building permit number.
2. The address, legal description and zoning of the location.
3. The name and address of the business or property owner.
4. A description of that portion of the structure or property for
which the certificate is issued.
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5. A statement that the described portion of the structure or property has
been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this Code for
the occupancy and division of occupancy and the use for which the
proposed occupancy is classified.
6. The name of the Building Official and the issuing individual.
7. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3
of the Building Code.
8. The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6 of the Building Code.
9. The design occupant load.
10. Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
111.3 Temporary occupancy. The Building Official is authorized to issue
temporary certificates of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by
the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely.
111.4 Revocation. The Building Official is authorized to, in writing, suspend or
revoke a certificate of occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this
Code, or other applicable provision, wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the
basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building,
structure or property or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or
any of the provisions of this Code or the Technical Codes. .
The certificate of occupancy shall remain the property of the City of Palm Springs
and shall be surrendered upon request.
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.
SECTION 112 - SERVICE UTILITIES
112.1 Connection of service utilities. No person shall make connections from a
utility, source of energy, fuel or power to any building or system that is regulated by this
Code for which a permit is required, until released by the Building Official.
112.2 Temporary connection. The Building Official shall have the authority to
authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility source of
energy, fuel or power.
112.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The Building Official shall have
the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or
system regulated by this Code and the Technical Codes and standards in case of
Ordinance No. 1835
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emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or
when such utility connection has been made without the approval required by Section
112.1 or 112.2. The Building Official shall notify the serving utility, and wherever
possible the owner and occupant of the building, structure or service system of the
decision to disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to disconnecting,
the owner or occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in
writing, as soon as practical thereafter.
Where any unsafe condition results from the use of any utilities in noncompliance
with the Technical Codes, the Building Official may order, in writing, that such utilities be
disconnected
SECTION 113 — BUILDING CODE APPEALS BOARD
113.1 General. Regulations regarding the establishment of and provisions
related to the Palm Springs Building Code Appeals Board are codified at section
8.04.340 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code.
SECTION 114 - VIOLATIONS
114.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to
erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish or occupy any building,
structure or equipment regulated by this Code, or cause same to be done, in conflict
with or in violation of any provision of this Code or the Technical Codes.
114.1.1 Unsafe buildings. Failure to correct an unsafe building as
provided for in Sections 110.6.1 or 116 shall constitute a violation of this Code.
114.1.2 Occupancy violations. Whenever any site, building, structure or
equipment therein regulated by this Code or any other code is being used
contrary to the provisions of this Code or any of the Technical Codes, the
Building Official may order such use discontinued and the structure, or portion
thereof, vacated by notice served on any person causing such use to be
continued.
Such person shall discontinue the use within the time prescribed by the
Building Official after receipt of such notice to make the site, building, structure,
or portion thereof, or equipment comply with the requirements of this Code and
the Technical Codes.
114.1.3 Failure to comply with notice. Failure to comply with a notice
shall be considered a violation of this Code.
114.2 Notice of violation. The Building Official is authorized to serve a notice of
violation or order on the person responsible for the erection, construction, alteration,
extension, repair, moving, removal, demolition or occupancy of a building or structure in
Ordinance No. 1835
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violation of the provisions of this Code, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued
under the provisions of this Code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the
illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.
Exception: Citations for violations of this Code may be issued without
requiring the issuance of a notice. When a notice is issued, it is not
necessary to reissue a notice prior to issuance of any further citations for
the same violation, at the same or at different locations.
114.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with
promptly, the Building Official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the
jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceedings at law or in equity to restrain, correct
or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful
occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this Code or of the
order or direction made pursuant hereto.
114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this Code or
any of the Technical Codes or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or
who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the
approved construction documents or directive of the Building Official, or of a permit or
certificate issued under the provisions of this Code, shall be subject to penalties as
prescribed by law.
Each day or any portion thereof during which any violation of this ordinance
occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon conviction thereof
shall be punishable as prescribed by law.
SECTION 115 - STOP WORK ORDER
115.1 Authority. Whenever the Building Official finds any work regulated by this
code-and the Technical Codes being performed in a manner either contrary to the
provisions of the Technical Codes or is dangerous or unsafe, the Building Official is
authorized to issue a stop work order.
115.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to
the owner of the property involved, or to the owner's agent, or to the person doing the
work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The
stop work order shall state the reason for the order, and the conditions under which the
cited work will be permitted to resume.
115.3 Unlawful continuance. Any person who shall continue any work after
having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed
to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to penalties as
prescribed by law.
SECTION 116 - UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT
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116.1 Conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter
become unsafe, insanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress
facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are
otherwise dangerous to human life or to the public welfare, or that involve illegal or
improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition.
Unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as the Building
Official deems necessary and as provided for in this section.
A vacant structure that is not secured against entry shall be deemed unsafe.
Materials used to secure a structure, which deteriorate or increase in susceptibility to
fire hazard over time, shall be replaced or treated to eliminate the increase of the
hazard.
116.1.1 Unsafe buildings. Any use of buildings or structures constituting
a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate
maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or
abandonment is, for the purpose of this section, an unsafe use. Parapet walls,
cornices, spires, towers, tanks, statuary and other appendages or structural
members that are supported by, attached to, or a part of a building and that are
in deteriorated condition or otherwise unable to sustain the design loads that are
specified in this Code are hereby designated as unsafe building appendages.
All such unsafe buildings, structures or appendages are hereby declared
to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or
removal in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Technical Codes or
such alternate procedures as may have been or as may be adopted by this
jurisdiction. As an alternative, the Building Official, or other employee or official of
this jurisdiction as designated by the governing body, may institute any other
appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct or abate the violation.
116.1.2 Covered work. Any work covered or concealed without
inspection shall be considered to constitute an unsafe structure. Such
consideration as an unsafe structure shall exist every day until the work is
inspected and approved as being in compliance with the Technical Codes.
Inspections will not be performed until a valid active permit is obtained in
accordance with the Technical Codes
116.1.3 Dangerous Demolition. The Building Official may order the
cessation of the wrecking or demolition of any building or structure within the City
when the same is being accomplished in a reckless or careless manner or in
such a manner so as to endanger life and property. When such work has been
ordered stopped by the Building Official, same shall not be resumed until said
official is satisfied that adequate precautions have been or will be taken for
protection for life and property. To continue such work without the expressed
approval of the Building Official shall constitute a violation of this ordinance, and
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 46
each day that such work continues shall constitute a separate offense.
116.2 Record. The Building Official shall cause a report to be filed on an unsafe
condition. The report shall state the occupancy of the structure and the nature of the
unsafe condition.
116.3 Notice. If an unsafe condition is found, the Building Official shall serve on
the owner, agent or person in control of the structure, a written notice that describes the
condition deemed unsafe and specified the required repairs or improvements to be
made to abate the
unsafe condition or that requires the unsafe struc
ture ctrue to be
demolished within a stipulated time.
116.4 Method of service. Such notice shall be deemed properly served if
delivered in accordance with the standard method accepted by the jurisdiction.
116.5 Restoration. The structure or equipment determined to be unsafe by the
Building Official is permitted to be restored to a safe condition. To the extent that
repairs, alterations or additions are made or a change of occupancy occurs during the
restoration of the structure, such repairs, alterations, additions or change of occupancy
shall comply with applicable provisions of the Technical Codes.
SECTION 23. Section 08.04.320 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
08.04.320 (Reserved).
SECTION 24. Section 08.04.340 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code, is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.340 Building code appeals board.
(a) In order to determine suitability of alternate materials and methods of
construction, provide for reasonable interpretations of the provisions of Title 8 of this
code, and to hear appeals of any decisions or actions of the director of building and
safety, there shall be and is created a board of appeals, consisting of seven members
who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building
construction. The board of appeals shall be the same as cited in each of the uniform
codes adopted under Chapter 8.04 and as referenced in Section 8.04.005 of this code.
The board of appeals shall be appointed by the city council. Board members shall not
be employees of the city and shall serve without compensation. Members may be
dismissed by a majority vote of the city council, but otherwise each member shall serve
an indefinite term. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original
appointment. All matters before the board shall be administered by the director of
building and safety services or the director's authorized representative. The board shall
adopt reasonable rules and regulations for hearing appeals and conducting its business
and such rules and regulations shall be freely accessible to the public. The board shall
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 47
render all decisions and findings in writing with a duplicate copy to the appellant and
may recommend to the city council such new legislation as is consistent_ herewith. The
board's decision shall constitute final administrative action and be effece on the date
on which the decision is rendered.
(b) Any person aggrieved of any decision of the Director of building and safety
services, or any decision of any designee of the director, including but not limited to the
issuance of a notice of violation or the initiation of any enforcement action pursuant to
the provisions of the uniform codes adopted under Chapter 8.04, and as referenced
Section 8.04.010 of this code, shall within ten days of the action file a written notice of
appeal with the city clerk. The appeal shall set forth the appellant's full name and
mailing address, the specific action appealed from, the grounds for the appeal and the
relief sought, and shall include the payment of the appeal fee as established or
amended from time to time by resolution of the city council.
SECTION 25. Article VII, entitled Swimming Pool Safety Standards, is hereby
repealed and deleted in its entirety.
SECTION 26. EFFECTIVE DATE. The City Council hereby declares, on the
basis of the findings set forth below, that an emergency exists and that this Ordinance is
necessary to preserve the public peace, health and safety. Accordingly, this Ordinance
is adopted as an urgency ordinance and shall take effect and be in force immediately
upon its adoption.
SECTION 27. OPERATIVE DATE. The provisions of this Ordinance shall
become operative on January 1, 2014, which is the effective date of the 2013 edition of
the California Building Standards Code, enacted by the State of California.
SECTION 28. FINDINGS. The adoption of this Urgency Ordinance is necessary
for the immediate protection of the public peace, health, and safety by ensuring the
timely and orderly implementation and enforcement of Building Standards Code, and
related building codes, as generally enacted by the State of California and modifications
as allowed for local conditions. In accordance with Section 312 of the Palm Springs
City Charter, the City Council of the City of Palm Springs finds and determines that the
adoption of this Urgency Ordinance is necessary to ensure the timely adoption and
implementation of the Fire Code for consistent application of revised state requirements
and for the immediate protection of the public peace, health, and safety.
SECTION 29. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of
this ordinance is for any reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid,
such a decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
The City Council of the City of Palm Springs, hereby declares that it would have passed
Ordinance No. 1835
Page 48
this ordinance and each section of subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof,
irrespective of the clauses or phrases being declared invalid.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE PALM SPRINGS CITY
COUNCIL THIS 18" DAY OF DECEMBER, 2013.
STEPHIN P. POUGNET, MAYOR
ATTEST:
ES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, California, do
hereby certify that Urgency Ordinance No. 1835 is a full, true, and correct copy, and
was introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on
December 18, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember Foat, Councilmember Lewin, Councilmember Mills,
Mayor Pro Tern Hutcheson, and Mayor Pougnet.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
JAMES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
City of Palm Springs, California,,,/,e/Zd, 14