Ordinance - 1831ORDINANCE NO. 1831
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 7, ARTICLES II, III, IV, V, VI,
VII, IX, DIVISION 1, ARTICLE XIII AND CHAPTER 10, ARTICLE II
OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF THE 1988
EDITIONS OF THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE AND STANDARDS, UNIFORM
• FIRE CODE AND STANDARDS, UNIFORM CODE FOR ABATEMENT OF
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS, UNIFORM HOUSING CODE, UNIFORM MECHANICAL
CODE, UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE, UNIFORM SIGN CODE, UNIFORM SOLAR
ENERGY CODE AND THE 1987 EDITION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL
CODE.
The City Council of the -City of West Covina, California, does
ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. Articles II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, Article IX,
Division 1, Article XIII of Chapter 7 and Article II of Chapter 10 of
the West Covina Municipal Code are hereby revised as to the following
Sections as follows:
ARTICLE II - BUILDING CODE
Section 7-16. Adopted.
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the 1988 Editions of
the Uniform Building Code and Uniform Building Code Standards
prepared and copyrighted in Whittier, California, by the
International Conference of Building Officials, which on the 11th
day of December , 1989, were made a public record of the City,
including all appendices and indices, are hereby adopted and made a
part hereof as if fully set out in this Section. One copy of each
such Code as well as any secondary Codes incorporated by such 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 such
Codes set forth above and any amendment thereto contained in this
Article, or other provision of the Municipal Code, the amendment or
addition shall control.
Section 7-17. Definitions.
whenever any of the following terms are used in the Code adopted by
Section 7-16 of this Municipal Code, such terms shall be deemed and
construed to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section as
follows:
Department of Building and Safety: shall mean the Department
of Building and Safety of the City.
Building Official: shall mean the City Building and Safety
Director or other designated City Officer.
Health Officer: shall mean the County Health Officer.
• Fire Chief: shall mean the City Fire Chief.
Section 7-18.1 Section 303(d) amended.
Section 303(d) of the Code adopted by Section 7-16 of this Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"(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 one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of
issuance of such a permit.
2. Whenever the work authorized by a permit has. been
suspended, abandoned or discontinued for a continuous
period of one hundred eighty (180) days.
3. Upon written request of the applicant, within one hundred
eighty (180) 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
one hundred eighty (180) days amounts to less than ten
(10) per cent 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."
Section 7-18.2. Section 303(f) added.
Section 303 of the Code adopted by Section 7-16 of this Municipal
Code is hereby amended by adding a paragraph (f) to read as follows:
"(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
one hundred eighty (180) 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 ninety (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 one hundred twenty (120) days from date of
the written notice.
Section 7-18.5. Section 305(d) amended.
Section 305(d) of the Code adopted by Section 7-16 of this Municipal
ode is hereby amended to read as follows:
"(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 indicated by
each of the inspections required by subsection (e).
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 aproval has been first obtained
from the building official, except as provided for in Section
307(d) for a temporary certificate of occupancy."
Section 7-18.6. Section 307(d) amended.
Section 307(d) of the Code adopted by Section 7-16 of this Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
(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.
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 307(c) above."
Section 7-18.10. Section 1135 through 1137 added.
Section 1135 through 1137 of the Code adopted by Section 7-16 of this.
Municipal Code are hereby added to read as follows:
"Sec.1135 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 1135) 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 (5) feet six (6) inches 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 doors 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 (4) feet
ten (10) inches above the ground; provided, however, that the
door of any dwelling occupied by human beings and forming any
part of the enclosure hereinafter 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.
Sec. 1136 SWIMMING POOLS, EMPTYING UPON ABANDONMENT 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 official 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 having been
abandoned or vacated by the person in possession or control of
such swimming pool, shall fail, within forty-eight (48) hours
after so learning or so being advised by the building
official, 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 official, 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 actual, apparent
• and manifest intention to return thereto within a reasonable
and foreseeable time unless definite provision has been made
in writing prior to leaving the premises to have them actually
occupied within thirty (30) days of such leaving by some other
person who will be in possession and control of such swimming
pool.
(d) "Vacate" and "vacated", as used in this section shall
mean the leaving of premises without the bona fide intent to
return and actually returning to said premises within a period
of thirty (30) days or less (or such additional period not
exceeding an aggregate of sixty (60) days from date of leaving
as may be granted by the building official 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
thereby 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
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 available 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.
Sec. 1137 INSPECTING AND APPROVAL OF SWIMMING POOLS
All plans hereafter submitted to the city for swimming
pools to be constructed shall show compliance with the
requirements of section 1135, and final inspection and
approval of all pools hereafter constructed shall be withheld
until all requirements of section 1135 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."
ection 7-18.11 is hereby deleted.
Section 7-18.12. Roof coverings amended.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Building
Code and Appendix to the contrary, the roof covering of any
building hereinafter constructed, regardless of type of
occupancy classification, shall be of noncombustible or
fire -retardant construction as defined in Section 3204(a)
items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 3204(b) of the Uniform Building
Code.
(b) Any replacement or repair that consists of more than
twenty-five (25) percent of the total area of an existing roof
within a twelve-month period must be made in conformancewith
subsection (a) herein. Room additions must also comply with
said subsection (a). Skylights shall be constructed as
required in chapter 34 of the Uniform Building Code.
Penthouses shall be constructed as required in chapter 36 of
the Uniform Building Code. Any use of plastics in roofs shall
be in accordance with the provisions of chapter 52. Any
construction relating to attics shall be in accordance with
those governed by the provisions of section 3205 of the
Uniform Building Code. The provisions of section 3207 of the
Uniform Building Code shall govern roof drainage.
Section 7-18.13. Section 3802(a). Amended.
Section 3802(a) notwithstanding any other provisions of this section,
an approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed:
1. On all new buildings exceeding ten thousand (10,000)
square feet in floor area.
2. In any existing building after the completion of any
major alteration or addition which will exceed ten
thousand (10,000) square feet of floor area.
3. In any existing building where an addition or additions
exceed 25% of the existing floor area as of January 1,
1990 or ten thousand (10,000) square feet, whichever is
less, and the existing building is over ten thousand
(10,000) square feet.
4. When the value of alterations or repairs to an existing
building, which has ten thousand (10,000) or more square
feet, exceed 25% of the value of the building in any 12
month period.
Section 7-18.15. Section 302(a) amended.
The 1988 Uniform Building Code, section 302(a), shall be amended by
adding item No. 8 to regulate construction within flood hazard areas
and within established floodways, as follows:
• "A. Buildings are not permitted within an area determined
by the city engineer to be subject to flood hazard by reason
of inundation, overflow or erosion.
"The placement of buildings and other structures
(including walls and fences) within such areas shall be such
that water or mudflow will not be a hazard to the building or
adjacent property. Subject to section 2 of this ordinance,
this prohibition shall. not apply if provisions are made to
eliminate such hazard to the satisfaction of the city engineer
by providing adequate drainage facilities, protective walls,
suitable fills, raising of floor elevation of the building or
by a combination of these or other methods. The city, in -the
application of this ordinance, shall enforce as a minimum, the
current Federal Flood Plain Management Regulations defined in
chapter 1, parts 59 and 60, Federal Emergency Management
Agency, National Flood Insurance Program.
"B. A person shall not perform any work within an
established floodway if in the judgement of the city engineer
such work increases the flood hazard to adjacent properties by
either increasing the capital floodwater suface elevation, by
deflection of flows, by increasing bank erosion or by
increasing flow velocities. Such work may be performed within
an established floodway where provisions are made to the
satisfaction of the city engineer to avoid any such increase
in flood hazard. The city engineer may issue a permit for
said work."
ARTICLE III - ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS CODE
Section 7-37. Code adopted.
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the 1988 Edition of the
Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, prepared and
copyrighted in Whittier, California, by the International Conference
of Building Officials, which on the llth day of December , 1989,
was made a public record of the City, including all its appendices
and indices, is hereby adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set
out in this Section. At least one (1) copy of such Code as well as
any secondary Codes incorporated by such 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 such Codes set forth
above and any amendment thereto contained in this Article, or other
provisions of the Municipal Code, the amendment or addition shall
control.
Section 7-38. Definitions.
Whenever any of the following terms are used in the Code adopted by
Section 7-37, such term shall be deemed and construed to have the
• meaning ascribed to them in this Section as follows:
Building Official: shall mean the City Building and Safety
Director or other designated City Officer.
Department of Building and Safety: shall mean the City
Department of Building and Safety.
Fire Chief: shall mean the City Fire Chief.
Health Officer: shall mean the County Health Officer.
ARTICLE IV - ELECTRICAL CODE
Section 7-49. Adopted.
Except .as otherwise provided in this Article, the 1987 Edition of the
National Electrical Code, prepared and copyrighted by the National
Fire Protection Association, Boston, Massachusetts, and including the
Uniform Administrative Code Provisions for the National Electrical
Code, 1987 Edition, prepared and copyrighted by the International
Conference of Building Officials, Whittier, California, which on
the i I tb day of naramhar , 1989, were made a public record of the
City, including all appendices and indices are hereby adopted and
made a part hereof as if fully set out in this section. at least one
(1) copy 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 and any amendments thereto contained in this
Article, the amendment or addition shall control.
ARTICLE V - HOUSING CODE
Section 7-61. Adopted.
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the 1988 Edition of the
Uniform Housing Code, prepared and copyrighted in Whittier,
California, by the International Conference of Building Officials,
which on the 11rh day of ne mh r , 1989, was made a public record
of the City, including all its appendices and indices, is hereby
adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in.this Section.
At least one (1) copy of such Code as well as any secondary Codes
incorporated by such 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 such Codes set forth above and any amendment
thereto contained in this Article, or other provision of the
Municipal Code, the amendment or addition shall control.
Section 7-62. Definitions.
Whenever any of the follwing terms are used in the Code adopted by
Section 7-61, such terms shall be deemed and construed to have the
meaning ascribed to them in this Section as follows:
Building Official: shall mean the City Building and Safety
Director or other designated City Officer.
• Department Of Building and Safety: shall mean the City
Department of Building and Safety.
Fire Chief: shall mean the City Fire Chief.
Health Officer: shall mean the County Health Officer.
ARTICLE VI - MECHANICAL CODE
Section 7-73. Adopted.
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the 1988 Edition of the
Uniform Mechanical Code, prepared and copyrighted in Whittier,
California, by the International Conference of Building Officials,
which on the llth day of December, 1989, was made a public record
of the .City, including all its appendices and indices, is hereby
adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Section.
At least one (1) copy of such Code as well as any secondary Codes
incorporated by such 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 such Codes set forth above and any amendment
thereto contained in this Article, or other provision of the
Municipal Code, the amendment or addition shall control.
Section 7-74. Definitions.
Whenever any of the following terms are used in the Code adopted by
Section 7-73, such terms shall be deemed and construed to have the
meaning ascribed to them in this Section as follows:
Building Official: shall mean the City Building and Safety
Director or other designated City Officer.
Department of Building and Safety: shall mean the City
Department of Building and Safety.
Fire Chief: shall mean the City Fire Chief.
Health Officer: shall mean the County Health Officer.
ARTICLE VII. PLUMBING CODE
Section 7-85. Adopted.
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the 1988 Edition of the
Uniform Plumbing Code, as published by the International Association
of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, prepared and copyrighted in Los
Angeles, California, which on the i i th day of DPrPmhPr , 198 9 , was
ade a public record of the City, including all its appendices and
indices, is hereby adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out
in this Section. At least one (1) copy 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
amiguity between any provision contained in said Code and any
amendment thereto contained in this Article or other provision of the
Municipal Code, the amendment, addition or provision shall control.
ARTICLE IX. SIGNS
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Section 7-134. Code - Adopted.
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the 1988 Edition of the
Uniform .Sign Code, prepared and copyrighted in Whittier, California,
by the International Conference of Building Officials, which on
the 11th day of December , 1989, was made a public record of the
City, including all its appendices and indices, is hereby adopted and
made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Section. At least one
(1) copy of such Code as well as any secondary Codes incorporated by
such 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 such Codes set forth above and any amendment thereto
contained in this Article, or other provision of the Municipal Code,
the amendment or addition shall control.
Section 7-135. Same - Definitions.
Whenever any of the following terms are used in the Code adopted by
Section 7-134, such terms shall be deemed and construed to have the
meaning ascribed to them in this Section as follows:
Building Official: shall mean the City Building and Safety
Director or other designated City Officer.
Department of Building and Safety: shall mean the City
Department of Building and Safety.
Fire Chief: shall mean the City Fire Chief.
Health Officer: shall mean the County Health Officer.
ARTICLE XIII - SOLAR ENERGY CODE
Section 7-220. Adooted.
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the 1988 Editon of the
Uniform Code for Solar Installations, prepared and copyrighted in Los
Angeles, California, by the International Conference of Building
Officials and the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials which on the llth day of December , 1989, was
made a public record of the City, including all its appendices and
indices, is hereby adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out
*in this Section. At least one (1) copy of such Code as well as any
secondary Codes incorporated by such 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 Article, the amendment or
addition shall control.
Section 7-221. Definitions.
Whenever any of the following terms used in the Code adopted by
Section 7-220, such terms shall be deemed and construed to have the
meaning ascribed to them in this Section as follows:
Building Official: shall mean the City Building and Safety
Director or other designated City Officer.
Building and Safety Department: shall mean the City
Department of Building and Safety.
Fire Chief: shall mean the City Fire Chief.
Health Officer: shall mean the County Health Officer.
ARTICLE XV
Section 7-251. Definitions amended.
Whenever any of the following terms are used in the Code adopted by
Section 7-251 of this Municipal Code, such terms shall be deemed and
construed to have the meaning ascribed to them in this.Section as
follows:
Department of Building and Safety: shall mean the Department
of Building and Safety of the City.
Building Official: shall mean the City Building and Safety
Director or other designated City Officer.
Health Officer: shall mean the County Health Officer.
Fire Chief: shall mean the City Fire Chief.
SECTION TWO. The West Covina Municipal Code, Chapter 10 - Fire Prevention
and Protection, is hereby amended by repealing Article 2 thereof in its
entirety.
SECTION THREE. The West Covina Municipal Code, Chapter 10 - Fire Prevention
and Protection, is hereby amended by adding a new ARTICLE 2 to read as
follows:
ARTICLE 2. FIRE CODE
• Sec. 10-20 Adoption of Uniform Fire Code.
There is hereby adopted, by the City Council of the City of West Covina
for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous
to life and property from fire and explosion, that certain Code and Standards
known as the Uniform Fire Code, including Appendix Chapters I-C (Stairway
Identification), II -A (Suppression and Control of Hazardous Fire Areas),
II-B (Protection of Flammable or Combustible Liquids in Tanks in Locations
that May be Flooded), III -A (Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings), III-
C (Testing Fire Extinguishing Systems, Standpipes and Combination Systems),
IV -A (Interior Floor Finish), and the Uniform Fire Code Standards published
by the Western Fire Chiefs Association and the International Conference
of Building Officials, being particularly the 1988 Editions thereof and
the whole thereof, save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted,
modified or amended by Section 10-26 of this Ordinance one (1) copy of
the Code and Standards has been and is now filed in the office of the City
Clerk of the City of West Covina and the same are hereby adopted and incor-
porated as fully as if set out at length herein, and from the date on which
this Ordinance shall take effect, the provision thereof shall be controlling
within the limits of the City of West Covina.
Sec. 10-21 Establishment and Duties of Bureau of Fire Prevention.
(a) The Uniform Fire Code shall be enforced by the Bureau of Fire
Prevention in the Fire Department of the City of West Covina which is hereby
established and which shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief
of the Fire Department.
(b) The Fire Marshal in charge of the Bureau of Fire Prevention shall
be appointed by the Chief of the Fire Department on the basis of examination
to determine his qualifications.
(c) The Chief of the Fire Department may detail such members of the
Fire Department as inspectors as shall from time -to -time be necessary.
The Chief of the Fire Department shall recommend the employment of technical
inspectors, who, when such authorization is made, shall be selected through
an examination to determine their fitness for the position. The examination
shall be open to members and/or non-members of the Fire Department, and
appointments made after examination shall be for an indefinite term with
removal only for cause.
Section 10-22 Definitions:
(a) Whenever the word "Jurisdiction" is used in the Uniform Fire.
Code, it is the City of West Covina.
(b) Whenever the words "Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention" are
used they shall be held to mean "Fire Marshal."
Section 10-23 Establishment of Limits of Districts in Which Storage
of Flammable or Combustible Liquids in Outside Above Ground Tanks_ is
10-..1.; 1.; rmA
(a) The limits referred to in Section 79.501 of .the Uniform Fire
Code in which the storage of flammable or combustible liquids is restricted
are hereby established as follows: All areas of the City except those
areas approved by the Fire Chief or a designated representative and whose
maximum quantity does not exceed 500 gallons individual tank capacity.
(b) The limits referred to in Section 79.501 of the Uniform Fire
•Code in which bulk plants for flammable liquids is restricted are hereby
established as follows: All areas of the City except those areas that
are specifically designated under the zoning provisions of this Code as
Zone M-1.
Section 10-24 Establishment of Limits in Which Storage of Liquefied '
Petroleum Gases is to be Restricted.
(a) The limits referred to in Section 82.103 (a) of the Uniform Fire
Code, in which storage of liquefied `petroleum gas is restricted, are hereby
established as follows: All areas of the City except those areas approved
by the Fire Chief or a designated representative and whose maximum quantity
does not exceed 2,000 gallons water capacity.
(b) The limits referred to in Section 82.103 (a) of the Uniform Fire
Code, in which bulk storage of liquid petroleum gas is restricted are hereby
established as follows: The entire area of this City.
Section 10-25 Establishment of Limits of Districts in Which Storage
of Explosives and Blasting Agents is to be Prohibited.
The limits referred to in Section 77.106 (b) of the Uniform Fire Code,
in which storage of explosives and blasting agents is prohibited, are hereby
established as follows: The entire area of the City.
Section 10-26 Amendments Made in the Uniform Fire Code.
The Uniform Fire Code, 1988 Edition, as adopted under Section 10-20
of this chapter is amended and changed in the following respects:
Section 2.105 of the Uniform Fire Code, is revised as follows:
Section 2.105. Authority of Fire Personnel to Exercise Powers of
Police Officers.
(a) The Chief and members of the Fire Department shall have the powers
of a police officer in performing their duties under this article.
(b) The following officers and members of the Fire Department shall
have the power to arrest any person without a warrant whenever they have
reasonable cause to believe that the person has violated any provision
of this chapter in their presence:
Chief, Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, Asst.. Fire Marshal, Captain,
Engineer, Firefighter, and Fire Protection Specialist.
Section 4.102 of the Uniform Fire Code is revised as follows:
Section 4.102. Compliance Required.
(c) All permits or certificates issued under this Code shall be
presumed to contain the provision that the applicant, his agents and
employees shall carry out the proposed activity in compliance with all
the requirements of this Code and any other laws or regulations applicable
thereto, whether specified or not, and in complete accordance with the
approved plans and specifications. Any permit or certificate which purports
to sanction a violation of this Code or any applicable law or regulations
shall be void and any approval of plans and specifications in the issuance
of such permit shall likewise be void.
(d) All officers and employees of the City vested with the duty or
authority to issue permits, licenses, or certificates of occupancy where
required by law shall conform to the provisions of this Chapter and said
Fire Code. No such permit, license, or certificate for buildings, uses,
or purposes where the same would be in conflict with the provisions of
this Chapter or said Fire Code shall be issued. Any such permit, license,
or certificate which is issued in conflict with said provisions shall be
null and void. .
Section 4.102(e) is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
Section 4.102(e) Permit Fees. When the application for a permit or
certificate under this division is filed, a uniform non-refundable fee
shall be paid for the purpose of defraying the cost incidental to the pro-
ceedings.
Such charges and fees to be rendered shall be those which the City
Council may from time to time determine, fix and establish by resolution
duly and reasonably adopted by it. Such charges may be changed by the
City Council from time to time by resolution and shall respectively be
applicable for the respective periods designated or governed by such respec-
tive resolutions.
Section 10.207 of the Uniform Fire Code, is amended to read as follows:
Section 10.207 Fire Apparatus Roads
(a) General. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and main-
tained in accordance with the provisions of this Section. The definition
for fire apparatus access roads used throughout this Section shall be "Fire
Lane."
(c) Width. Such accessways shall be unobstructed and not less than
twenty-five (25) feet in width.
(1) Posting. Those areas determined to be "Fire Lanes" shall be
posted in accordance to the standards set forth by the Engineering Department
per West Covina Municipal Code, Section 22-188.
Section 10.207 (m) is added to the Uniform Fire Code, to read as
follows:
Section 10.207 (m) Variance
(m) Variance. Variance from the requirement of this subsection may
be approved by the Fire Chief or a designated representative only upon
a determination that safety and access have been provided which are
substantially similar to that available were the required accessways
provided.
Section 10.210 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
• Section 10.210 Security Gates
All security gates shall be operated by the Fire Department by way
of a card reader which will accept Fire Department master card only.
Section 10.301 (c) of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to read as
follows:
Section 10.301 (c) Water Supply
An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow
for fire protection shall be provided to all premises upon which buildings
or portions of building are hereafter constructed. When any portion of
the building protected is in excess of 150 feet from a water supply on
a public street, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of
the building, there shall be provided when required by the Chief, on -site
fire hydrants and water mains capable of supplying the required fire flow.
Water mains supplying fire hydrants shall not be less than eight (8) inches
size and shall be capable, at a residual pressure of at least 20 PSI, of
simultaneously supplying 1,000 gallons per minute per hydrant to the number
of fire hydrants corresponding to the required fire flow divided by 1,000.
Fire hydrants are provided for the sole purpose of extinguishing fires
and shall be opened and used only by the Fire Department or other officials
authorized to do so.
The location, number and type of fire hydrants connected to a water
supply capable or delivering the required fire flow shall be provided on
the public street or on the site of the premises to be protected as required
and approved by the Chief. All hydrants shall be accessible to the Fire
Department apparatus by roadways meeting the requirements of Section 10.207.
Section 10.301 (g) is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
Section 10.301 (g) Automatic Fire Sprinkler and Alarm Svstems.
(g) All new buildings constructed as a non-residential occupancy
exceeding 10,000 square feet of floor area shall be provided with an
approved automatic fire sprinkler and alarm system. The automatic fire
sprinkler system shall be installed in compliance with the National Fire
Protection Association Standard No. 13. Building additions, alterations,
and exceptions shall be in accordance to the amendments of the Uniform
Building Code, 1988 Edition.
a
Section 10.305(e) is added to the Uniform Fire Code. to read as follows:
•
Section 10.305(e). Detailed Installation Requirements.
1. Fire -extinguishing systems shall be installed and maintained
in accordance with the Standards of the National Fire Protection
Association.
Exceptions:
a. Automatic fire sprinkler systems shall have at least
one water supply of adequate pressure, capacity and reliability.
b. Automatic fire sprinkler systems may be connected to
the domestic water supply main when approved by the Chief provided
the domestic water supply is of adequate pressure, capacity and
sizing for the combined domestic and fire sprinkler requirements.
In such case, the fire sprinkler system connection shall be made
between the public water main or meter and the building shut,
off valve, and there shall not be intervening valves or
connections. The Fire Department connections may be omitted
when approved by the Chief.
C. The sprinkler alarm valve for an automatic fire sprinkler
system may be omitted when the sprinkler system serves less than
six heads or where the system is connected to an approved fire
alarm system.
2. The Fire Chief may impose the requirements for automatic
sprinkler systems as set forth in this section when, in his opinion,
the design or construction of the building or the complex of which
it is a part, or the contents thereof is of such a nature as to require
the imposition of such a requirement in order to comply with the intent
of this ordinance and reasonable fire safety standards.
3. Standard automatic sprinkler systems may be omitted with
the approval of the Fire Chief:
a. In buildings or areas of buildings housing occupancies
with high value, noncombustible contents, highly susceptible
to water damage.
b. When, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, because of
the construction, contents or processes of a particular structure,
the intent and purpose of this section may be met without
installation of standard automatic sprinkler systems.
Those buildings or parts of buildings for which the standard
automatic sprinkler system requirement is excepted pursuant to
this subsection shall be separated and equipped with a fire
detection or extinguishing system of a tested and approved design,
installed in conformance with the requirements of the Fire Chief.
4. Installation, inspection
sprinkler systems shall meet the
Protection Association Pamphlet No.
dard No. 38-1, and the Fire Chief.
and maintenance of automatic
standards of the National Fire
13 and Uniform Building Code Stan-
5. Alarms from required automatic sprinkler systems shall be
transmitted to fire alarm headquarters of the Fire Department indirectly
through an approved supervised connection to the Fire Department alarm
system or through an approved master fire alarm box, or through an
approved direct lease line. The alarm system shall be installed in
accordance with applicable standards approved by National Fire
Protection Association, State Fire Marshal's Office, and the
requirements of the Fire Chief.
6. Required automatic sprinkler systems shall be approved by
the Fire Chief. Installation, acceptance tests, and such periodic
• tests as the Fire Chief may require shall comply in all respects with
the National Fire Protection Association's Pamphlet No. 13.
Section 10.313 (a) of the Uniform Fire Code, is amended to read as
follows:
Section 10.313(a). Fire Extinguishing Equipment for Protection of
Kitchen Grease Hoods and Ducts.
(a) Where required. Approved fire -suppression systems shall be
provided for the protection of commercial -type food heat -processing equipment
in cooking facilities where food containing fat is fried, broiled, grilled,
or barbecued upon or over a grill, pit or spit.
Section 11.101(e) is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
Section 11.101(e). Bonfires and Outdoor Rubbish Fires
(e) No person shall kindle or maintain any bonfire or rubbish fire
or authorize such fire to be kindled or maintained on private land within
the City except with the specific approval of the South Coast Air Quality
Management District and under a written permit by the Fire Chief.
Section 11.111 of the Uniform Fire Code. is amended to read as follows:
Section 11.111. Chimney Spark Arresters. Each chimney used in con-
junction with any fireplace or any heating appliance in which solid or
liquid fuel is used, upon any house, hotel, building or structure located
within two hundred (200) feet of any mountains, brush, or land covered
with flammable material, or if surrounding roof covering is wooden shingles,
shall be maintained with a spark arrester as required for incinerators.
SECTION 11.117 of the Uniform Fire Code is added to read as follows:
Section 11.117. Clearance Between Chimnevs and Combustibles. A minimum
clearance of 10 feet shall be maintained between chimneys and all trees,
dry grass, weeds, vegetation, and any other combustible material.
Section 11.201 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended by adding subsections
(e) and (f) to read as follows:
(e) Commercially serviced refuse containers of capacities larger
than one (1) cubic yard and smaller than eight (8) cubic yards shall be
constructed of metal and provided with metal lids. Containers shall be
delivered and restored after servicing with lids in a closed position.
Lids shall be maintained in the closed position except during the process
of introducing or removing refuse.
CommercialiY serviced refuse containers shall be serviced as often
as necessary to prevent over filling. Placement of refuse which raises
the lid of the container by more than 1/2 inch from the closed. position
is prohibited. No refuse shall be allowed to accumulate outside of refuse
containers.
Commercially serviced refuse containers shall be signed "KEEP LID
CLOSED" with letters at least three (3) inches high on a contrasting
background.
(f) Trash enclosures and refuse storage areas hereafter located beneath
combustible construction shall be protected by automatic sprinklers. Trash
chutes and trash rooms hereafter constructed shall be protected by automatic
• sprinklers approved by the Fire Chief. If located in residential occupan-
cies, a smoke detector system approved by the Fire Chief shall also be
provided.
Section 11.204(b) is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
Section 11.204(b). Flammable Decorative Materials
(b) Any person applying flame -proofing, fire retardant solution,
or other material used to decorate; color or coat any decorative material,
including Christmas trees, for commercial or noncommercial purposes in
commercial, industrial, or institutional occupancies shall use a chemical
or solution approved for such use listed by the State Fire Marshal of the
State of California, and the material shall be applied in conformance with
the listing and the regulations of the State Fire Marshal's Office.
Section 11.208 of the Uniform Fire Code is revised to read as follows:
Section 11.208 Parade Floats.
(a) No person shall construct, operate or display any parade float
in the City without first having obtained a permit therefore from the Fire
Department.
(b) All decorative materials shall be fire resistant or flame retardant
in a manner approved by the Fire Department.
(c) All floats shall be provided with an approved portable fire
extinguisher of at least 2-A, 10-B:C rating readily accessible to the
operator.
(d) The Fire Chief is authorized to promulgate regulations governing
the construction, operation and display of all floats. All floats
constructed, operated or displayed within the City shall conform to said
regulations.
Section 11.210 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
Section 11.210. Removal of flammable and combustible vegetation and
matari11c_
(a) All residential front, rear, and side yards including slopes
shall be maintained, by the owner or occupant, free and clear of all
flammable or combustible vegetation for a distance of 100 feet or to their
property line whichever is closest.
(b) A minimum clearance of 10 feet shall be maintained between all
roads and all dry grass, weeds, vegetation and any other combustible
material.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit any grass, weeds,
brush, debris, trash or other waste material upon any vacant lot or parcel
of ground within the City.
Section 11.211 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
Section 11.211, TemDorary Lots for Sale of Christmas Trees. All
• temporary lots for the display and sale of Christmas trees are required
to have a permit and shall be located, maintained, and operated subject
to the following provisions:
(a) All applications for permits shall be made in writing, filed
with the City Council, and shall state the name of the applicant, his '
address, and the location of .the proposed Christmas tree lot. The applica-
tion shall be accompanied by a clearance from the Fire Chief as to fire
regulations and by a clearance from the Department of Building and Safety
as to the proposed electrical installation, if any, and additionally by
clearance from the. Engineering Department for review of stand location
in relation to possible interruption of traffic.
(b) All permits must be posted in a conspicuous place.
(c) There shall be maintained in each premises or display area within
which Christmas trees are sold or offered for sale, at least two (2) fire
extinguishers with a minimum rating of 2A. No one extinguisher shall be
more than seventy-five (75) feet travel distance from any tree on display
or in storage.
(d) Bonfires or fire in drums or other containers are permitted only
after a permit is obtained from the Fire Department.
(e) Christmas trees shall not be displayed under covered walkways
in shopping centers unless the covered walkway is protected by an approved
automatic sprinkler system.
(f) Christmas tree lots must be removed and the debris cleared no
later than ten (10) days after the last day of sale. A fee, as established
by resolution of the City Council, shall be.posted for each lot with the
license collector at the time of issuance of the permit. This fee will
be' returned if the debris is cleared and the lot is removed within the
stated time, otherwise the fee will be used to defray the cost of cleaning
up the area and will not be returned.
SECTION 14.104 (c) of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to read as
follows:
Section 14.104 (c) Group R, Division I, Occupancies. A manual and
automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in apartment houses and
hotels with interior corridors or three or more stories in height or
containing more than 15 dwelling units and in hotels three or more stories
in height or containing 20 or more guest rooms. Such alarm system shall
be designed that all occupants of the building may be warned simultaneously
and the system shall be monitored by an approved alarm company.
Section 14.104 (e) of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to read as
follows:
Section 14.104 (e) Smoke Detectors in Dwelling Units and Guest Rooms.
Every existing building used as a single family or multiple family occupancy,
hotel, motel, boarding house, or mobile home shall have installed therein
an approved smoke detector that operates on products of combustion and
meets the requirement of U.B.C. Section 1210 (a) under the following
conditions:
• 1. Whenever a permit is required for addition or alteration to that
building.
Section 81.105 of the Uniform Fire Code is revised to read as follows:
Section 81.105. Fire Protection.
(a) Fire protection for buildings used for high piled combustible
storage shall be in accordance with Table No. 81.105 and the Building Code.
(b) An automatic sprinkler system shall be required in each building
or portion of a building used for the storage of high piled combustible
stock when the area exceeds two-thirds (2/3) of the sum of the basic
allowable floor area and the allowable increases for such building, as
specified in the Uniform Building Code.
(c) The design and installation of sprinkler systems shall conform
to appropriate NFPA Standards, except as herein provided.
(d) Sprinkler systems shall be designed by a sprinkler engineer.
(e) Stock piles more than twenty-five (25) feet in height will require
multi -level sprinkler protection.
(f) Sprinklers shall not be installed within any roof vent, nor below
any vent or skylight in a location which would adversely affect ventilation
of smoke.
(g) A minimum clearance of thirty-six (36) inches shall be provided
between under -roof or ceiling sprinkler deflectors and top of storage.
A minimum of six (6) inches shall be maintained between the deflector of
in -rack sprinklers and top of a tier of storage.
Sec. 10-27 New Materials, Processes, or Occupancies which may require
Permits.
The Building and Safety Director, the Fire Chief, and the Chief of
the Bureau of Fire Prevention shall act as a committee to determine and
specify, after giving affected persons an opportunity to be heard, any
new materials, processes, or occupancies for which permits are required
in addition to those now enumerated in said Code.
The Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention shall keep such list in
his office for public review and distribute copies thereof to interested
persons.
Sec. 10-28 Violations and Penalties.
(a) Every person who violates any of the provisions of this article
shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or
portion thereof during which any violation is committed, continued, or
permitted.
(b) The violation of any of the provisions of this article shall
be a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Section 1-37(a) of this Code,
except that the violation of any of the provisions of the Uniform Fire
Code, 1988 Edition, enumerated in subsection (c) of this section, shall
be an infraction punishable as provided in Section 1-37.01 of this Code.
(c) The provisions of the Uniform Fire Code a violation of whic
h
shall constitute an infraction, are set forth by Article as follows:
.Article 2 - Organization, Authority, Duties and Procedures
Section 2.201.
Article 3 - Compliance with Orders and Notices
Sections 3.102 and 3.104.
Article 10 - Fire Protection
Sections 10.102, 10.201, 10.202, 10.203, 10.204, 10.205, 10.206, 10.207,
10.208, 10.209, 10.210, 10.301, 10.302, 10.304, 10.305, 10.309 and
10.312.
Article 11 - General Precautions Against Fires
Sections 11.102, 11.103, 11.104, 11.111, 11.113, 11.115, 11.116, 11.1179
11.201, 11.202, 11.203, 11.204, 11.205, 11.207, 11.208, 11.209, 11.210,
11.211, 11.301, 11.401, 11.404, 11.405, 11.406, 11.407, 11.408, 11.411,
11.412, 11.413, 11.414, and 11.415.
Article 12 - Maintenance of Exit Ways
Sections 12.103, 12.104, 12.107, and 12.108.
Article 13 - Smoking
Sections 13.104 and 13.105.
Article 14 - Fire Alarm Svstems.
Sections 14.103, 14.104, 14.105, 14.106, and 14.107.
Article 25 - Places of Assemblv
Sections 25.103, 25.105, 25.106, 25.107, 25.108, 25.109, 25.111, 25.113,
25.115 and 25.116.
Article 28 - Storage and Handling of Combustible Fibers
Sections 28.103 and 28.106.
Article 2.9 - Garages
Sections 29.103 and 29.104.
Article 30 - Lumber Yards and Woodworking Plants
Sections 30.102, 30.103 and 30.105.
Article 32 - Tents, Canopies, and Tem orary Membrane Structures
Sections 32.103, 32.104, 32.105, 32.106, 32.107, 32.108, 32.109, 32.111,
32.112, 32.113, 32.114, 32.115, 32.116, 32.117, 32.118, and 32.119.
Article 35 - Covered Mall Buildings
Section 35.103, 35.104, 35.105, and 35.106.
Article 45 - ADDlication of Flammable Finishes
Sections 45.103, 45.104, 45.105, 45.202, 45.203, 45.204, 45.205, 45.206,
45.207, 45.208, 45.209, 45.210, 45.301, 45.302, 45.305, 45.307, 45.308,
45.309, 45.310, 45.403, 45.405, 45.602, 45.603, 45.604, 45.606 and
45.608.
Article 47 - Fumigation and Thermal Insecticidal Fogging
Sections 47.104 and 47.108.
Article 48 - Magnesium
Sections 48.108 and 48.110.
Article 49 - Welding and Cutting Using Calcium Carbide and Acetylene
Sections 49.104 and 49.107.
Article 50 - Manufacture of Organic Coatings
Sections 50.104, 50.105, 50.107, 50.109, 50.111, 50.112, 50.113 and
50.114.
Article 62 - Industrial Bakine and Drvinz Ovens
Sections 62.103, 62.104 and 62.105.
Article 63 - Mechanical Refrigeration
Sections 63.103, 63.104, 63.105, 63.106, 63.107, and 63.108.
Article 74 - Compressed Gases
Sections 74.104, 74.105, 74.107, 74.108, 74.203, and 74.205.
Article 76 Prevention of Dust Explosions
Section 76.103.
Article 77 - Explosives and Blasting Agents
Sections 77.104, 77.201, 77.202, 77.301, 77.302, 77.304 and 77.305.
Article 78 - Fireworks
Section 78.102 and 78.103.
Article 79 - Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Sections 79.103, 79.104, 79.105, 79.106, 79.107, 79.108, 79.109, 79.110,
79.111, 79.112, 79.113, 79.115, 79.201, 79.202, 79.203, 79.204, 79.205,
79.301, 79.302, 79.303, 79.401, 79.403, 79.405, 79.406, 79.407, 79.409,
79.410, 79.501, 79.503, 79.504, 79.507, 79.508, 79.509, 79.510, 79.802,
79.803, 79.804, 79.805, 79.806, 79.807, 79.902, 79.903, 79.904, 79.905,
79.906, 79.907, 79.908, 79.909, 79.1001, 79.1002, 79.1003, 79.1004,
79.1006, 79.1007, 79.1204, 79.1205, 79.1206, 79.1207, 79.1304, 79.1305,
79.1306, 79.1307, 79.1309, 79.1310, 79.1311, 79.1312, 79.1513, 79.1514,
79.1515 and 79.1517.
Article 81 - High -piled Combustible Stock
Sections 81.105, 81.106, 81.107, 81.108, 81.109, 81.110, and 81.111.
_Article 82 - Liquefied Petroleum Gases
Sections 82.102, 82.104, 82.105, 82.106, 82.107, 82.108, 82.109, 82.110,
82.111, 82.112 and 82.113 and 82.114.
Arcicle 84 - Motion Picture Projection
Sections 84.102, 84.103, 84.104 and 84.105.
Article 85 - Electrical
Sections 85.103, 85.104, 85.105, 85.106, 85.107 and 85.108.
Article 86 - Pesticides
Sections 86.102, 86.103, 86.104, 86.105, 86.106, 86.107 and 86.108.
Article 87 - Fire Safety During Construction, Alteration, or Demolition
of a Building
Sections 87.103, 87.104 and 87.105.
SECTION 10-30 VALIDITY. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause,
phrase, part or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be
invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this
Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, part
or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections,
subsections, clauses, phrases, parts or portions be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
SECTION 10-31 DATE OF EFFECT. This Ordinance shall take effect and be
in force from and afterits adoption as required by law.
SECTION 4. The Mayor shall sign and City Clerk shall certify
to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the
same to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
PASSED and APPROVED this i i th day Of December , 19 89.
�J
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss
CITY OF WEST COVINA )
I, Janet Berry , City Clerk of the City of West
Covina, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 1831 was
regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular
meeting of the City Council on the 13th day Of November , 19 89.
That thereafter said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a
regular meeting of the City Council on the 11th day Of December ,
19__&y, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Couneilmember: Tarozzi, McFadden, Manners, Lewis, Bacon
NOES: Councilmember:None
ABSENT: Councilmember:None
ABSTAIN: Councilmember:None
X,
V
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CERTIFICATION
I, JANET BERRY, City Clerk V the City of West .Covina, State of
California, do hereby certify that a true and accurate copy of
Ordinance No. 19,31 - was published, pursuant to law, in the
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, a newspaper of general circulation
Published and circulated in the City of West Covina.
Janet Berry. City Clerk
City of West Covina, California
DATED: