HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1977/05/17 Item 10CITY OF CNULA VISTA ITEM N0. 10
COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
' FOR MEETING OF: 5 17 77
ITEM TITLE: Resolution 8631 Finding of Need for Local Amendments to the Uniform Codes
SUBMITTED BY~ Director of Building and Housing ~`" ~~
ITEM EXPLANATION:
During the past several months the City Council passed ordinances adopting the 1976 Edition
of the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Housing Code and National
Electrical Code with specific amendments.
The State Legislature in 1976 added Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 to the Health and Safety
Code, requiring that all local amendments to the Uniform Codes shall have an express
finding of fact by the City Council. Prior to enforcing the local amendments, the
amendments and the finding of need approved by the City Council shall be filed with the
State Department of Housing and Community Development.
Due to the uniqueness of the city's climate, terrain, location and environment, the
following changes to the Uniform Codes have been approved by the City Council.
Uniform Building Code:
I. Section 1709(a) reads as follows:
General. Parapets shall be provided on all exterior walls of buildings.
Exceptions: 1. Walls which are not required to be of fire resistive construction.
2. Walls which terminate at roofs of not less than 2 hour fire resistive con-
struction or roofs constructed of non-combustible materials. 3. Walls where,
due to location on property, unprotected openings are permitted. 4. Walls on
all buildings having a floor area of not more than 1000 sq. ft. per floor.
,~ continued on supplemental sheet 2)
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Agreement Resolution X Ordinance Plat Other
Environmental Document: Attached Submitted on
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of resolution of need for local modifications to the Uniform Codes.
BOARD/ COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
A P P R O V E D
by the
City Council
COUNCIL ACTION of
hula Vista, C~.lifornia
Dat a e~......u~.~..:1.7.-...~.x ......................_.......~...
Supplemental sheet 2 Item 10
5. Walls on buildings of residential occupancies when the height does not
exceed 25 feet and the roof covering is of fire retardant material. 6. Con-
version of existing residential occupancies to offices or retail stores.
Reason:
Buildings housing residential occupancies are required by the zoning ordinance to
maintain setbacks from the property line, and with this separation and fire retardant
proof, would not materially contribute to the spread of fire. The same reason would
apply to existing residential units converted to other occupancies.
II. Section 3305(1) reads as follows:
Exterior Stairway Protection. All openings in the exterior wall below or within
10 feet, measured horizontally, of an exterior exit stairway serving a building
over two stories in height shall be protected by a self-closing fire assembly
having a three-fourths hour fire resistive rating.
Exception: Openings may be unprotected when two separated exterior stairways
serve an exterior exit balcony.
This section was amended by adding another exception.
Exception: Protected openings shall not be required adjacent to stairways in
which the distance from the top of the stairway to the bottom of the stairway
does not exceed 16 feet in vertical projection.
Reason:
The majority of the buildings are no more than 2 stories and most use exterior
balconies as exitways. This poses no problems for escape in disasters, as the balconies
are only 8 feet above grade.
III. Section 3802(b) reads as follows:
Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems.
Where Required. Standard automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be installed
and maintained in operable condition as specified in this chapter in the
following locations.
This section was amended by adding subsection 12, which reads: In every building
regardless of occupancy, group, or type of construction, when such building is
more than 40 feet or four stories or more in height.
Reason:
It is difficult to fight fires and effect rescues from the exterior in buildings
higher than 40 feet.
Uniform Mechanical Code:
I. Section 1002(d) reads as follows:
Metal. Every duct, plenum or fitting shall be made of metal.
This section was amended by adding the following exception.
Return air ducts in single family dwellings may be constructed of one inch smooth
surfaced tongue and groove boards, five-eights inch plywood or other approved
material. This material shall not extend closer than 2 feet to the firebox.
(continued on supplemental sheet 3)
Supplemental sheet 3'• item l0
Raacnn•
Only make up air can enter the return air plenum (duct) so there is no danger of
fire in using combustible material.