Chapter 7. Building Security Code

Sec. 9-7.01 Administration.

These regulations shall be known as the “Building Security Code,” and may be so cited, and will be referred to herein as “this Chapter.”

This Code is one of the technical codes of Building Regulations and is administered under Title 9, Chapter 1 of the Hercules Municipal Code. (Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.02 Purpose.

The purpose of this Chapter is to provide minimum safety standards to make buildings and structures within the City of Hercules resistant to unlawful entry by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, location and maintenance of certain security equipment specifically regulated herein. (Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.03 Adoption by Reference.

The Uniform Security Code, 1994 Edition, published by the International Conference of Building Officials is adopted by reference and made a part of this Chapter as though fully set forth herein, subject to the additions and deletions set forth in this Chapter. (Ord. 335 Div. VII (part), 1996: Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.04 Copies on File.

One (1) copy of the 1994 Uniform Security Code as adopted by Section 9-7.03, and all amendments thereto, are on file in the office of the Building Official for inspection by the public. (Ord. 335 Div. VII (part), 1996: Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.05 Scope.

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all new construction and to buildings and structures to which additions, alterations, or repairs are made, except as specifically provided in this Chapter. When additions, alterations, or repairs within any twelve (12) month period exceed fifty percent (50%) of the replacement value of the existing building or structure, such building or structure shall be made to conform to the new requirements for buildings or structures. (Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.06 Definitions.

For the purpose of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) “Commercial building” means any building used for the purpose of conducting, managing, or carrying on any business, storage of any merchandise, household goods, or product, but not including home occupations permitted under Section 10-1.403(g) of this Code.

(b) “Residential dwelling” means the building or portion thereof designed for or occupied exclusively for residential purposes, including, but not limited to, motels, hotels, single-family dwellings, apartments, townhouses, condominiums, and guest rooms.

(c) “Rated burglar-resistant” means having been found acceptable by a recognized or generally accepted testing agency as preventing or substantially delaying unauthorized entry. The final decision regarding the qualifications of a particular material or testing agency shall be at the discretion of the Building Official. (Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.07 Enforcement.

The Building Official shall enforce all provisions and requirements of this Chapter. The Building Official may call upon the Planning Director, Chief of Police, or the City Attorney to assist in the enforcement of this Chapter. (Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.08 Responsibility for Security.

The owner or its designated agent shall be responsible for compliance with the specifications set forth in this Chapter. (Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.09 Right of Entry.

With the consent of the owner, his agent, the tenant, or person in charge of the building, the Building Official or his authorized representative may enter or go upon or about any building or premises at any reasonable time to make inspections and to perform any duty if necessary to enforce the provisions of this Chapter. If the Building Official or his authorized representative is refused admittance, said Building Official may seek an inspection warrant pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1822.50 et seq. (Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.10 Stop Orders.

Whenever any building work is being done contrary to the provisions of this Chapter, the Building Official may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and any such person shall forthwith stop work until authorized by the Building Official to proceed with the work. (Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.11 Commercial and Industrial Building Security Provisions.

All commercial and industrial buildings shall comply with the following regulations:

(a) Exterior Doors. All exterior doors shall be secured as follows:

(1) A single door shall be secured with either a double-cylinder deadbolt or a single-cylinder deadbolt without a turn-piece with a minimum throw of one (1) inch. A hook or expanding bolt may have a throw of three-fourths (3/4) inch. Any deadbolt must contain an insert of hardened material to repel attempts at cutting through the bolt and must have a minimum of six thousand (6,000) possible key changes or locking combinations.

(2) On pairs of doors, the active leaf shall be secured with the type of lock required for single doors in subsection (a)(1) of this Section. The inactive leaf shall be equipped with flush bolts protected by hardened material with a minimum throw of five-eighths (5/8) inch at head and foot. Multiple-point locks, cylinder activated from the active leaf may be used in lieu of flush bolts.

(3) Any single or pair of doors requiring locking at the bottom or top rail shall have locks with a minimum five-eighths (5/8) inch throw bolt at both the top and bottom rails;

(4) Exterior sliding commercial entrances shall be secured as in subsections (a)(1) through (3) of this Section, with special attention given to safety regulations.

(5) Rolling overhead doors, solid overhead swinging, sliding, or accordion garage-type doors shall be secured with a cylinder lock or a padlock on the inside when not otherwise controlled or locked by electric power operation. These locks may be accessible from the outside only for purposes of unlocking and locking. If a padlock is used, it shall be of hardened steel shackle, with a minimum of five (5) pin tumbler operation with non-removable key when it is in an unlocked position.

(6) Metal accordion grate or grill-type doors shall be equipped with metal guide track, top and bottom, and a cylinder lock and/or padlock with hardened steel shackle and minimum five (5) pin tumbler operation with non-removable key when in an unlocked position. The bottom track shall be so designed that the door cannot be lifted from the track when the door is in a locked position.

(7) Outside hinges on all exterior doors shall be provided with non-removable pins or hinges of the interlocking stud-type when using pin-type hinges.

(8) In-swinging doors shall have rabbeted jambs.

(9) Wood doors may be of solid core construction or may include panels therein not less than one and three-eighths (13/8) inch thick; or, shall be covered on the inside with at least sixteen (16) gauge sheet steel, or its equivalent, attached with screws on minimum six (6) inch centers.

(10) Jambs for all doors shall be so constructed or protected so as to prevent violation of the function of the strike.

(11) All exterior doors shall have a minimum of sixty (60) watt bulb over or to the side of the outside of the door and shall be no lower than five (5) feet, nor more than ten (10) feet above grade. Such bulb shall be protected with a vapor cover or cover of equal breaking resistant material.

(b) Glass Windows.

(1) If the accessible side or rear window is of the openable type, it shall be secured on the inside with a locking device capable of withstanding a force of three hundred (300) pounds applied in any direction.

(2) Louvered windows shall not be used within eight (8) feet of ground level, adjacent structures, or fire escapes.

(3) Outside hinges on all accessible side and rear glass windows shall be provided with non-removable pins. If the hinge screws are accessible, the screws shall be of the non-removable type.

(c) Roof Openings.

(1) All hatchway openings on the roof of any building or premises used for business purposes shall be secured as follows:

A. If the hatchway is of wooden material, it shall be covered on the inside with at least sixteen (16) gauge sheet steel, or its equivalent, attached with screws at six (6) inches on-center.

B. The hatchway shall be secured from the inside with a slide bar or slide bolts. The use of crossbar or padlock must be approved by the Fire Marshal.

C. Outside hinges on all hatchway openings shall be provided with non-removable pins when using pin-type hinges.

(2) All air duct or air vent openings exceeding forty (40) square inches on the roof or exterior walls of any building or premises used for business purposes shall be secured by covering the same with iron or steel grills of at least one-eighth (1/8) inch material with a maximum size mesh of two (2) inches and securely fastened.

(d) Ladders. Any ladder, excluding fire escapes, located on the exterior of any building which could provide access to the roof shall be protected from such access by a continuous piece of wood or metal covering the rungs. The wood or metal shall be locked with a padlock. The padlock shall have a minimum of five (5) pin tumblers and be of case-hardened steel. Hinges used on the covering shall be of a non-removable pin type. The wood or metal barrier shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet continuous covering and be located four (4) feet from ground level or shall be secured in a manner approved by the Building Official; any wood covering shall be not less than one-half (1/2) inch thick.

(e) Special Security Measures.

(1) Safes. Commercial establishments having One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or more in cash on the premises after closing shall lock such money in at least a Class “E” or higher rated safe after closing hours. Each safe that is installed in a commercial or industrial building shall be placed where it is clearly visible from the street or parking lot and shall be securely fastened to the floor if the net weight thereof is less than one thousand (1,000) pounds or when the safe rests upon wheels or dollies. Each such safe shall be illuminated with an intensity of at least three (3.0) foot candle power at the portions thereof which are visible from the outside of the building when the building is not occupied.

(2) Office Buildings—Multiple Occupancy. All entrance doors to individual office suites shall have a deadbolt lock with a minimum one (1) inch throw bolt which can be opened from the inside without a key.

(f) Intrusion Detection Devices.

(1) If it is determined by the enforcing authority official of this Chapter that the security measures and locking devices described in this Chapter do not adequately secure the building, he may require the installation and maintenance of an intrusion detection device (burglary alarm system). The system must be approved and listed by a recognized testing agency.

(2) Establishments having specific type inventories shall be protected by the following type alarm service:

A. Silent alarm—Supervised service.

i. Jewelry store—Manufacturing, wholesale and retail.

ii. Guns and ammunition.

iii. Wholesale liquor.

iv. Wholesale tobacco.

v. Wholesale drugs.

vi. Fur stores.

B. Silent alarm.

i. Liquor stores.

ii. Pawn shops.

iii. Electronic equipment, including musical instrument stores.

iv. Wig stores.

v. Clothing—New.

vi. Coins and stamps.

vii. Industrial tool supply houses.

viii. Camera stores.

ix. Precious metal storage facility.

C. Local alarm—Bell outside premises.

i. Antique dealers.

ii. Art galleries.

iii. Service stations.

(g) Exterior Lighting. Every parking lot and the exterior portion of buildings shall be illuminated with an intensity of at least one (1.0) foot candle power. The address of all buildings shall be illuminated so that it can be easily read from the street or parking lot.

(h) Alternatives. Nothing contained in this Chapter shall be deemed to prohibit the use of alternative materials, devices, or measures when such alternative provisions are deemed by the Building Official as providing equivalent security. (Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)

Sec. 9-7.12 Residential Security Provisions.

All residential developments shall comply with the following regulations.

(a) Louvered windows, except those above the first story, shall not be permitted.

(b) Open parking lots (including lots having carports) providing more than ten (10) parking spaces shall be provided with a maintained minimum of one (1.0) foot candle of light on the parking surface during hours of darkness.

(c) Lighting.

(1) The address of each dwelling unit shall be illuminated so as to be easily visible from the street.

(2) At each residential development having dwelling units in more than one (1) building, an illuminated diagrammatic representation shall be placed where emergency units can view it from the street. Such representation additionally shall list the address of each unit in such type face that the address can be read from the street.

(3) Each entrance door shall be illuminated with an intensity of at least three (3.0) foot candle power with a three (3) foot horizontal radius of the locking mechanism of the door.

(4) Parking facilities, isles, passageways, and recesses related to and within the building complex shall be illuminated with an intensity of at least one (1.0) foot candle power at the ground or floor level.

(d) Street numbers shall be painted on the curb for each single-family or duplex residence with number size and color to be subject to the approval of the Building Official.

(e) Entrance Door at Multi-family Buildings. Each pedestrian entrance door to the garage or to a lobby, stairwell or other common area shall be equipped with a keyed self-locking deadlatch and with an automatic door closer.

(f) Sheltered Parking. Where any portion of an automobile space is located within the perimeter of a multiple dwelling building, such parking space shall be fully enclosed and provided with a door at the location of vehicle ingress and egress to and from such space and have a keyed self-locking device or shall be opened by electric power operation, with an internal manual override.

(g) Exterior Door. Each single door, the action leaf of each double door, and bottom leaf of each dutch door, shall be equipped with a deadbolt and deadlatch and may be activated by one lock or individual locks. The inactive leaf of each double door and the upper leaf of each dutch door shall be equipped with a flush bolt or deadlock.

(h) Garage Door. Each metal or wooden overhead and sliding garage door shall be equipped with either a cylinder lock, a padlock with hardened steel shackle and hasps, throwbolts, or an electrical power-operated mechanism. Each of such doors which has bottom vents shall be protected with security screening in the vents or else the locking mechanism shall be installed more than forty (40) inches from each vent.

(i) Metal or other security bars shall not be placed on the exterior of residential structures.

(j) All interior security bars shall be equipped with an approved quick-release safety latch. Prior to installation, said safety latch shall meet the approval of the Building Inspection Department and Fire Department.

(k) Any window of sufficient size to accommodate escape or rescue, as defined in the Uniform Building Code Section 1204, that is equipped with metal or other security bars shall be made to conform to the same requirements as escape windows.

(l) Security bars shall be hinged only on the sides, and security bar hinges shall be spring-loaded in the direction of egress. (Ord. 254 Div. 8 (part), 1987)