HomeMy WebLinkAbout558 ORDINANCE 558
AN.ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS AMENDING
TITLE IV (PUBLIC SAFETY), CHAPTER 2, SECTION 4-2.116(A) AND
REPEALING CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 9 OF TITLE VIII OF THE LOS
ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING CHAPTER 1,
"CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE," CHAPTER , 1.1
"CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (VOLUMES 1&2)," CHAPTER 1.2
"CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE," CHAPTER 1.3, "CALIFORNIA
ELECTRICAL CODE," CHAPTER 1.4 "CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL
CODE," CHAPTER 1.5 "CALIFORNIA.PLUMBING CODE,"- CHAPTER
1.6 "CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE," CHAPTER 1.7 "CALIFORNIA
HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE," CHAPTER 1.8 "CALIFORNIA FIRE
CODE," CHAPTER 1.9 "CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE,"
CHAPTER 1.10 "CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
CODE," CHAPTER 1.11 "CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS
CODE," CHAPTER 2 "SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS," CHAPTER
3 "MOVING 'OF BUILDINGS," CHAPTER 4 "GREEN BUILDING
REGULATIONS," CHAPTER 5 "BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
STANDARDS," CHAPTER 6 . "SIGNS AND ADVERTISING
STRUCTURES," CHAPTER 7 "BUILDING- CONSTRUCTION AND
STRUCTURAL ADDITION CHARGE," AND CHAPTER . 8; "CODE
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT" TO TITLE VIII OF THE
LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE, WHICH ADOPTS AND
AMENDS BY REFERENCE PROVISIONS OF THE 2013 CALIFORNIA
BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS AND
THE- REORGANIZATION AND RENUMBERING OF EXISTING
STATUTES IN TITLE VIII NOT RELATED TO THE CODE UPDATE
WHEREAS, the 2013 Edition of the California Building Standards Code, has been
amended and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Los Altos Hills ("Town") wishes to adopt building code
regulations,in accordance with law and to use the most updated regulations in the processing of
development in the Town; and
WHEREAS, Government Code § 50022.2 authorizes cities to enact ordinances adopting
any code by reference; and
WHEREAS, because of the Town's unique climatic, topographic and geologic.
conditions, the Town desires to make amendments and additions to the 2013 Edition of the
California Building Standards Code, as set forth herein;and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code sections 18941.5 and 17958,
the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills hereby. finds that the amendments adopted
.herein are reasonably necessary because of.the following local climatic, topographic and
geologic conditions:
Ordinance 558 Page 1
1. The Town of Los Altos Hills experiences low humidity, high winds and warm
temperatures during the summer months creating conditions which are particularly
conducive to the ignition and spread of grass,brush and structure fires.
2. The remoteness and steepness of hillside areas in the Town significantly impacts the
ability of emergency responders to extinguish or control wildland or structure fires.
These factors cumulatively mandate special provisions for Fire Department access,
fire protection water supplies, automatic fire sprinklers and fire retardant roof
coverings.
3. The Town of Los Altos Hills is geographically situated adjacent to active earthquake
faults capable of producing substantial seismic events. Since the Town is divided by a
freeway and other major traffic corridors,the occurrence of a major earthquake would
significantly impact the ability of fire crews to respond to emergencies should one or
more bridges collapse or be substantially damaged.
4. Fire suppression capabilities will be severely limited should the water system be
extensively damaged during the seismic event.
5. Roofs that are not fire-retardant contribute to the spread of fires, and therefore pose a
risk to the safety of the Town's citizens and their property.
WHEREAS,prior to the effective date of this ordinance, the City Clerk shall file a copy
of the ordinance,with the California Building Standards Commission; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Health and Safety Code section 17958.7, the City
Council hereby finds that each of the above findings is applicable to each of the modifications to
the 2013 Edition of the California Building Standards Code described in this ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the -Town of Los Altos Hills finds that this project is
exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), pursuant to
Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, because it can be seen with certainty that there is
no possibility that the ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
ORDAIN as follows:
1. AMENDMENT OF CODE. Section 4-2.116(a) of Chapter 2 (Fire Prevention) of Title 4
(Public Safety) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
4-2.116(a) Brush and vegetative growth-Clearance from structures and roadways.
a) Required. Any person owning, leasing, controlling, operating, or maintaining any
buildings or structures in, upon, or adjoining any hazardous fire area, and any person
Ordinance 558 Page 2
owning, leasing, or controlling any land adjacent to such buildings or structures shall at
all times:
(1) Maintain around and adjacent to such buildings or structures an effective firebreak
made by removing and clearing away, for a distance therefrom of not less than thirty(30)
feet on each side thereof, all flammable vegetation or other combustible growth. The
provisions of this section shall not apply to single specimens of trees, ornamental
shrubbery, or similar plants used as ground cover provided they do not form a means of
rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any structure;
(2) Maintain around and adjacent to such buildings or structures additional fire
protection or firebreaks made by removing all brush, flammable vegetation, or
combustible growth located from thirty (30) feet to one hundred (100) feet from such
buildings or structures as may be required by the Chief when he or she finds that because
of extra hazardous conditions a firebreak of only thirty(30) feet around such structures is
not sufficient to provide reasonable fire safety. Grass and other vegetation located more
than thirty (3 0) feet from such buildings or structures and less than eighteen (18) inches
in height above the ground may be maintained where necessary to stabilize the soil and
prevent erosion;
(3) Remove that portion of any tree which extends within ten (10) feet of the outlet of
any chimney;
(4) Maintain any tree adjacent to or overhanging any building free of deadwood;
(5) Maintain the roof of any structure free of leaves, needles, or other dead vegetative
growth;
(6) The Chief may require the removal of all flammable vegetation or other
combustible growth within ten (10) feet on each side of any roadway and at such other
places upon any property as he or she may deem necessary to prevent or avoid fire
damages to adjoining properties or undue hardships in fighting fires. The provisions of
this section shall not apply to single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery, or
cultivated ground cover, such as grass, ivy, succulents, or similar plants used as ground
cover,provided they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire;
(7) Remove flammable vegetation a minimum of ten (10) feet around liquefied
petroleum gas tanks/containers.
(8) Firewood and combustible materials shall not be stored in unenclosed spaces
beneath buildings or structures, or on decks or under eaves, canopies or other projections
or overhangs. The storage of firewood and combustible material within the defensible
space shall be located a minimum of thirty (30) feet from structures and separated from
the crown of trees by a minimum horizontal distance of fifteen(15) feet.
Ordinance 558 Page 3
Exception: Firewood and combustible materials not for consumption on the premises
shall be stored as approved by the fire code official; and
(9) Clear areas within ten (10) feet of fire apparatus access roads and driveways of non-
fire-resistive vegetation growth.
Exception: Grass and other vegetation located more than thirty (30) feet from buildings
or structures and less than eighteen (18) inches in height above the ground need not be
removed where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
As used in this subsection, "roadway" shall mean that portion of a public or private road
designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, `Building Code"is hereby
repealed in its entirety.
2. Chapter 1, "California Administrative Code," is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los
Altos Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
8-1.01 Adoption of the 2013 California Administrative Code.
a. The 2013 California Administrative Code, Part 1, a portion of the California Building
Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, as defined in the
California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to as
the "Administrative Code"), and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto
are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.
b. One copy of the Administrative Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos Hills.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1.1, "California Building Code (Volumes 1 & 2)" is hereby added to Title VIII
of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1.1 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (Volumes 1 & 2)
8-1.1.01 Adoption of 2013 California Building Code (Volumes 1 & 2).
Ordinance 558 Page 4
a) The 2013 California Building Code, Part 2, Volumes 1 and 2, a portion of the California
Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, as defined in
the California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to
as the "Building Code"), including Appendix G-Flood-Resistant Construction, Appendix
H-Signs, Appendix I-Patio Covers, and Appendix J-Grading and any rules and
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto are hereby adopted and incorporated by
reference herein.
b) One copy of the Building Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos Hills.
8-1.1.02 Amended sections of adopted codes.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8-1.1.01, the Building Code is amended as follows:
A. Section 1505.1.3 is amended to read as follows:
1505.1.3 Roof coverings within all other areas. The entire roof covering of every
existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any
one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering
applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure,
shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.
B. Sections 3405.6, 3405.6.1, 3405.6.2 and 3405.6.3 are added to read as follows:
3405.6 Seismic Evaluation and Design Procedures for Repairs. The seismic
evaluation and design shall be based on the procedures specified in the California
Building Code, ASCE 31 Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings (for evaluation only)
or ASCE 41 Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings. The procedures contained in
Chapter A of the 2012 International Existing Building Code shall be permitted to be used
as specified in Section 3403.5.1.1.3
3405.6.1 Compliance with CBC level seismic forces. Where compliance with the
seismic design provisions of the California Building Code is required, the procedures
shall be in accordance with one of the following:
(1) One-hundred percent of the values in the California Building Code. Where the
existing seismic force-resisting system is a type that can be designated as
"Ordinary," the values of R, S2o, and Cd used for analysis in accordance with
Chapter 16 of the California Building Code shall be those specified for
structural.systems classified as "Ordinary"in accordance with Table 12.2-1 of
ASCE 7, unless it is demonstrated that the structural system will provide
performance equivalent to that of a "Detailed," "Intermediate" or "Special"
system.
(2) Compliance with ASCE 41 using both BSE-1 and BSE-2 earthquake hazard
levels and the corresponding performance levels in Table 3405.6.1.
Ordinance 558 Page 5
TABLE 3405.6.1
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR CBC LEVEL SEISMIC FORCES
OCCUPANCY CATEGORY PERFORMANCE LEVEL PERFORMANCE LEVEL
(BASED ON CBC TABLE FOR USE WITH ASCE 41 FOR USE WITH ASCE 41
1604.5) BSE-1 EARTHQUAKE BSE-2 EARTHQUAKE
HAZARD LEVEL HAZARD LEVEL
I Life Safety(LS) Collapse Prevention(CP)
II Life Safety(LS) Collapse Prevention(CP)
III Note(a) Note (a)
IV Immediate Occupancy(IO) Immediate Occupancy(IO)
(a) Acceptance criteria for Occupancy Category III shall be taken as 80 percent of the
acceptance criteria specified for Occupancy Category II performance levels, but need
not be less than the acceptance criteria specified for Occupancy Category IV
performance levels.
3405.6.2 Compliance with reduced CBC level seismic forces. Where seismic
evaluation and design is permitted to meet reduced California Building Code seismic
force levels, the procedures used shall be in accordance with one of the following:
(1) The California Building Code using 75 percent of the prescribed forces.
Values of R, Do, and Cd used for analysis shall be as specified in Section
3405.6.1 Item 1.
(2) Structures or portions of structures that comply with the requirements of the
applicable chapter in Chapter A of the 2012 International Existing Building
Code as specified in Items (a) through (e) below shall be deemed to comply
with this section.
(a) The seismic evaluation and design of unreinforced masonry bearing wall
buildings in Occupancy Category I or II are permitted to be based on the
procedures specified in Chapter Al.
(b) Seismic evaluation and design of the wall anchorage system in reinforced
concrete.and reinforced masonry wall buildings with flexible diaphragms
in Occupancy Category I or II are permitted to be based on the procedures
specified in Chapter A2.
(c) Seismic evaluation and design of cripple walls and sill plate anchorage in
residential buildings of light-frame wood construction in Occupancy
Category I or II are permitted to be based on the ,procedures specified in
Chapter A3.
Ordinance 558 Page 6
(d) Seismic evaluation and design of soft, weak, or open-front wall conditions
in multiunit residential buildings of wood construction in Occupancy
Category I or II are permitted to be based on the procedures'specified in
Chapter A4.
(e) Seismic evaluation and design of concrete buildings in all Occupancy
Categories are permitted to be based on the procedures specified in
Chapter A5.
(3) Compliance with ASCE 31 based on the applicable performance level as shown in
Table 3405.6.2. It shall be permitted to use the BSE-1 earthquake hazard level as
defined in ASCE 41 and subject to the limitations in item 4 below.
(4) Compliance with ASCE 41 using the BSE-1 Earthquake Hazard Level defined in
ASCE 41 and the performance level as shown in Table 3405.6.2. The design
spectral response acceleration parameters Sxs and Sxl specified in ASCE 41shall
not be taken less than 75 percent of the respective design spectral response
acceleration parameters SDS and SDI as defined by the California Building Code
and its reference standards.
TABLE 3405.6.2
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR REDUCED CBC
LEVEL SEISMIC FORCES
OCCUPANCY CATEGORY PERFORMANCE LEVEL PERFORMANCE LEVEL
(BASED ON CBC FOR USE WITH ASCE 31 FOR USE WITH ASCE 41
TABLE 1604.5) BSE-1 EARTHQUAKE BSE-2 EARTHQUAKE
HAZARD LEVEL HAZARD LEVEL
I Life Safety(LS) Life Safety(LS)
II Life Safety(LS) Life Safety(LS)
III . Note (a),Note (b) Note (a)
IV Immediate Occupancy(IO) Immediate Occupancy(IO)
(a) Acceptance criteria for Occupancy Category III shall be taken as 80 percent of the
acceptance criteria specified for Occupancy Category II performance levels, but need not
be less than the acceptance criteria specified for Occupancy Category IV performance
levels.
(b) For Occupancy Category III, the ASCE screening phase checklists shall be based on the
life safety performance level.
Ordinance 558 Page 7
3405.6.3 Referenced Standards.
Standard Referenced in code
Reference Number Title Section Number
ASCE 31-03 Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings 3405.6.1,
TABLE 3405.6.1
3405.2.4.2,
TABLE 3405.6.2
ASCE 41-06 Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings 3405.6.1,
Including TABLE 3405.6.1
Supplement No. 1 3405.6.2,
TABLE 3405.6.2
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1.2 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Residential Code" is
hereby repealed in its entirety.
2. Chapter 1.2, "California Residential Code,"is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los Altos
Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1.2 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
8-1.2.01 Adoption of 2013 California Residential Code.
a) The 2013 California Residential Code, Part 2.5, Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the
California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to as
the "Residential Code"), including Appendix E-Manufactured Housing Used as
Dwellings, Appendix G-Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, Appendix H-Patio Covers,
and Appendix J-Existing Buildings and Structures and any rules and regulations
promulgated pursuant thereto are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.
b) One copy of the Residential Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos Hills.
8-1.2.02 Amended sections of adopted codes.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8-1.2.01, the Residential Code is amended as follows:
A. Section R313.2 is amended to read:
Ordinance 558 Page 8
R313.2 One and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems.An automatic
residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in all new one- and two-family
dwellings and in existing one- and two-family dwellings where during the process of a
remodel and/or addition, the existing roof structure (joists, rafters, etc.) is removed over
an area that exceeds 75% of the existing dwelling floor area.
Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be required for
additions or alterations to existing buildings that are already provided with an
automatic residential fire sprinkler system.
B. Section R902.1.3 is amended to read as follows:
R902.1.3 Roof coverings in all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing
structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-
year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering
applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure,
shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby further
ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1.3 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Green Building
Regulations"is hereby repealed in its entirety.
2. Chapter 1.3, "California Electrical Code," is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los Altos
Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1.3 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE
8-1.4.01 Adoption of 2013 California Electrical Code.
a) The 2013 California Electrical Code, Part 3, Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the
California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to as
the "Electrical Code"), and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto are
hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.
b) One copy of the Electrical Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos Hills.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1.4 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "California Green
Building Standards Code (CalGreen),"is hereby repealed in its entirety.
Ordinance 558 Page 9
2. Chapter 1.4, "California Mechanical Code," is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los
Altos Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1.4 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
8-1.4.01 Adoption of 2013 California Mechanical Code.
(a) The 2013 California Mechanical Code, Part 4, Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the
California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to as
the "Mechanical Code"), and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto are
hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.
(b) One copy of the Mechanical Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos Hills.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter'1.5 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Housing Code,"
is hereby repealed in its entirety.
2. Chapter 1.5, "California Plumbing Code," is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los
Altos Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1.5 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
8-1.5.01 Adoption of 2013 California Plumbing Code.
a) The 2013 California Plumbing Code, Part 5, Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the
California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to as
the "Plumbing Code"), and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto are
hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.
b) One copy of the Plumbing Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos Hills.
8-1.5.02 Amended sections of adopted code.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8-1.5.01, the Plumbing Code is amended as follows:
A. Section 719.1 is amended to read:
719.1 Locations. Cleanouts shall be placed inside the building near the connection
between the building drain and the building sewer or installed outside the building at the
lower end of the building drain and extended to grade.
Ordinance 558 Page 10
Additional building sewer cleanouts shall be installed at intervals not to exceed 100 feet
in straight runs, for each aggregate horizontal change in direction exceeding 135 degrees,
and at the property line where the private sewer system connects to the publically-
maintained sanitary sewer lateral. All such cleanouts shall be extended to grade with
materials and according to specifications approved by the sewer agency and shall
terminate with a concrete box.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1.6, "Energy Code," is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills
Municipal Code to read'as follows:
Chapter 1.6 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
8-1.6.01 Adoption of 2013 California Energy Code.
a) The 2013 California Energy�Code, Part 6, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations,
a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California State
Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to as the "Energy
Code"), and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto are hereby adopted
and incorporated by reference herein.
b) One copy of the Energy Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos Hills.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1.7 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Energy Code," is
hereby repealed in its entirety.
2. Chapter 1.7, "California Historical Building Code," is hereby added to Title VIII of
the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1.7 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
8-1.7.01 Adoption of California Historical Building Code.
(a) The 2013 California Historical Building Code, Part 8, Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the
California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to as
the "Historical Building Code"), and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant
thereto are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.
Ordinance 558 Page 11
(b) One copy of the Historic Building Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos
Hills.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1.8 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Safety Assessment
Placards,"is hereby repealed in its entirety.
2. Chapter 1.8, "California Fire Code," is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills
Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1.8 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
8-1.8.01 Adoption of 2013 California Fire Code.
a) The 2013 California Fire Code, Part 9, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a
portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California State
Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereafter, the Fire Code or CFC), and
also the 2012 International Fire Code, published by the International Code Council,
including Appendix B, Appendix C and Appendix K (hereinafter referred to as the "Fire
Code") and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto are hereby adopted
and incorporated by reference herein.
b) One copy of the Fire Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos Hills.
8-1.8.02 Amended sections of adopted code.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8-1.8.01, the following sections of Fire Code are
amended as follows:
A. Section 106.5 is added to read as follows:
106.5 Final Inspection. No final inspection as to all or any portion of a development
shall be deemed completed until the installation of the required fire protection facilities
and access ways have been completed and approved. No final certificate of occupancy
may be granted until the Fire Department issues notice of final clearance of such fire
protection facilities and access ways, as required by the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code,
to the Town's Building Department.
B. Section 108.1 is amended to read as follows:
108.1 Board of appeals established. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders,
decisions or determinations made by the fire code official relative to the application and
interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. The
board of appeals, as it appears in this code, shall be deemed and construed to mean the
Ordinance 558 Page 12
City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills. The fire code official shall be an ex officio
member of said board but shall have no vote on any matter before the board. The board
shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render all decisions
and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the fire code official.
C. Section 108.3, Qualifications, is deleted in its entirety.
D. Section 109.4 is amended to read as follows:
109.4 Violation Penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail
to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or
do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code
official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of
a'misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable as set forth in'Title 1,
Chapter 2 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code.
E. Section 109.4.1 is amended to read as follows:
109.4.1 Abatement of Violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein
described, the fire code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent
unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal
occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or
Occupancy of a structure on or about any premises. If any person fails to comply with the
order of the fire code official, or in the event that the.fire code official is unable to locate
the responsible person within a reasonable time, the fire code official may take such steps
to abate a fire hazard or health hazard as are necessary for the protection of the public
health and safety.-In no event is notice necessary before abatement when the fire hazard
constitutes a clear and present danger to the public welfare. The cost of any such
abatement is a debt to the Town, of the owner of the premises or who,by his or her act or
inaction, caused the fire hazard. The cost of the abatement shall.become a lien on the
premises, when the need for the abatement and the amount of the cost have been
established.
F. Section 202 is amended by adding or amending the following definitions:
Administrator means the City Manager of the Town of Los Altos Hills or his or her
designated representative.
Chief or Fire Chief or fire code official means the Fir_e Chief retained by the Los Altos
Hills County Fire District or designated representative.
Chief of Police means the Sheriff of the County of Santa Clara with whom the Town
contracts for police services, or his or her designated representative.
Corporation Counsel means the City Attorney for the Town.
Ordinance 558 Page 13
Fire Department means the Fire Department retained by the Los Altos Hills County Fire
District.
Jurisdiction means the Town of Los Altos Hills.
Police Department means the Sheriff's Department of the County of Santa Clara with
whom the Town contracts for police service.
G. Chapter 4 of the 2012 International Fire Code is not adopted.
H. Section 503.1 is amended to read as follows:
503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in
accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.2 and as per Fire Department access road
Standards.
I. Section 503.2.1 is amended to read as follows:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not
less than 20 feet (6,096 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates
in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of 13 feet 6
inches (4,115 mm).
Exception: When there are not more than two Group R, Division 3, or Group U
occupancies, the access road width may be modified by the fire code official.
J. Section 912.2 is amended to read as follows:
912.2 Location. With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, fire
department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and hose connected to
supply the system will not obstruct access to the building for other fire apparatus. The
location of fire department connections shall be approved by the fire code official.
K. Section 4902.1 is amended to read as follows:
Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area. A geographical area identified by the state as a
"Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" in accordance with the Public Resources Code
Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, or
other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires.
The Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area shall be defined as all areas within the Town of
Los Altos Hills as set forth and delineated on the map entitled "Wildland-Urban Interface
Fire Area" which map and all notations, references, data and other information shown
thereon are hereby adopted and made a part of this chapter. The map properly attested,
shall be on file in the Office of the City Clerk of the Town of Los Altos Hills.
a
Ordinance 558 Page 14
L. Section 4906.2 is amended as follows:
4906.2 Application. Buildings and structures located in the following areas shall
maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management:
(1) All unincorporated lands designated by the State Board of Forestry and Fire
Protection as State Responsibility Areas (SRA) including:
1.1. Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones
1.2. High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
1.3. Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
(2) Land designated as a Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or as a Wildland
Urban Interface Fire Area by the Town of Los Altos Hills.
M: Section 5704.2.9.6.1 is amended to read as follows:
5704.2.9.6.1 Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited. The storage of
Class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the
limits established by law as the limits of districts in which such storage is prohibited (see
Section 3 of the Sample Legislation for Adoption of the California Fire Code on page
xxvi). The limits referred to above, in which the storage of flammable or combustible
liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited, are hereby established as all locations within
the Town of Los Altos Hills located within a "Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" as
designated on the state adopted CALFIRE Maps.
N. Section 5706.2.4.4 is amended to read as follows:
5706.2.4.4 Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited. The storage of Class
I and II liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited within the limits established by law as
the limits of districts in which such storage is prohibited (see Section 3 of the Sample
Legislation for Adoption of the California Fire Code on page xxvi). The limits referred
to above, in which the storage of flammable or combustible liquids in above-ground tanks
is prohibited, are hereby established as all locations within the Town of Los Altos Hills
located within a "Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" as designated on the state
adopted CALFIRE Maps.
O. Section 5806.2 is amended to read as follows:
5806.2 Limitations. The storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers
outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of
districts in which such storage is prohibited (see Section 3 of the Sample Legislation for
Adoption of the California Fire Code on page xxi). The limits referred to above, in which
the storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers is prohibited, are
hereby established as all locations within the Town of Los Altos Hills located within a
Ordinance 558 Page 15
"Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" as designated on the state adopted CALFIRE
Maps.
P. Section 6104.2 is amended to read as follows:
6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits. Within the limits established by
law restricting the storage of liquefied petroleum gas for the protection of heavily
populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not
exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons (7,570 liters) (see Section 3 of the Sample
Legislation for Adoption of the California Fire Code on page v). The limits referred to
above, in which the storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted, are hereby
established as all locations within the Town of Los Altos Hills.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1.9, "California Existing Building Code," is hereby added to Title VIII of the
Los Altos Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1.9 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
8-1.9.01 Adoption of 2013 California Existing Building Code.
a) The 2013 California Existing Building Code, Part 10, Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the
California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to as
the "Existing Building Code"), and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant
thereto are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.
b) One copy of the Existing Building Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos
Hills.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1.10, "California Green Building Standards Code," is hereby added to Title VIII
of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1.10 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
8-1.10.01 Adoption of 2013 California Green Building Standards Code.
a) The 2013 California Green Building Standards Code, Part 11, Title 24 of the California
Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in
the California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to
Ordinance 558 Page 16
as "CALGreen Code"), and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto are
hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.
b) One copy of the CALGreen Code shall be kept on file at the City of Los Altos Hills.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 1.11, "California Referenced Standards Code," is hereby added to Title VIII of
the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 1.11 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE
8-1.11.01 Adoption of 2013 California Referenced Standards Code.
a) The 2013 California Referenced Standards Code, Part 12, Title 24 of the California Code
of Regulations, a .portion of the California Building 'Standards Code, as defined in the
California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq., (hereinafter referred to as
"Referenced Standards Code"),. and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant
thereto are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein.
b) One copy of the Referenced Standards Code shall be kept on file at'the City of Los Altos
Hills.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 2 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Electrical Code," is
hereby repealed in its entirety.
2. Chapter 2, "Safety Assessment Placards," is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los Altos
Hills Municipal-Code to read as follows:
Chapter 2 SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS
8-2.01 Intent.
This chapter establishes standard placards to be used to indicate the condition of a structure for
continued occupancy: The chapter farther authorizes the Building Official and his or her
authorized representatives to post the appropriate placard at each entry point to a building or
structure upon completion of a safety assessment.
8-2.02 Application of Provisions.
The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all buildings and structures of all occupancies
Ordinance 558 Page 17
regulated by the Town. The City Council may extend the provisions as necessary.
8-2.03 Definitions.
Safety assessment is a visual, non-destructive examination of a building or structure for the
purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy.
8.2.04 Placards.
(a) The following are verbal descriptions of the official jurisdiction placards to be used to
designate the condition for continued occupancy of buildings or structures.
(1) INSPECTED - Lawful Occupancy Permitted is to be posted on any building or
structure wherein no apparent structural hazard has been found. This placard is not
intended to mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.
(2) RESTRICTED USE is to be posted on each building or structure that has been
damaged wherein the damage has resulted in some form of restriction to the
continued occupancy. The individual who posts this placard will note in general terms
the type of damage encountered and will clearly and concisely note the restrictions on
continued occupancy.
(3) UNSAFE - Do Not Enter or Occupy is to be posted on each building or structure
that has been damaged such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life safety.
Buildings or structures posted with this placard shall not be entered under any
circumstance except as authorized in writing by the Building Official, or his or her
authorized representative. Safety assessment teams shall be authorized to enter these
buildings at any time. This placard is not to be used or considered as a demolition
order. The individual who posts this placard will note in general terms the type of
damage encountered.
(b) This ordinance number, the name of the jurisdiction, its address, and phone number shall be
permanently affixed to each placard.
(c) Once it has been attached to a building or structure, a placard is not to be removed, altered or
covered until done so by an authorized representative of the Building Official. It shall be
unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to alter, remove, cover or deface a placard
unless authorized pursuant to this section.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 3 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Plumbing Code," is
hereby repealed in its entirety.
Ordinance 558 Page 18
2. Chapter 3, "Moving of Buildings," is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills
Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 3 MOVING OF BUILDINGS
8-3.01 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter,unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and
phrases used in this chapter are defined as follows:
Building. A structure designed,built, or occupied as a shelter or roofed enclosure for
persons, animals, or property and used for any purpose whatever. A structure containing an
enclosed area of less than forty(40) square feet shall not be deemed a building within the
meaning of this definition.
Person. Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, organization, or
entity of any kind. (§ 1, Ord. 92)
8-3.02 Prohibited.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 8-3.03 of this chapter,no person shall move any
building over, along, across, or upon any street, alley, or highway in the Town. (§ II, Ord. 92)
8-3.03 Prohibited—Exceptions.
(a) Permits Required. A permit for the moving of a building upon the streets, alleys, or
highways of the Town may be granted in the event both the Planning Commission and
the Council find that there are special circumstances existing in connection with the
moving of a particular building, that the granting of such permit would be in the best
interests of the applicant and the residents of the Town, and that such issuance would
involve no unreasonable risk to the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of
the Town.
(b) Permits—Applications. The procedure for the application for such permit
and for
consideration thereof shall be as set forth in Article 9 of Chapter 5 of Title 9 of this Code
relating to zoning variances.
(c) Permits—Issuance. No permit shall be issued unless the Planning Commission and the
Council find that the applicable conditions set forth in said Article 9 exist. The Planning
Commission and the Council shall consider such matters as they deem relevant to each
such application and shall impose any and all conditions deemed necessary as conditions
precedent to the granting of any permit applied for pursuant to the provisions of this
section. (§ III, Ord. 92)
Ordinance 558 Page 19
8-3.04 Nuisances.
Any building placed or moved in violation of the provisions of this chapter is hereby declared to
be a nuisance and shall be subject to abatement as such. (§ VI, Ord. 92)
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 4 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Mechanical Code," is
hereby repealed in its entirety.
2. Chapter 4, "Green Building Regulations," is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los Altos
Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 4 GREEN BUILDING REGULATIONS
8-4.01 Purpose.
The intent of the Los Altos Hills green building program is to enhance public health and welfare
by establishing green building standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of
buildings. The green building practices referenced in this chapter are intended to achieve the
following goals:
(a) To encourage the conservation of natural resources;
(b) To reduce waste in landfills generated by construction projects;
(c) To increase energy efficiency and lower energy usage in buildings;
(d) To promote a healthier indoor environment;
(e) To provide durable buildings that are efficient and economical to operate, and maintain.
8-4.02 Applicability.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to new Town-owned public facilities and new
residential primary dwellings and secondary dwellings, where proposed as part of a primary
dwelling.
8-4.03 Defmitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
Green building. A whole systems approach to the design, construction, location and operation
of buildings and structures that helps to mitigate the environmental, economic, and social
impacts of construction, demolition, and renovation. Green building practices recognize the
Ordinance 558 Page 20
relationship between the natural and built environments and seek to minimize the use of energy,
water, and other natural resources and promote a healthy,productive indoor environment.
GreenPoint Rated (GPR). The residential green building rating system developed by Build It
Green.
GreenPoint Rated verification. Verification of a project by a certified GreenPoint Rater to
meet the standards of the GreenPoint Rated program and resulting in certification by Build It
Green.
GreenPoints. Credits assigned under the GreenPoint Rated Checklist for applicable projects.
LEED®. The "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" green building rating system
developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
LEED® USGBC verification. Verification of a project by a LEED accredited professional to
meet the standards of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and resulting in LEED
certification by USGBC).
Primary dwelling. A building designated and/or customarily used as a residence by not more
than one family and situated on a parcel or lot on which no other primary dwelling is located.
Public facilities. Town-owned facilities and buildings.
Secondary dwelling. An attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides
complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. A secondary dwelling shall
include facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation and be located on the same
parcel under the same ownership as a primary dwelling.
8-4.04 Standards for compliance.
All applicable projects shall demonstrate compliance with the following level of green building
standards:
(a) New Primary Dwellings and Secondary Dwellings, Where Proposed as Part of the
Primary Dwelling.
(1) Site Development Review. The applicant shall submit one of the following checklists:
(i) A GreenPoint Rated checklist with the site development application to indicate that
the project will achieve a minimum of fifty (50) points. A completed GreenPoint
checklist shall be attached to the front of the site development plans submitted to the
Planning Department for review.
(ii) A LEED® for Homes checklist with the site development application to indicate that
the project will achieve a minimum of forty-five (45) points or LEED® certification.
Ordinance 558 Page 21
A completed LEEDS checklist shall be attached to the front of the site development
plans submitted to the Planning Department for review.
(2) Building Plan Review. The applicant shall submit one of the following checklists:
(i) A GreenPoint Rated checklist with the building permit application to indicate that the
project will achieve a minimum of fifty (50) points. The checklist shall be completed
by a qualified green building professional and shall be attached to the front of the
construction plans. The construction plans shall include general notes or individual
detail drawings, where feasible, showing the green building measure to be used to
attain the required points.
(ii) A LEEDS for Homes checklist with the building permit application to indicate that
the project will achieve a minimum of forty-five (45) points or LEEDS certification.
The checklist shall be completed by a qualified green building professional and shall
be attached to the front of the construction plans. The construction plans shall include
general notes or individual detail drawings, where feasible, showing the green
building measure to be used to attain the required points.
(1) Final Inspection and Occupancy. Prior to final inspection and occupancy for
applicable projects, a qualified green building professional shall provide
documentation verifying that the building was constructed in compliance with
GreenPoint Rated or LEEDS certification.
(b) New Town-owned Public Facilities.
(1) Construction for all new Town-owned facilities and buildings over one thousand
(1,000) square feet in size shall meet or exceed LEEDS certification.
(2) Prior to issuance of building permits, the Town shall verify that the project has been
designed to meet LEEDS certification.
(3) Prior to final inspection, the Town shall verify that the project was constructed in
compliance with LEEDS certification.
8-4.05 Incentives for applicable projects.
Applicable projects that exceed the minimum point thresholds required under Section 8-1.3.04
shall qualify for the following incentives:
(a) Expedited Permit Processing. For projects GreenPoint rated at seventy-five (75) points or
higher or LEEDS rated at sixty (60) points or higher (LEEDS Silver), the project shall
qualify for expedited building plan review. Plan check comments on the first round of
building permit applications will be provided within five(5) days of permit submittal.
Ordinance 558 Page 22
(b) Guaranteed Building Inspections. For projects GreenPoint rated one hundred (100)points
or higher or LEEDS rated at seventy-five (75) points or higher (LEEDS Gold), the
project shall qualify for guaranteed building inspections within two (2) working days of a
request for inspection.
(c) Special Recognition by the City Council. For projects GreenPoint rated at one hundred
fifty (150) points or higher or LEEDS rated at ninety (90) points or higher (LEEDS
Platinum), the homeowner shall receive a customized plaque recognizing the special
achievement.
8-4.06 Incentives for additions and remodels.
Residential addition and remodeling projects -voluntarily participating in Build It Green's
GreenPoint Rated Existing Home Rating Program shall qualify for the following incentives:
(a) Expedited Permit Processing. For projects that achieve the GreenPoint Elements rating
(twenty-five (25) points minimum), the project shall qualify for expedited building plan
review. Plan check comments on the first round of building permit applications will be
provided within five(5) days of permit submittal.
(b) Guaranteed Building Inspections. For projects that achieve the GreenPoint Whole House
rating (fifty (50) points minimum), the project shall qualify for guaranteed building
inspections within two (2)working days of a request for inspection.
8-4.07 Administration and enforcement.
The Building Official of the Town of Los Altos Hills shall be responsible for the administration
and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
8-4.08 Exceptions.
The Building Official shall have the discretion to grant exceptions to the strict application of this
chapter in cases where due to conditions or exceptional characteristics of the structure or
property involved, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this chapter would result in practical
difficulties or unnecessary hardships; provided, however, no such exceptions shall be granted
unless the Building Official shall find that the granting of such exception will not be contrary to
the intent of the provisions of this chapter.
8-4.09 Appeal.
Any decision or determination by the Building Official under this chapter may be appealed by
the applicant or any interested person to the City Council by filing with the City Clerk a written
notice of such appeal, setting forth the specific grounds thereof, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 1-4.01 (Rights to appeal) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code.
Ordinance 558 Page 23
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 5 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Moving of Buildings," is
hereby repealed in its entirety.
2. Chapter 5, "Building Construction Standards," is hereby added to Title VIII of the Los
Altos Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 5 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
8-5.01 Underground Installations: Electrical and Telephone Service Lead-In.
Every electrical and telephone and other utility service lead-in constructed or placed pursuant to
this chapter shall be constructed and placed underground so that no portion thereof shall remain
aboveground at any place between the street or easement line supply and the structure which
such lead-in serves. No new utility pole or overhead line shall be installed, except for repair or
maintenance purposes. This provision applies only to utility work necessitated by applicants for
building permits.
8-5.02 Backflow Protection: New or replacement private sewer lateral.
All new private sewer lateral connections to a public sewer shall be required to install a sewer
relief valve and backwater valve on the property that is easily accessible for maintenance and
inspection. In addition, any replacement or repair of an existing private sewer lateral shall
require the installation of a sewer relief valve and backwater valve. The design and installation
of the backwater valve shall comply with the regulations in the current edition of the California
Plumbing Code and Town detail standards.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 6 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Signs and Advertising
Structures,"is retained in its entirety and reads as follows:
Chapter 6 SIGNS AND ADVERTISING STRUCTURES
8-6.01 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and
phrases used in this chapter are defined as follows:
Advertising display means and includes signs and advertising structures, and
combinations thereof, as such terms are defined in this section.
Ordinance 558 Page 24
Except as otherwise provided in this section, advertising structure means a structure of
any kind or character, erected or maintained for outdoor advertising purposes, upon which
any sign,poster,bill,printing,painting, or other advertisement of any kind whatsoever may
be placed, including statuary.
Freeway means a highway in respect to which the owners of abutting lands have no right
or easement of access, or in respect to which such owners have only limited or restricted
right or easement of access, and which freeway is declared to be such in compliance with
the provisions of the Streets and Highways Code of the State.
Landscaped freeway means a section or sections of a freeway which is or hereafter may
be either designated as a landscaped freeway by the Division of Highways of the State or
improved by the planting, on at least one side of the freeway right-of-way, of lawns, trees,
shrubs, flowers, or other ornamental vegetation which shall require reasonable
maintenance.
To place and any of its variants, as applied to advertising displays, means and includes the
maintaining and erecting, constructing, posting, painting, printing, tacking, nailing, gluing,
stitching, carving, or otherwise fastening, affixing, or making visible any advertising
display on or to the ground or to any tree, bush, rock, fence, post, wall, building, structure,
or thing.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, sign means any card, cloth, metal, painted, or
wooden sign of any character, billboard, poster, pennant, flag, or sample placed for
advertising purposes on the ground or on any tree, wall, bush, rock, fence, building,
structure, or thing, either publicly or privately owned, other than an advertising structure.
Advertising structure and sign, as defined in this section, shall not include the following:
(1) Official notices issued by any court or public body or officer,
(2) Notices posted by any public officer in the performance of a public duty or by any
person in giving any legal notice;
(3) Directional, warning, or information signs or structures required or authorized by law
or by any competent governmental authority; and
(4) Any display, for other than advertising purposes, of the flag of the United States or of
the State.
8-6.02 Prohibited.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 8-6.03 of this chapter, no advertising display shall be
placed or maintained on property within the Town.
Ordinance 558 Page 25
8-6.03 Prohibited—Exceptions.
(a) There shall be excepted from the provisions of Section 8-6.02 of this chapter advertising
displays used exclusively for any of the following purposes, or any combination thereof:
(1) To advertise the sale or lease of the property upon which such advertising display is
placed;
(2) To designate the name of the owner or occupant of the premises upon which such
advertising display is placed or to identify such premises; and
(3) To advertise services rendered or goods manufactured, produced, or grown on the
property upon which such advertising display is placed.
(b) There shall also be excepted from the provisions of Section 8-6.02 of this chapter
directional advertising displays indicating the location of improved or unimproved
parcels of land for sale that are having an "open house." These displays must be
temporary in that they are not fixed in the ground or on any plant or structure. They may
be put up no earlier than one hour before the beginning of the "open house" and taken
down no later than one hour after the "open house" is concluded; provided that, in no
event,may any sign be left up overnight.
(c) There shall also be excepted from the provisions of Section 8-6.02 of this chapter
temporary signs or banners for public events, charitable functions and noncommercial
purposes. Applications for a temporary sign or banner permit shall be made in writing to
the City Manager or designee and shall include a site plan, drawing or photograph of the
sign, sign dimensions,materials and colors.No filing fee shall be required.
8-6.04 Excepted advertising displays—Conformance with applicable laws—Area.
Every advertising display placed or maintained pursuant to the provisions of Section 8-6.03 of
this chapter shall conform to all the applicable building regulations and shall not have a total area
of more than six (6) square feet.
8-6.05 Excepted signs—Placement and maintenance—Permission required.
No card, cloth, metal, painted, or wooden sign of any character, billboard, poster, pennant, flag,
or sample bearing letters, writing, figures, or characters of any nature, conveying a message or
idea, which display is not otherwise permitted by the provisions of this chapter, shall be placed
or maintained at any place within the Town without permission therefor having previously been
granted by the Council upon such terms and conditions as the Council deems necessary.
8-6.06 Unlawful displays—Removal—Costs—Liability.
The Building Inspector and his or her agents are hereby empowered to remove or destroy any
advertising display which is in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. The person
Ordinance 558 Page 26
placing such advertising display shall be liable, in addition to any criminal penalties, for the costs
of such removal or destruction. The Building Inspector and his or her agents may enter upon
private property without incurring any liability therefor for the purposes of removing or
destroying any advertising display placed in violation of the provisions of this chapter.
8-6.07 Posting election signs.
An election sign may be erected without a permit in conformity with this section.
(a) Public Property.No election sign shall be erected:
(1) Within five (5) feet of the paved or otherwise improved portion of any public street,
pathway or any other public way.
(2) On any other public property in any residential zone, including,but not limited to any
public parking lot, fence, post, tree,utility guy line or any other public place.
(3) On any fire hydrant.
(4) On any City sign, including,but not limited to, traffic signs.
(5) On any utility pole.
(6) On any City equipment, street light pole, traffic signal pole, or traffic signal
controller.
(7) On any City building, tree or shrub.
(8) Within five (5) feet of the paved or otherwise improved portion of any other public
way, or any place where a sign would obstruct a motorist's line of sight.
(b) Private Property. An election sign may be erected on private property only if the owner or
all the occupants consent to having the election sign erected.
(c) Sign Restrictions. An election sign may be erected only in accordance with the following
restrictions:
(1) Illumination. No election sign may be illuminated in any manner.
(2) Wall Sign. A wall sign shall not have a total area of more than six (6) square feet.
(3) Freestanding or Suspended Signs. A freestanding or suspended sign shall not have an
area exceeding six (6) square feet and shall not be more than three(3) feet in height.
Ordinance 558 Page 27
(d) Duration and Removal. An election sign shall be completely removed no later than six
(6) days following the date of the election. Each election sign shall be removed by the
person who erected it or by the owner of the property upon which the sign is erected.
8-6.08 Violation and enforcement.
(a) Any person violating any of the provisions of Section 8-6.07 is guilty of an infraction.
Any person convicted of an infraction under the provisions of Section 8-6.07 shall be
punishable for a first conviction by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00), for a
second conviction within a period of one year by a fine of not more than one hundred
dollars ($100.00), and for a third or any subsequent conviction within a period of one
year by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
(b) In addition, election signs erected in violation of any provision of Section 8-6.07 may be
removed and disposed of by the Building Official or his or her designee.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 7 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Building Construction
and Structural Addition Charge,"is amended to read as follows:
Chapter 7 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL ADDITION CHARGES
8-7.01 Charge.
There is imposed upon the construction of any new dwelling, or structural additions to any
dwelling or other building, charges in accordance with the schedule established by resolution.
8-7.02 In addition to other charges.
The charges imposed by this chapter are in addition to any other charges, fees and taxes imposed
by any other provision of the Municipal Code, any regulation, resolution or ordinance of the
City, and any rule, regulation or statute of the State or of the United States.
8-7.03 When due.
Any charge imposed by this chapter shall be due and payable to the City at the time that any
building, housing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing or other permit issuable under the provisions
of this title issues, or should be issued.
8-7.04 Deposits for final inspections.
For each permit issued for projects with a construction valuation in excess of one thousand
dollars ($1,000.00), a deposit, as established by resolution of the City Council, shall be submitted
at the time of permit issuance, to be refunded not later than thirty (30) days after final project
Ordinance 558 Page 28
i
inspection by the Building Official. If an issued permit expires and is not renewed within six (6)
months after expiration, the deposit shall be forfeited to the Town.
8-7.05 Drainage fees.
For the purpose of providing fees for planned drainage facilities as a condition precedent to the
issuance of any building permit for the construction of any structure upon any property, the
applicant shall pay to the Town a fee, to be determined pursuant to a resolution adopted by the
Council,per square foot for the total square footage of all roofed and paved areas required for the
completion of the structure or development covered by the building permit. All monies received
by the Town pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be paid into the Drainage Fund
established by the provisions of Article 4 of Chapter 3 of Title 3 of this Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 8 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Fire Code," is hereby
repealed in its entirety.
2. Chapter 8, "Code Administration and Enforcement," is hereby added to Title VIII of the
Los Altos Hills Municipal Code to read as follows:
Chapter 8 CODE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
8-8.01 Administration and enforcement.
The Building Official of the Town of Los Altos Hills shall be responsible for administration and
enforcement of the provisions of Chapters 8-1.1 (Building Code), 8-1.2 (Residential Code), 8-1.3
(Electrical Code), 8-1.4 (Mechanical Code), 8-1.5 (Plumbing Code), 8-1.6 (Energy Code), 8-1.7
(Historical Building Code), 8-1.9 (Existing Building Code), 8-1.10 (CalGreen) and 8-1.11
(Referenced Standards Code). The Los Altos County Fire Protection District shall be responsible
for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of Chapter 8-1.8 (Fire Code).
8-8.02 Permit required.
(a) It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation whether as owner, lessee, sublessee, or
occupant to erect, install, alter, repair, replace, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or
maintain any building or structure, or any electrical, mechanical, plumbing or fire
protection element of such building or structure without first obtaining a permit to do
such work from the Town of Los Altos Hills, in accordance with the provisions of this
title.
(b) A separate permit shall be obtained for each building or structure.
(c) The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be
deemed or construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the
Ordinance 558 Page 29
provisions of this title. The issuance or granting of a permit or approval shall not prevent
the Building Official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans and
specifications or from preventing construction operations being carried on thereunder
when in violation of this title or of any other development ordinance of the Town.
Similarly, the issuance or granting of a permit or approval shall not prevent the Building
Official from revoking any permit approval when issued in error.
8-8.03 Fees.
Each applicant for a permit required pursuant to the provisions of this title, shall pay for each
permit, at the time of issuance, a fee which shall be set by resolution of the City Council.
8-8.04 Liability.
The provisions of this title shall not be construed as imposing upon the Town any liability or
responsibility for damages resulting from defective buildings or construction work; nor shall the
Town, or any official or employee thereof, be held to assume any such liability or responsibility
by reason of the inspections authorized by the provisions of said Building Code and this title.
8-8.05 Violations and penalties.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this title or of code provisions
adopted by reference within this title, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon
conviction thereof, shall be punishable as set forth in Chapter 2 of Title 1 of the Municipal Code.
8-8.06 Public nuisances.
The erection, construction, installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, improvement,
removal, conversion, demolition, equipping, use, occupancy, or maintenance of any building or
structure or of any electrical, mechanical,plumbing or fire protection element of such building or
structure within the Town of Los Altos Hills contrary to any of the provisions of this title or of
code provisions adopted by reference within this title, shall constitute a public nuisance and shall
be subject to abatement as set forth in Chapter 5 of Title 6 of the Municipal Code.
8-8.07 Expired permits.
Where a permit has been issued but then expires, no new permit shall be issued for the same site
until the expired permit is renewed and a progress inspection is made by the Building Official,
with final inspection approval if the project is complete; provided, however, that if ownership of
the property has changed, a new permit may be issued.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Chapter 9 of Title VIII of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, "Code Administration and
Enforcement,"is hereby repealed in its entirety.
Ordinance 558 Page 30
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby
further ORDAIN as follows:
1. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person
or circumstance is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this ordinance, including the
application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected
thereby and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, provisions of this ordinance are
severable. The City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills hereby declares that it would have
passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, or phrases be held unconstitutional, invalid, or unenforceable.
2. Effective Date; Publication. This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after
adoption. Within fifteen days after the passage of this ordinance the City Clerk shall cause this
ordinance or a summary thereof to be published once, with the names of those City
Councilmembers voting for or against it in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town of Los
Altos Hills, as required by law.
INTRODUCED: November 10, 2014
PASSED: January 15, 2015
AYES: Mayor Corrigan, Mayor Pro Tem Harpootlian, Councilmember Larsen,
Councilmember Radford, Councilmember Waldeck
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: None
BY:
-ayor
ATTEST: .
City Clerk.,
AP ROVED S TO FORM:
City Attorney
Ordinance 558 Page 31