Ordinance - 1381ORDINANCE NO. 1381
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST COVINA, REPEALING PARTS 1,
2 AND 3 OF CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE VIII OF
THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADOPTION
OF THE 1976 EDITIONS OF THE UNIFORM
BUILDING CODE, UNIFORM HOUSING CODE, UNIFORM
CODE FOR ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS,
UNIFORM SIGN CODE, UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE,
UNIFORM BUILDING CODE STANDARDS, UNIFORM
PLUMBING CODE AND THE 1975 EDITION OF THE
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, AND MAKING
CERTAIN CHANGES THEREIN NECESSARY TO MEET
LOCAL CONDITIONS.
The City Council of the City of West Covina does ordain
as follows:
SECTION 1. Parts 1, 2 and 3 of Chapter 1 and Chapter 4 of
Article VIII of the West Covina Municipal Code are hereby repealed.
SECTION 2. Parts 1, 2 and 3 of Chapter 1 of Article VIII
of the West Covina Municipal Code are hereby adopted to read as
follows:
CHAPTER 1 - CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
%, PART I
BUILDING AND MECHANICAL REGULATIONS
8110. Except as otherwise provided in this part, the 1976
Edition of the Uniform Building Code, the Uniform Housing Code,
Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, Uniform Sign
Code, Uniform Mechanical Code and Uniform Building Code Standards
prepared and copyrighted in Whittier, California, by the Interna-
tional Conference of Building Officials, which on the 31st
day of May , 1978, were made public records of the City of
West Covina, including all their appendices and indices, are hereby
adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Ordinance.
At least three copies of said Codes as well -as any secondary codes
incorporated by said codes shall be kept on file in the Office of
the City Clerk. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between
any provision contained in said'Codes set forth above and any
amendment thereto contained in this Part, or other provision of the
Municipal Code, the amendment or addition shall control.
Whenever any of the following names or terms are used
in said codes, such name or term shall be deemed and construed to
have the name ascribed to it in this section as follows:
The Department of Building and Safety
shall mean the Department of Building
and Safety of the City of West Covina.
Building Official shall mean the
Building and Safety Director of the
City of West Covina or other desig-_
nated City officer.
Health Officer.shall mean the Health
Officer of Los Angeles County.
Fire Chief shall mean the Fire Chief
of the City of West Covina.
8110.1 Section 205 of the Uniform Building Code is amended
to read as follows:
Section 205. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or cor-
poration to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve,
remove, convert, relocate, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain
any building or structure in the City, or cause the same to be done,
contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Building
Code. Maintenance of a building or structure which was unlawful
at the time it was constructed and which would be unlawful under
the Building Code if constructed after the effective date of such
code, shall constitute a continuing violation of such code.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of
the provisions of this Code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor,
and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense
for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation
of any of the provisions of this Code is committed, continued, or
permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation such person
shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 or by impri-
sonment for not more than six months, or both such fine and
imprisonment.
• 8110.2 Subsection 302 (d) of said Uniform Building Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 302 (d). EXPIRATION OF PERMITS
Every permit shall expire and become null and void
by limitation for any one or more of the following reasons:
1. Whenever the work authorized by a permit is not
commenced within sixty (60) days from the date
of issuance of such permit.
2. Whenever the work authorized by a permit has
been suspended, abandoned or discontinued for
a continuous period of 120 days.
3. Upon written request of the applicant, within
120 days of issuance, provided the work authorized
by such permit has not been completed in accordance
with this Code.
4. Whenever the work done during any continuous
period of 120 days amounts to less than 10 percent
of the total of the work authorized by such permit.
Before recommencing, proceeding with or doing any
work authorized by but not done before expiration of any such permit
a new permit shall be obtained therefor, and the fee for such
permit shall be the fee required for a new permit.
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8110.3 Section 302 of said Uniform Building Code is
amended by adding subsection (f) to read as follows:
Section 302 (f) UNFINISHED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES,
Whenever the Building Official determines by inspection
that work on any building or structure for which a permit has been
issued and the work started thereon has been suspended for a period
of 120 days or more, the owner of the property upon which such
structure is located or other person or agent in control of said
property upon receipt of notice in writing from the Department to do
so shall within 90 days from the date of such written notice obtain
a new permit to complete the required work and diligently pursue
the work to completion or shall remove or demolish the building or
structure within 120 days from date of the written notice.
8110.4 Section 303 of the Uniform Building Code is amended
to read as follows:
Section 303 (a) BUILDING PERMIT FEES
A fee for each building permit shall be paid to
the Building Official as.set forth in Resolution of the City Council.
Determination of value or valuation under any of the provisions of
this Code shall be made by the Building Official. The valuation to
be used in computing the permit and plan -check fees shall be the
total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued,
as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing,
heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire -extinguishing systems
and any other permanent work or permanent equipment.
Where work for which a permit is required by this
Code is started or proceeded with prior to obtaining said permit,
• the fees specified in this section shall be doubled, but the pay-
ment of such double fee shall not relieve any persons from fully
complying with the requirements of this Code in .the execution of the
work nor from any other penalties prescribed herein.
Section 303 (b) PLAN CHECKING FEES
When the valuation of the proposed construction
exceeds $1,000.00, a plan checking fee shall be paid to the Building
Official at the time of submitting plans and specifications for
checking. Said plan checking fees shall be 650 of the building
permit fees as set forth in the City Council Resolution.
Section 303 (c) EXPIRATION OF PLAN CHECK
Applications for which no permit is issued within 180
days following the date of application shall expire by limitation
and plans submitted for checking may thereafter be returned to the
applicant or destroyed by the Building Official. The Building
Official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period
not exceeding 180 days upon written request by the applicant showing
that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented
action from being taken. In order to renew action on an application
after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a
new plan -check fee.
' Section 303 (d) EXEMPTION FROM FEES
Neither the state nor this nor any other county,
city, district, or other political subdivision, nor any public officer
or body acting in his official capacity on behalf of the state or
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of this or any county, city, district, or other political subdivision
shall pay or deposit any fee. This section does not apply to the
State Compensation Insurance Fund or Public Housing Authority or where
a public officer is acting with reference to private assets which
have come under his jurisdiction by virtue of his office.
Section 303 (e) REFUNDS
In the event that any person shall have obtained a
building permit and no portion of the work or construction covered
by such permit shall have been commenced and such permit shall have
been cancelled as provided for in Subsection (d) of Section 302,
the permittee, upon presentation to the Building Official of a written
request on a form provided therefor, shall be entitled to a refund
in an amount equal to eighty percent (80%) of the building permit
fee actually paid for such permit: however, the portion of the fee
retained shall never be less than ten dollars ($10.00).
In case a permit is issued in error by the Building
Official, all fees will be returned to applicant upon request.
No refund shall be granted when receipt of the request
occurs more than one year following payment of the permit or plan
check fee. No portion of the plan checking fee shall be refunded,
unless no checking has been performed on a set of plans, in which
case eighty percent (80%) of the plan checking fee may be refunded;
however, the portion of the fee retained shall never be less than
ten dollars ($10.00).
The Building Official shall satisfy himself as to the
right of such applicant to such refund and each such refund shall
be paid as provided.by law for the payment of claims against the City.
8110.5 Table 3-A of said Uniform Building Code is hereby
• deleted.
8110.6 Subsection 304 (c) of the Uniform Building Code is
amended to read as.follows:
Section 304 (c) APPROVALS REQUIRED
No work shall be done on any part of the building
or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection
without first obtaining written approval of the Building Official.
Such written approval shall be.given only after an inspection shall
have been made of each successive step in the construction as indi-
cated by each of the inspections required in Subsection (d).
There shall be no clearance! for connection of gas
or electrical utilities until final building, electrical, plumbing,
heating, ventilation and air conditioning inspections have been made
and approval has been first obtained from the Building Official,
except as provided for in Section 306 (d) for a temporary certificate
of occupancy.
8110.7 Subsection 306 (d) of the Uniform Building Code is
amended to read as follows:
Section 306 (d) TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE
• A temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued
by the Building Official for the use of a portion or portions of a
building or structure prior to the completing of the entire building
or structure upon application for a temporary clearance of connection
of the utilities and a payment of twenty dollars ($20.00) for the
additional inspections.
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U
•
In the event the building is not completed and ready
for final inspection in the time prescribed by the Building Official,
the building shall be vacated -and the utilities disconnected until
such time as the building is completed and final inspection is made
and a certificate of occupancy is issued as set forth in Subsection
304 CC) above.
8110.8 Section 420 of the Uniform Building Code is amended
by adding the following definition:
SWIMMING POOL is any outside body of water created
by artificial means,..which is designed or used for
swimming, immersion, or therapeutic purposes, any
portion of which exceeds eighteen inches (18") in
depth, including portable swimming pools.
8110.9 Section 1501 of the Uniform Building Code is.amended
to read as follows:
Section 15 GROUP M OCCUPANCIES shall be:
DIVISION 1. Private garages, carports, sheds and
agricultural buildings.
DIVISION 2. All fences or walls over six feet (61)
high, tanks and -towers and outdoor swimming pools.
For occupancy separations.- See Table 5-B.
For occupancy load see Section 3301.
8110.10 Section 1505 of said Uniform Building Code is amended
to read as follows:
Section 1505
In areas where motor vehicles are stored or operated,
floor surfaces shall be of non-combustible non -absorbent construction.
8110.11 Said Uniform Building Code is amended by adding
Section 1507 through 1509 inclusive to read as follows:
Section 1507 SWIMMING POOLS. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
Every person in possession of land within the City of
West Covina, either as owner, purchaser under contract, lessee,
tenant, licensee, or otherwise, upon which is situated a swimming
pool, (other than swimming pools excepted by the second paragraph
of Section 1509.), shall at all times maintain on the lot or premises
upon which such pool is located and completely surrounding such pool,
lot or premises, a fence or other structure not less than five feet
six inches (5'6") in height with no opening therein, other than doors
or gates, and other than openings approved by the Building Official
upon finding that they will not materially facilitate scaling the
fence or other structure by children.
All gates or door opening through such enclosure shall
be equipped with a self -closing and self -latching device designed
to keep and capable of keeping such door or gate securely closed
at all times when not in actual use. Such latching device must be
located not less than four feet ten inches (4'10") above the ground;
provided, however, that the door of any dwelling occupied by human
beings and forming any part of the enclosure herein above required
need not be so equipped. All fencing forming the pool enclosure
shall be in place and approved by the City before water is placed
in the pool..
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Section 1508 SWIMMING POOLS, EMPTYING UPON ABANDON-
MENT OR VACATION OF PREMISES.
(a) No person in possession or control of any swimming
pool on any land within the City as either owner, lessee, tenant,
purchaser under contract, trustee, mortgagee or beneficiary of the
land upon which such swimming pool is located shall abandon or
vacate the premises upon which such swimming pool is located or is
• accessory or appurtenant, or cause or permit the same to be abandoned
or vacated, without first having either:
1. Emptied all water from such swimming pool and
left the same empty, or
2. Completely covered said swimming pool with a
safe and adequate pool cover or other protective
device, approved in writing by the Building
Inspector as sufficient to protect persons,
especially children, from falling into such pool.
(b) No owner of any swimming pool on any land within
the City, upon learning that the premises upon which such swimming
pool is located or is accessory or appurtenant have been abandoned
or vacated by the person in possession or control of such swimming
pool, shall fail, within 48 hours after so learning or so being
advised by the Building Inspector, to either:
1. Empty all water from said swimming pool and
leave the same empty until said premises are
again occupied by a person in possession and
control of such swimming pool, or
2. Completely cover said swimming pool with a
safe and adequate pool cover or other protective
• device approved in writing by the Building
Inspector, as aforesaid, and keep said pool so
covered until said premises are again occupied
by a person in possession and control of such
swimming pool.
(c) "Abandon" and "abandoned," as used in this section,
shall mean the leaving of premises without an .actual, apparent and
manifest intention to return thereto within a reasonable and fore-
seeable time unless definite provision has been made in writing
prior to leaving the premises to have them acutally occupied within.
30 days of such leaving by some other person who will be in posses-
sion and control of such swimming pool.
(d) "Vacate" and "vacated," as used in this section
shall mean the leaving of premises without the bonafide intent to
return and actually returning to said premises within a period of 30
days or less (or such additional period not exceeding an aggregate of
60 days from date of leaving as may be granted by the Building Inspector
for good cause, such as extended vacation, emergency, etc.) unless
during said period of absence some other person actually occupies
said premises and is in possession and control of such swimming pool.
(e) Every person who violates or fails to comply with
any of the terms, provisions or requirements of this section shall
isthereby have agreed and consented and conclusively be deemed to
have agreed and consented:
1. That the City may enter upon the premises and
empty all water from such swimming pool or
cause the same to be done, and
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2. To reimburse the City on demand for the actual
cost of emptying such pool or causing the same
to be done, and that'the City may collect the
same from any such person by civil action or
any other lawful means selected by or avail-
able to the City, including, where applicable,
the means provided by Title 5, Division 1,
Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 9 (beginning at
Section 50230) of the Government Code of the
State of California.
Section 1509 INSPECTING AND APPROVAL OF SWIMMING POOLS
All plans hereafter submitted to the City for swimming
pools to be constructed shall show complaince with the requirements
of Section 1507 and final inspection and approval of all pools here-
after constructed shall be withheld until all requirements of
Section 1507 shall have been complied with.
The provisions of this Section shall not apply to
public swimming pools for which a charge or admission price is required
to be paid for such use thereof, nor to swimming pools which are a.
part of and located upon the same premises as a hotel, motel or
apartment house, during the time that the owner, operator or adult
employee of such owner or operator is present at and in active charge
of the premises upon which such pool is located.
8110.12 Subsection 1601 (a) of said Uniform Building Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 1601.(a) FIRE ZONES DEFINED
For the purpose of this Code, the entire City is
hereby declared to be and is hereby established a Fire District and
• said Fire District shall be known as Fire Zones No. 1 and No. 3.
Fire Zone No. 1 shall include all territory or portions
of the City within the area encompassed by the following descriptions:
Those portions of Lots 143, 144, 154, 155 and 156 of
E. J. Baldwin's 4th Subdivision in the City of West
Covina, County of Los Angeles, State of California,
per map recorded in Book 8 Page 186 of Maps on file
in the office of the County Recorder of said county,
bounded as follows:
Bounded northerly by the centerline of Garvey Avenue
South, as established on May 1, 1978; bounded south-
easterly by the centerline of California Avenue, as
shown on said E. J. Baldwin's 4th Subdivision; bounded
southerly by the centerline of West Covina Parkway
West, as established on May 1, 1978; bounded north-
westerly by the centerline of Sunset Avenue, as shown
on said E'. J. Baldwin's 4th Subdivision.
Block 26 of the Phillips Tract in the City of West
Covina, County of Los Angeles, State of California,
per map recorded in Book 9 Pages 3 and 4 of Miscellaneous
Records on file in the office of the County Recorder
• of said county.
Fire Zone No. 3 shall include all territory or portions
of the City other than those within Fire Zone No. 1.
Whenever in this Code reference is made to either
fire zone,it shall be construed to mean one of the fire zones
described above.
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8110.13 Subsection 2907 (b) of said Uniform Building Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 2907 (B) BEARING WALLS
Bearing walls shall, be supported on masonry of
• concrete foundations of piles or other approved foundation system which
shall be off sufficient size to support all loads. Where a design is
not provided, the minimum foundation requirements for stud bearing
walls shall be as set forth in Table No. 29-A.
Exceptions
1. A one story wood or metal frame building not
used for human occupancy and not over 200 square
feet in floor area may be constructed without
a masonry or concrete foundation if the walls
are supported by a Portland cement concrete
slab not less than 33-2 inches"in thickness.
2. The support of buildings by posts embedded in
earth shall be designed as specified in
Section 2907 (f). Wood posts or poles embedded
in earth shall be pressure treated with an
approved preservative. Steel posts or poles
shall be protected as specified in Section 2908 (h).
8110.14 Section 2623 of said Uniform Building Code is
amended to read as follows:
Section 2623
(a) MINIMUM SLAB THICKNESS
• The minimum thickness of concrete floor
slabs supported on the ground shall be
not less than 3, inches.
(b) MOISTURE BARRIER
In dwelling occupancies, a membrane,
impervious to moisture, shall be installed
between on -grade concrete floor slabs and
the soil below.
(c) SLAB REINFORCING
Reinforcing shall be provided in all concrete
floor slabs of dwelling occupancies. Rein-
forcing shall be equivalent to 6" x 6" x
No. 10 x No. 10 welded steel wire mesh,
unless required to be of greater strength
by other sections of this Code.
8110.16 Section 7007 of the Uniform Building Code Appendix
is amended to read as follows:
• Section 7007 FEES
Fees for grading permits and grading plan checking
shall be paid to the appropriate City officer as set forth in Reso-
lution of the City Council.
W10
UNIFORM CODE FOR ABATEMENT
OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
• 8110.17 Section 203 of the Uniform Code for the Abatement
of Dangerous Buildings is amended to read as follows:
Section 203.
No person, firm or corporation, whether as owner,
lessee, sublessee, or occupant, shall erect, construct,
enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, demolish,
equip, use, occupy, or maintain any building or premises,
or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in
violation of any of the provisions of this Code or any
order issued by the Building Official hereunder.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of
the provisions of this Code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor,
and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate
offense for each and every day or portion thereof during
which any violation of any of the provisions of this Code is
committed, continued, or permitted, and upon conviction of
any such violation such person shall be punishable by a fine
of not more than $500.00 or by imprisonment for not more
than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
UNIFORM SIGN CODE
8110.18 Subsection 103 (d) of the 1976 Uniform Sign
• Code is amended to read as follows:
Subsection 102 (d) VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or
corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair,
move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, eauip or use
or maintain any sign or sign structure in the City or
cause or permit the same to be done contrary to or in
violations of any of the provisions of this Code. Any
person, firm or corporation violating any of the pro-
visions of this Code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate
offense for each and every day or portion thereof during
which any violation of any of the provisions of this Code
is committed, continued, or permitted; and, upon conviction
of any such violation, such person shall be punishable by
a fine of not more than $500.00 or by imprisonment of not
more than six months or by both such fine and imprisonment.
8110.19 Section 303 of said Uniform Sign Code is hereby
deleted.
8110.20 Section 304 of said Uniform Sign Code is amended
to read as follows:
•
Section 304
Fees and procedures for sign permits shall be
the same as those set forth in Section 303 of the Uniform
Building Code as amended by this ordinance.
8110.21 Subsection 402 (d) of said Uniform Sign Code
is -amended to read as follows:
Section 402 (d) PERMITTED COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.
Non-structural trim, portable display surfaces
and signs applied directly against -non-combustible sur-
faces may be of wood boards not less than 1" nominal thick-
ness, exterior type panels not less than 3/8" nominal
thickness, metal, approved plastics or any combination thereof.
8110.22 Said Uniform Sign Code is amended by addition
of Section 404 to read as follows:
Section 404
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary
contained in this Code, no permit shall be issued for
any sign in violation of any other provision of the West
Covina Municipal Code. Any permit issued for erection of
such sign is automatically void and shall be cancelled by
the Building and Safety Director.
8110.23 The Uniform Sign Code is amended by deleting
Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14.
UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE
8110.24 Section 202 of said Uniform Mechanical Code is
. amended to read as follows:
Section 202
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or'
corporation to erect, install, alter, repair, relocate,
add to, replace, use, or maintain heating, ventilating,
cooling, or refrigeration equipment in the City or cause
or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation
of any of the provisions of this Code. Maintenance of
equipment which was unlawful at the time it was installed
and which would be unlawful under this Code if installed
after the effective date of this Code, shall constitute
a continuing violation of this Code. Any person, firm,
or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Code
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person
shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and
every day or portion thereof during which any violation
of any of the provisions of this Code is committed, con-
tinued, or permitted, and upon conviction of any such
violation such person shall be punishable by a fine of
not more than $500.00 or by imprisonment for not more than
six months or by both such fine and imprisonment.
8110.25 Subsection 303 (b) of the 1976 Uniform Mechanical
. Code is amended to read as follows:
Section 303 (b) EXPIRATION OF PERMITS.
Every permit shall expire and become null and
void by limitation for any one or more of the following
reasons:
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1. Whenever the work authorized by a permit
is not commenced within sixty (60) days
from the date of issuance of such permit.
2. Whenever the work authorized by a permit
has been suspended, abandoned or discontinued
for a continuous period of 120 days.
3. Upon written request of the applicant,
within 120 days of issuance, provided
the work authorized by such permit has
not been completed in accordance with this Code.
4. Whenever the work done during any continuous
period of 120 days amounts to less than 10
percent of the total of the work authorized
by such permit.
Before commencing, proceeding with or doing any
work authorized by but not done.before expiration of any
such permit a new permit shall be obtained therefor,, and
the fee for such permit shall be the fee required for a
new permit.
8110.26 Section 304 of the 1976 Uniform Mechanical Code
is amended to read as follows:
Section 304 (a) PERMIT FEES.
A fee for each mechanical permit shall be paid
to the Building Official as set forth in Resolution of
the City Council.
Section 304 (b) EXEMPTION FROM FEES.
• Neither the state nor this nor any other county,
city, district, or other political subdivision, nor any
public officer or body acting in his official capacity
on behalf of the state or of this or any county, city,
district, or other political subdivision shall pay or
deposit any fee. This section does not apply to the
State Compensation Insurance Fund or Public Housing
Authority or where a public officer is acting with
reference to private assets which have come under his
jurisdiction by virtue of his office.
Section 304 (c) REFUNDS.
In the event that any person shall have obtained
a building permit and no portion of the work or construc-
tion covered by such permit shall have been commenced and
such permit shall have been cancelled as provided for in
Subsection (b) of Section 303, the permittee, upon pre-
sentation to the Building Official of a written request
on a form provided therefor, shall be entitled to a refund
in an amount equal to eighty percent (80%) of the building
permit fee actually paid for such permit: however, the
portion of the fee retained shall never be less than ten
dollars ($10.00).
In case a permit is issued in error by the
Building Official, all fees will be returned to applicant
upon request.
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No refund shall be granted when receipt of
the request occurs more than one year following payment
of the permit or plan check fee. No portion of the plan
checking fee shall be refunded, unless no checking has
been performed on a set of plans, in which case eighty
percent (800) of the plan checking fee may be'refunded;
however, the portion of the fee retained shall never be
less than ten dollars ($10.00).
The Building Official shall satisfy himself
as to .the right of such applicant to such refund and
each refund shall be paid as provided by law for the
payment of claims against the City.
UNIFORM HOUSING CODE
8110.27 Section 204 of the Uniform Building Code is
amended to read as follows:
Section 204
It shall be unlawful for any.person, firm or
corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair,
move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use,
occupy, or maintain any building or structure in the City,
or cause or permit the same to be done contrary or in
violation of any of the provisions of this Code.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of
the provisions of this Code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor,
and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate
offense for each and every day or portion thereof during
which any violation of any of the provisions of this Code
• is committed, continued, or permitted, and upon conviction
of any such violation, such person shall be punishable by
a fine of notmore than $500.00 or by imprisonment for not
more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
•
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PART 2 - PLUMBING CODE
. 8120. Except as otherwise provided in this Part, the
1976 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code,,prepared
and copyrighted in Alhambra, California, by the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, which on the 31st
day of May , 1978, were made public records of the City of
West Covina, including all indices and appendices, are hereby
adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Part.
At least three copies of said Code, as well as any secondary Codes
incorporated by said Code, shall be kept on file in the Office of
the City Clerk. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between
any provision contained in said Uniform Plumbing Code and any
amendment thereto contained in this Part --or other provision of the
Municipal Code, the amendment, addition r provision shall control.
Whenever any of the following names or'terms are
used in said Codes, such names or terms shall be deemed to have
the name ascribed to it in this section as follows:
The Administrative Authority shall mean the
Building and Safety Director of the City of
West Covina.
8120.2 Section 20.4 of said Uniform Plumbing Code is
amended to read as follows:
• Sec. 20.4 PERMIT REQUIRED
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or
corporation to install, remove, alter, repair or replace or cause
to be installed, removed, altered, repaired or replaced any plumbing,
gas or drainage piping work or any fixture or water heating or
treating equipment in a building or premises without first obtaining
a permit from the Administrative Authority. A separate permit shall
be obtained for each building or structure, except that a single
permit may be issued for a single family residence and a building
or buildings accessory thereto when both are constructed at the
same time.
8120.3 Section 20.7 of said Uniform Plumbing Code is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 20.7
(a) PLUMBING PERMIT FEES
A fee for each plumbing permit shall be paid
to the Administrative Authority as set forth
in Resolution of the City Council. For the
purpose of this section, a sanitary plumbing
outlet on or to which a plumbing fixture or
appliance may be set or attached shall be
construed to be a fixture.
Fees for reconnection and retest of plumbing
systems in relocated buildings shall be based
on the number of plumbing fixtures, gas systems
or outlets, water heaters, etc., involved.
,T3_
(b) EXEMPTION FROM FEES
Neither the State nor this nor any other
county, city, district or other political
subdivision, nor any public officer or body
• acting in this official capacity on behalf
of the state or of this or any county, city
district,, -or other political subdivision shall
pay or deposit any fee. This section does not
apply to the State Compensation Insurance Fund
or Public Housing Authority or where a public
officer is acting with reference to private
assets which have come under his jurisdiction
by virtue of his office.
(c) REFUNDS
In the event that any person shall have obtained
a building permit and no portion of the work
or construction covered by such permit shall
have been commenced and such permit shall have
been cancelled as provided for in Subsection
(e) of this section, the permittee, upon
presentation to the Building Official of a
written request on a form provided therefor,
shall be entitled to a refund in an amount
equal to eighty percent (80%) of the building
permit fee actually paid for such permit:
however, the portion of the fee retained shall
never be less than ten dollars ($10.00).
In case a permit is issued in error by the
• Building Official, all fees will be returned
to the applicant upon request.
No refund shall be granted when receipt of the
request occurs more than one year following
payment of the permit or plan check fee. No
portion of the plan checking fee shall be
refunded, unless no checking has been performed
on a set of plans, in which case eight percent
(80%) of the plan checking fee may be refunded,
however, the portion of the fee retained shall
never be less than ten dollars ($10.00).
The Building Official shall satisfy himself
as to the right of such applicant to such refund
and each such refund shall be paid as provided
by law for the payment of claims against the City.
(d) WORK WITHOUT PERMIT
Any person who shall commence any work for
which a permit is required by this Code without
first having obtained a permit therefor shall,
if subsequently permitted to obtain a permit,
pay double the fee fixed by this section for
such work, provided that this provision shall
not apply to emergency work when it has been
proven to the satisfaction of the Administrative
Authority that such work was urgently necessary
and that it was not practical to obtain a
permit therefor before the commencement of the
work. In all such cases, a permit must be
obtained as soon as practical to do so, and if
there be an unreasonable delay in obtaining such
permit, a double fee as herein provided shall
be charged.
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•
•
(e) EXPIRATION OF PERMITS
Every permit shall expire and become null
and void by limitation for any one or more
of the following reasons:
(1) Whenever the work authorized by a permit
is not commenced within sixty (60) days
from the date of issuance of such permit.
(2) Whenever the work authorized by a permit
has been suspended, abandoned or discon-
tinued for a continuous period of 120 days.
(3) Upon written request of the applicant,
within 120 days of issuance, provided the
work authorized by such permit has not been
completed in accordance with this Code.
(4) Whenever the work done during any continuous
period of 120 days amounts to less than
10 percent of the total of the work authorized
by such permit.
Before recommencing, proceeding with or doing
any work authorized by but not done before
expiration of any such permit a new permit shall
be obtained therefor, and the fee for such
permit shall be the fee required for a new permit.
8120.4 Section 20.14 of said Uniform Plumbing Code is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 20.14 INTERPRETATIONS
The Administrative Authority is hereby empowered
to make interpretations in the form of his own rules whenever there
is a question as to motive or method or manner in which plumbing
shall be installed or as to the intent or meaning of any provision
herein; provided, however, that any person who feels himself aggrieved
by any rule or rules made by the Director in accordance with the
foregoing shall, within thirty (30) days from the effective date
thereof, have the right to appeal such rule or rules for a review
and determination of the reasonableness thereof.
8120.5 Section 315 of the Uniform Plumbing Code is amended
by addition of subsections (g) and (h) to read
as follows:
Sec. 315 (g)
Combustible piping shall. not penetrate required
fire resistive protection of walls or floors unless
enclosed by equivalent fire resistive protection.
Sec. 315 (f)
Combustible piping shall not be used in buildings
required to be non-combustible by the Building Code.
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9
t
8120.6 Subsection 505 (c) of said Uniform Plumbing Code
is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 505 (c)
Unless prohibited by structural conditions, each
vent shall rise vertically to a point not less
than six (6) inches above the flood level rim of
the fixture served before offsetting horizontally,
and whenever two or more vent pipes converge, each
such vent pipe shall rise to a point at least six
(6) inches in height above the flood level rim of
the plumbing fixture it serves before being con-
nected to any other vent. When horizontal vents
are less than six (6) inches above the flood level
rim of the fixture, the horizontal portion shall be
installed with approved drainage material and pro-
vided with a cleanout located in the vent line at
least six inches (6") above the flood rim level of
the fixture or fixtures served.
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PART 3 - ELECTRICAL CODE
DIVISION I
GENERAL
8130. Except as otherwise provided in this part, the
1975 Edition of the National Electrical Code,
prepared and copyrighted by the National Fire Protective Associ-
ation, Boston, Massachusetts, which on the 31stday of May ,
1978, were made public records of the City of West Covina, includ-
ing all of its indices and appendices is hereby adopted and made a
part hereof as if fully set out in this part. At least three
copies of said Code as well as any secondary Codes incorporated by
said Code shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk.
In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between any provision
contained in said Code and any amendment thereto contained in this
part, the amendment or addition shall control.
8131. Article 90 of said Electrical Code adopted by this
Chapter is amended to read as follows:
90.1 TITLE.
This Code shall be known as the Electrical
Code. Whereever the word "Code" is used in this ordinance
it shall mean Electrical Code of the City of West Covina.
• 90.2 INTENT.
The intent of this Code is to provide more
uniform requirements and enforcement with provisions for
interpretations and revisions. This Code includes local
requirements not covered by the National Electrical Code
or electrical regulations of the State of California.
r Where provisions of this Code conflict
with other regulations, the most restrictive provisions
shall apply.
90.3 ' PURPOSE AND.SCOPE.
It is the purpose of this Code to provide
basic minimum provisions considered necessary for safety,
efficiency, adequacy and the practical safeguarding of
person, and of buildings, structures and their contents
from hazards arising from the use of electricity for light,
heat, power, radio, signaling.and for other purposes, as
well as provisions for future expansion of electrical use.
DIVISION II
ADMINISTRATION
91.1 DUTIES OF THE BUILDING AND SAFETY DIRECTOR.
It shall be the duty of the Building and
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Safety Director to enforce all provisions 'of this Code.
He shall, upon application, grant permits for the in-
stallation or alteration of electrical.wiring, devices,
appliances and equipment. He shall make inspections and
reinspections of the installation-, maintenance and repair
of all electrical wiring, connections, fixtures, appliances,
apparatus, machinery, equipment and work inside, outside,
overhead or underground within his jurisdiction. Wherever
the term "Director" is used in this ordinance it shall mean
the Building and Safety Director of. the City of West Covina.
91.2 DELEGATION OF POWER OR DUTIES.
The Building and Safety Director may
delegate any of his.powers or duties to any of his assis-
tants, deputies or employees, and wherever the term
"Director" or "Building and Safety Director" is used it
shall also mean his duly authorized representative;.
91.3 INTERPRETATIONS.
In cases where the rapid development in
the application and use of electricity .or new and special
or unusual methods of building construction, create prob-
lems or.conditions which are not clearly contemplated in
the making of the sections in this Code pertaining to
electricity, and make literal.application of the rule or
rules impracticable, the Director is hereby empowered to
make interpretations in the form of his own rules wherever
there is a question as to motive or method or manner in
which material shall be installed or as to the intent or
meaning of any provision herein; provided, however,.that
any person who feels himself aggrieved by any rule or
rules made by the Director in accordance -with the forego-
ing shall, within thirty (30) days from the effective
date thereof, have the right to appeal such rule or rules
for a review and determination of the reasonableness
thereof.
DIVISION III
PERMITS AND FEES
92.1 PERMITS.
No alteration or addition shall be made to
any existing wiring, nor shall any wiring for the placing
or installation of any electric light, power or heating
device, or any apparatus which generates, transmits, trans-
forms or utilized electricity, operating at a voltage
exceeding 25 volts between conductors or capable of supply-
ing more than 50 watts, except as provided for herein, be
made without first obtaining an electrical permit therefor
from the.Director.
EXCEPTIONS:
An electrical permit is not required to
do the following work:
M
1. Minor repair work, such as repairing flush
and snap switches, replacing fuses, chang-
ing lamp sockets and receptacles, taping
bare joints, repairing drop cords and the
like.
•. 2. Installations used by electricity supply,
railway, or communications utilities in
the exercise of their functions as a public
utility.
3. Installation, alteration or repair of
electrical equipment installed by or for an
electricity supply agency for the use of
such agency in the generation, transmission,
distribution or metering of electricity.
4. Electrical wiring for street lighting or
traffic signals located primarily in a public
way.
92.2 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT.
Application for electrical permits describ-
ing the work to be done shall be made in writing to the
Director. The application shall be accompanied by such
plans., specifications and schedules as may be necessary to
determine whether the installations as described will be
in conformity with the requirements of the sections in
this Code pertaining to electricity. If it is found that
• the installation as described will conform to all legal
requirements of the sections in this Code pertaining to
electricity, a permit for such installation may be issued.
No deviation may be made from the installation described in
the permit without the approval of the Director. The owner,
or authorized representative of the owner, who may also be
required to submit additional evidence to indicate such
authority, or contractor must sign the application and must
certify that the contents thereof are true and correct
under penalty of perjury.
92.3 ISSUANCE OF PERMITS.
Permits shall be issued only to State
licensed contractors, or their respective authorized repre-
sentatives, but only to the extent and for the work the
person is licensed by the State of California to do, except
that a homeowner's permit may be issued to an -owner do do
any work regulated by the sections in this Code pertaining
to electricity in a single family dwelling used exclusively
for living purposes including the usual accessory buildings
and quarters in connection with such buildings, in the
event that any'such person is the bona fide owner of any
such dwelling and accessory buildings and quarters, and
that the same are occupied by or designed to be occupied
by said owner.
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92.4 FEES.
A fee for each electrical permit and for
the electrical work to be done thereunder shall be -paid
to the City of West Covina as set forth in a resolution
duly adopted by.City Council action.
92.5 WORK WITHOUT PERMIT.
No electrical work for which a permit is
required shall be commenced in any building or premises
until a permit to do such work shall have been first
obtained. Where work for which a permit is required by
this Code is started or commenced without obtaining a
permit, and when.this is discovered as.a result of an
investigation by the Director, the total fees as herein
specified shall be doubled; provided, however,.any penalty -
shall not be less than $10.00. The payment of such double
fee or penalty shall not 'relieve any person from complying
with the. requirements of this Code in the execution of the
work, nor from'anyother penalties prescribed herein.
.4
92.6 NO PERMIT SHALL.BE TRANSFERABLE.
A permit granted to one person, firm or
corporation shall not authorize any other person, firm or
corporation, except an employee of the permittee, to do
any electric wiring..
92:7.,. EXPIRATION OF PERMITS.
Every permit shall expire and become null
and void, 'by limitation for .any, .o,ne or more of . the follow-
ing reasons:
1. Whenever the electric wiring authorized by
a permit is not commenced within one hun-
dred twenty (120.) days from the date of
issuance of such permit.
2. Whenever the electric wiring authorized by
- a permit has been suspended, abandoned or
discontinued for a continuous period of
one hundred twenty (120) days.
3. Upon written request of the applicant,
within 120 days of issuance, provided no
portion of the work authorized by such
permit -has been completed in accordance
with this Code.
4. Whenever the electric wiring done during
any continuous period of 120 days amounts
• to less than ten. percent (10%) of the
total -of the electric wiring authorized
l by such permit.
Before recommencing; proceeding with or
doing any electric wiring authorized by but not done
before expiration of any such permit, a new permit shall
be obtained therefore, and the fee for such permit shall
be the fee required for a new permit.
•. 92.8 REVOCATIONS AND SUSPENSIONS OF PERMITS.
The Building Official may suspend or re-
voke any electrical permit for any of the following
reasons:
1. If any reason is found to exist which would
have been. cause for denial of such permit.
2. Any material misrepresentation or falsity
in the application upon which said permit
is issued.
3. For failure to comply with the provisions
of the sections in this Code pertaining to
electricity; after due notice of correc-
tions and the time limit therefore has ex-
pired; or for failure to comply with other
codes of this jurisdiction that may be re-
lated to or appertain to the sections in
this Code pertaining to electricity.
92.9 PLAN .CHECK FEE.
• A plan checking fee equal to one-half
the total electrical permit fee shall be paid at the
time of submitting plans and making application for
permit on all buildings and structures where the work
to be installed consists of a total connected load, or
a service switch size of 400 amps or over.
92.10 REFUNDS.
In the event that any person shall have
obtained an electrical permit and no portion of the
work or installation covered'by such permit shall have
been commenced and such permit shall have expired as
provided for .in Section 8137.6, the permittee, upon
. presentationto the'Buildi•ng'Director of a written re-
quest on.a form provided therefore, shall be entitled
to a refund -in an amount equal to eighty percent (800)
of the permit fee actually paid for such permit; how-.
ever, the portion of the fee retained shall never be
less than. ten dollars ($10.00).
In case'a permit is issued in error by
the Director, all fees shall be returned to applicant
upon receipt of written request from the applicant.
No refund shall be granted when receipt
of the request occurs more than one year following pay-
ment of the permit or plan check fee. No portion of
the plan checking fee shall be refunded, unless no
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checking has,been performed on -a set. of plans, in
which case eighty percent (8,0%) of the plan check-
ing fee shall be refunded, however, the portion of
the fee retained shall never be less than ten
dollars ,($10.00) .
The Director shall satisfy himself as to
• the right of such applicant to such refund and
each such refund shall be paid as provided by law
for the payment of claims against the City.
DIVISION IV
INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT
93.1 INSPECTIONS AND CORRECTIONS.
Upon completion of the work which
has been authorized by issuance of any permit, it
shall be the duty of the person, firm or corpora-
tion installing the.same to notify the Director
who shall inspect the installation at the time
such notice is given or as soon thereafter as
practicable. Where the Director finds the in-
stallation to be in conformity with the provisions
of this Code, he shall notify the person, firm or
corporation making the installation and connection
of his approval, authorizing the use of the in-
stallation and connection to the source of supply.
If upon inspection the installation is not found to
• be fully in conformity with the provisions of this
Code, the Director shall at once notify the person,
firm or corporation making the installation stating
the defects which have been found to exist. All
defects shall be corrected within ten (10) days
after inspection and notification, or within other
reasonable time as permittedby the Director.
Authorization for connection and use of temporary
work shall be made in writing and shall be issued
to expire at a time to be stated therein and shall
be revocable by the Director.
93.2 INSPECTION BEFORE CONCEALMENT.
When any part of a wiring installa-
tion is to be hidden from view by the permanent
placement of parts of'the building, the person, firm
or corporation installing the wiring shall notify
the Director•.and such parts -of -the wiring installa-
tion shall not be concealed until they have been in-
spected and approved; provided.that on large
installations, where'concealment of parts of wiring
proceeds continuously, the person, firm or corpora-
tion installing the wiring shall give the Director
due notice and inspections shall be made periodi-
cally during'the progress of the work. The Director
shall have the power to remove, or require the removal
of, any obstruction that prevents proper inspection of
any electrical equipment. ,
_22e
93.3 CLEARANCE OF CONNECTION OF ELECTRI-
CAL UTILITIES.
There shall be no clearance for connection
of electrical utilities until final building, plumbing,
heating and air conditioning inspection as required is
• made and approval has been given on•any building sought to
be connected to such utilities and until all other appli-
cable laws and ordinances have been complied with, unless
approval has been first obtained from the Director.
93.4 EXISTING WIRING.
Where additions, alterations or extensions
of wiring installation are proposed, and the existing in-
stallation was lawfully installed according to other
applicable ordinance, code or order, and the existing wir-
ing is.not unsafe in the opinion of the Director, the
existing wiring need not be replaced.
93.5 RELOCATED BUILDINGS.
Electrical wiring in relocated buildings
shall comply with the requirements of this Code for new
buildings.
93.6 DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
When, any electrical equipment is found by
• the Director to be dangerous to -property or to persons
because it is defective or defectively installed, the
person, firm or corporation responsible for the electrical
equipment shall be notified in writing and shall make any
changes or repairs as required by the sections in this
Code .pertaining to electricity or other laws to place such
equipment in safe condition.
r
If such work is not completed within ten
(10) days or longer periods as may be specified by the
Director; said Director shall have authority to disconnect
or order the discontinuance of electrical service to said
electrical equipment, and any person, firm or corporation
or political subdivision ordered to discontinue such
electrical service shall do so within 24 hours and shall
not reconnect or allow it to.be reconnected until approval
has been granted authorizing connection and use of such
wiring, devices, appliances or equipment.
In cases ofemergency, where necessary for
safety of persons -or of -property, or where electrical
equipment may interfere with:the work of the Fire Depart-
ment, the Building and Safety Director shall have the
authority to immediately cause the disconnection of any
electrical equipment.
=2 3--
93.7 CONNECTION TO SOURCE OF SUPPLY.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm
or corporation to make connection from a.source of
electrical energy'or.-to supply electric service to any
• electric wiring devices,'appliances or equipment for the
installation of which a permit is required, unless such
person, firm or corporation shall have obtained satis-
factory evidence from the Director that such wiring,
devices, appliances or equipment are in all respects in
conformity with all -applicable legal provisions.
93.8 . LIABILITY.
This.Code shall riot be construed to relieve
from or lessen the responsibility of any party owning,
operating,.controlling or installing any electric wiring,
electric devices or electric,material, for damages to per-
son or property caused by any defect therein, nor shall the
jurisdiction be held as assuming any such liability by
reason of the inspection authorized herein, or approval
given as herein provided.
93.9 PENALTIES.
Any person, firm or corporation, violating
any provisions of this Code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine
of not more than $500.00or by imprisonment for a period of
• not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprison-
ment.
93.10 CONTINUING VIOLATION.
Every person, firm or corporation violating
any of the provisions of this Code shall be deemed guilty
of a separate offense for each day or portion thereof dur-
ing which such violation continues and shall be punishable.
therefor as herein provided.
93.11 CONFORMITY.
It is unlawful for any person, firm or
corporation, either as owner, architect, contractor, arti-
san or otherwise, to do or knowingly to cause or permit to
be done any electrical wiring as defined in this Code in
such manner that the same shall not conform to all of the
provisions of this Code.
93.12 APPROVED MATERIALS.
All electrical materials, equipment and
• appliances shall be approved by the Director for use or
method of installation prior to utilization within the
scope of this code. Listing or labeling as conforming to
the standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., as
approved by the United States Bureau of Mines, the
American Standards. Association, the United States
Bureau of Standards, or other similar institutions of
recognized standing, shall be prima facie evidence of
• conformity with approved standards of.safety to life
and property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
material, method of installation, or equipment, the
use of which, in the written opinion of the Director
would constitute an unreasonable hazard to life or
safety may be disapproved by the Director.
DIVISION V
BRANCH CIRCUITS AND.FEEDERS
8131.1- Section 210-23 (a) of said Electrical Code is
amended to read as follows:
Section.210-23 (a) 15 and 20 AMPERE BRANCH CIRCUITS.
A 15-ampere branch circuit shall be permitted to
supply only lighting outlets or an individual fixed
appliance. A 20-ampere branch circuit shall be permitted
to supply lighting outlets, receptacle outlets, fixed
appliances, or a combination of same. The total rating
of fixed appliances supplied by such circuit shall not
exceed 500 of the rating of the branch circuit. The rat-
ing of a single fixed appliance supplied by an individual
branch circuit shall not exceed 800 of the rating of the
circuit.
EXCEPTION: The small appliance branch circuits
required in dwellings by Section 220-3 (b) shall supply
only the receptacle outlets specified in the section.
8131.2 Section 210-25 (b) of said Electrical Code is
amended to read as follows:
Section 210-25 (b) DWELLING -TYPE OCCUPANCIES.
In every kitchen, family room, dining room, liv-
ing room, parlor, library, den,.sun room, bedroom, recrea-
tion room, or similar' rooms, receptacle outlets shall be
installed so that no point along the floor line in any
wall space is more than 6 feet, measured horizontally,
from an outlet in that space, including any wall space
2 feet or more in width and the wall space occupied by
sliding panels in exterior walls. The wall space
afforded by fixed room dividers, such as free-standing
bar -type counters, shall be included in the 6-foot
measurement.
In kitchen and dining areas a. receptacle.outlet
shall be installed at each counter space wider than 12
inches. Counter top spaces separated by range tops,
refrigerators, or sinks shall be considered as separate
counter top spaces. Receptacles rendered inaccessible
- 2:5:
by the installation of stationary appliances shall not
be considered as these required outlets.
Receptacle outlets shall, insofar as practi-
cable, be spaced equal distances apart. Receptacle
outlets in floors shall not be counted as part of the
. required number of receptacle outlets unless located
close to the wall.
At least one wall receptacle outlet shall be
installed in the bathroom adjacent to the basin loca-
tion..
For a one -family dwelling, at least one
receptacle outlet shall.be installed outdoors.
At least one receptacle outlet shall be in-
stalled in each basement and garage.
Outlets in other sections of the dwelling for
special appliances, such as laundry equipment, shall
be placed within 6 feet of the intended location of
the appliance.
At least one receptacle outlet shall be in-
stalled for the laundry.
EXCEPTION #1: In a dwelling unit that is an
apartment or living area in a multifamily building
where laundry facilities are provided on the premises
that are available to all building occupants, a laundry
receptacle shall not be required.
• EXCEPTION #2: In other than single-family
dwellings where laundry facilities are not to be in-
stalled or permitted, a.laundry receptacle shall not
be required.
EXCEPTION #3: In a dwelling that is a unit
in a hote , motel, motor court, or motor hotel, a
laundry receptacle.shall not be required.
As used in this Section a "wall space" shall
be considered a wall unbroken along the floor line by
doorways, fireplaces,and similar openings. Each wall
space two or more feet wide shall be treated individu-
ally and separately from other wall spaces within the
room. A wall space shall be permitted to include two
or more walls of a room (around corners) where unbroken
at the floor line. The purpose of this requirement is
to minimize the use of cords across doorways, fireplaces,
and similar openings.
The receptacle outlets required by this Section
shall be in addition to any receptacle that is part of
any lighting fixture or appliance, located within
cabinets or cupboards, or located over 5-1/2 feet above
• the floor.
8131.3 Section 210-25 of said Electrical Code is
amended by addition of Subsections (e)., (f) ,
(g) and (h) as follows:
Section 210-25 (e) RECEPTACLES - BUILDING
ACCESSORY TO MULTIPLE DWELLING USES.
• Each building accessory to multiple dwelling
uses shall be provided with at least one receptacle.
Garages or carports designed for use by more, than one
dwelling unit shall be provided with one receptacle for
each four.(4) parking spaces or fraction thereof, con-
trolled by a time clock or shall be wired as follows
for their respective condition:
1. Where a receptacle outlet is wired for each
individual parking space, the outlet shall be
energized by each individual apartment service
and shall be on a separate circuit.
2. Where receptacles are energized by the house
meter, the number of receptacles on a circuit
shall not exceed -six.
3. Where garages or carports are separated with a
wall so as to form individual parking spaces
for individual apartments, then at least one
receptacle shall be provided in each garage or
carport space wired either in accordance with
Item No.".1 or Item No. 2 above.
Wiring shall be'run underground to new or re-
constructed detached buildings in conduit approved for
the purpose.
-Section 210-25 (f) BUILDING ACCESSORY TO
DWELLINGS - MINIMUM WIRING.
Carports and garages, accessory to single
family dwellings or duplexes, shall be wired with a
minimum..of one grounding type receptacle on.a
separate 20 amp. circuit. Wiring to detached garages
or carports serving single family dwellings or duplexes
shall be installed in a minimum 3/4" raceway from dis-
tribution panel and run underground. Additional
receptacle -.outlets, not exceeding 3, may be installed
on the same circuit.
Laundry.receptacles as required by .Section
210-25 (b) shall not be construed as meeting the minimum
garage or carport receptacle required by this Section.
Section 210-25 (g) EQUIPMENT ROOM RECEPTACLE.
A receptacle outlet shall be provided in all
• equipment rooms, attics and underfloor areas where
equipment is installed to provide a power source for
repair.
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Section 210-25 (h)
A receptacle outlet shall be installed to
serve each built-in gas oven. The outlet shall be
located so that it is accessible without removing
• the oven. This outlet may be installed on the
lighting circuit and will be counted in the number
of lights per circuit.-
8131.4 Section 210-26 is amended to read as follows:
Section 210-26 LIGHTING OUTLETS REQUIRED.
Lighting outlets shall be installed where
specified below:
(a) Dwelling -Type Occupancies. At least one wall
switch controlled lighting outlet shall be in-
stalled in every habitable room; in hallways,
stairways, and garages; and at outdoor entrances.
At least one lighting outlet shall be installed
in an attic, underfloor space,, utility roomand
basement where used for storage or containing
equipment requiring servicing.
EXCEPTION #1: In habitable rooms,.other than
kitchens or bathrooms, one or more receptacles
controlled by a wall switch shall be permitted
in lieu of lighting outlets.
• EXCEPTION #2: In hallways, stairways, and at
outdoor entrances remote, central, or automatic
control of lighting shall be permitted.
(b) Guestrooms. At least one wall switch controlled
lighting outlet or,wall switch controlled
receptacle. 'shall be. installed in guestrooms in
hotels, motels; or similar occupancies.
1
(c) Minimum Lighting Outlets -Building Accessory
to Dwelling Units. Garages or carports,
accessory to dwelling units shall be wired with
a minimum of one switched light outlet..
Wiring to detached accessory buildings serving
dwelling occupancies shall be installed in mini-
mum'3/4" conduit and run :underground..
Garages or carports designed for use by more
than one dwelling.unit shall have at least one
light outlet for each 4 parking spaces or fraction
thereof, controlled by a time clock or shall be
wired as follows for their respective conditions.
1. Where a light is wired for each individual
parking space and a switch is provided in
each apartment for each separate light, the
light may be on a lighting circuit energized
by the individual apartment meters.
2. Where less than one lighting outlet per
parking space is provided, the lights
and the time clock shall be energized
by a separate house meter.
3. Where garages or carports are separated
t� with a wall so as to form individual
parking spaces for individual apart-
ments, then at least one light shall be
provided in each garage or carport
space, wired either in accordance with
Item No. 1 or Item No. 2 above.
Wiring -shall be run underground to all
detached buildings in conduit approved
for the purpose.
(d) Equipment Room Lighting. A switched light outlet
shall be provided in all equipment rooms, attics
and underfloor areas where equipment is installed
to provide sufficient illumination for repair.
8131.5 Said Electrical Code is hereby amended by
.adding Section 210-27 to read as follows:
Section 210-27 LOCATION OF BRANCH CIRCUIT
PROTECTIVE DEVICES
Branch circuit protective devices shall be in -
installed in and for each apartment of a multi-
family dwelling. Nothing contained in this
• part shall be deemed or construed to permit
installation of any electrical device or cir-
cuit for any occupancy within any other
occupancy, the control or protection of which
is not accessible to the user at all times.
No parts of any circuit shall supply electri-
cal energy to more than one occupancy. Branch
circuit distribution.panels shall not be
located in any bathroom, clothes, linen, or
broom closets.
8131.6 Said Electrical Code is hereby amended by adding
.Section 210-28 to read as follows:
Section 210-28 SIGN CIRCUITS.
A sign circuit shall be installed in a
separate raceway -to an accessible location at
the front of each commercial and industrial
occupancy.
8131.7 Section 220-3 (b) 2 of said Electrical Code is
amended to read'as follows:
Section 220-3 (b) 2
Receptacle outlets installed in the kitchen
shall be supplied by not less than three
small appliance branch circuits which shall
also be permitted to supply receptacle out-
lets in the other rooms specified in (1)
above. Additional small appliance branch
circuits shall be permitted to supply
receptacle outlets in such other rooms.
8131.8 Section 220--3 of said Electrical Code is amended
by adding thereto Subsection (e) to read as
follows:
Section 220-3 (e)
Each dwelling unit shall have installed therein
an individual foodwaste grinder branch circuit.
Said circuit shall be provided with an indicat-
ing type switch located in the wall adjacent to
the sink or cabinet:
8131.9 Section 220-10 (a) of said Electrical Code is
amended to read as follows:
Section 220-10 (a) AMPACITY AND COMPUTED LOADS.
Feeder conductors shall have sufficient ampacity
to supply the load served. In no case shall the
computed load of a feeder be less than the.sum
of the .loads on the branch circuits supplied as
determined by Part A of this Article after any
applicable demand factors permitted by Parts B,
C, or D have been applied nor less than 50 am-
peres ampacity, which ever is greater.
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8132. Said Electrical Code is hereby amended by adding
Section 310-14 to read as follows:
Section 310-14
Aluminum conductors smaller than No. 6 shall not
be used for circuit conductors, feeders or sub -
feeders.
8132.1 Said Electrical Code is hereby amended by delet-
ing Note No. 3 of Tables 310-16 through 310-19,
Page 70-135.
8132.2 Section 230-43 of said Electrical Code is amended
to read as follows:
Section 230-43 WIRING METHODS FOR 600 VOLTS OF
LESS.
Service entrance conductors shall be installed
in accordance with the applicable requirements
It of this code covering the type of wiring
method used and limited to the following
methods:
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1. Rigid Metal Conduit
EXCEPTIONS:
a. Aluminum conduit shall not be used for
overhead service entrance raceway..
b. Aluminum conduit shall not be used for
underground service raceway.
2. Electrical Metallic Tubing
EXCEPTIONS:
a. Electrical metallic tubing shall not
be used where supporting or intended
to support service drop attachments.
b. Electrical metallic tubing shall not
be used as underground service en-
trance raceway.
3. Wireways
4. Busways
5. Auxiliary Gutters
6. Rigid Non -Metallic Conduit
EXCEPTIONS:
a. Rigid non-metallic conduit shall not
be used for overhead service entrance
raceway.
7. Cablebus
8. Mineral Insulated Metal -Sheathed Cable
8132.3 Section 230-72 (c) of said Electrical Code is
amended to read as follows:
Section 230-72 (c) LOCATION.
The service disconnecting means shall be located
on the exterior of the building at the nearest safe and
readily accessible point to where the service conductors
enter the building.
EXCEPTION:
On buildings of a commercial or industrial
type that are normally open during an
average business day, the service switch,
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breaker and/or meter may be installed
within the building if meeting the re-
quirements of the serving utility.
Service disconnects, where permitted
inside a building, shall be located in
a space, readily accessible, and
nearest the point of entry of the
service. conductors into the building
as possible.
DIVISION VII
GROUNDING
8132.4 Section 250-112 of said Electrical Code is amended
to read as follows:
Section 250-112 TO GROUNDING ELECTRODE.
The'grounding connection of a grounding conductor
to a grounding electrode shall be made at a readily
accessible point and ina manner that will assure a per-
manent and effective ground. Where necessary to assure
this for a metal piping system used as a grounding
electrode, effective bonding shall be provided around
insulated joints and sections and around any equipment
that is likely to be disconnected for repairs or replace-
ment.
DIVISION VIII
PANELBOARDS'
8132.5 Said E,lectrical,Code is hereby amended by adding
Section 384-28 to read as follows:
Section 384-28 MINIMUM SIZE.
(a) Service equipment installed to serve single
family dwellings less than 800 sq. f t. in area shall
have a capacity of not less than 10 full-size single
pole over -current protective devices in addition to a
main switch or circuit breaker.
(b) Service equipment installed to serve single
family.dwe,llings 800 sq. ft. or more.in area shall have
a capacity of not less than 16 full-size single pole
over -current protective devices in addition to a main
switch or circuit breaker.
(c) Service equipment installed to serve com-
mercial or industrial buildings shall have an ampacity
rating to serve the intended load but not less than 60
amperes. Service conduit or feeder raceways shall be
not less than l' size except that where service con-
duit or feeder raceway is concealed, the minimum size
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raceway shall be 1-1/2".
(d) Feeders and subfeeders serving indi-
vidual units of multiple family dwellings shall
have an ampacity of not less than 60 amperes.
Conduit for such feeders shall be not less than
1" size.
8132.6 Said Electrical Code is hereby amended by adding
Section 384-29 to read as follows:
Section 384-29 SPARE RACEWAYS.
For_one and two family dwellings, two (2)
three-quarter inch (3/4") spare raceways for future use
shall be provided, one running from the panelboard to
an accessible location in the attic and one to an
accessible location under the floor. Where either
space is not available because of.method of construction,
such termination ofspare raceways shall be as approved
by the Director.
DIVISION IX
WIRING METHODS
8132.7 Section 320-3 of said Electrical Code is amended
to read as follows':
Section 320-3 USES PERMITTED.
Open wiring on insulations shall be permitted
on systems of 600 volts, nominal, or less for industrial
or agricultural establishments in outdoor locations
only.
8132.8 Section 320-15 of said Electrical Code is hereby
deleted.
8132.9 Section 336-3 of said Electrical Code is amended
to read as follows:
Section 336-3 USES PERMITTED OR NOT PERMITTED.
Types NM and NMC Cables shall be permitted to
be used in residential occupancies and in buildings or
portions of buildings accessory to individual dwelling
units, when not exceeding three (3) stories in height.
(a) Type NM. This type of non-metallic
sheathed cable shall be permitted to be installed
for both exposed and concealed work in normally dry
locations. It shall be permissible to install or
fish type NM cable in air voids in masonry block or
tile walls where such walls are not exposed or sub-
ject to excessive moisture or dampness. Type.NM
cable shall not be installed where exposed to
corrosive fumes or vapor; nor shall it be em-
bedded in .masonry, concrete,fill or plaster;
norrun in a shallow chase in masonry or con-
crete and covered with.plaster or similar
finish.
(b) Type NMC. Type NMC Cable shall be
permitted for both exposed and concealed work
in dry, moist, damp, or corrosive locations,
and in outside and in inside walls of masonry
block or -tile.
(c) Uses Not Permitted for Either
NM or NMC. Types NM and NMC Cables shal not
be used as (1) service -entrance cable, (2) in
any commercial or industrial building, (3) in
any hazardous location,.(4) in any building re-
quired to be of incombustible construction, (5)
in underfloor crawl spaces, (6) in exposed loca-
tions of private garages, (7) for circuits or
portions of circuits located other than within
and serving an individual dwelling unit, (8) in
any area where exposed to mechanical damage or
the elements.
8133. Section 338-2 of said Electrical Code is hereby
deleted.
8133.1 Section 350-5 of said Electrical Code is
amended to read as follows:
Section 350-5 GROUNDING.
Flexible metal conduit may be used as a ground-
ing means where both the conduit and the .fittings are
approved for the purpose.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Flexible metal conduit may be used for
grounding if the length is six feet
(6') or less, it is terminated in
fittings approved for the purpose, and
the circuit conductors contained therein
are protected by overcurrent devices
rated at 20 amperes or less.
2.. Flexible metal conduit may be used for
grounding by the use of fittings which
thread into the convolutions of
square -cut flexible conduit..
8133.2 Section 370-52 of said Electrical Code is hereby
amended by"adding the following Subsection (g):
Section 370-52 (g)
Boxes used in required,.fire-resistive walls
shall be of metal or other -approved incombustible
materials:
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8133.3 Articles 550 and 551 of said Electrical Code
pertaining to mobile homes, mobile home parks,
recreational vehicles, and recreation vehicle
parks are hereby deleted.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections
17958.5 and 17958.7 a city may make such modifications in the re-
quirements of the regulations adopted pursuant to the Health and
Safety Code Section 17922 as it determines to be reasonably necessary
because of local conditions, and the City Council of the City of West
Covina determines that the modifications set forth herein are in fact
reasonably necessary because of local conditions as set forth more
fully below:
a. It is reasonably necessary, because of local condi-
tions, to modify and supplement Chapter 3 of the
Uniform Building Code, 1976 Edition, Chapter 3.,of
the Uniform Mechanical Code, 1976 Edition, Part 1
of the Uniform Plumbing Code, 1976 Edition, and
Article 90 of the National Electrical Code, 1975
Edition, all dealing with administration and en-
forcement, in order to provide for efficient and
orderly operation of the Building and Safety Depart-
ment.
b. It is reasonably necessary, because of local.condi-
tions, to modify Sections 420, 1501 and add Sections
• 1507 through 1509 to Chapter.15 of the Uniform
Building Code, 1976 Edition, in order to provide
regulation;: and protection from life,.hazard.in-
and around swimming pools and other man-made bodies
of water.
C. It is reasonably necessary, because of local condi-
tions, to modify Sections 2907 (b) and 2623 of the
Uniform Building Code, 1976 Edition, dealing with
foundations and concrete floors, in order to reduce
deterioration and prevent dampness in certain build-
ings,, and reduce the effects of expansive soil con-
ditions.
d. It is reasonably necessary, because of local condi-
tions, to add Sections 315 (g) and 315 (h) to the
Uniform.Plumbing-Code,.1976 Edition:j to reduce
transmission of fire into or through incombustible
or fire -resistive construction by limitation of com-
bustible piping in such construction.
e. It is reasonably necessary, because of local condi-
tions, to amend Section 505 (c) of the Uniform
Plumbing Code, 1976 Edition, in order to provide
for maintenance and sanitation of certain plumbing
vents located where susceptible to blockage or
obstruction.
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•
f. It is reasonably necessary, because of local condi-
tions, to modify and add sections to Articles 210,
220, 310, 320, 336, 338,.-350, and 370 of the
National Electrical Code, 1975 Edition; in order to
provide for increased electrical and fire safety,.
illumination of exitways, convenience, sanitation
and economy in electrical installations.
g. It is reasonably necessary, because of local condi-
tions, to modify Articles 230 and 250 of the National
Electrical Code, dealing with permitted types of ser-
vice conduit and location of service equipment and
service grounding, in order to clarify and make
specific the intent of the code.
h. It is reasonably necessary, because of local condi-
tions, to modify the National Electrical Code, 1975
Edition, by'addit'ion of Sections 384-28 and 384-29
in order to.provide for future expansion, efficiency,
convenience and prevention of obsolescence in
electrical service installations.
Each and every modification of said Codes as adopted by this City
Council has been necessitated because the provisions of the pub-
lished Codes are inadequate to provide for protection of health,
safety and welfare of the general public and the efficient, orderly
administration of the Department of Building and Safety.
The above listed expressed findings shall be made available
as a public record and,a copy, with the modifications thereof, shall
be kept on file with the Department of Building and Safety.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of
this ordinance and shall cause the same to be published as required
by law. The City Clerk shall also file a certified copy of this
ordinance with the State Department of Housing and Community
Development..
Passed and approved this 26th day of June , 1978.
ATTEST:
_City C erk Mayor
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS.
CITY OF WEST COVINA )
I, LELA W.'PRESTON, City Clerk.of-the City of West
hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 1381 was
introduced and placed upon its first reading at a -regular
the City Council on the 22nd day of May , 1978.
thereafter, said ordinance was duly adopted and passed at
meeting of the City Council on the 26th day of June
by the following vote, to wit:
Covina, do
regularly
meeting of
That,
a regular
, 1978,
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AYES: Councilmen: Miller, Shearer, Browne, Chappell, Tice.
NOES: Councilmen: None
ABSENT: Councilmen: None
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
City fterk
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